French American School of Princeton Recognizes Student for Figure Skating Win in Egypt

The French American School of Princeton (FASP) recognizes eighth grade student Sophia Farajallah for winning a figure skating award in Egypt during a competition held over the summer.

Farajallah, 13, received the award during the Egyptian National Figure Skating Championship. The event, sponsored and organized by Ice Skate Egypt, embraces and raises awareness of winter sports throughout the country. Her mother, Heba Guirgis who also works within the organization, had the distinct honor of awarding Farajallah the first-place medal for girls competing in the 13-15 age group.

“It was quite the experience,” said Farajallah. “It was really special for my mom to present me the award.”

At the age of three, Farajallah started figure skating after she told her mother she wanted to begin the sport. As both an athlete and a scholar, she prepares herself for figure skating through on-ice and off-ice training including ballet, pilates, meditation and even watching competitions on television.

“I like to see what trends are popular among professional ice skaters,” said Farajallah.

Outside of figure skating and school, the 13-year-old student-athlete enjoys painting and spending time with her dog, Joy. At the conclusion of each academic school year at FASP, she also visits family in Egypt yearly and proudly embraces her heritage of the country. “I’m very proud to be Egyptian,” said Farajallah. “It’s a big part of history, and I enjoy going to see my cousins and grandparents each year.”