GERSTELL ACADEMY
LEADERSHIP • HONOR • COURAGE

Current Events Club at Gerstell Academy Welcomes Guest Speaker to Discuss Life Under Soviet Rule

Gerstell Academy’s Current Events Club hosted a powerful and engaging assembly on Tuesday, November 4, for Upper School juniors and seniors. Students welcomed Ms. Janna Blanter, a guest speaker from the Dissident Project — a national organization connecting individuals who have fled oppressive regimes with American schools to help students better understand the value of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. 

Ms. Blanter, a native Russian speaker, fled the Soviet Union with her family in 1976. Although only a teenager at the time, she vividly remembers the discrimination she faced as a Russian Jew, the hardships of life under communist rule, and sharing a community apartment with five other families. Her story highlighted the sacrifices many must make to secure human rights, independence, and opportunity. 

Traveling from Colorado Springs to speak directly with the Gerstell Academy community, Ms. Blanter discussed the differences between socialism, communism, and capitalism — helping students connect historical context with global issues seen in the world today. Her message aligned strongly with Gerstell Academy’s leadership-based curriculum, encouraging students to think critically about government systems, personal responsibility, and civic engagement.  Following the presentation, a student-led question-and-answer session allowed Current Events Club members to deepen their understanding. The club also expressed its appreciation by presenting Ms. Blanter with books related to international relations and American history. A smaller group of students later joined her for a roundtable lunch discussion to continue the conversation in a more personal setting. 
 
Ms. Blanter’s visit provided an eye-opening and impactful learning experience for Gerstell Academy students. Through her story of resilience and courage, she reminded students how freedom empowers individuals to achieve their full potential and how leadership rooted in integrity plays a vital role in shaping societies that flourish. 
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