SAN DIEGO, United States (Kurdistan24) – A young Kurdish girl who recently received the 2017 President’s Education Award for academic excellence told Kurdistan24 she wants to contribute to the development of Kurdistan.

Aynda Fikri Haji, 13-years-old, was awarded the prestigious award signed by US President Donald Trump.

Haji also received a letter from President Trump praising her for her academic accomplishments.

She expressed her delight and joy with being presented the honor two years in a row after she also won the 2016 prize signed by former US President Barack Obama.

“The first time I received an award I got super excited and happy for being on top of my peers,” Haji told Kurdistan24.

Regarding the 2017 award, the young Kurdish girl said she “still felt happy and joyful because it was from a different president who also appreciated [her] skills and abilities.”