
Alexander “Sasha” Kasher is a senior at Meridian High School in Falls Church, Virginia. A student with a passion for history, international affairs, and economics, Sasha has pursued his interests through extensive independent research and academic projects. This past summer, he interviewed journalists in Almaty, Kazakhstan, as part of a USAID contractor research project on press freedom, combining his love of global studies and his background growing up in Moscow, Russia. Sasha also worked for a brokerage company that supports commodities trade between China and Kazakhstan.
A trilingual speaker of English, Russian, and Spanish (AAPL Global Seal of Biliteracy recipient), Sasha brings a unique perspective to his work and studies. In 9th grade, he founded a creative writing club to inspire middle schoolers to explore storytelling. By 12th grade, this initiative became part of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program curriculum, where Sasha continues teaching sixth and seventh graders during his free periods. His work highlights his leadership, problem-solving, and passion for helping others find their voice. In addition to his creative pursuits, Sasha volunteers with Welcoming Falls Church, a community organization supporting refugees. Having experienced a move back to the U.S. after spending his early years in Russia, Sasha empathizes with the challenges of transitioning to a new culture.
A winner of Scholastic Writing Competitions, Sasha is currently working on a novel exploring global politics, corruption, and family dynamics. He is also an avid traveler, chess player, and student of international affairs, blending creativity and intellectual rigor to build bridges between people and ideas.