HILLSDALE — The Pascack Valley High School History Department recently launched the Valley Forum, a new program connecting students with professionals and community members who can speak about their fields of expertise and career paths.
In early June, the forum welcomed its first speaker, Dr. Jenna Russo, director of research and head of the Brian Urquhart Center for Peace Operations at the International Peace Institute. Russo met with 30 AP World History seniors to discuss her work with the United Nations and IPI.
The program opened with a 40-minute lecture on UN peacekeeping, international case studies, Russo’s day-to-day responsibilities, and the professional path that led to her current role. Students then spent the remainder of the two-hour session in conversation with Russo, asking questions about international politics and peace operations.
“It was so great to learn from Dr. Russo about the workings of UN peacekeeping, and all about how she came into that line of work,” said Carolyn, PV Class of 2026, in a release shared with Pascack Press. “She helped me to learn about the field of international politics and inspired me to pursue it as a career.”
The Valley Forum is directed by Dr. Leah Jerome, a PVHS history teacher and former Bergen County Teacher of the Year.
“The Forum is designed to expose PV students to different fields, and we are grateful that Dr. Russo joined us for our first Forum,” Jerome said.
— Via Mary Doherty