Sidar navigates language journey to become role model at North Star

April 27, 2026

North Star High School senior Sidar is a shining example of how hard work can lead to heartwarming results.
 
Sidar has become a role model for many Navigators with his efforts in both the classroom and community. He has spent the past four years learning the English language, studying aviation mechanics and earning money for his family. Along the way, he has gained an aircraft-sized amount of friends, confidence and respect in North Star’s hallways.
 
Sidar said he has treasured his time at Lincoln Public Schools because of the opportunities he has gained here. He began his first year at North Star in the English Learners (EL) 1 program with a limited English vocabulary. He is now able to speak the language fluently at his school, workplace and social activities.
 
“This means a lot to me,” Sidar said. “When you come from another country, you have to work hard to get here, and I’m proud of how much I’ve improved.”

 
North Star Associate Principal Doug Weatherholt said it has been an honor to watch Sidar become an important part of the North Star family. He said Sidar’s story is inspiring because it reflects how much time he has poured into studying English words, sentences and phrases.
 
“These kids work so hard to try to learn the language and to try to acclimate themselves to the culture, so it’s awesome to see someone like Sidar, who exemplifies the work ethic and the attitude and the kind of things that make us proud to have an EL program at North Star,” Weatherholt said. “We’re proud of our EL students across the district, but in particular the ones who we see put in the hard work that some other students who’ve known English all their lives might take for granted.”
 
Sidar and his family came to Lincoln from the city of Erbil, which is the capital of the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Erbil has an estimated population of 960,000 and is an industrial and cultural hub of the area.
 
Sidar said he was impressed by the welcoming smiles that North Star teachers and students showered on him when he first arrived. He and his twin brother were unfamiliar with the campus, but the kind actions of fellow Navigators made him realize that he was in a good place.
 
“As a freshman, I was pretty young and didn’t know where anything was in the school building,” Sidar said. “But everyone was really nice. When I was looking for a class, people would be there to help out.”

 
Sidar said staff members rallied around him as he increased his English skills. In addition to the practice he received in EL settings, he also earned opportunities to improve in math, science and social studies courses.
 
“This school helped me to learn English and become more confident in it,” Sidar said. “In classes, teachers would always give me a chance to practice speaking, and over that time, I got better.”
 
Weatherholt said many teachers have noticed Sidar’s bright outlook on life. He said that has opened doors of mutual understanding and respect.
 
“You just appreciate when kids are willing to talk to adults and show that level of maturity, especially when he doesn’t have as much experience with English as other kids,” Weatherholt said. “He’s always had a great smile on his face and a tremendous attitude.”
 
North Star’s supportive academic environment has also helped Sidar thrive. One of his favorite classes has been Power Mechanics in the Aviation and Technical Education Focus Program. He has practiced flying and landing airplanes in simulators and is exploring possible aviation-based business careers.
 
“I enjoy working with my hands,” Sidar said. “I really liked the mechanical class. We built machines and a lot of really neat things.”

 
Sidar’s industrious attitude is benefiting those closest to him. He currently works at a large commercial store in town to bring in extra income. He beamed as Weatherholt shared a story about interacting with him at the business one day.
 
“When I saw him working there, I said to myself that the amount of work ethic this kid has is amazing,” Weatherholt said. “It looked like you were enjoying it as much there as you do here in the hallways. Your smile was the same and your energy was the same. ‘They’re lucky to have you,’ is what I thought.”
 
Sidar has been accepted into Southeast Community College and will major in business next year. He said he will miss many people at North Star who have made him feel welcomed and respected over the past four years.
 
“My friends. My teachers,” Sidar said. “There are a lot of good people here.”
 
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