American Jewish Committee (AJC) recognizes Seattle area students who have made significant contributions to inter-group relations at its annual Student Human Relations Program (SHRP).

The program has two awards: the Max Block Awards and the Deborah Rosen Scholarships.Unlike other awards, the AJC Student Human Relations Awards are not based on academic or athletic performance, but seek to recognize those qualities that are seldom acknowledged: compassion, kindness, and respect for all people. 

30 - 40 high schools in the Greater Seattle area submit a nomination for a junior or senior, from their school to be a Max Block Award recipient.  A volunteer committee selected 17 Block award recipients and 3 Deborah Rosen Scholars.

In 1959, AJC board member Robert J. Block, son of Max Block, the first AJC Seattle president, created the Max Block Award to honor his father. In 2009, AJC established the Deborah Rosen Scholarship which is generously funded by longtime board member and community activist Deborah Rosen. 

AJC Seattle regional office has worked tirelessly towards advancing human rights and democratic values, building bridges with inter-ethnic and inter-religious groups, promoting tolerance, pluralism and strengthening Jewish life.

2011 Student Human Relations Program On May 5th, AJC proudly recognized 20 Seattle area high school students at the 52nd annual Student Human Relations Program. The Max Block Award honors high school juniors or seniors, who in their daily lives, demonstrate exemplary human relations conduct in their dealings with others without regard to race, creed or national origin. The Deborah Rosen Scholarships honors students who exemplify student humanitarianism and the tremendous impact education has in shaping young lives.   Congratulations to the following 2011 award winners! Yohanna Asmu, Nathan Hale High School - Connor Creswell, Eastside Catholic High School - Rachel Goodner, Seattle Christian Schools - Nate Herzog, Cedar Park Christian School - Alaine Johnson, Garfield High School - Brooke Kipling, Vashon Island High School - Olivia Krishnaswami, The Bush School - Shireen Nori, Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart - Sarah Oliason, Ballard High School - Jordan Palmer, Lakeside School - Kate Ptasnik, Roosevelt High School - Joseph James Reilly, Seattle Preparatory School - Benjamin Rosellini, Issaquah High School - Jamie Schwartz, Northwest Yeshiva High School - Elizabeth Unan, Holy Names - Kyle Wunderlin, Mercer Island High School - Maya Zwang, Interlake High School