A Haven Homecoming for Amir

Last Saturday, the Swarthmorean was contacted by former 2006 Strath Haven High School graduate, Wellington Kiiru, to let us know about SHHS English teacher and coach Kevin Haney’s heroic gesture in getting his friend, 2006 SHHS graduate Amir Sidiqi, out of Afghanistan. Wellington and Amir were both students of Mr. Haney. It also appears that another graduate of SHHS piloted the plane that brought Amir to the U.S. The pilot’s name cannot be released due to Air Force policy. Mr. Haney’s interview with the Swarthmorean will appear in next week’s issue.

The following information is taken from the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District’s post of August 30 on Facebook:

Amir Sidiqi (left) and Strath Haven teacher Kevin Haney out front of the Haney home. Photo courtesy of Wellington, Kiiru.

Tune in to 6abc Action News and FOX 29 this evening to watch a story that shows some amazing Strath Haven connections! Kevin Haney, SHHS English teacher and coach, was the catalyst behind it.

When Mr. Haney saw what was happening in Afghanistan recently, he reached out to his former student, Amir Sidiqi, to see if there was anything he could do to help him. Amir responded, “If you are still a man of God, please pray for me and my family.” Mr. Haney shared that message on his Twitter page.

Mr. Haney’s long-time friend from Southwest Philadelphia J.P. Feldmayer, a State Department Foreign Service Officer, saw the request and offered something more—a phone number to call that could help expedite Amir and his family’s departure. Thankfully, that worked out, and they were able to fly out two days later on a C130.

Mr. Haney was surprised a few days later when Amir and his daughter showed up at his door, and they immediately shared a big hug! It is an incredible story, and watch Jaclyn Lee from 6 ABC and Jeff Cole FOX 29 share it tonight as they interviewed both Mr. Haney and Amir earlier today. We are glad that Amir and his family were able to get back to the U.S. safely!