Posted on Mar 25, 2020 in
HIGH SCHOOL HOT SHOT
By Joan Frances –
Ethan Zahid
Students at Dulles High School benefit from a diversified education that specializes in academic and extracurricular excellence. Senior Ethan Zahid has achieved an impressive resume of achievements and is preparing for a successful future.
Zahid has taken Advanced Placement classes throughout his high school career. He is the President of the Dulles Science National Honor Society, Dulles Sci-Now, Dulles Delta, Dulles Computer Science and the Dulles Science Bowl. He is also an inducted member of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta.
Zahid competes in the science and math competitions and organized the Dulles Texas Math and Science Coaches Association (TMSCA) tournament. He has achieved a high level of success in University Interscholastic League (UIL) competitions by placing in the top three competitors every year.
Zahid’s leadership skills are admirable. “This year I am the Science Bowl Co-Captain, a very fulfilling role and one that I am very proud to have been given. I got the chance to lead my team in this intense, buzzer-style competition in which we recently advanced to the national competition after winning at the regional level. In addition, I can also teach and groom younger students for future years. As Co-Captain, I feel I have taken on a very involved role and have helped ensure the continued success of Dulles Science Bowl.”
Zahid’s favorite teacher is Judy Matney, his physics teacher. “Ms. Matney teaches with passion and energy. Not only that, she has been an inspiration to so many students and has so much wisdom and experience. She was not only my physics teacher but also my science bowl team coach. Throughout high school she always supported me in all my endeavors and brought out the best in me. She’s an overall amazing teacher and has had an everlasting impact on my life.”
A value that Zahid lives by is forgiveness. “Life is too short to remain mad at those around us, and moments spent fighting are moments wasted. While fights are inevitable, after a fight with someone I am close to, I look to both forgive and ask for forgiveness and move past whatever disagreement we had. Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy said, “Let us forgive each other, only then will we live in peace.”
Zahid’s four years at Dulles has brought him strong friendships. “High school had its ups and downs, but one thing that will stick with me is my friends. I will treasure the friendships I have made throughout high school and all the new people I met. I will forever remember all the good experiences that I have had. High school can be a difficult place and I’m very grateful to my friends, for all their support throughout.”
In addition to his commitment to his academics, Zahid plays tennis, dances and is a member of the Varsity Debate Team. He organizes fundraisers for the school with Dulles Delta to raise money to donate to charities. He is also a member of the Muslim Student Association, where he learns about the religion and prays.
During his free time, Zahid volunteers at several elementary and middle schools tutoring and teaching science and math. He also prepared students at Quail Valley Middle School for the TMSCA State Competition, at which the team earned first place. He also volunteers every week at the Oyster Creek Assisted Living retirement home.
Zahid will be attending MIT and will major in Math and Computer Science, two subjects that he found very interesting throughout high school. Congratulations Ethan Zahid for your impressive accomplishments. Good luck as you continue to prepare for a successful future.
