Overachievers do not always go unrecognized—senior Parnia Zahedi is an example. On Jan. 29, Zahedi was astonished to find that she had won the renowned Harry F. Byrd, Jr. Leadership Award for 2011, a $10,000 grant extracted from former Senator Henry Byrd’s endowment at the University of Virginia.
Every public and private high school principal in Virginia nominated one qualifying senior for the scholarship, to which the student then submitted an application process of six essays, a letter of endorsement from the principal, and a high school transcript. A Screening Committee reviewed the applications and selected at least three finalists from each congressional district to be interviewed by the Trustees of the Fund.
“I drove down to the Virginia Supreme Court in Richmond despite the fact that it was a snow day,” said Zahedi. “I was interviewed by an 11 person panel where I was then asked questions about specific points in my essays, journalism, academics, and more.” Shortly after she was given a tour of the Virginia Supreme Court room, Chief Justice Donald Lemmon initiated an intense question and answer period.
The Trustees granted the leadership award to a total of eleven high school seniors based upon their academic accomplishments, gregarious character, and excellence in leadership and duty.
“Everything that this scholarship represents is everything that is important to me: education, leadership and service,” said Zahedi. “I am so honored to know that I made it this far among all the other individuals who deserved this just as much.”
Zahedi was informed of the decision through a congratulatory letter addressed to Congressman Wolf from the Chief Justice.
“I was terrified to open the letter, but as soon as I read my name, I was in complete shock,” said Zahedi. “I’ve done everything I’ve done because I value getting involved and giving back to the community. I do things because I believe it’s the right thing, not to receive recognition.”
Over 300 seniors were nominated in the state, but Zahedi was the only to win from the 10th congressional district. Langley High School has been represented exceptionally, as this marks the second year in a row that a Langley senior has won. On Feb. 17, all winners returned to the Virginia Supreme Court for an award ceremony, to meet the former Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr. himself.
“Though the application process is lengthy, Parnia Zahedi is an absolute overachiever,” said college center specialist Betty Schneider. “She’s a natural at it.”
Zahedi may precisely epitomize the definition of an overachiever. From serving as the Saxon Scope’s very own Editor-In-Chief, the president of National Honor Society, and one of the captains of the varsity girls tennis team, to maintaining a 4.4 GPA and graduating with 10 Advanced Placement courses, her achievements seem implausible.
“Parnia is the total package,” said AP U.S. Government teacher Ms. Cohen. “She contributes to class, encourages her classmates and is highly intelligent and collaborative.”
For many seniors like Zahedi, first semester was drained by the stress of getting into college. The news of the award helped to show her that there is light at the end of the tunnel. “I want to study political science, and will be gearing the money towards my college tuition, wherever I end up going. To be honored by the state was a nice surprise—a true honor.”