FVHS Muslim Student Association posing with their awards and trophies at Chapman University.
Photo courtesy of Salma Serhal.
By Zainab Khan and Anisah Ullah, Staff Writers
Fountain Valley’s Muslim Student Association(MSA) attended the annual Southern California Muslim Interscholastic Tournament (MIST) at Chapman University on April 4 and 5. The Barons took home over 21 awards, two individual awards and won the team championship award, winning first place as a school overall.
During the weekend of MIST, Muslim Student Associations from all over Southern California came to compete in many different categories. The competitions ranged from math, debate, art, poetry and even basketball.
“It offers Muslim students a chance to succeed in every category,” said Ismaaeel Zekeria (‘16).
“My favorite part about MIST is showing everyone else our Baron school spirit,” said Afraah Javed (‘15). “Everyone, even the people who you would never think, brings so much enthusiasm. FVHS chants are contagious.”
Students got together at Chapman University for two days and competed in six different categories of competitions such as art, writing and oratory, sports, knowledge, group projects and brackets. Bracket competitions included the MIST Bowl, which is similar to jeopardy with each school having a team of six people competing.
Each year there is a theme that must be tied into nearly every competition. The theme for this year was “Clarity of Sincerity: From outer perceptions to inner reflections.”
Individuals can express their creativity and knowledge to work together or individually to win competitions.
Sophomore Salma Nasoordeen (’17) won first place overall in individual competitions, receiving a free trip to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
“I could sum up my whole weekend by saying three words: ‘I was shocked.’ I never expected to win first place overall individual award and I honestly could not believe it,” said Nasoordeen.
Mohamed Gehan (‘17) won a second place individual award winning a MacBook Air. The money for the prizes comes from private sponsors.
Overall, the club was able to bond and grow closer through the weekend of activities.
“This group is more than just a club, we are family,” said Gehan.
Photo courtesy of Halimah Ahmed.
