Haidar '17 Redefining the Well-Rounded Student

The term well-rounded was invented for students like Zein Haidar ‘17.
 
A circus performer before he ever arrived at St. Andrew’s, Haidar has been named All-MAC in wrestling, composed original music for a St. Andrew’s play, and earned an award at the Model U.N. - all within the past 12 months. Today, he will attempt to repeat as an all-conference wrestler.

“I think St. Andrew’s has given me more opportunities than I can fit into one day, and I have definitely pushed the envelope for what I can fit in one day,” Haidar said. “I take public speaking as well as history classes, and when you bring both with you to Model U.N., it helps you make very effective and persuasive arguments,”

Haidar was named an Outstanding Delegate at the Chicago International Model United Nations conference in December, the first time a St. Andrew’s student has an earned an award at the event. Haidar was recognized for his contributions as the Minister of Atomic Energy in the Russian Cabinet of 1994. Participants in the cabinet were challenged to debate how the Russian Federation would respond to the break-up of a no-fly zone.

Some members cautioned against action; others campaigned for a military response. But it was Haidar who proposed a compromise that he believes caught the attention of the cabinet chair, who gave him the award.

“I figured there’s got to be a kind of middle ground to this,” Haidar said. “It was my idea to mobilize the Black Sea Fleet into the Adriatic Sea, just close enough that if something were to occur, aircrafts could be used, but just far enough out of the way not to cause an international incident. I think that was one of the key points.

“I think that my laid back, less intense approach to it, and stepping back to look at the bigger picture, was welcomed by the chair,” Haidar said.

Haidar said the role of Minister of Atomic Energy in 1994 can be challenging—innovating in atomic energy was not a priority at the time, to the point that advancements in the nuclear program could be looked down upon, he said. However, this didn’t stop him from proposing an action plan for how atomic energy could help solve issues in Russia. While the proposal didn’t pass—Haidar blames bureaucracy—fellow cabinet members agreed it was a good plan.

Haidar said the variety of experiences he’s enjoyed at St. Andrew’s helped him succeed in Chicago. In addition to Model U.N., Haidar balances a rigorous course load with activities ranging from composing music for the fall production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream to wrestling. Last year, he finished second in his weight class and earned All-MAC honors.

And the circus? Haidar spent summers while in middle school as a contortionist and acrobat in a Swiss circus troupe. Come to the next St. Andrew’s pep rally and there’s a chance you’ll see his skills on display.
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St. Andrew’s Episcopal School is a private, coeducational college preparatory day school for students in preschool (Age 2) through grade 12, located in Potomac, Maryland.