Student Spotlight - Saad Razzak

STUDENT PROFILE: SAAD RAZZAK ‘22

SAAD RAZZAK ‘22: IVY-BOUND GRAD COMBINES BRAINS AND STYLE

By Alex Barron

When Saad Razzak crossed the stage at BL’s 178th Commencement, Headmaster Chris Post praised not only his stellar academic achievements but his sense of style. Saad, he commented, may have been the best dressed student in his class, but this is only a small part of what makes Saad who he is.

For his part, Saad is amused by the distinction, but plays it off with characteristic humility. “It’s pretty funny,” he says, “Every morning I put on what I’m supposed to be putting on. I didn’t think much about it.”

Clearly, Saad looks the part of a serious student: his appearance is routinely impeccable, down to the vintage pocket watch he carries at almost all times. But his studiousness is more than skin deep. Over the course of his high school career, Saad took ten AP classes and earned the highest marks (either a 4 or a 5) on each of the ten exams.

His academic stats speak for themselves, but for Saad, it’s never just about the grade. He makes a point of finding time for his own reading - usually a political or historical biography - on top of the substantial reading list that comes with his challenging schedule. An active member of Book Club, he could also be counted on to devour every selection, from the lightest science fiction thrillers to weighty classics like Don Quixote.

Often, Saad’s love of learning compels him to stay behind to continue the conversation with teachers and peers long after class is over. He recalls with a smile having to apologize to a teacher or two for arriving late to class the following block.

Outside the classroom, Saad was an instrumental member of a variety of clubs and teams, including Model UN and Mock Trial, both of which he captained, as well as Robotics, Book Club, Board Game Club, and the Cross Country Team. Although naturally reserved, he was cited by faculty and peers as a true leader, whose focused approach was a model to younger students.

“I’m proud of my various leadership roles in clubs,” he reflects, “This year, I really enjoyed teaching and working with underclassmen.”

Coming out of the pandemic, it was especially important for clubs to attract and retain new members. Certainly Saad helped to do both, though he balks at the idea that he “saved” any of his clubs.

“A lot of people were already interested,” he says with a smile, “But I would be happy to take the credit for providing the leadership that kept them interested once they walked through the door.”

Mr. McDonald, who got to know Saad well as a freshman advisor, an AP World History teacher, and a Model UN faculty sponsor, can attest to Saad’s dedication and leadership.

“Saad has always approached learning as an endeavor of personal growth,” he raves, “[He] used Model UN as an opportunity to expand his understanding of the world through current events and connecting with individuals from around the mid-Atlantic, and around the world.”

Saad is further broaden his learning community at Cornell University, where he plans to major in political science.