Isabella Zahirudin ’25 Honored with MLK Certificate of Merit Award

The Academy of the Holy Angels is proud to announce that Isabella Zahirudin ’25 has been honored with the prestigious Martin Luther King Jr. Certificate of Merit Award. This award recognizes students who embody the values of Dr. King through their leadership, service, and dedication to their communities. Isabella’s commitment to these principles has distinguished her as a young leader making a tangible impact.

The MLK Certificate of Merit Award is presented by the Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Observance Committee, a New Jersey based organization dedicated to preserving Dr. King’s legacy by promoting social justice, equality, and community service. The committee seeks to inspire young people to follow in Dr. King’s footsteps by actively contributing to their schools and communities in meaningful ways.

Isabella was nominated for this by AHA’s Office of Academic and College Counseling. Her unwavering dedication to service, leadership in school initiatives, and active engagement in programs that uplift others made her a standout candidate. Whether she is leading service projects, mentoring peers, or advocating for positive change, Isabella exemplifies the spirit of Dr. King through her actions and commitments.

A dedicated scholar, Isabella has been on the Principal’s List and Honor Roll for most of her time at AHA. She is a member of the National Honor Society, the French Honor Society, and the Alice Paul chapter of Rho Kappa National Honor Society for Social Studies. Her passion for service extends beyond the classroom; as an ongoing volunteer for Operation Smile, she has contributed to their surgical programs in the U.S., Peru, and India. Isabella is also an active participant in DECA and is committed to the empowerment of women in business and leadership.

The MLK Birthday Observance Committee commended Isabella for her dedication to making a difference and for being a role model in her community. This award serves as both an acknowledgment of her efforts and an encouragement for her to continue leading with kindness, resilience, and a passion for justice.

Her recognition reflects the values of our school and the mission of our foundresses, the School Sisters of Notre Dame, who champion education as a catalyst for social change. Their commitment to service continues to inspire AHA students to make a difference. Isabella exemplifies this mission through her dedication to service, education, and empowerment. We are incredibly proud of her and look forward to all that she will continue to accomplish.