2009-2010 Honorable Mention – Muaz Rahman (West Springfield High School)
"Compassion - A Multi-Faith Perspective"

1. Muaz Rahman is a junior at West Springfield High School. He is currently the President of his local religious youth group and is affiliated with various Islamic programs around Virginia. Muaz is also part of a wide range of clubs and activities around his school, most notably the National Honors Society along with the Math,English, and History Honor Societies, as well as the Interact Club - a community service organization. He wants to give back to the community, and so he decided to become part of the Volunteer Crew at Georgetown University Hospital and the National Air and Space Museum in D.C. He also serves as the Head of the Community Service Committee for the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). And since he likes to debate, Muaz is part of the Debate Team and has been going to tournaments for the past two years. In the future, Muaz would like to go into the fields of Computer Science, Medicine, or Law.

2. Participating in this year's essay contest has given me more insight into the topic of compassion, and has given me a new perspective into the other major world religions. The lessons that I have learned, I am sure, will follow me my entire life and I am glad that I was given the opportunity to be a part of this amazing organization.

My compassion reflection: "To live compassionately means to put the needs and concerns ahead of yours. And as seen in the past, peace and tranquility brings forth a higher chance of success while chaos and war only brings forth destruction and conflict. And the epitome of peace is this virtue of compassion."
 

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