Mohammad, a senior at Bryant High School, has achieved several state-level medals and secured a top-tier apprenticeship just three years after arriving in the United States from Yemen, according to a May 21 announcement. Mohammad said he faced significant challenges learning English and technology simultaneously. “When I came here, I didn’t speak any English,” Mohammad remembered. “And the school system in Yemen is so different.”
He described how classrooms in Yemen relied on paper and ink, while his new environment required adapting to laptops and high-tech tools. “We never use technology over there,” he said. “Typing was a big challenge for me.” Despite these obstacles, Mohammad set clear goals for himself. “If you didn’t have a goal in your life, you will not succeed at anything,” he said. “Set a goal, a small goal, and work every day, step by step.”
With support from mentors such as Counselor Margaret Veenstra and Director of Student Services Pipi Harrison at Bryant High School, Mohammad identified his interests in photography and design before enrolling in the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program at Edison Academy as his first career step. Veenstra said about him: “This is his launching point. He is either going to own an HVAC company or become an engineer. There is no limit to his ambition.”
During his time at Edison Academy, Mohammad competed in SkillsUSA championships but did not initially win any medals; instead of giving up he used his photography skills to study winners’ methods for improvement. HVAC Instructor Robert Stringham commented on this process: “He wanted to be better… At the start these students can barely use hand tools. By the end they are building amazing projects.” This spring Mohammad won first place in Program Design as well as second place awards in both HVAC and T-shirt Design at the Virginia SkillsUSA Championships.
His achievements led him to earn a spot with Steamfitters Local 602 apprenticeship program—one of its youngest members—with starting pay of $27 per hour after graduation.
Director Harrison highlighted Mohammad’s character beyond technical ability: “When I think of Mohammad I think of the best of FCPS… He cares about his own success but he also cares about helping others get ahead too.” She recalled that another student mentored by Mohammad recently told her: ‘I want to be like Mohammad.’ As recipient of Edison Academy’s top administrative honor this year—and known for supporting classmates both academically and personally—Mohammad leaves high school recognized for leadership as well as skill.