Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

This May, we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich history and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in the United States. AAPI communities have played a pivotal role in shaping the fabric of our society.

At APS, we are committed to fostering an environment that embraces diversity and empowers every member of our community. AAPI Month provides a wonderful opportunity for us to engage with the narratives and achievements of the AAPI community, not only to educate us but also to reinforce the importance of inclusion and cultural awareness within our schools and beyond. This month, let us recognize and celebrate the enduring contributions and resilience of Asian-Pacific Americans, and explore and appreciate the vast cultural richness and historical depth of these communities.

On Thu, May 15, the Arlington School Board will recognize the 2025 Asian Pacific student leaders from across APS high schools and programs as chosen by their principals. These students have excelled academically, demonstrated commitment to social justice, overcame hardships and contributed significantly to the community through collaboration, mentoring and involvement in various causes. Let’s come together to honor the vibrant traditions and contributions of the Asian Pacific community.

AAPI Student Leaders

Mursal Bakhshi – Langston High School Continuation Program

Mursal Bakshi’s strong dedication to her education is evident daily at Langston. Despite numerous challenges, she has invested considerable time, energy, and effort to achieve remarkable growth in multiple subject areas in her three and a half years in APS. Whether she is persevering to master a challenging concept or working steadily in an area of difficulty, her commitment to learning is truly inspiring. She is a role model of diligence, responsibility, and determination for her peers at Langston.In addition, Mursal has overcome significant economic and educational hardships to reach her goals. Obstacles she has surmounted include limited English language proficiency, culture shock, danger, evacuation, international relocation, the Taliban, and war. Throughout these challenges, Mursal has demonstrated resilience and a strong appreciation for the opportunity to be educated. At her village school in Panjshir, Afghanistan, she was always the number one student in her class; her best friend was number two. Now, due to the Taliban’s ban on education for girls and women in Afghanistan, her best friend there is no longer allowed to be educated. Mursal hopes to continue her education beyond APS and make a difference in the lives of others, especially other refugees.

Linda Batsaikhan – Yorktown High School

Since arriving in the U.S. from Mongolia two years ago, Linda has demonstrated resilience and determination in adapting to a new educational environment. She has maintained a 3.96 GPA and earned mostly A’s throughout high school—an achievement she takes great pride in. “It reflects the effort and dedication I’ve put into my education,” she explains. Faced with differences in teaching methods and classroom culture, Linda committed herself to bridging knowledge gaps by fully utilizing available resources and dedicating significant time to studying. Her impact extends beyond the classroom. At Yorktown High School, she revived the Japanese Club, taking the lead in recruiting members, organizing engaging activities, and promoting awareness and appreciation of Japanese culture. Her goal is to create an inclusive space where students can explore and celebrate cultural traditions together. Linda is also an active member of DECA, a program she credits with sharpening her business and leadership skills. She especially values the opportunity to collaborate with peers who share her passion for entrepreneurship. “These club activities have allowed her to strengthen her own abilities and foster understanding across cultures. Linda’s initiative, perseverance, and commitment to both academic success and cultural exchange make her a truly deserving recipient of this recognition.

Cobi Kromash – Arlington Career Center

Cobi Kromash is an exceptional student leader whose academic excellence, maturity, and commitment to equity have made him an inspiring and influential presence within our school community. His educational journey is marked by intellectual curiosity, personal growth, and a deep belief in education as a catalyst for change. As a DEI Capstone student, Cobi completed a year-long project in which he designed and led meaningful initiatives to support underrepresented students. He approached issues of systemic inequity with empathy, thoughtfulness, and a clear, action-oriented mindset. A passionate future educator, Cobi already embodies the qualities of a culturally responsive teacher, working to create inclusive, impactful learning experiences for all students. Cobi brings a valuable and authentic perspective to conversations around identity and representation. He uses his lived experiences to advocate for greater inclusion and cultural awareness. Notably, he co-facilitated a series of DEI professional development workshops for ACC educators, leading sessions on implicit bias, identity, and microaggressions to help cultivate more inclusive classroom environments. Cobi’s ability to lead both peers and adults with insight, compassion, and purpose speaks volumes about his character and future. He is not only a model student, but a changemaker—one whose impact will continue to be felt in education and beyond.

Kevin Nguyen – H-B Woodlawn

Kevin is a strong student who demonstrates both academic excellence and a deep passion for sharing his culture with the H-B Woodlawn community. Through a variety of school events, he has introduced his peers to meaningful aspects of his heritage, helping to foster a more inclusive and culturally aware environment. His willingness to share his background not only enriches the school community but also reflects his thoughtful and engaged character.One of Kevin’s most notable qualities is his quiet leadership. While he may not always be the most vocal presence in group settings, his thoughtful insights, active listening, and consistent reliability make him a respected and influential figure among his peers. He leads by example—modeling collaboration, respect, and integrity in everything he does.As Vice President of the AAPI cohort this year, Kevin has earned the admiration of his peers and continues to lead with humility and purpose. He embodies the core values of H-B Woodlawn and Arlington Public Schools, and he is a deserving honoree during this year’s AAPI Heritage Month celebration.

Jarin Rahman – Washington-Liberty High School

At Washington-Liberty, Jarin is an active participant in several extracurricular activities, including the Muslim Student Association, the Connect Mentoring Program, and the National Honor Society. Outside of school, she enjoys volunteering at her local mosque, practicing South Asian fusion dance, and assisting her father with his business. She is also excited to launch her own henna business as a way to represent and share her Bengali culture. Jarin has proudly represented her home country of Bangladesh at Washington-Liberty’s Heritage Assembly in past years. As a full International Baccalaureate (IB) student, she has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, along with strong leadership and a deep sense of responsibility. She continues to balance the demands of rigorous coursework while remaining an engaged and positive member of the school’s diverse community.

Maaz Rashid – Arlington Community High School

Arlington Community High School is proud to recognize Maaz Rashid as our student honoree for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. Maaz is a standout leader whose voice, actions, and advocacy have left a meaningful and lasting impact on our school community. In addition to demonstrating strong academic growth and resilience, Maaz has been a passionate advocate for representation and inclusion. He played a pivotal role in securing accessible Halal meal options for students and served as a student panelist in a meeting with the Superintendent, where he offered thoughtful perspectives on student experiences and needs. Maaz is known for his unwavering support of his peers, his encouragement of collaboration, and his integrity in leadership. His daily actions reflect a deep commitment to equity and social justice, as he continues to help build a more inclusive and supportive school environment. With aspirations to pursue a career in medicine, Maaz is driven by a desire to serve his community through compassionate care and scientific excellence. We are honored to celebrate Maaz Rashid for his leadership, advocacy, and dedication to making Arlington Community High School a place where every student feels seen, heard, and valued.

Anar Tamir – Wakefield High School

Anar Tamir, a junior at Wakefield High School, exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional student leader. With a 3.6 GPA and a rigorous schedule of Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment courses, Anar demonstrates a strong commitment to academic excellence. He actively contributes to the school community through his involvement in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), and applies his business acumen as the social media manager for his family’s car detailing business. Anar’s passion for volleyball led him to co-found and serve as president of Wakefield’s co-ed volleyball club. His leadership extends beyond the school walls, as he spearheads an initiative to establish boys’ volleyball teams throughout Arlington Public Schools. With his drive, vision, and dedication to both personal achievement and community impact, Anar is a truly deserving recipient of this honor.