Zain Haq - Class of 2023 (Alumni Monday Speaker)

On November 18, 2024, Zain Haq, Class of 2023, returned to San Antonio Academy to deliver an inspiring Alumni Monday speech reflecting on The Academy's lasting impact.

Zain Haq, a proud alumnus of SAA who attended from first to eighth grade, shared how his experiences shaped his journey and prepared him for future success. From his first day as a nervous but excited young student, Zain described The Academy as a community that nurtured curiosity, challenged intellect, and built character.  

During his time here, Zain excelled in academics and extracurricular activities. As a four-year member of the robotics team, he learned critical thinking, teamwork, and perseverance while bonding with teammates during competitions. He also mentioned how joining the soccer team in eighth grade sparked a passion that endures today—Zain is now a goalkeeper, leads his own soccer team, and serves as a photographer for San Antonio FC.  

Zain also reminisced about his time playing cricket with friends during recess, a pastime that inspired him to establish America’s first high school cricket league. He now captains his high school team, a testament to the leadership skills cultivated at The Academy.  

Beyond sports, Zain’s passion for journalism flourished through "The Cadet," SAA's student-led newspaper, where he honed his leadership abilities with guidance from dedicated mentors Mrs. Kayla Briseno and Mrs. Veronica Bordano. He credits teachers like Mr. Brendan Moore and Mrs. Briseno for their unwavering support and encouragement, which he says left a lasting mark on his academic and personal growth.  

Zain emphasized the value of The Academy’s rigorous curriculum and tight-knit community. “The Academy is more than just a school—it’s a family,” he shared. Now a student at CAST STEM High School, Zain balances dual-credit courses with leadership roles in engineering and cricket clubs.  

Encouraging the boys to embrace opportunities, Zain left them with a powerful message: “Never stop learning and growing. The experiences you gain here will shape who you become.”  

With heartfelt gratitude, Zain concluded by reminding everyone of The Academy’s enduring impact on his life, urging his fellow brothers to cherish their time and seize every opportunity.  

About Alumni Mondays: Each Monday, we welcome an Academy alumnus to speak to SAA boys during chapel. During this presentation, our alumni speakers share meaningful stories and lessons from their days at SAA. View Alumni Monday Showcase