Knees bent, eyes sharp, senior Norah Mehanna crouches low as the opposing server tosses the ball into the air. The gym buzzes with tension, but Norah stays grounded: focused and steady. She reads the play before it unfolds, her movements measured and confident, built on years of discipline and trust in her instincts.

Norah’s journey through the worlds of volleyball and social justice has shaped not only her character but also her vision of the world and her role within it. Throughout her life, Norah has been guided by a strong sense of inclusion, equity and hard work. She has forged a path where her efforts in sports have also intersected with her dedication to social change.

“I express myself by bringing people together,” Norah said. “On the volleyball team, it’s about making sure everyone is included.”

Norah began practicing volleyball in fourth grade, inspired by her mother’s previous interest in the sport. For her, volleyball is not just a game — it has been a life lesson of collaboration and discipline. Through the sport, she learned the importance of unity. Volleyball requires trust and coordination between teammates, and Norah’s experience on the court reinforced her belief in the significance of everyone working together toward the common goal of supporting one another and doing their part. Her role on the court and her approach to leadership have always focused on ensuring that every player, regardless of skill level, feels connected to the team.

This idea of inclusion extends well beyond volleyball for Norah. It continued throughout her life, especially in her commitment to social justice. Through Norah’s advocacy, she has become deeply aware of the privileges she holds and the inequities others face in society. This awareness of her privilege fuels her drive to create spaces of opportunity and fairness for others, especially those who are often overlooked or marginalized.

“I’m passionate about social justice because I’m aware that other people don’t have the opportunities I have,” Norah said. “I feel privileged to be where I am, and I want to use that privilege to make sure others have the same chance.”

Whether playing on the volleyball court or working on social justice issues, she consistently strives to bring people together, ensuring that everyone feels valued and empowered. One of the key lessons that Norah learned through volleyball is the importance of hard work. To be successful on the court, every player must put in the effort and be willing to push themselves beyond their comfort zones, something Norah knows firsthand from her experience as the team captain. She embraces this mentality fully, always striving to be the best player she could be while encouraging those around her to do the same. 

Her energy and drive to succeed were not just for her own personal gain but for the benefit of the entire team. This tireless work ethic has been a cornerstone of Norah’s character and has shaped her approach to everything she does, including her work in social justice.

“Everyone is a person, regardless of their skin color, their culture, their actions, or their disabilities, so that’s what makes me passionate about it,” Norah said. “I think that everyone deserves to be treated fairly and just deserves to be loved.” 

Her drive and perseverance not only make her a strong leader but also serve as an inspiration to those around her. Close friend senior Navya Samuel admires Norah’s determination within her interests.

“Norah is always very energetic and hardworking,” Navya said. “Whenever Norah wants to do something, she’ll commit and put in full effort, and she strives to work really hard to get what she wants.”

This seamless ability to include others is not only crucial in volleyball but also in Norah’s work with the Middle Eastern Student Association (MESA). When MESA was created in her sophomore year, Norah was committed to the association, being part of it for three years. She later received the position of president, as she was eager to bring people together in a space where everyone’s voice was heard. 

As a leader, Norah seeks to dismantle the barriers of privilege and inequality that exist in society, understanding that true change can only happen when everyone has a seat at the table. English teacher and MESA adviser Jennifer Siraganian commends Norah’s abilities and impact, noticing her persistence in promoting equity.

“She has a true sense of justice and a sense of what fairness is,” Siraganian said. “She has an incredible drive and is willing to use her voice. Especially when she knows that her voice can make a difference.”

Norah has a strong sense of responsibility and confidence in advocating for what she believes is right, like equality and justice. Whether it’s on the volleyball court or within MESA, Norah uses her voice not just to participate, but to make a meaningful impact. Her leadership in MESA is defined by her drive to create change and her belief in the power of collective action.

“I’ve seen that there are a lot of differences between a public school and a private school and an underrepresented community versus the community that we have here,” Norah said. “When I look around, I don’t see a lot of people who look like me, and it’s really important for me to educate the people around me about what’s going on in this country and in this area because a lot of people don’t know.”

Norah’s hardworking nature is mirrored by her deep commitment to inclusivity. She recognizes that each person brings something unique to the table and that true progress can only be achieved when everyone is involved. Close friend senior Bahar Sodeifi highlights a trait that has been a defining feature of Norah’s approach to life.

“The thing that makes Norah unique is that she’s one of the most inclusive people I know,” Bahar said. “When I’m talking to Norah, I know she’s going to include me, she’s going to include everyone around me very easily, very seamlessly.”

Whether it’s a teammate who might be struggling with their performance or someone who has been overlooked in a conversation, Norah makes it a priority to bring them in and make them feel like they matter. Just as every player on the volleyball court needs to feel included and valued, every student in MESA deserves to feel heard and empowered to contribute. Norah believes that no one should be left behind, whether in sports, education, or society as a whole.

“When it comes to social justice and things I’m really passionate about, it’s important for me to stand my ground and make sure people understand that I do know what I’m talking about,” Norah said.