Everybody wants to succeed. Everyone wants to win. But only the best can truly shine. BHA MIST Got Talent was the first-ever MIST tryouts event at the Academy. MIST stands for the Muslim Interscholastic Tournament, where Muslim high school students compete in various competitions, such as Art, Oratory, Writing, Group Competitions, Brackets, and many more. Students compete in the regional competition known as MIST Dallas Regionals, taking place in the month of February, spanning across 3 days (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). MIST has been growing at the Academy for the past 3 years. The club first started in 2023, with 8 club members, but this year was at an all-time high. “Over 120 students signed up for the club”, MIST President Osayd Haq said, making the way to get into the club even higher. The event lasted five hours, from 10 am in the morning to 3 pm in the evening, with multiple competitions being held during that time.
When asked about the planning process of the event, this is what Secretary of MIST Wahaj Uddin said. “It took a very long time to plan this event. The MIST board has been planning this event for the past month, with two meetings held every week to finalize plans for the event”. Every year, MIST releases an annual theme on which all competitors base their competitions and their corresponding submissions. Last year’s theme was “A Legacy of Learning: Turning Knowledge Into Action.” To mimic the same for the event, the theme was set to be “Through the Cave of Culture. Following the Stars to the Light.” On the day of tryouts, competitors arrived promptly on time for their competition, waiting in the Multi-Purpose Hall before going to their competitions in designated rooms anxiously. When asked how competitors prepared for their competition, here’s what they had to say. “I competed in extemporaneous speaking. I asked ChatGPT for extemporaneous prompts relating to muslim issues. I then recorded myself doing an extemporaneous speech on those prompts and looked up what I did wrong and see how I could perfect my ability, ” said Saif Ali, Junior. Mohsen Ahmad, Junior, also shared his methodology.
“I was preparing for Quran memorization level 1. I did this by listening to the Quran on the bus and on the way home, and I asked people to test me before the competition so that I could be fully prepared.” Competitors preparing in advance for their competitions demonstrates the extent to which they are dedicated to their competition, as well as their will to win and secure a spot in the competition they desire. BHA teachers took on the role of judging competitions. Girls and Boys Improv judge, as well as 8th and 9th grade teacher, Ms. Shamsa Ashraf, was surprised by what she saw. “You know, I knew our students were good, strong, and talented, but I never saw the artistic point in our students. We don’t have an art or drama club at BHA, nor any classes related to theater. It was nice to see that artistic side from them for the first time and to see those competitors excel in those competitions.” As the final competitions concluded and students slowly left the Academy, they went with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation. The BHA MIST Got Talent tryouts was more than just a selection process; rather, it was a showcase of the dedication and hard work of the students. With the bar set higher than ever and winners to be announced in the following weeks, these competitors have not only earned their shot at MIST Dallas but they have also proven the drive that every student at the Academy wants to succeed.
