Senior Jibreel Murtaza Chooses St. John’s University

Unflappable. It describes Huntington High School senior Jibreel Murtaza in one word. The teenager rolls right along with the flow, easily navigating life’s bumps in the road. He’s able to laugh off episodes that would get most people down. He plans to study finance at St. John’s University in Queens.

Mr. Murtaza has been in Huntington UFSD since his first day of kindergarten at Washington Primary School. He’s always been well-liked by his teachers, classmates and teammates. He has an easy way about him and a wry sense of humor.

“The key to my success has been my willingness to stay disciplined, work hard and continuously learn from my experiences,” Mr. Murtaza said. “Whether in sports or in the classroom, I’ve tried to lead by example and stay resilient through setbacks.”

Mr. Murtaza has played on the Blue Devil varsity golf and baseball teams and participated in the Science Olympiad and Math Honor Society, “which have challenged me academically,” he said.

The teenager has also been involved in the high school’s Key Club and Investment Club as well as the Latin Honor Society and even the PTSA.

“One of the things I’ve enjoyed the most about high school has been taking on academic challenges, from freshman through senior year through Advanced Placement and college credit courses,” Mr. Murtaza said. “These courses have not only prepared me for higher education, but also helped me explore my academic interests and plan for the future.”

It seems like only yesterday that Mr. Murtaza was striding through Washington School’s front door on that first day of kindergarten 13 years ago. And here he is now, all grown up and headed off for his first day of college at St. John’s University.