Shorecrest’s Class of 2021 Valedictorian, Shaherzad Chawdree, is widely known in the Shorecrest community as an outstanding scholar, experienced musician, and upstanding citizen. Twice named Top Scholar and Outstanding Citizen for her class, Shaherzad is the Chair of the student-run Honor Council, working to uphold the Shorecrest Core Value of integrity. In addition to Valedictorian, she was also named the Class of 2021 Outstanding Senior.

Shaherzad has an undeniable zest for learning. She inspires her instructors by exceeding expectations and elevating intellectual query. Her rigorous curriculum has reached the allowed AP limit and she created her own Independent Study: The Art and Science of Conservation and Islamic Architecture. This class combined her love for art, history, culture and science.

Shaherzad has applied those passions in the Global Scholars Initiative (GSI) program. GSI students’ coursework is elevated by additional study in foreign language and social studies, attendance at Tampa Bay Area Committee on Foreign Relations dinners, along with a capstone project presented at the conclusion of the year. Shaherzad chose “The Treatment of Tuberculosis in Pakistan” as her presentation, furthering her commitment to raising awareness about cultural and global issues. 

Her devotion to connection and culture has been apparent since at least her eighth grade Passion Project, when Shaherzad prepared a lesson plan for third grade Spanish class. The younger students had so much fun playing games that practiced their vocabulary about La Comunidad (community). In her sophomore year, Shaherzad gave a speech addressing an audience of her peers, faculty and staff, challenging them to leave behind stereotypes and prejudices and to take it upon themselves to learn more about the cultures of others. The strength of her character was elegantly on display that day. “With these baby steps we will be able to achieve a more tolerant and educated society,” she shared wistfully. 

On the side, she publishes a food blog when she’s not rushing to practice as a member of the Pinellas Youth Symphony. She’s the first chair for the violas in a group that often plays alongside the Florida Orchestra in many of Tampa Bay’s largest music venues. 

From Shorecrest she goes on to the University of Chicago.