By Siddarth Suresh

Innovation Academy’s Muslim Student Association traveled to Kennesaw State University this year to compete at Muslim Inter-scholastic Tournament Atlanta, a regional event that brings together high school students from across Georgia for a weekend of competition and community. With over 35 events spanning debate, spoken word, science fair, short film, and more, IA students stepped into an environment that challenged them to think creatively while representing their school on a broader stage. The range of competitions allowed students with different interests to participate, but what stood out most was how each event pushed competitors to communicate ideas with confidence and purpose.

What makes MIST different from a typical competition is the environment it creates. Centered around Muslim identity and community, the tournament brings together students from across the state to compete while also engaging in workshops focused on leadership, identity, and self-expression. This balance was reflected in both achievement and experience, highlighted by the Quiz Bowl team’s historic first-place win while students also built connections beyond their own school communities. Mohsin Zulfiqar [11], IA MSA co-president and junior, emphasized how that experience extended across the entire group, saying, “Our team’s first-place Quiz Bowl win was definitely not easy, but I’m proud of how all of our members took advantage of the opportunities MIST offered.” The weekend created a space that fostered both growth and connection, allowing participants to learn from one another in ways that go beyond a typical competition setting.

For Innovation Academy’s MSA, that experience carried additional meaning. As a club within a majority non-Muslim school, members often find themselves navigating spaces where their identities are not always fully understood. MIST offered something different as a space where students could express themselves freely while also connecting with a larger community that reflected their experiences. IA MSA co-sponsor Ms. Taha reflected, “I’m glad the students were able to enjoy themselves and create memories with people from across the state.” Representing IA in that setting turned the weekend into more than just a competition, making it a moment of belonging that extended beyond any single event.