“Briar Woods, all the way! MSA is here to stay!” Is what the Briar Woods MSA chanted as they participated in the DC region’s Muslim Interscholastic Tournament at the University of Maryland over spring break, competing with over 20 schools and 200 students from around the DC area. The falcons went on a winning streak, securing awards in 10 events in addition to three overall team awards, three senior awards, and MSA Co-president Zain Siddiqui winning most influential youth. The experience brought not only accolades, but a heightened sense of community and friendship within the club.
The Muslim Interscholastic Tournament, or MIST, is an annual three-day long competition held across the US and Canada, bringing MSA’s together to represent their schools and and compete in a wide array of categories, ranging from islamic disciplines such as quran memorization to more general competitions in art, writing and oratory, STEM, and much more. One aspect of MIST that stands out from other competitive events is the emphasis placed on community and spirit. Teams came with matching outfits, flags, mascots, and chants that they yelled in ceremonies and “chant-battles” to excitedly cheer on their school.
Oumniya Sharhan, freshman, had low expectations for her first MIST but was pleasantly surprised. “My expectations were that it would be a boring three days, full of just competing. I didn’t expect it to be so fun, I really enjoyed being around so many people of the same religion”
This year, Briar Woods brought a large and enthusiastic team, with over 30 students participating. However, accommodating so many proved to be challenging. The road leading up to the tournament was no easy feat with all planning, including hotel booking, food, transportation, outfits, was done by the dedicated Briar Woods MSA officers.
Safiya Ali, an MSA officer, gave some insight into the work that led up to MIST. “Big shout out to Sara and Alina (the co-presidents) because they led the planning. There were definitely some hiccups along the way but we were able to get through it as a team. […] There has been so much going on behind the scenes in the past couple of months, I’m genuinely so proud of the officer team.”
Everyone within the club was determined to make MIST 2025 unforgettable, especially for the team’s seniors who would soon be graduating. And though expectations were modest, given that Briar Woods hadn’t attended in the previous year, the team surpassed all predictions, becoming one of the most high-achieving schools of the weekend. Their enthusiasm was hard to miss, earning them awards for most coordinated team, best mascot, and third overall in spirit points.
Sama Abbass, junior, reflected on the weekend with pride, saying,“I am so proud of our team, our officers, our seniors, and our members. This was personally my first MIST and [the] best high school experience I’ve ever had.”
Beyond the trophies, the most impactful part of MIST 2025 was the bond it built among the MSA members. Between late night hotel hangouts and shared nerves, laughter, and tears, students formed connections that stretched far beyond the competition itself. For many, it was the first time they truly felt part of a tight knit Muslim community at school. As the competition weekend came to a close, emotions ran high.
Alina Pargakar, senior and MSA Co-president, shared a heartfelt sentiment, “Watching my 4 years of msa grow from 6 people to 33 people evokes an emotion that I’ll never feel around anyone [else]. I just wish we had more time. I hate that in two months the seniors and I will be gone and we’ll only see everyone in passing. […] regardless, I could not be happier knowing I have found my second family.”
Zain Siddiqui, senior and fellow president echoed similar thoughts, “Our appreciation and sheer love for this team and experience is still not given proper credit or justice because the emotions can quite literally not be put into words.”
With the success of this year’s tournament, Briar Woods MSA has set the tone for years to come, leaving with new friendships, stronger faith, and a lifetime of warm memories.
