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During his 13 years in the Houston Independent School District (HISD), Lamar High School graduate Michael Hamad achieved numerous accolades. He maintained perfect attendance from kindergarten through his senior year and was named the 2024 senior class valedictorian. Despite his impressive academic record, Hamad's ambitions extend beyond personal achievements. He envisions a brighter and more equitable future and has concrete plans to realize it.
Hamad describes himself as dedicated, persistent, and compassionate—qualities reflected in his involvement with various organizations and advocacy groups. He has volunteered with UNICEF’s Child Friendly Cities Initiative for disaster preparedness in Houston, served as the chair of the Mental Health Committee of the Houston Mayor’s Youth Council, participated in the Youth Police Advisory Council, and worked on the Houston Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights Committee to ensure equitable access to natural spaces for all youth.
“In HISD, you get to meet people from every walk of life,” Hamad said. “I have friends from every single background and socioeconomic status. It provides you the opportunity to not be closed up in a bubble but to have your mind open to so many different things, good or bad, and meeting so many people. It’s been eye-opening and a lesson every step of the way.”
From an early age, Hamad demonstrated empathy by volunteering alongside his parents at Meals on Wheels and the Houston Food Bank. He attributes his drive for improving the world to his immigrant grandparents and father who sought better opportunities in the United States.
Hamad became aware of youth advocacy's significance when he joined HISD’s Student Congress in 2020. Through this involvement, he realized how underrepresented youth voices are in decision-making spaces that shape their futures.
“Youth are often forgotten about,” he said. “They’re told that they’re just kids who don’t know enough, but working with [HISD Student Congress] really opened my eyes to how important youth voice is, especially when it comes to education policies.”
During his tenure with HISD Student Congress, Hamad collaborated closely with defense attorneys on a Supreme Court case concerning First Amendment rights. This experience sparked his interest in law and justice, influencing his decision to pursue a degree in Political Science and Business at Northwestern University with aspirations of becoming a lawyer and eventually a Supreme Court Justice.
Empathy drives all of Hamad's endeavors, aiming to inspire other young people to care for others.
“I think the best thing you can do is just be kind,” he said. “We learned that in Kindergarten. Be kind and make a positive impact for tomorrow since the world is changing and we as youth are the future of our nation."
“When I leave this earth one day, I hope to have made an impact on others," he added. "Whether it’s saving one life or helping billions of people in the world. I want to be able to make a difference.”