At 16, Zayna Shaikh (pronounced ‘shake’) possesses a focus and dedication that belie her years. The standout Saint Edward’s School junior, whose academic, sports, musical and other extracurricular activities fill her days to the brim, has somehow found time to initiate and sustain an exciting project: establishing a music program for the students of Wabasso School, a public school for special needs children.
As an eighth-grader, Zayna began volunteering at Wabasso School, in large part, she says, because her older brother, Zee (now 18), is a student there, and deals with autism. Later, digging deeper into the ways music can impact autism spectrum disorder, she chose to write an AP English Language class research assignment on “Music Therapy in Children With Autism.”
Music has always been a significant part of Zayna’s life: It’s how she deals with stress and anxiety, especially, she smiles, during the often crazy-busy, emotional teen/high school years. A musician herself, Zayna has played flute since fourth grade, and, at Saint Edward’s, has been selected for the Four-County Band and the prestigious Florida All-State Band.
As she worked with the various Wabasso School classes over the years, she recognized the “great disparity” between her own school, with its strong music department, and Wabasso School.
“I noted that these deserving children didn’t have music as part of their curriculum. Music is a universal language. I see (Zee) go through struggles and stresses, I see the students’ anxieties. I use music as an outlet, and I want them to feel that same feeling.”
So the enterprising young woman brought her concern to the principal, Christopher Kohlstedt. Without hesitation, “he enthusiastically embraced and supported my desire to develop a music education program that is engaging and adaptable for all enrolled students (approximately 60).”
Initially, Zayna borrowed basic instruments from Saint Edward’s for the Wabasso students – egg-shakers, sticks, clappers, little drums, tambourines, as well as colorful scarves for waving rhythmically. Her classes were an immediate success. “They loved it.”
Next, Zayna sought more student volunteers from among her classmates and was delighted when several stepped up. “They are so dedicated!” she says with pride.
She named this intrepid band of student volunteers the Beautiful Beats, and the music classes grew even more dynamic – and fun. The Wabasso students couldn’t wait for their weekly 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. music class.
Supported by local music therapist Nilsa Poso, Zayna arranged in-service training for the 20-some Wabasso School teachers, enabling them to incorporate music into their own classes as well.
One autistic student had long been shy and introverted, with no social interaction, until music was introduced. “He was so excited. That (reaction) had never happened before,” a teacher shared with Zayna.
To create a more sustainable program, which didn’t rely solely on volunteers, funds would be needed, so, late last year Zayna launched Music Program for Wabasso School organized by Zayna Shaikh, with a goal of $2,700 for “instruments, sound panels to create a music room, as well as music lessons.
The first instruments order was received Dec. 20, and the online effort continues.
Kohlstedt is impressed with Zayna and her friends, who have given so much of their precious free time for the Wabasso students. “She has inspired us to start our own (music) program.”
To that end, Wabasso School, working with Melody Music, expects to have a music instructor on board – on a weekly basis – beginning the Monday after Spring Break.
What prompted Zayna, barely in her teens at the time, to dedicate herself so steadfastly to such an endeavor? As long as she can remember, her mom, pediatrician Sobia Khawaja, and dad, cardiologist Shahbaaz Shaikh, have provided first-hand examples of service to others.
“My mom and dad are strong role models,” she says. It is small surprise that, although she has yet to determine a specific discipline, she knows she wants to “go into medicine, somewhere in the northeast, a school with a strong science program,” which can also support her passion for music.
