4-08-2025 4:17am

HEREFORD SENIOR

Hunt Valley Life Staff

Graduating senior profile: Alexis Zahn, Hereford High School

By Team BCPS

Alexis Zahn, Hereford High School

BCPS schools attended: Fifth District Elementary School, Hereford Middle School, Hereford High School

Alexis Zahn

Tell us about a teacher, assignment, field trip, or extracurricular activity that had a significant impact on you?

I wouldn't be where I am today without my aviation teacher Mr. Dodd-O. He has given me so many opportunities throughout my time in high school starting with introducing me to drones. This led to me wanting to become a drone pilot and soon bloomed into a love for aviation as a whole. I then went on my discovery flight and that's when I knew I was going to become a pilot. Mr. Dodd-O helped every step of the way giving me any opportunity that he possibly could as well as teaching me everything I need to know to take my pilot written exam.

If I had never been introduced to Mr. Dodd-O and the aviation programs at Hereford I would not be where I am today, and I thank him very much for helping me to get here.

He also got me involved in Society of Woman Engineers, GLEE (Great Lunar Expedition for Everyone, a NASA project) and the National Technical Honor Society, which has allowed me to help and further our aviation and engineering programs at the high school through being a leader and mentor in all these programs. It has also given me the rare opportunity to help my underclassman with their dreams and giving them the same opportunities, if not more opportunities, then I had. I have also gotten involved with our new technology booster to help fund the future of our tech programs and students as a way to give back for all the help I have been given throughout my years at Hereford High School.

What did you accomplish that you are most proud of?

I am working on getting my private pilot license. I have already passed my written exam for my license and just completed my last, long solo flight to Salsibury, Maryland then to Georgetown, Delaware, a total of 167 miles roundtrip.

What’s next for you?

I will be heading to University of Maryland Eastern Shore to obtain a bachelor's degree in aviation science and minoring in business.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I hope to have a family of my own, while getting paid to fly all over the world as a pilot.

Alexis, camping and kayaking

Favorite quote

"When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it." – Henry Ford, industrialist

Favorite book

The Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling

Favorite movie

“Lilo & Stitch” (2002)

About Alexis

“Alexis is an awesome student both inside and outside of the classroom. In the classroom, she's always participating, engaged, and collaborating with her peers. Alexis is a proud member of the Hereford Aviation Program and is currently working towards her private pilot license. Outside of the classroom, she's highly engaged with several student groups including Society of Women Engineers, National Technical Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, and Hereford Robotics. She has a passion for helping other young women get excited about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and STEM career fields. Alexis is a student who has greatness in her future, and hers is definitely a name that I expect to hear in the news in the future.”

Robert Covert, principal