Nassar Bahody believes in the power of giving back and connecting with others in his community. He’s founded several nonprofits and student organizations including STEAM Through Leadership, which helps make STEM/STEAM educational opportunities more accessible to students of all socioeconomic backgrounds. The program features immersive, hands-on experiments, engaging speakers and informative workshops. To date, STEAM Through Leadership has visited dozens of schools nationwide, and executed hundreds of unique events. He also helped launch West Point High School’s now-annual STEAM night, which showcases a variety of STEAM projects and industries for students, teachers and community members.

“It can be intimidating for young people to take initiative, get involved, and use their voices,” he said.  “However, it’s only when you embrace that discomfort and take the first step that true growth and change can occur in you, the community and the world around you.”

Driven by a genuine desire to help others, he helped initiate the West Point Surprise Squad in September of 2021, to help bring his school campus together and find ways to help community members in need. The group has donated everything from gas and a hotel room to an unhoused family, to a hockey ticket, a restaurant gift card, and a spa day for a cancer survivor. Nassar and his fellow Squad members also organized a prom and dance for disabled students. So far, the group has served more than 300 people and raised more than $50,000 to support their efforts. 

In July of 2023, Nassar founded NeuroAdvocacy, a passion project meant to both advocate for and empower those living with intellectual disabilities. These initiatives have impacted thousands of lives and raised tens of thousands of dollars for the community. 

Nassar is Chief of West Point’s Leadership Academy, he helped co-found the school’s Civic Action Club, is a member of the National Honor Society, the Environmental Club, is a FAFSA Peer Tutor and a Varsity Tennis player. He is also the Domestic Violence Commissioner for the Governor’s Youth Commission, working to help educate students about the signs, symptoms, and root causes of domestic/sexual/teen dating violence, while also teaching skills to develop healthy relationships. 

“Discover what it is that is meaningful to you, share it with your community and change will follow,” he said.

Nassar plans to pursue higher education and major in Neuroscience.