Kayhan Kandahari says he is inspired by both his father and his older sister for their strength and perseverance. Kayhan values health care and has focused his efforts to helping those in need get access to aid.

Kayhan works with Harvard STRIPED (Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders). As part of the group, he helped establish a new policy in New York City to prevent children from accessing weight loss and muscle- building supplements. This policy was adopted by the New York City Council and signed by the Mayor. STRIPED is currently conducting an email campaign to find a member of Congress to sponsor a similar bill to support children’s health in Virginia.

Kayhan also established Hearts for Healing, a chapter of Blood Cancer United, at South County. The chapter meets weekly and gathers donations to provide support to blood cancer patients nationwide. (For more information, see their Instagram page: HeartsforHealing.bcu.)

In addition to his work for public health, Kayhan was one of the founders of Voices Unmuted, which focuses on publishing “groundbreaking research that examines critical issues affecting nations in crisis.” The goal of these publications is to educate and create meaningful discussions, with the hope of finding solutions. (https://www.voices-unmuted.com/)

Kayhan has written several publications on healthcare for young people.  His paper, Acne Affecting Students, was published in the Curieux Academic Journal. (https://www.curieuxacademicjournal.com/_files/ugd/99711c_e37e87336dde44d89869d53ecccf4299.pdf).   Another of his articles, Inequities in Access to Dental Care and Consequences of These Inequities for the Dental Health of Children and Youth, was published by the Oxford Journal of Student Scholarship (https://www.oxfordjss.org/january-2026-vol-3-issue-1-1/inequities-in-access-to-dental-care-and-consequences-of-these-inequities-for-the-dental-health-of-children-and-youth).

Kayhan is active in Principal Feedback Forum, which provides students at South County the opportunity to meet with their principal to discuss topics on student life and to create plans to make the school a better place. Discussion topics have included academic policies, student voices, inclusive school culture, safety, wellness, and extracurricular student participation.  Each culminated in an upcoming agreed-upon change by the school. Kayhan also serves as a leader in the Student Government Association, where he assists with events intended to create positive experiences for South County students, and he often serves as the Master of Ceremonies at pep rallies.

College and Career Specialist Holly Biehl says, “Kayhan has exceptional dedication to global humanitarianism and advocacy.  His youth-led initiative has raised hundreds of dollars for aid to crisis-stricken regions such as Palestine, the Congo, and Afghanistan, demonstrating concrete action in promoting peace and relief.  He is committed to using his leadership skills to find ways to make impactful contributions toward peace.”