Daniel Zhang

An 11th grader at Cortland High School in Cortland, New York, Daniel Zhang is a recent winner of our Think the Vote debate contest. As a future voter, Daniel cares most about issues concerning young people’s mental health, LGBTQ+ rights, and affordable health care.

Daniel keeps a busy schedule. In addition to his academics–his favorite subjects are Physics and AP U.S. History–he also plays tennis, serves as student body treasurer, and is principal chair violin in the school orchestra.

When asked who he would follow from history if they were on social media today, Daniel’s answer was Diana, Princess of Wales, “for her sense of friendliness and duty over materialistic titles such as Queen.” Daniel himself is active on Instagram.

And what are his plans for the future? “I actually want to expand into the science field,” says Daniel, “especially into medicine. But who knows? Maybe politics is my calling.”