Fast forward nearly seven years, the Matawan-native is preparing to lead the 12th edition of the Middle School Model UN Conference on December 6.

“It is very exciting. It is going to be our largest conference yet,” he says. “I am really excited for that, not only for having it, but for preparing it over these next few weeks.”

Zagel is serving as the Secretary-General of the conference for the second year in a row. He has been responsible for digitizing much of the conference, including producing a website for middle schools to learn about the day and submit pre-conference information.

It is one of several leadership positions that he has held at the Academy. Zagel has also been an integral part of the behind-the-scenes operation of Pegasus Production Company, serving as the student development director of the organization.

Zagel has met some of his closest friends through these activities, although he notes that many of them come from different interest backgrounds.

“Something that I think is cool is that none of my two friends are alike,” he says. “I have friends in theater, in Model UN, friends who play sports and I don’t, so I have a wide variety of friends.”

Inside the classroom, Zagel is an excellent student, as evident by him being one of 20 members in the Class of 2025 to be inducted into the National Honor Society last winter. He notes his challenging course load, such as AP Chemistry or AP English Language, for developing academic skills that will be invaluable in college.

With just over one semester to go until his CBA graduation, Zagel’s goal is to leave a legacy of leadership, effort and friendship.

“I think I have accomplished a lot at CBA, but more than that, I am excited for what my legacy looks like. I’ll be really happy, when I go up to the stage to accept my diploma from Mr. Begley, to see and feel what my contributions have been over the past four years.”