Whether he’s experimenting with musical motifs, exploring movement while playing the cello, or diving into science research, CHHS sophomore Zeki Eren sees patterns everywhere.

“In STEM, there are many intricate patterns to be found. In an area like math, you can find an abundance of patterns in everything. In chemistry, there are rules to be followed—patterns that exist in nature itself. Something I’ve found is that music also revolves around patterns,” he said. “Just like in math and science, there are many ways to solve a problem; that also applies to music. As someone who loves both STEM and music, it is always thrilling to discover new connections between the two."

A lifelong Croton-Harmon student, Zeki began playing keyboard at age five before moving to piano. He discovered the cello at Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School, and the instrument quickly became a second language for him.

“I love both instruments,” he said. “They are very different experiences—how they are played, how the notes are learned, the sounds they produce. The cello is really special; it’s the closest to a human voice.”

Zeki also nurtures his passion for science through the CHHS STEM Concentration, a program launched last year for ninth graders.

“There are plenty of opportunities in school to help you grow academically and support your passions,” he said. “I’m excited to be one of the pioneers for this program.”

This year, Zeki was selected to participate in the highly regarded Inspirit AI Research Fellowship, where he will work with a mentor from Stanford, MIT, or another top university. Together, they will pursue guided research aligned with Zeki’s interests in artificial intelligence. The experience will culminate in a research paper—potentially publishable in an academic journal—and a science fair project that may be entered in local, national, or international competitions.

“I am thrilled for Zeki to embark on this journey of pursuing an independent research project in the AI field. The skills he will learn and the research he will yield will support critical skills that will not only facilitate his continued success at CHHS,” said CHHS science teacher Laura Lynch. “Zeki is an incredibly impressive young man who is very thorough and inquisitive.”

Beyond his work in STEM, Zeki’s passion for music continues to flourish. Over the summer, he was selected as one of only ten students across New York State to present his original composition Sunshower at the 2025 NYSSMA Young Composer Honors Concert. The prestigious performance is part of the New York State School Music Association’s Winter Conference, taking place this weekend in Rochester, NY.

Zeki’s composition journey began in middle school, where he arranged a video game piece for the PVC orchestra in sixth grade.

“That experience sparked my interest in writing music,” he said. “In eighth grade, I composed my first piece, titled Elegy, which we performed in the school orchestra. After that, I became enamored with composition, leading me to where I am today.”

His NYSSMA selection marks a historic achievement for CHUFSD, as Zeki is the first student in district history to be recognized for music composition. The Young Composer Honors Concert is part of NYSSMA’s Calls for Creators initiative, which provides students with professional evaluation and feedback. Although not a competition, the program highlights outstanding student works statewide.

Submissions are reviewed by professional composers, who evaluate technique, musical appeal, structure, expression, creativity, and the composer’s unique voice. Zeki’s Sunshower stood out for its artistic excellence.

“Sunshower is a trio for piano, violin, and cello. It is a melodic work that weaves the melodies of the violin and cello over the backdrop of the arpeggiated piano to tell a story. I chose the title after completing the piece, believing that the description of rain falling over a shining sun best suited the music. I was also inspired by French composers and pieces, which have great storytelling aspects in their music,” Zeki explained. “I felt extremely proud and excited upon receiving the news. I worked very hard to compose Sunshower, and although it is one of my first pieces, I put a lot of passion into it.”

Zeki will perform the cello part at the concert alongside students from Fredonia.

“Zeki’s dedication to his craft is unwavering. He brings the same focus, discipline, and integrity to every rehearsal, every performance, and every new challenge he takes on,” said Sara O’Brien, PVC and CHHS Orchestra Director. “His curiosity, persistence, and ability to think creatively and critically have also fueled his success in the classroom. It has been an honor to witness his journey, both musically and academically.”

“Zeki has been a curious kid since he was very young, always eager to explore and learn. His teachers and the entire school community have guided him with such care, nurturing his interests in STEM, music, sports, arts, and languages. We are incredibly grateful for the support that has helped shape his journey,” his parents shared.

While music is one of his greatest artistic outlets, for Zeki it is also deeply personal.

“To me, music is many different things,” he said. “It is a form of expression, where things can be said and stories can be told that words cannot express. It can be something to carelessly enjoy, or something to deeply feel and resonate with. Music is an extremely versatile and valuable art form, and it is one of the best things in life. That is what music means to me.”