Author Laalah Zafar Laalah Zafar is a sophomore at Annandale High School, one of Youthcast Media Group’s journalism class partners. She worked with YMG mentor-editor John Waggoner on this story. Laalah's Latest Articles For High School Athletes, Running Can Benefit Mood and Focus Just as Much as Physical Health By Laalah Zafar ● Feature ● March 11, 2026 The parts of your brain devoted to memory and learning are actually bigger in people who exercise regularly.