What are your post-high school plans?

Get an internship this summer. I will be attending University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Mechanical Engineering

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

Time Management

What is your favorite high school memory?

Going out with friends

What is your proudest achievement?

Valedictorian of Bartlett High School; Class rank 1/475

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

Future Problem Solvers, Tennis, Women in STEM, South Asian Student Association, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. 

What are your post-high school plans?

Currently deciding between University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and University of Florida.

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Molecular and Cell Biology on the Pre-Med Track.

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

Embrace failure as a stepping stone to success.

What is your favorite high school memory?

Attending HOSA Field Trip at Springfield with my classmates.

What is your proudest achievement?

Qualifying for Nationals at TSA State.

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

I participated in several extracurriculars including volunteering at a hospital, tutoring for STEM classes, and working as a pharmacy technician. Additionally, I was involved in various school clubs such as HOSA, SNHS, Math Club, and TSA. 

What are your post-high school plans?

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Computer Engineering

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

Having discipline and doing what you must, even if you don't want to, because that's what's going to help you succeed at what you do.

What is your favorite high school memory?

Going to Disney with the marching band.

What is your proudest achievement?

Overcoming an insecurity that had a big effect on how I viewed myself.

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

Speech and Drama, Color Guard, VEX Robotics, AAPISU, Spartan Pantry Volunteering, ECC Honor Society (PTK)  

What are your post-high school plans?

University of Michigan--Ann Arbor

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Business Administration (concentration in Finance)

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

Make valuable connections with others.

What is your favorite high school memory?

Spending time with friends.

What is your proudest achievement?

Breaking the school record in the indoor mile.

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

Cross Country, Track, Basketball, NHS, Bartlett Buddies. 

What are your post-high school plans?

Attend UIUC or Georgia Tech (Currently Undecided)

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Industrial Engineering

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

The most important thing I learned in high school is how to effectively manage my time.

What is your favorite high school memory?

My favorite high school memory was traveling to Nashville during spring break for Bartlett Baseball.

What is your proudest achievement?

My proudest achievement is earning straight A's throughout high school.

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

National Honor Society, Math Club, Bartlett Hawks Baseball, Peer Leaders, Best Buddies, and Spanish Honor Society 

What are your post-high school plans?

St. Norbert College

What is your intended major and/or minor?

I will be majoring in graphic design with a business minor.

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

The most important thing I learned in high school was to put myself out there, even if it made me uncomfortable.

What is your favorite high school memory?

My favorite high school memory is going to junior year prom with my friends.

What is your proudest achievement?

My proudest achievement is being in the top 2%.

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

I was a part of Peer Leaders, Spanish Honors Society, and on the Girls Swim and Dive team. I also participated in art shows such as Upstate Eight, the 2024 Creative Futures High School Art Exhibition, the U-46 Vision Show, and the annual BHS art show! 

What are your post-high school plans?

UIC (University of Illinois Chicago)

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Mechanical Engineering

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

The most important thing I learned in high school is that you need to get enough sleep

What is your favorite high school memory?

My favorite high school memory is spending time with friends

What is your proudest achievement?

My proudest achievement in high school is the strong work ethic I've developed.

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

Woman in stem, Future problem solvers

What are your post-high school plans?

Washington University in St. Louis

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Finance

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

The most important thing I learned in high school is that being smart isn't the ability to know the answer off of the top of my head. Being smart is having the ability to find the answer when I do not know it off the top of my head.

What is your favorite high school memory?

My favorite high school memory would be winning the Regional Finals with the soccer team my Senior year

What is your proudest achievement?

My proudest achievement is discovering my passion for personal growth. This mindset has been the driving force behind many of my accomplishments, and I’m confident it will play an important role in my future accomplishments.

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

I participated in the Dual Enrollment program my Junior and Senior year and am graduating with my associates degree, participated in two internships through Alignment over the summer between Junior and Senior year, worked for Raising Cane's for two years, participated in the BHS Soccer Program all four years of high school, participated in club soccer with Sockers FC Chicago all four years, member of Phi Theta Kappa at Elgin Community College, placed second in the IDEA Architectural Board State competition 

What are your post-high school plans?

My post-high school plans are to go to university(which is, as of writing this, undecided), in their equivalent to the pre-medical track. After completing my bachelors, I want to go further to go to medical school, and I want to eventually become a doctor. My career plans after school are to become a doctor, I don't fully know what type of doctor yet, but right now I am leaning toward being a pediatric doctor(although I'm not ruling out other types or even ruling out surgery yet).

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Biology/Pre-medicine/Bio-med

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

The most important thing I learned in high school is that resilience is paramount; the ability to persevere through challenges, to dust yourself off after setbacks, and to keep striving even when things get incredibly difficult.

What is your favorite high school memory?

My favorite high school memory centers around the theater program. The camaraderie, the late-night rehearsals, the thrills of opening night- it was an immersive experience that fostered my creativity, collaboration and overall joy. The blend of those joyous performances and hard work created my favorite memories.

What is your proudest achievement?

My proudest achievement was a dual accomplishment: being named the Illinois State Scholar award and achieving my Seal of Biliteracy in English and Spanish. These achievements represent, to me, the years of dedication, hard work, and a commitment to academic perseverance.

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

Improv Team(where I was the captain for two years), All of the plays and musicals(Doing almost every job: acting 7x, props designer 5x, stage manager 1x, and assistant set design 1x), Speech Team, Play Club, Tech Club, Mu Alpha Theta/Math Honors Society(where I was the secretary for a year), National Honors Society(where I was the Vice President of Coordination for a year), International Thespian Society(where I was the Historian), Color Guard, and HOSA 

What are your post-high school plans?

Northwestern University

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Applied mathematics

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

Learning how to move on from failure and not letting fear of failure stop you from doing something.

What is your favorite high school memory?

My favorite memory from high school is going on a field trip this January to UIUC with my friends for the Illinois High School Theater Fest.

What is your proudest achievement?

My biggest achievement so far is getting into Northwestern!

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

I participated in my school's math team, math honors society, thespian society, tech club, speech team, national honors society, peer leaders, fall plays and group interpretation. 

What are your post-high school plans?

I will be attending UIC or UW Madison in the fall.

What is your intended major and/or minor?

I will major in chemistry.

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

The most important thing I learned in high school was not to compare myself to others, because everyone is unique and has different talents. I realized that I don’t have to be good at everything, and it’s okay not to be great at something I’ve just started learning.

What is your favorite high school memory?

My favorite high school memory was finding out I got into the dual credit program.

What is your proudest achievement?

My proudest achievement is maintaining good grades in my dual credit classes.

What are your post-high school plans?

North central college for occupational therapy

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Major in health science and minor in dance

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

The more you challenge yourself and the harder you work the more it pays off.

What is your favorite high school memory?

The bus rides to and from football games for marching band and dance team competitions. There was always such a camaraderie and a sense of belonging. It was always so uplifting and everyone always had such high spirits. It always felt really good to belong to a group of people and feel comfortable around them.

What is your proudest achievement?

Becoming student council president and being in the top two percent of my class.

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

Volleyball, Dance team, Peer leaders, Band, Marching band, Pep band, Student Council (Freshman class treasurer, Sophomore class president, Student council Vice President, Student Council President), National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, North Central District of Student Councils (Ncd) (Area 1 representative, Vice President) 

What are your post-high school plans?

Attending small liberal arts college (still deciding)

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Anthropology

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

I learned that the experiences that you are unsure of at the start are often the ones that cause you to grow the most. For example, I was apprehensive when I first became the flute section leader in the marching band sophomore year, but that experience is what caused some of the largest personal growth for me by pushing me out of my comfort zone. I gained confidence and found fulfillment from helping others. This decision, among others, to try something new taught me the importance of not letting fear and anxiety hold you back from valuable experiences.

What is your favorite high school memory?

My favorite memory is going on a trip with the band Tennessee over spring break my senior year. I made good memories with my friends, learned more about music and history in museums, and was able to perform on my flute with the band as well.

What is your proudest achievement?

My proudest achievement is my senior instrumental recital. I spent a lot of time over the months leading up to the recital practicing the solos and duets I played in the recital. It was the most I'd played in a recital, and I was happy about how all of the performances went that evening.

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

Marching band, pit orchestra, Larkin symphony orchestra, tech club, speech team, Tri-M music honor society, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra. 

What are your post-high school plans?

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Aerospace Engineering

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

To manage workload effectively and to always keep my head up high when things aren't going well.

What is your favorite high school memory?

My favorite high school memory was my state-wide AVID field trip where we went to multiple universities and messed around. There, we went to a water park and played chicken, spent lots of money, and got at least 3 different boujee pens.

What is your proudest achievement?

Becoming the President of the National Honor Society and becoming a successful math tutor.

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

National Honors Society
Mu Alpha Theta
Peer Leaders
Spanish Honor Society
Freshman Success
Larkin Loafs Improv Team
Speech Team
Group Interpretation
Theater
Tutoring 

What are your post-high school plans?

Bradley University.

What is your intended major and/or minor?

I plan to major in Kinesiology and Health Sciences and minor in Spanish.

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

I can do much more than I think I can if I try.

What is your favorite high school memory?

Going on the band trip to Disney my sophomore year!

What is your proudest achievement?

Being elected as a Vice President for NHS.

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

Cross country, jazz band, NHS, Tri-M, and pit orchestra. 

What are your post-high school plans?

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Environmental Engineering with a minor in Music

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

Its ok to fall down as long as you pick yourself back up. You are never going to do everything perfectly, so use your experiences as learning opportunities for future successes.

What is your favorite high school memory?

My favorite High-School memory has been being apart of the Instrumental Academy as I got to spend every day growing in my musicianship, being apart of a clarinet choir, taking lessons with my current clarinet instructor Ms. Zelman, and most of all performing my Senior Recital with my best friends.

What is your proudest achievement?

My proudest achievement has been receiving multiple Kudos and Safety Catch of the month during my time working at Sherman hospital. Doing my best to ensure the safety of my patients and putting a smile on their faces every day has been recognized by the nurses and my coworkers, and it has given me the opportunity to continue to go above and beyond for them.

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

I was a part of the LHS Marching Band (Drum Major and Section Leader), Pit Orchestra, Jazz Band, The Royal Blues Jazz Combo, Tri-M Music honors society (President), Full Orchestra, NHS, Club Volleyball, and am currently a Sherman Hospital F&N employee. 

What are your post-high school plans?

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Chemical Engineering

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

Time Management

What is your favorite high school memory?

Going to state for Science Olympiad

What is your proudest achievement?

Studying abroad for 1 year

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

Science Olympiad, Talent Fest, Disk Golf, Piano Lessons

What are your post-high school plans?

NIU

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Bachelor's in Accountancy and potentially a minor in Finance

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

My time in high school pushed me to become focused on reaching towards challenges. My experience in AP classes made me into a more sophisticated thinker and reader, which I feel has prepared me greatly for college.

What is your favorite high school memory?

My favorite memory of high school was the last day of school in sophomore year. After my AP tests were all over, I got to relax and hang out with my friends more before the school year was officially over. In my 8th period class, we had a party and one of my classmates brought cosmic brownies for the class.

What is your proudest achievement?

As a current Dual Credit student, one of my greatest achievements is being on the ECC President's List for three semesters. I had to dedicate a significant amount of time and effort into succeeding in my courses so far, and I'm proud that my work has paid off by way of recognition and scholarships.

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

Throughout all of high school, I've been a member of the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra. In freshman year, I played soccer for EHS. I was also on the EHS bowling team from sophomore-senior years.

What are your post-high school plans?

The University of Illinois-Champaign

What is your intended major and/or minor?

I will be studying chemistry on the pre-medicine track.

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

The most important thing I learned in high school is how to manage my time effectively and prioritize tasks, especially while balancing classes, extracurriculars, and other responsibilities.

What is your favorite high school memory?

My favorite high school memory is going on the summer academy bike trip along the Fox River with my friends.

What is your proudest achievement?

My proudest achievement is becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant, as it has allowed me to make a meaningful impact by helping others and gain experience in healthcare.

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

In high school, I was involved in HOSA Future Health Professionals, the National Honor Society, and track and field. 

What are your post-high school plans?

I plan to pursue a career in the Pharmacy field, attending Benedictine University in the fall of 2025.

What is your intended major and/or minor?

My intended major is Biology with no decided minor at the moment.

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

Learning to not be afraid to try something new. New things can feel uncomfortable but they can help you obtain valuable experiences.

What is your favorite high school memory?

Running through Chicago to get dinner in the rain with my friends at MUNUC 2024.

What is your proudest achievement?

Playing on the Elgin Boys Varsity Tennis team.

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

I have participated in various sports, including Boys Tennis, Boys Cross Country, and Boys Track and Field. I have participated in a number of extracurriculars and clubs as well, including National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Model UN, Science Olympiad, ACE, and HOSA. 

What are your post-high school plans?

I plan on attending Purdue University to pursue a B.S. in Computer Engineering.

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Computer Engineering

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

The most important thing I learned was to be self-sufficient and independent. These are skills you need to be successful in your studies and in life in general.

What is your favorite high school memory?

My favorite high school memory was going to Model UN at UChicago with my friends and playing cards late at night.

What is your proudest achievement?

My proudest achievement is managing straight A's, a varsity sport, and a job simultaneously.

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

I've participated in Red Cross and Class Council previously, but currently I'm the vice president of NHS and I participate in Model UN. I played varsity golf freshman year and I've played varsity tennis all four years of high school. Additionally, I've worked since sophomore year as a tutor.

What are your post-high school plans?

I plan to pursue a degree in Finance at either the University of Wisconsin-Madison or the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Finance

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

The most important thing I learned from my high school experience was that you are your only limitation; you'll only get as far as you're willing to push yourself.

What is your favorite high school memory?

My favorite high school memory is being part of the cross-country team. While running for miles on end wasn't particularly easy, the friendships and memories I made through the struggle made it all worth it.

What is your proudest achievement?

My proudest achievement is making my parents proud

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

National Honors Society (NHS), Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (SHH), Bowling, Cross Country, Track.

What are your post-high school plans?

Southern Illinois University

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Geology

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

Time management

What is your favorite high school memory?

English classes with Ms. Cabrera

What is your proudest achievement?

Maintaining all As

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

Girls who code 

What are your post-high school plans?

I am planning on studying at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

What is your intended major and/or minor?

I intend to major in Aerospace Engineering.

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

Learning how to communicate with teachers as well as other students better.

What is your favorite high school memory?

My favorite memory is playing in and winning the Streamwood soccer tournament with the boy’s varsity team.

What is your proudest achievement?

I am most proud of getting all A’s in my high school academic career.

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

I played soccer with the EHS boy’s soccer team for all 4 years, was part of the EHS math team, was part of the volleyball team at EHS my freshman year, and participated in the French club for a year. 

What are your post-high school plans?

The University of Chicago

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Mathematics

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

Trust the process. Everything is for a reason, and you're exactly where you're meant to be!

What is your favorite high school memory?

Mr. Towry's AP Stats class - he never failed to make me laugh. Model UN at the University of Chicago these past 3 years has been very fun too!

What is your proudest achievement?

Raising $10,000 to support those impacted by the Turkey-Syria earthquake.

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

Varsity Badminton (grades 9,10,11,12)
Model UN (grades 9,10,11,12)
Best Buddies (grades 9,11,12)
National Honors Society (11,12)
Science National Honors Society (12)

What are your post-high school plans?

University of Kansas

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Chemistry

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

Being at peace with yourself matters so much more than what anyone else thinks, because your life is yours to live.

What is your favorite high school memory?

Going to Europe with my friends through my academy

What is your proudest achievement?

Receiving the National Merit Scholarship through the SAT

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

I participated in Track, Band, Science Olympiad, Model UN, National Honors Society, and Science National Honors Society 

What are your post-high school plans?

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Aerospace Engineering

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

The most important thing I learned in high school was to live in the moment. Constantly thinking about the future will cause the present to pass you by.

What is your favorite high school memory?

My favorite memory was the Six Flags field trip Junior year.

What is your proudest achievement?

Acceptance to The Grainger College of Engineering

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

Football, Echo, Chess Club

What are your post-high school plans?

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Mechanical Engineering

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

The most important thing I learned in high school was time management. Throughout my four years, I maintained a challenging course load, taking as many difficult classes as possible. Subsequently, I had to learn very quickly how to manage my time spent outside of school. I began to prioritize my time spent on leisure time versus schoolwork. If I had to impart any wisdom on future students, it would undoubtedly be to learn time management early and you will set yourself up for future success.

What is your favorite high school memory?

My favorite high school memory is attending the Windy City Bulls game with the Robotics Club. We not only experienced the game but were able to demonstrate our robot to middle school students. The robot was supposed to toss a ball and make a basket. While it did not necessarily go as planned, hearing the students cheer us on for something I had a part in creating was a memory I will never forget.

What is your proudest achievement?

I have a lot of things I have to be proud of over my high school years. However, the achievement I have the most pride in would be having perfect attendance. Ironically enough, my body seemed to agree with not missing school, as every time I got sick, it was either on a a break or a weekend. Throughout all of my time in high school, I have not missed a single class. In addition, I did not miss one day of middle school, making for six consecutive years of perfect attendance. I have always liked to be ahead, and missing class would impair that. This was especially difficult, as there were many times when I was tempted to stay home from school. In the end my perseverance and determination held true.

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

I participated in the Robotics Club, Model UN, Essentials Exchange, National Honors Society, Math Honors Society, and Spanish Honors Society. 

What are your post-high school plans?

Either Miami University of Ohio or The Ohio State University

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Biophysics on the pre-med track

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

You have to enjoy the journey and not just the destination.

What is your favorite high school memory?

Dancing on the sidelines at FNL and going to state with the team.

What is your proudest achievement?

Placing consistently at HOSA state for 3 years in a row.

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

Healthcare Occupations Students of America (HOSA), Emergency Medical Skills (EMS), SEHS Ambassadors, Class Council, South Elgin Varsity Dance Team, Elite Academy of Dance, We Got Your Back Charity, and Spanish, Math, Science and National Honors Societies.  

What are your post-high school plans?

Illinois State University 4 year degree

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Chemistry

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

Time management.

What is your favorite high school memory?

Performing in culture show my freshman year.

What is your proudest achievement?

Getting a 5 on the AP United States History exam.

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

ARO, Red Cross, Echo, Yase, NHS 

What are your post-high school plans?

Arizona State University

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Marketing (Professional Sales)

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

The most important lesson I learned is that true progress is made when you push your limits and strive for excellence, even when it is difficult.

What is your favorite high school memory?

My favorite high school memory is dancing at football games and being a part of the dance program.

What is your proudest achievement?

My proudest achievement in high school is maintaining strong academic performance and consistently earning high grades.

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

Dance Team 

What are your post-high school plans?

Undecided 

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Mathematics (minor in Statistics or Data Science)

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

You don't always have to be right. Sometimes it's tough to accept, but being wrong is how you learn more about yourself and what you're capable of.

What is your favorite high school memory?

Playing tag on the cheer mats with my friends during College Jumpstart.

What is your proudest achievement?

Shooting my best round of golf ever in a conference match, leading to a win.

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

- Concert/Marching Band (Wind Ensemble/Section Leader)
- Varsity Golf
- ECHO Volunteering Club
- Math Honors Society (Founder/President)
- National Honors Society (President)
- Tri-M Honors Society
- Spanish Honors Society
- Model UN
- Class Council 

What are your post-high school plans?

I plan on attending DePaul University.

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Film and Television

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

The connections you make with people matter the most; the kindness you give to the world will come back around to you eventually.

What is your favorite high school memory?

My experience during Anne of Green Gables this Fall has definitely been one of my fondest memories of high school. Seeing the next generation of students slowly find themselves through the people around them the same way I did was truly something that I will never forget. It was an amazing experience to work with so many dedicated people all at once, and is something I could never forget.

What is your proudest achievement?

Honestly, just making it through high school is my proudest achievement. So much personal growth and development is happening alongside extracurricular activities and academics, and it’s really hard to navigate that when you have to juggle all of it at once. I’d like to think that each decision I’ve made has led me to where I am. So knowing that I’ve survived high school and made my parents proud along the way is one of the highest honors I could ever have.

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

Theatre, Tech Club, SEHS Ambassadors, SEHS Essentials Exchange (formerly known as Resource Closet), National Honors Society, and BEACON live broadcast crew. 

What are your post-high school plans?

University of Illinois Urbana Champaign

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Electrical Engineering

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

That you should balance both your social and school life.

What is your favorite high school memory?

Going to Football games

What is your proudest achievement?

Getting into Grainger

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

Soccer and Volleyball

What are your post-high school plans?

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Finance & Accounting

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

You are who you hang around with.

What is your favorite high school memory?

All of the practices that I went to for SASA (South Asian Student Association).

What is your proudest achievement?

My proudest achievement is that I got into my dream college because of everything I did in high-school.

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

SASA, DECA, PAC, Multiple finance and investing related internships, Co-founded a community based Volleyball Group, Tutored younger children, Religious outreach coordinator at my Temple.

What are your post-high school plans?

After high school I will be attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Computer Engineering

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

The most important thing I learned in high school is that real growth only comes through obstacles and struggling through them. It’s not the results that shape you most, but the road you take to get there.

What is your favorite high school memory?

My lunch table freshmen year

What is your proudest achievement?

Recieivng the status as Valedictorian of the class of 2025

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

Over my 4 years in high school I was on the cross country, track & field, and volleyball teams. Additionally, I was apart of many clubs, highlighting DECA and SASA, but also apart of clubs like NHS. 

What are your post-high school plans?

Undecided

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Biomedical Engineering on a Pre-Med Track

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

Everything happens for a reason, you are exactly where you are supposed to be.

Time flies, so you have to make the most of it- your effort will determine the outcome.

What is your favorite high school memory?

Being a part of the girls soccer program and HOSA State.

What is your proudest achievement?

Creating the relationships and opportunities that got me to where I am today.

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

Healthcare Occupations Students of America (HOSA), South Elgin Varsity Soccer, Emergency Medical Skills (EMS), Class Council, South Asian Student Association (SASA), Inaugural Girls Varsity Flag Football, Chicago Rush West Soccer Club, Spanish National Honors Society, Science National Honors Society, National Honors Society. 

What are your post-high school plans?

I will attend a 4 year university, undecided for what school specifically

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Nursing

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

No amount of regret can change the past, and no amount of worry can shape the future. So cherish the moment you're living in.

What is your favorite high school memory?

The entirety of sophomore year, and more specifically my 5th period math class.

What is your proudest achievement?

Being able to maintain high grades, while being a part of extracurricular activities and working.

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

HOSA, Spanish NHS, Science NHS, NHS, Swimming, Class council 

What are your post-high school plans?

University of South Carolina-Columbia

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Major In Biological Sciences and minor in Psychology on the pre-med track

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

You don't need to have your whole path figured out, just have the courage to take the next step

What is your favorite high school memory?

My sophomore year math class and football seasons

What is your proudest achievement?

Maintaining a strong academic record to be named an Illinois State Scholar and ranked in the Top 2% of my class

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

HOSA, NHS, Science NHS, ECHO volunteer club, soccer 

What are your post-high school plans?

Loyola University Chicago

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Neuroscience

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

The most important thing I learned in school is to do as much as you can; it’s better to say you tried something and didn’t like it than not taking the initiative to put yourself out there.

What is your favorite high school memory?

My favorite high school memory was my academy’s trip to Japan last summer. I am so fortunate to have been able to go on this trip, which led me to make new friends in Japan and learn so much about the culture there. Without the academy, I wouldn't have been able to make these memories and gain that knowledge.

What is your proudest achievement?

My proudest achievement is being able to hold the #1 rank at my school for all four years. Even through the toughest times, I continued to push myself to put all of my effort into my schoolwork. Knowing it paid off like this shows that I am capable of applying this similar mindset to other tasks in my future and navigating life's challenges while staying committed to what needs to be done.

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

National Honors Society, Class Council Vice President, Sideline Dance, Competitive Dance, Principal Student Advisory Board, Japanese National Honors Society 

What are your post-high school plans?

Marquette University

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Double Major in Elementary Education and Political Science

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

Throughout the last 4 years, I have learned that anyone can do anything as long as you remain positive and resilient; everyone has the power within them, they just have to learn it for themselves. When I entered high school, I was terrified of the idea of failing. I was so scared that a lot of the time, it stopped me from even trying. I didn’t trust myself to do the right thing and that held me back from opportunities. Looking back on it, I am almost happy that this happened, as I was able to turn it into a learning experience for myself. Now, I am grateful for the times that I fail. I look at every failure as a pathway to my success that I can learn from. I stay resilient and positive in times of hardship, and these actions produce success. Everyone has the power within them to be successful, we just have to look deep within ourselves for what motivates us to keep going, staying strong through many hardships. It is crucial that we move to looking at things in the light of a learning experience, so we will then be better equipped for challenges and the opportunities that follow.

What is your favorite high school memory?

My best experience at SHS has been meeting my friends. I have always been inspired by a quote from the Wizard of Oz, "it’s not where you go, it's the friends you met along the way”. When I think about all of the struggles I have faced in school, I think about how grateful I am to have had the most amazing support system around me; my friends. I knew that it did not matter what struggles I encountered on my path, the friends who I had met along the way would be there for me, making me the person I am today.
When I entered this building, I was terrified knowing that as a student in the WLISA academy, I knew no one. I went to this school, full of faith hoping I would find the people to complete me. In the beginning, I was skeptical of meeting new people, but I knew I had to put myself out there to find the ones for me. I was lucky enough to find my group of friends who made me feel like me. I was also lucky enough to be friends with the same people for all 4 years.
Having these people to support me made all of the difference. Anytime I was going through a hard time, I had people around me to support me and make me. From this I learned that no matter where I end up, I need to find my group of people. These people made the last 4 years better than I could have ever dreamed of.

What is your proudest achievement?

My proudest achievement was having the honor of being class president. I am so grateful that my class entrusted me with this honor. I am so happy with the things I led the class of 2025 to do. We exemplified school spirit and I loved getting to see us all come together as a community of Sabres. Within our class I feel it did not matter who you were, we knew each other and came together under one common identity. The community that was built within the class of 2025 under my presidency is no doubt, my biggest accomplishment.

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

Student Government:
Class President (Freshman- Senior, current Senior Class President)
Student Council (2021- present)

Band (2021- Present for all activities):
Proficient in playing flute, piccolo, and tenor saxophone
Leadership Team
Concert Band
Jazz Band
Marching Band
National Marching Award (2023)
Pit Orchestra
Pep Band
Honors Band (2023- present)

National Honors Society:
Member Junior Year
Officer Senior Year

Advisory Boards (2021- Present):
Principal Student Advisory Board
Climate and Culture Advisory Board
Student Summit (2023-present)
Upstate 8 Conference (2024)

Educational Involvements:
World Language and International Studies Academy (2021- present)
Illinois State Scholar (2024- present)

Career Oriented:
Alignment Collaborative Education Internship: U46 Summer School (2024)
3/4th grade
Education Internship Class (2024- 2025)

Athletics:
Varsity Softball (Starter) (2021-2023)

What are your post-high school plans?

I am planning on attending Illinois Institute of Tech.

What is your intended major and/or minor?

I intend to get a bachelors in Computer Science.

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

Friends can make even the worst days enjoyable.

What is your favorite high school memory?

My favorite memory is the Physics field trip to iFLY with my friends.

What is your proudest achievement?

Helping my classmates with school and guiding them through class work.

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

Freshman Connection.  

What are your post-high school plans?

Elgin Community College

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Biology

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

I learned that nobody is looking at you. I can be my own person without worrying what other people think about me. My entire time in high school I was scared to do something because I thought I would get judged, I finally learned that everyone is worried about themselves and their own trouble/things that they have going on, that they really do not care if I do something out of the ordinary. I have taken this lesson and will use it in the future for sure.

What is your favorite high school memory?

During Junior year, I was a part of an INCubator EDU class and we designed Bowie, which is a hair tie that prevents all types of damages and it is perfect for on the go. For our final assignment in that class, we had to pitch our ideas in front of 4 judges and possibly get the chance of winning a cash prize to further expand our product. I have always hated presenting, and presenting to a large audience was even worse.
As soon as the presentation started everything was going well, until I got the ending slide, which was the most important since it tied everything together and was supposed to make the audience as well as the judges more interested. I blanked, and forgot my lines and the slide itself, but then I decided to give everyone a bit of a humorous personality of myself, and everyone laughed. I felt calm and I was able to remember what I was going to say. I finished that presentation and everyone was clapping for us and I felt so good about myself and my entire group. We ended up getting 1st place with a $2500 cash prize and that has been a memory that I will never forget.

What is your proudest achievement?

Working hard to maintain high grades and achieving high honors. The proudest achievement would be getting to be President of the NHS as well as Vice President of HOSA. Although those are in school organizations, getting those titles made me feel proud of myself and made all the hard work for the 3-4 years all worth it.

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

Academy Volunteering
ASL Club
HOSA
NHS
Yearbook Club
Principal Student Advisory Board
Track

QUOTE: "You define your own life. Don't let other people write your script."

What are your post-high school plans?

Elmhurst University

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Nursing

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

The most important thing I learned in high school is the strength that comes from believing in myself, even when things felt overwhelming. Juggling school, work, sports and leadership wasn't easy, but every challenge taught me how to rise above doubt and keep pushing forward.

What is your favorite high school memory?

One of my favorite high school memories is building strong relationships while giving back to my community for instance volunteering with the National Honors Society at feed my starving children. Through service and leadership, I found a sense of purpose and connection that made high school truly meaningful.

What is your proudest achievement?

My proudest achievements in high school was being selected for the Illinois State Board of Education Student Advisory Council. It gave me the opportunity to represent student voices at the state level and contribute to meaningly conversations about education policy specifically mental health. This experience reflected my passion for leadership, advocacy, and making a difference beyond the classroom.

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

State Seal of Biliteracy (Spanish)
Illinois State Scholar

Clubs and Organizations
Illinois State Board of Education Student Advisory Council (grade 12)
National Honors Society @ Streamwood HS (grades 11,12)
Principal Student Advisory Board (grades 9,10,11,12)
TRiO Upward Bound (grades 10,11,12)
Tailoring Youth to Succeed (grades 11,12)

Athletics
Varsity Tennis @ Streamwood HS (grades 11,12)
Varsity Track @ Streamwood High School (grades 11,12)

What are your post-high school plans?

Loyola University Chicago

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Marketing in the Quinlan Business Honors Program

What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

Surrounding myself with great people has helped me grow as an individual more than I ever thought possible.

What is your favorite high school memory?

Cheering in the stands with my best friends at football games!

What is your proudest achievement?

Winning two ACCELerator competitions with my team, bowie!

What activities, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. did you participate in?

WLISA Academy, Superintendent Student Advisory Council, Founder of bowie, Concert and Jazz Band, Pit Orchestra, Class Council, Best Buddies and National Honors Society.