Posted on Aug 31, 2018 in
HIGH SCHOOL HOT SHOT
Andrew Liu
By Joan Frances | Photos by Senren Liu –
Dulles High School continues to offer a variety of fundamentals for learning in order to attain many levels of knowledge for their students. The most highly qualified scholars are those who are involved in a variety of extracurricular activities throughout their high school career. One senior who has taken full advantage of the many opportunities offered at Dulles is Andrew Liu.
Liu has achieved academic excellence by taking Advanced Placement classes. He is the President of Mu Alpha Theta (Math National Honor Society), Co-Director of Science Bowl Club and Co-President of SciNOW Club. He is also a member of the National Honor Society, the Computer Science Club and the Science National Honor Society.
Liu’s leadership skills are highly respected. “Being a leader in the Math and Science Clubs at my school allows me to give back to the organizations and teams I have been a part of. Dulles High School has shaped me and helped me become who I am today. Moreover, I am able to do so by offering my talents and skills, such as leading the Mu Alpha Theta (MAT) math practice sessions along with a fellow MAT officer. I also helped lead the Science Bowl Club with my co-captain.”
Liu’s favorite teacher is Dr. Drew Poche, his AP Physics 2 and Organic Chemistry teacher. “Dr. Poche creates a class environment that allows everyone to learn in an entertaining manner. I am reminded daily of his vast knowledge and desire to share it with us. My Physics 2 class had only 15 students; nevertheless, Dr. Poche taught the subject with a strong passion which I greatly admire to this day. Furthermore, in my Organic Chemistry class, he had a strong desire to inspire his students and help them become familiar with a difficult college-level course. I mightily admire his dedication, patience and understanding of students and their questions about a confusing subject, along with his energy and love as a teacher.”
For the past three years, Liu has been a leading contender at the USA Olympiad competitions. He has qualified in Math, Biology and Computing. He earned Honorable Mention at the United States of America Physics Olympiad (USAPhO) and Honors at the United States National Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO). He is a two-time National Science Bowl participant as part of the Dulles team, with his school finishing ninth in 2017 and seventh in 2018. Liu was also awarded the 2017 and 2018 Texas Math and Science Coaches Association (TMSCA) State Top Gun Award. He has placed in the top three in the University Interscholastic League (UIL) for the past three years in Number Sense, Mathematics and Science.
Liu has enjoyed his high school experience, as he recalled, “I feel truly fortunate to have the knowledge and experiences my wonderful teachers throughout high school have gifted me – their stories, their own experiences and their instruction. I’m sure I’ll take the skills and wisdom I’ve learned to college and beyond.”
In addition to his commitment to his educational success, Liu has 100 hours of volunteer work teaching various fields of science, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Astronomy and Math to elementary school students. He also helped to organize and execute 5K fundraiser runs for charitable causes and assisted at the Houston Food Bank.
Liu aspires to attend Rice, University of Texas, Caltech, Massachusetts Institute of Technology or Princeton. He is planning on majoring in something related to Computer Science, Physics or Chemistry. Congratulations Andrew Liu on your undeniable achievements and generous nature. Good luck as you expand your talents to move forward to a successful life.
