Posted on Jun 30, 2016 in
HIGH SCHOOL HOT SHOT
Benjamin Liu. Photo by Dulles High School Journalism.
By Joan Frances –
John Foster Dulles High School in Fort Bend Independent School District continues to set the bar for the highest quality of education. With a specialized Math and Science Academy, seniors work at a college level well before their graduation. One Class of 2016 senior who graduated at the top and is highly qualified to take the next step in his future is Benjamin Liu.
Benjamin has taken honors and Advanced Placement (AP) classes all four years of his high school career. He is proficient in three languages: English, Spanish and Mandarin. He is an inducted member of the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, Science National Honor Society and National Math Honor Society known as Mu Alpha Theta. He is a National AP Scholar and a National Merit Finalist.
Photo by Senren Liu.
For the past two years, Benjamin individually placed at the University Interscholastic League (UIL) Academics and the Texas Math and Science Coaches Association (TMSCA) State Tournament. Benjamin also attended the American Association of Physics Teachers Physics Bowl and Regional Academic WorldQuest, where his team placed first in the current events competition and qualified for the national competition. His team also placed third at the EnergyQuest global energy industry competition and the Regional National Science Bowl competition.
One value Benjamin lives by is, “Personal responsibility. I believe it is important to honor your commitments and keep your word.” His favorite teacher is Nancy Malone, his chemistry teacher. “In her classes, her passion for teaching and chemistry is evident, and she works hard every day to ensure her students understand the material and achieve success on the AP exam. In addition, she showed me how chemistry is used in the real world and inspired me to become a chemical engineer in the future.”
In addition to his undeniable academic achievements, Benjamin is a respected leader. He is the co-founder and vice president of Dulles Delta, an organization dedicated to improving education access and quality around the world. He is the co-president of the Math and Science Academy Executive Student Council and the Science Honor Society. He is also the treasurer and activities coordinator of the Dulles High School SciNow Club.
When asked why being a leader is fulfilling to him, Benjamin replied, “I believe that math and science education is incredibly important, no matter your future career. As co-president of The Math and Science Academy Council, I can help bring new opportunities to our students. For example, I work closely with our booster club to help fund academic competitions and laboratory equipment for students to enhance their learning, and I also help bring in guest speakers from industry and academia for our monthly meetings to allow students to hear new perspectives.”
Benjamin was awarded the Robert A. Welch Foundation Scholarship to conduct research for five weeks at The University of Texas at Dallas. He participated in a research project regarding diesel emissions catalysis at the University of Houston. He is also the co-founder and coach of Dulles Middle School Math Club.
The one thing that Benjamin will treasure the most about his high school experience is his friends. “We have shared some great memories together, and they have always been incredibly supportive of my pursuits. In addition, my friends have definitely shaped me into who I am today and motivated me to reach new heights.”
In the fall, Benjamin will attend Rice University and major in chemical and biomolecular engineering. Congratulations on your commitment and perspicacity Benjamin, and good luck as you continue to benefit society in the future.
