Posted on Oct 31, 2017 in
HIGH SCHOOL HOT SHOT
By Joan Frances –
As a senior at William P. Clements High School, Mengying “Jenny” Cheng has accomplished more in four years of high school than most students. She excels in academics, is a respected leader and is a generous humanitarian. With so much to offer the world, Jenny is headed for a magnanimous future.
Jenny has taken Advanced Placement classes throughout her high school career. She is a member of the Math National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society. She is president of the Chinese National Honor Society, which fosters and promotes the impact of Chinese language and culture to our local community. She founded the Kpop Club, where members learn about Korean culture and helps organize an annual benefit concert to assist non-profit organizations.
Jenny is also president of the We Care Club. This club inspires members to serve and lead by giving back to the community. She is the historian for the Asian Cultural Exchange Society, is an active member in Girls in Computing, the International Club and a student representative in Compassion in Action. Her leadership skills are venerable. “Being a leader motivates me to continue to learn and grow and make positive differences,” shared Jenny. “It’s very fulfilling to me knowing that I’m being the change I wish to see through spreading cultural awareness and inspiring others to give back to the community.”
Jenny Cheng volunteering at a Hurricane Harvey relief facility. Photo by Jennifer Zheng.
Jenny was awarded with AP Scholar with Distinction and the Fort Bend ISD Academic Excellence Award, and she credits her teachers at Clements, which in her opinion, are phenomenal. “Clements has a lot of wonderful teachers who genuinely cares for their students. To name a few who have encouraged me to perform better academically and be a better person are Mrs. Lubna Lorena, who teaches Computer Science, Dr. Annie Wang, my Chinese Teacher and Mr. Todd Ericson, who taught me AP Calculus and Multivariable Calculus.”
In addition to her extensive commitment to school activities, Jenny devotes most of her free time to community service. She has volunteered for Barton House (Alzheimer Residence), Autumn Leaves (Retirement Center), the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Student Series, the Chinese Community Center, Exchange Club of Sugar Land and Chinese Opera Center. She also tutors students and volunteers in the school library. One value Jenny lives by, she said, is kindness. “I believe in the kindness in people. Treating others with respect and compassion has allowed me to see the world in different perspectives. In my opinion, kindness leads to happiness, which only increases when shared.”
Jenny’s years at Clements has created many treasured memories. “Supportive friends and compelling teachers have been a big part of my high school experience. I have the pleasure of going to school with the most focused and curious students. I love the diversity and respect people show each other at Clements. In this positive environment, I learned to free myself to love the things I love and pursue them fully, an idea I will treasure for the rest of my life.”
Jenny is a pianist, dancer and singer. During her summers, Jenny attended musical, as well as educational camps, most notably, First Bytes Summer Camp at The University of Texas at Austin. This is a program for high school girls to intrigue young women with the potential in computing and the excitement for problem solving.
Jenny will be applying to Rice University, University of California LA, Berkeley and Wellesley College. She will be majoring in Data Science with a minor in Psychology. Congratulations Jenny on your undeniable compassion, leadership skills, talents and accomplishments. We look forward to watching you continue to grow as a successful individual in this world.
