Posted on Jan 30, 2016 in
HIGH SCHOOL HOT SHOT
Karen L. Yang
By Joan Frances –
John F. Dulles High School in Fort Bend Independent School District continues to graduate students fully prepared to take the next step in life. The teachers and administration prepare all students for the 21st century by “building character, developing technology skills and creating lifelong learners.” Students engaged in academics, sports and extracurricular activities achieve success in making decisions relating to their future. One senior who is an academic scholar and accomplished leader is Karen Yang.
Karen has achieved phenomenal success during her four years at Dulles. This year, she received academic honors at the Math and Science Academy by qualifying in the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME). She was state finalist at the Visual Arts Scholastic Event, as well as a National Merit Semifinalist. Karen is a National Advanced Placement Scholar and a semi-finalist for the 2016 Coca-Cola Scholars Program.
A value Karen lives by is, “To work hard and stay humble.” She has credible leadership skills as well. She is co-founder and president of the We Care Student Organization (WCSO), a student run organization that initiates service projects related to disaster relief, education, environmentalism and poverty. Karen is also co-founder of the Math and Science Tutoring Program at the high school and co-vice president of the Math and Science Academy Student Council. Karen is president of the Art Honor Society and president of Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society. When asked why being a leader is fulfilling to her, Karen said, “Serving as the National Art Honor Society President has allowed me to share my love for this form of expression with my audience and the Dulles community. As a co-founder of WCSO and the tutoring program at the school, it is extremely fulfilling to see the support of my peers and the administration for something I feel so strongly about.”
Karen’s forte is art. She has achieved numerous awards for her talent. She was the Celebrating Art Contest Top Winner three times and cover winner. She was awarded the Scholastic Art Award Silver Keys twice, and her artwork was published in Teen Ink Magazine three times. In 2015, Karen earned the gold medalist award at the International Art Competition and second place at the “Go Green” Competition. Karen is also an accomplished dancer who participated for the past two years at the National American Miss Texas Jr. Teen Pageant. At the 2015 State Competition Pageant, Karen was the Texas Jr. Teen Academic Achievement winner and placed third overall. She was the Teen & Coed Title and Talent winner and 2nd place winner in Fashion Modeling at the Coed Texas Jr. Pageant. At the national pageant, she was the Volunteer Service winner and placed third in Talent.
Karen is also extremely generous with her time in community involvement. She assists in WCSO service projects, Barton House Alzheimer’s Care Center, she is a model for the Charity Fashion Show and a volunteer at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital. One thing she treasures most about her high school experience is, “Being able to try new things and finally finding where my passions lie. Through volunteering over 650 hours, joining over six clubs, challenging myself academically and serving in many leadership positions, I was able to discover where my strengths and weaknesses lie.”
Karen has not committed to a university yet, but as of now, she plans to attend Harvard University and major in economics. Congratulations on your amazing talent and enterprise Karen, and good luck as you dazzle the world in your future.
