Posted on Jan 27, 2019 in
HIGH SCHOOL HOT SHOT
By Joan Frances –
Meet Lauren Yang. Photo by Karen Yang.
Dulles High School has enabled students to explore a diverse set of interests within the school to achieve a fulfilling and successful future. Seniors graduate with life lessons from academics to extra-curricular experiences. Lauren Yang has accomplished an impressive resumé that will lead her to the next chapter of an exhilarating life.
Yang is the class of 2019 Salutatorian and has taken Advanced Placement classes throughout her high school career. She is the President of the National English Honor Society and Vice President of Mu Alpha Theta. She is the Secretary of the National Art Honor Society and a member of National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society. Yang is also President of FBISD’s Math and Science Academy at Dulles High School and a Lead Ambassador for the FBISD Student Voice Advisory Network.
Lauren Yang attending the Bank of America Student Leaders Summit in Washington D.C. Photo by Bank of America.
Yang reflected on the teachers that taught her these past four years, “My teachers at Dulles have taught me to turn complex problems into beautiful, simplified solutions and analysis. I will take that mindset with me beyond the classroom and throughout the rest of my life. They have fostered my growth as a student, leader and person, and I know I can face any obstacles because they have truly taught me to work harder, think deeper and learn from struggles. I am amazed daily by their expertise, energy, humor and passion.”
Yang is a talented artist and creative writer and has earned numerous awards in subjects, including National Gold Medals in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. She is also an accomplished pianist, performing piano solos at Carnegie Hall. She created and organized weekly musical performances at Barton House, an Alzheimer’s care center, performing with a group of other young musicians.
Yang lives by the value of positivity. “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’m possible!’ as Audrey Hepburn said. I value never telling myself ‘I can’t’ and continue to dream bigger for myself and for others.”
In addition to her extensive academic accomplishments, since 2015 Yang has founded a club and Coalition of Girl Up, part of the United Nations Foundation Campaign. “I am reminded every day why gender equality matters to me: hearing the stories of women escaping domestic violence, experiencing offhand remarks about girls and reading news after news about global injustices. Taking the leap of faith and founding Girl Up Houston and the Girl Up Southeast Texas Coalition gave me a newfound energy to serve and advocate. Throughout high school, Girl Up has given me the tools and support to be a voice for girls who are silenced. Through leading fundraising, volunteering and advocacy initiatives, I have seen first-hand the ripple effect that speaking up for something I believe so deeply in can have. Knowing that I can do what I love and help change lives motivates me every day.”
Yang’s high school experience has been extremely fulfilling. “Hands down, the people I’ve met, friends I’ve made and incredible experiences I’ve had are what I’ll treasure most from high school. I am inspired and still in awe every day by the compassion, support and drive of the people around me, and I know that I will always cherish the laughs, tears, midnight rants and unforgettable memories I’ve shared.”
Yang has been accepted into Harvard University’s Class of 2023, but she has not committed yet to any school. She aspires to double major in Statistics and a discipline within the social sciences, like Sociology. Congratulations Lauren Yang on your extensive accomplishments and philanthropic endeavors. We are looking forward to watching you continue to dazzle the world in your future.
