Rotary Top 10 Scholars

Jiehan Chen has maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.971 while pursuing a rigorous academic program including a number of International Baccalaureate classes. Jeihan is most proud of his cumulative GPA. Jiehan’s favorite aspect of RHS is the acceptance of people’s differences. His favorite place on the RHS campus is the library located in The Learning Complex. Jiehan is pursuing a career in science, specifically chemistry, at the University of Washington. Jiehan attributes his success to a combination of doing the work, relaxing, and keeping calm. Jiehan is very thankful to all his friends, peers and teachers who have supported him.

Alicia Ing has maintained a cumulative GPA of a 4.0 while completing the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and serving as RHS’s first Asian Female ASB President. Alicia has served RHS as an officer of multiple clubs and, due to the global pandemic, has adapted her skills and abilities to lead the RHS student body remotely. Alicia’s favorite aspect of RHS is the annual Multicultural Week. This is because it has not only grounded her in her cultural heritage but also taught her about the individual stories and experiences of her peers. Alicia believes that it truly showcases the best of RHS for its greatest strength is its diversity. Alicia believes in the importance of finding your “Why?” for the motivation that it will provide through any obstacle. She also believes that time is everyone’s most precious currency and that it needs to be spent wisely. Alicia will continue her studies as a direct admit to the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington. Alicia intends on pursuing a career in nonprofit management and philanthropy. Alicia is very thankful for her parents, friends and all the RHS staff members for all their guidance and comfort along her journey.

Justin Lynch has maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.978 while pursuing the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. The RHS accomplishment that Justin is most proud of is his leadership and involvement with the HealthPoint Student Advisory Council and HOSA. Justin’s favorite aspect about RHS is its community that allows him to connect with other people and to thrive. His favorite place is Mrs. Khelghatian’s classroom for lunchtime fellowship with his friends. Justin has overcome the obstacle of burning out on his learning through the assistance of the RHS community that allowed him to find the motivation to continue. Justin will continue to study at the University of Washington to prepare for a career as a primary care physician. Justin wants to create a community where people of color and those without insurance have access to proper health care as he wants to provide care for those in need to make others feel safe in their community. Justin attributes his success to his family for always being by his side and motivating him to go above and beyond expectations. He also credits his success to his community for helping him to believe in his abilities and developing confidence in his skills.

While pursuing the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, Jacqueline Nguyen has maintained a GPA of 3.956. This is the achievement she is most proud of at RHS. It has allowed her to explore the IB principle of being balanced. Jacqueline has been involved in numerous activities inside and outside of RHS that have allowed her to develop her leadership abilities and skills that include supporting voices of youth and environmental conservation. Determination and strength are the driving forces behind Jacqueline’s success. Jacqueline also wants to highlight how hard working, compassionate, and nourishing the teachers and staff at Renton High School strive to be. Jacqueline is continuing her studies at the University of Washington with the intention of pursuing a career in women’s health and gynecology, both domestically and globally. Jacqueline hopes to inspire more young ladies like herself to take risks and to find their passion.

Katelyn Saechao has maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.992 while pursuing the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. The RHS accomplishment that Katelyn is most proud of is receiving the Language Arts Department Award. This is because she is proud of her improvements in the two-year course as she initially struggled with it. Katelyn’s favorite aspect about RHS is that students from so many backgrounds come together to create a wonderfully diverse environment. Katelyn finds this to be the most beautiful part of RHS. Katelyn will attend the University of Washington, College of Arts and Science, to study design on her pathway to becoming a graphic designer. Katelyn’s personal key to success is persevering no matter how difficult a task is. She finds that initially struggling and later achieving success is extremely pleasing, as it is the satisfaction of knowing that she has grown after trudging through arduous circumstances. Katelyn is appreciative of all her teachers, especially, Ms. Keopanya, Ms. Khelghatian, and Mr. Okimoto, for always having their doors open and keeping it real. Katelyn is also grateful to her family; specifically, for the sacrifices that her grandparents have made for her which have allowed her to get this far.