Are you an Asian American student graduating from high school or college? You may be eligible for the Northwest Asian Weekly’s Outstanding Graduates column.
To qualify, you must have a minimum GPA of 3.6, have overcome personal adversity, or are an outstanding athlete, community volunteer, or artist.
Peter Odell
Shorewood High School
“I will always keep in mind that somewhere, someday, my actions could possibly shape into something amazing. I just may or may not be able to witness it. But I know this for sure: Even the most seemingly insignificant actions have great waves of impact.”
Some people lend a helping hand to those in need. Peter Odell lends his heart.
He started mentoring elementary school students during his junior year. Since then, he has served his community by helping out with food and toy drives.
Odell spent a month during the summer volunteering as a tutor at Zion Preparatory Academy. He said he looked forward to seeing the smiles of those he helped, whether it was working on an essay or playing kickball.
In school, Odell joined the SERVE and Interact clubs, both groups that organize and participate in community service projects.
He also took on leadership roles at his high school. He became president of his senior class and his high school’s National Honor Society.
Odell is graduating with a GPA of 3.9 and will be attending the University of Washington.
Christina Manuela Tull
Roosevelt High School
“Even though my life has not been a walk in the park, I realize I am very fortunate compared to the majority of society.”
Christina Tull was born in Yogyakuarta, Indonesia, and is part Chinese-Indonesian and part white.
Life in Indonesia was tough, Tull said. She was raised by her mother, who supported her by selling bread. Tull’s grandparents decided to bring her to Seattle in order for her to get a better education.
Tull’s goals are to pursue a career in medicine in order to help those who don’t have access to healthcare by opening a joint clinic in Indonesia.
The budding researcher has completed an internship at the University of Washington Biomechanics Lab. Her work was presented in Boston earlier this year. She also studied taxidermy as a volunteer at the Biology Museum in Yogyakuarta.
Tull came in second place at the National Speech Contest in Indonesia.
She is graduating with a GPA of 3.9 and will be entering the University of Washington Honors Program.
Alexander Li
Kentwood High School
“[I live] by the quote [of] Confucius: ‘Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in getting up every time we do.’”
Alexander Li has the makings of a successful entrepreneur.
The student has been part of his family’s business, Fashion Jewelry Corporation, for more than seven years. He is also the president of his school’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter.
In a state competition, he took third place in the economics category.
Li gets involved with his community through his neighborhood Rotary Club. He volunteers at Northwest Harvest, Rotary auctions, and is involved in a drug awareness program for students.
A star student, Li was awarded Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction.
He is on the tennis and swim team, placing 12th in the 200-medley relay at a state swimming competition.
A gifted musician, he has won numerous awards in the region for playing piano.
Li is graduating with a GPA of 3.9 and will be attending Stanford University. He plans to study economics and psychology.
Rebecca Kim
Sehome High School
“I have pushed myself to work harder … I take pride in my work ethic and ability to keep my priorities straight by balancing my schedule between academic and extracurricular activities.”
Having faith is what Rebecca Kim is all about.
She is active in Young Life, a Christian ministry that supports teens. Kim is a student leader for the organization.
She joined a work crew at Malibu Club, a Young Life camp in Vancouver, B.C.
Kim has been taking violin lessons since the first grade. Since then, she has joined her school’s orchestra as well as a community orchestra. She has participated in numerous solo and ensemble competitions.
She enjoys playing tennis for her school. But she’s not just smashing tennis balls — she’s hitting the books, too.
Kim started her freshman year of high school in an honors biology class. Since then, her love for science has only grown. She hopes to earn a medical degree someday.
Kim has served as the president and treasurer of her school’s honor society.
Kim is graduating with a GPA of 3.9 and will be attending the University of Washington. ♦