Each year, we like to showcase a few outstanding Asian American graduates in the Greater Seattle area who have either excelled academically, athletically, artistically, or who have significantly contributed to their community.
If you know an outstanding high school or college grad, send us a photo of the grad and tell us about him or her! Send materials to stacy@nwasianweekly.com.
Natalya Aoki
Natalya Aoki
U.S. Navy Ensign Natalya Aoki, daughter of Paul and Michele Aoki, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. on May 28. She was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy.
Aoki successfully completed four years of professional training, obaining a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Astronautical Engineering and a minor in Russian language. As a graduate of the Naval Academy, Aoki completed a total immersion program focused on the educational needs of the Navy and Marine Corps and the development of leadership skills.
Following graduation, Aoki will continue her language studies overseas on a national scholarship. She was selected to be a Navy pilot and will subsequently attend flight school in Pensacola, Fla.
Kristin Tan
Kristin Tan
Kristin Tan graduated from Holy Names Academy with a 3.9 GPA. She was a member of the Excalibur chapter of the National Honor Society. She was also the captain of the varsity golf team.
Tan has won numerous awards including the Kathleen and Monica Shepard Memorial Award for Academic and Athletic Excellence at Holy Names Academy and the Sr. Mary Tracy Athletic Award.
During high school, Tan was a four-year Most Valuable Player of the varsity golf team. She won the 3A High School Metropolitan Championship for 2008 and 2009, the 3A Seaking District 2 High School Championship for 2009 and 2010, and the 3A High School State Championship in 2008.
She also placed third at State in 2009 and was runner-up in 2010. Tan was selected as a Davis Law Scholar Athlete in 2009. Following graduation, Tan will be attending Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, to play Division I golf.
Jennifer Trieu
Jennifer Trieu
Jennifer Trieu graduated from the UW School of Medicine on June 5.
Trieu is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Pediatricians, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Medical Association. She has volunteered at many medical institutions such as the Al-Shifa Clinic, the DERM Clinic, and REMEDY.
Trieu has won many awards and received numerous honors, including Miss Washington Teen America 2002, Mill Creek Rotary Club Student of the Year 2002, Henry M. Jackson High School Valedictorian 2002, Dean’s Scholar at the University of Washington 2002-2006, and Miss Seattle Scholastic Achievement Award 2007.
Trieu was accepted into the residency program at Swedish Hospital and started on June 18. ♦