Mikala Ailep, who is a Rotary Club of Seattle Winner for Life, holds her award (left) and Clara Lam
Meet Clara Lam, a senior at Shorewood High School, who excels in academics and sports. Aside from playing tennis and badminton, she is the captain of her drill team. A 4.0 student, who is ranked first academically in her school, Clara applied to only one school, the UW. She also managed to get into the UW’s Foster School of Business. She has an SAT score of 2000 and has taken seven AP classes.
“I always like learning,” Clara said. “I pay attention in class and do my homework. I think that’s more helpful for me than studying a lot.”
Another student who was accepted is Mikala Ailep, a senior at Rainier Beach High School. Raised by her grandmother, she and her brother live away from their parents. Without a role model at home, she motivates herself to work hard and succeed. Overcoming adversity is her strength. She works 20 hours a week at a day care facility, while maintaining a 3.75 GPA.
She applied to four colleges and they have all accepted her. The UW offered her a full scholarship and financial aid.
Mikala is strong in math and sciences. Her major is pre-med. When asked why she wants to be a medical doctor one day, she said, “I have a big heart. I like to help.” ♦