Shady Side Academy History Department – As a result of my strong academic performance, I was selected by faculty to become a department associate. We meet monthly to discuss potential new classes (depending on current events), guest speakers and special events., Department Associate – 1 Year

Shady Side Academy Admissions Ambassador – I volunteer with the admissions department to tour prospective Shady Side students and families on campus during school and on weekends. Recently, I toured an international student with his mother (from China) and conducted the tour in Mandarin., Student Ambassador – 1 Year

CLTA USA, Chinese Writing Competition – My Mandarin essay, A Letter to a Pen Pal, was selected for publication in the Selection of American K-12 Outstanding Chinese Works., Mandarin Writing – 1 Year

Shady Side Academy Varsity Track & Cross Country – I am a full-time, year round track/cross country athlete. I am a two year captain of the Shady Side Cross Country team and led my team as the top finisher in every race this year. I am a top 15 WPIAL finisher, a state championship qualifier (finishing in the top 2% in PA) and was the recipient of the William O. McConnell MVP award for the past three years. I am serious about my sport and am regularly recruiting new members and encouraging teammates to do their best. I also experienced success in middle distance track events, qualifying for WPIALs in the 3200m run and twice qualified for the indoor TSTCA championship meet., Captain – 3 Years

Vocal Performance – I am a dedicated vocal student. I am the Section Leader of the Intonations, Shady Side Academy’s Boys A Capella Group, and assist the choir and strings teacher with selecting future pieces, coordinating practices and recruiting new members. I also take voice lessons to help improve my breath control, vocal range and tone quality. I auditioned and was selected to be a member of PMEA District 1 Chorus, Bass I this year., Captain – 3 Years

Private Piano Study – I have been studying piano weekly for 12 years. I perform solo and organ duet recitals at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church., Piano Study – 4 Years

International Travel – I’ve traveled to over 25 countries. My immersion with other cultures has taught me the value of understanding the norms and customs of other people., Cultural Immersion – 4 Years

Tzu Chi Chinese School – Utilizing my fluency in Mandarin, I volunteer weekly for two hour Mandarin reading, writing and cultural instruction to children of Asian immigrants., Teaching Assistant – 4 Years

Jewish Family Community Services (JFCS) – I volunteer to help recently settled refugees. I prepare and present lesson plans for weekly, 90 minute English language and cultural instruction to immigrants and newly settled refugees from Syria and Afghanistan., Teaching Assistant – 3 Years

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church – I have been studying piano for 12 years. I volunteer to play piano for the congregation at Trinity Evangelical for various services throughout the year., Pianist – 2 Years

Alpine Pools – I am a part-time employee for Alpine Pools. I manage the cash register, conduct water sample tests, stock shelves, assist customers and make sales., Employee – 2 Years