High school salutatorian wins over $300,000 in US scholarship

Le Phuong Nghi (Catherine Le) - salutatorian of the AP program at ISHCMC - AA received scholarships of more than 300,000 USD from many American schools such as Fordham University, Syracuse University...

Catherine Le decided to study at Franklin & Marshall College (USA) with a scholarship worth nearly 36,000 USD per year. Currently, Nghi is studying at Ho Chi Minh City International School - American Academy (ISHCMC - AA). She said she applied to Franklin & Marshall College because the school has a strong Sociology major, which can help her develop a comprehensive thinking in the field of passion - society.

Besides, the school is located in the peaceful city of Lancaster. Therefore, Nghi can receive more support from teachers and friends, at the same time, have more opportunities to promote her initiative in class.

Le Phuong Nghi (Catherine Le) - 12th grade student of ISHCMC - AA. Photo: Character provided

To achieve this, in addition to studying, Catherine Le built her profile with a series of community projects. In grade 10, she and a friend carried out the first project called "ItMatters" with a series of workshops on painting and psychology. Here, the female student applied the healing therapy method through art, asking open-ended questions to help people understand more about their inner world . From there, participants can learn how to release and express their emotions through paintings, confront and release their inner wounds.

Next, Catherine Le used her time after school to join a charity home called Saigon Station. Here, the ISHCMC - AA female student taught English for free to the girls. A year later, she continued to take on the role of managing the home and teaching all subjects for free to the female students at Saigon Station.

Along with community projects, Catherine Le still focuses on the learning process. The female student shared that from a young age, her family trained her and her brother to have the habit of self-study and time management by creating a schedule and making a to-do list for the day. Thanks to that, she learned time and work management skills early.

Le Phuong Nghi (Catherine Le) speaks at the graduation ceremony. Photo: Character provided

Currently, she is taking four Advanced Placement (AP) classes at school and two outside. She wants to challenge herself through AP courses at ISHCMC-AA, thereby improving her level and knowledge.

"Catherine is an advocate for innovation and a role model for students in grades 6-11," said Ryan Geers, an Information Technology teacher at ISHCMC-AA International School.

Of all her subjects, Catherine has a special passion for AP Art. For her, each painting contains a unique message and considers it a healing medicine. "When we immerse ourselves in art, we learn how to express our emotions through colors. Through that, we are ready to reveal our inner world through paintings," she added.

This school year, Catherine Le plans to do an AP Art project through acrylic painting and 3D modeling, focusing on the pressures behind the "halo" of achievement, as well as bad habits when trying to "race" against time.

AP Art teacher Kayla McColl also shared that this student created a work of pride. She exploited the theme of stress and the internal pressures that we put on ourselves when studying, working and even in our lives.

“She has been exploring painting, watercolor, acrylic and gouache paintings as well as unique sculptural ideas that combine multiple materials. I especially love this painting,” she said.

AP Art class at ISHCMC - AA. Photo: ISHCMC - AA

Additionally, Catherine loves AP Computer Science because of her ability to do well in Math. The course also satisfies her goal of challenging herself, pushing her out of her comfort zone.

Although the AP courses in grade 12 require students to spend a lot of time on in-depth research, with a busy schedule and activities, Catherine still maintains an AP score of 4/5. At the end of the 2023 school year, she achieved the title of Salutatorian - Salutatorian of the Year at ISHCMC - AA.

Sharing about her future orientation, the girl born in 2005 shared that she dreams of contributing to the community and wants to become a lawyer. According to her, the level of legal understanding in Vietnam is still limited, especially in rural areas. Therefore, the female student wants to make efforts every day to be able to help and contribute to her homeland soon, aiming for a fair life for everyone.

Besides, Catherine Le also cherishes the dream of becoming a director for feminist films at the age of 35, after she has had more experiences and a more comprehensive view of life.

“For me, art and movies are the best ways to convey my own messages and philosophies to the world,” she added.

Nhat Le

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