Iris Zhang Liberty High School
College Plans : The University of Texas at Austin
Intended Major : Biomedical Engineering
There is no question Iris Zhang is motivated .
Zhang , a National Merit Finalist , is among an elite group of ACT test takers to achieve the highest-possible score of 36 on the college entrance exam .
“ I like to challenge myself ,” she said .
The Liberty High School senior took multiple Advanced Placement ( AP ) courses in high school , including Calculus , Statistics , Biology , Chemistry and three different types of physics .
She hopes to earn college credit for most , if not all of them . By graduation , she will have taken a total of 15 AP Exams .
Zhang also plays violin in the Liberty orchestra and is a past international qualifier in DECA .
As part of the Independent Study and
Mentorship ( ISM ) course , she ’ s gotten the opportunity to assist with biomedical research under the direction of a professor at UT Southwestern . The research is evaluating the effectiveness of a drug to treat Werner syndrome , a disorder characterized by the appearance of premature aging .
“ Now I have hands-on experience with a professor in a research lab ,” she said . “ I didn ’ t think I could achieve that .”
ISM has also provided a lot of practical and valuable skills for the workplace .
“ It has taught me a lot about professionalism , verbal and written communication skills and public speaking ,” Zhang said . “ All of the skills that are vital to any career field .”
In other school districts , Colby Delashaw might have had to choose between baseball and track . In Frisco ISD , the Wakeland High School senior splits his time between the two , even though the seasons overlap .
“ It does allow for students to do more and compete more ,” Delashaw said .
The District ’ s model of multiple , smaller high schools means more students can participate in athletic and fine arts activities . Delashaw also plays football and committed to play at Baylor University after he was selected as a preferred walk-on .
He also received an academic scholarship to Baylor after loading his high school schedule with multiple Advanced Placement ( AP ) math and science courses .
“ I ’ m good with hands-on stuff ,” he said , explaining his plans to major in mechanical engineering .
Delashaw has been involved in numerous clubs and organizations at Wakeland , from National Honor Society to DECA . He also explored sports and entertainment marketing and is poised to earn dual credit for English , government and economics courses he ’ s taking at Collin College .
“ AP courses helped me develop good study habits ,” he said , “ and because they are college-level classes , you know what to expect .”
Delashaw gives credit to the teachers and coaches he ’ s had over the years for the success he ’ s experienced in FISD .
“ I really feel like they cared for every one of us ,” he said .
Colby Delashaw Wakeland High School
College Plans : Baylor University
Intended Major : Mechanical Engineering
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