child at the elementary school . Most importantly , I described all of the proud , happy and grateful emotions I felt with Twyla .”
Julie ’ s been with the North Allegheny School District for 13 years and has tried to give back as much as possible .
As President of the Interact Club , she has encouraged students to engage in meaningful community service activities , both locally and in the global community . These activities include the Grandview Pen Pal program , preparing Thanksgiving meals for the homeless , and volunteering at Vincentian Nursing Home . “ The Grandview Pen Pal program has been one of my most memorable high school experiences ,” says Julie . “ I will never forget the feeling of working with my inner-city fourth grade pen pals and raising $ 4,548 to give everyone in their elementary school enough school supplies .”
As President of the NA DECA chapter , she encouraged students at NASH to learn more about business and compete in a variety of business fields . She was also the vice president of the Speech and Debate team , where she taught Public Forum to underclassmen , ran two Pittsburgh debate camps , and planned out-of-state trips . Julie and her debate partner , Anmol Anand , recently won the state tournament and also qualified for two national tournaments .
Outside of school , Julie continues to be very involved in her community . She has served as the Junior Councilperson on the Franklin Park Council , attending bi-weekly meetings and working with the local community . Additionally , she ’ s volunteered at the North Country Meals on Wheels for two years and prepared and packaged meals for more than 80 elderly members of her community .
“ I absolutely love North Allegheny , if you couldn ’ t already tell ,” laughs Julie . “ I ’ ve met people from all over the country and very few schools compare to the amazing environment at NA . We offer a club for nearly every interest you could have — and if we don ’ t , you can create one !” Her favorite subjects were AP English 3 with Morris , and Honors World Affairs with Bill Hildenbrand . “ AP English pushed me outside my comfort zone of reading and taught me everything I know about writing , while Honors World Affairs challenged my critical thinking and worldly knowledge ,” she says . “ I still use knowledge from both classes every day , and they have had the biggest impact on me .”
The biggest mentor in Julie ’ s life is her sister , Lily . “ Since she ’ s 10 years older than me , she ’ s always been there to give me brutally honest advice . I wouldn ’ t have my courage or drive without her help .” She is also inspired by her parents , who moved to the United States in 1992 in hopes for a better future for their children . “ They left everything , including friends , family and culture , to give us these opportunities ,” she notes . “ I couldn ’ t be more thankful for their unwavering support for everything I do .”
In addition to the Presidential Scholars award , Julie was also selected to be a Coca-Cola Scholar . This scholarship is given to 150 high school seniors each year and provides $ 20,000 toward college tuition , room / board and supplies .
Her parents , Xia Li and Zongfu Chen , couldn ’ t be more proud . “ Julie is very self-motivated , and we rarely force her to do anything . She follows her passions , and we are always here to help her with her dreams . When we challenge her , she always surprises us and goes above our expectations . We are both Julie ’ s biggest fans !”
Julie will be attending the University of Pennsylvania in the Jerome Fisher Management and Technology dualdegree program . This allows for two degrees within four years in the Wharton School of Business and School of Engineering . She hopes to study management and computer science , but is still undecided at this time .
“ Technology and leadership have always come pretty naturally to me ,” she says , “ and I look forward to contributing my strengths and to an amazing community filled with opportunities at Penn . I know I ’ ll definitely find people with similar interests , and I can ’ t wait to make new memories .” ■
Julie Chen poses with her AP English teacher David Morris and his wife .
Created in 1964 , the U . S . Presidential Scholars Program has honored more than 7,000 of the nation ’ s top-performing students , with the prestigious award given to honorees during an annual ceremony in D . C . The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual , literary and performing arts . In 2015 , the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields .
Since 1983 , each U . S . Presidential Scholar has been offered the opportunity to name his or her most influential teacher . Each distinguished teacher is honored with a personal letter from the Secretary of Education . Julie Chen chose to recognize David Morris , an AP English Language and Composition teacher at NASH .
North Allegheny | Summer 2017 | icmags . com 17