Lia Lai

Awards

Extracurriculars

1. 1

   Founder & President @ Multicultural Club

   Founded school's first Multicultural Club, organizing the first Asian cultural event and leading fundraising initiatives to build cross-cultural community at a public high school of approximately 150 students per grade

2. 2

   MITES Scholar @ Massachusetts Institute of Technology

   Selected for MIT MITES Summer, a nationally competitive six-week fully residential and fully funded STEM program with approximately 2% acceptance rate; completed college-level Multivariable Calculus, Physics, and Biology coursework on MIT's campus

3. 3

   Academic Year Scholar @ Initiative

   Competitively selected for the NSLI-Y Academic Year program, completing a full academic year (September through April) of intensive Korean language immersion and cultural exchange in South Korea through a U.S

4. 4

   Volunteer @ Mealsfromtheheartland

   Volunteered at Meals from the Heartland, an Iowa-based hunger-relief nonprofit, participating in meal-packaging operations that produce and distribute nutritious meals to children and families across Iowa and internationally

5. 5

   Tutor for Ukrainian Students

   Provided tutoring and academic support to Ukrainian student refugees, offering language assistance and educational mentoring as part of broader community service involvement

6. 6

   Campus Ambassador @ Central Campus

   Served as a Campus Ambassador at Central Campus, leading guided tours for prospective students and visitors to promote the school's programs and community

7. 7

   Artist & Commission Designer

   Created and sold original artwork through commissioned work, developing client communication, negotiation, and creative entrepreneurship skills by managing custom art orders independently

8. 8

   Swimmer

   Pursued swimming as a recreational sport and personal hobby throughout high school, maintaining athletic engagement alongside a rigorous academic and extracurricular schedule