1st Place: Abigail Ho
Abigail is a sophomore attending Syosset High School in New York. While aspiring to pursue a career in neuroscience and research, she recognizes the value of leadership in any field, and actively expresses herself through student government, congressional and Lincoln-Douglas debate, and by co-founding the student-led organizations Forget Me Not International and The Franklin Project. Spanning from playing tennis to playing the violin, Abigail feels fortunate to have come from a diverse community allowing her to unite these passions. When she isn’t overrun by her responsibilities, she cherishes dinners with her close family and friends.
2nd Place: ​Katie Qin
Katie Qin is a junior at Princeton High School (PHS). She is very passionate about female empowerment and is always trying to break barriers through her day-to-day life. She is interested in biological research, and her freshman year project on algae led her to find new ways in utilizing this resource to improve cancer therapy. Katie enjoys tutoring fellow students in STEM and advocating for public health equity as a team coordinator of Partners In Health. She is also third singles on PHS’ Girls Varsity Tennis Team and a co-editor for their news magazine, The Tower.
3rd Place: ​Rachel Ha
Rachel Ha is currently a junior in high school who loves to write! In her free time, she enjoys baking, listening to Taylor Swift, and spending time with her family. She is so grateful to have received this award!
Finalist: ​MengCheng Cai
My name is MengCheng Cai. I’m originally from Beijing, China, and now live in Staten Island, New York. I’m an 11th grader at Poly Prep High School in Brooklyn. I’m passionate about mechanical engineering and applied physics, aspiring to become a nuclear physicist or engineer. Last summer, I interned at MIT's mechanical engineering department, researching car engine lubrication. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and practicing skeet shooting. My dream is to become an entrepreneur manufacturing nuclear fusion reactors and qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Games in skeet and air pistol shooting.