Bolsa Grande High School: Fatimah Patel will attend the University of California, Los Angeles to major in English. She hopes to pursue a career as a lawyer. Her accomplishments include earning the Merit of Excellence award in the UCI Saturday Academy of Law program, being named January’s Woman of the Month, being named a QuestBridge National Match Finalist, helping to create the school yearbook, and being named valedictorian. Fatimah’s favorite high school activities include UCI Saturday Academy of Law, LipSync competitions, and designing and editing the yearbook. Fatimah’s most memorable high school experience was jumping for joy when her team won the LipSync competition this year, and the smiles, laughter, friendship and camaraderie gained during this year’s LipSync experience. A resident of Garden Grove, Fatimah is the daughter of Ibrahim and Ashiya Patel.

Bolsa Grande High School: Khanh Giao Pham Tran will attend the University of California, Los Angeles to major in Biochemistry. She hopes to pursue a career as an anesthesiologist or surgeon because she’s been inspired to help people in her community, especially the sick and underprivileged. Her accomplishments include being awarded the GGEA Scholarship and the ADLA Scholarship for Drumline, becoming the Front Ensemble section leader for Drumline, and earning her first job at El Pollo Loco during the summer of her junior year. Khanh Giao’s favorite high school activities include performing half-time shows for football games, attending dances, watching teachers play against students in basketball games, and Zoom study sessions with friends. Khanh Giao’s most memorable high school experience was organizing a birthday gift for her calculus teacher, Mr. Aviles to thank him for hosting AP practice sessions on Saturday and being a supportive teacher. She and her fellow students surprised Mr. Aviles with a new comfortable office chair. Khanh Giao attended Stanford Elementary School and Alamitos Intermediate School. A resident of Garden Grove, Khanh Giao is the daughter of Phuong Anh Tran.

Bolsa Grande High School: Chuong Tran will attend UCI in the fall to major in Mechanical Engineering. He hopes to pursue a career in the field of aerospace and robotics. His accomplishments include leading the STEM Math-Escape team to second place in Regionals, and choreographing and dancing for the Japanese Club during the International Assembly. Chuong’s favorite high school activities include badminton, water polo, chess and board games with teachers and friends. Chuong’s most memorable high school experience was helping to lead Bolsa’s water polo team to CIF. Although the team was new, Chuong enjoyed playing against other schools and making friends along the way. Chuong attended Stanford Elementary School and Alamitos Intermediate School. A resident of Garden Grove, Chuong is the son of Thai Tran.

Garden Grove High School: Justin Pham will attend UCI to major in Computer Science. He hopes to pursue a career as a software engineer. His academic accomplishments include being named AP Scholar with Distinction, winning the Congressional App Challenge in district 46, serving as President of the National Honor Society Club and the American Red Cross Club. Justin’s favorite high school activities include volunteering for blood drives, dancing during the Vietnamese Student Association’s annual culture night, and talking and gaming with friends late into the night. Justin’s most memorable high school experience was participating in a cooking competition sponsored by Argo TV with his Chicken Katsu Curry. Justin attended Peters Elementary and Ralston Intermediate. A resident of Garden Grove, Justin is the son of David Pham and Ivy Dinh.

Hare High School: My Nguyen will be studying psychology at Golden West Community College. She hopes to open her own art therapy or counseling clinic in the future. Her academic accomplishments include participating in the First Impression Art Exhibit, Imagine This Art Show, and being on the Principal’s Honor Roll. My’s favorite high school activities include Red Ribbon Week, Spring Picnic, and Teacher/Staff Appreciation Day. My’s most memorable high school experience was preparing and planning events with ASB. A resident of Westminster, My is the daughter of Canh Nguyen.

La Quinta High School: William Tran will major in Biomedical Engineering at the University of California, Irvine in the fall with the goal of becoming an Engineer. His accomplishments include receiving the prestigious UC Regents Scholarship with full tuition paid for UCI, making his family proud, and getting accepted to every single one of the universities he applied to. His favorite high school activities include playing boys’ basketball for the Aztec’s, making new friends, and the late-night homework grinds. His most memorable high school experience was when he was quarantined during the pandemic. During this time, he was able to develop and learn about his own passions without the interference or pressure from others. He was also able to discover and develop his entrepreneurial side while developing strong study habits with his closest friends, so the experience of more freedom made him realize how great a blessing quarantine was. William attended Allen Elementary and McGarvin Intermediate. A resident of Westminster, William is the son of Tuyen Tran and Kathie Huynh.

Los Amigos High School: Brianna Bayliss will be attending UCLA in the fall to major in Mechanical Engineering. She hopes to pursue a career in aerospace or automation. Her academic accomplishments include receiving the prestigious Gates Scholarship, the Regents Scholarship at UCLA, and being named a Simon Scholar. Brianna’s favorite high school activities include leading discussions in Coffee House Club, participating in lunchtime science competitions in Minorities in STEM Club, and playing tennis with her best friends. Brianna’s most memorable high school experience was filming video projects and podcasts with her best friends. Brianna attended Allen Elementary and Fitz Intermediate School. A resident of Santa Ana, Brianna is the daughter of Brian and Liliana Bayliss.

Pacifica High School: Natalie Huynh will attend UCSD in the fall to major in Bioengineering and Biotechnology. She hopes to pursue a career in the field of renewable energy to find an energy substitute for cars and aircrafts. Her academic accomplishments include UCLA Nanovation first place winner, AP Scholar with Distinction, Academic Decathlon Captain and Medalist, Math and ELA Medallion Department Awards, and earning a National Honor Society graduation stole for more than 100 hours of community service, among others. Natalie’s favorite high school activities include serving as Founder and President of Craft Buddies Club to foster friendships and inclusiveness, fundraising efforts as a Youth Ambassador for the Children of Vietnam, and serving as Captain of the Academic Decathlon. Natalie’s most memorable high school experience was competing and winning a nanotechnology competition hosted by UCLA with her team’s proposal of a cold chain transport container to replace Styrofoam in the transport of vaccines, biological samples and organs. Natalie attended Garden Park and Patton elementary schools and Bell Intermediate School. A resident of Garden Grove, Natalie is the daughter of Tiffany Nguyen and Danny Huynh.

Pacifica High School: Kane Li will attend the University of California, San Diego in the fall to major in Computer Science. His academic accomplishments include serving as NJROTC Commanding Officer, competing in the Academic Decathlon and placing second Brain Brawl Nationals. Kane also earned an impressive 1570 on his SAT and a score of 5 on six AP tests including, AP Human Geography, Computer Science A, Computer Science Principles, Calculus AB, English Language and Composition, US History, and Physics 1. His favorite high school activities include NJROTC, Academic Decathlon, and Craft Buddies. Kane’s most memorable high school experience was spending time with friends during an overnight competition senior year. Kane attended Patton Elementary School and Bell Intermediate School. A resident of Cypress, Kane is the son of Wenze Li and Wei Yin.

Rancho Alamitos High School: Vy Quach will attend UCLA to major in Biochemistry with a plan to pursue a career as a pharmaceutical scientist. Her academic accomplishments include becoming a Simon Scholar; being awarded AP Scholar with Distinction; receiving the Social Studies Department Award; getting accepted to UCLA, UC Berkeley, UCI and Chapman; and being named MVP of the Varsity Girls’ Basketball Team in 2022. Vy’s favorite high school activities include basketball games, participating in Homecoming Skits and RAHS Girls’ League Annual Talent Show, and volunteering for the National Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation. Vy’s most memorable high school experience was waking up early to watch the sunrise at Newport Beach Pier with her friends and the RAHS Class of 2022. Vy attended Faylane Elementary and Lake Intermediate. A resident of Garden Grove, Vy is the daughter of Kiet Quach and To Uyen Nguyen.

Santiago High School: Valerie Garcia will attend the University of California, Berkeley in the fall to major in Computer Science. She plans to pursue a career as a software engineer for a video game development company. The accomplishment she is most proud of is her leadership and organization of a month-long jean drive at SHS. This drive was done in partnership with DoSomething.org and Aeropostale and the school donated over five-hundred jeans to homeless teens in the community. Valerie’s favorite high school activities include Wintermas, Homecoming Dance and Class Competition, and the Senior Sunrise. Valerie’s most memorable high school experience was attending prom and being crowned Prom Queen. Valerie attended Eisenhower Elementary, Peters 4-6 Elementary and Walton Intermediate School. A resident of Garden Grove, Valerie is the daughter of Jason Garcia and Angie Garcia.

Santiago High School: Michael Nguyen will attend UCI to major in Computer Science. He hopes to pursue a career as a software engineer and aspires to work for Tesla, Microsoft, or Google. His academic accomplishments include receiving the Seal of Civic Engagement, Seal of National Honor Society and serving as Varsity Captain on the tennis team. Michael’s favorite high school activities include tennis, volunteering for multiple clubs, and learning about coding in the computer science field. Michael’s most memorable high school experience was being part of the tennis team which provided an opportunity for him to meet extraordinary people and learn many life lessons. Michael attended Warren Elementary and Walton Intermediate. A resident of Garden Grove, Michael is the son of Binh and Thu Nguyen.

Garden Grove High School: Annie Nguyen will attend the University of California, San Diego to major in Political Science. She hopes to pursue a career as a lawyer. Her accomplishments include serving as Varsity Girls Captain for Cross Country and Track and Field, receiving the Coaches Award and Distance MVP Award, being selected as a finalist for Most Worthy Argonaut (Senior of the Year), and being named AP Scholar with Distinction. Annie’s favorite high school activities include running Varsity Cross Country and Track for four years, taking AP Physics C: Mechanics with Mr. Luong, and being involved with California Scholarship Federation, National Honor Society, and Girls League. Annie’s most memorable high school experience was founding the Running Club to raise money for Track and Field. The club raised thousands for the program, allowing athletes to compete in invitational races for free. Annie attended Patton Elementary and Ralston Intermediate. A resident of Garden Grove, Annie is the daughter of Khoi and Diem Nguyen.

Hare High School: Lizzet Sevilla will be serving in the United States Army after her graduation. She hopes to also take cosmetology courses in the future. Her academic accomplishments include receiving the Every Student Succeeding Award from the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), and being on Principal’s Honor Roll and Honor Roll. Lizzet’s favorite high school activities include Hare’s Senior Picnic and playing soccer. Lizzet’s most memorable high school experience was meeting all the staff and wonderful people that work at Hare. A resident of Garden Grove, Lizette is the daughter of Claudia Morales.

La Quinta High School: Huy Quang Nguyen will major in Computer Science at the University of California, San Diego in the Fall with the career goal of creating a biotech startup. His accomplishments include placing in the Cyber Patriot platinum division, being the recipient of the Jacobs Scholar at UCSD as well as being a Regents Scholar at UCSD. His favorite high school activities were participating in the Cyber Patriot competitions, Mock Trial, and being a member of the Robotics Club. His most memorable high school experience was competing in the Cyber Patriot competition at Coastline Community College. During the competition he was able to develop and test his cybersecurity skills and nurture his passion for computer science. It was also during this competition that he met many of his closest friends and experienced great joy. A resident of Santa Ana, Huy is the son of Vinh Vo and Thanh Nguyen.

La Quinta High School: Brian Su will major in Math and Computer Science at the University of California, Berkeley and hopes to one day do something related to the fields of math and computer science. He is most proud of his third-place rank in La Quinta’s Class of 2022 as well as his AP Scholar Award with Distinction. His favorite high school activities were the Physics Boat Races, watching the faculty versus student basketball games, and participating in school clubs. His most memorable high school experience was organizing the Smash Ultimate tournament this past year. Although the tournament was purely for recreational purposes, organizing it taught him the importance of scheduling and allowed him to meet many new faces he would not have interacted with before. Brian attended Monroe Elementary and McGarvin Intermediate. A resident of Westminster, Brian is the son of Minh Su and Nhi Phung.

Los Amigos High School: Ashlie Benitez will major in Economics and Mathematics at Harvard University in the fall. She hopes to pursue a career in finance and consulting. Her academic accomplishments include earning a Simon Scholar Foundation scholarship, receiving the prestigious Gates Scholarship, and being named an AP Scholar with Distinction. Her favorite high school activities include Prom 2022, and being part of the marching band and the Pacific Islander Culture Club. Ashlie’s most memorable high school experience was taking her first AP test after quarantine as that day marked the first time of seeing friends in person after a long year of remote learning. The final relief of taking an AP exam after a difficult year was refreshingly rewarding. After the AP exam, Ashlie and her friends went out to eat and planned a day out at the park – it seems simple, but it was much-needed socializing after spending the year isolated. Ashlie attended Allen Elementary School and Fitz Intermediate. A resident of Santa Ana, Ashlie is the daughter of Deysi Gomez.

Pacifica High School: Joy Gao will attend Purdue University in the fall to major in Data Science. She hopes to pursue a career in Business Management. Her accomplishments include Local Distinguished Young Women Scholarship Program Winner and State Finalist, first place in the UCLA California Nanosystems Institute Nanovation Competition, three ACE awards from the Social Sciences Department, AP Scholar with Honor, AP Scholar with Distinction, and three-time National Finalist for the National Bible Bee, as well as earning several first through third place awards in multiple dance competitions. Joy’s favorite high school activities include tennis, orchestra, and Craft Buddies Club. Joy’s most memorable high school experience was having fun in the nantotechnology competition with her friends and winning first place. Joy attended Patton Elementary and Bell Intermediate. A resident of Garden Grove, Joy is the daughter of Jingfeng Zhen and Tangan Gao.

Rancho Alamitos High School: Ben Le will major in Computer Engineering at Cal State Fullerton in the fall. He hopes to pursue a career at Tesla as an embedded software engineer. His accomplishments include receiving the Department Award for Science and Social Studies, being named El Vaquero (senior of the year) Semifinalist, and making it to the finals for Winter Drumline. Ben’s favorite high school activities include Winter Drumline, Cross Country, and Mariachi. Ben’s most memorable high school experience was performing in the Winer Drumline finals competition at Cal State Fullerton; seeing the campus of the school he would be attending for his final performance as a percussionist was very emotional for him. Ben attended Patton Elementary and Alamitos Intermediate. A resident of Garden Grove, Ben is the son of Tammy Nguyen and Tom Le.

Rancho Alamitos High School: Daphne Nguyen will attend the University of California, Los Angeles to major in Biochemistry. Her accomplishments include being accepted to all of the colleges she applied to, earning a certificate for completing Teen Mental Health Leadership Training, being named Defensive Player of the Year of the JV Girls Basketball Team; having her photograph displayed in the first Impressions Art Show and throughout the community, and being invited to play piano at the Honors Festival at Chapman University. Daphne’s favorite high school activities include playing for the Varsity Girls’ Basketball team, serving as Historian and leader of the Art Committee of the National Alliance on Mental Illnesses (NAMI) Club on campus, and watching high school sports games. Daphne’s most memorable high school experience was being named Player of the Game against Blair High School after scoring in the double digits. This ultimately sealed her team’s victory on the road. She attended Faylane Elementary and Lake Intermediate. A resident of Garden Grove, Daphne is the daughter of Thy Pham and Quang Nguyen.

Santiago High School: Christopher Cotton will attend the University of California, Los Angeles in the fall to major in Business Economics. He plans to pursue a career as a Financial Analyst. His accomplishments include being Scholar of the Quarter in 9th, 10th, and 12th grade, playing on the Varsity Football team from 10th through 12th grade, holding the office of Treasurer and Event Coordinator for the California Scholarship Federation, being a member of the National Honor Society in 12th grade, and earning above a 4.0 grade point average since 2018. Christopher’s favorite high school activities include playing football, volunteering at the Orange County Food Bank, and being a mentor and tutor for incoming freshmen at Santiago. Christopher’s most memorable high school experience was representing Santiago High School as a student representative for an Ethnic Studies Student Focus Group for GGUSD, sharing and expressing ideas about what Ethnic Studies should look like in GGUSD. Christopher attended Riverdale Elementary and Doig Intermediate. A resident of Garden Grove, Christopher is the son of Brian Cotton and Lina Nguyen.

Santiago High School: John Ho will be majoring in Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution at UCLA in the fall.  He hopes to pursue a career as a Wildlife Biologist while also recording his discoveries as a Youtuber. His accomplishments include receiving the Seal of Biliteracy, Seal of Civic Engagement, and Seal of National Honor Society as well as earning the title of Homecoming King and Most Dedicated Player on the tennis team. John’s favorite high school activities include playing tennis after school, volunteering with the Red Cross, and field trips for AP Environmental Science.  John’s most memorable high school experience was being part of the tennis team. Being part of the tennis team gave him the courage to branch out socially and academically. John attended Warren Elementary and Walton Intermediate. A resident of Garden Grove, John is the son of Minh Dang and Xuan Ho.

Santiago High School:  Nicole Zheng will attend the University of California, Los Angeles in the fall. Her academic accomplishments include being an AP Scholar with Distinction.  Nicole’s favorite high school activities include Homecoming quad decorating competitions, Club Rush, and Wintermas.  Nicole’s most memorable high school experience was the hours that she spent crafting props for the homecoming quad decorations where she discussed ideas then saw them come to life. Nicole attended Stanford and Violette elementary schools and Walton Intermediate. A resident of Garden Grove, Nicole is the daughter of Xiao Jin Zheng and Yun Jin Jiang.