Midway High School students have a legacy of outstanding performance in standardized testing, ranking above both state and national averages on both the SAT and ACT. This year’s seniors are no exception. Eleven students have received notice of recognition through the National Merit Program, and two students have been named National Merit Semifinalists. Finalists will be named in February 2018.
Congratulations to Midway High School’s National Merit Semifinalists, Andy Kanz and Hanxing Kuang.
Andy Kanz is the son of Robin and Ken Kanz of Woodway. He is Blue Crew Captain, a four-year All-Region Choir member, an AP Scholar with Distinction, and National Spanish Exam Honoree. Andy is involved in National Honor Society, theater, choir, and chess club. He plans to attend Baylor University to major in Film and Digital Media.
Hanxing Kuang is the son of Lingjiang Tu and Weidong Kuang of Waco. Hanxing is a national qualifier, state quarterfinalist, district Top Speaker, and MHS Captain in Policy Debate. As Varsity Tennis Captain, Hanxing helped lead the team to four consecutive district titles and three consecutive area titles in Team Tennis. He was an All-District selection in both singles and doubles during team tennis season. During the individual season, Hanxing was district champion in doubles and a regional quarterfinalist. He is also Science Captain in UIL Academics and President of National Honor Society. Hanxing plans to attend Yale or University of Texas and major in Physics.
Four Midway High School students were named National Merit Commended Scholars, ranking in the top five percent of the nation: Sarah Hall, Christopher Lee, Hayoung Park, and Will Stamey.
Sarah Hall is the daughter of Darcy and Donna-Mae Hall of McGregor. Sarah is the founder of Harpistry, a member of the American Harp Society, and performs in the Midway High School Varsity Orchestra and Waco Symphony Youth Orchestra. She is an AP Scholar, a Historic Waco Foundation Belle, three-year Spirit of Midway recipient, National Honor Society member, and HOSA member. In college, Sarah plans to double major in biology (molecular medicine and molecular genetics) and harp performance.
Christopher Lee is the son of Myeongwoo Lee and Yongsin Kim of McGregor. He is a National Spanish Exam silver medalist. He actively competes for the Midway High School Varsity Swim Team, UIL Academics, and UIL Speech and Debate. Christopher has served as a member of the Humanitarian Club and Caritas volunteer. Upon graduation, he plans to attend the University of Texas or Baylor University to major in Computer Science.
Hayoung Park is the daughter of Jungjun Park and Mina Park of Woodway. She earned an AP Scholar Award, ILPC Individual Achievement Award in Computer Art, and Edith Fox King Journalism Contest awards in Layout and in Graphics/Photo Illustration). Hayoung is a an active member of National Honor Society, Midway Orchestra, Waco Symphony Youth Orchestra, and the youth group at Fellowship Bible Church. She plans to attend Baylor University, majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
Will Stamey is the son of James and Anndrea Stamey of Woodway. As a member of Midway High School Meistersingers and Chamber Singers, he earned a UIL State Solo 1 Rating and was All Region Choir three years. Will is an AP Scholar, will be a four-year Spirit of Midway Award recipient, and performs with the MCC Electric Guitar Ensemble. Upon graduation, Will plans to attend Baylor University or major in Business or Computer Science.
The College Board’s National Hispanic Recognition Program (NHRP) identifies academically outstanding Hispanic/Latino high school students who score in the top 5,000 from over 250,000 Hispanic/Latino juniors who take the PSAT/NMSQT. Congratulations to Midway’s five National Hispanic Recognition Scholars, Steven Acevedo Colon, Isabel Echevarria, Emma Garza, Jessica Sain, and Kylie Terry.
Steven V. Acevedo Colon is the son of Dollyvette Colon and Vidal Acevedo of Woodway. Steven is a National Hispanic Scholar, High School Aerospace Scholar, AP Scholar with Honors, and National Finalist in the Software Engineering Team for Business Professional of America. His leadership activities include serving as Robotics and Engineering Club President, Computer Science Club President, Theoretical Physics Club Vice President, and a Business Professionals of America Leadership Officer. Steven is also a member of National Honors Society and the Chess Club. He plans to attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), pursuing a degree in Material Sciences and Engineering or Electrical Engineering.
Isabel Echevarria is the daughter of José and Sarah Echevarria of Hewitt. She is a National Merit Hispanic Scholar, AP Scholar with Honor, Band head section leader, and Seminary president. Isabel is an active member of Spanish National Honor Society, National Honor Society, Songs for Seniors, Student Council, and Spanish Club. Upon graduation, Isabel will attend Brigham Young University and major in Education.
Emma Garza is the daughter of Lisa and Octavio Garza of Waco. She is a national recipient of the Emperor Science Award for cancer research, an AP Scholar, a National Hispanic Scholar, and two-time state finalist in Forensic Science (HOSA). Emma is HOSA President and has served as vice president and historian. She is also a member of National Honor Society. Upon graduation, she plans to major in Biology at Duke University or Rice University, then pursue a graduate degree.
Jessica Sain is the daughter Jerry and Annette Sain of Woodway. Jessica is an AP Distinguished Scholar. She is actively involved in National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, Spanish Club, PALs, MPACT, and serves in the Cameron Park Zoo Crew. Following graduation, she plans to attend either Texas A&M or TCU in order to pursue a degree in Genetics and minor in Spanish.
Kylie Terry is the daughter of William and Kristina Terry of Hewitt. She is a NASA High School Aerospace Scholar and founding member of Schrodinger’s Lounge, Midway High School’s Theoretical Physics Club. While working two jobs, she has also been involved in National Honor Society. Kylie plans to attend University of Texas at Austin to double major in Physics and Astronomy and minor in mathematics, then pursue at least one doctoral degree.
