Aria Volz
Martensdale-St Mary's
ACT score: 30
class: 1/49
GPA: 4.095
College: Iowa Lakes Community College
Selection subjects: aviation
What challenges have shaped you? I've been programming and building robots since I was 7 years old. I had a passion, so I went from attending camps to teaching. I am also part of the robotics team, and our goal was to bring his STEM to underserved and underrepresented children. I started an initiative called STEM For All and my team and I teach kids his STEM camp. We provide computers, robots, and curriculum. All students have to do is attend. We have taught over 100 camps and mentored over 1,000 students. By teaching these camps, I learned how to teach new ideas and incorporate them into projects.
My favorite places in Iowa: At sunset while flying over Des Moines, about 2,500 feet above the ground.
Academic Allstate 2024: Statewide Top 10 | Complete List | Northwest | Northeast | Central | Southwest | Southeast
Raghav Sureshbabu
west des moines valley
ACT score: 33
GPA: 4.350
College: duke university
University major: electrical and computer engineering
What are your goals in life? After earning a degree in electrical and computing from Duke University, my plan is to join the United States Air Force and serve my country as a cyber warrior in the cyberspace field. After work, he has three possible career paths: becoming a university professor, working in a technology field related to environmental sustainability, or joining the FBI to continue a career in cybersecurity.
What challenges have shaped you? I've always had a hard time performing in front of an audience due to anxiety and fear of being judged. When I was in third grade, I got a job as a basketball referee. The parents of second graders seemed to be more scared than they imagined. As I experienced multiple statements, backlash, and criticism, I gradually learned to work under pressure, grow, and take authority when needed.
My favorite places in Iowa: Chick-Fil-A in college.
Jack Attinge
ames
SAT score: 1560
class: 1/345
GPA: 4.000
College: University of Chicago
University major: Physics
What is your life goal? Currently, I am studying physics and plan to eventually get a PhD. In the STEM field. I would like to one day conduct research in physics and develop advanced technologies to address important problems such as the energy crisis.
What challenges have shaped you? When I was in the 10th grade, I went to school in Hong Kong for a year due to family circumstances. Having lived in the same town since kindergarten, I wasn't prepared for the struggles of starting at a new school. I quickly realized that participating in activities and getting to know people outside of school was very helpful. Most importantly, I learned the importance of being proactive and looking for opportunities. I returned to Ames highly motivated and looking for ways to create opportunities for myself and others. That fall, I founded the Ames High School Math Club and volunteered as a reading tutor with Raising Readers in Story County.
caroline sloner
johnston
ACT score: 34
GPA: 4.370
College: University of Pittsburgh
University major: bioengineering
What is your life goal? I would like to become a prosthetist and participate in research that further integrates the human nervous system and the electronic wiring of prosthetic limbs.
What challenges have shaped you? Throughout my high school years, I faced many challenges related to being a woman with a deep interest in STEM. I had a hard time fitting in on the robotics team and was often one of the only girls in my engineering class. Sometimes I felt alone and like I was on the outside. My passion for STEM sustained me throughout this process. And I've learned to accept the fact that I have a new and unique perspective in my field. I accepted that while I might not necessarily fit in with my colleagues in STEM, I was welcome in the field.
My favorite places in Iowa: Snooky's Malt Shop.
My day isn't over until I'm done. Let's spend time with my dog.
Daisy Covarrubias Andrade
marshalltown
class: 2/315
GPA: 3.983
College: Marshalltown Community College, then University of Iowa
University major: Nurse
What challenges have shaped you? A major challenge that remains throughout my educational journey is being a first-generation student. Although my parents supported and encouraged me in every way, much of the path to higher education was something I had to find on my own. My parents connected me with people who could help me achieve my goals. But that didn't erase the fact that each step of the process had to be taken timidly into the unknown. Through this journey, I have come to understand the importance of determination, resilience, being your own advocate, having the courage to step out of your comfort zone, but the most important skill is never giving up. is. I will always be grateful to my parents for always supporting me and believing in me even when I didn't believe in myself.
Academic Allstate 2024: Statewide Top 10 | Complete List | Northwest | Northeast | Central | Southwest | Southeast
This article originally appeared in the Des Moines Register: Register's Academic All-State 2024: Central Regional Honees
