Meet Shanivi Srikonda, the valedictorian of the Irving High School Class of 2020. Learn more about Shanivi in the Q&A below.
What all were you involved in in high school (sports, student organizations, volunteering/community service, etc.)?
I was involved in HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) all four years; I was chapter Parliamentarian my sophomore year and chapter president my junior and senior years. I also competed in HOSA Biomedical Laboratory Sciences and advanced to state my sophomore and junior years. I also served as class vice president freshman and sophomore years, and class president junior and senior years. I’ve been a Rotary Interact Club member since freshman year, and I was co-vice president my senior year. I was in Academic Decathlon sophomore and junior years, and I was involved in UIL Academics my sophomore and senior years. I’ve also been a student council member all four years. I’ve also been involved in some of the Irving High theatrical productions. I competed in the science fair my freshman through senior year, and advanced to the Dallas Regional Science and Engineering Fair all three of those years. My junior year project won a special award in the category Cell and Molecular Biology, Outstanding Achievement in In Vitro Biology from the Society for In Vitro Biology. Outside of school, I’ve volunteered at the South Irving Public Library in their Young Adult Action Council teen program since the summer after eighth grade, which I have very much enjoyed. I’ve also done protein and reproductive biology research at UT Southwestern through their STARS Summer Research Program, which has been one of the most enlightening, amazing and formative experiences of my life. I’ve also done virtual research with Pioneer Academics, where I focused on perception and neuroscience.
What advice would you give your freshman self?
I would really emphasize to my freshman self to get more sleep and take care of myself more.
What’s your favorite high school memory?
One of my favorite high school memories was going to the state HOSA competition in San Antonio my junior year. It was a very fun experience and seeing the River Walk was nice. Some of my favorite memories also include just spending time with my friends, whether it was a quick conversation in the halls when walking between classes or laughing really hard during lunch.
Who was your most impactful teacher?
There’s been a few teachers that have really helped to define my high school experience. Ms. Lucey has given me so much support and encouragement throughout high school, and I am so grateful for everything she has done for me. She has really impacted me significantly, and I’m so glad I was able to have her as a teacher. I also remember talking with Mr. Gonzalez and Mr. Cruz about so many books and movies, and I’ll cherish those conversations. Ms. Ervin is amazing, and I’m so glad to have had her as a teacher. Mr. Houser and Mr. Thompson are great teachers, and their classes have really allowed me to explore math and like the subject. Shout out to Coach Allen for all the conversations about government and the cool lectures.
What’s your favorite book?
I’m a pretty voracious reader, and there’s a few books I really like for different reasons. In particular, I really like Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes for its poignancy. The Great Gatsby is also one of my favorites for its captivating writing and deeper connections. Catch-22, 1984, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Frankenstein and The Phantom Tollbooth are all also books that I never get tired of rereading. I’ve also enjoyed Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead and Waiting for Godot.
Who is your hero?
My heroes are my parents for working so hard to always support and encourage me throughout my life.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
The salutatorian of the Irving High School Class of 2020 is Khanh Nguyen. Get to know Khanh in the Q&A below.
What all were you involved in in high school (sports, student organizations, volunteering/community service, etc.)?
Throughout high school, I’ve been involved in Student Council, HOSA, Interact Club, National Honor Society, the District Improvement Committee and UIL Academics. I also volunteered at the South Irving Public library and was an intern for Camp Invention.
What advice would you give your freshman self?
Speak up. Be more involved!
What’s your favorite subject?
I loved AP Chemistry. Although it was challenging, tutoring sessions and study groups made it so much more bearable and fun.
What’s your favorite high school memory?
My favorite high school memory would be attending the state HOSA competition in San Antonio my junior year. I had lots of fun exploring downtown San Antonio; it was beautiful. I’d like to thank my awesome HOSA sponsor, Ms. Lucey.
Who was your most impactful teacher?
Ms. West. Thank you for all that you’ve done to help me both inside and outside the classroom.
What’s your favorite book?
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Who is your hero?
It’s hard to choose. My family, friends and teachers are my greatest heroes!
