PEORIA – Three recent graduates are preparing to further their education at Ivy League schools after taking part in an “elite” academic program offered at Richwoods High School.
Johnny Thai, Kevin Liao and Matthew Seshul each participated in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which has prepared Richwoods graduates for futures at many well-known higher-learning institutions in recent years, according to Peoria Public Schools.
What’s next for the three seniors?
Johnny Thai, 17, plans to major in neuroscience or biochemistry at the University of Pennsylvania, with a minor in a foreign language. Following his undergraduate studies, he aims to attend medical school and study vascular health.
Kevin Liao, 17, plans to major in physics at Princeton University, with a minor in computer science or robotics. Along with enrolling in an online summer course, Liao will spend his summer as a squad leader for college empowerment program Young Leaders Summit.
Matthew Seshul, 18, is headed to Dartmouth College, where he plans to double major in economics and math. With career aspirations of working in finance, he plans to take part in a quantitative finance introduction program over the summer.
What is the International Baccalaureate program?
The program aims to “empower school-aged students to take ownership in their own learning and help them develop future-ready skills to make a difference and thrive in a world that changes fast,” according to the IB’s about page.
Participation in the program at Richwoods has grown over the years, according to the school’s IB coordinator Thomas Hayes, as students learn of its benefits.
“IB is truly regarded as one of the elite academic programs globally,” Hayes said.
While the program requires a large time commitment, the three seniors described it as a worthwhile endeavor.
“I think more people should apply and really go for it,” Seshul said. “It will shock you how much you can grow if you make an unrealistic goal and try. I had the goal of getting into an Ivy in middle school and I didn’t think it would actually happen, but if you put in consistent effort and put in the work, great things happen.”
Parents can learn more about the program during an informational meeting held at Richwoods auditorium on Sept. 30 at 6 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Multiple Richwoods graduates headed to Ivy League schools
Reporting by Cassidy Waigand, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
