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University High School in Irvine, California.

The typical high school day for University High School students is almost indescribable. Each day follows the normality of the bell schedule, but for the remainder of the schools structure, each student experiences an extremely unique assortment of activities. Even a cursory glance of the school campus would hint at the array of influences granted by the students, faculty, and community.

As we edge the campus in the morning splurge of traffic, we see student body and council members ornamenting classrooms with upcoming events, including Intercultural Week (to raise international awareness from Russian customs to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing culture, as we are the county seat for the DHH program with over 200 DHH students) and Speaker Series (to expose students to interesting people and ideas). As class commences, we spot teachers experimenting with new forms of technology—such as Qwizdom—to educate and connect. As noon strikes and the rush of lunch begins, rather than languish, students congregate in classrooms to learn and assert their passions through clubs. For those drawn to exploring career options and academic rigor, Model United Nations, Mock Trial, Science Club, and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) impart valuable knowledge and host annual competitions; for those aiming to reform and give back to society, the American Red Cross and Salvation Army are all outlets; even for those craving to spice hobbies and interaction among peers, the Chess Club and the Great Outdoors Club extend their idiosyncrasies. Each of the over 80 organizations on campus are student-run, with the altruistic intent to impact the community and beyond. As the school day draws to a close, students still perform in the athletics and arts departments, harboring teamwork while sharpening their own stamina.

Of course, the faculty and community also actively endeavor to endorse the personal drive of the students. In fact, the teachers find the experience so rewarding, they host every 3 years Faculty Follies, a live production poking fun at the foibles of the faculty while raising funds to sponsor scholarships for graduating students.

Despite budget obstacles, our high school has maintained a high-level of achievement. From this year alone, nearly 30% of students became AP Scholars and 59 students advanced as National Merit Semifinalists. The sheer multitude of students who are accepted and attend top-tier colleges and universities is astounding for a simple public high school.

With enrollment exceeding 2,600, our high school truly embodies diversity in interests, ethnic background, and educational goals. Most importantly, however, the students are the ones who propagate our high schools achievements. The students aspire to be the futures next bureaucratic members, economists, environmentalists, researchers, and humanitarians, all of whom hope to enact change for the betterment of our country and the increasingly globalized world.