State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond has included one Orange County scholar as he named three outstanding students as California’s delegates at the 2023 National Youth Science Camp.
Sophie Andersen, a recent graduate of Dana Hills High School in the Capistrano Unified School District, was selected along with Elyse Hsin-Lien Hwang from Los Angeles County and Samuel Wu from Alameda County for demonstrating high achievement and proficiency in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Last year, Thurmond selected selected four delegates including Rhea Jethvani, a student from Oxford Academy in the Anaheim Union High School District.
“In an ever-changing, increasingly complex world, our students must possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to think critically, collaborate, and gather and evaluate evidence to make sound decisions,” the superintendent said in a statement. “I am amazed at what these outstanding students have already accomplished in their young lives. I know they will continue to represent California well and make a notable difference in the world of science and in the lives of others.”
This year’s National Youth Science Camp, or NYSCamp for short, will return to its traditional location in the mountains of West Virginia after three years of fully virtual programming. The annual camping experience will host nearly 100 delegates from across the United States and from nine additional Western Hemisphere countries where they will attend lectures and participate in outdoor activities centered on STEM disciplines. The camp is designed to provide delegates with opportunities to interact with experts, build lasting friendships and get a jump start on changing the world for good.
Thurmond’s office described Sophie as a compassionate and ambitious student who has developed an interest in STEM through the study of biotechnology.
In early June, Sophie joined three other commencement speakers in saluting Dana Hills High’s Class of 2023. The alumna was heavily involved with the school’s water polo team and choir, campus clubs and activities throughout her high school career. Two years ago, she created a student-led group called ENGAGE, which connects students throughout the district who are looking for volunteering and job opportunities with businesses and organizations.
Sophie will attend the Georgia Institute of Technology in the fall as a biomedical engineering major with a minor in public policy. Her future goals include pursuing a master’s degree and a doctorate in bioengineering and creating affordable biotechnological innovations that improve people’s well-being across the globe.
The National Youth Science Camp program is made possible through the planning and fundraising of the National Youth Science Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, with the mission to honor, foster and encourage youth interest and excellence in science professions through mentoring, challenging and motivating students.