Congratulations to University High School senior Karl Wang, who was named a 2023 Indiana Academic All-Star!
All high schools accredited by the Indiana Department of Education may nominate one senior for consideration to be selected as an Academic All-Star, a program presented by the Indiana Association of School Principals. Nominees are selected based on criteria, such as the number of advanced classes taken, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, leadership, and community service.
Karl certainly embodies the program’s high standards, both academically and through his extracurricular activities. This school year, Karl was named a finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program, which represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors.
He also served as team captain for UHS’ undefeated academic team that went on to win the 2023 Indiana Classic Quiz Bowl State Championship. Karl also earned third place in the Food Marketing category at the 2023 Indiana DECA State Career Development Conference (SCDC) and competed at the DECA International Career Development Conference. Additionally, Karl was part of University’s state championship-winning robotics team that competed at the FIRST Robotics World Championship competition.
When asked who his most influential teacher was, Karl named University Dean of Student Affairs and history instructor Jake Thurman.
“I am very honored to have received this recognition, and I am extremely grateful to have had people like [Mr.] Thurman to help me along the way,” Karl said. “He has taught me how to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles through powerful and insightful advice as both a teacher and a mentor. I am eternally grateful for the experiences we have shared together, and I know that his influence will continue to impact me far after I have left University.”
Mr. Thurman acknowledged Karl’s embodiment of the UHS core values.
“Our Core Value of Commitment to Excellence has taken human form, and his name is Karl Wang. I continue to be amazed at Karl’s capacity to continue to amaze me,” Thurman said. “His dedication to being the very best he can be at quite literally everything he does is impossible to over emphasize. What an honor it is to be his teacher, mentor, and friend.”