Avery is a classically trained pianist with over eleven years of intensive study and performance experience. She has received top honors in international competitions, including a Gold Prize at the London Youth International Piano Competition, 2nd Place at the Carmel Klavier International Piano Competition, and the Grand Prize at the OMTA Audition. Along with her musical accomplishments, Avery has developed a strong interest in science and medicine. She placed 1st in the Emergency Medical Technician event at the Cincinnati HOSA Regional Conference, 3rd at the Ohio State Conference, and won 1st in Optics at the Cincinnati Science Olympiad. Her curiosity about medical innovation has also led her to present AI healthcare research at the IEEE International Symposium on Biomedical Imaging. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing tennis, cooking, and photography.

Vicky is a rising IB junior currently taking AP Calculus BC, AP Physics I, and AP Psychology, reflecting her broad academic interests and drive to challenge herself. She is a passionate and experienced musician, having studied piano for over ten years and flute for five. As a member of the Youth Orchestra of Charlotte’s Flute Choir, she performs on concert, alto, and bass flutes, expanding her range and technical skill. At school, she leads the woodwind section in marching band and serves as the featured flute soloist in concert band. Her musical leadership and performance have earned her repeated placements in all-district honor bands. In addition to her academic and musical pursuits, Vicky is a dedicated athlete who has swum competitively for over seven years with a local swim club, showing the same focus and discipline across all areas of her life.

Xinyuan is a talented young pianist studying under renowned pedagogue Michael Chertock. She previously trained at the prestigious Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing during junior high, where she built a strong technical and artistic foundation in classical piano performance. Over the past 18 months, she has earned top honors in international competitions, including First Prize at the Omeler International Piano Competition, the Colorado International Piano Festival, and the Marian Garcia High School Piano Concerto Competition. In addition to her success as a soloist, Xinyuan is passionate about chamber music and has participated in masterclasses with acclaimed pianists such as Alexandre Moutouzkine and Ian Jones. Outside of music, she plays competitive lacrosse and enjoys traveling to fuel her creativity and broaden her musical perspective.

Noel is an accomplished young violinist and multifaceted student with strong passions in both the arts and STEM. A dedicated musician, she has performed with distinction in district, regional, and state-level orchestras. For the past three years, she has also been a committed member of the prestigious Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestras, where she continues to refine her technique and contribute to high-level performances.  In addition to her musical pursuits, Noel is an avid participant in robotics; as a key member of her World Robot Olympiad team, she helped lead her group to remarkable success—placing first at the national level and achieving third place internationally in 2024. Her ability to excel in both creative and analytical environments highlights her versatility and commitment to excellence. Noel also enjoys swimming, volleyball, and spending time with friends, always seeking new opportunities to learn and grow.

Alice is a dedicated young violinist with over ten years of classical training. Throughout her musical journey, Alice has consistently demonstrated excellence in both solo and ensemble settings. Alice has been recognized with top prizes at competitions including the Camerata Artists International Competition, the VIVO International Music Competition, and the Music Teachers National Association Competition. As a current member of the Grammy Award-winning New York Youth Symphony, Alice has had the opportunity to perform at premier venues such as Carnegie Hall and collaborate with some of the most talented young musicians in the country. In addition to her external commitments, Alice serves as a leader in her school orchestra, where she guides sectionals and cooperates with her peers to create high level performances. Outside of music, Alice enjoys playing on her school’s varsity ski team, reading, and traveling.

Chenling is a dedicated violinist and advanced STEM student who brings both intellectual curiosity and artistic expression to everything she pursues. She has completed AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and AP Computer Science Principles, building a strong academic foundation across the sciences and technology. Musically, she serves as a first violinist in the prestigious Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, one of the nation’s top youth ensembles, where she plays a leading role in high-level performances. Known for her technical precision and emotional depth, Chenling is recognized for her maturity as both an orchestral and chamber musician. She brings focus and teamwork to every rehearsal and continues to grow as a well-rounded student with a deep appreciation for both science and music. In her free time, she enjoys practicing tennis with friends, reading, spending time with her family, and traveling.

Amelia is a dedicated high school freshman with a deep passion for both music and science. She has played the flute for seven years, excels on the piccolo, and has studied piano since the age of five. Her musical achievements include multiple MICCA Gold Awards, four consecutive years in district ensembles and securing first chair, and four years of performance with the New England Conservatory band. In addition to her musical pursuits, Amelia is highly engaged in science. She is currently studying chemistry in preparation for the Chemistry Olympiad and has received the President's Award for Educational Excellence. Outside the classroom, she demonstrates strong leadership on the soccer field, playing for both her school and club teams and serving as captain of her school team.

Joy Ouyang is a well-rounded student with a strong passion for both academics and business. A dedicated and ambitious competitor, she has excelled in DECA, placing fifth at the state level in 2024 and earning first place in 2025 for her International Business Plan. She is equally committed to her studies, having an advanced score in her Biology Keystone exam and doing well in both biology and genetics classes. In addition to her academics, she enjoys playing soccer, painting, and spending time with friends- always seeking new opportunities to learn and connect with others.

Matthew has been doing robotics for over 5 years, both in First Lego League (FLL) and World Robotics Olympiad (WRO). He has mentored FLL Jr. teams and helped them in coding aspects, attended numerous outreach events and gave robotics presentations at FLL Kickoff. For all three years in FLL, his team has qualified for states, earning first place in robot mission points in his last year of 2024. In World Robot Olympiad, his team placed 2nd in nationals during their first year, and was one of the 3 teams representing Team USA during the international competition in Panama. He enjoys playing piano and passed the ABRSM Grade  8 Distinction. In addition, he has numerous other interests, such as swimming, playing chess, and math competitions.

Hardy is a distinguished musician, scholar, and athlete. A pianist since age three (also cello and clarinet later on), he took 1st at OMTA Buckeyes, 3rd at Millersville International, Outstanding Accompanist at Music in the Parks 2024, and was a Juilliard Pre-College finalist. Twice awarded OMTA and OU Fine Arts Camp scholarships, he is also noted for his rare perfect pitch. Academically, Hardy founded and captained his school’s math club (2nd at regional MATHCOUNTS), interns in a biomedical lab, and will TA juniors next semester. He earned two gold and two silver regional medals and 7th in state Helicopter in Science Olympiad, and was selected for Harvard’s Venture Tech Summer Program. On the field, he captained his soccer team with an undefeated postseason title, and also competes in basketball and track.