Schools
MCHS Valedictorians: Matt Leung
Students with cumulative GPAs of 4.0 are named valedictorians at Mira Costa High School. This year, we salute 16 students. Check back in the coming days to read about their accomplishments, passions and college plans.
Matt Leung plans to study electrical engineering and broaden his social network at UC Berkeley. He'll miss the Costa cafeteria's french fries, all the same.
Patch: What college are you going to and why did you choose it?
ML: I am going to attend UC Berkeley. I chose UC Berkeley because of the intellectual community and how different it is from home. I am going to study Electrical Engineering, and this interest came from my experience as an intern at Northrop Grumman.
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Patch: What are you looking forward to in college?
ML: I am looking forward to meeting so many different people at UC Berkeley that represent parts of society that I have not experienced in Manhattan Beach.
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Patch: What activities were you involved in at Mira Costa? Which ones were your favorite?
ML: Marching band, Wind Ensemble, track, Model UN, karate, NSTEP (National Science and Technology Education Partnership) tutor, Asian Club (president), Tri M Music Honor Society (treasurer).
Patch: Tell me about awards or honors you've received.
ML: National Merit commended scholar, Northrop Grumman special scholarship recipient, outstanding musician award, Green and Gold award (track), etc.
Patch: Do you play sports?
ML: I did the long and triple jump events in track and I have been taking karate for 13 years.
Patch: Looking back on your high school years, what was the best thing about Mira Costa? Do you have a favorite memory?
ML: The best thing about Mira Costa was the support from the community for all the activities that the students decided to participate in. My favorite memory is about the french fries they used to serve in the cafeteria. They were quite delicious.
Patch: What will you be glad to leave behind, either about Costa or about high school in general?
ML: I will be glad to leave behind the standards that ensure that all of the purchased food is healthy. I, personally, want to eat lots of junk food.
Patch: Any advice for students at Mira Costa, especially incoming seniors?
ML: Do not be afraid of stressing yourself out. Everything works out in the end.
