A star at science Nadia Arang, 16, Arlington High School senior

Science is cool: Nadia Arang spent two weeks last summer working at the Seattle BioMedical Research Institute, learning about infectious diseases and investigating the problems of malaria in pregnant women. “It was exhilarating,” she said. “The human body is completely fascinating. I have a real passion for science. It’s awesome.”

A top student: Nadia is one of five candidates for valedictorian of the Arlington High School class of 2010. “I’m not a big brain; I just have a good work ethic.”

Her teachers might disagree. Marilee Herman in the high school counseling office said Nadia uses her interest in the medical field to identify needs in society, and “has the potential to help the world move toward a more equitable, caring future.”

For now: Nadia volunteers at Cascade Valley Hospital, likes to tutor, is the high school representative to the Marysville YMCA, and has volunteered to teach nutrition and healthy lifestyles to fourth-graders and French to fifth-graders at nearby Presidents Elementary School. “I love getting involved in the community because I want to change the stereotype that teenagers are bad.”

Family is first: Nadia has a 13-year-old sister and 7-year-old brother whom she adores. Her parents escaped from Iran, and at home the family speaks Farsi, the Persian language. Nadia’s father works at Boeing, and her mother homeschools her brother. “My family is really important to me.”

R-E-S-P-E-C-T: As the leader of the high school’s Respect Club, she likes to combat verbal bullying, which she knows about from personal experience. There are people who don’t know much about her heritage, and she likes to be informative. “I love to talk!” Nadia also serves as president of the Honor Society and as a class officer.

The goals: Currently enrolled in an online biology course through Skagit Valley College, Nadia has applied to seven universities, including Stanford. However, her first choice is the University of Washington, where she has been accepted into the school’s honors program.

“If I become a doctor and go into research, I know I will never be bored. Science changes so rapidly. It’s all about looking for the unknown, which is so super cool. I am looking forward to all I can accomplish.”

To relax: Nadia likes to go running and enjoys nature photography. “I love to capture the essence of nature and explore the deep meanings it has for us.” In addition, she plays the classical violin and listens to traditional Iranian music.

Nadia also loves classic rock from the 1960s and ’70s, including tunes from the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Who and the Doors. “Lady Gaga has nothing on them.”

— Gale Fiege, Herald Writer

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