Distinguished Alumni
Jayashabari Shankar
Hillcrest IB Class of 2023, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Studying Computer Science and Neuroscience
High School Highlights
- 4.0 GPA
- Bank of America Student Leader
- National History Day National Qualifier
- Science Olympiad National Invitationals Top 5 Finish
- Morgan Stanley Jumpstart Scholar & Internship Contest Winner
- Utah State Science Fair Top 3 Finish
- Utah State Brain Bee Top 3 Finish
- 2x USA Biology Olympiad Semifiinalist
- British Biology Olympiad Medalist
- EU TODO Open Data Conference, UN Science Summit 78
… and much more!
Current Position: Undergraduate Student Researcher at The Ragon Institute
Favorite IB Class: IB Biology with Mr. Mettler and IB 20th Century World History with Mr. Veenstra
Fun fact: Shabari is currently working with MIT’s student newspaper, The Tech, and had the opportunity to interview a Nobel Prize Winner last year!
Roy King
Hillcrest IB Class of 2023, United States Naval Academy
Studying Robotics and Control Engineering
High School Highlights
- 4.0 GPA
- Academic All-State Award
- Mock Trial State Semifinalist
- Social Sciences Sterling Scholar
- Student Body Activities Coordinator
- Hillcrest Varsity Tennis All-Region Team
- Hillcrest Varsity Football All-Region Team
- Utah State Sterling Scholar Runner-up, Social Sciences
Favorite IB Class: IB History of the Americas with Mr. Richins
Fun fact: Roy is enjoying finding his sense of purpose and having the opportunity to become a U.S. Marine.
Zoe Liu
Hillcrest IB Class of 2022, University of Pennsylvania
Studying Economics & English
High School Highlights
- AIME Qualifier
- English Sterling Scholar
- U.S. Presidential Scholar
- Hillcrest Speech and Debate President
- Co-founder of Aster Lit, a literary nonprofit
- Scholastic Gold Medalist in Arts & Writing
- Hillcrest Theatre Secretary and Dance Captain
- FBLA Nationals Impromptu Speaking Fifth Place
- NSDA Big Questions Debate Nationals Second Place
Current Position: Summer Associate at Boston Consulting Group
Favorite IB Class: IB Biology with Mr. Mettler and IB Theatre with Mr. Long
“I was definitely really prepared for college because of IB. I had a much easier time in my classes freshman year of college compared to a lot of my peers because of the rigor of the IB program. Particularly when I had longer papers due in college, I wasn’t as daunted. I wish I focused a bit more on depth over breadth at times. It’s definitely good to try a bunch of things, but also make sure you know where the line is between trying new things and just doing things for the sake of saying you did them. It’s much more rewarding to feel like you’ve given your all to something you genuinely care about rather than spreading yourself too thin. Also, give yourself grace! It’s lowkey never that deep.”
Jason Mun
Hillcrest IB Class of 2022, Cornell University
Studying Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
High School Highlights
- 4.0 GPA
- Student Body President
- USA Computing Olympiad Gold
- Orchestra President
- Salute To Youth Finalist
- IT Intern for Canyons School District
- Bottega University Programming TA
- Instrumental Music Sterling Scholar Finalist
- Principal Cellist for Utah All-State Orchestra and Utah Youth Symphony
Current Position: Software Engineering Intern at Meta
Favorite IB Class: IB French B with Mme. Hulet
“The best thing about IB was that it prepared me for the workload I was going to face in college! It helped me develop strong time management and organizational skills, which have been invaluable. My advice for current IB students is to never stop networking or reaching out for help — you never know when an opportunity might come along where someone could help you out!”
Emily Zhang
Hillcrest IB Class of 2020, University of Utah
B.S. Health, Society, & Policy
High School Highlights
- FBLA Vice President
- Student Body Treasurer
- Mock Trial Club President
- Academic All-State Award
- First place finish at FBLA State
- National Merit Scholarship Finalist
- Hillcrest Varsity Girls’ Tennis Captain
- Second place finish at FBLA Nationals
Current Position: Medical Student at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine
Favorite IB Class: IB Chemistry with Mr. Salter
“Doing IB made college an easier transition for me. Also, the IB program helped provide me with a supportive community of friends! It’s easy to get caught up in academics and preparing for college, but one of the best things that you can do for yourself is to devote time to activities that you enjoy and to take care of your mental and physical health! Even with medical school, I still make sure that I have time every week to run, climb, play tennis, or hang out with friends.”
Sydney Min
Hillcrest IB Class of 2020, University of Utah, Northwestern University
B.S. Finance (University of Utah), Incoming Graduate Studies Candidate (Northwestern University)
High School Highlights
- HOSA Officer
- Debate President
- National Debate Qualifier
- American Red Cross Volunteer
- Hillcrest Girls’ Volleyball Team Member
- Cellist in Hillcrest’s Chamber Orchestra
Current Position: Senior Data Analyst at Goldman Sachs
Favorite IB Class: IB English A with Mr. Doherty
“The IB Program gives you an early introduction to university-level learning. Many of my college classes felt similar to my IB courses, which helped me transition and adapt quickly. The program also allowed me to graduate earlier than I had anticipated — one of the many great perks of IB!
View the IB Program as a learning opportunity to discover your preferred learning styles and interests before college. Focus on how the curriculum enhances your knowledge and skills rather than stressing over exams and homework. IB helps shape your thinking and prepares you for success at a university level.”
Alana Liu
Hillcrest IB Class of 2019, Yale University
B.S. Computing and the Arts (Cum Laude)
High School Highlights
- National Merit Scholar
- Scholastic Gold Medalist in Painting & Drawing
- Springfield Museum Outstanding Student of the Year
- Youngarts Foundation National Winner in Visual Arts
Current Position: Senior Product Designer at Volta, an up-and-coming tech startup of out New York City that is revolutionizing student healthcare!
Favorite IB Class: IB Visual Arts with Mrs. Bennett
“The best thing about IB is that you get a well-rounded curriculum that prepares you to succeed in college. When you reach college, you will already be used to the interdisciplinary attitude and more demanding workloads. My best advice to current IB students is to please get enough sleep.”
Shreya Mahasenan
Hillcrest IB Class of 2019, McGill University
B.S. Biological & Biomedical Sciences
High School Highlights
- HOSA Treasurer
- Mock Trial Witness Captain
- Congressional Debate Captain
- STEM Utah Leadership Award
- Biomedical Debate National Qualifier
- International Baccalaureate Student President
- Lassonde High School Entrepreneurship Challenge Finalist
Current Position: Clinical Research Coordinator at University of Utah Health
Favorite IB Class: IB English A with Mr. Doherty
Fun fact: Shreya recently co-founded a bursary that assists pre-medical students with financial barriers to healthcare careers.
