Meet the Valedictorian of the Class of 2023!

“Y’all very subtly but firmly pushed me out of my shell…y’all helped me find my humanity, and for that, I really thank y’all from the bottom of my heart,” is how Valedictorian Khang Vu described the sense of unity that the Class of 2023 had created in their time at Brooke. 

As Khang prepares for his first year at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, we asked him to reflect on his time at Brooke and share what he looks forward to. 

Congratulations on graduating as Valedictorian! What are your next steps?

I intend on going to the University of Massachusetts Lowell to explore the field of STEM, and learning about other areas to study! I also plan on entering the workforce. 

What classes and extracurriculars were  highlights for you at Brooke?

Advanced Lab Chem with Mr. Jacobson because I got more hands-on experience with the concepts that I was learning, and I feel that I got a peek into the college experience because of how independent and freeform it was. I was able to actually do chemistry, by making cannons, soap, paint, and more. 

Fencing with Mr. Rollock [was also a highlight]. I didn’t even know fencing existed when I started high school, and I took fencing to complete the sport requirement. As my four years progressed here, I started to fall in love with fencing. I was able to become captain, train and lead the team. 

How do you think Brooke has prepared you for college?

Brooke is a lot more strenuous with work and time. They are a lot more rigorous in their coursework, it allowed me to adapt and develop skills to make studying more efficient, which is important for college. That developed me as a person because I am more adaptive and resilient to problems in life. 

What was your favorite senior year memory?

I went to a birthday party! Due to the fact that I was so invested in my academics, I didn’t always make friends. My senior year, I was involved enough to get an invite to a birthday. That invite pivoted my journey to opening up to others, and changed my perception of building relationships.

What are you looking forward to?

I am looking forward to the experience that I will have at UMASS Lowell. The friends I will make, the extracurriculars, living on campus. 

Who would you like to say thank you to?

I want to thank my friends for changing me as a person. In addition, I would like to thank Mr. Rollock and Ms. Lin for making my days more unique and memorable. Without Mr. Rollock, I wouldn’t have fencing and ludology, which were very important parts of my high school days. Without Ms. Lin, I wouldn’t have anyone to relate to as someone who identifies as Asian. 

What tips do you have for future Brooke students?

Be yourself. Don’t feel pressured to conform to anything just because others around you are doing it. If you are unapologetically yourself without thinking about what others will say, you will be happier. 

What will you miss most at Brooke?

I am going to miss the relationships that I made here, especially in my last months here. I am excited to make new friends and relationships at UMASS Lowell, and keep these ones.