A recent graduate of Redmond High School and a proud Chinese American, and one of this year’s LWSD Students of Color Conference Scholarship recipients, Yuwan has long balanced academic excellence, artistic expression, and a deep commitment to public service. Her many roles—Redmond Police Cadet, Redmond Youth Partnership Advisory Committee member, varsity badminton player, and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteer—reflect a remarkable breadth of involvement and initiative.
Growing up as part of a minority community, Yuwan has developed a strong connection to her cultural identity. “Being in a minority community means that I have a deeper connection with my heritage—almost like having a second family within the U.S.,” she shared. “I’m very lucky to have grown up in a welcoming and diverse community like Redmond.”
Through the Redmond Police Cadet Program, Yuwan has participated in hands-on law enforcement training and mentorship, learning values that extend far beyond public safety. Cadets explore everything from building searches and drone operations to community events like National Night Out, all while building camaraderie and teamwork. “I’ve grown so much, from leadership to physical and mental strength,” she said.
In 2023, Yuwan was one of just 57 students selected from across the U.S. and abroad to attend the prestigious FBI National Academy Associates Youth Leadership Program in Quantico, Virginia. According to a 2023 City of Redmond news release, she was chosen to represent Washington state based on her outstanding academic record and diverse community involvement.
The leadership program, hosted at the FBI Academy, challenged students through courses in ethics, accountability, and civic responsibility—culminating in the physically demanding “Yellow Brick Road” fitness course and a formal graduation ceremony.
In addition to her civic involvement, Yuwan also expresses herself through painting, crafting, and crocheting. She plans to continue exploring the intersection of creativity and technology this fall as she begins her studies at the University of Washington. Her goal is to pursue Human Centered Design, a discipline that blends engineering, psychology, and art to make tools and technology more user-friendly and inclusive.
“I want to become a user experience designer so I can make websites and digital tools more accessible, especially for people with disabilities or those who aren’t tech-savvy,” she explained.
The Students of Color Conference Scholarship, made possible through a partnership between the Lake Washington Schools Foundation and the Remak Family, was awarded at Lake Washington School District’s annual Students of Color Conference. Hosted by the Equity and Family Engagement Department, the conference brings together high school students for a day of cultural identity exploration, leadership development, and community-building. Workshops, performances, and discussions encourage students to connect with their roots and rise with confidence in their voices.
Lake Washington Schools Foundation is proud to recognize students like Yuwan, who lead with heart, think creatively, and represent the promise of a more inclusive future.
