extracurriculars Highlights from Matthew Zhang
Writing
- Member of the Iowa Young Writer’s Studio (IYWS), 2021 Summer
A prestigious writing summer camp with less than 5% acceptance rates - Member of the Between the Lines (BTL) International Writing Program, 2020 Summer
Hosted by the University of Iowa for a cultural exchange program that focuses on the art and craft of creative writing. - Issued by Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Community Service Leadership
- Livingston Youth Organization For Human Services
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which conducts various community service projects throughout the township of Livingston and neighboring communities - “2021 Hero” of New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District
Issued by House Representative Mikie Sherrill · Dec 2021
Recognized for outstanding community service efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic
2x winner of the President’s Gold Volunteer Service Award
Received the award in both 2020 and 2021
Entrepreneurship
- Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) – Competitive Events Achievements
Speech and Debate
Public Forum Debate Rankings
Issued by National Speech And Debate Association (NSDA) · Aug 2021New Jersey State Rank:
#1 partnership, #2 individual debaterUnited States (national) Rank:
#2 partnership, #5 individual debater- Issued by Tournament of Champions · Apr 2020
- Semifinalist in Public Forum at the 2022 NCFL Grand National tournament
Placed in the top 10 out of hundreds of teams from around the world in this global debate competition
- 2x qualifier to the NSDA National Championship Tournament
3x qualifier to the National Catholic Forensic League Grand National Tournament
3x qualifier to the Tournament of Champions:
10 career TOC bids, only 1% of all high school debaters qualify for the TOC
- National Circuit Debate Tournament Accolades
Other Leadership Activities and Awards
- Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award from University of Rochester， June 2022
Demonstrated commitment to understanding and addressing difficult social issues；
Leadership and dedication to community action；
Strong grades and rigorous courses taken in the humanities and social sciences - Elected Vice President of LHS Student Government Association , June 2022 – June 2023
- Cornell University Book Award, June 2022
The Cornell University Book Award is given to an outstanding student in the junior class who exemplifies the initiative, integrity and excellence in an environment of collegiality, civility and responsible stewardship - President of National Honor Society, Livingston High School chapter, elected April 2022 –
Founded in 1921, the National Honor Society recognizes outstanding high school students who have demonstrated commitment to four principles: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. More than one million high school students participate in NHS related activities today. - Class of 2023 Officer
Livingston High School Student Government Association, Sep 2019 – Jun 2021
Livingston, New Jersey, United States - Youth Group Fellowship Leader
Chinese Christian Church of New Jersey, Jul 2020 – Present
Parsippany, New Jersey, United States - Co-Founder and Curriculum Director
International Youth Debate Initiative, Jul 2020 – Present
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which addresses disparate access to debate education through quality, free debate camps, mentorship, articles, resources, and more. - Reflection on Sept. 11 , Livingston Honors Sept. 11 Victims at 21st Annual Remembrance Ceremony
- Heritage Middle School graduation speech, 2019 June
- Hillside Elementary School graduation speech, 2016 June
Present of Student Council