Breaking from tradition, the Carson City Chamber asked Carson High senior and scholar Kaitlyn Nguyen to provide the keynote address at the 2026 Carson City Women of Distinction luncheon to be held at the Casino Fandango on March 25.
Since 2020, the keynote address has been presented by past honorees who shared their personal experience in their climb up the ladder of success during challenging times.
After learning of the tenacity of Nguyen in consistently earning high academic scores since enrolling in the Carson City School District at age 8 and maintaining her motivation to learn and excel at everything, I felt that her story would resonate with the women who will be honored this year. They will be able to compare their personal challenges with the challenges faced by young women of today while serving as role models.
The years of hard work, dedication, and long hours Kaitlyn Nguyen put into her studies has paid off as she begins a new chapter in her academic pursuits. She soon will be a student at one of the top ten most prestigious colleges in the United States having earned a well-deserved scholarship. She can’t believe her luck in scoring this coveted slot and is very grateful to her family for their encouragement, love and support.
With a grade point average of 4.775, Nguyen ranks as one of 1% of high school scholars nationwide. Her ranking is considered extremely rare and signifies a top-tier academic standing earned by a rare few. To compare the rarity of this score, the nationwide grade point average is 3.0. She also ranked high on her ACT scoring a 32.
Her scores caught the attention of the esteemed Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota. Considered one of the finest liberal arts colleges in the country and dubbed a “little Ivy,” Nguyen was granted a full-scholarship to this private institution where the tuition and fees are just over $70,000 annually — without room or board which is about another $20,000. The four-year scholarship is worth in excess of $360,000.
Carleton accepts only 20 percent of student applicants and Nguyen is the only student from Nevada to be accepted. The student body is just over 2,100, about 200 less than Carson High.
The typical class size at Carleton is 15 with a 9:1 student to teacher ratio which is perfect for this scholar who prefers to study at home or within the smaller class settings at the CHS Silver Campus.
While excelling in her studies, Nguyen does not spend every waking moment with her nose in a book or sitting in front of her computer. She is an active participant in her school holding leadership positions and tutors others. While many of us prefer not to speak in public, she loves an audience which will be tested at the forthcoming Women of Distinction luncheon.
Kaitlyn Nguyen signifies all the best of Gen Z making her family proud of this first-generation American who, despite some early personal setbacks, just looks to the future. She and many committed Carson High students defy the research always showing Nevada ranking at the bottom on the nationwide education ladder. Our Carson City schools have talented teachers who mentor students like Kaitlyn and revel in their success.
The public is invited to participate in the Women of Distinction luncheon and enjoy Ngyuen’s talk on Wednesday, March 25 as Women’s History Month comes to a close. Cost is $40 per person for a hearty buffet luncheon. This year’s honorees have been published and are listed on our ticketing website in the spotlight section on www.carsoncitychamber.com or by calling 775-882-1565.
— Ronni Hannaman is the Executive Director of the Carson City Chamber of Commerce.
