Carson High School is proud to shine this month’s Senior in the Spotlight on Kaitlyn Nguyen, a student whose remarkable achievements and character embody the very best of our school community.
With an extraordinary 4.775 GPA and a 32 ACT score, Kaitlyn stands among the top scholars at Carson High. Her transcript is filled with rigorous AP coursework, each class reflecting her unwavering commitment to excellence.
Kaitlyn’s story is one of grit, focus and quiet determination. She entered the Carson City School District at just eight years old, and from that moment, her academic journey has been marked by ambition and consistent dedication. In seventh grade, Kaitlyn enrolled in the district’s online program, where she quickly demonstrated an exceptional ability to self-direct, stay motivated and excel independently.
Her academic perseverance shone especially during the COVID era, when scheduling challenges forced her into largely independent study. Despite those obstacles, Kaitlyn not only maintained her outstanding GPA but also earned A’s in her AP courses and scores of 4 on both the AP English Language and Composition and AP U.S. History exams, which is a true testament to her work ethic and discipline.
Beyond her accomplishments in the classroom, Kaitlyn is a passionate and engaged student leader. She has developed a strong love for public speaking, showing up to school board meetings for the 2024-25 school year and writing her own announcements with confidence and clarity. Her voice has been a powerful tool for representing student perspectives, and she has approached each opportunity with professionalism and heart.
Leadership plays a central role in Kaitlyn’s high school experience. She is deeply committed to ensuring all students feel supported, especially those at the Silver Campus, where she worked intentionally to make sure everyone was looked out for. As a RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) camp counselor, she continued to expand her leadership skills by guiding younger students and fostering an environment of growth and collaboration.
Relational at her core, Kaitlyn attributes much of her success to the people who have supported her along the way. She credits her mother as an example of what hard work and a drive to succeed can do.
Kaitlyn’s achievements have earned her national recognition. She is a QuestBridge Finalist and was successfully Matched with Carleton College, an elite institution known for its academic rigor. Being selected for a full-ride scholarship through QuestBridge is a rare and prestigious honor, one that reflects Kaitlyn’s exceptional academic and personal strengths.
Kaitlyn Nguyen is a student of profound substance, character and promise. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and cannot wait to see the extraordinary impact she will make at Carleton College and beyond. Congratulations, Kaitlyn—you truly exemplify what it means to be a Carson High Senator.
(By Madeline Hull-Taylor, Carson High School Counselor)
All students named as a weekly Senior Spotlight are featured at the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Carson City. The Rotary Club of Carson City is a vibrant and dedicated group of professionals and community leaders committed to making a positive impact. The club welcomes individuals who are passionate about service and enjoy opportunities for personal and professional growth, networking and fellowship.
