Lu #1 among Farragut High School Class of 2025; Zhang is salutatorian
Farragut High School recently named its valedictorian and salutatorian, Sophi Lu and Eric Zhang, respectively.
Both said they were surprised they were selected.
“I didn’t expect it,” said Lu, daughter of Qi Qi and Wei Lu. “I’m really honored to represent Farragut High School as valedictorian.
“It did feel really great, though,” said Zhang, son of Xiang Zhang and Juan Bai. “I’ve put a lot of effort into studying for my classes, and I can’t deny that it was a good feeling to see my efforts pay off.
“Overall, my time at FHS was great,” he added. “I loved a lot about this school, but the definite standouts were the club opportunities.
“I participated in a lot of clubs, and I found it was a great way to meet new friends who were passionate about the same stuff that I liked.”
Detailing Lu’s, Zhang’s paths
“Spending time with my teachers and friends fostered the most growth whilst I was at Farragut,” Lu said. “I had a really great time.”
While at FHS, Lu was a United States Senate Youth Tennessee representative, a Girls State Nationalist chair and a Los Altos Institution speaker.
She also received the NASA Earth Systems Award, U.S. Air Force Award and state and regional awards at Science Olympiad Tennessee.
Additionally, Lu was on FHS swim team, for which she was captain her junior year; Tennessee Aquatics; Atlanta Festival Academy; Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestra; Junior State of America; Civic Leaders of America; Mu Alpha Theta; Science Club; Southern Appalachian Science & Engineering Fair; Science Olympiad; and French Club Honors Society.
Lu plans to attend Harvard University and pursue a career as a lawyer.
For her underclassmen, she advised, “Life is too important to take seriously. So have some fun. She also served on the Senior Board, National Honors Society, American Legion’s Auxiliary Volunteer Girls State and Women’s Leadership Advisory.
Zhang said awards he received were from clubs in which he was a member.
“I participated in several STEM clubs, but I was most involved with Science Club, Mu Alpha Theta and HOSA,” he said. “I also did some volunteering with Key Club and the National Junior Honor Society.
“My favorite (recognitions) are probably placing as a finalist at the International HOSA Leadership Conference and winning first place at the Regional Science Olympiad,” Zhang added.
After graduation, he plans to attend Washington University in St. Louis.
“I want to major in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering, though I’m also really interested in computer science,” the salutatorian said. “I think it would be super cool to work on designing spacecraft, like rockets or satellites.”
However, “I’d be satisfied with working any aerospace engineering job, though,” Zhang said. “I just think the entire field is fascinating.”
Zhang also advised, “Don’t forget to have fun.
“I know it’s a really generic piece of advice, but it’s something I can’t emphasize enough,” he added. “Go to dances, sports games and anything that just lets you get out there and talk to your classmates.
“I spent a lot of my freshman year just keeping to myself — but my life immediately got 10 times better the first time I went to a football game. It might not be for everyone, but you’ll never know if it’s for you until you just try it once.”
