Knightly News

Researcher, mentor, volunteer, leader and more. In addition to Valedictorian, Kathy Hu has taken on numerous roles during her Episcopal experience. She finishes Upper School as the 2024 Valedictorian, a National Merit Finalist and a U.S. Presidential Scholar.

Kathy is an Episcopal Webster Scholar and has also been a Writing, Math and Science Fellow at the Academic Resource Center. She has been involved with multiple clubs, including Mu Alpha Theta, the Troubadour literary team, and Wind Ensemble. She served as a Co-President of Beta Club, helping to reactivate the group on Episcopal’s campus. As the President of Science Club, she invited Episcopal alumni to share their science-related experiences with current students. Kathy also participated in the thesis program, the Student Ambassador Program, the Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Baton Rouge and Youth Legislature.

Beyond Episcopal, Kathy assists researchers at Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Earlier this year she joined them to present their findings at the National ObesityWeek Conference hosted by the Obesity Society.

Kathy will attend MIT and major in mathematical economics. Before she moves on, we asked her to share more about her Episcopal experience.

1.      What are you most proud of in your academic career thus far?

I’m most proud of how diverse a class schedule I’ve been able to maintain throughout my four years at Episcopal. I’ve always been a person who enjoys both STEM and humanities-related subjects, so being able to analyze classic literature, learn European history, and employ statistical tests, all in one year, has been fulfilling. Though my academic focus will certainly be narrowed in the future, I plan to maintain my love for all these subjects and continue exploring what knowledge has to offer. 

2.      What is the most important thing you’ve learned during your time at Episcopal?

My time at Episcopal has emphasized the value of community and how life revolves around the people you meet and learn from. I’ve been blessed to have had an amazing group of caring teachers who are all experts in their fields and present engaging content to me every day in class. I’ve also been surrounded by the most talented and inquisitive peers whose passion and dedication to their interests and extracurriculars are inspiring. 

3.      Why did you choose MIT?

I’ve always had a strong mathematical background, which was enhanced by the challenging curriculum and classes at Episcopal, and wanted to major in a related field. I knew MIT offered one of the best STEM programs but found out it also had a strong humanities foundation. I think combined with the academics, the variety of things that one can pursue at MIT ultimately attracted me to choose the school.

4.      What are your goals for your time at MIT?

I hope to take advantage of all the research opportunities and study abroad programs MIT promotes to establish a well-rounded knowledge and experience base. Thousands of diverse and amazing students also flock to MIT, and I would love to get to understand their views on the world and how they wish to change it.

Please join us in congratulating Kathy on her tremendous success. Share a message for her in the comments section below.

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2025-2026 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.