Tabb High School - Class of 2026

Arushi Raizada

GPA: 4.8979

High School Extracurricular activities: Varsity Field Hockey, Morgan's Message Club, Unified Tigers, Student Council, Varsity Track, Lacrosse, Key Club

Community Involvement: Eco-Explorers, Research at Christopher Newport and Hampton University, SPCA Volunteer

College attending: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Studying/Major: Statistics and Operational Research

Were there any teachers or mentors who played a significant role in shaping your academic journey? If so, how? My research mentor, Dr. Cole, played a key role in my academic journey. I learned so much from her about the scientific process. She encouraged me to explore my interests more deeply, impacting both my growth as a student and my future goals.

If you could give one piece of advice to rising high school students, what would it be? If I could give one piece of advice to rising high school students, I would tell them to get outside of their comfort zone. Some of the best opportunities can come out of trying new things, even if they seem intimidating at first. Take chances and put yourself out there!

What was your favorite class you've taken in high school and why? My favorite class in high school has been AP Chemistry because of its real-world applications. I enjoyed how the class combined science and math to explain how reactions worked.

What school tradition or experience will you miss the most? I am truly going to miss being a part of the field hockey team. Being on the team gave me a sense of community and support, both on and off the field, that I will always value.

Describe your high school experience in one word. Fulfilling!

Sneha Shah

GPA: 4.8979

High School Extracurricular activities: Student Council Executive Secretary, Robotics, Key Club District Governor, Hampton U Cancer Research Intern, Model UN, Girls Who Code Tutor, Mu Alpha Theta, Science Honor Society, BETA Club, National Honor Society Treasurer, Mathnasium Tutor, Soccer

Community Involvement: Key Club International, Youth Volunteer Corps, York County Youth Commission, Riverside Regional Medical Center Volunteer, Serve the Peninsula Volunteer

College attending: University of Virginia

Studying/Major: School of Nursing

Were there any teachers or mentors who played a significant role in shaping your academic journey? If so, how? My AP Biology teacher, Ms. Carpenter, and my freshman year math teacher, Mr. Kidd, both played huge roles in shaping my academic journey. Ms. Carpenter was always someone who believed in me, and during a difficult junior year, her warm and comforting presence made school feel much easier to get through. Mr. Kidd was one of the first teachers to encourage me when I started high school, and I'll never forget the supportive words he gave me from my very first class at this school.

If you could give one piece of advice to rising high school students, what would it be? If I could give one piece of advice to rising high school students, it would be to zoom out more often. High school makes small things feel urgent and important, but most of them don't really affect the bigger picture. Focus your energy on what actually matters, and don't let everything else take up more space than it should.

What was your favorite class you've taken in high school and why? My favorite class in high school was AP Human Geography. I learned so much from it about how people, cultures, and places are connected, and it helped me see my own home country, Nepal, from a completely different perspective.

What school tradition or experience will you miss the most? I think I will miss my SCA meetings the most! The chaos in the room when we're deciding small things like spirit days, and planning events like homecoming, are experiences I've really grown to love. Especially the talent show we revived this year. I really hope it continues and gets even bigger in the future!!

Describe your high school experience in one word. Evolving

Eddie Zhu

GPA: 4.8979

High School Extracurricular activities: Class President, KidWind, Tennis, Robotics, HamptonU Nuclear Fusion Research

Community Involvement: Key Club, York County Youth Commission, Youth Volunteer Corps

College attending: Johns Hopkins

Studying/Major: Electrical Engineering

Were there any teachers or mentors who played a significant role in shaping your academic journey? If so, how? Mrs. Miller, who selflessly supports to many STEM clubs at Tabb and gave me the chance to found my own Aerospace Club and travel across the nation with KidWind

If you could give one piece of advice to rising high school students, what would it be? Work hard, but give yourself time to rest and reflect. No point sharpening a sword you'll never use.

What's one class you wish had been offered or you had been able to take in high school? Chinese history, as I feel like it would give students a whole new worldview and way of perceiving history.

What school tradition or experience will you miss the most? Tabb tennis. My second family.

What is your most memorable experience or highlight from your high school years? When my lung collapsed in sophomore year; the care that everyone, including people I didn't expect, showed for my health.