Whiz Kid of the Week - Isabelle Chiu

Isabelle Chiu: Age 13

8th grade student at Schools: BASIS Independent Silicon Valley in San Jose, Young Genius, Bay Area Debate Academy in Saratoga, CA, 95070

Accomplishments:

- 3rd place in speech at Stanford National Speech and Debate tournament – January 2016
- 2nd place in speech at Berkeley Speech Tournament – October 2015
- Silver medal in speech at BAUDL Fall Speech and Debate tournament
- 1st place Art Fair winner at Challenger
- 1st place Young Author at Challenger
- 1st place Bay Area Art Competition
- Student Ambassador
- National Junior Honor Society member
- Invited to open the Los Gatos Town Council meeting
- Honor Roll student

Isabelle joined Young Genius, Bay Area Speech and Debate Academy three years ago, as she wanted to learn debate and be a part of the Young Genius Team. After two years, she realized her passion for speech and joined the speech division. Within one year, Isabelle became successful in speech, winning multiple awards at several tournaments throughout the Bay Area. “When I first began working with Isabelle I noticed the raw talent that she exuded for speech, and over the past year I saw Isabelle hungrily devour everything that the program has to offer; I cannot wait to see how Isabelle’s passion for speech and debate will develop and pay a role in her future speech and debate competitive career,” states Taisia Dubinina, Speech Program Director at Young Genius, Bay Area Speech and Debate Academy. Isabelle excels academically; taking both AP World History and AP Computer Science and maintaining an A average while she is in eighth grade. Isabelle has earned numerous honor roll awards and an award of distinction for her academics. Isabelle also shares her achievements with other students. She volunteers as peer tutor in her school, is a Student Ambassador, and a member of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). In her free time, Isabelle enjoys reading a variety of books, ranging from classic novels to psychology and law. She is also a talented artist, and has won many competitions around the Bay Area. She is very much interested in both law and science, inspired by her parents and her experiences. Isabelle also likes sports as she fences and plays volleyball, and is getting ready for her school team’s volleyball tryouts. Isabelle believes in self-improvement and is always looking for opportunities to improve her skills and enhance her knowledge as she continues to explore her passions and find new ones.