STUDENT STANDOUTS

by stephanie wallace

Sophia Saleeby Of Ladue Horton Watkins High School

LATER THIS YEAR, Sophia Saleeby will represent Missouri at the National Youth Science Camp. She was inspired to participate thanks to her mother, who also had been selected to attend the prestigious camp in her youth. But the Ladue Horton Watkins High senior isn’t afraid to forge her own path. She’s also the co-captain of the golf team, president of the Spanish Honor Society and the founder of Culture Corner, a club dedicated to helping students explore different cultures.

Why did you apply for the National Youth Science Camp?

My mom loved attending the camp. I’ve heard the stories and seen pictures of her time there. She told me about how much fun it was to learn about different science topics from notable figures and meet people from across the country. When I heard I’d been accepted, we were both excited. I’m carrying on her legacy.

What are your STEM interests?

I want to be a doctor in the future. I’m interested in taking an interdisciplinary approach to medicine and looking at how culture affects it. One of my science fair projects looked at how different high schoolers dealt with stress, and I did see a significant difference in coping mechanisms. Some cultures might have stigmas around talking about mental health, and others are more open about it. I think the future of health care is greater cultural awareness, so we can create more personalized approaches for patients.

How did Culture Corner start?

I’ve always loved learning about other cultures. My sophomore year, I noticed my school had a lot of affinity groups but not about different cultures. Culture Corner started while we were remote learning, so club members did video presentations and discussions. Since we’ve been able to meet in person, we’ve gotten to do more. We watch important movies and documentaries, play cultural games and eat significant foods. It’s been great to see the club grow and develop.

How long have you played golf?

I had taken a couple lessons before high school, but I didn’t have much experience until I joined the team my freshman year. I was very honored when my teammates nominated me to be co-captain this year. It’s been great getting to lead team bonding activities. I just love the team and the game of golf.

You also play ultimate frisbee. I played in gym class during middle school, but that was my only experience with the game before high school. Two of my friends encouraged me to join the team. At the time, there were very few girls playing. I think we started with around four. Over time, we managed to grow that number until we had enough to form an all-girls team, not just a co-ed one. The girls team actually won the state championship last year, which was really cool. We were undefeated that season, and it was a lot of fun to share that experience with my teammates. &

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