Skip To Main Content

Logo Image

Hacienda La Puente

Logo Title

Hacienda La Puente Unified Senior Sets New Standard in Multilingualism, Academic Excellence

Hacienda La Puente Unified Senior Sets New Standard in Multilingualism, Academic Excellence
  • January 2025
Andrea Torres

CITY OF INDUSTRY – Skylar Fan, a senior at Glen A. Wilson High School, is on track to become the first student at her school to graduate with a quad biliteracy award in Mandarin, English, Turkish, and Spanish. As a dedicated student in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, Fan exemplifies the program’s focus on global awareness, intellectual development, and critical thinking.

Fan applied for the U.S. Department of State’s National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) program and was selected to spend the summer of 2024 in Ankara, Turkey. During her time there, she immersed herself in Turkish culture and significantly improved her language skills. She recently earned the “Superior” rating in her Turkish oral proficiency interview from the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).

“My love for language grew even deeper during my time in Turkey,” Fan shared. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to connect with people through language and for the guidance of my teachers, peers, and Dr. Kenfield in helping me pursue my academic and career aspirations.”

Fan’s linguistic journey began in 2017 when she moved from Shenzhen, China, to the U.S. as an English learner. She quickly adapted, exiting the English Language Development (ELD) program by seventh grade and has continued to excel ever since.

In addition to her academic achievements, Fan is deeply involved in extracurricular activities, including serving as president of the Linguacats Club, a student organization dedicated to promoting language learning and cross-cultural awareness. Under her leadership, the club works to connect students with valuable resources like study abroad programs and language-learning opportunities.

Fan also serves as editor-in-chief of Paw Prints Weekly, her school’s newspaper, and has been refining her journalism skills through a local internship. As she looks to the future, she plans to pursue a career in linguistics research.

“Fan’s remarkable accomplishments and determination demonstrate what is possible when students are driven to succeed,” said Dr. Alfonso Jiménez, Superintendent of Hacienda La Puente Unified School District (HLPUSD). “She inspires others to pursue their passions, and we couldn’t be more proud of her achievements. We’re excited to see what the future holds for Fan.”

Fan has received early admission to the University of Pennsylvania, where she intends to pursue a double major in Linguistics and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures. As she prepares for her upcoming IB exams, she is poised to continue her academic journey with the same dedication and passion that have defined her achievements so far.

Story produced by Los Altos High School senior Ambar Muro

Photo Captions:

HLPUSD_FAN1: Skylar Fan visits the Ankara Castle in Turkey after her language classes as part of the NSLI-Y program.

HLPUSD_FAN2: Skylar Fan with her NSLI-Y cohort peers at the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul.

HLPUSD_FAN3: Skylar Fan celebrates with her parents after the IB Theatre collaborative project performance in January 2024.