Angie Huang. Photos: Chris Emeott
Woodbury is at the cornerstone of excellence in education. Our students are more than just bright; they’re changemakers, visionaries and trailblazers. In this, our annual senior spotlight, we are pleased to shine a light on these students.
Earlier this year, we asked school administrators and staff to nominate outstanding students (Class of 2026) who will leave an indelible mark on their school’s history. After a panel met to discuss each nomination, it had to make decisions with great difficulty. That brings us to the present, where you’ll meet three graduating seniors who are passionate about the imprint they leave behind—and their brilliant futures ahead.
Angie Huang
East Ridge High School
“Angie’s resume of accomplishments is outstanding, but more importantly, Angie shows care and compassion for everyone she interacts with. Her leadership skills are top-notch, [and] her ability to create a positive rapport with everyone she meets is exemplary. I have seen very strong, academically talented students over the past 27 years as a principal—none of them can match Angie as a person. I am so thankful to have Angie as a student at our school, and that I have had the opportunity to watch her grow. It will be exciting to see the places that she will go!” —James Smokrovich, principal
What is an achievement or experience from your high school career that you are most proud of?
Community-building is an essential part of how I enjoy STEM. Last summer, I founded the Minnesota Youth Math Outreach to make competition math—a powerful tool that builds confidence in students to take on STEM-related careers—more accessible to middle school students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. I led a team of passionate students in running a free online summer camp and the first student-run in-person math competition in Minnesota. Leading these initiatives taught me the profound impact of outreach: Students who had never met each other formed new connections working together. There’s nothing more inspiring than seeing students themselves become inspired.
What is something that your peers might not know about you?
… I find myself fascinated by the exhilaration of watching sports like American football. Since elementary school, I’ve experienced all the ups and downs of being a Vikings fan. But behind the thrill of the game are pieces worth analyzing themselves—whether it be thinking about how to make the most fruitful choice for my Fantasy Football team or pondering about the statistics involved … And the shared moments I experience with family and friends make watching football that much more special.
What person in history would you most like to speak at your graduation ceremony?
Maryam Mirzakhani. She was the first woman to win the Fields Medal, and her work in math is incredibly inspiring, especially given that she pushed through obstacles in a field where she was often the only woman in the room.
What song should be used as the soundtrack to your high school career?
Long Live by Taylor Swift
What is your favorite childhood book?
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Describe your future in three words.
Interconnected, infusive, transpiring
More about Angie:
- Debate Team, captain
- District Data Assessment Committee
- Lake Middle School Math Team, coach
- LIVE instructor for Prof. Po-Shen Loh at Carnegie Mellon University, teaching math
- Math Team, captain
- Math and AI 4 Girls National Math Competition Organization, president
- Minnesota All-State Math Team, captain
- MN Youth Math OutReach, founder/president
- National Honor Society, tutor
- Piano, competition performer and community volunteer
- Presidential Volunteer Gold Award
- Student Cabinet, member
Keeley Whitcomb
Hill-Murray School
“Keeley is a very talented artist in and outside the art classroom at Hill-Murray. She makes beautiful portraits out of watercolor and other media that give the people in her portraits a celestial glow. Keeley regularly makes work that appears in the Hill-Murray art shows and has won prize ribbons in the Minnesota State Fair K–12 art contests over the past few years. She is currently one of the leaders of the Hill-Murray Art Club and was instrumental in organizing the creation of a huge mural for Women’s History Month. Art will always be a big part of her life.” —Sam Dahl, art teacher
“Keeley is a hardworking and determined student-athlete who consistently gives her best effort. It’s always fun to chat with her about her speed skating and the places around the world that it’s taken her. Her bright smile and uplifting spirit have a way of lighting up a room and making those around her feel encouraged. She is truly an inspiring individual!” —Mike Kolb, French teacher
What is an achievement or experience from your high school career that you are most proud of?
One of my proudest moments was achieving my Olympic Trial qualifying time in the 1000m for long-track speed skating. After years of early mornings, all-weather workouts and endless laps, that race was my ultimate “It’s all worth it” moment. I was able to spend the month of October training in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, travel to Calgary, Canada, for seven days in November and maintain a 4.0 unweighted GPA, making it even sweeter. I’m beyond excited to compete in the trials in Milwaukee from January 2–5, 2026!
What is something that your peers might not know about you?
… My love for Japanese culture. I’m currently learning Japanese and hope to study and continue training for speed skating in Japan during college. My most recent skating competition was in Salt Lake City, Utah, and I was invited to stay with an all-Japanese team for an immersive cultural exchange experience, which was incredible. I made many new friends, learned about the Japanese language, cuisine, culture and traditions, and was able to share a lot about Minnesota and the U.S. I’ve stayed in touch with every one of the Japanese skaters through communication apps and social media.
What song should be used as the soundtrack to your high school career?
Changes by David Bowie
What is your favorite childhood book?
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. My dad and Poppy, my grandpa, would always cry at the end.
Describe your future in three words.
Driven, adventurous and creative
More about Keeley:
- Art Club, president
- French Club
- Long Track National Development Team
- Midway Speed Skating Club
- National Honor Society
- PACK Speed Skating, 2025 national champion
- Restaurant Hostess
- Scholastic Challenge, 2022 winner
- Sk8 Hard Inline Speed Skating Team
- Speed Skating, coach
- Swim Team
- Track and Field
- Trap Shooting Team
- Trihard Triathlon Team
Stephanie Chica-Celdo
Woodbury High School
“Stephanie embodies what it means to be a friend, student, global citizen and future leader in our community. She is a student who is dedicated to her studies, to the Spanish language and culture, to promoting the Hispanic/Latino Community through her leadership in the Latino Student Union and Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica. She excels in her classes and takes educational setbacks as learning opportunities. She demonstrates and emulates kindness, patience and respect for others in everything she does. She is not only a top-notch student, but a unique member of our Spanish Immersion Community.” —Karley Mejia, Spanish immersion teacher
“Stephanie embodies what it means to be an AVID student. She believes in herself and acts intentionally to build relationships, persist through obstacles and activate her academic, social and emotional skills to reach her potential. Outside of the classroom, Stephanie shines as a varsity cheerleader and as an AVID mentor at Kids Club. Stephanie embraces teamwork and community, using her leadership skills to uplift those around her and create a supportive environment where everyone can grow and thrive.” —Julie Onken, AVID teacher
What is an achievement or experience from your high school career that you are most proud of?
I’m most proud of being able to be a part of the creation of the Latino Student Union at our school. Being able to create a safe space where people who think and look like me can share our culture, experiences and identities together is the most rewarding for me. I love being able to be part of a community where I’m surrounded by people who understand me, and I understand them.
What is something that your peers might not know about you?
… I’m the third (youngest) child and only daughter in my Ecuadorian household. I have three cats [and] two dogs, and I lived in Minneapolis until the start of my freshman year. In my free time, I love to binge-watch Asian soap operas, and I like to read memoirs/reading in general.
What person in history would you most like to speak at your graduation ceremony?
I would want Ruby Bridges to be at my graduation because she is the embodiment of resilience, hope and breakthrough—a symbol of inspiration.
What song should be used as the soundtrack to your high school career?
Sunflower by Post Malone
Describe your future in three words.
Positive, strong and driven
More about Stephanie:
- Black Student Union, member
- Cheerleading
- Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, co-founder
- Key Club
- Latino Student Union, co-founder and vice president
- Link Crew
- Speech Team
- Track and Field
