Academic All-State 2019: Meet Iowa's top high school seniors

Correction: An earlier version of this story should have said the two of the featured students took the SAT. It has been updated.

These are Iowa’s best and brightest students, the next generation of leaders. Each year, Des Moines Register editors ask Iowa school officials to nominate seniors for Academic All-State recognition.

Each school selects one graduating senior who stands out among his or her peers for achievements in academics, community involvement, and leadership. The students share their own thoughts reflecting on, and looking toward their futures.

Register editors then chose 10 “outstanding students” from the entire state to feature here. Editors also chose five more students from each of five geographical regions to highlight. We also publish the names of all students selected by their school officials.

► PHOTOS: Meet the top state and regional students 

► ACADEMIC ALL-STATE 2019:All the nominees since 2010

► 2019 REGIONAL STANDOUTS:Central | Northwest | Northeast | Southwest | Southeast

► WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK: Don’t see your school represented and want to be included in 2020? Have a question or comment about the selections or the rest of the section? Contact section editor Lucas Grundmeier at lgrundme@dmreg.com or 515-284-8142.

Top 10 students statewide

Cassidy Carolan

Decorah

ACT score: 36

Class rank: 1 of 146

GPA: 4.0

College: Iowa State University

Major: Mechanical Engineering

What are your life goals? I have always been drawn to the world of physics and math. Nothing is more satisfying to me than using these principles to solve problems. I have taken several Project Lead the Way engineering courses and have enjoyed the thrill of searching for answers to real-world issues. Next year, I will continue taking courses that challenge me to think creatively and explore the unknown. I enjoy the engineering field because there is a constant drive to keep improving, keep working and never settle for good enough. My eventual goal is to work for a company dealing with some sort of flight vehicle or rocket. The concept of flight has always intrigued me and I aspire to help create innovative ways to more efficiently propel objects through space. 

What challenges have shaped you, and how? My natural tendency is to procrastinate any and all projects and assignments I am given. Usually, this leaves me panicked and stressed, trying to finish everything at the last second. Over the last few years, I have learned to prioritize my schedule to allow myself ample time to complete tasks, while also creating opportunities for me to relax with my family and friends without having to worry about things not being completed. I have also learned that a task will always seem more reasonable if I break it into smaller portions. Whether it be a running workout or a daunting paper, focusing on one piece at a time makes the task seem much more manageable. I have become much more aware of how I spend my time, helping me to become a better family member, teammate, and friend.

Best high school memory: Before the holiday break, the choir was caroling around school. When they came to the weight room our coach, in reindeer pants, was so inspired he began lifting in time with “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.”

My favorite place in Iowa: Van Peenan Park in Decorah. In the summer, I love running along the dirt trails with my friends, the wind blowing through the trees and the sun filtering through the leaves.

My day is not complete until I ... go for a run because it clears my head and reminds me that I am always capable of more than I think, whether it be one more step or one more mile.

Astoria Chao

Cedar Falls

ACT score: 36

GPA: 4.22

College: Washington University 

Major: Biochemistry

What are your life goals? To explore the world around me. I have ideas for many projects, from creating a cafe centered around philosophical discussion to working to bring better healthcare to developing countries, and more ideas are sure to come. But my main goal is to become a physician and a medical researcher because of my passion for science and service. I’ve volunteered at the hospital since ninth grade and my experience helping patients, playing the violin for them, and seeing the workings of medicine only makes me more excited to pursue this road. I love reading scientific articles online and hope to one day make waves researching antibiotic resistance, dementia, treatment techniques, or genetics. I want to stand on the cutting edge of research and by the beds of patients who I will one day have the ability to truly help.

What challenges have shaped you, and how? I’ve always possessed a burning desire to understand the lives and stories of those around me and to help others. But for most of my life my shyness, which was exacerbated because of a school change, overshadowed that. One day in eighth grade, I decided to sit at every table in the lunchroom. I only made it past one table as embarrassment consumed me. I realized a more subtle sort of courage was necessary. Instead of making extravagant gestures, I made a resolution to simply say hello to whoever was around me at any given time. With that resolution, a former bully became friends with me, I started a philosophy club where I lead discussions with peers, and I finally gained the confidence to talk to people I yearned to talk to. Most importantly, I became someone who never walks past someone when they need help. I used to feel I would be stepping out of place if I intervened in others’ lives, but now I know that it’d be awful not to reach out simply because I’m scared.

Best high school memory: It’s the silly antics that bring me joy — from guys spontaneously bursting into the "Boys Dance Team" routine in chemistry to the orchestra teacher telling stories and reducing us to giggles.

My favorite place in Iowa: My best friend’s old house out in the country. My favorite memories are of splashing in the pond at sunset and hiding in her secret closet so I can stay a bit longer as our moms search for us.

Matthew Cunningahm

Grinnell

ACT score: 36

Class rank: 1 of 126

GPA: 4.096

College: Undecided

Major: Biomedical Engineering

What are your life goals? I plan on attending a four-year institution to major in biomedical engineering on the pre-med track. At the moment, I see myself going more towards the engineering field rather than the medical field; however, as medicine has always been an interest of mine, I would like to keep that path available should I change my mind. I plan to focus on biomechanics within the biomedical engineering field because when I graduate, my goal is to work on the development and improvement of prostheses. I have seen, for example, how amputee's lives have been affected due to the loss of a limb, and I feel that, with the technology that the world has at its fingertips, there is no reason why this effect should not be minimized. 

What challenges have shaped you, and how? Ever since I can remember, my family has been impacted by the cruelty of cancer and disease. Before I was born, my grandma passed away from cancer. My grandpa suffered from Parkinson's disease before he passed away during my childhood, and my uncle suffered from a rare degenerative disease that slowly caused him to be unable to perform even the simplest of tasks. It was during my uncle's fight with his disease that I became intrigued by medicine. I saw how it gave my uncle much longer than he would have been given just twenty years ago, but still, it was not enough. It placed a drive in me to do whatever I could to create a world where cancer, disease and other abnormalities do not get to dictate someone's quality of life.

Best high school memory: Going to the state cross country meet all four years and getting runner-up as a team two of those years.

My favorite place in Iowa: Kinnick Stadium. There is no place I'd rather be on a Saturday afternoon in the fall than at Kinnick watching the Hawks.

My day is not complete until I ... listen to something new. I have my favorite artists, but there is too much music out there to not listen to something I haven't heard before.

Reed Godbersen

OABCIG

ACT score: 35

Class rank: 2 of 61

GPA: 4.01

College: Undecided

Major: Chemical Engineering

What are your life goals? One of my goals for college is to get a degree in chemical engineering. I’ve always been interested in math, science and business. My plan is to get a job as a chemical engineer in the research and development department of a company because I like the process of creating new things from the ground up. It’s rewarding to take a project from just an idea to a finished product. Going back to school to get my MBA would be a possible goal of mine as well. As far as my personal goals go, I would like to contribute more to the community, especially through my church. One way I plan on doing that is by joining the Knights of Columbus. 

What challenges have shaped you, and how? The development of my grandma’s Alzheimer’s disease has been a challenge that has profoundly shaped me and my family. My grandma and I were very close growing up. I have many fond memories of us golfing, doing puzzles and playing countless board games together. When I was about ten years old, my grandma started to forget things, repeat herself and just grow more and more confused with what seemed like normal, everyday behavior. What started off with her forgetting where to drive and retelling the same story over and over again progressed into her no longer remembering who I or my siblings were. But while the disease has changed her, she is still the same grandma I know and love. I hope that research may find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease soon.

Best high school memory: Winning our district basketball game my senior year. We played hard as a team and fought our way to a win. Winning our district had been a goal for a long time

My favorite place in Iowa: Lake Okoboji. I have many great memories spent with family and friends over the past eighteen summers there. Boating is my favorite summer activity at Okoboji.

My day is not complete until I ... have checked my Twitter feed. Twitter is my go to social media app that I check at least once a day (sometimes a lot more than once).

Gregory Gott

Sigourney

SAT score: 1570

Class rank: 1 of 44

GPA: 3.98

College: Undecided

Major: Computer Science

What are your life goals? My professional goal is to advance artificial intelligence and improve online learning.

What challenges have shaped you, and how? I have grown up in poverty most of my life and there were many challenges when it came to my education. There were times I did not have any transportation to get to school activities and I struggled with getting to where I needed to be on a timely basis.

Best high school memory: Going to state dual wrestling as a team my freshman year.

My favorite place in Iowa: I don't get around a lot, so I would have to say my favorite place is Sigourney. It doesn't get much better than this place.

My day is not complete until I ... My day is not complete until I get at least 8 hours of sleep a night.

Tyler Juffernbruch

Indianola

ACT score: 34

Class rank: 1 of 262

GPA: 4.0

College: Yale University

Major: Ethics, Politics and Economics

What are your life goals? My interests all culminate around the social sciences. I’ve found intrinsic interest in public policy by advocating with the State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council. Impacting fellow youth lives across Iowa through policy is humbling. As the world faces globalization, I hope to ensure that developing nations are not being left behind, and that collective economic growth and political well-being can occur. With this, I hope to bring American values of human rights to developing nations, namely those suffering from economic downturns. After I retire, I hope to retreat back to academia and study history in-depth. If I can challenge the perceptions about history that are rooted in systemic racism or implicit biases, and encourage a more equitable tale of history, I would feel fulfilled.

What challenges have shaped you, and how? The most prevalent challenge I faced throughout high school was finding myself. In my homogenous community, I frequently found myself placed in a box and labeled as others perceived me. I succumbed, and tried to fit into the "box" that my peers assigned; however, my unbridled interests soon prevailed. I found myself in politics, the choir room and the swimming pool. These seemingly unrelated activities became my unlikely passions that would shape my outlook on life. I came to have an underlying respect for the intricacy of other’s lives and interests. My awareness of the complexity of those around me encourages me to seek to have insightful conversations and to gain a nuanced perspective on life.

Best high school memory: On my AP Euro trip, watching the sunrise on the Sorrentine horizon, swimming on the shores of Capri, gazing at St. Peter’s Basilica, and visiting the Acropolis made learning about Henry VIII worth it.

My favorite place in Iowa: The Iowa State Capitol, the epicenter of state politics. As a page, I absorb government in action — witnessing legislators from all backgrounds come together to improve Iowa is a remarkable experience

My day is not complete until I ... have my dose of NPR. The pragmatic and rational conversations restore faith that people can have effective political conversations to gain nuanced perspectives, all while seeking common ground

Sean McDermott

Madrid

ACT score: 36

Class rank: 1 of 46

GPA: 4.0

College: Undecided

Major: Undecided

What are your life goals? My professional goal is to find a career where I can help people and make a difference. While I don’t know exactly what career or field I will enter, I aspire to follow my faith to help make the world a better place. I can see this taking many forms, possibly in business, engineering or as a teacher or professor. My parents have both been high school educators for the majority of their careers, and I have seen firsthand the impact that education can have on students. More importantly, as a life goal, I aspire to have a family and be active in my community and church through leadership, volunteering and fun activities. I want to enjoy both the important moments and little things with my family. I aspire to stay active athletically, to travel and to provide enriching experiences for my family.

What challenges have shaped you, and how? The biggest challenge that shaped me was moving to a new school. My family and I moved from Ankeny to Madrid when I was entering seventh grade. I was sad to leave familiar friends and places. I had to adjust to a new house, meet new friends, and become acquainted with a new community. The move was difficult at first. I was sick on the first day of school and felt anxious about how I would fit in. The challenge turned out to be one of the best things that happened to me. I quickly made new friends and learned to appreciate the benefits of a small town. The skills I learned from adjusting to a new place will serve me in the future as I go to college, find a job, and settle in a new community. Most importantly, I learned how to develop close relationships with people. I now know nearly every classmate at my school and appreciate the value of a small school. Moving from Ankeny to Madrid proved to be a pivotal experience in shaping who I am as a person.

Best high school memory: My favorite high school memory was winning the 2018 1A state cross country team title for the first time in Madrid since 1965 and enjoying the moment with my family, teammates, coaches, and community.

My favorite place in Iowa: The High Trestle Trail Bridge in my hometown. It's perfect for running, biking, and enjoying the outdoors.

My day is not complete until I ... laugh about something funny that happens at school, practice, home, church or any other place where I spend time.

James Meng

West Des Moines Valley 

ACT score: 36

GPA: 4.455

College: Undecided

Major: Economics

What are your life goals? I plan on studying economics in college. I want to learn more about the complexities of economics, especially in developing economies. I also want to further my understanding of how to help build balanced economics. With my degree, I want to use insights in economics in a positive way. I plan to work in a consulting role, working with various international businesses, nonprofits or nongovernmental organizations on adapting to economic challenges. One of my ultimate goals is to serve in a research or policymaking capacity so that I can help shape policies to minimize income inequalities and assist underserved populations.

What challenges have shaped you, and how? My parents immigrated to the United States, leaving their entire family in China in the pursuit of better education for myself and my siblings. While I have always appreciated greater access to education, I have also struggled with having my entire extended family living in another country. My family is only able to visit our extended family once every four to five years, and this was hard for me growing up. Especially when other students talked about visiting their aunts, uncles and grandparents, I didn’t know if I had a place in my community. I have overcome this challenge by looking to my inner family for support while also seeking out another “family” of close friends.

Best high school memory: The United States Senate Youth Program! I was selected to attend a memorable week in Washington, D.C. where I visited sites, met political figures, and learned about the importance of public service

My favorite place in Iowa: The Raccoon River. My family lives near the park, and we go very often. I have spent my time running around the playground, fishing with my father and taking walks with my family

My day is not complete until I ... spend time with my younger brother. Growing up, being a good role model for him and spending time together was a top priority. Time with him is always a rewarding part of my day.

Adam Schuch

Le Mars Gehlen Catholic

ACT score: 35

Class rank: 4 of 32

GPA: 3.986

College: Iowa State University

Major: Computer Science

What are your life goals? My professional goal is to own my own tech company. I hope to lead a company that can help research or develop some sort of revolutionary technology, such as easily accessible solar power or the development of Artificial Intelligence. These technologies have always interested me.

What challenges have shaped you, and how? A couple of years ago, I decided I wanted to build my own computer. I saved up and researched all the parts and their compatibility and eventually got to order them. I put it together and it worked great. About a year later my neighbor's house got struck by lightning and my computer was fried. It took about 3 months and $200 in new parts to get it running again, but when it finally did, I felt accomplished. I was able to troubleshoot my computer without help from a professional. Recently I've been teaching myself coding and I find it interesting. I hope to make a career in computer science.

Christopher Yao

Johnston

SAT score: 1590

GPA: 4.47

College: Undecided

Major: Mathematics and Chemistry

What are your life goals? I hope to blend my interests in mathematics and chemistry by modeling complex chemical reactions and mechanisms so we can understand them better. Ultimately, I want to make progress on a cure for Alzheimer's disease and answer the "how" and "why" of everything.

What challenges have shaped you, and how? For as long as I can remember, my father has worked out-of-state and it's been just me and my mother. As a result, I've had to take on additional responsibilities, and I have learned to be accountable and independent.

Best high school memory: Playing in the district championship tennis match at my high school while my friends and classmates cheered me on.

My favorite place in Iowa: Saylorville Dam, which overlooks miles of trees and water. It's a tranquil place —the only location where I can truly stop and think.

My day is not complete until I ... solve a Rubik's cube and continue my streak on Duolingo. Oh, and Wikipedia to procrastinate.

► ACADEMIC ALL-STATE 2019:All the nominees since 2010

► TOP 10 STUDENTS STATEWIDE FOR 2019

► 2019 REGIONAL STANDOUTS:Central | Northwest | Northeast | Southwest | Southeast