Star Student Christine Mwangi of the Elms finds motivation through her Kenyan heritage

When Christine Mwangi started preschool, she could only speak two words in English: "hi" and "bye."

Her parents arrived in the United States from Kenya in 2001.

Mwangi recently graduated from Our Lady of the Elms High School in Akron, where she was one of the top students and widely respected for her passion for language, literature and her own Kenyan culture.

Mwangi has been named one of this year’s three top Star Students. She was selected from more than 100 graduating seniors. The annual program by The Canton Repository, Akron Beacon Journal, The Record-Courier and The Daily Record recognizes the region’s outstanding high school graduates.

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"It is not every day that a true student of the world, like Christine, comes along − one so invested in learning and doing." Carolyn Beeler, Mwangi's college counselor at the Elms, wrote in Mwangi's nomination letter.

Inspired by where she came from, it drives her pursuit of where she will go.

Family, heritage, hard work, loyalty, kindness, curiosity and eagerness — all of these things make up the person she is today.

Excellence in writing and literature

Mwangi's love for language and writing was expressed throughout her four years participating in "Just Write," a writing competition for high school students as well as being a prominent member of a writer's circle at her school.

From creative fiction to research papers, Mwangi never ceases to amaze Our Lady of the Elms English teacher Elaine D. Fippin. Although her high school career was in the midst of unprecedented learning challenges due to COVID-19, it didn't stop her from continuing to be an eager and active learner.

"These challenges [COVID-19] never stopped Christine from pursuing her education. I saw a fire within her that even her cool, calm exterior could not hide," Fippin said in a recommendation letter.

Ventures of volunteering

When she's not writing, Mwangi puts on one of her many different hats to pursue her love for helping others. She manages to find time to spend every Monday tutoring low income inner-city children at St. Anthony Elementary

The seventh and eighth graders quickly grew to admire and trust her ability to work through any kind of homework problem, according to Beeler.

Whether it's academic or social settings, many people kook up to her kindness and grace, Fippin said.

Mwangi also occasionally volunteers with her family on the weekends at the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, sorting through donations and packing boxes for distribution.

Fitting into her tight weekend schedule, Mwangi is an altar server at her local parish. Being able to be apart of the mass gives her a sense of purpose and a better understanding of the mass. Her acts of service don't just stop there, though. Mwangi also helps out at an aftercare program, watching over four and six-year-olds twice a week.

Organization and time management are key for Mwangi to evenly spread her time among academics, extracurriculars and volunteering.

"Lists have been helping me out a lot...it's hard to keep track of everything without one," Mwangi laughed.

Ambition above all

Outside the classroom, she plays for her school's the tennis team. It began on a whim when she decided to play for her middle school. Ambitious and determined to get better, she stuck with it and ended up playing for the varsity team throughout her junior and senior year.

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She also finds time to study and play the piano, a hobby she thoroughly enjoys.

Mwangi said she's open to trying out new sports and endeavors in the future. Whether it's martial arts or dancing, Mwangi is always trying something new.

Mwangi's ambitious mindset also shows through her plans for the future. A fresh acceptance letter from Loyola University of Chicago will pave the way for her degree in biology, pursuing a career as a pediatric ophthalmologist.

"I enjoy learning about how and why things work," Mwangi said. "I'd love to be able to help those with eyesight problems, especially because it starts at a young age."

Her interest in the study of eye care comes from a long history of family eye problems.

Family always seems to be the driving force for Mwangi.

Family and heritage

Stemming from the Kikuyu tribe in the central countries of Kenya, Mwangi has learned over the years to embrace her heritage. Learning early on from her parents hard work and sacrifices, she knew what it meant to commit to the American Dream.

"I think my life and who I am as a person would be very different if my heritage wasn't my heritage," Mwangi explained. "It makes me who I am."

Each summer, Mwangi and her family travel home to Thika, a town in Central Province, Kenya.

Continuing to speak her native language of Kikuyu at home, Mwangi emphasizes the importance on remaining true to your roots.

"It's important that I've learned to just be myself...I love spending time with my family. My parents made me who I am," Mwangi said. "It isn't always easy, so I'm proud of my accomplishments"

'A young woman poised to make a real difference in our world'

As Mwangi starts a new adventure in the fall, she will take her curiosity and hard work to Chicago.

"I have every confidence in her ability to hold onto her practical and purposeful nature," Beeler wrote. "Moving towards stirring up a moral conscience in others."

"Christine is more than just an outstanding student, however; she is a young woman poised to make a real difference in our world." Fippin added.

About Star Student Christine Mwangi

High school: Our Lady of the Elms

College/post-high school choice: Loyola University

Intended major: Biology

Social media sites you use the most: Snapchat

TV shows you binge watch (or plan to binge watch): "The Sandman" and "Heartstopper"

Favorite subject in school: History

Person (other than a parent) who has been the biggest influence on you and why: Mrs. Fippin, my high school English teacher, has been a significant influence on me throughout my time at the Elms. Not only has she helped me improve my grammar and understanding of literature, but she has also helped me to discover my love of writing.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I would like to be a physician and living somewhere warm.

Briefly describe your favorite high school memory: My favorite memory from high school was Kairos. Throughout the whole retreat, I got to know my classmates better and deepen my relationship with them and God.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: 2023 Star Student Christine Mwangi stays true to Kenyan roots