Khalia Zhao

• Director/ Scriptwriter/ Editor/Producer of Documentary Left-behind Children, VES Grade 11,12

Directed and produced a  documentary on the life of left-behind children in rural China, advocating for their educational & mental health. 

Recognized and awarded by twenty-four film festivals as Best Student Film/Best Student Director.

• Leader, Chinese Culture Club, VES Grade 11,12

Club concludes 70+ members. Organized activities to celebrate Chinese festivals; promoted Chinese culture; 

coordinated with the school dining hall every year to prepare for Chinese New Year events.

• Studied at Wharton Upenn Summer Program: Future of the Business World, Aug 2022

Learned various business concepts; discussed global business trends with peers; produced a group project by creating a product and developed a sales plan.

• Independent Researcher, Mentored by Professor Manuel González Canché from University of Pennsylvania, VES Grade 11, 12

Research public attitudes toward LGBTQ+ community before & after same-sex marriage legalization by analyzing social media comments; accepted by ICSPHS.

• Independent Researcher, American Research Journals (DOI: 10.21694/2379-2914.24003)

Conducted and published historical research on U.S. government’s influences on social behavior and mental health in the 19th century post-WWII.

• Member of Stock Market Club, VES Grade 10, 11

Participated in investing and financial markets, managed virtual portfolios, traded stocks, and experienced real-time market fluctuations. Received First Prize in Regional Stock Market Game.

• Global Ambassador, VES Grade 10, 11

Tracked global news and political events; hosted charity activities, for example: donations for Ukraine.

• Singer in VES Vocal Ensemble, Grade 9, 10, 11, 12

Joined vocal ensemble from freshman and performed at important school events,improved singing skills and gained friendships.

• Swimmer, Varsity Swim Team, Grade 9, 10, 11, 12

Joined swim team from freshman; learned new strokes; improved personal records; participated in regional meets and competed against other schools.

• Tech Support, Musical Team, VES Grade 10

Crew member for Mamma Mia!; created props, managed lighting, assisted with costume design and stage planning, and maintained backstage order.

• Founder/Director, Online Store on TikTok, "June Ya", VES Grade 10,11,12

Edited and published 100+ short videos of the goods for sale; gained 3,000+ followers; earned $5,000+; donated proceeds to children in need.

• Math Tutor, VES Grade 9,10,11

Tutored math for 3 underclassmen.

• Campus Tour Guide/Peer Mentor for freshman, VES Grade 9,10,11

Led campus tours for visitors; organized freshmen into social media group and guided them in navigating school life.

Language: Mandarin(native), English(fluent), Spanish( basic proficiency)

Skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint

           Team collaboration, Social-media marketing, Communication

Interests: Swimming, Tennis, Golf, Singing, Skiing, Dancing, Playing Cello, Playing Piano.