King High students awarded National Merit honors

David Su By Gloria Bigger-Cantu

Two H.M. King High School senior students have been recognized for their academic achievements.

David Su has been named as a National Merit Semi-finalist and Nathan Westbrook received a National Merit Scholar Commendation.

Both students, who are best friends, are in the top 10 percent of their class.

“We are very proud of David and Nathan’s recent National Merit Scholarship achievements,” said Mary Martinez, their HMKHS counselor.

“Both are exemplary students at H.M. King High School, and the two of them as best friends have succeeded in their together,” she said.

The PSAT is a test given to high school students nationwide in the areas of writing, math and critical writing skills. The test is intended as an assessment of knowledge and skills gained through their educational process. Students take the test during their junior year and informed of their scores the next year. The National Merit Scholarship recipients will be announced in Feb. 2010.

Nathan Westbrook Cemetery David’s scores were in the top 10 percent of the 1.5 million students who took the test. He is one of 1600 semi-finalists. Nathan was one of 50,000 students receiving a Letter of Commendation from the 1.5 million students who took the test.

Martinez praises both of them, not only for their academic successes but also because of their maturity and relationship with other students.

“Both are very well grounded and helpful to others,” Martinez said. “They are always willing to help their fellow students in academic subjects and other ways.

David, 17, and Nathan, 17, related their educational goals, and thoughts on being H.M.K.H.S. students during a recent interview. Their favorite subjects are the sciences, especially math courses.

David sets goals for himself. David’s goal is to attend Stanford as an undergraduate and receive a biomedical degree. After accomplishing this goal, he plans to attend Harvard medical school to become a doctor. His other goal is to study at Carnegie Melon College of Engineering in Pennsylvania to pursue engineering research.

“This is how I feel; I want to learn and I want to know,” David said. “any H.M.King High School student can acquire an education if they are motivated in learning; to indulge yourself in learning.”

“Education opens the doors of opportunities in the future and that is what we are looking for-the future,” he said.

He recalled that his former English teacher Tom Culp told him that studying 15 more minutes a day could really elevate grades.

David credits his mother, Lisa, for being instrumental in his study habits and instilling the value of education.

“My mom has really been helpful,” he said.

His father, the late Dr. Edward Su taught political science at Texas A&M University Kingsville. Dr. Su died when David was five years old.

His older brother Francis Su graduated from H.M. King High School in 1985 as valedictorian. He holds a PhD in math from Harvard and works as a professor at Harvey Mudd School of Engineering College in California.

“I look at him as a model student,” David said referring to his brother.

His sister, Debbie, another H.M. King High School alumni, graduated from Texas A&M College Station and works in the medical field in Dallas.

Besides praising his mother, David credits other people who have helped him. They are Mary Martinez, his high school counselor and HMK teachers that include Walter Mebane, former chemistry teacher; Eddie Rios Jr., math teacher; and Roger Hill, English teacher. He also credits Diane Harris who taught him Latin as a freshman student. She moved from Kingsville and is still teaching .in Texas.

“They have been instrumental in stimulating my academic success and developing my character, and expanding my knowledge and experience,” David said.

This summer he attended a high school program at Harvard University and studied physics. Studying with 11 professors, David earned A’s and received college credits.

By the time David graduates from high school next year, he will have acquired 80 hours through AP courses, and courses work at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

Among his other achievement, David is a member of the National Honor Society, an Eagle Scout, captain of the Challenge Team, sponsored by KEDT, and UIL club president. He also participates in judo. He volunteers for pharmacy work at Harrel’s Drugstore. He appreciates Nick Harrel for his willingness to teach him everything.

Besides attending Gillett, Memorial and HMKHS, David attended St. Paul Lutheran School in Bishop. He also attended a boarding school one semester in the third grade in Philadelphia.

“David has always focused on his educational goals despite obstacles in his life,” Martinez said.

Nathan, plans to obtain both a bachelor and masters degree in chemical engineering from Texas A&M University College Station. Subjects that really interest him are chemistry and the other sciences.

He serves on the executive board of the National Honor Society. He also participated in the Challenge Team.

This spring he was one of two students who scored the highest score in an advanced placement language and composition exam.

Numerous students took the test. His scores earned him freshman college English credits.

Besides his academic achievements, Nathan participates in many activities such as football. He plays center on the Brahma Varsity Football team. He began playing football in the seventh grade.

He participates in the UIL Academics cross-examination debate, math and science teams. Last year the UIL math team placed third in the region. This is his third year as member of the power lifting team. He has been a student of judo for nine years and has volunteered to teach it for four years.

His community service includes working with the youth group at his church that is the First United Methodist. He has participated in mission work in New Mexico.

Education has always been a part of his family and his parents have instilled the value studying and learning.

“I put all my work but they have instilled the work ethic,” Nathan said. His father Richard “Chip” Westbrook works at Celanese. His mother, Michelle, a businesswoman, is part owner of the Southern Style Salon. His twin sisters, Niki and Jaqui are sophomores at HMKHS.

Nathan enthusiastically discusses educational opportunities for students at HMKHS. He encourages students to take difficult classes and challenge themselves to learn more. Nathan believes HMKHS has great teachers.

“Education is there for you if you want it and make the effort,” Nathan said.

He and David name the same teachers, Eddie Rios Jr. Roger Hill, English teacher, and Diane Harris who have also contributed to their academic success.

“Mr. Hill is intellectually stimulating and innovative with his teaching style,” Nathan said referring to recent novels they had studied. Hill is also a debate coach.

“Teachers that are excited about teaching pass that excitement to the students,” he said.

One suggestion that Nathan notes to help curb the drop out rate is “to place inspiring teachers at critical grade levels such as the seventh and ninth grades.” He believes that sometimes students get behind in their subjects and end up dropping out.

He points that HMKHS has many programs and classes for the students such as the band, UIL, a judo class and others. He also believes that parents need to also get involved in their children’s non-academic activities.

Besides attending the KISD schools, Gillett, Memorial and HMKHS, Nathan attended Epiphany School.

“Nathan is a bright young man and very helpful to other students,” Martinez said.

Nathan said he and David do not compete with each other. “We help each other,” he said.

“David and Nathan are the kind of students you will remember and they will make contributions in their lives,” said their high school counselor.