Alumni

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In addition to serving as Irvine High School’s Student Board Member representative during the 2024–25 school year, Ishaan helped establish the school’s Economics Challenge team, which advanced to the national finals. He was also a member of the District’s Student Advocacy program, where he visited Sacramento with other students to advocate for education and additional funding for IUSD. Ishaan was also an active member of the Model UN club, earning numerous awards for his participation. Beyond his academic pursuits, Ishaan volunteered with the Orange County Board of Supervisors, the World Affairs Council, and the United Nations Association of Orange County. He is passionate about pursuing a career with organizations like the World Bank to shape international trade policies, and he credits his experiences at Irvine High School with providing a strong foundation for his future endeavors. 

“I dream of a better future and world and see economic policymaking as the way to accomplish this.” 
 

Kwak maintained a 4.6 GPA while volunteering in hospitals, nursing centers and child care facilities and serving as a section leader in Irvine High’s marching band. “I’ve witnessed firsthand the importance of compassion, early diagnosis and equitable access to care,” she says. Those experiences inspired Kwak’s pursuit of a career in medicine. She also researches brain scan alternatives and how technology and policy can improve early diagnosis and support underserved communities. 

“My goal is to make health care more accessible and human‑centered.”

 

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Palacios plans to use college to “grow and learn about myself and the world” – and how to make both better. An Irvine Spur Award winner for showing outstanding character, he’s proud of his wide circle of friends, which extends far beyond his graduating class. He’s passionate about volunteering and world travel, something he’ll do more of as a Global Scholar at Northeastern. 

His advice to freshmen: “Talk to as many people as you can. That’s the only way you’ll make friends. And those interactions lead to the best things in life.” 
 

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Heather Chen loved her time at Irvine High School. She transferred from the Orange County School of Performing Arts to Irvine High because she wanted a comprehensive high school experience. She is currently attending New York University in the Tisch School of the Arts, majoring in Cinematography. Among other distinctions, she was president of the Irvine High Key Club, a service organization, as well as her school’s student representative on the IUSD Student Advisory Committee, plus a producer, editor and director of films. 
 

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Community is important to this aspiring tech entrepreneur. As a youth coordinator for the Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee, he organized several donations to support Marine families. The former Eagle Scout also initiated book drives, community cleanups and helped save two lives – one on a plane and one on a camping trip – using his Scout emergency medical training. 

“I am committed to using my skills and expertise to make a difference and create a better world for all,” said this recipient of several school, city, state and international awards. 
 

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A member of the water polo team all four years, Peterson served as captain the last two years, mentoring younger players and leading the team to the state finals while earning the league’s MVP title. During the summer, he was a popular volunteer coach of the Irvine Swim League’s College Park Splash. 

“Proudest thing I’ve done in my life is honestly just making my parents proud,” he says. “Doing things that they’d want to see me do and just being a kid they’d like to have.”