For Amy Van, this moment feels full circle. Earlier this year, while serving as Vice President of Citywide Student Government, she noticed that a previous Senior of the Month honoree had also been a member of the Citywide Student Government. Seeing that connection, she quietly thought to herself, I’d like to be able to do that someday. Today, she is living that very moment.
Amy’s educational journey has been shaped by change, courage, and growth. She moved to Philadelphia in first grade with her mother and sister, attending schools across the city, including Carver E&S Middle School, Academy at Palumbo, a private school, and ultimately transferring to Abraham Lincoln High School in 11th grade. While Lincoln was not originally part of her plan, it became the place where everything clicked. Starting fresh in her junior year pushed Amy out of her comfort zone, but instead of shrinking back, she leaned in. She discovered new opportunities, built friendships across clubs and programs, and found that she thrives in fast-paced environments where she can stay engaged and challenged.
Academically, Amy has consistently pushed herself to excel. She has taken on some of the most rigorous coursework available, including five AP classes during her senior year. Through Lincoln’s Heights Program, she gained access to dual enrollment opportunities at the University of Pennsylvania that helped shape her interest in health-related pathways, including dental and medical programs. These experiences encouraged her to step beyond what felt comfortable and pursue her goals with confidence.
Amy’s leadership at Lincoln High School is extensive and impactful. She serves as Vice President of DECA, Vice President of HOSA, and Vice President of the Student Association. She is also the Co-Founder of Model UN, a part of the Student Ambassadors, and the Student Equity Association, where she served as social media and marketing manager. Alongside her leadership roles, Amy has maintained Honor Roll status, excellent attendance, and completed internships with Project Always Receiving and the Temple + Heights STEM Program. Each role reflects her ability to manage multiple responsibilities with discipline and grace.
Amy lives by a quote that reflects her mindset: “Motivation gets you going, but consistency keeps you going.” That consistency has defined her journey. From navigating multiple schooltransitions to intentionally planning her postsecondary path, Amy has shown resilience, focus, and vision. Her teachers describe her as driven, adaptable, and thoughtful, a student who approaches every challenge with purpose.
Amy Van’s story is one of growth, courage, and follow-through. As she prepares for the next chapter, she does so with clarity and confidence. The School District of Philadelphia is proud to celebrate her as Senior of the Month and looks forward to seeing all that she will accomplish in the future.
We asked Amy our favorite list of questions:
Why do you think you were nominated as Senior of the Month?
I think I was nominated as Senior of the Month because of the significant growth I’ve shown over my high school years and my ability to balance academics with meaningful involvement inside and outside of school. In school, I serve as the Vice President of Student Association, HOSA, and DECA. Additionally, I am the Co-Founder of Model UN and a social media manager for Student Equity. Through these roles, I have been able to develop strong leadership skills, strengthen my communication and collaboration abilities, and come out of my comfort zone. Outside of school, I am a part of the School District Student Council and the Citywide Student Government where I serve as Vice President, advocating for student voices across diverse schools, collaborating with district and city leaders on policy initiatives, and trying to help design programs that spread resources to benefit all students. In my community, I have worked with Project Always Receiving, a non-profit organization, where I spoke with political officials on issues in the city, gave out fresh produce to underserved communities, conducted research with university professors, worked in community gardens, and so much more. This experience inspired a lasting commitment to working with marginalized communities and deepened my desire to pursue this work in my future.
You were nominated by Michele Suarez. Explain your relationship to her? Explain their role in your experience at your school.
I was nominated by my teacher, Ms. Suarez. I first met Ms. Suarez 5th period last year in AP African American Studies before realizing I had to sit in the same seat for three class periods (AP Seminar and AP Psychology). Having Ms. Suarez was a great transition into the rigorous curriculum, especially since I hadn’t taken any AP classes before my junior year. Her teaching style was very understanding and straightforward, which made the material feel less overwhelming. Because of her guidance, adjusting to the rigor of AP classes felt manageable and motivated me to take more challenging courses, whether it was in school or a dual enrollment course at UPenn. Beyond academics, Ms. Suarez also runs the Student Equity Club. Through the Student Equity Club, I’ve been able to participate in planning and promoting monthly events such as Black History Month celebrations and Culture Fest, which highlight and celebrate diversity within our school community. In my social media role, I have designed event flyers and created our club shirt, using creativity to help engage students and spread awareness.
What is one thing you’d like to share about yourself that most people don’t know about you?
I love graphic design. Graphic designing opens the creative side of me, and it also relaxes me when I am stressed or need a refresh. I enjoy working on projects like designing flyers for school clubs and creating shirts for different clubs or events. Being able to turn ideas into visuals is very satisfying, and seeing others enjoy or use my designs motivates me to keep exploring my creative skills. I also apply this creativity at home, where I often envision how things should look and try to make it aesthetic as possible. Whether it’s organizing my space, decorating my room, or planning a project, I like to think about the design and layout in detail.
What do you enjoy most when you are not at school?
I enjoy hanging out with my friends downtown whether it’s getting good food in Chinatown, painting at the rooftop of Cira Green, or ice skating at Penn’s Landing. I also have friends who attend different schools, and I really value staying connected with them. Catching up and sharing what we’ve each been working on helps me maintain strong friendships. I also love bringing my digital camera everywhere with me, especially when I’m out exploring the city, because I enjoy capturing moments that I can look back on in the future and remember.
How did you choose your high school? What is the best thing about attending school at Abraham Lincoln High School?
I did not originally pick to attend Abraham Lincoln High School; I transferred unexpectedly right before junior year started. What first felt unsettling due to the sudden transition ultimately became the best high school experience and empowered me to reach my full potential. Lincoln gave me the freedom to choose classes that aligned with my interests and the opportunity to participate in a wide range of clubs. Lincoln offers such a wide range of diverse extracurricular opportunities that it’s nearly impossible for any student to join and not find something they’re passionate about. There are also numerous events that celebrate students’ achievements and recognize their hard work. The ultimate best part of attending Lincoln, however, is the support I receive from teachers, counselors, and administrators. They consistently offer guidance and resources, helping me stay motivated to reach my goals.
What is one thing that the School District could do to improve our service to students?
One thing that the School District could do to improve service to students is to allocate more funding for extracurricular activities such as HOSA and DECA. With state competitions approaching for both clubs in Hershey, we are working hard to raise funds so that students can participate without any financial burdens. With more district funding, it would allow clubs to cover costs such as registration fees, travel, lodging, competition materials, and professional development opportunities. In turn, this would encourage greater participation, helping to create a more inclusive environment where all students can benefit from hands-on learning experiences and leadership opportunities. At a school like Lincoln, additional funding would help students showcase their talents and achieve greater recognition.
Amy, we are so excited for you – best of luck in the college and career of your dreams!