Unnati Kayastha chosen for the Award of Excellence by the National Academy of Future Scientists and Technology

Junior Unnati Kayastha was chosen for the Award of Excellence by the National Academy of Future Scientists and Technology and represented Waukee High School as a delegate to the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders held in Boston, Massachusetts from June 29 to July 1, 2016.

The Congress is an academic honors-only program and all attendees are selected by their teachers or the academy based on proven academic excellence and passion for science, mathematics or technology. Unnati submitted an online application and was chosen by the academy to represent Waukee High School.

Each year, the Congress has a theme for the variety of speakers and demonstrations to be held over the three-day period. The 2016 theme was “Greatness Awaits,”  and delegates had the opportunity to be mentored by some of the most brilliant minds in science.

“This conference is for people interested in science, math and technology,” explained Unnati. “I’m not sure exactly where I want to be in this area, but I do know I’m very interested in science. Attending this conference has helped give me a better understanding of my options.”

Unnati has worked to broaden her horizons in and beyond the math and science fields through volunteer work, academic achievements and extracurricular activities. Unnati has worked at Kumon Learning Center since age 14 and accomplished more than 150 volunteer hours at West Des Moines Public Library and Lutheran Hospital. In addition, Unnati is an active member of the National Honors Society and enjoys choir and musical theater and participates regularly in show choir and high school plays.

“This was a great opportunity and I’m so excited I was able to be part of this,” said Unnati. “I feel like there is so much I was able to  learn about science at the Congress.”