Posted by Kennedale High School
Linh Tu Ngo is the Kennedale High School Class of 2023 Salutatorian. Linh is the daughter of Luong Ngo and Lan Chong, who immigrated to the United States from Vietnam as political refugees. Luong and Lan left Vietnam with their parents in 1988, and their families stayed in a refugee camp in Malaysia for two and a half years. Luong and Lan did not meet until the boat ride from Malaysia to the United States in 1991. After receiving their green cards, Luong and Lan went to different parts of the country. Luong eventually followed Lan to DFW, and they married in 2002.
The Ngo’s have three children. Linh’s older brother Luc, KHS Class of 2022, graduated in the Top 10% and attends the University of Texas Arlington. Linh’s younger brother is in 10th grade at Kennedale High School. It is very possible that Luong and Lan will have 3 children graduate in the Top Ten Percent from Kennedale High School in four year period.
A little-known fact about Linh is that she taught herself to crochet by watching YouTube videos. She loves to make key chains and bracelets as gifts for friends and family. She has a range of hobbies that includes playing the piano and journaling and enjoys a range of music from R&B to K-Pop. Her favorite band is SEVENTEEN, and she recommends the song “Pretty U.”
During high school, Linh served in leadership a role as Vice President of the National Honor Society (NHS). Linh was a member of the Green Club, Key Club, Rotary Interact, Student Council, and the National Spanish Honor Society (NSHS). Linh excelled in the CTE Health Science Practicum, where she earned her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification as a Junior. Linh was a flutist in the Wildcat Bands for three and a half years. Linh was a member of the Wildcat Marching Band that reached the UIL State Finals in 2020. Her ensemble group received a Division 1 rating at the UIL State Solo and Ensemble Contest in 2022.
At the 2023 Kennedale Education Foundation (KEF) Top Graduate Awards Ceremony in May, Linh will recognize Kim Hunt, KHS Counselor, as the most influential educator in her life. Linh said, “Ms. Hunt is really easy to connect with. She is genuine, caring, and sympathetic. Ms. Hunt helped me get to where I am today. I have appreciated her every step of the way.”
After high school, Linh will attend the University of Texas at Arlington, where she will major in Biology. All Salutatorians at UTA receive the Distinguished Freshmen Award Scholarship.
When she grows up, Linh wants to be a dentist. She said, “I want to be a dentist because I want to help others be confident through their smiles.”
