Published by Kennedale High School
Mai Amber Le is the Kennedale High School Class of 2023 Valedictorian. Amber is the daughter of Long Le and Anhloan Nguyen, who immigrated to the United States from Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Amber is an only child and is fluent in both English and Vietnamese.
A little-known fact about Amber is that she is a classically-trained concert pianist. At an early age, Amber’s parents introduced her to classical music. By Kindergarten, Amber took interest in the piano, and her parents arranged for piano lessons. Amber started training 30 minutes per day at the age of 5, and her talent was nurtured by teachers and programs in the Arlington Music Teachers Association (AMTA).
Each December, Amber participates in recitals and competitions sponsored by AMTA and TMTA (Texas Music Teachers Association). Amber has won numerous awards as a pianist including the Studio Achievement Award (2019), the SA Whitlock Music Theory Award (2021, 2022), and the Tinker Cyclical Contest Award (2020, 2022). Amber received the AMTA Outstanding Musicianship Award in both 2021 and 2022. Amber now practices 45 minutes a day, while taking a challenging course load and holding a part-time job as a Bobarista at R&B Tea. Her favorite musical piece is Chopin’s “Waltz in A Minor.”
During high school, Amber served in leadership roles in Key Club (Webmaster and Secretary) and National Honor Society (President and Parliamentarian). Amber excelled in the CTE Health Science Practicum, where she earned her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification as a Junior. Amber was a Regional Qualifier in News Writing (1st Place Journalism Team) in 2023 on the championship-winning UIL Academic Team.
At the 2023 Kennedale Education Foundation (KEF) Top Graduate Awards Ceremony in May, Amber will recognize Wendy Hale, KHS English Teacher, as the most influential educator in her life. Amber said, “Her class made me more serious about time management. I love seeing how she changed and became more personable with her students as the year progressed. Ms. Hale is always professional, and her fashion is always spot on.”
After high school, Amber will attend the University of North Texas, where she will major in Psychology. Amber received the UNT Excellence Scholarship valued at $48,000 ($12,000 per year). In 8th Grade, Amber won the Bobby Bragan Youth Foundation Essay Scholarship. As Kennedale High School’s Top Ranking Graduate, Amber will receive a full tuition scholarship.
When she grows up, Amber wants to be a Dermatologist. She said, “My Dermatologist helped me with my acne scars in 6th grade. She made me feel more confident, and I want to do the same for other people.”
