Henry Phan, 2026 Valedictorian

Known for his intellectual curiosity, intrinsic motivation, and unmatched work ethic, Henry earned a spot at the top of his high-achieving class.

During his time in Upper School, Henry amassed an impeccable academic record. He garnered numerous awards at math competitions, Latin contests, and earned a Scholastics Silver Key for flash fiction. Henry was inducted into the Cum Laude Society, Mu Alpha Theta, the National Latin Honor Society, and the National Honor Society. He is also a Presidential Scholar Semifinalist, National Merit Finalist, and AP Scholar with Distinction.

Henry’s ability to lock in and focus is a learned skill that serves him well. He can plow through significant volumes of reading and grapple with complex material until he fully understands the topic at hand, be it differential equations or electric circuits. He goes beyond what is required, reading extensively on subjects that interest him, often science- and health-related.

This past summer, he worked with a plant biologist at Rhodes College conducting research. While there, he developed a protocol to make Arabidopsis protoplast cells that became the gold standard in the lab and is now taught to new researchers.

One of his teachers said, “Henry consistently demonstrated his knowledge and earned the highest scores in my class, not simply because of his natural aptitude for understanding complex material, but because of the thoughtful and proactive way he approached his learning. Henry began his work early, leaving himself time to reflect, seek clarification, and deepen his understanding.”

He gives of his time and talents, serving those in need in our city; he was awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award last year and was inducted into the school’s Societas Caritatis.

Henry is an enthusiastic student leader, selected as an MUS Ambassador and a member of the Adolescents and Young Adults Council and the Family Education Committee at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. President of Mock Trial, he is the recipient of the MUS DeWitt M. Shy, Jr. Mock Trial Award.

Co-consul of Latin Club, he was one of nine seniors to earn the Laurea Bubonis (“Laurel Wreath of the Owl”), an award requiring completion of a capstone project related to the field of classical studies and, along with advanced Latin, the study of Greek. He was among 22 seniors to receive the Seal of Biliteracy, recognizing students who meet proficiency standards in more than one language.

Rounding out his MUS experience, he was captain of the fencing team, and he played violin in the school orchestra.

Henry is the son of Dominick and My Tien Phan. He graduates Summa Cum Laude and will attend the University of Pennsylvania.