From Hazelwood East to Boston: Nadya Young Selected as National Medical Delegate

Hazelwood East High School senior Nadya Young is headed to Boston this summer — and she’s going with a major honor. She will represent both Hazelwood East High School and the state of Missouri as a selected delegate for the prestigious Congress of Future Medical Leaders, a national academic honors program recognizing high-achieving students pursuing careers in medicine.

The Congress of Future Medical Leaders has rigorous academic standards, requiring students to maintain at least a 3.5 GPA and meet specific ACT or SAT benchmarks. Nadya didn’t apply for the recognition — she was selected.

When she first received the notification, she admits she was unsure what to think.

“I was very confused, and I was very excited. It came in like a thick envelope, so I was very confused as to what it was, and I had never heard of the Congress of Future Medical Leaders.”

But confusion quickly turned into excitement. After sharing the news with her family, the magnitude of the opportunity began to sink in. Being chosen as a delegate is more than an award; it is recognition of academic excellence, leadership, and potential in medicine.

“It’s really an honor, honestly, to be selected, and for them to pick me, it’s really nice.”

Nadya’s passion for medicine began at a young age and evolved into a focused goal to become a dermatologist.

“For my medical career, I would like to pursue dermatology.”

Her journey will begin in Fall 2026 at Xavier University, where she plans to major in Biology (Pre-Med) with a minor in Business Administration. She also hopes to attend Howard University for its dermatology program.

Her interest in dermatology started suddenly, through curiosity about skincare and a fascination with medical treatment shows.

“When I was younger, I thought that I had acne… Then I just came across the show Dr. Pimple Popper, and I always watch it. I decided that is  what I want to do.”

That early curiosity has grown into a clear, disciplined career path.

Nadya’s selection reflects more than strong grades. Throughout high school, she has immersed herself in academics, athletics, and leadership roles.

Nadya has:

• Played softball (freshman and sophomore years)
   
• Cheered from sophomore through senior year
   
• Participated in FBLA and DECA
   
• Served in the Student Council
   
• Joined Fishing Club
   
• Taken on leadership roles outside of school
   

She understands that achievement happens both inside and outside the classroom.

“It’s not what you do inside of school, it’s also what you do outside of school. I have many leadership roles outside of school. So I feel like that also came back to school with me.”

Balancing athletics, clubs, and rigorous coursework takes discipline, something Nadya believes is essential.

“Make sure that when you go to school, you’re learning and doing your work on time and completing it with integrity. When you walk out of the classroom, make sure that you know what you have learned.”

One of the most powerful lessons Nadya has taken from this experience is that hard work does not go unnoticed.

Although she does not know exactly who recommended her, she recognizes that someone was paying attention to her progress.

“I still don’t know who chose me, but I know that I have been in good standing with the administration here.”

She acknowledges that recognition can bring both pride and responsibility.

“That is really nice, but it also puts a bit of pressure on you to make sure that you are coming to school and doing what you need to do.”

Her message to underclassmen is clear: stay focused, stay involved, and build strong relationships.

This summer, Nadya will travel to Boston for the first time. She is especially excited about the hands-on learning opportunities awaiting her.

“What I’m looking forward to when I go there will probably be viewing the surgery or also listening to the lectures because I know they’re going to have a lot of interesting and informational things to tell me.”

For Nadya, this experience is not just about recognition. It’s about preparation for a future dedicated to medicine, leadership, and service.

When asked what she wants her peers to remember, Nadya offered wisdom beyond her years:

“Make sure that you do enough to be proud of yourself. Not to feel that you could have done more or you should have done what this other person did, but make sure that you do enough for yourself to be proud.”

As she prepares to walk across the graduation stage and then onto a national platform in Boston, one thing is clear: Nadya Young is not only making Hazelwood East proud — she is building a future that reflects discipline, purpose, and heart.

Missouri’s future in medicine looks bright.