Senior Kirtland Ning is known among his peers as an “academic weapon” as he balances a demanding school schedule, leadership roles, and student athletics. With an outstanding 3.98 GPA, and having taken 10 AP classes with a 5 on most of them, Ning has nothing short of an impressive high school resume. Here’s a look into his life, his advice for success, and how he manages to excel both in and out of the classroom.
When asked about his academics, Kirtland shares his passion for math and problem solving. “I’ve always loved math,” he says. As a sophomore, he took Calculus followed by Linear Algebra as a junior. Kirtland is also the co-president of Timpview’s Math Club, where he has competed in numerous math competitions and placed in the top 5% in the state. Additionally, Ning’s dedication to math and academics has earned him recognition as a National Merit Semi-Finalist, an honor that comes from his high performance on a nationally recognized test.
Kirtland also recently earned the prestigious title of Math Sterling Scholar, an honor he initially doubted he could achieve. “At first, I didn’t even want to apply for the Math Sterling Scholar because I was competing against people who were extremely well-qualified,” he admits, “but I decided I might as well try and I ended up winning.” The experience taught him that even if you think your chances are slim, it’s always worth trying. Ning feels very honored to represent Timpview at the state level.
Outside of academics, Kirtland has also taken on some great leadership roles. He is in the presidency of Timpview’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) organization, where he’s participated in both business and coding competitions. “Me and my friend qualified for nationals last year.” Kirtland recalled. His leadership in both Math Club and FBLA have allowed him to learn skills of teamwork, leadership, and time management.
In addition to his academic success, Kirtland is a dedicated member of the Timpview Track Team. His passion for running began in middle school and has grown throughout high school. As Ning has run with dedication, “track has taught [him] a ton about how to work hard”. As he diligently trains with the team he loves, he works hard toward his current goal to qualify for state this year.
As he balances academics, extracurriculars, and athletics Kirtland has found ways to stay on top of it all. “The main advice I would give is to decide what is truly most important to you and focus your effort on those things” he shared. “I’ve often had to sacrifice things that I loved so I could prioritize things I valued more, but it’s been super worth it.”
Kirtland Ning’s success through high school is a testament to his hard work, leadership, and resilience. Whether in the classroom, on the track, or as a leader, he continues to be an inspiration to the students around him.
