James Nguyen is an 8th grader at Hill Country Middle School, who is a member of the Gifted and Talented Program and the National Junior Honor Society. At only 14 years old, he is already taking Pre-AP Algebra I, Integrated Physics & Chemistry, and Latin, as well as serving as the President of the Class of 2020 for the Alpha Charity League.

One of his many passions is Robotics, serving as the team captain and lead robot designer for his school’s competition team, as well as serving as a mentor for 7th and 8th grade robotics classes. He won 2nd at the Robotics regionals 2 years in a row, and won 1st place at state in 6th grade. James is also a passionate speaker who has won 1st place at the UIL regional meet 2 years ago, as well as 5th place last year, where he competed at a higher, 8th grade level. He also competes on his school’s Debate team and participated in Policy Debate Camp at UT Austin during summer 2013 and summer 2014.

James is also an athlete, having been playing and coaching golf for many years and winning 28 tournament medals. He is also skilled at kuk sool won martial arts, having studied and taught it for 3 years, winning 10 medals in world competitions, and earning his black belt in the 6th grade.