Karis Cho

Karis is an exceptional leader. Throughout her high school career, she was elected as Class Representative and took on leading positions of various organizations. Beyond these accomplishments, Karis took on leadership roles that connected her to Korean culture. She created a K-pop dance team for students of all backgrounds to join and initiated a collaboration with the Korean Community Center to teach younger kids K-pop dancing. She describes K-pop dance as an integral way to connect with her Korean culture personally, but also an opportunity to build a diverse, supportive community. Karis also participated in performances like the Lunar New Year celebration with the Korean Culture Club and community events for Asian Young Life. Devoted to serving her community, Karis also volunteered at the Korean Community Center, a therapy center for children, and executed the first Wellness Day at Tenafly High School.

Karis will attend Cornell University in the fall, majoring in Human Development/ Psychology. Looking ahead, she plans to join the E.Motion, the K-pop dance group as well as LOKO, a group aimed at promoting Korean music, fine arts, and culture through dance performances. She also plans on being part of the Korean Student Association and joining the leadership positions so that she can help facilitate the planning of many activities that promote diversity and raise awareness of the Korean culture at Cornell and the greater city of Ithaca.