Queen Kalenga-Luabeya is a senior at Hazelwood West, who recently achieved an astonishing score of 33 on the ACT and received the honor of Quest Bridge matching to Rice University, which means she was awarded a full ride scholarship to a private university with only an 8% acceptance rate.
Kalenga-Luabeya is ranked first of 470 students in West’s class of 2026. She is also the president of West’s Chemistry club, the vice president of Key club and the vice president of the International Student Association. Kalenga-Luabeya sports a 4.9 Grade Point Average and is heavily involved in educational programs inside and outside of school.
“My teachers at Hazelwood West have supported me and helped me believe in myself, especially in terms of AP testing, because they encouraged me to take the test and reassured me that I would do well despite my concerns, and with that push, I ended up getting a five on the test. Their faith in my intellect and capabilities really helped me and encouraged me to apply myself and try to be better.” Kalenga-Luabeya, 12, said.
In Kalenga-Luabeya’s four years at West high school, she has been consistently exemplary. For seven hours each day, she goes through a revolving door of rigorous AP and honors classes. And, at least once a week, she stays after school for up to three hours to lead as an officer and member in numerous clubs. Her grit and dedication may seem extensive to some, but it is clear that her hard work has paid off.
“I think that my grades, as well as my work within the school in extracurriculars like Chemistry Club, International Student Association and Book Club have helped me with getting involved in the Quest Bridge program, as well as the things I did outside of school like research and summer college prep programs.” Kalenga-Luabeya, 12, said.
The Quest Bridge program Kalenga-Luabeya was accepted into is a non-profit organization that connects exceptional students to scholarship opportunities for some of the best private universities and colleges in the United States. According to the Quest Bridge website, tens of thousands of students applied for the 2025 college match program but only 7,026 of those students were picked as finalists. Out of these applications, Kalenga-Luabeya’s was so impressive that she was granted a full-ride scholarship to one of her top choice schools.
“The Quest Bridge process was definitely stressful, and it felt like there were deadlines all the time. I had to have my application and personal statement done by September and my match rankings done by November, as well as supplementals, and I was like wow I really have to work hard for this. It was unconventional, and not what I was used to or expecting.” Kalenga-Luabeya, 12, said.
The merit she has received is something that is merely a dream for most, and for Kalenga-Luabeya, it was once just that, a dream.
“My freshman self would be blown out of the water, because I did not really think of college my freshman year, and I wasn’t as motivated. It doesn’t feel real, I never imagined I would be going on to a top institution, and I am really proud of myself and the people that helped me get to where I am now.” Kalenga-Luabeya, 12, said.
Kalenga-Luabeya will be graduating at the age of 17. And while some people graduate at this age due to having a summer birthday, Kalenga-Luabeya was actually meant to graduate at 18. However, because of her advanced skills, she was able to skip a grade and graduate early. Putting all of these accomplishments under her belt at only 16 years old.
“I skipped fifth grade, so I am 16 right now, but I will turn 17 in March right before I graduate.” Kalenga-Luabeya, 12, said.
However, Kalenga-Luabeya’s educational journey does not stop at college, and post graduation she plans a future where she can spread her knowledge and expertise to help others.
“I really like STEM fields as well as the social sciences, and I want to work in something that is both health and equity related. Maybe a career that consists of serving under-resourced or rural areas in terms of medicine.” Kalenga-Luabeya, 12, said.
