Senior Spotlight: Kaitlyn Hsueh

There’s a solid chance that Metuchen High School would fall apart without Kaitlyn Hsueh. From Senior Class Student Council President to Editor of the Newspaper, Kaitlyn is an integral part of so many programs within MHS. She is a true leader and is a role model in leadership, academics, and character. Kaitlyn’s positive energy and sincere kindness allow her to stand out among an already accomplished senior class. The MHS community is lucky to have someone as dedicated and passionate as Kaitlyn, and her accomplishments here will not be soon forgotten. 

Throughout her high school career, Kaitlyn has been an integral member of the Cross Country and Track teams. First joining Cross Country in her freshman year, Kaitlyn instantly became hooked on the sport. She said that the community was the main reason she decided to join and stay, explaining that the team is tight-knit and simply full of good and supportive people. Long-distance running is no easy sport, and the main thing that motivates Kaitlyn to keep pushing herself day in and day out is that she wants to help her team and make sure she’s doing her part to the best of her ability. Kaitlyn also believes that running has played a part in shaping who she is as a person, making her mentally stronger and a more disciplined person overall. A time when Kaitlyn remembers feeling particularly proud was during her sophomore year when she was able to help score points for her team and cut down significantly on her time. She felt excited to be able to contribute to such a successful program within MHS and to be an important part of that community. While Kaitlyn won’t be continuing running at a collegiate level, she doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. She views it as an outlet and hopes to join a run club once she gets to college and even run marathons at some point in the future. 

Kaitlyn is able to juggle the extremely difficult task of not only being a student-athlete but also being a two-sport student-athlete. When she was around three to four years old, Kaitlyn joined her dance studio and loved it. She enjoyed learning the various routines and styles of dance but also the aspects of being on stage and performing in front of a live audience. She then joined the competition team in first grade where she has continued ever since, joining summer programs and even dancing with Rutgers at one point. Kaitlyn’s favorite part about dance is the connections she's formed with other dancers across various age ranges. The community within her dance studio ranges from kids in first grade to twelfth grade, allowing her to act as a role model for these younger dancers. This led to a sort of full circle moment, as Kaitlyn remembers trying to dance her best in front of the older dancers within her studio to impress them and make them proud, whereas now, she’s still trying to dance her best but because she wants younger dancers to look up to her and be inspired by her. One of Kaitlyn’s favorite dance memories was when she and her team won a dance-off, and they were all on stage jumping up and down, screaming, and hugging each other in excitement. She loved being able to share such a profound and exciting moment with a community that she had become so close to. 

“Kaitlyn is an incredible person, student, and most importantly best friend. I am so lucky to have known her for the past 15 years of my life and grown up with her. She is an absolute ray of sunshine and the hardest worker I know. Balancing school, homework, track, dance, work, and all of her other extracurricular activities… she’s always on the run, literally. Kaitlyn has the biggest heart and as one of her senior superlatives says, she “does the most for MHS” working overtime in and out of school, accomplishing the unimaginable. I am so fortunate to know her as the sister I never had and am so grateful for her kindness and friendship. I wish her the absolute best of luck at Georgetown University and can’t wait to see where her journey ahead takes her!! Go Hoyas!” - Lauren Levinsky 

Kaitlyn’s extracurriculars don’t stop with athletics. She’s currently the Senior Class Student Council President and has been a part of the student council program for all four of her high school years. She first joined because it allowed her to make tangible differences within the school and simply because she enjoys being involved with the activities that go on around the school such as Battle of the Classes or planning prom. Kaitlyn believes that Student Council is an integral part of Metuchen High School, as it helps make the school fun in ways beyond academics and generally allows various aspects of the school to run smoothly. Student Council has also given Kaitlyn the opportunity to grow her leadership skills, with events like Door Decorating and leading meetings, where you have to organize and direct people. 

“Kaitlyn is truly the kindest and most genuine person I know! I have never met someone who brings out the best in the people around her the way Kaitlyn does. It seems like she never takes a break; she dedicates so much time to the senior class, helping with projects, social media, planning, and so much more. I admire Kaitlyn greatly and am constantly in awe of her creativity, work ethic, and the way she maintains such a kind personality through it all. I am so lucky to know Kaitlyn and to call her an amazing friend. I am always rooting for her and can’t wait to watch her succeed.” - Hannah Mindler 

Another huge part of Kaitlyn’s impact on the school is her involvement with the newspaper. She has been a part of the newspaper since her sophomore year, writing the Senior Spotlight in her Junior year, and has now stepped up into the position of editor. When she first joined, she wrote about various clubs and organizations within the school that she felt deserved more attention, feeling that lots of clubs would get overlooked. She believes that Bulldog’s Bark better connects the school community by bringing attention to things that students may not know are going on. Another highlight of Kaitlyn’s was when she got to write the Senior Spotlight as she got to learn so much about that year's senior class. As editor of the newspaper, Kaitlyn believes that it's important to ensure that the voices of the students shine through their work. She helps writers find what they’re passionate about and topics that genuinely interest them. She explained that what makes the newspaper so unique is the types of writers behind the keyboard, ranging from athletes to scientists to artists. This is what she loves about the newspaper so much as she can learn so much from these different types of writers and give them an opportunity to share topics that they’re passionate about. 

“Kaitlyn has been an absolute joy to work with as her advisor for MANY organizations. As senior class president, Math Honor Society vice president, and the editor of the Bulldog’s Bark, she has demonstrated time and time again that she is a natural leader with an incredible work ethic. Her dependability, intelligence, and kindness shine in everything she does, and she is always one step ahead of me, anticipating needs before they arise. She engages the student body in meaningful ways, giving her all to every task and inspiring others with her dedication. She is an amazing, responsible, and helpful person, and I have no doubt that she will continue to make a positive impact wherever she goes!” - Mrs. Cap 

On top of her already extensive list of activities, Kaitlyn has a job as well, working at Newmarket in downtown Metuchen. Newmarket is a space for local entrepreneurs to share their products and grow their businesses, with Kaitlyn working throughout the store, helping to advertise these businesses, and running Newmarket’s social media. In the summer, Kaitlyn has kept busy with helping to run the MHS Summer Orientation Program for incoming freshmen. She along with some peers and Mr. Porowski planned the games, activities, and schedule of the orientation. Their goal here was to help students familiarize themselves with the school and ease their transition into this new environment. Over the summer Kaitlyn also founded a run club, where she extended running to a larger community outside of just the high school. Seeing as long-distance running can be an intimidating sport, this club gave students from younger grades the opportunity to build both skills and confidence in distance running. By empowering and energizing a younger group of runners, Kaitlyn helped them build a foundation in running and grow the running program within the wider Metuchen School District. 

"How can one be expected to encapsulate how awesome Kaitlyn is, in just one quick quote?! When I think of Kaitlyn, I think about how outgoing, kind, hardworking, and intelligent she is. I don't think that there is a challenge presented within this building that Kaitlyn isn't willing to take on; and, she will absolutely do it with a smile on her face (you all know I'm right, here!). Kaitlyn is among the most dependable students I have encountered, here at MHS. If she says she is going to take care of something, there's never any doubt about it. MHS has definitely been lucky to have Kaitlyn chipping in, in so many ways, these past 4 years. I wish her the absolute best next year, and beyond!" - Mr. Giddes 

One of Kaitlyn’s favorite events at MHS is Door Decorating, where she got to work with her grade on one big project, bringing them together and making for an overall fun and memorable shared experience. Out of all of Kaitlyn’s activities, Kaitlyn feels most passionately about the Unified PE program. She explained that it is an incredibly supportive community and that she loves how she can help make the school more inclusive through this program. Kaitlyn’s parents have acted as her role models throughout her life. She admires both of their work ethics and selflessness. She explained that they have always taught her that if she tries her best, that’s all you can do even if the outcome isn’t what you hoped for and they have continually instilled that foundation in her. She’s specifically inspired by the hard work that both of her parents put in for their family, making her want to put in the same care and effort that they do.

     “To My Incredible Friend Kaitlyn, There are people who walk into your life and instantly make everything brighter—and Kaitlyn, you are one of those rare souls. We may share a name, but you shine in a way that is completely your own. Whether we’re side by side on the track or just laughing through life together, your energy radiates warmth and your heart speaks volumes. You are the definition of selflessness. You constantly put others before yourself, not because you have to, but because that’s just who you are. You care deeply, love unconditionally, and lift people up with your words, your actions, and your unwavering kindness. Being around you is like standing in the sunlight—there’s a certain peace and joy that follows wherever you go. You are that ray of sunshine in the darkest of rooms. As a teammate, you are unstoppable. You give your all—not just in every race, but in every practice, every challenge, and every moment. You inspire me with your work ethic, your discipline, and your quiet strength. You don’t just aim for excellence—you embody it. And somehow, even while conquering every goal you set, you manage to stay grounded, humble, and generous with your time and support. But more than anything, Kaitlyn, your heart is what sets you apart. I see the way you encourage others, how you listen without judgment, and how you make everyone feel like they matter. You are the person people gravitate toward when they need comfort, motivation, or just a genuine friend—and I am beyond lucky to even know you, let alone call you one of my best friends. I strive every day to have even a fraction of your heart and passion. You’re not just an amazing athlete or student—you are an extraordinary human being who always has a smile on your face. Thank you for being you. Keep shining, because the world is so much better with your light and laughter in it. With all the love and admiration, Kaitlyn Connors.”

As she prepares to move on from high school, Kaitlyn first wants to leave underclassmen with some advice. She encourages everyone to simply get involved as much as they can, as it makes you feel like you're a part of the community. Exploring what you’re passionate about is what high school is all about, so she believes that there’s no reason to not go to that event or not join that club. 

“I've had the honor of teaching Kaitlyn this year but also had a chance to work closely with her on the yearbook.  In the classroom, Kaitlyn is a really positive and inquisitive person who just really seems to enjoy learning.  She adds so much to our day-to-day discussions.  In terms of the yearbook, I'm not sure I realized what a powerhouse she is in the greater MHS community.  She has her hand in everything.  She was an integral part of making this year's book such a success.  She is so busy...it's a wonder how she always manages to have a smile on her face every time I see her.  She may be busy, but I can see that everything she's involved in is better because of the time, energy and care Kaitlyn puts into it.” - Mr. Levy 

Despite an uncompromising schedule, Kaitlyn continues to display kindness and compassion, constantly putting the needs of others before herself. Not only does she put 100% effort into each of the programs and activities that she’s a part of, but she somehow manages to keep a constant positive attitude and uplifts everyone around her. She will truly be missed at Metuchen High School and there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that she will accomplish greatness as she enters her next chapter.