Beverly Hills Student Accepted to Columbia University

News Summary

Karina Kruger, a senior at Beverly Hills High School, has achieved a remarkable accomplishment by being accepted to Columbia University to study Public Policy. She has a perfect GPA and has led her school’s Academic Decathlon team to significant success, earning various accolades along the way. Kruger’s dedication to her education and community service has set the stage for her future endeavors, and she exemplifies commitment to academic excellence and sustainability.

Beverly Hills – Karina Kruger, a senior at Beverly Hills High School, has been accepted to Columbia University to pursue a degree in Public Policy this coming fall. With a remarkable academic record, including a perfect GPA and completion of 13 Advanced Placement (AP) courses, Kruger has distinguished herself as an exemplary student and leader within her school community.

This year, Karina Kruger steered the BHHS Academic Decathlon team to unprecedented success, leading them to claim first place in Division III at the California Academic Decathlon State Finals in March 2023. The team, made up of talented students, competed against 54 other teams statewide, marking BHHS’s highest placement since 2013. The decathlon consists of tests in ten subjects, along with prepared and impromptu speeches, interviews, and a SuperQuiz. This year’s team showcased their knowledge and teamwork in achieving a remarkable outcome.

During her high school tenure, Kruger has not only excelled academically but has also received numerous accolades. In the California Academic Decathlon, she earned a silver medal in art, while her teammates also garnered various medals across multiple subjects. This includes Lindsay Jada Moreno with a silver in art and a gold in interview, and Jacob Treiman, who won gold in economics and bronze in art. Additional honors were awarded to Kruger and several others who finished with high-point totals in the K-Club Bronze Pin category, recognizing outstanding performance.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Kruger has made significant contributions to her school environment. She engaged in award-winning science research focused on food preservation, demonstrating her commitment to addressing pressing issues related to sustainability. Her involvement in City Greens, a hydroponic gardening program at BHHS, enriched the school’s sustainability initiatives and provided valuable hands-on experience in agricultural science.

Kruger’s commitment to education extends beyond her own studies. She generously gave her time to tutor elementary school students, enhancing their learning experiences and reinforcing her dedication to community service. Moreover, Kruger gained practical experience through an internship at the Beverly Hills City Manager’s Office under Nancy Hunt-Coffey, who acknowledged Kruger’s exceptional research and analytical skills, likening them to those typically seen in graduate students.

The accomplishments of the BHHS Academic Decathlon team also served to highlight the collective intelligence, resilience, and commitment to academic excellence of its members. Principal Drew Stewart praised the dedication and passion for learning displayed by the team. Alongside Kruger, the team included noteworthy members such as Sarah Zhang, who was recognized as the top-scoring BHHS student, and Daria Serheyeva, who excelled in the science heptathlon category.

In recognition of their achievements, BHHS was awarded a $1,000 Kindness is Free Award to celebrate their remarkable performance in the competition. The experience gained through this rigorous academic challenge, along with their emotional and intellectual growth, prepares these students well for future endeavors.

Beverly Hills High School’s Academic Decathlon team for the upcoming 2025 competition is set to include Daniyel Borodin, Daesung (Peter) Kang, Karina Kruger, Nicholas Lau, Lea Levy, Lindsay Jada Moreno, Elisha Rhie, Jacob Treiman, and Sarah Zhang. With these outstanding students already established as remarkable achievers, the foundation has been laid for future success within the realm of academic competitions.

As Karina Kruger prepares to embark on her next chapter at Columbia University, she exemplifies the values of hard work, commitment, and community engagement, traits that will undoubtedly serve her well in studying Public Policy and beyond.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Beverly Hills High School Talent Show Unites Community
Beverly Hills High School Academic Decathlon Team Triumphs

Additional Resources

• Beverly Hills Courier
• Wikipedia: Academic Decathlon
• Beverly Press
• Google Search: Columbia University Public Policy
• Beverly Press
• Google Scholar: Food Preservation Research