Milpitas Unified School District

“Take advantage of the amazing opportunities you have, always shoot for the stars!” are words of advice from MUSD Middle College HS alumnus Thomas (Yuhuangze) Wang, who is currently a junior majoring in Political Science and Government at UCLA.

The now 18-year-old college student, who attended Sinnott Elementary School, Rancho Milpitas Middle School and Milpitas High School, graduated from MMCHS with the Class of 2024. Wang transferred to UCLA as a junior after only one year at San Jose City College due to the college credit he received during his tenure at MMCHS.

“MMCHS helped me tremendously during my high school years by adequately preparing me for college and career related advances,” shared Wang. “The way our classes were structured and the flexibility of planning my college schedule helped me strengthen my time management skills greatly.”

Wang credited educators, Principal Karisa Scott, Mandy Lau Manluco and Michael Macatangay, for inspiring him in different ways: “Their commitment to excellence, love for teaching and learning, and patience and understanding inspired me to continue my journey with such qualities.”

In addition to the thrill of pickleball with his friends and teachers, Wang’s most memorable course of study at MMCHS was American Government, where he “gained substantial insight regarding how the government impacts our daily lives and the importance of civic engagement”. 

“Thomas was an invaluable member of our community especially during debates. He always contributed thoughtful comments to our in class discussions and provided varying perspectives,” shared Mr. Macatangay of his former pupil. “Even outside of the classroom environment he made his fellow students feel included and supported, attributes which are the tenets of our community.”