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Prince William Living Magazine has named Kaitlyn Thai, UVA Health Prince William Medical Center volunteer and incoming University of Virginia student, as one of its Extraordinary Teen Award recipients — an honor that recognizes local youth who not only are excelling academically. but also creating a meaningful impact in their community.

Leading With Purpose, Passion, and Compassion 

At 17 years old, Thai has distinguished herself as a high-achieving student, talented musician, and compassionate leader through her extensive volunteer work at UVA Health Prince William Medical Center.  

Each summer, UVA Health Prince William Medical Center's Summer Teen Program gives high school students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a hospital setting. In 2024, Thai was selected to serve as a Summer Teen Lead: a leadership role reserved for volunteers who demonstrate empathy, communication skills, and the ability to support others. Her supervisors say she exceeded every expectation.  

“Kaitlyn eagerly cross-trained in each of the departments and provided great insight with her observations, helping her peers who were struggling — whether shy or just uncomfortable — to gain a more meaningful experience engaging with patients,” says Jude Kelly, Volunteer Programs Coordinator, UVA Health Prince William Medical Center. “She was instrumental in creating a smooth Summer Teen Program operation.” 

More than just a peer supervisor, Thai provided a reliable safety net for her fellow volunteers, helping coordinate department transitions and leading with both professionalism and warmth. Her efforts ensured that dozens of teens had a fulfilling and supportive summer of service. Overall, she volunteered for 323 hours with UVA Health Prince William’s Patient Services team.  

Academic Excellence and STEM Leadership  

Thai’s volunteerism is matched by her remarkable academic achievements. A senior at Battlefield High School — she boasts a 4.606 weighted GPA, is a National Merit Semifinalist and AP Scholar, and earned the National Honor Society Scholarship. She has been accepted into UVA’s prestigious Echols Scholars Program and was offered full scholarships from several institutions, including George Mason University and theUniversity of South Carolina.  

Her intellectual curiosity shines through in her extracurricular pursuits. Thai was one of just 160 students accepted into the Virginia Summer Residential Governor’s School for Math, Science, and Technology — where she was elected Electron Control Class President.

She also participated in the Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) program and completed the George Washington Biomedical Laboratory Science Summer Immersion Program, where she engaged in advanced lab techniques such as PCR testing, centrifuging, and molecular diagnostics.  

Champion for Youth Education and Community Engagement  

Thai’s heart for service is rooted in education. As president of Students Taking an Active Role (STAR), she tutors elementary school students and leads initiatives to close learning gaps worsened by the pandemic. She recently organized a school supply drive that raised more than $800 for local schools.  

In addition, Thai serves as Co-president of the Math Honor Society, Enrichment Director of her school’s HOSA: Future Health Professionals organization, and is a member of the National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and Asian Student Association.

Music With a Mission

A gifted violinist, Thai has used her musical talents to give back, performing in local nursing homes to bring joy to seniors during the holidays. She is a first violinist in the Senior Regional Orchestra, first chair second violinist in the All-County Orchestra, and a long-time member of her school’s top orchestra.  

Leading by Example  

As an AP Ambassador, Thai encourages her peers to pursue challenging coursework and supports them in navigating academic hurdles. Whether mentoring new hospital volunteers, tutoring young students, or sharing her passion for STEM and music, she leads by example and lifts others along the way.  

Thai’s recognition as a 2024 Extraordinary Teen is a celebration of her many accomplishments — but more than that — it’s a recognition of the impact she already has made throughout Greater Prince William. With her boundless energy, humility, and drive to make a difference — she embodies the future of compassionate leadership.  

As she prepares to start her next chapter at UVA in the fall as an Echols Scholar, Thai’s story reminds us all that true leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about showing up, lifting others, and using your talents to create a better world. And for Thai, this is just the beginning!