Sam Koeut has an impressive record at Lynn English High School. He is a straight ‘A’ student, holds the No. 1 ranking academically in the Class of 2014, and scored a perfect 800 on the Math section of the SAT exam.
Koeut has earned a supreme reward for his four years of academic excellence: a letter of acceptance from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, one of the foremost colleges in the world.
“I received the letter and I was really excited,” said Koeut. “I told two of my friends and when I got to school a lot of people began congratulating me.”
Lynn English Principal Thomas Strangie offered his congratulations to Kouet during a brief ceremony inside his office.
“Sam is a great. I couldn’t be prouder of him,” said Strangie. “He’s deserves this honor. He’s a superb mathematics student and should take a bow for his accomplishment.”
Karen Twomey has been Sam Koeut’s guidance counselor since his arrival at English four years ago.
“We’re just proud of Sam on his acceptance to MIT,” said Twomey. “Sam is such a fabulous kid and a tremendous all-around student. His perfect score on the Math SAT is something we don’t see very often.”
Twomey said Koeut has always challenged himself academically, having taken several Advanced Placement and mathematics classes, and enrolling at Salem State University for a college mathematics course this fall.
Ever humble, Koeut said he originally thought about studying auto mechanics but his Ford School seventh grade mathematics teacher Matthew Kane, who now teaches at English, inspired him to attend English and focus on mathematics.
“English is a great school and the students all get along here,” said Koeut. “The teachers are awesome. I think the students bring out the best in each other. ”
Koeut also excels in Latin and is currently taking an independent study course under the supervision of Latin teacher Michael Haddad.
“I’d like to really thank Mr. Haddad – he’s done an independent study class for me for two years.”
Koeut also thanked Twomey for being his academic adviser through high school.
“Mrs. Twomey has been a guiding force – she’s helped me in every way,” said Kouet. “Students have to make some important decisions about colleges and careers and I trust her very much. Mr. Strangie has also been very helpful.”
Koeut said his father, Yan, who emigrated from Cambodia (Sam was born in Massachusetts), has always stressed academics.
“My father has always been pushing me to study and participate in different activities,” said Koeut.
In addition to his studies, Koeut has been a member of the math team for four years and he volunteers his time to tutor other students.