Three PRISMS Students Shine on the International Stage This Summer
Three PRISMS students—Ivey W. '28, Kris S. '28, and Enzhi C. '27—represented the United States at prestigious international academic competitions this summer. After advancing through highly competitive national selection processes, they joined Team USA for the International Young Physicists' Tournament (IYPT), International Linguistics Olympiad (IOL), and International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO), respectively.
Ivey W. '28 — International Young Physicists' Tournament
Ivey, a rising junior, represented the United States at the 39th International Young Physicists' Tournament, held in Zurich, Switzerland, from July 5-12, 2026.
Often described as the “Physics World Cup,” IYPT challenges teams of high school students to research and experimentally investigate 17 open-ended physics problems. During the tournament, students present and defend their solutions in a unique “Physics Fight” format, where they also critique and discuss other teams' work.
Ivey and her four Team USA teammates finished 19th in the world and received an Honorable Mention for the second year in a row. Their result was also the best finish Team USA has achieved at IYPT. This was Ivey's second year as a member of the U.S. team.
Ivey's Team USA leader praised both her deep curiosity and her enthusiasm for physics, noting that she always wants to understand not just how something works, but why. The team also shared some lighter moments during the trip—including hiking in the Alps and, memorably, Ivey making friends with a Swiss cow.
Congratulations to Ivey and Team USA!
Kris S. '28 — International Linguistics Olympiad
Kris, also a rising junior, represented the United States at the 23rd International Linguistics Olympiad (IOL) in Bucharest, Romania, from July 26 to August 2, 2026, where he earned a bronze medal.
The IOL challenges students to solve problems involving unfamiliar languages and writing systems. Competitors use logic, pattern recognition, and careful analysis to uncover grammatical rules and linguistic structures, often without any prior knowledge of the languages involved.
For Kris, the experience strengthened both his interest in linguistics and his problem-solving approach. He noted that recognizing patterns in unfamiliar languages often requires patience and creativity, along with the occasional “Eureka” moment. Preparing for and competing at IOL helped him become more comfortable approaching difficult problems from different perspectives.
Kris has long been drawn to both the challenge and the beauty of linguistic puzzles. At PRISMS, he serves as captain of the Linguistics Club and has helped build interest in the subject among his peers. He is the first PRISMS student to compete at the IOL.
Congratulations to Kris on this outstanding achievement!
Enzhi C. '27 — International Chemistry Olympiad
Enzhi, a rising senior, represented the United States at the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from July 10'19, 2026, where he earned a silver medal.
The IChO brings together some of the strongest high school chemistry students from around the world. Competitors complete two demanding five-hour examinations: a laboratory practical exam and a theoretical exam covering a wide range of advanced chemistry topics.
What makes Enzhi's achievement especially remarkable is that he earned a place on the U.S. team in his very first year participating in the national competition and the USNCO Study Camp. In one year, he advanced through the full national selection process and ultimately represented the United States internationally.
For Enzhi, the experience went beyond the exams themselves. Reflecting on the competition, he said, “My favorite part of the competition is mostly just being here, participating, and enjoying the immersion in the culture.” The international setting gave him the opportunity not only to compete at the highest level, but also to meet students from around the world and experience a new culture.
Enzhi is the third PRISMS student to earn a medal at the IChO, following previous PRISMS medalists in 2018 and 2021.
Congratulations to Enzhi on his outstanding achievement!
We are extremely proud of Ivey, Kris, and Enzhi for representing both PRISMS and the United States on the international stage. Their achievements reflect not only their talent and hard work, but also their curiosity and commitment to learning.
We also thank the teachers, coaches, mentors, and families who supported them throughout their journeys. Congratulations to all three students on an exceptional summer!
