Meet Shakira Truong: Klein Forest Salutatorian

Klein Forest Salutatorian Shakira Truong is an outstanding scholar and passionate pianist. 

Shakira has dedicated herself wholeheartedly to her studies, striving tirelessly to shape her future. Her path forward includes pursuing a degree in Chemistry at The University of Texas at Austin while continuing to nurture her passion for playing the piano and exploring her musical talents.

“I am so proud of Shakira and cannot say enough about how great of a student and musician she is. It was a complete surprise when she first approached me during the fall of her junior year, asking if she could join the band. We were more than impressed by her musicianship and willingness to learn. The answer was a resounding YES,” Klein Forest Band Director Jesse Espinosa said. “Shakira has been an outstanding addition to the Klein Forest Golden Eagle Band program, so much so that she earned a spot as one of our drum majors this school year. Ms. Truong is a natural-born leader and the epitome of what we want our students to be academically and musically. We wish her the very best and want her to know she will always be the Pride of the Forest!”

Music holds a significant place in Shakira's life. She participates in the school’s Marching Band and Jazz Orchestra, plays Classical and Jazz Piano, and contributes her talents to the Pure Gold Color Guard.

During her time at Klein Forest, Shakira has been an active and involved student, participating in several organizations. She is the Vice President of HOSA Future Health Professionals, class representative for Academic Decathlon, president of the Asian Culture Club, Speech and Debate team captain, and a Drum Major in the school band.  

“As a student who has been in Klein ISD my entire life, I have only known the best of the best when it comes to teachers. The educators that stand out the most in my mind are the ones who looked beyond the realm of Skyward grades and taught me valuable lessons about life,” Shakira said. “My understanding of the world and how I conduct myself every day has been shaped by the hands of incredible, hard-working people—and I carry a part of them in me everywhere I go.”

Shakira’s talent is limitless, and she has earned many accolades for her hard work and dedication to her crafts. She is a two-time UIL State Soloist and Ensemble winner, has earned an honorary mention from Scholastics Arts and Writing Awards for Poetry, and is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction. 

In addition to her extracurricular activities, Shakira takes great pride in volunteering. She has participated in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Light the Night event, Project C.U.R.E., and the Healthy Kids Running Series.

Great job, Shakira! We are so proud to have scholars like you who passionately pursue their goals.