Before learning about the International Baccalaureate program at Chandler High School, Kyle DeRosier planned on taking only advanced placement classes.

Now, as a senior, DeRosier has reflected on his choice to pursue both IB and advanced placement programs and balance his education in the Chandler Unified School District.

“I chose the IB program because I like how IB is taken in as global thinking and enjoyed learning not only US thinking but intercultural thinking that will further the way I think and consider things,” DeRosier said. “I love how IB is also taken more on a personal note and how the IB coordinators will do almost anything they can to make sure someone will flourish and have a great time in their high school careers.”

DeRosier was recently named the IB Career Program Student of the Year for the state of Arizona. On Sept. 8, he accepted a plaque and cash prize at a quarterly IB Coordinator meeting.

He is anticipated to complete the career pathway completion and IB Career Program certifications after completing two years in the district’s sports medicine program.

Some courses he took at CHS include AP Computer Science, IB Chemistry HL, and IB Personal and Professional Skills.

“CUSD has equipped me with the necessary resources and surrounded me with the right people to prepare me for my future goals,” DeRosier said. “With these in mind, I would like to use these achievements to help move my life and future career forward to new paths and provide me with better ones.”

DeRosier said he feels humbled to be recognized by the IB community.

“With this award, I feel that what I’m doing in my community is making a difference, and it makes me even more happy to do what I do,” he said. “I will take this achievement and hope to bring myself to new levels. Even more so, I can’t wait to work harder and see what’s in store.”

DeRosier credits success to the invaluable resources and support systems he formed with CHS teachers and staff members, including college and career advisor Christine Milczarek and CHS IB career coordinator Courtney Kemp.

Kemp has worked with DeRosier for three years while he’s been an officer for the IB program and a member of Model UN, a club she advises. In December 2022, she wrote a recommendation letter for him and said that DeRosier is a “go-to” student whenever staff members need something done amongst other praise.

“He is a genuine young man who is incredibly respectful and honorable,” Kemp said. “Much of the respect I have witnessed comes from his commitment to his school and community; he is often seen helping teachers and staff as well as volunteering to support our various service groups on campus."

Kemp said DeRosier has such a positive nature about him, which makes nearly everyone on campus feel as though they have a friend in him.

“He acts as a leader to our underclassmen and demonstrates campus pride wherever he goes,” she said. “Lastly and most noteworthy is that Kyle commits himself to all of his activities without needing to reap any of the accolades – he does it just because it is the right thing to do,” she wrote in his letter of recommendation.

DeRosier ‘s recognition brings pride to the CHS community, partly because Chandler was the first school in Arizona to bring the IB Career program to its campus.

“We believe that not all students are going down the same path and we are grateful to offer a program like this for anyone interested in diversifying their transcript and school experience,” Kemp said.

In addition to the IB program, DeRosier’s involvement also includes:

• Member and former president of the National Honor Society

• President of Letters for Rose, a club that writes personalized letters to elderly communities in assisted living.

• Model United Nations member since September 2021. He attended the Harvard Model United Nations conference in Boston and plans on going this year.

• Link Crew Council Officer

• IB Officer Treasurer and Vice President

• Vice President of the American Cancer Society since June 2023

• HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) member since June 2023

As part of the IB Career Program, DeRosier contributes to the Student Aid Program for sports medicine after school in which he attends practices and helps faculty trainers run things smoothly.

When he graduates from CHS, DeRosier plans on pursuing a career in biomedical engineering or chemical engineering, continuing to medical school.

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