AJ Li

STEM Academy (LEE) | Class of 2026

There’s something extraordinary about AJ Li — a quiet brilliance paired with a deep sense of curiosity about the world… and beyond it.

A senior at STEM Academy (LEE), AJ has spent her high school years immersed in both the arts and sciences. Whether she’s playing violin in orchestra, competing academically, or exploring her love for STEM, she brings a thoughtful and driven energy to everything she does. Her accomplishments reflect both talent and dedication, including earning a top score of 1 at UIL Regional Orchestra — a testament to her discipline and musical excellence.

But AJ’s impact doesn’t stop there. She has also spent time coaching young volleyball players, interpreting sign language in public spaces, and investing in her community in meaningful ways. It’s clear that her intelligence is matched by a genuine desire to help others.

And then… there’s the universe.

Since the age of five, AJ has dreamed of becoming an astrophysicist. That dream has already taken her on incredible adventures — visiting planetariums and observatories across the country, collecting 53 NASA mission patches, and even sleeping on the floor of the NASA Museum in Houston. Her fascination with space isn’t just a passing interest — it’s a lifelong passion rooted in wonder and possibility.

She draws inspiration from great minds like Marie Curie:

“One never notices what has been done; one can only see what remains to be done.”

And from the discipline-driven mindset of Vince Lombardi:

“To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, and to be late is unacceptable.”

Together, these philosophies reflect AJ’s balance of ambition and humility — always striving, always reaching for more.

After graduation, AJ is planning a Beatles-themed trip to England — a perfect blend of creativity, culture, and curiosity that mirrors her personality so well.

Her senior portrait session was nothing short of magical. From exploring downtown San Antonio to stepping onto the stage of the iconic Majestic Theatre, AJ embraced every moment with creativity and confidence. Dressed elegantly under the theater lights and later in her cap and gown, she experienced a quiet, unforgettable moment sitting alone on stage, taking in the stillness and beauty of the space. Even the unexpected pause — when the camera briefly went to sleep — became part of the memory, a moment of laughter and reflection in an already meaningful experience.

AJ Li is a dreamer, a thinker, and a creator — someone who looks not only at what is, but what could be. And wherever her journey takes her next, one thing is certain: she’s aiming for the stars.