Local Spotlight: Wanting Huo
Photo Courtesy of Maine School of Science and Mathematics
When Wanting (Wendy) Huo moved from China to Biddeford at eight years old, she never imagined she would one day be preparing to represent Maine on a national stage.
Now a senior at the Maine School of Science and Mathematics (MSSM) in Limestone, the 17-year-old has been selected as one of Maine’s two delegates for the United States Senate Youth Program, an honor that includes a $10,000 scholarship and a week in Washington, D.C., this spring.
“It still doesn’t feel real,” she added. “But I’m really excited to meet people from around the country and see how they view different issues.”
Her journey toward this moment began in Biddeford, where she attended Biddeford Intermediate and Middle School after moving to Maine in 2016. Even then, she gravitated toward challenging coursework, especially in math.
By eighth grade she had heard about MSSM from a family friend and was intrigued by the thought of a school where students embraced difficult classes. The application process felt more like applying to college with essays, teacher recommendations, and an interview, but she didn’t let that stop her.
When she visited for Accepted Students Day, something clicked. “I knew immediately I wanted to go,” she said. “The environment just felt right, even though it was five hours from home.”
The transition wasn’t easy. She remembers long stretches of homesickness and tougher academics than she’d ever faced. “It was really overwhelming at first,” she said. “But I grew a lot. I became more independent, and I learned how to manage my time.” She still returns to Biddeford once a month during school breaks, staying connected to the place where her journey started.
Although she arrived at MSSM for its strong math and science programs, Huo soon found herself drawn toward the humanities. She explored social science electives and an independent research project on ancient empires, discovering how much she enjoyed analyzing world issues. That interest deepened when she interned with the League of Women Voters of Maine the summer after her sophomore year.
“That was huge for me,” she said. “It made me realize how much I care about government and civics.”
Working on the Vote16 campaign, writing testimonies, and eventually serving as the organization’s youth representative helped her see a future in international relations.
“I like hearing different perspectives,” she said. “It helps me understand the world better.”
Huo’s curiosity extended beyond the classroom as well. During her sophomore year, she founded the Culture and Cuisine Club at MSSM, which hosts authentic food fundraisers and donates proceeds to humanitarian causes. Cooking, she said, became a bridge for students to share their backgrounds. Around the same time, she and a friend in North Carolina created SpeechSphere, an online nonprofit connecting volunteers with students in underserved areas to teach languages and build cultural understanding.
“We started super small,” she said. “I never expected it to grow the way it has.” Today, the organization has more than 200 volunteers worldwide. “It feels good knowing we’re helping people who were in the same position we were in once.”
The Senate Youth Program is the next chapter in her journey. This spring, Huo will travel to Washington, D.C., meet senators and federal officials, and spend a week discussing national issues with students from across the country.
“I’m most excited to hear everyone’s viewpoints,” she said. “Just having those conversations will be incredible.”
Huo has already been accepted to the University of Maine and is waiting on decisions from several top-choice schools, including the University of Chicago, Georgetown, Tufts, and Bowdoin. Wherever she ends up, she carries with her the confidence she gained at MSSM.
“When I first came here, I was terrified to speak in front of people,” she said. “Now I feel ready to share my ideas. That’s something I’m proud of.”
As she prepares for graduation in 2026, Huo hopes younger students—especially those who feel unsure of where to begin—remember that opportunities often start with a single moment of courage.
“Don’t be scared to reach out,” she said. “A lot of doors open just by asking questions and exploring. Adults really do want to help. You just have to take that first step.”
