Community Sponsor Spotlight: The Meng Family 

Kathy Xie, mother of Patrick Meng ’25, says her son had a passion for building things, including complex LEGO^® sets, from a very young age; and that “he really found his community in robotics when he came to Shorecrest in fifth grade.” 

After deciding Patrick needed a change from the very small, private school he had been attending, Xie felt that Shorecrest was clearly the right choice. “We fell in love with Shorecrest – everyone was so friendly and welcoming; and Shorecrest offered a more rigorous academic program and more extracurricular activities. Shorecrest has been an incredible community – like a family to us. It’s a community where everyone supports each other; and the teachers really care. I think Patrick has really grown from a boy to a respectful, responsible adult at Shorecrest.”

She feels such a strong sense of gratitude to all of her son’s teachers, that she wants to acknowledge three of them in particular. “Dr. (Anna) Baralt [Director of Technology and Media Services] has always been there for Patrick; his advisor, Mrs. (Kayla) Brazee [US Social Studies Chair] has been instrumental in his growth; and I still remember receiving a phone call from Ms. Kristie Dowling [US English teacher] to tell me that AP English was the right path for Patrick.”

Xie has been supporting Shorecrest at a leadership level every year since joining the community. “It feels great to support Shorecrest because it’s a place that’s dear to our heart,” she says. “I feel honored to be the first leadership sponsor of the Innovation and Technology program because it’s an investment in Patrick and in all of the students and the teachers.”  

Patrick’s experiences and achievements since starting to design and build robots at Shorecrest would make any mother proud. “Leading his team to compete in the VEX World Championships was the highlight of his junior year,” Xie says. “This year Patrick is serving as President of the robotics club, and he is dedicated to leaving a legacy of excellence in both robotics and team spirit. In February they won the VEX Florida State Championship; and because they won state, they qualified for the world championship in Dallas in May. Dr. Baralt, Ms. Balisalisa and Ms. Estremera are great coaches, and their dedication has truly made a difference.”

Patrick’s post-graduation plans include majoring in mechanical engineering at Vanderbilt University and perhaps adding a minor in business. Kathy appreciates the role Shorecrest has played in what promises to be a bright future ahead.

“With the foundation he’s gotten from the School and his strong work ethic and determination, I can’t wait to see where he goes. And I have no doubt that he will someday give back to Shorecrest in a meaningful way.”