May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. At Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN), we are celebrating by highlighting outstanding students of Asian heritage who demonstrate leadership in their programs. Today, we spotlight Nrinh (Devin) Khounxay, a first-year student in EASTERN’s Welding Technology program and a junior at Hatboro-Horsham High School.

Devin’s parents were born in Laos and later met after immigrating to the United States. This year, Devin had the opportunity to visit Laos for the first time and spend meaningful time with extended family. While he deeply valued the experience, it also gave him a new perspective on his own opportunities and circumstances. During his visit, Devin also learned about Laos’s history, including the “Silent War,” which shaped the experiences of many families who later built communities in the United States. Today, traditions like Pi Mai Lao are celebrated at local temples, keeping cultural connections strong.

Devin takes pride in many of the traditions of his culture, especially those centered around clothing and food. One of his favorites is a homemade style of beef jerky prepared by his family. Unlike the typical jerky found in stores, this version is thin, flavorful, and crispy rather than chewy, making it a unique.

His family motivates him every day to work hard and pursue his goals. “Whenever I am down, they are there for me,” Devin said. As the youngest in his family, with two older brothers who are 10 and 12 years his senior, Devin shares a close bond with each of them despite the age difference.

Devin chose Welding Technology at EASTERN because he prefers hands-on learning over traditional classroom work. “I don’t want to sit all day,” he said. He has excelled in the program and maintains outstanding grades. At Hatboro-Horsham High School, he is also a member of the Be a Part of the Conversation Club (BPOC), a student-led group that creates a judgment-free space to raise awareness about drugs, alcohol, and mental health.

After graduating from Hatboro-Horsham High School and EASTERN, Devin hopes to join a union and go directly into the workforce. Through his Welding Technology program, he has the opportunity to visit several unions and learn about the career paths and opportunities each one offers.