PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

2006 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM

NATIONAL RECOGNITION WEEK

June 24 – June 27, 2006

National Recognition Week is Sponsored by: GMAC Financial Services PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

42 Years of Presidential1964-2006 Scholars

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Th e United States Presidential Scholars Program was established in During the fi rst National Recognition Week in 1964, the Scholars 1964, by Executive Order of the President, to recognize and celebrate participated in seminars with Secretary of State Dan Rusk, Astronaut some of our Nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. Alan B. Sheppard, and Chief Justice Earl Warren. President Johnson Each year, up to 141 American students from across the country and challenged the Scholars to give their talents and time “in our land around the world are named as Presidential Scholars, one of the Nation’s and in all lands to cleaning away the blight, to sweeping away the highest honors for high school students. By presenting these young shoddiness, to wiping away the injustices and inequities of the past so people with the Presidential Scholars’ Medallion, the President of the that all men may live together in a great world community of decency United States symbolically honors all graduating high school seniors of and excellence.” high potential. Over the next decade, several changes occurred in the Presidential For forty-two years, from President Lyndon Baines Johnson to President Scholars Program. In 1969, the medallion design became the Great George W. Bush, the Presidential Scholars Program has placed more Seal of the Nation. In 1972, the National Teacher of the Year was than 5,000 outstanding young achievers in the national spotlight. invited to become a Commissioner. Alumni Scholars were invited Initiated by President Johnson, the Presidential Scholars Program to serve as Advisors to the program. A booklet of Scholars’ essays annually selects one male and one female student from each state, the on issues facing the nation was issued by the Joint Commission on District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Americans living abroad, 15 at-large Arrangements for the Bicentennial in 1976. students, and up to 20 students in the arts on the basis of outstanding In 1979, President Carter expanded the program to honor up to 20 scholarship, service, leadership and creativity through a rigorous students selected by the Commission through an artistic competition. selection process administered by the U.S. Department of Education. In 1980, a compendium of Scholars’ essays, poems, and musical President Johnson opened the fi rst meeting of the White House compositions was published, following a performance by the Scholars Commission on Presidential Scholars by stating that the Program was in the National Academy of Sciences’ auditorium. not just a reward for excellence, but a means of nourishing excellence. Th e Program was intended to stimulate achievement in a way that could be “revolutionary.” 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Th e selection process was refi ned in the 1980s to emphasize Upholding the values represented by the medallion they received, each leadership and community service. Th e U.S. Department of class of Presidential Scholars has gone on to fulfi ll the bright promise Education produced a collection of Scholar essays on ways to they showed so early in life. Th eir ranks now boast attorneys and improve the Nation’s education system. judges; leaders of business, industry and fi nance; senior military offi cers; In 1981, the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts was writers of fi ction, nonfi ction and poetry; diplomats; members of the created and its Arts Recognition and Talent Search program began to clergy; educators; scientists and researchers in every fi eld; federal, state conduct the annual artistic competition. In 1983, the Distinguished and local government offi cials; computer specialists; engineers; choir Teacher awards were created, and the twentieth year celebration of directors; dancers and choreographers; costume designers; physicians the program included an Alumni reunion and a performance by the in diverse branches of medicine; actors, novelists; technical advisors; Scholars at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. musicians and composers; architects and designers; visual artists; non- profi t managers, fundraisers, singers, entrepreneurs, and foreign service Th e year 1994 saw the publication of a working paper by the offi cers. Th ey are also family members, spouses and parents, and in their 3 American Association for Gifted Children, entitled “Th e Presidential personal and professional lives are helping to instill in new generations Scholars: A Portrait of Talent and its Development.” Th is study their commitment to excellence, their high ideals, and their devotion indicated that the support of parents and family members, and the to service. Individually, they are shining lights in their respective encouragement of teachers were important factors in cultivating the communities and fi elds of endeavor, and together they are a singular gifts of the Presidential Scholars, and that the Scholars approached constellation of purpose, dedication, and achievement. their experiences and challenges in ways that served to strengthen rather than impede the development of their abilities. In 1998, the Distinguished Teacher award was renamed the Presidential Scholars Program Teacher Recognition Award to serve as a means for rewarding good teachers for knowledge, skill, and performance. Th e award marks the progress that schools, communities, educators and families are making as they work with their states and the U.S. Department of Education to improve teaching and learning, and applauds the successes of highly qualifi ed teachers and counselors. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Congratulations April 26, 2006

4 Congratulations to the 2006 class of Presidential Scholars.

I appreciate this year’s Presidential Scholars for your hard work and determination to achieve your goals. By making a commitment to service, integrity, and good citizenship, you inspire others to reach for their dreams and serve a cause greater than self. I also commend your parents, teachers, and other mentors for their support and guidance.

Each of you has gifts to share, and our Nation needs your energy and leadership. As you look to the future, you can show your appreciation for those who have helped you succeed by continuing to serve those in need. Through devotion to family, education, and community, you can help build a better and more compassionate society.

Mrs. Bush and I send our best wishes. 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

5 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

May 15, 2006

The members of the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars are pleased to join President Bush, Secretary Spellings, and our kind partners and sponsors in honoring the 2006 Presidential Scholars. Each of you, through your academic achievements, artistic endeavors, leadership and good citizenship, is already making your mark and helping to uplift and improve your schools, 6 communities, and states. We are delighted to play a part in recognizing your efforts and celebrating your successes.

This year a 1989 Presidential Scholar from Idaho wrote to us: “You can’t imagine how much it has meant to me to be a part of this organization. The love and support I felt from my country during Recognition Week strengthened my drive to serve and to make the world a better place. The offi cials we met spoke so often [about our] being the nation’s future, that I felt like they were handing us the nation, and saying, ‘Take good care of it.’” We hope your time in Washington, and the medallion you receive in recognition of your accomplishments will impart to you that same feeling of support, inspiration, and purpose. We are indeed entrusting you and your peers with the continued care of our country and our world, and we feel confi dent that our future is in good hands.

Thank you for the example you are setting and the inspiration you are providing for countless other young Americans. Thanks, too, to your family members, teachers, and friends for their belief in your potential and their encouragement of your efforts. We will watch with proud anticipation for the important contributions we know the Scholars Class of 2006 will make.

Congratulations again, and good luck to each of you!

Sincerely,

Linda K. Graves Commission Chair 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

7 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS; THE PROGRAM THROUGH EIGHT ADMINISTRATIONS

“You are exceptional “Th rough [this program] “Your leadership, your members of an exceptional we recognize and honor intelligence could play a generation. What you not only the young men very vital role in writing accomplish as individuals and women of uncommon the agenda for America’s - what all of us accomplish ability and dedication who third century. I trust What the Presidents have said: as a nation - depends upon [are this year’s] Presidential that you will contribute, the goals and the values Scholars, but the tens through your scholarship by which we challenge 8 of thousands of brilliant and your practical ourselves. Th e average and young Americans whom experience, new thought the adequate are too low these Scholars represent and new insights into our as goals... Our aim must and upon whose skill and national wisdom. In this be higher; our reach must vision the American future way you will strengthen be farther; our pace must rests... Th e recognition you the American democracy be faster. Our society and receive is more important which all of us cherish. its members must aim than a prize of material You have got to think for, and reach toward, value. It is something that big, be big, act big, the goals and values of money cannot buy. ... It dream big, and above all, excellence. I honor you is something also that you accomplish big.” for what I know you, and will carry with you the rest President Ford your generation, of your lives, I hope will achieve in the very proudly...” years to come.” President Nixon President Johnson 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

“I’m very grateful to “You are America’s future “Th is marks the highest “America depends on... “I want to thank you have a chance to fi rst and symbolize her greatest Scholastic honor a you to master the for the contribution of all congratulate you, hopes. ... Your country President can bestow, and lessons we have recorded you make to our Nation and secondly to call on has made an enormous I am honored to bestow in the past and to today, and urge you on, you for continued help. investment in you, and it. For while already you accept the challenges because the contributions You’ve been chosen in we’re relying on your have done much, I know that will confront us you’ll make tomorrow an intensely competitive energies and abilities you will do more, and not in the future. ...Our will be just as important. way, based on merit to carry us into the for yourselves alone but quality of life during As we face the challenges alone. But of course, next century - free and for nation and neighbor the next century will of a new era, we must 9 with ... opportunity ... strong and prosperous. - learning, caring, helping depend on the creative encourage all young comes commensurate Let this award be both education lead the way. reasoning and the fi rm people to develop their responsibility. And a recognition of past ... [In] America the dedication of you and knowledge and skills, so since [as a Presidential accomplishments and defi nition of a successful your contemporaries. ... that they will have the Scholar] you are at least a challenge to excel in life must include serving I don’t see how anybody necessary foundation a temporary public the years ahead. ... We’re others. Well, that goes could be concerned about to thrive in a changing servant... I hope when counting on you to double for America’s best. the future of this great world. As Presidential you do go back home that understand and shape a Many have labored to country, looking at you, Scholars you are role you’ll be both incisive, better world...” share their knowledge reading your records, models for other young questioning, ... and President Reagan with you, and you can knowing what you people throughout our ... constructive.” give them no greater have achieved.” country. I encourage you President Carter gift than to share your President Clinton to build on your successes knowledge with others. ... and continue to expand Honor them by the lives your knowledge. By using you lead. And as you do... your talents to serve your make ours a better, richer, communities, you help more decent world.” ensure a bright future for President George H.W. Bush our country. ” President George W. Bush PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Th e Commission on Presidential Scholars and the Presidential Scholars Foundation gratefully acknowledge the funding provided by:

SPONSORS BENEFACTORS President: Gifts of $75,000 or more Mentor: Gifts of $1,000 to $4,999 Associate: Gifts of $50 to $249 Family of Joseph Reardon (2005) GMAC Financial Services Mr. James E. Farmer Ms. Linda Falcao (1978) Family of Rachel Rosenstein- Sisson (2005) 2006 Presidential Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Mr. Brian Abrams (1996) National Foundation for Ms. Cathy Salser (1984) Scholars Benefactors Goodman (1995) Ms. Pamela Baker (2005) Advancement in the Arts Family of Laura Schutz (1997) Th e Honorable and Family of Virginia Brumby (1997) 10 Mrs. Bill Graves Ms. Judith Scott-Clayton (1996) U.S. Department Family of Caroline Campbell (1998) Mr. and Mrs. Sanford C. Nemitz Family of Benjamin Shaby (1997) of Education Family of Max Chavez (2004) Mr. and Mrs. Jerome J. Parks Family of David Silver (2000) PATRONS Family of Kyle Detwiler (2001) Th e Wiegand Family Family of Stephanie Simon (2005) Commission: Gifts of Mr. James C. Francis, IV (1970) Foundation, in honor of Family of Matthew Spencer (2003) $10,000 to $24,999 Ms. Carmen Garcia-Pomares Caitlin McAuliff e (2005) Family of Jennifer Sternad (2000) American Trucking Ms. Avery Gardiner (1993) Ms. Samantha Stoddard (1990) Association Friend: Gifts of $500 to $999 Family of Wesley Greenblatt (2003) Mr. Abraham Tarapani (2000) Federal Express Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Family of Blair Greenwald (2005) Family of Nathan Talbert (1999) Th e John F. Kennedy Center Anestis (1991) Family of Kyle Haddad-Fonda (2005) Family of Ryan Taylor (2000) for the Performing Arts Mr. and Mrs. Nikolaos Apostolides Gloria Hwang and Steven Hetts (1992) Family of Geoff rey Tison (2000) McKinsey & Company Th e Honorable and Ms. Edith Hines (2000) Mrs. Manuel Lujan Mr. Kenneth Tseng (1999) Northrop Grumman Family of Kathryn Huston (2004) Commissioner Robert Moss Family of Marcus Verduchi (2001) Corporation Family of Anne Jeff erson (1997) Commissioner John “Jack” Mueller Family of Whitney Ward (1998) Phillips Foods, Inc. Mr. Aman Kumar (2005) Ms. Stephanie Waters (1999) Colleague: Gifts of $250 to $499 Family of Sonia Lahr-Pastor (2005) Scholar: Gifts of $5,000 to $9,999 Mr. Charles Williamson (1999) Family of Kelley Fenelon (2005) Mr. Raymond Liu (1993) Boston Consulting Group Family of Edgar Woznica (2005) Dr. and Mrs. John Knox (1983) Dr. Xanthi Merlo (1993) Th e Chubb Corporation Family of Rena Xu (2003) Mr. and Mrs. Th omas Kumi Mr. Geoff rey Michael (1993) Mr. and Mrs. Donald Dr. Hak Min and Jun Y. Lee Ms. Rena Xu (2003) E. Graham Lt. William P. Moynahan (1993) Dr. Anand Parekh (1994) Lion Brothers We thank all of the program’s National Society of supporters for their generosity. Collegiate Scholars

42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS 2006 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Presidential Scholars represent excellence in education and the arts, At 17 these amazing young people have mastered multiple languages, and the promise of greatness in young people. Th e medallion they played with Wynton Marsalis, won their fi rst Grammy Award, and receive symbolizes the hope of an ever-brighter future that this Nation conducted research for facilities from China’s Nanjing College to the entrusts to each rising generation. For over 40 years, this unique University of California-Davis. Academic pursuits, volunteerism, 11 program has honored over 5,000 young people for their scholarship, and extracurricular interests have taken them across the country leadership, character and civic values. Each class holds an unfathomable and around the globe. Th ey have issued scholarly papers, placed depth of potential, creativity, and dedication to high ideals. On in national and international competitions, raised hundreds of average, each year has a future Rhodes Scholar. Each class will yield thousands of dollars for charity, and gained entrance to the country’s artists in every possible discipline; teachers and professors devoted to top universities. Several aspire to be President of the United States. advancing world thought and fostering the talents of youth; nationally Th e 2006 Scholars include National Merit Scholars, US Senate recognized medical doctors; and a myriad of attorneys, business leaders Student Ambassadors, published authors, certifi ed SCUBA and community pillars who will infl uence the world in ways barely instructors, top equestrians, 4-H offi cers, inventors with patents imaginable. Alumni range from a Pulitzer Prize winner to a Tony pending, survivors of life-threatening illness, martial arts black Award nominee; a MacArthur Foundation “genius grant” recipient to belts, Red Cross Youth Board members, Kibbutz camp volunteers, a National Poet Laureate; one of Fortune Magazine’s most powerful Greek and Latin scholars, HIV clinic workers, band leaders and women in corporate America to the Governor of Indiana; and from concertmistresses, fi gure skaters, class offi cers and student body Miss America 1984 to the youngest-ever member of the President’s presidents, team captains, Sunday School teachers, farmers and Council of Economic Advisors. ranchers, mission trip leaders, Eagle Scouts and Girl Scouts, poets, Th e members of the Class of 2006 represent diverse backgrounds, and JROTC cadets. From ballroom dancing to robotics, arctic science experiences, and interests, and yet are united by many common policy to youth advocacy, rifl e team to debate, they pursue their qualities. Th ey are devoted to family and heritage; radiate boundless passions and convictions with joy, precision, and inspiring results. energy; bring their spirit, strength and character to bear in their Th ey take to heart the phrase “to whom much is given, much is communities, schools, civic groups, and places of worship; lead by required,” or as one Scholar puts it: “Th e only way to honor my luck example; and make practical their hopes of improving the world. is to exhaust it in helping others.” Th e work of the Commission on Presidential Scholars reaffi rms, on behalf of the President, the Nation’s commitment to high-quality education for all Americans, and highlights education’s potential to open doors, encourage action, and unfetter dreams. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Rebecca Allen Theresa Anderson Josh Archibald-Seiffer James Baldwin Cameron Ball Ft. Mitchell, KY, Waukesha, WI, Boise, ID, Timberline High School Hope, ND, Henderson, NV, 12 Beechwood High School Catholic Memorial High School College Plans: Stanford University May-Port CG High School Coronado High School College Plans: Yale University College Plans: University of College Plans: Undecided College Plans: Washington It seems paradoxical that the Wisconsin-Madison University in St. Louis Rebecca is a young woman emotional sterility of calculations James grew up on his family’s of diverse interests. She is the “Whizzing around the D.C. and defi nitive laws should farm in North Dakota, and from Th is hard-working, motivated president of the National Honor ice, our fi nal skater, Th eresa coexist with the aural or visual his experiences there he learned young man strives for excellence in Society and editor of her school’s Anderson!” “What’s that in her manifestation of the unbounded to work hard and solve problems. everything he does. Academically, yearbook. She participates in hand?” “Tess has a theoretical human spirit. And yet, there are Goals have always been a large part Cameron has pushed himself Odyssey of the Mind and the calculus book. She’s calculating countless paradigms throughout of his life. Whether it was making extremely hard, taking mostly AP Junior Engineering Technical the triple integral of her layback history of the products of this the varsity basketball team as a courses throughout high school, Society. Rebecca is a National spin.” “I see she also brought us symbiosis between the identities freshman, reaching weighlifting and enrolling in a college math Merit fi nalist and valedictorian lunch, her favorites: green curry of the artist and the intellectual. benchmarks, achieving a specifi c course during his senior year. An of her class. She spends her chicken, roast lamb Moroccan, Th e engineer must possess the skill score on a test, or realizing a accomplished artist, he continues time playing Varsity tennis and quesadilla mexicana, raspberry of creative innovation to generate profi t in business, he set high to pursue a passion to create. cheerleading and coaches a cream gelato from Italy - wow, new and improved solutions, while goals. He is the student council Outside the classroom, Cameron competitive youth cheerleading what a lot of food! She must the musician must be capable of president, Future Business Leaders furthers his education by reading, squad in her community. Rebecca’s have a fast metabolism!” “After in-depth analysis to formulate a of America vice president, and watching NOVA programs, and most rewarding experience has this competition, Tess plans on meaningful interpretation. My rocketry club president at his learning languages. He also strives been tutoring a learning disabled traveling to new places, fi nding passion for piano performance school. He was also a varsity to be a model citizen. President student at her high school. She cures for diseases, observing and composing as well as my basketball captain and is involved of his school’s National Honor also enjoys working at a local the universe, visiting particle unquenchable desire to explore in National Honor Society, track Society, he is deeply involved in pharmacy. Rebecca plans to major accelerators, and acting as the world around me make me and music. In his free time he community service and a myriad in biomedical engineering with a Hamlet.” “Tess truly loves learning another example of this fusion. enjoys weightlifting, reading, and of extracurricular activities. He Pre-Med focus, study Spanish and - Academic Decathlon, Science I hope to be able to help society making comedy videos. James also enjoys tennis, t’ai chi, the Zulu, and perhaps dabble in Art Bowl Captain, Coca-Cola Scholar in a material way (as I did with a plans to become involved in outdoors, and biking. What makes History. Rebecca is interested in I think obsessed is a better word.” self-produced Christmas album I politics after college. him unique is his determination to Public Health and hopes to spend “Gorgeous extension, and thrilling used as a fundraiser for sexual and become a better person: ceaselessly a year abroad in Africa working positions in that spin: with the domestic abuse victims) as well as patient, humble, and kind. After with HIV/AIDS survivors. calculus book balanced on her reach individuals on a subliminal college, Cameron hopes to become head! It’s the most creative ending level and inspire them to a world-renowned architect who I’ve ever seen!” “Silly, she’s only conquer adversity. works to rebuild inner cities and just begun!” slums around the world into places of safety and joy. 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

J. Andrew Benecke Brandon Berger Jennifer Blankenship Thomas Blemaster Andrew Bolano St. Louis, MO, Mary Institute and Nashville, TN, Anchorage, AK, Washington, DC, Huntington, WV, Covenant School 13 St. Louis Country Day School University School of Nashville A. J. Dimond High School St. Albans School College Plans: Washington College Plans: Massachusetts College Plans: University of North College Plans: Wellesley College College Plans: Duke University University, St. Louis Institute of Technology Carolina or Yale University I have always been an avid Perhaps less reserved than most Th e town I live in is a small, quiet Of all my accomplishments, my If I were a body of water, I would reader, and I credit to books my scholars, Tom spends much of town, but I fi nd many activities to favorite has to be my attendance be the Ocoee River, one of my academic success as well as my his time on the stage. He has fi ll my schedule. I know Sir Isaac record. No, I am not one of those favorite summer paddling spots, eventual move from the written performed in roughly fi fteen Newton said it can’t be done, but students recognized for perfect and a good ol’ Tennessee classic to the spoken word. I have been productions over recent years and I often feel that I would like to attendance; on the contrary, I whitewater run. Th e river seems a member of my school’s debate currently serves as president of be in two places at once, in order missed in excess of 150 days of to share my personality in many team for four years and have loved his school’s drama club. Indeed, to do all that I enjoy. I divide class over the course of my high ways. It is dam controlled, so it every second of it. I also have he has played every role from the my twenty-four hours among school education. Before you sleeps at night. It has some of the enjoyed my time participating in drunken, skirt-chasing manservant soccer, academics, scouting, and musical arts. I take pleasure take me for a truant, allow me fi nest surfi ng waves on the planet Mock Trial and Model United to the acrid news reporter to the in my academic success but I to explain myself. Virtually all and loves to play, and has periods Nations. I have volunteered at a ambitious policy wonk. His other truly enjoy making a diff erence of those absences were incurred of intense activity followed by local science center for a couple of interests vary wildly. An avid whenever I can; whether it is on during my freshman and junior mellow fl at water. It also smells years now, and I adore spending climber, Tom spends many of his the soccer fi eld as captain of our years, during which I was in odd after days of summer heat and time with the kids who come afternoons on rocks overlooking state championship team, in the treatment for osteosarcoma, a form is inadvisable to ingest. Th is is me there to learn. I love my home in the Potomac River, near his home. classroom, volunteering at the of bone cancer. My attendance in aquatic form. Most shockingly, Alaska, but I am looking forward He also acts as editor-in-chief of hospital or working for Habitat for record testifi es to the obstacles that just like me it loves literature and to exploring other parts of both his school newspaper, a position Humanity. I tend to take charge I have overcome in the course of political science, plays lacrosse, the country and the world in the he preceded by working on the and I’m quick to lighten the mood my education, and it is for that runs cross-country, has won coming years. business side of a small paper in whenever spirits are heavy. Of the reason that I am proud of my research writing competitions, Upstate NY. He loves his family, many terms my friends have use to staggering number of days absent. enjoys extended metaphoric his friends, and his delightfully describe me (i.e. brainiac, reliable, Despite my part-time attendance comparison, and has an adorable clueless feline, Mac, a creature relaxed, quirky, fearless leader), I throughout high school, I have dog named Shadow. who happily whiles away entire must say I prefer “quirky” perhaps been at the top of my class and afternoons staring wistfully at the mixed with a bit of “fearless have stayed involved in the school cabinet in which his food is stored. leader.” Fascinated with the community by serving as a co- universal language of mathematics, head of our Honor Council. I I plan to pursue a career in look forward to good health and a engineering, perhaps aeronautical better attendance record over the or biomedical. Although the path next four years as I study at MIT. is uncharted and challenging, I am certainly enjoying the trek. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Ashley N. Brisco Tice Brown Billy Buss Kaitlin Butler Gage Caligaris Covington, KY, Batesville, AR, Berkeley, CA, Tulsa, OK, Booker T. Washington Yardley, PA, 14 Covington Latin School Batesville High School Berkeley High School High School The Lawrenceville School College Plans: Princeton University College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Undecided College Plans: University of Texas College Plans: Harvard College at Dallas I love to laugh and to fi nd the Tice is a small town Arkansan boy A trumpet player since age 9, Billy I have many diff erent interests bright side of any situation. My who has tried to excel in any way has earned two DOWNBEAT As a kid, Kaitlin’s one goal in life and activities. I am a nationally fi rst foray as an engineer was the possible in his rural community. Student Music Awards for was to read every book in the ranked chess player and play on extensive Lego building project I He actually lives in a “suburb” of “Outstanding Performance/ children’s section of the library. the varsity basketball team. I am constructed at the age of fi ve. Now Batesville (population 9,000) that Soloist” and several scholarships, Although she gave up on this plan a big sports fan and much of my I want to delve into the mysterious has a much smaller citizenship including NFAA’s $10,000 Gold a while ago, she hasn’t lost her spare time is spent following my activity of the atom, the cell and of 166. Tice is an Eagle Scout, Award. For 4 years a member of childlike wonder at the power of favorite teams, the Eagles, Phillies, life itself. Discovering the cure a pianist of thirteen years, and the San Francisco All-Star High words. She is a writer for the youth Sixers, and Flyers. Community for cancer is my ultimate goal, an All-Region trumpet player. School Jazz Ensemble, he also section of her local newspaper, and service plays an important role in and it is one of the reasons I am Tice reads pathologically, and performed with the CMEA/IAJE was honored with an Achievement my life and most of the work I actively involved with the American especially enjoys great works of California All-State Honor Jazz Award in Writing from the do involves helping kids. I have a Cancer Society Relay for Life. I literature, as well as scientifi c and Ensemble, the 2004 Monterey National Council of Teachers of younger sister named Taylor who also enjoy dancing, which I have political news through National Jazz Festival High School All-Star English. After realizing the sad will be entering high school next participated in for 10 years. Th e Geographic and Newsweek. Band, the 2006 Cliff ord Brown/ state that many area schools were fall. In college I want to major in ability to express emotion in art Tice attended the International Stan Getz Fellows, and the 2006 in, Kaitlin decided to become a Mathematics or Economics and I is so important. My appreciation Science and Engineering Fair Gibson/Baldwin GRAMMY Band volunteer tutor. She works with hope to eventually pursue a career was expanded when I learned to in the 9th and 10th grades with Jazz Ensemble. His jazz combo at-risk children, helping them in business. play the piano, fl ute and the violin. projects investigating the eff ects of twice claimed fi rst place in the with basic reading and math skills. My favorite movie is Gone with commercial airfl ight on the human Monterey Jazz Festival’s Next In addition, Kaitlin serves on the Wind. My favorite quote is respiratory system and the genetic Generation Competition. Billy the Executive Board of National Edison’s: “Genius is one percent causes of sarcopenia, the muscle feels fortunate to have studied with Honor Society, is a member of inspiration and ninety-nine loss and morbidity that often trumpeter Mic Gillette since age the Model United Nations team, percent perspiration.” accompany old age. Tice plans to 11, and to have worked with greats and started a Knitting Club at double-concentrate in Molecular like Jay McShann, Ravi Coltrane, her school. Kaitlin will attend Biology and Government at Victor Goines, Steve Turre, Charlie the University of Texas at Dallas Harvard University – his dream Hunter, Roy Hargrove, Brian as a McDermott Scholar, and is school – and hopes to graduate in Blade, Tiger Okoshi, Nicholas undecided as to a major. three years thanks to his Advanced Payton, Phil Wilson, Wynton Placement Test credits. Marsalis, Joshua Redman, Oscar Peterson, Allen Toussaint, Hank Jones, Barry Harris, Irma Th omas, Ivan Neville, and Coolio. 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Jonathan Campbell Sarah Campbell Christopher Chen Jennifer Chen Sean Chen Cedar Hill, TX, Booker T. Birmingham, AL, San Marino, CA, Upper Arlington, OH, Oak Park, CA, Washington High School for the Alabama School of Fine Arts Polytechnic School Upper Arlington High School Oak Park High School 15 Performing & Visual Arts College Plans: Smith College College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Princeton University College Plans: Juilliard School College Plans: The Juilliard School of Music Sarah, a writer from Birmingham, I fi rmly believe that those who Jen has been known to write about Jonathan is a graduate of Booker T. Alabama, is a graduate of the have the privilege of education herself in the third person, laugh Ever since I started playing piano Washington High School for the Alabama School of Fine Arts, also have the great responsibility of hysterically at bad science jokes, at the age of fi ve, I have grown Performing & Visual Arts, where where she specialized in Creative spearheading social improvement and have a packed, constantly more and more attached to my he was a member of Repertory I Writing. She writes poetry, fi ction, and plan to enter a career in changing schedule that causes her music. Th roughout my schooling Dance Company. Jonathan is a non-fi ction, and plans to keep at public health. Fighting to protect friends to lose track of her. She has years I have managed to work Texas Young Master recognized by it. Sarah received a Silver Award the world’s most valuable asset participated in Speech and Debate hard and be a good student the Texas Commission on the Arts, from the NFAA ARTS program – the health of its people – deeply for seven years in both Lincoln- while continuing to pursue my as well as a two-year scholarship in 2006, won a Gold Award in the inspires me in a way that nothing Douglas and Extemporaneous love of music. I also developed recipient with the Dallas Dance 2004 Scholastic Art and Writing else can. At the same time, I categories, done science research a wonderful interest in science, Council. He has toured the nation Awards, and was the winner of have a profound appreciation for eight years with the last two especially in the fi elds of physics with Tremaine Dance Conventions the Howard Nemerov Creative for the small joys in life. I love focusing on skin cancer, and been and modern theoretical science. and has performed with the Writing Award in Fiction in friends, family, ideas, people, a part of an on-and-off relationship I love learning anything that pre-professional contemporary 2005. She has been published in inspiration, hamburgers, late-night with her piano for around a decade. interests me, from origami to company, Dallas Repertoire Ballet. Cargoes; Th e Apprentice Writer; ice cream, laughter and walking To satisfy the political thinker chemistry. My love for music has In 2006, NFAA honored Jonathan and Where We Are, What We See: down California Boulevard in in her, she established the fi rst led me to participate in several as an ARTS Gold Winner in Jazz Poems, Stories, Essays and Art the welcoming California sun. nonpartisan political discussion international competitions and Dance, an ARTS Merit Winner in From the Best Young Writers in No matter where life takes me, I group at her high school. However, play with many orchestras. I have Ballet, and an ARTS Honorable America. Sarah plans to study the hope I will always appreciate and it has been her role in the school also played for many pianists from Mention Winner in Modern humanities–probably English, understand the inherent beauty of literary arts magazine that has around the world to extend my Dance. In previous years, he History, Government, or Religion the human spirit. engaged her the most, allowing her experience. In addition to playing attended the prestigious summer - at Smith College next fall. to explore her creative side as both the piano, I play the violin in a programs of the San Francisco a contributor and Editor-in-Chief. community youth orchestra and Ballet, the Joff rey Ballet School, Jen plans on exploring her interests compose for fun. I also enjoy and the Juilliard School. Jonathan in computer science, English, drawing, singing in choir, building looks forward to attending Juilliard molecular biology, and economics models, and spending time on in the fall. in college. the computer designing graphics and websites. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Cindy Cheng Robert Clark Jennifer Claytor Garrett Coleman Shipra De New Orleans, LA, Bullis School Claremore, OK, Claremore Shelby, NC, Shelby High School Pittsburgh, PA, Las Vegas, NV, 16 High School Central Catholic High School Green Valley High School College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Princeton University College Plans: Oklahoma College Plans: Undecided College Plans: University of My favorite pastime is hugging A rabid afi cionado of movies, State University Nevada, Las Vegas trees. Th is diversion allows Jennifer loves reading subtitles and Garrett, a senior honors graduate, me, I believe, to indulge my Serving his school and community noticing fake accents. Currently, aspired as a young child to be I am an American citizen who dual passions of science and are two of the most important she is learning to read Cyrillic an Irish Step Dancer. He has was born in Australia and whose environmentalism. For the past aspects of Robert’s (“Race’s”) life. script. Combined, these two studied with the world-renowned family background is from several years, I have conducted Ranked fi rst in the class of 2006 passions guarantee her at least Th eresa Burke for 13 years, as Bangladesh. I really enjoy learning research in the biology and health at Claremore High School, Race a campily bad Russian accent well as with Ireland’s Chris Ryan. about diff erent countries and fi elds, with my primary fi eld of serves as an offi cer in Student someday. Not that she doesn’t In 2004, Garrett became his age cultures, and I hope to one day interest being epidemiology. One Council, Math Club, Model already imbue every word of Latin group’s All-Ireland Champion: travel around the world. In the of my most enjoyable service U.N, and Claremore’s state she speaks with a Southern the third American to do so in meantime, I will be working on activities is volunteering at Teen champion Academic Team. He twang – she is interested in a 40 years. He captured the World a dual degree in chemistry and Court, where convicted teens are also performs community service Classics major and serves as Championship title in 2004 and mathematics. With the exception off ered a second chance. In the as a member of the National an aedile for her school’s Latin 2005. He is nine-time Mid- of the time I apparently told my past year, my life has undergone Honors Society. In July of 2005 National Honors Society. She American Champion and six-time mother I wanted to be a car dealer, a huge change after Hurricane he was one of Oklahoma’s two also loves classic literature and North American champion, and I have wanted to be a teacher Katrina. Th is, however, has only delegates to American Legion classical music (especially Bach claimed the prestigious Minor for as long as I can remember. stepped up my commitment to Boys Nation in Washington, and Shostakovich). Often, she Belt Championship in 2001. Th erefore, I plan to pursue a environmental activism. At my D.C., a program focusing on chauff eurs her cello to school, Having won the 2004 North career in education at either the former high school, I was elected politics and public policy. He has Youth Symphony, All-State American, All-Ireland, and World secondary or collegiate level. In president of Mu Alpha Th eta received many awards including Orchestras, and lessons. Gardner- Championships, he is considered my spare time, I enjoy reading and and Science Olympiad. At my Oklahoma Academic All-State Webb University recently selected a “Triple Crown Winner,” one of doing various arts and crafts. My current school, I’m layout editor status, the Robert C. Byrd Honors her as a winner of its concerto few Americans to achieve such passion, however, lies in ceramics. for the literary magazine and Scholarship, and 2nd place in competition, for which she will distinction. Garrett has performed I enjoy entering my pottery in online layout editor for the school the nation in the Executive soon perform. She is a recipient of with popular Irish bands ‘Th e art competitions such as the newspaper. In my free time, I Women’s International Scholarship the Woodsman of the World US Chieftans” and “Cherish the Scholastic Art Awards and the play piano and bass, tinker with Program. He plans to study History Award, National School Ladies,” Eileen Eivers (of NFAA-Arts Awards, where I have web-design, practice falling off chemical engineering at Oklahoma Orchestra award, a National Merit Riverdance fame), “Gaelic Storm” received high honors. my skateboard (gracefully), and State University. scholarship winner, and an AP (featured in the hit fi lm “Titanic”), collect scarves. Scholar with Honors. Jennifer with Marvin Hamlisch and the tentatively plans a career Pittsburgh Symphony, “Attack in medicine. Th eatre,” and the Trinity Dance Company. 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Brittany Epler Rachel Esplin Casey Estes Allyson Ettinger Krista Ettlinger Veteran, WY, Blackfoot, ID, Melrose, NM, Camden, ME, Camden Hills Hollywood, FL, St. Thomas Southeast High School Blackfoot High School Melrose High School Regional High School Aquinas High School 17 College Plans: University of College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Texas College Plans: Brandeis University College Plans: Northwestern Wyoming A&M University University Rachel loves life, seeks growth, Allyson’s life, like that of most Graduating in a class of twenty and strives to lift others. She All of my life I have had a great human infants, began rather Krista is both a scholar and an two has been one of the most served as senior class president, love for nature. My experiences on unremarkably, taking a turn for artist. Her rigorous schedule infl uential details of my high ASB Historian, National Forensic the family farm have contributed the interesting when she acquired of school and ballet training school career. Not only was I on League president, Lincoln-Douglas to this love in numerous ways. basic communication and sometimes leaves her feeling like a fi rst name basis with everyone debate captain, and State LD Every year, I’ve witnessed the motor skills, at which point she there are too few hours in the in the high school, but I was also debate champion, ranking 7th cycle of life as our fi elds go began exploring the world and, day, but she relishes the challenge able to pursue many diff erent in the nation in the NFL. She from planting to harvest. I’ve subsequently, collecting identities. of being a better student and a leadership roles. My senior year competed in scholastic bowl, also learned how animals adapt From sweeper to soprano, third well-rounded person. She loves her I was student council president, including two years as captain, to their surroundings through baseman to mallet percussionist, ballet training, which she began at FFA chapter president, 4-H club and was cross country captain and our ranching operation. But civil rights team member to age six. She discovered a passion president, a National Honor a varsity runner for four years. my greatest interest is human actress to babysitter, Allyson keeps for this art form when she realized Society member, valedictorian, She implemented an elementary nature. My friends and family pretty busy. More than anything, the power of expressing herself and selected to become a member Spanish course for local children, are all unique individuals who however, Allyson has identifi ed through dance movement. It is of Who’s Who Among American tutored at a Hispanic kindergarten, have infl uenced me greatly. Th eir an intense fascination with the art hard to believe that she once had High School Students. Each one and volunteered extensively as diff ering views have helped me and science of language. Whether such a lack of coordination and of these organizations has left President of her LDS church keep an open mind in everything studying a foreign tongue or balance that her mom put her into me with many memories (such youth group. Having served for that I do, be it school activities, writing a play, she is passionately gymnastics to learn how to walk as how much Mountain Dew is 3 years as a girls’ camp counselor, community programs, work, devoted to the world of words, and uphill! She overcame that lack of too much Mountain Dew) and she is now a camp director. She or even baseball strategy! One plans to pursue this interest for as grace through dance, going on to numerous life skills. Ultimately it’s has played the harp and piano particular infl uence has been my long as it lasts. win fi rst place at a regional Youth my participation in these activities for a combined total of 21 years. dad, who taught me to look at America Grand Prix Competition that will help me to accomplish She owned and operated her own things from the point of view of and becoming a Top Twelve my goals later in life. Following produce sales business and grew up others when trying to understand Finalists in the Grand Prix fi nals in the completion of my Bachelor’s on an Idaho potato form. She loves situations and decisions. I plan New York City last year. Th is year degree in Agricultural Business at snowboarding, waterskiing, jet- on majoring in psychology in she is one of forty dancers selected the University of Wyoming, I college, so I can learn more about out of hundreds of applicants skiing, backpacking, motorcycling, Abdullahi Farah plan to continue my education and camping. Rachel plans to human nature and hopefully, worldwide to compete in the USA Extreme Self-Portrait Bust in law school focusing on concentrate in linguistics and study improve myself! International Ballet Competition environmental law. abroad, and hopes to work as an Plaster in Jackson, Mississippi. ambassador to China. Her dream 18” x 14” x 10” job: Secretary of State. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Judith Fan Samantha Fang Elizabeth Fayette Katherine Feldman Roberto Ferdman Paradise Valley, AZ, Sunnyvale, CA, The Harker School Wading River, NY, Shoreham- Middlesex, VT, San Juan, PR, 18 Chaparral High School College Plans: Harvard College Wading River High School U-32 Junior/Senior High School Saint John’s High School College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: The Curtis Institute College Plans: Wesleyan University College Plans: Brown University Samantha, a graduate of Th e of Music Judy Fan spent many a minute Harker School, began her I have a hard time dissecting I’ve always made a point to staring down that obnoxiously piano studies at fi ve. She Elizabeth (“Libby”) is the second myself into a list of characteristics, maintain a balance; while I take blank virtual sheet of paper on her currently studies with Mr. John child of four musical children. preferring to believe that I my academics very seriously computer monitor, challenging McCarthy at the San Francisco Since her older brother had already am more than the sum of my and dedicate myself earnestly to it to create a unique and creative Conservatory of Music. Samantha claimed the violin, she seemed accomplishments. So where shall my studies, I also make sure to way to describe her interests, has earned numerous awards, bound for cello studies. She had I start in describing myself? What involve myself in sports and other accomplishments, and goals, and including quarterfi nalist at the other ideas, and at two years old I’ve done? What I’m like? What I’d activities that help counterbalance include the requisite charmingly Seventh National Chopin Piano began to play violin. Libby prides like to be? I study Japanese, even the time I spend working. Th is self-deprecating admissions or Competition, recipient of the herself on her ability to balance lived in Japan, play jazz piano and past year, in fact, I started on quirky habits that might breathe Chopin Foundation of the United academic interests, community saxophone, and started a project the basketball team and indoor some life into an otherwise States scholarship, and fi rst prizes service, and musical studies. She and a protocol for amphibian soccer team, and was part of solemn biography-in just 150 at the Pacifi c Musical Society entered the Juilliard Pre-College conservation in Vermont. I am the crosscountry team. Apart words. How might she convey her and Ross McKee Foundation Division in 1998 as a student of a good alpine skier and a poor from the sports I’ve involved endless enthusiasm for the sport competitions. Additionally, she Ms. Shirley Givens and in her fencer. I am an artist. Yet all of this myself in, I write for my school’s of badminton, despite incurring has performed in Weill Hall at eight years there has won the doesn’t tell you that my greatest newspaper, had a leading role a second ACL injury on the way Carnegie Hall and was awarded 2004 Concerto Competition, passion is writing - or that I am in the winter play at my school, to a third state championship? a 2006 Silver Award in Music received an achievement award, not an extrovert, yet wish to touch and participate in various debate Could she express her fascination from the National Foundation and was selected for the Honors the world, to be a leader after and political organizations. for evolutionary biology and for the Advancement of the Arts. Seminar (a two-year course which my own fashion. What sets me While concerned with my own Spiderman comics without waxing She will be broadcast as a soloist will allow her to graduate from apart? I think it is not what I have betterment, I have participated melodramatic or sounding tacky? on WQXR radio’s Young Artist’s the Pre-College with Honors.). accomplished or where my interests in several eleemosynary projects Was it too strange that she always Showcase. Samantha enjoys her Meanwhile, in her other life lie. I think it is the fact that despite and organizations, such as Young set the microwave timer to a academic studies: valedictorian at high school, Libby is an AP my faults and foibles I wish to use Judaea, the Community Service multiple of 7? Or that she never of her class and National Merit Scholar with Distinction, a all of my talents and strengths for club, Feed the Homeless, and learned how to whistle? Not scholarship recipient, she also is National Merit Commended the causes I believe in. For these the Recycle club. All in all I’m surprisingly, the Word paperclip a National AP Scholar and serves Scholar, an editor for her school causes, I refuse to be a slave to my an easygoing guy who has taken was of little use. as President of her school’s Cum newspaper and a peer tutor in own personality, environment, or advantage of the opportunities Laude Society, a student chair both violin and academic subjects. fears. I hope to overcome the worst presented and made an eff ort to of the Judicial Committee, and She enjoys reading everything and in myself and use what I have for help create opportunities President of the Women in modern music. the help and education of others. for others. Science club. 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Shannon Flynn Ruvani Fonseka Townsend, MT, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI, Broadwater High School Grosse Pointe North High School 19 College Plans: Carroll College College Plans: Harvard College I’d like to describe for you a typical An avid participant in both choir week in the life of a determined, and quiz bowl, Ruvani also loves competitive, enthusiastic small- to read any book she can get her town girl. After church, Sunday hands on, and run cross-country. afternoon is consumed by one Her most unusual experience activity or another. Th is week, during high school was defi nitely my 4-H club plants trees at the being a semifi nalist on the 2005 local fairgrounds. In the evening, Jeopardy Teen tournament, I spend a few hours making edits where she met a great group of on an award-winning paper about friends she still keeps in contact Broadwater County fi res; it will with today. She plans to study be published in a magazine in the biochemistry at Harvard, but fall. Th en, it’s time for another with her love for mathematics and week of school, where I’ll strive Italian, she knows that those plans to maintain my 4.0 GPA while may change for the better! She is participating in various service and still unsure what she wants to do educational clubs. It’s important after college, but whatever it is, she that I’m a positive role model for wants to make a positive diff erence younger students, through my in the world, and to relieve actions. My life isn’t complete suff ering in some way. without year-round sports Rachel G. Goss activities, and since it’s spring, I’m Sit Down and Hush Up putting in the miles needed to Embroidery on cotton, wood prepare for weekend track meets. 10.5” x 17.5” My other two athletic passions are basketball and volleyball, and I’ll be pursuing those interests as a collegiate athlete. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Charles Frentz Katie Camille Friedman Shiv Gaglani Neehar Garg Corey Georgesen Kennebunk, ME, Phillips Academy Bartlett, TN, Melbourne, FL, Granger, IN, Omaha, NE, 20 College Plans: Harvard College St. Mary’s Episcopal School West Shore High School St. Joseph’s High School Creighton Prep High School College Plans: Princeton University College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Washington College Plans: University of My life’s adventures have been University, St. Louis Nebraska-Lincoln geared to expand my horizons. I My passions lie within two My fi rst distinction was one in have continually sought challenges seemingly unrelated areas: music which I ironically had no part Growing up in the shadow of the I am always up for a new and opportunities that indulge and science. Both inside and in. I became the fi rst recorded University of Notre Dame, where challenge. Perhaps that is why my passion for exploring the outside of school, I take advantage Indian child to be born in his father is a professor, Neehar’s I have always taken the hardest unknown. At age eight, I left of every musical opportunity Namibia. I have been to over intellectual curiosity has been well- classes at school, sought leadership behind my roots in the rarefi ed that I can possibly fi t into my fourteen countries, but America nurtured. As a Hindu, he enrolled positions within my extra- Northeast and relocated with my schedule. I have spent years in solo, is my home. Early on I thought I at a Catholic high school for the curriculars, and pushed myself mother, my sole parent, to the ensemble, and accompaniment wanted to be an entomologist, but religious discourse and to learn a in athletics. I have really become unfamiliar Oklahoma frontier piano activities, all of which have when I was six I visited a hospital bit more about the world around involved in community service to begin life anew. Like Joseph led me to travel to various states as and was inspired me to be an him. He was active in everything during the past year or two. Conrad’s Marlow, I have always well as countries. More recently, innovative physician researcher. from multiple economics and Besides heading teams and groups been fascinated with the so-called I’ve discovered the world of jazz I have completed seven medical mathematics competitions to in my school, I like to spend time ‘blank spaces’ on the map – places and enjoyed being the only girl research projects since 9th grade soccer, mock trial, and quiz volunteering at a local retirement to which I have traveled only in this year’s All-State Jazz Band. and have placed 2nd at ISEF twice bowl. He has become involved in home and a hospital. Perhaps this in my imagination. Moving to Lastly, to learn a quirky new and won the AAN Neuroscience politics wherever possible, both explains why I have always wanted Oklahoma City opened my mind instrument, I started playing the Research Prize. My research has locally, where he is working on to be a doctor when I grow up. to the expansiveness of unexplored tuba last year in my school band. been published in journals such a congressional campaign for My favorite subject in school is territory. As my mother propelled Outside of music, I enjoy math as Cell Transplantation. I am a Indiana’s 2nd District, and even science, and I like to compete in me from one adventure to another, groups as well as learning about Rickoid who was in RSI 2005 and at Harvard Summer School in Science Bowl and T.E.A.M.S., I became increasingly comfortable the newest scientifi c innovations. I am a member of the 2006 USA 2005, serving as president of a along with participating in Science with the unknown. In turn, my I look forward to applying my TODAY First Academic Team. local Democrat organization. He is Club. In my free time I like to years on the edge of the prairie science knowledge into some hands In addition, I was voted SGA active in the community, tutoring hunt, fi sh, and play Xbox. Th e were a coming of age that prepared on, real life applications through President and Homecoming Prince and working in soup kitchens. next challenge I look forward me well for the challenges that my engineering studies in hopes of of my high school. My hobbies Neehar has interests in everything to facing is to double major in would lie ahead at Andover helping others and perhaps solving include speech, tennis, football, from philosophy, economics, and biochemistry and mathematics and and beyond. Looking ahead to some problems that have become video games, beach-bumming, international relations to language, be accepted into medical school. college, I am confi dent that my part of everyday life. working out and kayaking. mathematics, and biology. international service experiences Possible careers range from work in Guadeloupe and India will in academia to law, business, posture me to contribute to the medicine – or really, anything else global economic development and that presents itself. business landscapes. 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Sarah Gidlewski Nathan Giles Nick Golinvaux Rachel Goss Caleb Graham Ames, IA, Ames High School Linthicum, MD, North County Englewood, CO, Cherry Creek Bellaire, TX, The High School for Jackson, MS, 21 College Plans: Iowa State High School High School Performing & Visual Arts Jackson Academy University College Plans: Cornell University College Plans: University College Plans: Vassar College College Plans: Mississippi College of Michigan Life is a journey that I take I love to try diff erent things. In Rachel is a graduate of Th e High I have attended the same school pleasure in making as interesting as the fi eld of athletics, I have played I am involved in a variety of School for the Performing and for 14 years, and I’m grateful to possible. I am able to refl ect on my basketball, soccer and baseball activities and enjoy having fun Visual Arts in Houston (HSPVA). my teachers and administrators life every summer when my family and I am now active in horseback in numerous ways. I have played Rachel’s affi nity for all types for working with me, and to my and I trek to my grandfather’s riding and scuba. In fact, my ice hockey for fourteen years and of art has grown in her various parents for sending me there. Still, cabin near Glacier National Park. interest in horseback riding led golf for six. I play at the varsity studies. In 2004, she attended the I am excited about college, and am Th e lack of electricity, running to my volunteer work with the level in both of these sports. I Rhode Island School of Design’s interested in fi lm and directing. water, and society make it an Galloppoff Th erapeutic Riding recently started playing soccer Pre-College program with a focus Music, theater, and drama have ideal spot to refl ect on life while program for disabled youth. I am again on a recreational team with in printmaking; this past summer always interested me. Last fall, I enjoying nature. However, in heavily involved in my school’s a group of friends, an incredible she studied traditional color played the male lead in “Hello, 2004, I exchanged mountains robotics, math, and computer experience thus far! I also have photography at the California Dolly!”, and for fi ve years I was for the ocean when I became science teams and I am member a vested interest in community College of Art. Her work has been in the Jackson Academy Band, a summer exchange student to of the drama, jazz and marching service through both Key Club featured in the Contemporary Arts which won our class at national Australia. A few months after my bands. It was in my Algebra class and Excalibur, a boys community Museum Houston and at other competition (Bands of America) return home, I became a mother... in middle school that I fi rst laid service club that focuses on local venues. Rachel considers more than once. I also earned to a black Labrador puppy named hands on a TI-83 programmable projects both within the school volunteer work one of her other a spot in the 2004 Mississippi Callie whom I raised for Leader graphing calculator. From that and outside of the school. great passions. Working at Th e All-State Lions Band. I’m seeking Dogs for the Blind. When Callie moment on I knew I wanted Academically, my interests lie in River Performing and Visual Arts a profession that lets me have a returned for offi cial schooling in to pursue a career in computer a variety of subject areas ranging Center for several years, Rachel has positive impact on a large number the fall of my senior year, I also science. I have participated in from Biology to Art History to helped children with disabilities of people, and cinema seems set foot into the “real world” by numerous computer science and French. I intend to major in express themselves through art. an obvious way to accomplish becoming a Page for the Iowa math competitions and have Biology in college and hopefully Th e River has not only given her this. I spend much of my free Senate. My path has led me to worked two summers as a software minor in another interest of mine, the ability to help children with time watching old movies as well some unexpected places; however, developer for the Department of leading me eventually to medical autism and other diffi culties, but as new releases, and enjoy are I have loved every experience and I Defense. school. I spend the rest of my time also helped her understand how playing guitar and piano, singing, look forward to all that lies ahead. with my family and hanging out important art is to every part of reading (especially Vonnegut), with friends. society. She plans to study art and and playing video games. I have art history at Vassar. two accomplished older brothers, parents that love me, and I am blessed. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Shalita Grant Alexander Gribov Gregory Griffi th Sameer Gupta Jeet Guram Baltimore, MD, Baltimore School Mayfi eld Heights, OH, Rock Springs, WY, Rock Springs Macon, GA, Central High School Columbia, SC, Irmo High School 22 for the Arts Mayfi eld High School High School College Plans: Yale University College Plans: University of College Plans: The Juilliard College Plans: University College Plans: United States South Carolina Imagine Indiana Jones on one School of Michigan Military Academy of his archaeological escapades An alumnus of the American I love the arts! From dance to In 1992, when I was four years In addition to academic pursuits into the depth of a haunted cave. Legion’s Boys Nation, Jeet has photography to acting, I love it old, my parents and I escaped Greg plays an active role in While I do not carry a whip and a passion for civic involvement all. When I was a freshman, I the religious oppression of the athletics, extracurricular activities have never run away from a giant and political debate. In joined the painting club and I Soviet Union and immigrated to and community service. As rolling ball, I have gone spelunking addition to having twice served loved it. Although they only let America. Th e experiences of my a student Greg is a two time in caves and hiked the Georgia as a Congressional Intern in me use three colors because they family members have taught me State Math champion, two- portion of the Appalachian Trail Washington, D.C., and having said I was messy, I still enjoyed to value the opportunities that lie time Wyoming “All-State” as an Eagle Scout. Moreover, like won the essay contest sponsored it. Th ere is something to be said before me and to appreciate the musician, and valedictorian of Indiana Jones, I love to research by the United States Institute of for someone who can capture life future that I have been granted. In his class. As an athlete Greg the unknown and mysterious. Peace for South Carolina, Jeet has with a paintbrush. Acting is my addition to being a student, I have is a three time Wyoming 4A However, my metaphorical caves long been an active competitor passion but one of the best things also strived to become a leader in “All-State” Cross-Country are found in the genetics lab in the National Forensics League. about acting is it opens you up to my school and community and runner, represented the USA and the old primary records of He has twice qualifi ed for so many other things. I am very an individual who is dedicated at the Envirocare World Junior my local library. I have analyzed nationals, reaching quarterfi nals interested in the world’s history, to helping others. Within my 10K Championships, and was the secrets of a Native American in Domestic Extemporaneous last researching cultures and religions school, I serve as President of our chosen as the Southwest District unknown population from 800 year. A National Merit Scholar of diff erent countries. I ran track People Recognizing International Outstanding Student-Athlete A.D., which my advisor believes and his school’s student body vice for a few months. I love watching Diversity and Ethnicities for 2006. As an extracurricular has extended scientifi c knowledge president, Jeet has a fascination football (I don’t enjoy playing it; (PRIDE), Vice President of the activities participant Greg is Senior by 300 years, and also have with the sciences; he is a member it hurts when you fall down and it National Honors Society, and Patrol Leader for his Boy Scout studied the infl uence of Georgia’s of his school’s National Science just drains all my energy). When I have played on the Basketball Troop, Vice President of National fi rst newspaper on the American Bowl team and has helped them was younger I wanted to be queen team. I have an immense interest Honor Society, and Senior Class Revolution. Furthermore, I earn two state championships. of the world but then I found out in foreign aff airs, politics, and President. As a community servant currently serve as president of my His experience working in the there was no such position so I economics. Upon completing Greg is a Big Brothers Big Sisters Beta Club and National Honor pathology department of his would have to settle for president my undergraduate degree, I hope volunteer, Cowboys Against Society as well as captain of my local hospital last summer or a monarch of some small to enter the business world and Cancer volunteer, and an assistant Tennis, state champion Academic, reinforced his interests in pursuing undiscovered island. But other work within the political sector. coach/mentor for the MathCounts and Academic Decathlon teams. a medical career. He plans to than that, I enjoy hanging out In my free time I love to enjoy the program. Finally, as a human, major in biology. with my friends, laughing and just company of close friends, playing Greg enjoys backpacking, skiing, enjoying life! any outdoor sports, and traveling. and pursuing religion. 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Cynthia He Tyler Hodges Jesse Horwitz Jason Houle Sally Hudson Davis, CA, Kalamazoo, MI, Pleasantville, NY, Baxter, MN, Brainerd High School Lincoln, NE, 23 Davis Senior High School Interlochen Arts Academy Byram Hills High School College Plans: University Lincoln East High School College Plans: Stanford University College Plans: Chicago College Plans: Columbia University of Minnesota College Plans: Stanford University College of Performing Arts/ I am a decisive, dedicated, and In addition to excelling Having completed most of When I was younger, all I wanted Roosevelt University easily amused student, citizen, academically, Jesse leads multiple my graduation requirements to do when I grew up was grow and musician. I have served as An accomplished musician and extracurricular clubs, participates as a junior, I was quite free to up – literally. As the smallest kid Key Club President and Academic writer, Tyler is an idealistic, in other rewarding school construct a schedule senior year in my class, I dreamed of being Decathlon Team Captain for two passionate, and driven young organizations, and pushes himself based strongly upon my interests. taller. Years later, I’m still falling years, as well as Science Bowl artist who strives for excellence outside the doors of his high AP Language and Composition short of that goal. Fortunately, I’ve Team Captain, and I enjoy public and freedom of expression in all school through challenging jobs was the only class I needed to take, achieved many others. I’ve traveled speaking. An October 2000 that he does. Originally from and internships. As president of and, contrary to popular belief, I the country competing in speech Reader’s Digest article inspired me Kalamazoo, MI, he now attends Interact, Peer Tutoring, and Film didn’t really hate the copious and and debate. I’ve tried my hand at in my ongoing dream of becoming Interlochen Arts Academy in the Club, editor of Th e Oracle – Byram subjective assignments... most nearly every sport, from soccer a neonatologist, a dream fueled northern woods of Michigan. His Hills High School’s newspaper – of the time. However, I certainly to softball. I’ve honed my math ever since through my biomedical main focus of study is classical and captain of the Forensics Debate preferred AP German, owing skills on the quiz bowl team and science and research experiences voice, and he one day hopes to Team, Jesse has found numerous largely to my experience as a sharpened my writing as editor of at the University of California, be an opera singer or recitalist ways to contribute to and foreign exchange student during my school’s newspaper. I’ve spent Davis. I began playing piano at on the great stages of the world. involve himself in his immediate Summer 2005. While there, I much of my high school career age four and violin at age nine; I Tyler’s talent for writing is also community. Furthermore, he has worked with a Chemistry teacher serving community organizations. have soloed four times on piano very important to him; from a expanded his horizons through to develop and translate software I’ve also been playing the piano with orchestra and have played very young age his love of reading programs such as Byram Hills Stage and instructions concerning for more than a decade. Now violin in the Sacramento Youth fueled a desire to create his own and his school’s varsity tennis team. physics- and chemistry-related my sights are set even higher. I Symphony for six seasons. A 2003 meaningful work in that fi eld. He Outside of Byram Hills, Jesse has experimental equipment. Th is plan to study public health policy concert tour to Brazil showed sees both art forms as powerful worked as a tutor and interned at in turn sparked the interest that after high school. I hope one me that medicine and music conduits for emotions and the hedge fund, Kenmar Global drove me to take AP Chemistry in day to work for an international are remarkably similar; that it is experiences that are universal to all Investment Management, as well addition to AP Physics, my true developmental agency, such as the possible for one to pursue both by people, and thus in urgent need of as the law fi rm, Boise, Schiller, and forte and passion since taking an World Health Organization or the dedicating oneself to caring about being expressed in today’s modern Flexner LLP. Jesse looks forward introductory course as a junior. World Bank. people. Accordingly, I plan to society. His interests aside from to continuing his current activities Along with AP Calculus to further study biology and music in college singing and writing include acting, next year at Columbia University my analytical knowledge, the before medical school. playing the fl ute, exploring nature, and expanding his academic balance of humanities and sciences and traveling in foreign countries. world through a possible political appeals to the full spectrum of science major. my personality. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Michael Hughes Jamie Hwang Natalia Irizarry Joanna Jan Analise Jenkins Billings, MT, Marlboro, NJ, Mt. Vernon, NY, Fargo, ND, North High School Brandon, MS, 24 Billings Senior High School Marlboro High School Horace Mann School College Plans: Rice University Jackson Preparatory School College Plans: Franklin W. Olin College Plans: Dartmouth College College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Vanderbilt Joanna is the type of person who College of Engineering University I am what some may call naïve, I am a person of many and appreciates her past, enjoys her Yogi Berra once said, “When but I prefer to call idealistic. passionate interests. I have a present, and aspires towards her At the 2005 UCLA National you come to a fork in the road, When asked in the second grade passion for the theater, both the future. No matter how high or Youth Leadership Forum take it.” Mike attempts to do what I wanted to be when I grew experience and challenge (and how low she ends up in the ladder on Medicine, I was one of so at every opportunity, all the up, I proudly announced: the applause) of acting onstage, and of life in the long run, she knows hundreds of bright, competitive while striving not to poke his fi rst female minority president of the sense of community fostered that she will harbor no regrets. students. Although momentarily eye out. Th is year in debate, he America. Th at dream soon faded in a production. I love writing, For the choices she made in the intimidated, I love a challenge, I and his partner qualifi ed for when I realized that this mini- when the mood strikes me. I’m past – both the wise and the brash love to learn, and I love people, the National Forensics League revolution would most likely have fascinated by math, especially ones -- and the consequences they so I threw myself into it. In those Policy Debate Tournament in ended with my assassination. random, somewhat obscure areas engendered, provided her with weeks, I gained faith in myself, Dallas. His research on genetic Since then, I have wanted to like theory. Best of all I love lifelong experiences that built and as I made wonderful friends and algorithms won the Grand Prize become a surgeon, a marine singing, and the feeling of an a strengthened her character. When worked with well-known doctors. at the Billings Clinic 2006 Science biologist, a lawyer, a photographer, cappella choir that’s perfectly in she manages to pull her head In addition to my love of science Expo. Outside of school, Mike an investigative journalist, a tune, whether on a pop standard out of the clouds she dedicates that led me to UCLA, I love to runs a video and computer services missionary, an astronaut, and a or a 14th century madrigal. I time to the violin and piano, in exercise. Having participated business with a friend and also safari guide. Whether it be uniting approach all I do with intensity addition to her studies. She enjoys since age four in soccer, I came serves as a student representative the Koreas, saving the life of a and full commitment. I have tried volunteering and horseback riding full circle last spring to coach on a school board committee. He child, or discovering a new planet, to take advantage of the many lessons, along with the sport of my own team of four-year-olds. ravages the competition on the I know I will be aff ecting people, options school has off ered, and fencing. However, her greatest Another aspect of who I am is dodgeball court and never misses and that is all that matters. I hope to continue this in college enjoyment in life is traveling, and my art, which I have channeled kicking back on the couch for a want to right wrongs and in my and beyond. I am blessed to have she spent three summers traveling into volunteer work at a local art Seinfeld rerun. Next fall will fi nd own little way change the world. found a school so suited to my abroad with a student ambassador facility for mentally challenged him in Boston, building his own Th is week, I want to be the Chief personality, with extraordinary program. Right now she draws adults. Also being a Classical education at Olin College. Justice. Next week - who knows? teachers and opportunities. Th e upon her past experiences and Studies Scholar has allowed me to most important thing I have eagerly awaits the prospect of appreciate other areas of study in gained from my high school years the future. unique ways. I know now that I is a group of friends who make my am prepared for the challenges of life better every day and who are college. In fact, I can hardly wait. always there for me. I hope in the future to give back actively to the world that has given me so much. 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Jane Jiang Tassity Johnson Laura Beth Kaplan Caitlin Kimball Amy Kwon Bellevue, WA, Lakeside School Houston, TX, The High School for Memphis, TN, Winter Park, FL, Bishop Moore Corvallis, OR, 25 College Plans: Harvard College Performing & Visual Arts St. Mary’s Episcopal School Catholic High School Crescent Valley High School College Plans: Duke University College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Carnegie College Plans: Stanford University At six, Jane was dubbed “a motor- Mellon University mouth.” She has been inseparable Tassity, who majored in visual I am Walter Mitty. Sure, I may Amy is an accomplished from her words ever since. An arts at the High School for the not be the middle-aged married From a young age Caitlin’s loves musician, a budding engineer, accomplished writer, Jane has Performing and Visual Arts, has man who buys puppy biscuits have been God, her family, and an outdoor and Ultimate won many national awards for been writing ever since she could, and who populates my beloved her friends, cookies, and of Frisbee enthusiast. In addition her poetry and prose. Recently and supposes that she will for seventh-grade literature textbook, course: the theatre. Th roughout to being the three-time state her self-published book of poetry, the rest of her life. Honored with but such incongruities prove childhood and into high school cello champion and the two- “Th is Odyssey”, was awarded First NFAA’s 2006 Gold Award in Short minuscule. After all, dear dithering she’s found ways both in and time district piano champion, Place by the Washington Press Story Writing, Tassity credits her Walter throws his life into his out of school to express her love she has soloed with various Association. Captain of the Speech mother for acknowledging and daydreams, and I aspire to doing for the stage. Caitlin recently youth and semi-professional and Debate team and the 2005 encouraging her interest, her father the same. While Walter casts won the Silver Award in Th eatre symphonies, toured with popular State Champion in Oratory, she is for long talks about culture and himself as a fi ghter pilot, I see a from the National Foundation of music group Pink Martini, and also Editor-in-Chief of her school’s philosophy and trips to museums, future of writing and academia; Advancement in the Arts Awards won various northwest chamber literary magazine and Opinions her English teachers, Ms. Duhon when Walter transforms into a and performed Off -Broadway music competitions. She also Editor for the school newspaper. and Ms. Ballard, for fueling her naval offi cer, I envision myself as in New York with her fellow works regularly in the chemical In addition to her interest in appreciation of literature, and an activist-cum-doctor willing to winners. Th e past two summers engineering lab of a professor at anything humanities-related, her insomnia, for providing an tackle inequality in global health she has attend Ann Reinking’s Oregon State University, and she Jane harbors an unholy love for opportune atmosphere within care systems. Where do Walter Broadway Th eatre Project. Caitlin hopes to complete research and theoretical calculus and fashion which to write. She has been most and I diff er? Perhaps the answer has been seen in professional publish fi ndings before going magazines. She enjoys reading inspired by William Faulkner, lies in the fact that I am still an productions in the Orlando area, to college. She enjoys knitting, contemporary Chinese literature whose work she feels holds a enthusiastic, optimistic eighteen- and in the Florida Th espian State patching friends’ pants, and and accruing various breeds of history and weight that she can year-old who believes that with Competition Caitlin has won the baking for others. In fact, her useless information, usually for only hope her work will have commitment, her imaginings Critics Choice (“Best of Show”) in love of food has inspired her to her Quiz Bowl team. She is short, one day. Tassity will attend Duke can easily become reality. From both 2004 and 2005. When she volunteer at the local soup kitchen bossy, and alphabetizing-obsessed. University in the fall. She also philanthropy to journalism to is not performing, Caitlin works throughout high school. Amy is She reads when she gets the expects to eventually reside in a dancing to serving ice cream, I at the Orlando Youth Th eatre a member of her school Ultimate chance; in the rest of her free time remote cabin off a desolate cliff in have tried to make an impact on where she helps introduce kids to Frisbee team - despite her knack she works at Express and watches the Nevada desert, where she will my community. Walter would performing. Caitlin thanks her at falling over while cutting - and Jeopardy religiously. write and paint and think. be proud. parents, friends, and God, who also loves to hike in the regional must have been having a really hills: a wonderful physical and good day when he decided to spiritual rejuvenation for the soul. bless her with such people and opportunities. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Allison La Fave Audrey Lackner Stephanie Le Irene Lee Mihan Lee De Smet, SD, Dobbs Ferry, NY, Barrington, RI, Hockessin, DE, The Charter Potomac, MD, 26 De Smet High School Dobbs Ferry High School Barrington High School School of Wilmington Georgetown Day High School College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: University College Plans: Brown University College Plans: Massachusetts College Plans: Yale University of Virginia Institute of Technology I remember, at age fi ve, anxiously During my childhood, my I’ve always been quiet, shy, and watching the Presidential election Like anyone in this book, I’ve father served in the military. His If there were one word to sum averse to public speaking. As luck results on the television. All those challenged myself academically all assignments to various parts of up Irene’s personality, it would would have it, my fi fteen minutes pie graphs and precinct numbers through high school. I also help the United States and overseas be “curious.” She loves trying of fame came last year in the probably meant little to me at the those who struggle with classes. gave me the chance to see many new activities, no matter how form of two nationally televised time, but somehow I could sense I truly master material when I diff erent parts of our country. lacking her talents may be in each speeches: one in Springfi eld, the weight of what was happening. teach it. I’ve initiated academic I made friends with many area. Even if some attempts fail, Illinois, and one in Seoul, South Since then, I have been hooked on extracurricular activities in my diff erent people. I learned to ski they make excellent anecdotes. Korea! In Springfi eld, I read aloud politics. A large part of my high school. I started National History in Colorado and sail in Rhode For example, she has plenty my essay about freedom, which school career has been defi ned Day, so students can explore select Island, visited the Alamo in Texas, of humorous stories to share had won the Grand Prize in the by my involvement in political history topics independently. As and toured the nation’s capitol about her adventures in singing C-Span Lincoln Essay Contest; the activities. From canvassing for president of the new Science Club, when I lived in Maryland. I enjoy karaoke in Chinese, playing on Korean government, upon seeing Congressional candidates, serving I’ve invited speakers, planned tennis and debating. I have been the tennis team, and anything to the press release, then invited me as a U.S. Senate Page for Tom experiments and helped organize playing the piano for over twelve do with dancing. Whenever she to Seoul to speak about peace Daschle the fall of my junior year, scientifi c fi eldtrips. Two summers years, and currently serve as Vice can, she enjoys writing about her at the 60th Independence Day participating in the U.S. Senate ago I worked in a geology lab. President of the Chopin Student escapades, both real and imagined. celebration. Both experiences Youth Program this spring, even Last summer I participated in Musicians Club in Providence. She produces more serious works were nerve-wracking and, in roaming the halls of my own state the CIBA Specialty Chemicals For the past two summers, I have as an editor for both the school the end, intensely rewarding, capitol during its tumultuous High School Institute. Th ese worked in biology laboratories, newspaper and yearbook. Her especially because they aff orded legislative session, my experiences activities have broadened my and have recently completed a inquisitiveness has also led her me opportunities to speak about in government have largely shaped horizons. In addition to scholarly project involving the cloning and to success in competitions such (and therefore learn more about) my value system and personality. pursuits, I have been coeditor of sequencing of a frog gene. I plan as the Intel International Science my Korean heritage. My other Participating in the Telluride the student newspaper since I to major in Biology and work and Engineering Fair. Out of interests include reading, creative Association Summer Program and was a sophomore. I also play harp towards a career in medicine. In everything, she has the greatest writing, biology, drawing, and Girls State, as well as many other and piano and am the student the whirlwind of daily life I fi nd interest in people, as evidenced swimming. My college plans are camps, has connected me with organizer of the Dobbs Ferry relaxation in reading and drawing. by her tendency to excel in group still fairly nebulous; I plan to an amazing network of friends Student Musicales, a community projects, her closeness with her be premed, while also majoring around the country. I love music recital program for music students family, and her continued eff orts in either Women’s Studies or and the arts, working on volunteer in Dobbs Ferry. to learn about other cultures. Environmental Studies. projects, and experiencing diff erent cultures and traditions. 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

27

Jason C. Sanford Korean Dogwood Stoneware 8” x 5.5” x 5.5” PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Victoria Lee Christine Levy Kevin Lin Nathaniel Little James Liu Mendham, NJ, West Morris Centennial, CO, Bellevue, WA, Cedarburg, WI, Tucson, AZ, 28 Mendham High School Cherry Creek High School Newport High School Cedarburg High School University High School College Plans: Princeton University College Plans: Yale University College Plans: Stanford University College Plans: Yale University College Plans: Harvard College In addition to academic study, Christine brings passion, Kevin read “A Heartbreaking Work Nathan Little is his class’s Ever since I was a child, I’ve always Victoria enjoys performing as dedication, and spirit to every of Staggering Genius” in April salutatorian, a National Merit insisted on knowing exactly how a musician, competing as an endeavor she pursues. She is 2006 and was enlightened by the Finalist, Wisconsin All-State things work. While my curious athlete, and exploring the world actively involved in her school’s quirks of a great postmodernistic Scholar, and a National and nature made it very awkward of science. After playing violin Student Senate, acting as Student memoir. His parents are strong Spanish Honor Society member. and time-consuming for my for seven years, she decided to Body President and involved in and beautiful, with dark eyes and Nathan, a two-year co-captain parents to explain where babies switch her focus to viola and has numerous committees. Christine perfect complexions. Kevin enjoys of the cross country team, was a come from, it has also helped to participated in orchestras around is also involved in a community scrawling poetry and random two-time All-Conference runner, challenge and push the limits of the world. As a fl autist, she led the service club and planned a blood tidbits (he is humble, so will not received four varsity letters in cross my potential. Some regard this marching band as drum majorette drive for her school. Aside from mention the accolade he received country, is track team co-captain curiosity as a compulsive need to and traveled with the band to school clubs, Christine enjoys in last year’s Live Poets of NJ). In and received three varsity letters understand everything, but I see perform twice in Disney World. studying government and politics, Taiwan, he writes to-be-published in track. He recently played Jud it as a driving impulse in my life She competed on the varsity tennis, examining literature, exploring books with his Papa and teaches in a production of “Oklahoma!”, that has led me to compete in fencing, and track teams, and leadership, and reading. Last English at a school for humiliating and is a three-year member of Academic Decathlon and Science helped the tennis team advance summer, she spent her fi rst four pay. He loves reading, swimming, both the Swing Choir and Jazz Olympiad, drawn me into the in tournaments and become the days of summer reading her tennising, and watering plants. Ensemble. Nathan also won a intricacies of economics, forced second-best team in New Jersey. favorite book Atlas Shrugged Kevin interns at T-Mobile and rating of fi rst for Solo Tuba at the me to analyze the physics behind In the fi eld of chemistry, she because she was so captivated. spends a majority of his time WSMA State Music Festival and every tennis shot I make, and conducted independent research on Aside from academics, Christine cooped up with his violin, playing was a member of the University of encouraged me to comprehend the possible connection between plays varsity soccer, runs varsity Mendelssohn concertos, no doubt. Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s top Youth the incomprehensible beauty of a copper binding and Alzheimer’s cross-country, and bike races Among all things, he fancies Wind Ensemble. Nathan was Chopin Nocturne. Each problem and Mad Cow disease, entering on the state and national level. biology (being a winner on a junior class treasurer and is student I face is only another opportunity science fairs and presenting her She has received All-American xenotransplantation report) and body secretary for his Student to discover something new and research across the state. She has recognition for cross-country and will endeavor to resurrect extinct Council. He has volunteered as a although I may not always fi nd an served as chair of bake sales for her is ranked top-fi ve nationally for species with undying passion. tutor, concessions stand worker, explanation, I can’t help but enjoy high school’s service club, chair of cycling in her age group. All her “Dream relentlessly!” he says, “and basketball camp leader, and co- looking for one. team recruitment for the American activities don’t keep Christine ignore your friends.” chaired a fund drive for Hurricane Cancer Society’s Relay for Life from hanging out with her friends, Katrina Relief Eff orts. Nathan Fundraiser, and was a founding swing dancing, and visiting all the works as a barista at the Cedarburg member of the string quartet club best coff ee shops around town. Coff ee Roastery. and fencing club. 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Amanda Rose Long Stephen Longfi eld Tianxiang (Sandy) Lu Kristen Manderscheid Rachel Mans Anniston, AL, Oxford High School Dubuque, IA, Overland Park, KS, Blue Valley Potomac, MD, Stone Ridge Greensburg, PA, Greensburg 29 College Plans: University of Hempstead High School North High School School of the Sacred Heart Central Catholic High School Alabama, Huntsville College Plans: St. Olaf College College Plans: University College Plans: Duke University College Plans: Creighton of Pennsylvania University Rose is one of the most inquisitive I have been blessed by a family, I love to pursue my curious souls one may ever encounter. teachers, and friends who have I can’t say that I have any earth- appetite towards new, challenging I have a real passion for words. She is extremely interested in the challenged me to use my talents in shattering hobbies, and I’d prefer experiences. My roles in the Few things make me happier than world around her, and she takes service to others and given me joy not to list accomplishments. community as School President, sitting down to read a good book, great pleasure in the pursuit of in life. My parents started reading After all, I’m still a teenager - I Model UN Head Delegate, but one of those is trying to type knowledge. Aside from her love of to me when I was very young and like to socialize, play most kinds “Ridgebits” Editor and Girl Scout up a story of my own. I’ve been academia, Rose enjoys leadership. have encouraged my love of books, of sports (even if with little have all stemmed from my desire writing since fourth grade, when As president of several of her especially fantasy and mystery. aptitude), and of course, eat and to explore new horizons. As I attempted to write the Great school’s service organizations, My teachers noticed in me an sleep – and this won’t last much School President, I have helped American Novel on the subject of Rose takes an active role in the aptitude for math and pushed me longer. Tactical games of all sorts to implement my school’s very summer camps. I wrote a hundred community and devotes much of to develop these talents. I love to interest me, whether board, such fi rst honor code. In addition, I pages, and then lost them all. I’ve her free time to helping others. play with numbers and equations, as chess, or computerized, such as help lead the Model UN club typed all of my stories since. In the She is the recipient of numerous to wrestle with problems, and to Starcraft. I’m involved in all sorts and encourage fellow members summer of 2005, I attended the local, state, and national awards solve puzzles. I have thoroughly of activities, be it poker, ping- to represent their countries’ Pennsylvania Governor’s School for for outstanding academic enjoyed working with friends pong, or swing dancing. Certainly, stances to the utmost in their the Arts, where I was truly inspired achievement and exceptional at school in Math Modeling I have set plans and hope to peacekeeping simulations. On the to develop my skills. After this service to the community, and Competitions and the National make outstanding contributions newspaper staff , I create and edit experience, I was moved to start a is respected by all who know Economics Challenge. Teaching to society, but right now there’s the humorous and fun “Ridgebits” literary magazine at my high school her. Family is very important to children in gym class at a local nothing I enjoy more than page. As a Girl Scout, I earned to help others fi nd the joy of words. Rose, and she likes nothing better elementary school and serving as laughing, even if it’s a slightly dry by Gold Award by improving In my free time, I love to bike, than to spend time traveling to a recreation leader and puppeteer sense of humor. the system of organization in the sing, act, and bake chocolate interesting places with her parents, at my church’s annual Vacation inventory room at Turning Point chip muffi ns. brother, and sister. Bible School has encouraged my Center for Women and Children. creativity and made me thankful In my free time, I love to play for the gifts of others. tennis, volunteer with children, tinker, improve my skills in the kitchen, engage in various hobbies, and spend time with my friends. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Laura Marcus Lisa Marrone Kelly McConnaughey Shaun Mills Sahand Moarefy Indianapolis, IN, North Central Centreville, VA, Huntsville, AL, Pittsgrove, NJ, Arthur P. Schalick Arroyo Grande, CA, Arroyo 30 High School Thomas Jefferson High School for Grissom High School High School Grande High School College Plans: Yale University Science and Technology College Plans: Boston College College Plans: Grove City College College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Yale University I am probably the easiest person Th e only sure thing about my Shaun leads a fairly simple life. Sahand is a hard-working student, in the world to inspire. Practically In high school, Lisa has enjoyed plans for the future is that I want Th e hardest decision he has made with a broad range of passions every subject or activity interests a wide range of passions. Her to help people, and I have not yet to date was whether to write and interests. An avid competitor me, everything from fractal scientifi c interests have led discovered what that will entail his biography in fi rst- or third- in the High School Speech & geometry to South American her to become president of for me specifi cally, but I’m sure I person. But now that’s over, his Debate Program for four years, literature. Unfortunately, my Biotechnology Club and Co- will enjoy it as much as I do now. life has returned to its relaxed he has participated in state and rather practical nature makes coordinator of Tomorrow’s My greatest accomplishments are pace. Growing up in rural South national tournaments and received me highly susceptible to getting Women in Science and those that are not measured in Jersey has left its mark on Shaun numerous awards. In the realm of stuck in ruts. To counteract this, Technology. Last summer, she test scores, GPAs, or medals; the - namely, he hates humidity and community service, Sahand helped I take every weird and random researched gastrointestinal greatest things I have done are mosquitoes. On a more serious found both the Youth Red Cross opportunity I can. I try to do physiology at the Research Science about becoming who I am now note, he is a devout Presbyterian, Club and Youth Cancer Society things that seem completely out Institute at MIT. She recently and getting through things that an avid tennis player, a moderate Group in his county. Furthermore, of character, and in doing so, I won Grand Prize at the Virginia should have stopped me. I was pianist, and the middle child in leadership represents a primary think I’ve actually discovered my State Science and Engineering once told that the only things I a set of triplets. Four years in characteristic of his extracurricular real character after all. I’ve been Fair for this research, and was might not like are knitting and marching band have taught him to involvements, a fact shown in his suspended for a political protest, named an Intel Science Talent cheerleading, and since that I have dress warmly for football games, position as president of the three studied abroad in India, and won Search semifi nalist. She pursues taken up knitting, so my interests while four years running the aforementioned programs. All the a ballroom dance competition. I an interest in the humanities include almost everything. I love sound board for school musicals same, Sahand is a down-to-earth can wrap a sari, eat rice with my through Model Judiciary; this year, music, art, writing, coff ee shops, have taught him that if nothing is individual who always makes time hands, and dissect poems and frogs she gave an oral argument before kites, squirrels, dancing badly going wrong, he’s not looking hard for the essentials such as family and all my opponents’ arguments. the Supreme Court of Virginia. and singing worse, sunshine, enough. Shaun plans to major and friends. Indeed, in his free I can’t do it all...yet...but hey, I’m Outside of academics, she loves thunderstorms, rooftops, rowing, in Mathematics and is currently time, he enjoys reading, exercising, only seventeen! to run distance, play violin, and hammocks. accepting suggestions as to what to and going out. cook Th ai food, and eat massive do with such a degree. quantities of pomegranates. She intends on studying Biology and Economics at Yale next year. 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Joseph Moore Rafael Moras Tariq Musa Jeff Nanney Kate Niehaus Mayfi eld, KY, San Antonio, TX, Douglas Salt Lake City, UT, Plano, TX, Columbia, SC, Graves County High School MacArthur High School Skyline High School Plano East Senior High School Spring Valley High School 31 College Plans: University College Plans: University of Texas, College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Stanford University of Louisville San Antonio Born in Amman, Jordan, and Curiosity fuels me as a person Many things make me happy, such My passion for competition began My life began with little hope of having lived in Sri Lanka, and a student. My grandmother as running, reading good books, at an early age, when the plastic success: born hydrocephalic, and England, France, and other proudly recounts my earnest drawing, eating delicious food, tee-ball trophy I won before even diagnosed with just a slim chance countries around the world, queries about the plausibility surprises, discoveries, almost all attending school compelled me to lead a normal life. By God’s Tariq Musa is a multicultural of Santa Claus living at the types of music (except country), to work toward more substantial grace I have instead gone on to young man with diverse interests. North Pole, where the lack of and laughing. I’m not sure what awards. Since then, I have live by the mantra: “with great He has played soccer ever since a landmass could not sustain my plans are after college, but if broadened my horizons beyond power comes great responsibility,” he could walk and competes in humans. And so I am accustomed pressed I’ll mention chemistry, a young child’s sport and focused as the basis of my endeavors. I varsity soccer at his high school to seeking the most in every maybe biomedical engineering. more on academics. I am currently grew up in a family passionately and also with his division-one arena of learning available. I I’ve done research on mosquito editor-in-chief of the award- devoted to the arts and especially club team. Artistically, Tariq have benefi ted immensely from repellents (Beware! dreams of winning Graves County “Eagle’s music, including the great Spanish is an accomplished classical summer enrichment programs in monster mosquitoes can result Eye” high school newspaper, art of “zarzuela.” I aim to use the pianist, having recently recorded mathematics, particularly from from their prolonged observation), two-year captain of the school gifts God has blessed me with to a professional CD featuring the my experience with the Research helped plan a prom for special- Quiz Bowl Team, two-year captain give back to Him and others as works of Rachmaninoff , Chopin, Science Institute at MIT. Th ough needs students, dug for dinosaur of the Varsity Tennis Team, a classical tenor, Catholic music Ravel, and Beethoven. He has I consider myself a lifelong, bones (in my backyard at age fi ve), and two-year president of the minister, actor, and writer. I have participated in competitions for self-motivated learner globally, I built a roof for a needy family Calculus Club. Each organization performed solo and in ensembles several years and plans to pursue am eager to pursue an education (and nearly fallen off ), met several has allowed me to express my across the country, placed highly performance the rest of his life. in mathematics. I am currently Olympians, had my fortune told knowledge and creativity as a in national, state, and regional Tariq is also the founder and fascinated with the possibility (I’ll live to age 95), and climbed well-rounded individual. I spend vocal competitions, and written an president of two online soccer of teaching and researching as a to the highest waterfall in the my free time juggling and digitally essay now housed in the Library of companies, SoccerFansNetwork. professor, but no matter what I do, contiguous United States. editing photos. Congress. Th e example of heroes com and World-Cup-Store.com I plan to approach my profession like the great John Paul II inspire – the former an online portal for with a distinctly mathematical me to pursue a career in which soccer fans across the globe with methodology, a manner of the call to use my talents to serve over 22,000 member subscriptions thinking that promotes ingenuity and better the world never and 600,000 posted messages, and and consistency. As deeply as I goes unheeded. the latter an online store featuring love mathematics, I also hope to thousands of products for the maintain my passion for sports, 2006 World Cup competition. music, and history. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Brendan O’Callaghan Noel Ottman Lillian Pecoraro Amelia Pedlow Aman Prasad Naples, Italy; Naples American Lee’s Summit, MO, Lee’s Summit London, England, London Central Philadelphia, PA, Nazareth Pocatello, ID, 32 High School North High School High School Academy High School Century High School College Plans: University of College Plans: Undecided College Plans: Cornell University College Plans: The Juilliard College Plans: Cornell University Notre Dame School Noel loves to explore her world. Lillian was born into a US Air Th e thrill of academic challenges If the past few years have taught She’s come a long way since hiking Force family where she has Amelia has always lived her life in school is the alarm that wakes me anything, then the ability through the Rocky Mountains as and experienced many cultures in an equilibrium of the arts and me up each day, and still rings to handle the pressure and a child; now, she enjoys studying including those of the Far East in academics. In the areas of the during the second semester of responsibilities of myriad activities history and languages, especially Korea, the European traditions arts, Amelia has participated in my senior year. Th ough I have, at is among the most important. Spanish. She recently returned found in Spain, Belgium, and the countless theatrical productions in one point or another, wanted to As an Honor and AP student, from an exchange program to United Kingdom, and the subtle high school, community theatre, be a pilot, a Blue Man, a coff ee- an active member in student Mexico, where she enjoyed diff erences in the United States and professional theatre. She shop owner, or a writer, I have government, a three sport athlete, learning the rich Mexican slang from living in Texas, Washington, has also taught an after-school convinced myself that I absolutely a violinist, a leader in NJROTC, vocabulary and other things Alabama, North Carolina, and drama program at a local middle want a career in public health. and a vigorous servant of the not taught in a classroom. Noel Pennsylvania. She experienced school and directed two original Public health because science and community, I have learned to deal likes to sing classically, act in her these cultural diff erences through musical revues as fundraisers. math are the two subjects that with the strains of multi-tasking school theater program, and spend her interests in history, horse Amelia is also actively involved I still struggle with and because on many occasions, all while time with friends. One thing she riding, and running where she was in music. At Nazareth Academy helping other people on the planet living in a foreign culture. As the treasures about Mexican culture the captain of the London Central she is currently an AP Music enjoy a life like the one I live is treasurer of the student council for is the importance of friendship, Cross Country and Track Team. Major and participates in chorus, the sole focus of the next stage of two years, and most recently as its the fervent political discussions Additionally during high school, chorale (Offi cer), jazz choir, and my life. My work with the local president this year, I have planned and appreciation of human she held leadership positions in Tri-M Music Honors Society Youth Forum, healthy youth numerous school and community companionship. Noel has no High School and for the National (President). However, Amelia has outreach programs, and public events. I played in the school idea what is waiting for her after Honor Society. Moreover, Lillian also been blessed with parents health research has opened my orchestra, was the executive offi cer college, but she is excited to won numerous awards for running who know that academics come eyes to a world of suff ering, ripe of our NJROTC Unit, started for fi nd out. in European Department of fi rst. She is a member of National for the ideas of the next generation the Wildcat off ense, wrestled, and Defense Competitions and earned Honor Society, was chosen as Best of scholars. I have my wonderful am competing for the division the prestigious rank of Premier in Class for WPVI-TV, and is parents and brother and sister to crown in tennis. In the future, Degré as a member of the Poney Valedictorian of her senior class. thank for this ethos. I hope to be commissioned as Club de la Chapelle aux Puits in Amelia hopes that in the future, a naval offi cer and serve as a Belgium. After her graduation her appreciation of both the arts fi ghter pilot. from London Central in June, she and academics will lead her to new will attend Cornell University and wonderful opportunities such and major in Mathematics, a as this. subject she is fascinated by and truly enjoys. 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Michael Puente, Jr. Mariam Rahmani Raj Ranade Erin Risch Steven Robertson Kenner, LA, Jesuit High School Kent, OH, East Lyme, CT, Topeka, KS, Shawnee Heights Tampa, FL, Gaither High School 33 College Plans: Rice University Theodore Roosevelt High School East Lyme High School High School College Plans: Undecided College Plans: Princeton University College Plans: Princeton University College Plans: Hillsdale College Th e journey of my life has been As a child, I had an uncanny one amazing cycle. I was born My two biggest passions, My name is Raj Ranade. I live in My mother said that she fi rst knack for breaking electronic in Dallas, Texas; but I have lived Mathematics and Language Arts, East Lyme, Connecticut and am suspected that I would become an things in a hurry. Th is may have in the New Orleans area since I have been considered irreconcilable, a graduate of East Lyme High engineer when, at a young age, I started at age six, when I nearly was six weeks old. I have fallen but I contend that both share a School. Th is fall, I will be attending began sorting my little plastic hair electrocuted myself trying to in love with my hometown common core: they are art forms, Princeton University, where I will barrettes: fi rst by color, then by “conduct an experiment” that through the years during my seeking the truth of reality and be studying chemical engineering. size, and then by shape. She and involved a rechargeable battery, many hours volunteering at attempting to express it in a In my life, one of my main passions my father are both engineers, and 110VAC power, and mildly saline its Audubon Zoo, tutoring its refi ned and beautiful way. Each is scientifi c research. I have worked since I’m a perfect mix of both water. It progressed quickly to children, and celebrating its is a lens to view and a language on several science projects during of them, they assumed I would computers. When we fi nally got unique culture and traditions. to describe our world, be it my high school career, including follow in their footsteps. Little did one, I was warned about breaking Recently, Hurricane Katrina sent through numbers or words. Only analysis and optimization of a they know that I would essentially it - which, of course, is what I my family to Houston, where through using diff erent lenses and chemical reactor and environmental embrace the two subjects farthest unintentionally did. To avoid I worked to keep my displaced languages can one understand testing of a novel nuclear waste from it: French and music. I being permanently grounded, school community connected by humanity, practically contribute disposition system. My work has spend most of my time in the I had to learn how to fi x my continuing to publish our school to its improvement, and build won awards in the International orchestra: I play the cello. I also mistake quickly. When I broke it newspaper. I have since returned a foundation to understand Science and Engineering Fair, as dabble in piano, but I wouldn’t again, I had to correct it again, ad home to New Orleans but in existence itself. My dedication to well as semifi nalist standing in the say that I have a bright future in nauseum. Because of all of this, I August will head back to Houston my education is inspired by a deep Siemens Westinghouse and Intel it. I’m president of the National now have an uncanny knack for for undergraduate studies. Even love for learning. I intend to couple Science Talent Search competitions. Honor Society. For two years repairing electronics in a hurry. I though I was born in Texas, the knowledge I gain with my Additionally, I am a Coca-Cola now, I’ve been an offi cer in Model also greatly enjoy music, and take evacuated to Texas, and will soon more comprehensive world-view Scholar of Excellence. My hobbies United Nations. On the side, I pleasure in listening, composing, be educated in Texas, I am still a - inspired by my diverse cultural include listening to music, enjoy swing dancing, reading, and performing a great variety of proud Louisianian and know background as an Iranian-Muslim- watching movies (especially fi lm and continuing to surprise my works. I look forward to using that New Orleans is where my American - in order to work for noir), and playing tennis. I hope parents with career aspirations like my combined interests in the heart lies. a safer, more cooperative global to spend my future doing whatever diplomat, bible scholar, and professional audio community tomorrow. I personally can to help both my rock star. electronics industry. local community, and the world as a whole. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Carmen Rodriguez Mitchell Rodriguez Matthew Rognlie Ian Rousseau Jason Sanford Norcross, GA, Rapid City, SD, St. Thomas More West Linn, OR, South Hero, VT, Dallas, TX, St. Mark’s 34 Norcross High School High School West Linn High School Essex High School School of Texas College Plans: Purdue University College Plans: Purdue University College Plans: Duke University College Plans: Massachusetts College Plans: Middlebury Institute of Technology College My father immigrated to the If Mitchell Rodriguez’s life could Born in sunny Mesa, Arizona, United States from Cuba when be described in one word, it would Matt enjoys a wide assortment I’ve always questioned the reasons Foremost in Jason’s life is he was nine years old. After be “variety.” He has traveled to of desert-themed activities, for the existence of the world undoubtedly his ardent love of hearing the struggles he faced as a India, Singapore, Mexico, and including fi xing air conditioners, around me. When I was a child, art. In pursuit of this affi nity, young boy, I am able to relish the Malaysia. Mitchell has been riding camels, and wrestling with I took things apart and tried he has particularly favored three opportunities this country off ers. involved in a variety of sports, snakes. Since moving to Oregon, to reassemble them, not always mediums: music, ceramics, My mother is of American descent; such as soccer, track and fi eld, he has begun to explore other successfully. Later, I became and literature, each of which as a result, I have experienced basketball, swimming, and also pursuits, most notably math and interested in fl ight. I built radio- contributes its own unique outlet the blending of cultures that is has a Black Belt in Tae Kwon waffl e-making. Matt plays jazz controlled airplanes and started a for his expression. He plays the unique to the United States. I Do. He is the Vice President of tenor sax, classical bassoon and rocketry club at my high school. clarinet, the baritone saxophone, appreciate the cultural diversity of Student Council, Editor-in-chief avant-garde kazoo. After a long Th e rocketry club switched gears the bass guitar, and the acoustic my community and understand of Yearbook, guitarist in the school day, he likes to chill with his mock and delved into robotics during guitar, and enjoys listening to its importance in this country. I rock band and member of the trial buddies, discussing the fi ne my junior year. We received a many genres of music, from thank my parents for giving me a National Honor Society, French points of imaginary law. Not grant to create a robotic tennis classical to electronic. He has will to succeed and tolerance for Club, Science Club, Knowledge grounded by a sense of reality, ball retriever. Th e lab became worked with primarily wheel- others. Th ey have allowed me to Bowl team and FIRST League Matt dreams of ambitious and my natural environment. In the thrown pottery for three years pursue my interests in swimming Robotics. Mitchell is a National far-reaching projects. He hopes summer of 2005, I researched and loves it fervently. He also competitively while continuing to Merit Scholar and AP Scholar to start an open-source textbook power generation in space. I thoroughly enjoys reading and excel in school and be involved in with Honors. He has participated initiative, promote carbon taxes ease stress via athletics. Since the writing, and is considering extracurricular activities. Finally, in community service projects coupled with progressive rebates, tender age of fi ve, I’ve played majoring in English in college, nothing I have done would be including the United Way Day of and expand microcredit programs ice hockey. I spent three seasons among other subjects. As an possible without the guidance and Caring 2005, blood drives for the throughout the developing wearing my school’s colors, during athlete, Jason has been on his blessing of God. United Blood Services and service world–and he can’t wait to start! which we won two state titles. In school’s varsity crew team for at Assisted Living centers and art the summer, I cruise through the three years and has been captain centers for the developmentally Green Mountains on my ’84 Fuji the past two; he also water skis challenged. He plans to pursue road bike. competitively. He hopes to pursue research in nanotechnology and set all of his passions at Middlebury foot on Mars. College in Vermont. 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

35

Eloise B. Santa Maria Potential Energy Iron oxide, plaster on sidewalk 132” x 132” PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Eloise Santa Maria Scott Seki Koning Shen Tracey Shi Eric J. Smith Houston, TX, The High School for Honolulu, HI, Punahou School Logan, UT, Logan High School West Des Moines, IA, Gallup, NM, Gallup High School 36 Performing & Visual Arts College Plans: Stanford University College Plans: Harvard College Valley High School College Plans: New Mexico College Plans: Maryland Institute College Plans: Harvard College Institute of Mining In grade school, I was one of Koning is the embodiment of College of Art and Technology those risky boys who lived for a math and music nerd. As an In a word, Tracey is energetic. Eloise Santa Maria is a graduate excitement and bravado. During avid member of her schools’ She jumps from extracurricular Besides beating video games of the High School for the recess, I earned cuts, scratches, math clubs for six years and activities to academics to and solving calculus problems Performing and Visual Arts in and broken bones while diving President for the past two, she leadership with ease and in my head, I enjoy refereeing Houston, Texas. She will be for home plate and leaping into wrote and organized a school enjoyment. In debate, Tracey recreational soccer games. It’s a attending Maryland Institute end zones. Teachers called my math competition to encourage a qualifi ed to the 2005 NFL bit scary to consider that I have College of Art (MICA) in the actions reckless. I like to think passion for mathematics among National Tournament for Lincoln- been a referee longer than some fall, where she hopes to major of them as impassioned. Since her peers. She has also taken fi rst Douglas and was named an NFL of the players have been alive in Sculpture and take classes then, I still retain this enthusiasm place in the State Math Contest Academic All-American. Tracey’s (nine years). On the fi eld, I have concerning health and nutrition. and imbue it into everything I for the past fi ve years. In addition, mock trial team won the high the reputation of being fair and She is interested in becoming a do. From singing in a barbershop since she started playing the violin school state championship twice consistent. Of course, taking the working artist, but also wishes to quartet to playing on the varsity at age fi ve, Koning has loved and represented Iowa at Mock time to memorize the rulebook pursue social work. It will be a golf team, I avidly pursue a playing and listening to classical Trial Nationals in 2005 and 2006. helps every now and then. I also constant struggle to fi nd a middle comically diverse list of unrelated music. She has been a concerto She has been concertmistress of enjoy mathematics and teaching it. ground between the two, but and, at times, obscure interests. In soloist with local orchestras fi ve the Valley String and Chamber In my senior year of high school, she is excited about the pursuit 2004, I designed and coordinated times, served as the All-State Orchestras, played in the Iowa half of my day is spent assisting of this middle ground. She has a physical therapy program at Orchestra Co-Concertmaster and All-State Orchestra four times, my math teacher with her AP been continually inspired by REHAB Hospital focused on Assistant Concertmaster, and was and taught violin for three years. Calculus AB class and teaching the Houston artist and activist training patients’ fi ner motor a State American String Teachers Tracey has led teams to regional several other students AP Calculus community; she has learned from skills. I take chances and risk Association Winner. Koning math competitions, winning BC material. I believe in following them that there are many ways of social repercussions in pursuing was also an orchestral musician both team and individual awards. the rules, but at the same time to combining art and social ideas. uncommon hobbies because I in a humanitarian community Within her school, Tracey serves have fun. Something isn’t worth She is inspired everyday by her perceive them as being uncommon production of Th e Messiah. She is on the Principal’s Advisory doing if it can’t be made to be fun. friends and family and is especially opportunities for growth. Even a recipient of the National Merit Council and is a member of thankful for her parents who have after many years, I realize that I Scholarship and the Siemens NHS. In her free time, Tracey given her incredible support and am not much diff erent from the Award for Advanced Placement. volunteers for political parties and encouragement. She loves to grow risky kid I used to be. She hopes to become a research government agencies, plays tennis, vegetables, cook, and ride her bike scientist in synthetic biology. and writes poetry. around town. 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Matt N. K. Smith Quentin Smith Rob Smithson Margaret Snell Leigh A. Soares Eagle River, AK, Hollis, NH, Lawrence Academy Cary, NC, Cary Academy Albuquerque, NM, Albuquerque Newton, MA, 37 Chugiak High School at Groton College Plans: University of High School Newton South High School College Plans: Yale University College Plans: Massachusetts Virginia-Jefferson Scholar College Plans: New Mexico College Plans: Duke University Institute of Technology Institute of Mining My interests were clear at an As a musician, Rob plays the A tap dancer, newspaper editor and Technology early age. I stunned my uncle by “Hey, this is cool!” has been a clarinet, alto and soprano and loyal Red Sox fan, I will completing the cube puzzles he daily thought ever since I received saxophones, and guitar, with a Margaret is a student with a always remember high school as gave out to baffl e the engineers my fi rst computer at the age of particular interest in jazz. He has passion for beautiful cacti. When late nights spent rushing to get he supervised, when I was four. four. Since then, there has been been selected to the NC All-State she is not out admiring the fl ora Denebola printed on time, play I started a string band, which an array of computer hardware Band and NC Honors Orchestra, of the southwest, she can also time with children enrolled at has two CDs out and performs and electronic components strewn but he also likes to just jam with be found attending Irish step South’s Pre-school, burritos from and gives workshops throughout about my desk, closet, fl oor, and friends. As an athlete, he plays dance classes and participating a favorite tacqueria, and tennis the state, when I was seven. My even my school. In high school, tennis and swims, medaling in competitions in various matches with my younger brother early interests in math and music I embarked on formal study in in backstroke and butterfl y states. In addition, Margaret is on neighborhood courts. I traveled are still with me, and over the computer science: AP Computer at the NC State High School involved in her school’s MESA to Paris with a school program years I’ve won state and national Science in ninth grade, Comp. Championships. Rob’s experience (Math, Engineering, and Science this year but have spent most awards for math/physics and for Sci. 211 at Cornell University the in Lincoln-Douglas and Public Achievement) program and is summers in Texas with relatives, classical and jazz violin. My other summer after tenth grade, research Forum debate led him to work a violinist, section leader, and where I have volunteered at the strong (and often award-winning) in parallel processing at the at a patent law fi rm for the past student offi cer in her school’s county courthouse and a political interests include politics and Research Science Institute (RSI) two summers. He also worked for orchestra. Th e ability to add and headquarters. I have served the government, Spanish and Latin at MIT last summer, and this Chick-fi l-A during his sophomore subtract sums in her head has led Boston Chapter of Jack and Jill of American Studies, and trekking summer, an engineering internship and junior years. Rob is very Margaret to hold treasury positions America, Inc., as Teen President, in beautiful mountainous places. at Google. Other interests/hobbies involved with his church, where he in both her school’s chapter of the Vice-President, and Recording After graduation, I will be trekking include asking questions (I was plays in the orchestra and has been National Honor Society and the Secretary and have led the group in Bolivia, with a map of the voted “most likely to question a involved with mission trips to New French club. Her embarrassing lack in award-winning community southern constellations in my Nobel laureate” at RSI); managing York, St. Lucia, and, in summer of Spanish fl uency has led to some service activities. My time at pocket and a beater-violin attached WRLA, my school’s radio station; 2006, to the Ukraine. Th rough his of the more exciting incidents South has been incredible, but I to my pack. theater tech crew; IP law; a National Honor Society chapter, during her high school career, am eager to meet the challenges of cappella singing; FIRST Robotics; Rob co-chaired a school-wide not the least of which included being a New Englander in North Envirothon; digital photography; lecture series on the role of moral taking part in conversations Carolina, where I will matriculate journalism; blogging; and MIT values in American society. where she understood nothing of at Duke as a Reginaldo hacking. I can’t wait to leave my what was said. During her free Howard Scholar. mark on the world. time, Margaret enjoys mentoring younger dancers and dissecting furry creatures for her anatomy class. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Amy Steinmetz Sam Stone Stefanie Sulzer Eliot Sun Steven Sun Woodbridge, CT, Amity Regional Glencoe, IL, Arecibo, PR, Colegio Nuestra Newark, DE, The Charter School Thousand Oaks, CA, Thousand 38 High School New Trier High School Señora del Carmen, Hatillo of Wilmington Oaks High School College Plans: Brown University– College Plans: Stanford University College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: University of College Plans: University of PLME Program California, Berkeley California, Berkeley It has always been important to Growing up in the mountains of I live my life with a goal to me to involve myself in many Puerto Rico, I have acquired a Since the early stages of my At school, I proudly hold the title “enjoy the ride” and to appreciate diff erent activities and I have had close connection to nature. I enjoy schooling, I have been touted of “that super-hyper-enthusiastic the positive attributes of life. a terrifi c time in high school, both taking the time to watch a pair of as a highly academic-focused guy.” With my abundant energy Academically, I challenge myself in and out of the classroom. For red-tailed hawks search for prey, person. In school, I excelled in all and fervor, I feel compelled to and have always known that I will the past two years, I have been able and to watch the green landscape classes, especially in the maths and keep myself busy at all times. follow in my dad’s footsteps and to pursue my interest in science during an especially misty dusk. sciences. I won numerous awards It is not uncommon for me become a physician. I intend to by researching yeast pheromones Th is connection has fueled my through math league competitions to spend over twenty hours a structure a multi-faceted career of at the University of Illinois at passion to study evolution. It is as well as science fairs, most week on just extracurricular assisting patients, educating and Chicago. I enjoy writing and my goal to help humanity, perhaps recently placing 1st in the regional activities, such as Marching Band, raising awareness of prevalent and public speaking and I have found as a researcher, so that I can be mathematics category. Th roughout Academic Decathlon, and Mock preventable diseases in society, and that competing in debate helps me a part of our progress. Among high school, I continuously pushed Trial. On top of my classes and researching cures for cancer and hone these skills. In my free time, the successes that I am proud of myself by enrolling in numerous extracurricular programs, I also heart disease. I spend free time on I volunteer as a tutor in science, are winning Shakespeare acting AP and college courses. However, volunteer at the local hospital an international and legislatively- math, and English and I am competitions at my school and my life’s spectrum does not end and attend church twice a week. active cigarette butt litter currently a director of the tutoring playing moody Rachmaninoff with academics. As an athlete, When my activities forced me to prevention campaign - No Butts program where I work. I also enjoy preludes on the piano. I am I played tennis and basketball drop certain Advanced Placement About It - which I co-founded. I playing tennis both individually an active representative of the competitively, while running cross- classes, I remained undaunted. am also a co-author of a children’s and for my school, where I was Math Club in competitions, country as a hobby. Since the age Even without having taken the grief book, After You Lose Someone a member of the Illinois State and enjoy the responsibility of of four, I have taken private piano respective classes, I have scored a You Love, which is a resource and Championship team in 2005. being president of the Debating lessons, culminating in success 5 on the Biology, Calculus BC, companion for children who suff er Club, as well as editor-in-chief in several statewide high school- and Physics C: Mechanics AP the loss of a parent. I also enjoy of our literary journal and school level competition. I was active in exams. To continue satisfying my running and have completed a newspaper. In my free time I laze school society, taking roles such as curiosity and ambition, I now seek half-marathon, and my brother, around in the sun with my cat and photography editor in yearbook to pursue two diff erent courses of twin sister, and I are the Miami read fantasy novels. and founder of the Chinese Club. study in college: molecular biology Dolphins’ biggest fans. I also volunteered hundreds upon and political science. hundreds of hours in community settings like the hospital, library, and 4-H camps. 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Laura Tabor Kejia Tang Alex Trazkovich Adam Trettel Michele Trickey Portsmouth, NH, Williamstown, MA, Mt. Greylock Reisterstown, MD, The Park Birmingham, AL, Briarwood Long Grove, IL, Adlai E. Phillips Exeter Academy Regional High School School of Baltimore Christian High School Stevenson High School 39 College Plans: Dartmouth College College Plans: Princeton University College Plans: Franklin W. College Plans: Yale University College Plans: Yale University Olin College of Engineering After four years at Exeter, I am Kejia has always strived for When I was young, I always Growing up in a family where going to Dartmouth next year excellence in all he pursues without Ever since I played Nick Bottom wanted to grow up and do holiday dinners meant my mom, hoping to study environmental losing sight of the greater goals of in a fourth grade production of A something really industrial, like be three aunts, and my grandmother sciences/policy and engineering. using his experiences to give back Midsummer Night’s Dream, I have a garbage man, a train engineer, all talking at once, I learned Th ough I’m not sure how to best to the people and communities that loved the theater. In high school or a cookie-factory worker. Th ings quickly that, if I wanted to be go about it, I’d like to work on have supported him. He enjoys I have divided my time between were simpler then: my heroes heard, timidity wasn’t an option. improvement of environmental solving diff erential equations, acting and working on the theater were Curious George and Mike To the moderate chagrin of my policy and technology in this falling over hurdles in Varsity tech crew. I love building sets and Mulligan, and I was rich when friends, I’ve been assertive and country and around the world. track, motivating his newspaper designing lights and sound every I found a $5 bill at the grocery talkative ever since. Th is relative Th is interest stems from a life of staff , leading student government, bit as much as I love to act. After store. Times have changed, but boldness has led me to be a leader enjoying the outdoors and a strong chumming with his Sunday School I fi nish school, I would really love now I really do have an industrious in my high school’s award-winning sense that many problems facing us students, arguing with the girl to teach, as my twelve years at the job as a closing manager of an Model United Nations Team now are rooted in environmental he tutors on the importance of Park School have taught me how ice cream store. I still have a lot and student literary magazine issues. In high school I have been learning things she may never use, much of an impact great teachers of childish habits, such as an and a member of last year’s involved in environmental groups and most importantly, sharing his can have on their students’ lives. addiction to playgrounds, bad state championship Math and on campus as well as run varsity decade of musical learning with I love math, science, history, and jokes, and silly drawings. Yet I Scholastic Bowl teams. At various cross country and track since friends and community. Last year, writing, though I’ve tried not to have grown up some too. In my times, I’ve also been a debater, a freshman year. I also enjoy music, he initiated and directed a benefi t let myself be defi ned by academics. free time, I enjoy staring at walls, pianist, a peer minister, an artist, backpacking, and doing trail work concert that helped to reinstate his A good book to read, a tall tree to reading Wikipedia, driving around a volunteer farmer (I can hill in the mountains. school’s then 39-year-old orchestra. climb, or some fun people to talk at night, climbing roofs, and potatoes!), a Multiple Sclerosis His experiences as a Senate Youth to is all it takes to make me happy. arguing about philosophy with Walk team co-captain, and a Delegate, Toyota Community my friends. As far as my future, recipient of the Girl Scout Gold Scholar, and Coca-Cola Scholar has I have a secret desire to work for Award. For fun, I play pick-up further strengthened his resolve to National Geographic, so I plan soccer or go on scavenger hunts use both his leadership and learning on buying a camera and learning with my friends, normally while to assist the community around foreign languages. bothering them with the latest him and bring to others the same news about Zimbabwe or support and chance to succeed that Sierra Leone. he himself has received. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Alexandra C. Villasante Jessica Wang Grace Weber Steven Wilson Linda Yao Miami, FL, Carrollton School of College Station, TX, A&M Wauwatosa, WI, Solvang, CA, Hurricane, WV, 40 the Sacred Heart Consolidated High School Pius XI High School Santa Ynez High School. Hurricane High School College Plans: Duke University College Plans: University College Plans New York University College Plans: University of College Plans: Harvard College of Michigan California, Los Angeles Alexandra has earned many awards Grace was honored to receive Hello, everyone, and greetings - a National Merit Scholarship, I always want to know. My the NFAA’s 2006 Silver Award Steven always has been interested ad nauseam. My name bestowed Princeton Club Book Award, curiosity leads me on a never- in Popular Voice and Honorable in creating and innovating. In is Linda Yao; at 17 years of age, Bausch & Lomb Honorary ending quest for answers, not Mention in Musical Th eater. his younger years his interest was I revel in a memorable book, Science Award, AP Scholar only to what, when, or where, She sang at the NFAA awards inventing various structures out a frosty frappuccino, a superb with Distinction, Certifi cates but to how and why. I have ceremony and performance of building toys. At age ten he instrumental combo, and general of Academic Excellence, the encouraged interest in all aspects showcase at the Baryshnikov Arts started taking piano lessons and bouts of spontaneity. My greatest Building Community Award, of learning as President of my Center in New York in April 2006. soon began writing his own music. haven is my family; my greatest and the Wellesley College school’s Math and Science While at Pius, Grace performed in As time went on he developed enjoyment are my friends. Th e Book Award - and will focus Club, Business Professionals 8 shows, including Les Miserables, many other creative talents such show choir calls me Miss Pianist, on biomedical engineering of America, and Spanish Club. Th e Wiz, Cats, Spitfi re Grill as directing and editing videos, the cast of the independent and pre-med in college. Her My competitive and assiduous and A Chorus Line. Grace sang animating, and web designing. movie production Rap-unzelo extracurricular activities include nature has led me to earn many on Showtime at the Apollo in He has received several awards for en el Gueto deems me Th e Junior States of America, Interact, honors, including the National November 2004, an experience his creative works, including fi rst Director/Producer, and verily the the school newspaper, National Winner of the Siemens Awards that had its roots in her joining the place at BestFest America Student National Honor Society dubs me Honor Society, and a nationally for Advanced Placement and one Milwaukee Central City Gospel Film competition and a Gold in Madam President. In my spare ranked Junior Engineering and of twenty students to attend the Choir at age 12. She also was Film and Video from the National time, I coordinate peer tutoring Technical Society (JETS) team. USA Biology Olympiad Finals honored to sing at the wedding Foundation for Advancement in workshops, a mentoring program She participated in Duke’s this summer; also, I have received of soccer icon Mia Hamm and the Arts. Steven feels that his sense for middle-school students, and Talent Identifi cation Program the Top Gun championship at baseball great Nomar Garciaparra of humor has helped him express courses in Spanish and Chinese for (TIP) and Hugh O’Brian Youth the state Texas Math and Science in November 2003. She has his lighthearted outlook on life elementary-age children. Leadership (HOBY), interned at Coaches Association meet for performed on Wisconsin Public through his work. His greatest Congresswoman Ileana Ros- three years. I additionally enjoy Radio, at Summerfest and she will pleasure comes from entertaining Lehtinen’s offi ce, and tutored volunteering at the local nursing appear at Milwaukee’s Jazz in the and amusing his audiences with children. Most signifi cantly, during home and Habitat for Humanity. Park this summer. Grace hopes his spirited productions. the summers she interned at her Not only do I have a lot of fun in to pursue a career as a singer/ ophthalmologist’s offi ce, sharing these activities, but I also learn an recording artist and has recorded her experiences with children who immense amount from my peers, more than 20 songs, including had similar eye conditions to hers. fellow competitors, and teachers! several original compositions. Outside school, this fun-loving girl likes to go to the beach and hang out with friends 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

41

Steven R. Wilson Still from Noodles on My Back PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Tiffany Yee Angela Yen Meredith York Breanna Zarmbinski Laura Zax Kula, HI, Kamehameha Secondary State College, PA, State College Matthews, NC, Mendota Heights, MN, St. Paul Washington, DC, 42 Schools, Maui Area High School Providence Day School Academy and Summit School Georgetown Day School College Plans: Massachusetts College Plans: Massachusetts College Plans: Vanderbilt College Plans: St. Olaf College College Plans: Yale University Institute of Technology Institute of Technology University or Rhodes College I am a dreamer, someone who I am a redhead who is often A musical individual, I’ve enjoyed Two things you must know about As graduation nears, I am looking aspires for the impossible. At the reminded of that fact by middle- playing the piano for ten years and me: I am constantly busy, and forward to college, where I same time, I am a realist, someone aged women, frequently in have been a selected trombonist I am a nerd. In addition to my intend to study English and who wants to accomplish what is elevators, who assure me that for the Hawaii Ambassadors of academic classes, I am co-president foreign language. In addition to possible. I am an amalgamation of “Trust me, you can’t get that color Music European Tour. I also of Key Club, a community service continuing to study French, I hope ideas and actions. I have written from a bottle.” When I was 10 performed Tahitian hula in the organization, concertmaster of to learn Spanish and Italian and poetry, taught kindergartners how years old, Geri Halliwell (of Spice Macy’s 2005 Th anksgiving Day several orchestras, and recording to use these languages to pursue to read, played piano sonatas, Girl stardom) found a solo career, Parade with the Hawaii All-State secretary of student government. I my passion for travel. I am a self- worked in a sandwich shop, the American public found out Marching Band. Besides my am also a member of the Science proclaimed Food Network addict twirled my way through fourteen about Monica Lewinsky, and I interests in the performing arts, Olympiad team and math team. and amateur photographer; my years of dance, won academic found the Beatles’ White Album. I love canoe paddling, cooking, As if that were not nerdy enough, dream job would include traveling awards, and gone turtle hunting Now, I play guitar for an indie- surfi ng the net, and snowboarding. I consider Pennsylvania’s Governor the globe, snapping photos, and with friends. I have dreamed of rock group called Hannah the I’m dedicated to the perpetuation School for the Sciences to be the writing about my experiences. For being a doctor since I was little. Cruel. You may have heard of our of Hawaiian culture, and aside best experience of my life. Other now, I am enjoying my last year at I hope to follow in the footsteps album, Off With Th eir Heads, from speaking the Hawaiian nerdy hobbies include reading and home with my family: my younger of great leaders and then leave which we have not yet written language and dancing hula, I’ve playing Dance Dance Revolution, sister, Halie, my mom and dad, my own for future generations to or recorded but which we have worked in taro fi elds and have also known as DDR or the best and my older brother, Adam. Th is follow. I seek to make a diff erence, titled. During my 18 years on this learned to navigate a voyaging video game ever. I love all music, summer I intend to lock myself and I am not afraid to be diff erent. inscrutable planet, I have tried my canoe using only the sun and especially techno, so-called “emo,” in a room with old movies, good I have learned that laughter, hand at ultimate Frisbee, written stars. As a focused and motivated bad pop music, and Disney songs. books, and enough chocolate to perseverance, compassion, love, articles for the school newspaper student, my deepest passions lie In my “free” time, I love to dance, last until Freshman Orientation. and most importantly, hope are and short stories for the literary in the pursuit of learning, fulfi lled eat, sleep, procrastinate, spend I may venture out to participate vital to survival. I am a dreamer magazine, and spent countless by summer coursework at Harvard time with friends, and be happy. in Appalachian Service Project, and a realist, and I am ready to hours in coff ee houses keeping and Stanford. I have always aspired One day, I hope to be a professor volunteer at the Red Cross, and continue my journey through this company with an oatmeal raisin to be a leader in genetic research and make a diff erence in work at a local coff ee shop where I incredible world. cookie and the latest edition of and look forward to studying the world. have held a job for the past National Geographic. biological science at MIT. Pono e two years. hana na mea apau mai ka pu’uwai. Everything should be done from the heart. 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Faye Zhao John Zhou Xun Zhou Joseph Zimmerman Little Rock, AR, Little Rock Central Northville, MI, Chesterfi eld, VA, Maggie Walker Barrington, RI, High School Detroit Country Day School Governor’s School Barrington High School 43 College Plans: Yale University College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Harvard College or College Plans: Harvard College Princeton University I’ve always been someone who A passionate individual who In the words of Einstein, “the craves experiences. Consequently, fi nds meaning in all facets of A fi rm believer of taking advantage ideals that have lighted my way... those experiences are what lead life, John has been privileged of every opportunity life throws have been kindness, beauty, and me to don so many appearances to enjoy the American dream. your way, Xun lives an active life. truth.” It is to these ideals that in life. In a lab coat, for instance, In scientifi c research, he has On any given afternoon, you I aspire in my life. My love of I am a published researcher developed conductive/magnetic can fi nd him playing ultimate the ultimate truth and beauty presenting papers at undergraduate polymers within pathogen- Frisbee, captaining his school’s of science and mathematics conferences. In a dress suit, I am detecting biosensors, allowing quizbowl team, or mentoring at has led me to participate in a mock Federal Reserve governor him to become 1st place winner the Medical College of Virginia’s various computer science and arguing a tighter monetary policy of the International BioGENEius surgery department. On weekends, mathematics competitions, to lead at national competitions. In a Challenge and Intel Science Talent if he is not with family or friends, my school teams in these areas, tacky Christmas sweater, I am a Search Finalist. Moreover, he Xun is most likely relaxing at the and to work with a professor French Club president leading discovered a possible pathway for local bookstore or coff ee shop. conducting computer science carolers through hospital wards. cancer-causing mutations, thereby He considers his greatest attribute research. In addition, I have In jeans I am anything from a becoming a Davidson Fellow. A to be his focus, which has helped taught in numerous scenarios, college math tutor demystifying community leader, he founded him through many undertakings, such as tutoring classmates, calculus to people twice her age a 100 member AIDS Walk team be it 72-hour math modeling volunteering to tutor immigrant to a student leader spearheading and bridged two continents by competitions, chairing Model children, and establishing an after- a club that tackles prejudice in teaching English in China. As an UN committees, or serving as his school computer programming her community. I am a chemistry All-State clarinetist, he has led school’s math and science honor class at my school. In my spare aide who donates her earnings several ensembles, performing at societies’ charter president. Xun time, I play classical piano and for disaster relief; I am a National Detroit Symphony Hall. He is expects that his dedication will write satire; I have also played Merit winner, a top-scorer in state grateful to have served as Student help him through college and his tennis both competitively and math and French exams, and Council treasurer and Science professional career. At the same recreationally, and I enjoy Arkansas’s female State AP scholar. Olympiad President. John has time, Xun appreciates the role his Ultimate Frisbee. I am still Underneath all the disguises, been honored as both Coca-Cola friends and family have played in uncertain of my career path, but I however, I am simply a girl you Scholar and Toyota Community his life. He gladly admits that their am excited by the many prospects. might fi nd perfecting a physics Scholar, yet it is the dream, not the support has guided him to where worksheet at 2:00 a.m. accolade, of bettering humanity he is today. that fuels him. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Alabama Colorado Idaho Sarah C. Campbell* Nicholas S. Golinvaux Joshua R. Archibald-Seiff er Amanda R. Long Christine M. Levy Rachel A. Esplin Kelly M. McConnaughey Aman Prasad Adam M. Trettel Connecticut Raj G. Ranade Illinois Alaska Amy G. Steinmetz Samuel J. Stone 2006 Presidential Scholars By State Jennifer M. Blankenship Michele D. Trickey Matthew N. Smith Delaware *Presidential Scholars in the Arts Indiana 44 Irene Lee Americans Abroad Eliot D. Sun Neehar N. Garg Brendan D. O’Callaghan Laura B. Marcus Lillian R. Pecoraro District of Columbia Th omas J. Blemaster Iowa Arizona Laura A. Zax Sarah J. Gidlewski Judith E. Fan Stephen J. Longfi eld James C. Liu Florida Tracey C. Shi Krista Ettlinger* Arkansas Shiv M. Gaglani Kansas Tice P. Brown Caitlin Kimball* Tianxiang Lu Faye Zhao Steven L. Robertson Erin L. Risch Alexandra C. Villasante California Kentucky Billy Buss* Georgia Rebecca P. Allen Sean Chen* Sameer G. Gupta Ashley N. Brisco Christopher T. Chen Carmen I. Rodriguez Joseph D. Moore Samantha T. Fang* Cynthia X. He Hawaii Louisiana Sahand Moarefy Scott M. Seki Cindy C. Cheng Steven Y. Sun Tiff any L. Yee Michael A. Puente Steven Wilson* 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Maine Montana North Carolina Puerto Rico Utah Allyson K. Ettinger Shannon K. Flynn Jennifer D. Claytor Roberto Ferdman Tariq A. Musa Charles A. Frentz Michael C. Hughes Robert H. Smithson Stefanie A. Sulzer Koning Shen Meredith L. York Maryland Nebraska Rhode Island Vermont Nathan L. Giles Corey J. Georgesen North Dakota Stephanie T. Le Katherine F. Feldman Shalita F. Grant* Sally L. Hudson James E. Baldwin Joseph P. Zimmerman Ian M. Rousseau Mihan R. Lee Joanna A. Jan Kristen E. Manderscheid Nevada South Carolina Virginia Ohio Alex J. Trazkovich Cameron S. Ball Gurjeet S. Guram Lisa M. Marrone 45 Shipra De Jennifer J. Chen Katherine E. Niehaus Xun Zhou Massachusetts Alexander Gribov Leigh A. Soares New Hampshire Mariam Rahmani South Dakota Washington Kejia Tang Quentin E. Smith Allison J. La Fave Jane S. Jiang Laura H. Tabor Oklahoma Mitchell A. Rodriguez Kevin Lin Michigan Kaitlin H. Butler Ruvani W. Fonseka New Jersey Robert A. Clark Tennessee West Virginia Tyler B. Hodges Jamie Hwang Brandon A. Berger Andrew L. Bolano John C. Zhou Victoria E. Lee Oregon Katie C. Friedman Linda Yao Shaun A. Mills Amy J. Kwon Laura B. Kaplan Minnesota Matthew J. Rognlie Wisconsin Jason M. Houle New Mexico Texas Th eresa C. Anderson Breanna R. Zarmbinski Casey J. Estes Pennsylvania Jonathan M. Campbell* Nathaniel D. Little Eric J. Smith Garrett M. Coleman* Rachel Goss* Grace E. Weber* Mississippi Margaret A. Snell Gage R. Caligaris Tassity Johnson* Caleb M. Graham Rachel E. Mans* Rafael A. Moras* Wyoming Analise B. Jenkins New York Amelia Pedlow* Jeff rey D. Nanney Brittany M. Epler Jesse S. Horwitz Angela Yen Jason C. Sanford* Gregory S. Griffi th Missouri Elizabeth R. Fayette* Eloise B. Santa Maria* James A. Benecke Natalia I. Irizarry Jessica S. Wang Noel D. Ottman Audrey M. Lackner PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS AT WORK IN THE COMMUNITY

Billy Buss, California my participation in a wide variety Jennifer Chen, Ohio Using my musical strengths of service projects and teaching, I It was an easy-going summer to give back to a community am giving back to my community, day and the friendly weather was that gave me artistic knowledge encouraging the funding of all arts, refl ected in the attitudes of the and freedom is both my largest and ensuring the future of music by people we encountered. I was contribution and the ultimate augmenting the musical success of walking around a neighborhood personal fulfi llment. In the spirit my juniors. and passing out colorful fl yers and of this attitude, I have initiated promoting our upcoming clothing Characterized by their interest in community issues and participated in many arts- Gage Caligaris, Pennsylvania drive. When I founded the Young and compassion for those in need, the Presidential based community service projects Community service plays an Independents (nonpartisan) Club including corporate fund-raisers, at the high school, I had a plan of Scholars have actively reached out to others. Service important role in my life, and I 46 non-profi t organization benefi ts, being both a political discussion has played a signifi cant role in their development and fi nd that working with young kids and youth education and outreach. is especially fulfi lling for me. I group but also an organization is prominent in their future plans. Performing as a member of the have been teaching children chess dedicated to improving the SFJAZZ All-Star ensemble for four at my local library every Monday community. Th is clothing drive years encompasses a signifi cant night since summer 2003. When was an eff ort to capitalize on the portion of this community service. I am teaching chess it is refreshing willingness of our neighbors to SFJAZZ, the largest non-profi t jazz to see faces that are completely clean their closets and our peers to presenter on the West coast, is also a enthralled at the prospect of buy from Goodwill thrift shops. I year-round education organization learning about the power of a believed that political organizations that supports an array of artistic and passed pawn or strength of the that were all abstract thought educational programs in the concert Spanish bishop in the Ruy Lopez and no action were simply full of hall, classroom and community. I opening. In one of my fi rst weeks hot air, and in order to establish also give private music lessons to teaching chess after presenting an the club as a group with the middle school trumpeters, helping hour long lesson I asked my group community’s interests in mind, I them to expand the breadth of their whether they wanted to play games wanted to take some initiative. So musical knowledge while learning against each other or to continue I started simple with a clothing from a relevant source (a fellow and learn another tactic. I was drive that took in over 700 pieces teenager with common interests completely blown away when all of clothing. It was a small step and goals). Teaching allows me to nine kids chose to stay and learn. to improving the world, but one prevent the stagnation of musical Even after their successes in rated that was appreciated, I could tell progress; if my students retain the tournaments, I was never more as the Goodwill workers thanked given information, they will be proud of my students than I was my organization. I just smiled and that much farther ahead when they that fi rst time they showed their knew that I was one step closer reach my age. I strongly believe enthusiasm for the game of chess. to helping make the world a it is this cycle that eventually Th is is my goal and source of better place. strengthens a community and greatest satisfaction: to foster and adds character and creativity to nurture a passion for learning in its youth, an important factor in children that they will carry with preserving art. Ultimately, through them for the rest of their lives. 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Cindy Cheng, Louisiana the members of my community than mine, and his understanding next to you.” Helping the world seventh-grade inner-city children I have volunteered for the past gather at my high school to pick most gratifying. As I grew older, I is an unwieldy and overwhelming from Lawrence, Massachusetts. few years at an organization called out a handcrafted ceramic bowl decided that peer tutoring was one concept. To overcome this PALS, designed to promote Teen Court, where convicted teens and enjoy a delicious meal on their of the most fulfi lling experiences paralysis, you must begin small: by academic and social confi dence get a second chance to rebuild newly purchased dishes. All of the in my life, and made a point to helping your neighbor, by teaching within the framework of a their lives by doing community proceeds collected are used to help be available, free of charge, to those around you to share the math/language arts enrichment service rather than jail time. Every feed the homeless in our town. any that asked for it. While it same sense of responsibility. I have program gives us the opportunity Monday night, I am there helping Th is year, we made over $18,000 may seem a small thing, certainly since convinced friends to join to forge strong relationships with to conduct a second trial for these to donate to this worthy cause, not on par with saving whales or me every other Monday evening our ‘pals’ while providing safe teens in which only volunteer and each year we aim to donate feeding starving children, I like to serve food to the homeless; outlets for creative expression. hours are assigned. Most are from more than the year before. As an to think that in some small way, dedicated Tuesday afternoons to Th e relationships extend beyond an inner city background and advanced ceramics student, I make I am helping my peers appreciate tutoring underprivileged teenagers the scope of the curriculum as we 47 have had very few breaks in their numerous bowls and pieces for the academic subjects I hold in English; and involved myself in assist with their applications to lifetime. Th eir faces, however, the event, and I also volunteer to dear. It is my fi rm belief that organizations like the Community private high schools while honing are full of youth, vitality, life, help run it. It is something that I understanding begets enjoyment, Service Club and the Recycle their academic skills. A formative and hope. Many of these kids look forward to every year because and in conveying at least a small Club. I am determined to share part of the students’ foundation, had already been written off as it allows me to combine two of amount of understanding, I can Kielburger’s message through my I have been able to share in their hopeless cases doomed to short my passions, namely ceramics and help my students gains a lifelong own actions. My experience that experiences as they develop into lives of street violence, grand community service. Th ere are so appreciation for education. day, listening to Craig Kielburger young adults. crime, or crack. Our job is to many people in the world who are and all he had done, made me feel encourage them to follow legal less fortunate than I am. While it Roberto Ferdman, so small and selfi sh. His example Katie Camille Friedman, paths to solving their problems is not possible for me to personally Puerto Rico changed my view on life, on Tennessee assist those who live hundreds of giving, on dedication. He taught and show them that one mistake Nearly six months ago I sat I have been so lucky to receive miles away, this is one important me how important it is to care and is not an automatic sentence down calmly at a presentation by Craig a great education from teachers way in which I can help those who how powerful we truly are. Th ese an irredeemable path of lawless Kielburger, oblivious to the who are dedicated and caring. It are close to home. are values we all should embrace, misdeeds. As defense attorney, I impact he would wield on my was in realizing that others do not for what we leave on this earth is listen to their stories and advocate conscience and life. Kielburger is have the same experience that I Libby Fayette, New York only what we do for others, what for them, and in this role, I feel the founder of Free the Children, was inspired to become a tutor. we give. that they have off ered me a chance I have always been a student. How an international organization Th rough this program, I have seen to emphasize with their plights odd, then, to suddenly reverse that provides poor children with students struggling with material Charles Frentz, Maine and uphill struggles against the roles. In ninth grade, I found a means to education, food, and that they should have mastered bleakness of their circumstances myself explaining the Roman happiness, a project he began An only child, mentors have at their grade level. Left behind and misfortunate backgrounds. Empire to a boy about my age. when only twelve years of age. Th is played a substantial role in my in confusion, their motivation Since I have always enjoyed organization has now changed development. Without a father to continue into more diffi cult Shipra De, Nevada history, I volunteered to help. Th e the lives of more than a million or older siblings, I seek role material quickly diminished. “Forty-fi ve? I have forty-fi ve. Do fi rst few sessions were hard for young children. Awed by his models outside the traditional All they needed was to relearn I hear fi fty? Fifty? I have fi fty. both of us. I was neither clear nor determination, drive, and care, I family sphere. My desire to the basics through a caring, Do I hear fi fty-fi ve? Fifty-fi ve? concise, but prone to tangents that wanted to impact the world like he make a diff erence in the lives of concerned, and enthusiastic No? Sooooold for fi fty dollars!” caught only my own interests. As had; I wanted to give. I waited in others prompted me to assume a mentor. Helping each student to announces the auctioneer at sessions continued, I searched for line to shake his hand and asked: mentorship role in the community. reach his or her potential is the the sixth annual Empty Bowls logical ways to help him retain and What can I do to help? He smiled A three-year Student Coordinator most important thing that can be Benefi t. Empty Bowls is one analyze information. Eventually, I and said, “you can start off by of PALS (Phillips Academy achieved. Th e students were very noteworthy day every Spring when found his successes more satisfying passing on that care to the person Lawrence Schools), I mentor PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS AT WORK IN THE COMMUNITY

appreciative and loved seeing the hard to increase public awareness mathematics plays in our society. Analise Jenkins, Mississippi Jane Jiang, Washington familiar faces of their tutors each about working dogs by visiting local Th erefore I conclude that the most As soccer season began at my local I’m an idealist, but I’d never week. As a tutor, I am proud to preschool classes, Girl Scout troops, rewarding community service YMCA, there were still teams really believed in my own power have rekindled the spark of learning and other groups. After a year, is that which I do through the without coaches. I love soccer. I to make a change until a school in a few discouraged students while Callie returned to Leader Dogs for MathCounts program. have played every year since age trip to China brought me face to also working with those who were the Blind for offi cial schooling and four, so the idea of kids missing face with a frighteningly visceral eager to learn despite the lack of I miss her every day. However, I Tyler Hodges, Michigan the chance to play because no understanding of what it meant learning tools in their schools. know she will use all I taught her In the fall of 2005, in the wake one volunteered to coach was to live in the shoes of the rural Tutoring has been eye-opening as to help someone in need and give of such worldwide disasters as unacceptable. I signed up and poor. I was especially struck by to the horrifi c contrast of education them slobbery kisses, midnight Hurricane Katrina, the AIDS crisis found myself the coach of a team the pressing neediness of schools quality between schools in diff erent potty runs, and eyes to go forth in in Africa, and the ever-worsening of rambunctious, noisy, selectively there; many townships didn’t even areas of my city, and I am adamant the world. 48 war in Iraq, I was compelled to deaf four-year-olds who each had have an elementary school. I was about encouraging others to take act out against what I saw as my their very own busy and demanding determined to somehow help. some time out of their week to Gregory Griffi th, Wyoming own generation’s complacency parents. Th e fi rst few practices, After my return, I came upon encourage and help these less Th ough I have been actively towards these and other crucial I was frustrated and wanted to an organization called the China fortunate students. involved in the MathCounts problems facing our world today. give up. But by the season’s end, Tomorrow Foundation, which built program for the past six years, As a student at Interlochen Arts the parents and I had fi gured out schools in the neediest parts of rural Sarah Gidlewski, Iowa only the fi rst two were spent as a Academy, a fi ne arts boarding communication and my little guys China. In the months following I Kisses between class, midnight competitor. Th e past four years school in northern Michigan, were learning and enjoying the slaved over the self-publication of excursions, and a constant have been spent as an assistant I found myself surrounded by game. After we shook hands with a book of poetry that I would use companion. Th ese experiences are coach/mentor for the students. As a similarly motivated, intelligent the other team following our fi nal to raise money and awareness for only part of what occupied my year competitor I was able to qualify for young people with many of the game, all of my players embraced the Foundation. $2000 was my as puppy raiser for Leader Dogs for the national competition and was same concerns as myself. However, me in a group hug, and I was goal, enough to build a small school the Blind. It was my responsibility the highest placing competitor from we lacked the activist skills needed actually upset the season had come in China’s poorest areas. As the to teach Callie, a black Labrador, Wyoming. Th is, in conjunction to create positive change; in short, to a close. Although the experience months passed, it became apparent basic obedience and socialization. with the bond that my old coach we were all talk and no action. was admittedly stressful at times, that I’d exceed this benchmark; Along with everything I needed to and I share and my desire to give Amnesty International was one the looks on my little guys’ faces I’d sold nearly all my copies and teach Callie there were also tasks back to a community which has of the only reputable worldwide when we scored or made a great decided to make a second run, she could not participate in such given so much to me, motivated me activism organizations I knew of play were all the confi rmation continuing to donate the full as playing “fetch” or eating table to come back to the MathCounts that supported the involvement of I needed that my volunteering proceeds to the Foundation. Today scraps and treats. Th e upside of program after my eligibility as a young people my age, so I started a had been worthwhile. While I I’m working towards $3000 in total being a future leader dog was that, competitor had expired. As an chapter on campus, with the help helped them learn about soccer contributions to the Foundation; in order to be comfortable in all assistant coach/mentor I have the of a friend, at the beginning of and sportsmanship, they helped I feel thrilled and privileged to be situations, Callie went where few opportunity to work with students my senior year. Th rough Amnesty, me learn about the power of one able to make a real contribution dogs have gone, such as the grocery individually as well as on a group the level of consciousness among person who cares. to society with my “intellectual store, the high school, and local basis and am able to travel to the students at Interlochen has been property,” something I hadn’t restaurants. Although I would competitions with them. Th e most increased immensely; not only considered before this project. have her “park” before leaving rewarding part of my experience have we been able to act on many home, I always brought a diaper has been the satisfaction that comes of Amnesty’s campaigns, but we’ve bag along with her leather leash with sharing knowledge. I have the also been given hope that one and identifying cape. We worked privilege of teaching students not individual can have an incredible only how to approach problems impact on this world when given logically, but I also get to help the means to use their potential. them understand the vital role that 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Caitlin Kimball, Florida am as a person. I didn’t change the Christine Levy, Colorado Stephen Longfi eld, Iowa Laura Marcus, Indiana I joined the Best Buddies world, but I changed who I was Cooking meals for families at Teaching children has rich internal Th e December during my year in program in the 9th grade, not and came to the understanding the Ronald McDonald house and external benefi ts. Every Friday India, the tsunami that claimed really understanding what I was that “without friends and family, not only helps the organization, of the school year for the past six over 160,000 lives struck the getting myself into. Best Buddies we are alone”...so go out and but also gives hope and relief to years I have assisted Mr. Hermsen, coast. Many towns, especially rural is an international non-for change that for someone, no one parents and kids who are aff ected the physical education teacher fi shing villages, were completely profi t organization, which, as should feel alone. by disease. Th e people staying at Kennedy Elementary School, devastated. A few weeks after their mission statement says, at the house have children who with a fi rst grade gym class. I set the disaster took place, thirty is “dedicated to enhancing the Mihan Lee, Maryland are at Children’s hospital or have up games, play with the students, classmates and I went on a relief lives of people with intellectual Over the course of two years at the just been released. I am always comfort them when they are hurt, mission to Nagapattinam, the disabilities by providing Patricia M. Sitar Center for the impressed by their surprisingly and off er assistance when they worst hit town in India. I wasn’t opportunities for one-to-one Arts, I’ve given piano lessons and hopeful attitude despite their have questions. Children who even sure what to think when I 49 friendships.” I met my buddy, fl ute lessons, co-taught an acting circumstances. Th is inspires me are now older still remember me arrived there. I’ve never witnessed Adrianna at our fi rst Wednesday class, and taught an art class. I’ve to take more action to help their when they see me. Clearly, taking suff ering fi rst-hand before. For meeting. Mainly we talked about always enjoyed art of all kinds, so situation with the resources I the time to care about them the next week, I immersed myself Harry Potter and spaghetti, two I felt I’d found a perfect place to have been given; simply cooking made an impact on many of the in our work, building temporary things we both loved. I learned volunteer: somewhere I could use spaghetti and playing bingo is young boys and girls. I started shelters for survivors who had Adrianna had Turret Syndrome my talents while also helping the enough to make a diff erence. this work because I enjoy helping lost their homes. Ten hours of and was about 4 years older than community. In truth, I ended up Th e permeating selfl essness in children and have great respect working in the hot sun every day I was. Th at didn’t stop us from teaching less art than I anticipated the atmosphere astonishes me. for Mr. Hermsen. He cultivates left me too exhausted to truly playing kickball, emailing each (ten seven-year-olds were hardly I once talked to a girl who had in students not only a concern comprehend the tragedy around other, or singing Kelly Clarkson going to be interested in the just been released from the for good health and exercise, but me. When the tenants started to songs for the school talent show. lessons on shading and perspective hospital after heart surgery, and also an appreciation for respect, arrive on the evening of our last A mom came up to me at one I’d naively prepared), but also although she proudly displayed obedience, kindness, duty, and day there, I was stunned by their of the Best Buddies dances this forming closer bonds with the kids the scars on her chest, our topic fairness in life. I wanted to work resilience and optimism in the face year. She had tears in her eyes, than I ever expected. I’ve always of conversation was her little sister with him to help nurture these of all they had been through. Even and she began to thank me. loved playing and working with who was back home in Kansas. virtues in young children as a way a year and a half later, I think I’m What did I do? Why was she so children, but never have I felt so Displays of love reemphasize the to help them grow as individuals still processing the experience. thankful? She said that there has energized and happy while doing importance of generosity towards and contribute to society. What I always been this imaginary line it as at the Sitar Center. Whether the people I help and those that have noticed along the way is that Lisa Marrone, Virginia between these students and the gladly reciprocate it in return. as I have taught these virtues to I was helping a girl scrub a thick As a participant in the Research outside world. Th ey have always Th e Ronald McDonald House others, I have also developed them layer of green paint off of her Science Institute at MIT, I spent just felt separated from other require volunteers to run their in myself. It is my hope that the hands, writing encouraging notes six weeks this past summer teens, and felt excluded from establishment, and as long as there children remember these messages in the margins of a boy’s piano working on biomedical research. social opportunities that many is a need I will whole-heartedly and become better people as book, or fi nding Waldo with a Upon completion of my research, of us take for granted. She went off er my time and resources to lift they grow. four-year-old waiting to be picked I was required to write a paper on to say that I broke that line; one burden off of a family with a up, I loved every minute -- and the in a Linux environment using that I showed them that the line sick child. best part was getting bear hugs and a programming language called shouldn’t exist. I had no idea I was huge smiles from the kids every Latex. When I returned to school doing any of that. Best Buddies Saturday morning when I arrived, in September, I began an advanced has not only formed friendships, and knowing that they loved math class that drew upon the but has made me look at who I it too. Linux skills I had gained over PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS AT WORK IN THE COMMUNITY

the summer. With only six other alongside people of such diverse them with a sense of purpose and Scott Seki, Hawaii Eric J. Smith, New Mexico girls in the class, I guessed that backgrounds. Back in the suburbs, I belonging through extracurricular For thirteen years, I have been “Are you my type?” Th is question low female enrollment was due was exposed to one type of person: involvement. Like most kids my volunteering at the Rehabilitation is asked on the most recent United to lack of Linux experience. As your typical middle-class, middle- age, I would never label myself Hospital of the Pacifi c (REHAB), Blood Services T-shirts that I President of an organization called aged couple with two kids and a a role model, but I realized that a physical rehabilitation center. distributed to my classmates, Tomorrow’s Women in Science and dog. On the other hand, the Arts simply by being an active member As I volunteered, I realized that high school staff , and community Technology (TWIST), I was then Festival’s location in the center of the of my community and a motivated many of the patients spent their members during our latest blood able to organize Linux training city allowed me to volunteer with student, I could off er valuable days in bed without any visitors drive. I have chaired or co-chaired workshops for female students at ex-convicts, aristocrats, scholars, insight to younger students. With or planned activities to keep the past three blood drives at my school. Th is is what I love most Good Samaritans, and people of any luck, we will have off ered our them engaged during the day. In my school, sponsored by the about TWIST: as an organization all ethnicities. We were all united audience members a motivation to response to this problem, with the National Honor Society. My by our desire to spread creativity pursue their interests to the fullest 50 of student leaders, we are able to approval of REHAB management, father was a kidney dialysis patient recognize the needs of our school through the arts (or the ex-convict’s of their abilities, thereby gaining I designed and implemented the and frequently needed blood and act accordingly. In addition need to fulfi ll service hours!), and it direction in a naturally chaotic REHAB Patient Games Program in transfusions to gain red blood cells to activities such as these Linux has been rewarding. For summers journey to maturity. 2004. Th e Games Program invited before injectable drugs came on sessions, we host annual workshops to come, I will continue the patients to participate in activities the market that helped produce for freshmen and seniors and run tradition of volunteering at the Ian Rousseau, Vermont with each other such as playing additional red blood cells; the need a speaker series of professional Utah Arts Festival. simple card and board games. It for blood donors was personal women scientists. At the end of the High school students all experience that weight in their stomach when was a means of keeping the patients for me. I enjoy encouraging my day, TWIST allows me to mesh Jeff Nanney, Texas mentally stimulated during the classmates to become donors. Many leadership skills with an interest certain issues--tests, dating, public Th e most diffi cult transition I speaking--arise. For me, nothing day and of supplementing their are afraid of needles and the pain in science in order to impact my physical therapy exercises. Most the needle causes. I can use my community in positive ways. ever experienced personally or compared to the fi rst Th ursday I witnessed for my peers was from fi rst hung out with Somali Bantu of the patients were recovering experience as a donor to reassure from strokes or other debilitating them, and besides, United Blood Tariq Musa, Utah elementary to middle school. Given kids. Th e kids, age three to twelve, the dramatic shift in expectations had come with their families to medical conditions, and the acts of Services staff says that they are Summer always provides me the from teachers, parents, and most America with nothing, including holding cards and moving board afraid of those who like needles opportunity to divert more of my importantly, friends, students suff er an understanding of English. pieces aided in the redevelopment (and I agree). All it takes is a little energy toward volunteering. Th e from considerable social pressure. Along with other students at my of their fi ner motor skills. Because poke and about an hour of time for past few summers I volunteered at Due to problems arising from this high school, we went to teach and I was individually responsible for one to save another’s life. I proudly the Utah Arts Festival, a not-for- transition, I was inspired to initiate play with the kids. I expected the the program’s conception and carry my donor card and plan to profi t organization that promotes a program called Make a Diff erence, cultural collision to bring about operation, I felt more connected make blood donation a regular part all forms of art in the Salt Lake which solicited members of the an awkward silence. In reality, our to the service initiative and the of my community service. By the community. I got all sweaty and Plano Youth Advisory Commission, sessions were anything but quiet. patients themselves. Being able way, I’m A+; what type are you? dirty more often than not as I of which I was chairman, to Th e organized chaos included to contribute to the community set up booths, stages, and large speak to local elementary school reading and coloring interspersed is something I truly value, and displays in the heat of the summer students headed to middle school. with chasing and screaming. the REHAB Games Program is sun. During the actual festival, I We have also added a program Amazingly, the kids’ language an accurate representation of my helped with booths, face painting, that follows up on the speeches to skills skyrocketed in this time. At passion to make a diff erence in the and various odd jobs. I certainly students with a program directed fi rst, the kids spoke little, if any; lives of others. cherished the opportunity to towards their parents, with the at the end, we could carry on promote the arts (both visual and hopes of reinforcing our mission, conversations with them. Not only performing), but what struck me to make students aware of the was their progress encouraging, the most was the ability to work awaiting pressures, and equip everyone truly looked forward to Th ursday afternoons. 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Matt N. K. Smith, Alaska Linda Yao, West Virginia Faye Zhao, Arkansas John Zhou, Michigan Solo, and with my string band, I Living in a homogenously One of my most profound One contribution to the have played hundreds of hours of Caucasian hometown, I found experiences has been volunteering community I enjoyed charity gigs. (I as an individual and it incredibly diffi cult during my at the local Veterans Hospital. tremendously was my two- we as a group received Presidential younger years to fully accept my My work involves preparing pronged attack on HIV/AIDS Service awards in 2004.) Some unique Chinese heritage. With patients for the electromyography, through leading an AIDS Walk of these performances I will maturation, I gradually established a needle-ridden test of nerve team and volunteering for Golden never forget, such as entertaining an identity that encompassed both damage. Th rough this interaction Courage International (GCI). disabled kids in an institution in my mother and father countries, I have met veterans so kind and Having always been interested in rural Mexico; Playing for Peace but I regret that the discovery vibrant that I have since found biomedical research, and having with conservatory students from was so delayed. I wished not that myself striving to be like them. lost my grandfather, with whom I places of confl ict around the other children would undergo For one, the patients I meet are had lived for six years, to cancer, I 51 world; and, just recently, spending similar sociocultural turmoil, always sincerely appreciative of was determined to make a positive my seventeenth birthday playing unassisted, so I began working my help in anything from hoisting diff erence in the face of the AIDS a benefi t concert for and with the with an agency specializing them out of their wheelchairs or pandemic. To do so, I founded women’s prison orchestra at the in the adoption of orphaned putting on their hospital gowns and captained an AIDS Walk team Hiland Correctional Center in children from developing Asia. In to taking off their shoes or adding for my high school, recruiting 100 Eagle River, Alaska. Th is last was conferences and social gatherings, pillows to their cots. While I aid members, raising $7,200 dollars, the culmination of the coaching I assisted the children and their them, I also hear incredible stories and speaking as a keynote orator my string band did over the American parents in overcoming of diff erent lives and diff erent along with Senator Levin in front fall with the beginning prison language barriers, exploring the wars. I’ve listened to World War of 6,000 people on the day of the orchestra group. Th e orchestra was youngsters’ backgrounds, and II veterans recall the dangers of walk. Furthermore, I donated begun by a local cellist as a way adjusting to inherent cultural island hopping in the Pacifi c. I’ve my eff ort towards helping AIDS to help the incarcerated women dissimilarities by accepting - not heard about episodes of tiptoeing orphans in China by translating enjoy the results of discipline and extinguishing--them. Progressively, through fi elds littered with mines documents, building a website, perseverance. With their hair done I supplemented these endeavors from Vietnam veterans. I’ve even and acting as a youth coordinator up and in concert black, making by initiating programs in which come to know of events that for GCI, an organization dedicated music in a cooperative eff ort, these I introduced the families to the recently took place on Baghdad’s to bettering the orphans’ lives by women could begin to imagine a Chinese language. Evading the streets. From the veterans and their providing education, housing, and better life for themselves. I think assimilation trap was always a great stories I have learned principles hope. Th rough my experiences of working with a group of young obstacle for me; my greatest desire of selfl essness, patriotism and advocating for AIDS awareness people who didn’t judge them - we is to see other minority children unfailing optimism in the face of and prevention, I have become only judged ourselves, realizing embrace themselves in this adversity. What I haven’t been able more aware of and sympathetic how incredibly lucky we are - was conformist-emphasized world. to glean from a textbook, I’ve been towards worldwide suff ering. an uplifting experience, for them able to learn from those who have HIV positive individuals face and for us. dedicated the best years of their severe health and social stigma. As lives to their country and people. conscientious citizens, we must be generous enough to help others and give back, in part, what we have received. TEACHER RECOGNITION AWARDEES

Cindy Allen (ME) Greg Brown (AK) Mike Ciszek (TX)* English Social Studies Visual Arts Camden Hills Regional High A. J. Dimond High School Th e High School for Performing School & Visual Arts Mary Budny (CA) Kalpana Arun (PR) Edward Coleman (IN) English English Th ousand Oaks High School English Each Presidential Scholar presents the program’s Teacher Colegio Nuestra Senora del North Central High School Carmen Paul A. Cammer (VA) Recognition Award to the one teacher, counselor, or school John Collier (NM) administrator who has been his or her greatest infl uence and Biology 52 Robert Asher (DC) inspiration. Every day, in classrooms across the country, these Th omas Jeff erson High School for Counseling History educators prove the power of excellent teaching to help guide Science & Technology Gallup High School Georgetown Day School young lives toward the realization of their true potential Thomas P. Carroll (DC) Mary Beth Cote (DE) and the fulfi llment of their highest aims. Suzanne Bailey (AL) Biology Mathematics AP Government and Politics St. Alban’s School Charter School of Wilmington *Teacher nominated by more than one Scholar Virgil I. Grissom High School Michael Cavey (MD) Charles Creighton (OR) John Barnes (VA) History Music Mathematics Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Maggie L. Walker Governor’s Heart Adella Croft (UT) School Mathematics Joseph D. Chase (VT) Skyline High School Jamie Bassett (TX) Physics Math Essex High School Brian M. Culhane (WA) A&M Consolidated High School English Sue A. Chase (MD) Lakeside School William C. Bohnsack (ND) Computer Science, Physics Chemistry North County High School Michael Cullen (WI) May-Port CG High School Mathematics Julie Chismar (IN) Cedarburg Senior High School Bill Boulger (MN) Economics Mathematics St. Joseph’s High School St. Paul Academy and Summit School 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Jeff Cumpston (OR) Denise Ekberg (LA) Eugene Gagliano (NJ) Kimberly H. Harrison (CA) Woody Howard (NY) Music Chemistry Physics Biology Th eater West Linn High School Benjamin Franklin Senior High Marlboro High School Polytechnic School Horace Mann School School Laura K. Daby (NM) Dean Giangrosso (NV) Peter P. Hazzard (MA) Donald Hulette (CA) Randy A. Epler (WY) U.S. History Art Arts Piano Albuquerque High School Agriculture Education Greenspun Junior High School Lawrence Academy at Groton Southeast Goshen County High Susan Ikenberry (DC) Kirk G. Daddow (IA) School Shirley Givens (NY) Steve Heller (IL) History Social Studies Violin English Georgetown Day School George Flatau (TN) Ames High School Th e Juilliard School Adlai E. Stevenson High School 53 Chemistry Linda Johansen (CT) Branton P. Daniel (AR) University School of Nashville Louise Goode (WV) Diane W. Henderson (MO) Mathematics Physics Mathematics Physics East Lyme High School Craig Foreman (OH) Central High School Hurricane High School Mary Institute and St. Louis History Country Day School Gregory Jurkowski (AK) Matthew D. Davis (NE) Th eodore Roosevelt High School Deborah Haggard (KY) Physics David Henner (PR) Oral Communication Chemistry Chugiak High School Edward A. Francis, Jr. (CA) Lincoln East High School Beechwood High School Physics Piano St. John’s School Anne J. Kaplan (NY) Mary P. DeYoung (AE) David Hall (PA) School Counselor Patricia Frederick (WI) Amy Herrick (VT) Mathematics AP Music Th eory Byram Hills High School London Central High School Visual Art Nazareth Academy English Pius XI High School U-32 Junior/Senior High School Robert W. Karewa (RI) Angela L. Dickert (AL) Carole Hamilton (NC) Computer Science Charles E. Fremuth (MI) Donald Hicken (MD) 12th Grade English English La Salle Academy Oxford High School English Cary Academy Acting Detroit Country Day School Baltimore School for the Arts Steven Kascht (CO) Suzanne Duffy (CT) Ann Hammersly (AZ) English Elizabeth Frisbee (GA) D. Bradford Hill (AL) Social Studies Physics Cherry Creek High School Amity Regional Senior High Mathematics Chaparral High School Literature School Norcross High School Alabama School of Fine Arts J. Regan Kerney (NJ) Tim Hanes (FL) Economics Th eatre (Acting, Singing) Lawrenceville School Orlando Youth Th eatre TEACHER RECOGNITION AWARDEES

Kathy Kremins (NJ) Daniel Macdonald (ID) Kathy McInerney (CO) Anne Nery (FL) Richard Parris (NH) English Social Studies English Mathematics Mathematics West Morris Mendham High Century High School Cherry Creek High School West Shore Junior/Senior High Phillips Exeter Academy School School Beverly Maselli (MA) Thomas McMahon (NJ) Phillips W. Peters, III (IA) Brian Kress (ID) Jeffrey Norris (MI) Guidance Counselor History Music AP Calculus Mt. Greylock Regional High Arthur P. Schalick High School Private Voice Instructor Valley High School Blackfoot High School School Interlochen Arts Academy Barry Messinger (DE) Connie Pitman (KS) William Kysor (TX) Meaghan McCaffrey (NY) Dave J. Oberly (SC) Latin Gifted Education 54 Visual Arts/Ceramics History Charter School of Wilmington Math Tecumseh South Elementary St. Mark’s School of Texas Dobbs Ferry High School Spring Valley High School School Rhendle M. Millen (TN) John Lane (KY) John McCarthy (CA) Kevin O’Brien (HI) Patricia C. Plese (NV) Wind Ensemble History Piano Saint Mary’s Episcopal School Social Studies Chemistry Covington Latin School San Francisco Conservatory of Kamehameha Secondary School- Green Valley High School Music Ernest Miller (PA) Maui Carol A. Lee (HI) Doug Powers (CA) History Steven L. McCartney (MS) Susanna M. Orr (MS) English Central Catholic High School Social Sciences Punahou School Science AP U.S. Government Berkeley High School Jackson Academy Miles Mitchell (NM) Jackson Preparatory School Thomas Lee (MA) Michael Prados (LA) Agriculture Jan McClaren (OK) Nancy W. Owen (SC) Mathematics Melrose High School English Newton South High School History English Jesuit High School Claremore High School Martha K. Moore (NC) Irmo High School John R. Lloyd (RI) David Pritschet (MN) English Jacquie McDonald (MT) Kimberly Pardo (FL) Math Shelby High School German Barrington Middle School Mathematics English Brainerd Senior High School Billings Senior High School Barbara Murphy Frank (TX) Vivian Gaither High School Bruce Qualls (AR) Choir Del Parkinson (ID) Driscoll Middle School History Music-Piano Performance Batesville High School Boise State University 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Michele Radio (KS) Joette M. Salandro (PA) Gregory Somers (PA) Ann Trucano (SD) Lily C. Weiss (TX) Academic Enrichment Music/Drama Mathematics AP English Modern Dance Blue Valley North High School Greensburg Central Catholic High State College Area High School St. Th omas More High School Booker T. Washington High School School for the Performing & Carol Recicar (FL) Matthew Spence (NC) Vicki Vincent (WY) Visual Arts Kathy Sanderson (SD) Guidance Counselor English Language Arts Brian Woodruff (IL) Carrollton Sacred Heart English Providence Day School Rock Springs High School De Smet High School Biology Oliver Reid (CT) Shelley Stahl (GA) Nancy Volksen (OH) New Trier Township High School Susan L. Schmalz (WI) Mathematics English English Donald Woolson (Italy) Chemistry Central High School Upper Arlington High School 55 Scott Richardson (CA) Catholic Memorial High School Mathematics Physics DeAnna Stallings (UT) John Waldron (OK) Naples American High School Dennis C. Schroeder (IA) Davis Senior High School English History Gene Woon (AZ) AP U.S. History Logan High School Booker T. Washington High Peter Robischon (MT) Hempstead High School School Chemistry Biology Kevin Statom (CA) University High School Christopher L. Shaw (MA) Barry Walker (AL) Broadwater High School Mathematics Economics Arroyo Grande High School Mathematics/Physics Dennis Roden (ND) Phillips Academy Briarwood Christian High School Chemistry Magaly Suarez (FL) Stanley Siedlecki (OH) Max L. Warshauer (TX) North High School Ballet Training English Mathematics (Number Th eory) Edward Rubio (WA) Mayfi eld High School Jon Summerville (KY) Texas State University History Mathematics Alan Silverston (MI) Beth Weinberger (TX) Newport High School Graves County High School Algebra I Visual Arts Rachel Russell (MO) Parcells Middle School Joan Traffas (TN) Th e High School for Performing Language Arts History and Humanities & Visual Arts Jim Sinnerud (NE) Lee’s Summit North High School Saint Mary’s Episcopal School Church History Ardoth F. Rutherford (WV) Creighton Preparatory School Literature Covenant School TEACHER RECOGNITION AWARDEES REFLECT ON TEACHING

Cindy Laidley Allen, Maine Suzanne Bailey, Alabama Bill Boulger, Minnesota As a teacher, I have the pleasure of As a government teacher, I love to My greatest thrills in teaching witnessing students discovering and see my students catch the “news” have been the result of assisting reacting to new ideas - ideas they bug. When they get fascinated students to develop an independent fi nd through their own writing, with politics, they are not only understanding of mathematical and reading, and, even occasionally, reinforcing the concepts that they concepts through an open through me. Playing a role in this learn in my class, they are applying discussion of well-chosen problems. process is what I enjoy most them in such a way that that they Discovery through exploration about teaching. will always be informed citizens and fosters curiosity and imagination lifelong learners. while providing the foundation and Each year we ask our distinguished teachers to Kalpana Arun, Puerto Rico tools for lifelong learning. describe what they enjoy about teaching, or to Jamie Bassett, Texas 56 Few experiences can be more recount an incident that has given them a sense Mary C. Budny, California fulfi lling than that of teaching I love working with students and of pride in their work. Clearly the Scholars’ great a student with a genuine thirst being able to “see the light come Teaching is the space where gratitude for these exceptional teachers is matched for knowledge. Being recognized on.” Th ese successes, both large and knowledge, identity and hope only by the teachers’ devotion to challenging, by that student as the greatest small, make everything worthwhile. meet; to me, the ability to teach motivating, and supporting the students entrusted infl uence in her life is indeed My greatest sense of pride comes well is a gift. I am grateful for to their care, and their joy in watching those one such. I feel fortunate to have when my former students take the this gift. Every day aff ords me the students take fl ight. chosen a profession with such time to write, come by to visit, or tremendous opportunity to nurture immeasurable rewards! even invite me to weddings. Th at my students’ abilities and strengths tells me I have connected personally and to challenge them to become Bobby Asher, District and made a diff erence. more thoughtful, introspective of Columbia humans, contributing and making a William C. Bohnsack, diff erence where they can. What I love most about teaching is North Dakota working with kids. Th eir openness Paul A. Cammer, Virginia to ideas, their curiosity, their Over 30 years of teaching, I have unbridled energy - all serve to make been fortunate to work with many My students occasionally ask me, them wildly appealing. Every day students whom I know became “What is the purpose of life?” is an adventure, a ride fi lled with responsible adults. And if I helped I answer, “To leave the world a excitement, seriousness of purpose, them to think before they leap into better place because you were good humor, and unpredictability. something, even better. here.” Teaching provided a greater opportunity to do that than almost any other occupation - off ering wisdom to students that they generally don’t accept from their parents. 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Tom Carroll, Maryland Julie Chismar, Indiana John Collier, New Mexico Charles Creighton, Oregon Kirk G. Daddow, Iowa Tom, after receiving his master’s My most important contribution After fi ve years of teaching, I I love to see classical music What I enjoy about teaching-- degree in Plant Biology, decided to my students’ learning is went into school counseling. I become a major part of a young In nearly forty years of teaching to go into teaching. “Oh no!”, communicating a passion for the enjoy school counseling because person’s life. I am pleased when I have come to recognize and said his mother, also a teacher. study of economics. If I show a it provides the opportunity to they understand the discipline of appreciate “Th e Look.” It’s that He moved to DC and has been love of learning, they will develop know my students on a deep practice and dedication. I love to expression of understanding on teaching Biology and chairing the intellectual curiosity and, most personal level. Each day brings see it permeate other areas of their the faces of students in my classes Science Department of a private importantly, want to research and new opportunities, successes and lives and have a positive infl uence as they begin to grasp a relevant high school for the twenty years. study the current economy. sometimes, failures. Counseling on their character and future. concept in history. No teacher He still loves it! aff ords me an opportunity to could ever get enough of that. Mike Ciszek, Texas off er students hope. Students are Brian M. Culhane, Michael R. Cavey, Maryland society’s hope. Washington Matt Davis, Nebraska 57 Th e greatest joy received from I believe in helping a student see teaching, is seeing my students I teach literature because art My professorial grandfather often Mary Elizabeth past illusions and clichés. For discover their individual voices can put us in contact with the asserted teaching is not a vocation, Coté, Delaware example, when she realizes that when creating works of art. When greatness that has gone before but a calling. Th is philosophy has the greatest threat to her liberties they achieve this breakthrough, Why do I continue to teach us, and that is within us still. resonated with me throughout often comes from those sworn to it opens up a new world of after forty years? Is it the thank Seeing students respond to such my career. Whenever I feel like protect them, yet also realizes she expression that creates previously you notes I receive at year-end greatness–and rise to it themselves packing it in, I realize I’d lose can speak truth to power through unthinkable opportunities. When that encourage me? Th e visits on occasion – makes me have hope something irreplaceable; the nonviolence, I know I’ve done this leads to honors and successes, by returning students, that lift for this often troubled world. opportunity to witness the growth my job. my role as mentor is rewarded. me up and energize me? Th e of the recalcitrant, the reluctant, awards I receive, such as this Michael Cullen, Wisconsin and the remarkable alike. Sue Ann Chase, Maryland Ed Coleman, Indiana one, that humble me to strive for I began my teaching career on greater excellence? Recognitions Mary P. DeYoung, Georgia Many students are uncertain of “Jordan Baker Was Right” a whim - fresh out of college and praise touch my heart, but how they will do in Physics. I I volunteered in an inner city Enjoyment of teaching came from Green shoots spring from the what keeps me returning to the enjoy seeing these students grow school. Th is one-year impulse the anticipation and preparation moist March earth. Th e world classroom is knowing I make more confi dent in their abilities. has turned into an eighteen-year to present material to my students. comes back to life. My world a diff erence. I off er students a When they move on to college, career. Teaching allows me to Th at, hopefully, played a part in begins at the end of the year, stepping-stone in their quest they often share how well they positively impact the individuals I the development of a complete when red leaves fall and the nights for excellent education; the are doing in Physics. I truly work with as well as improving our human being. When eyes lit up grow chill. Children fi ll my room opportunity to dream; and the enjoy making a diff erence in my society as a whole. and voices remarked, “Th is isn’t so and gradually my life. Who will means to begin to fulfi ll their students’ lives. hard!”, I knew I had chosen the blossom this year? dreams. I encourage, I challenge, I correct vocation – one giving me support, I care. I am there for my total job satisfaction. students, and they give me hope and optimism for the future. TEACHER RECOGNITION AWARDEES REFLECT ON TEACHING

Angela Dickert, Alabama Craig Foreman, Ohio Barbara Murphy Frank, Texas Elizabeth Stiles Frisbee, Shirley Givens, New York Georgia My greatest joy as an educator In teaching I enjoy that I have What profound joy I have Our national culture will be is helping students develop the enabled my students to become life- experienced teaching Choral music! I was fortunate to begin my remembered by the enduring confi dence they will need to long learners and critical thinkers. I believe a quality music program teaching career in my hometown works of art it has created, not by be successful in life. When my Society more than ever needs builds teamwork, fosters arts of Kittery, Maine with my junior its wars. My greatest reward in students attribute some small students who desire to gain and appreciation, encourages excellence, high teachers as my mentors. It is teaching comes when I am able to part of their achievement to the use knowledge and thinking skills. and instills a desire to share one’s through their guidance that I have open doors, to inspire my students guidance and preparation they When I see or know of my current very best with the community. been able to develop my passion to make the greatest contribution received in my class, I am assured and former students doing this, I Rafael is an endorsement of that for teaching, love of learning and to the arts according to their that I do make a diff erence. feel extremely proud. ideal; his goodness, enthusiasm and enjoyment in the successes that my individual talents. voice bring inspiration to all. students make each day. 58 Denise Ekberg, Louisiana Edward A. Francis, Jr., Louise Goode, West Virginia California Patricia Frederick, Wisconsin Eugene T. Gagliano, I taught 15 years prior to Hurricane Th e most enjoyable moments in New Jersey Katrina and experienced immense I constantly marvel at my good Teaching is an act of faith. Either teaching are when my students pride and joy everyday I worked fortune: my life in education there is magic in the universe or As a teacher my goal is to share begin to see math as a master key with my amazing students. It was is exclusively spent at the there isn’t. So much depends on the simplicity of physics and a unlocking countless doors. When afterwards, receiving emails from quintessential student/teacher where you put your eyes. What is lifelong love of learning with my they conquer a diffi cult concept, those students informing me of ratio of 1:1. I hear marvelous real? What isn’t? What if? What students. However my greatest push themselves to their maximum their status and inquiring about classical piano music all day and else? Why not? My kids know joy comes from sharing that sense potential, or mentor others, I am mine that I felt I had really made a am rewarded each day, because where to look. It is because of them of accomplishment which is rewarded with a deep sense of diff erence in their lives. I witness growth and wonder as that I believe. experienced when a student reaches accomplishment, having changed students progress and develop a goal which a short time before a few lives. George Flatau, Tennessee into young artists. Th e challenge Charles E. Fremuth, Michigan seemed beyond their grasp. is inspirational, especially when David Hall, Pennsylvania My teaching philosophy embodies I take pride in my teaching when handed an exceptional talent! Th ese Dean Giangrosso, Nevada what Einstein described as “the my moderation of discussion elicits When I can help a student turn talents are out there, and “my” whole of science is nothing more an independent dialogue among I feel a sense of pride teaching a creative spark into a fl ame that Scholar has helped me become a than a refi nement of everyday students exchanging views based on higher-level skills and abilities ignites the imagination, I know I better teacher. He demanded and thinking.” Students have a great well-articulated justifi cations. When to my students. Most have such have been a successful teacher. Th is deserved my best work without sense of wonder about the world the students themselves participate limited and crafty art applications. may not happen every day, but saying a word. Indigenous to my around them; it’s my job to help critically in the Conversation of My educational program presents when it does I know I have chosen profession is the added luxury of a them learn how the world works. Great Ideas, they are teaching opportunities that improve the right profession. collaboration that can last for many Nothing is more fulfi lling. each other how to think and individual critical thinking and years. I am incredibly grateful. how to learn. problem-solving abilities. Art becomes a vehicle for students to see and study the world. 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Carole L. Hamilton, Stephen Heller, Illinois Donald Hicken, Maryland teaching. Each September brings a Robert W. Karewa, North Carolina Massachusetts I enjoy the creativity. How does In my studio/classroom, teaching chance to try again, and every year As I have matured as a teacher, one bridge time-honored ideas is a by-product of making theatre. I tell myself: “this year I’ll get it Th is is my 38th year of teaching I fi nd that witnessing students’ to new generations of students? I My greatest joy is observing perfect!” I never do, of course, but Mathematics and Computer personal growth means more attempt to answer this question this process nurture creativity I enjoy trying, and anticipating Science, and one of the great joys to me than chronicling their each day, and in so doing, I honor and individual initiative while that something exciting will of teaching for me is watching academic growth. I take seriously the legacy of former teachers, encouraging compassion, happen again soon! students solve challenging my role as model citizen and moral the torch of knowledge and understanding and empathy. Th e problems or write diffi cult guide. It is not enough to impart imagination, and the rewards of spirit of cooperation coupled with Linda Johansen, Connecticut computer programs. I try to make knowledge; every interaction seeing students engaged in an emphasis on risk-taking and To see students eager to learn, math be fun and intuitive and I is an opportunity to teach their learning. strengthening the imagination engaged in the process, and believe we need to challenge all character, core values, and provides the necessary tools wanting even more than you can our students. 59 ethical behavior, too. Diane W. Henderson, for self-esteem. give them fuels the passion that Missouri drives the teacher. Helping each Steven Kascht, Colorado Ann Hammersly, Arizona D. Bradford Hill, Alabama I enjoy providing a warm and student fi nd the key that unlocks Teaching is a daily series of magic After 21 years of teaching, supportive learning environment Teaching is a vibrant, life-affi rming their learning potential is, to me, moments. Planning a lesson extraordinarily talented students between teacher and student. experience everyday. Meaning is a what teaching is all about. Th ere is and then letting that lesson take like Judy Fan keep me excited Th e keys to this are the ability bridge between the self and reality, no higher calling. off with new students each year about my profession. Awakening of the students to ask relevant and I am fulfi lled by guiding within a new time frame in a new or developing a passion for science questions and to enhance and students toward discovering Gregory Jurkowski, Alaska context of that year’s pop culture in students of all abilities is the enable their ability to learn while meaning for their lives. Th e I teach physics, and physics is makes each teaching moment most satisfying thing a teacher can being able to respond with logical communion in these discoveries about problem solving. I am most magical for all who are in the class do - that and having fun in reasoning to support their answers is a spiritual experience that binds gratifi ed when one of my students and part of it. Being part of these the classroom! and thoughts. me forever with my students - raises his or her hand and begins magical moments makes teaching wherever their own journeys to ask a question. Th ey pause the only profession for me. Peter Hazzard, David Henner, Puerto Rico take them. and their eyes widen. “Oh, never New Hampshire J. Regan Kerney, Th e most rewarding moment for mind.... I fi gured it out.” Th ey are Susan Ikenberry, Maryland New Jersey I have taught music for 35 years. me occurs at Christmas. Saint embarrassed, but I am proud. Th e thrill I feel when I see a John’s School has the tradition I’ve been teaching for 25 years For me, teaching is about the “aha” student touched by music is still of inviting alumni to return for and have enjoyed just about every Anne J. Kaplan, New York moment, which happens when my the same whether the student is an an informal get-together with minute of it. Last year I assigned While many educators promote students fi nd not just the solution, accomplished musician or a novice teachers. Listening to my ex- a contest entry for homework, the singular goal of acceptance but how to understand the to the form. Everyone should feel students recount their stories of and Scholar Mihan Lee won! to a prestigious university, my problem - when they understand the power of music, as it is our triumphs and disappointments It involved writing a modern perspective is vastly diff erent. not just what to believe, but how common language. in Physics is both humorous and variation on the Gettysburg I encourage my students to to think. I am fulfi lled then, invigorating, energizing me for address, which she delivered at discover who they are, to become because I am no longer necessary. another school year. the dedication of the new Lincoln involved, and ultimately, to make Museum. Th is wonderful potential a diff erence. I am consistently for surprise is so much a part of rewarded by having students who experience life rather monitor it. TEACHER RECOGNITION AWARDEES REFLECT ON TEACHING

Kathleen A. Kremins, Thomas J. Lee, John McCarthy, California Jacqueline McDonald, Barry Messinger, Delaware New Jersey Massachusetts Montana I encourage personal eff ort and As a teacher and lifelong student While “education” is most Teaching is a beautiful occupation. formation of proper attitude One of the most enjoyable aspects I value most highly the learning often associated with that Where else does one get to educate as the keys to realizing our of teaching is fi nding ways to experience. Whether a student institution known as “school”, and infl uence the lives of bright, unique potential. Excellence and entice students to share my passion recalls after a period of time facts that EDUCATION matters is talented young people? I love achievement follow when the goal for math. I love searching for from a content area is ultimately confi rmed by my students who my job and my students. I do is to become more fully ourselves, interesting problems, engaging immaterial, provided s/he has every day reach within themselves everything I can to build their to know our own voice. It is a great applications and connections become resourceful, thinks and outside the walls of West confi dence in themselves - and privilege to assist a young person between math and other subjects. I creatively, and is a productive Morris Mendham High School to everything I give to them comes in becoming autonomous read about math and encourage my member of society. become better people. It matters back fi ve-fold. and responsible. students to do the same. 60 because, still, there are many people Rhendle M. Millen, Tennessee in this world who are denied access Jon Robert Lloyd, Steven L. McCartney, Kathy McInerney, Colorado Th e sophomore who daily to education. Education is not just Rhode Island Mississippi I love the “Ah-ha” moment when enters the room with, “I’ve got a a living I am making; it is a way of Teaching can leave lasting Pardon the cliché, but I love to look a student – after struggling with question!”; the junior trombonist living for us all. impressions. Having a student into a student’s eyes and see the the critical reading, writing, who says “Oh...it’s just physics!”; from four years ago choose to share proverbial “light bulb” turn on. I and thinking skills that make the senior who likens Humanities Bill Kysor, TX with me even a tiny portion of her am grateful for the opportunity to achievement possible – suddenly to studying footprints in the sand When students are involved in the great achievement, is humbling. expose young students to biology “gets it.” To me, the challenge of - to share in the genuine curiosity creative process, their minds and Stephanie Le deserves all the because it is so intertwined with teaching these skills to become and often astounding insight of spirit are moving into a higher accolades, and more, not only is she our lives and aff ects many decisions habits of mind - so important students is the real joy of teaching. level of self-expression. Th ey are an excellent student, she is even a made in today’s society. to lifelong learning - is beginning their journey as artists. better person. extremely gratifying. Ernest Miller, Pennsylvania My reward as their mentor is the Jan McClaren, Oklahoma Paulo Freire states best why I enjoy joy of seeing that transformation, Dan Macdonald, Idaho Thomas McMahon, I arranged interviews with WWII teaching: “Th rough dialogue, and somehow knowing that their New Jersey For years I thought that I was there, veterans, to which the class the teacher-of-students and the journey will be for a lifetime. for ones who really didn’t care. But grudgingly acquiesced. Th e youth Teaching is an intellectually, students-of-the-teacher cease to then I met a kid, who was inspired were drawn into Frank’s D-Day emotionally, and physically exist and a new term emerges: Carol A. Lee, Hawaii by what I did. He challenged me tale; a mine mangled his leg. Th e demanding vocation. Despite teacher-student with student- I teach for two reasons: I to match his mind, and to be “no students entitled their book on the the challenges, I cannot imagine teacher. Th e teacher is no longer love young people, and I love teacher left behind.” So to Aman, experiences: “A Generation who ... anything more inspiring or merely the one-who-teaches, but scholarship. My students keep me most infl uential, you’re my Taught Us ... Inspired Us ... And rewarding than when a student one who is taught in dialogue with real; they help me to see worth in scholar, Presidential. Became Our Friends.” I was expresses his or her appreciation by the students, who in turn, while our work together. In return, I try never prouder of the “Next saying, “Th ank you for making a being taught also teach.” to inspire them to love learning, Greatest Generation.” diff erence in my life.” and to make this world a better place for all people. 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Martha Moore, David J. Oberly, Nancy Owen, South Carolina Phillips W. Peters, Iowa Douglas Powers, California North Carolina South Carolina Taking to heart Joseph Campbell’s Th e greatest joy in teaching I’ve enjoyed teaching a cross Th e greatest joy I experience is Seeing my students experience challenge to “Follow your bliss,” is gained by witnessing the section of ideas in literature when former students come back success is what I most enjoy about I become in my own classroom a emotional and intellectual growth and the social sciences of which to say, “Th ank you. You were teaching. Running a close second, teacher who is still an enthusiastic of my students and knowing that I I feel all humanity should tough and made me work, but I however, is the interaction we student. I strive every day to give played a part in that development. be made aware. Th ese ideas learned in your class. I’m grateful.” experience during class. My classes young adults the knowledge, tools, I love the energy and passion that free the individual and also Some say, “You prepared me for seem more like discussions than and permission to pursue whatever my students exhibit in their music. provide a common cultural college”, or, “You taught me to lectures, and I enjoy a “friendly fascinates and bring them joy. And, best of all, the students language through which we can write.” Such words make my life banter” with my students. motivate me to continue learning. communicate with a large number seem worthwhile. Del Parkinson, Idaho of diverse, open minded and Kevin O’Brien, Hawaii Connie Pitman, Kansas questioning youth that calls the 61 Being an educator off ers great Annabelle M. Nery, Florida specious and fraudulent what it is. Th e best thing about teaching rewards. Invariably I learn more As an elementary gifted teacher, I have appreciated the challenge My goal is to prepare my students is watching and being a part of through teaching than through I am fortunate to spend time and potential of every student over for the future with a strong a kid’s growth. It is incredibly formalized study. Organizing and working with bright, inquisitive, my 36 years of teaching. foundation in Mathematics and rewarding to watch a young person verbalizing clear explanations helps energetic children who love to a great work ethic. I feel very grow from where they are when me to crystallize my thoughts. learn. I get immense pleasure Michael Prados, Louisiana accomplished when my students you fi rst meet them to where they As teacher and mentor, I am watching a student’s face light thank me for challenging them can be when they leave the school. privileged to help nurture the up with the “aha” of discovering I stayed at my school, Jesuit High and bringing out the best in them. creative process in the brilliant something new. in New Orleans, during Hurricane I am proud of the excellence that Susanna Orr, Mississippi mind of presidential scholar Katrina. Still there a week later, they have achieved! Joshua Archibald-Seiff er. Patricia C. Plese, Nevada with fi ve feet of water throughout I have enjoyed the diversity that the fi rst fl oor, I received a text every day brings. Th e challenge In a journal written during my Jeffery Norris, Michigan Richard Parris, New message saying that 400 of our of teaching is to learn how to student teaching, I wrote, “I Hampshire students were at Jesuit-Houston Infl uencing another individual is channel the talents of each student can think of few things more and that they needed teachers. one of the most rewarding and to help individuals become I fi nally left undergraduate rewarding than seeing my students Although I’d had no intention humbling responsibilities one can confi dent, capable adults. Th e education because working with a achieve their potential and of leaving before the fl oodwaters experience. To instill vision to joy comes when students return younger, spontaneous, imaginative knowing that I played a part in receded, I’ve never felt a stronger look beyond the immediate, to to say thanks or when I learn of audience was impossible to resist. their development.” Th ose words call to be a teacher. Within an open the road of possibilities and their accomplishments in life. It is still the best way of escaping continue to express the joy I hour, I caught an airboat to to wisely equip a student with the Recognition awards are splendid, from the adult world I inhabit. experience after teaching for dry land and made my way to tools to navigate that road; this is but nothing trumps a “Th anks. 11 years. Houston for a memorable semester to be a teacher. You made a diff erence in my life.” of night classes. TEACHER RECOGNITION AWARDEES REFLECT ON TEACHING

Bruce Qualls, Arkansas Oliver Reid, Maryland Ardoth Rutherford, Susan L. Schmalz, Wisconsin Stanley Siedlecki, III, Ohio West Virginia As a teacher, I have learned that A successful classroom requires After 28 years of teaching While I am sure that the thought every student has a desire to know cooperation and respect between To be a teacher is like being given a chemistry, I am still thrilled at the is not original to me, I enjoy themselves; to know who they are, the teacher and the taught, like a front-row seat to a wonderful play. awe displayed by students when witnessing the growth in my where they come from, and to have coach and his or her team working What drama as one watches all they experience something for the students. Like many of my peers, an understanding of where they are for each others’ mutual success. these young lives unfold! What joy! fi rst time. As teachers, we cannot I gain personal satisfaction from going. I enjoy sharing the stories Th e quality of the experience for What fulfi llment! And to have one’s forget that the student is witnessing seeing many young people move that have shaped America, and a teacher who works in such an vocation so intimately connected a phenomenon that, to us, may on to a higher plain of writing, seeing students discover themselves atmosphere is one matched in few to one’s Christian calling: there has have become common but, to which they themselves would have in those stories. other occupations. not been much more to ask of Life. them, is brand new. previously viewed as unachievable.

62 Michele Radio, Kansas Peter Robischon, Montana Joette Salandro, Dennis C. Schroeder, Iowa Alan Silverston, Michigan Pennsylvania At the highest level, teachers inspire Could I have entered a diff erent Over the span of thirty-six Scholar Ruvani Fonseka, you are their students to live deliberate profession and been more As a performing artist and an years in education I have taught an exceptional and rare talent. I am lives, practicing commitment to fi nancially secure? Surely. However, educator, I encourage students to thousands of students ranging thrilled that I could share my love well-thought-out ideals and self- having had the opportunity to take risks with ideas, to overcome from the challenged learner to for mathematics with you. Except awareness. Th rough the thoughtful work with incredible students challenges, and to create with the gifted/talented learner. Two for being a husband and father, no lenses of curiosity, creativity, and like Shannon Flynn has made me imagination. Teaching can be qualities defi ne a good teacher, job could be more rewarding compassion they will conceive wealthy in ways that matter challenging, inspiring, and ever- communication and rapport than teaching. big dreams and by following the much more. changing. When a student like between a teacher and students. stepping-stones of discipline, Scholar Rachel Mans says “Th ank All other qualities will develop Father Jim Sinnerud, perseverance, and humor real Dennis Roden, North Dakota you,” for doing my job, I am once these initial two qualities Nebraska change is possible. honored and humbled. are established. I have taught science in North I enjoy helping to form the minds Dakota for forty years and I and hearts of students: to develop Carol Recicar, Florida Kathryn T. Sanderson, Christopher L. Shaw, continue to be amazed by the them into informed, skilled and South Dakota Massachusetts While my goal as an educator quality of our young people. I caring individuals, who will be to help each student reach her consider myself so privileged to Teaching is a daily experiment What drew me was the relentless equipped to make the world a full potential has not changed be working with these great kids to meet the needs and wants hope living in classrooms. It waits, better place in which all people over the past 25 years, the tools and with their representative, of students, academically and silently, in the 45 minutes, 20 can live. used to accomplish this and the Presidential Scholar Joanna Jan. psychologically. I am changed and kids, and combined grey matter milieu in which it is done has challenged by what I learn from of our daily grind. I imagine them changed dramatically. Th is has my students. No better occupation mothers, legislators, tradesmen: been challenging and invigorating, could motivate me to develop connecting past to future, there to providing renewed enthusiasm student potential, to see individual here, word to idea to solution. I get each year. growth, to inspire excellence, and to paid for this? encourage success. 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Shelley Stahl, Georgia Joan Traffas, Tennessee Nancy Volksen, Ohio Beth Weinberger, Texas Gene Woon, Arizona I once believed teaching English Th e purpose of learning is to I left the corporate world in my It is exciting to encourage students What students bring to a would only involve igniting young liberate the mind, open the soul, late 30s to become a teacher. to explore new concepts and classroom is infi nitely more minds with a passion for literature, release creativity and follow Introducing students to great experiment with unfamiliar and valuable than any knowledge they but I now appreciate that this natural curiosity. I teach that literature introduces them to challenging materials. Th is helps might gain. Th eir enthusiasm, vocation involves taking part in a I might enjoy this learning themselves and their place in to develop their confi dence and honesty, robust revelry of life, dynamic community of students adventure along with my students, “the great conversation” of understanding of the potential absurdly laughable behavior and and teachers working toward a and that I may witness as students humanity. With that privilege joys of a creative life. Sharing their optimism renew those youthful goal of academic, emotional, and like Presidential Scholar Laura comes exhilaration; with that problems and breakthroughs in traits and all others that life has social education. Kaplan take wing. responsibility, humility. Teaching the process of making art bring chipped away. For this teachers are calls forth my heart’s best work. value and meaning to my life quite lucky. Th ank you, James Liu. DeAnna Stallings, Utah Ann Trucano, South Dakota Th ank you, Jen. and work. 63 What I love about teaching I love teaching students to Barry Walker, Alabama Brian Woodruff, Illinois is challenging my students to become writers and readers. Th eir question everything, to never exuberance, ideas and humor Being present when a student Teaching really is a humbling accept anything at face value. nourish me. Together, we learn experiences a personal “A-Ha profession. You have that rare I do not ask them to abandon to love good writing, explore the Moment” is pure joy! My purpose opportunity to change the way a their belief system, but to come complexities of humanity, and is not to teach kids to think like student looks at the world. You to a complete understanding of discover the power of language. I think but to open them up to can excite, fascinate, and motivate why they believe the way they do. My mantra: Find your passion and their own thinking and purpose. them. Th ere is nothing more Th rough literature, my students pursue it, to love your work and Being part of teenagers gaining heartwarming than to have a are able to remove their blinders make a diff erence in others’ lives. self-respect through personal student comment that my passion and see the world from many achievement is wonderful and for Biology has rubbed off diff erent perspectives. Vicki Vincent, Wyoming rewarding work. on them! I have taught for 33 years because Magaly Suarez, Florida Max Warshauer, Texas Don Woolson, Italy I love children. My joy comes I enjoy teaching the art of classical from watching them learn, helping My greatest joy in teaching is Th e art of teaching is to off er an ballet to my students. I am always them learn, and motivating them seeing my students develop academic program that provides there to support them when they to yearn for and reach greater confi dence in themselves as support as students strive to need me, and I am happy with heights. When students are willing independent problem solvers attain their maximum potential. their success. Teaching makes to challenge their comfort zones who also know how to work with Th rough their achievements at me feel realized as a person, and and to achieve lofty goals, then I others. I love to see the excitement university and the work place, we provides me a lot of joy. have been successful. of students discovering new ideas, have the satisfaction in knowing and their determination to never that we have made a diff erence in give up no matter how diffi cult the their lives and those they touch in problem seems. our global community.

THE COMMISSION ON PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS AND ITS PARTNERS

Th e Commission is a group of private citizens appointed by Linda Richey Graves, Virginia L. Richard Bearden, Arkansas Glen T. Becerra, California Commission Chair Senior Partner, Impact City Council Member in Simi 64 the President to select and honor the Presidential Scholars. Commissioners are selected from across the country, From 1995-2003 Linda Graves Management Group, Inc., a Little Valley, California, elected in representing the fi elds of education, medicine, law, social made the well-being of children and Rock Southern strategy and grass November of 1998. Currently a roots-based political consulting Public Aff airs Region Manager for services, business, and other professions. Th e Commissioners families the cornerstone of her work as First Lady of Kansas. In addition fi rm. State Director of the Bush the Southern California Edison make the diffi cult choices of selecting Scholars from an to these initiatives, Mrs. Graves led for President Committee-Arkansas; Company. Former Legislative Aide initial pool of approximately 2,600 candidates who the eff ort to restore Cedar Crest, Chief of Staff to Congressman to Assemblyman James L. Brulte, demonstrate exceptional accomplishments in academics and the Governor’s residence. She Jay Dickey (R-AR4) from 1993- responsible for legislation dealing the arts, and an outstanding commitment to public service. received the President’s Award in 1995; Executive Director of the with California’s utility industry 2002 from the National Trust for Republican Party of Arkansas and the State Allocation Board, from 1990-1992 and 1996-1999. which fi nances the renovation and Th e Commission invites the Presidential Scholars and their Historic Preservation in honor of this achievement. Prior to assuming Managing Partner, Capital Resource construction of public schools. Teachers to Washington, DC for National Recognition her duties as First Lady Mrs. Graves Management from 1999-2000. Former Deputy Director for Week. Activities are funded through a public-private was a partner in the law fi rm of One of Arkansas Business Magazine’s the Offi ce of External Aff airs in partnership of the Presidential Scholars Foundation and Levy & Craig, P.C. She currently “40 most infl uential businessmen.” the Administration of Governor private corporate and philanthropic sources. As guests serves as a director of the Waddell Board member of Th e Little Rock Wilson, overseeing the operation & Reed group of mutual funds. Club from 1996-1999; Board of the Governor’s fi eld offi ces and of the Commission, the Scholars meet with government member and legislative committee serving as liaison for constituent offi cials, educators, authors, musicians, scientists, and chairman, Professional Counseling groups. He is an active community other accomplished persons. Scholars also attend recitals, Associates from 1995-2001. member, serving on the Simi Valley receptions, and ceremonies in their honor and visit Currently serving on President Education Foundation and Boys museums and monuments of the nation’s capital. Bush’s Commission on White & Girls Club Board of Directors House Fellowships. Served as an and participating in the Economic instructor on Building Democracy Development Collaborative of for the International Republican Ventura County. Council Member Institution in Washington, DC. Becerra and his wife Sally have two children, Elizabeth and Nicholas. 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Scott A. Bundgaard, Arizona Hattie Daniels-Rush, Williamson M. Evers, Jeanne Ferst, Georgia Michael A. Galiazzo, Wisconsin California Maryland Mrs. Ferst has been deeply Scott Bundgaard served Legislative 65 District 19 in the Arizona State Hattie Daniels-Rush is a licensed Dr. Evers is a Research Fellow involved international, public, Dr. Michael Galiazzo is Legislature for eight years. First marriage and family therapist in at Stanford University’s Hoover and civic aff airs for over 30 president of Get Results, a elected at age 25 to the Arizona the state of Wisconsin. She is a Institution, a member of the years. She has served as a project management company House of Representatives, Scott former secondary school English Institution’s Koret Task Force on participant in many international that specializes in collaborative was elected two years later as the teacher, and has worked in the K–12 Education, and an elected conferences, including the workforce development eff orts youngest member of the State Milwaukee Public School District member of the Santa Clara Ditchley Conference of 1996 involving business, labor, Senate, serving as Chairman of as a social worker, case manager, County Board of Education. & 1999, the German-American government and education. the Senate Finance Committee and program coordinator for HR He served as senior educational Economic Relations Conference He has served in a variety of for six years. He also served on Academy. Mrs. Daniels-Rush is advisor to Ambassador L. Paul in 1997, and was a member leadership roles in community- the Appropriations, Judiciary, extremely active in her church and Bremer in Iraq, as well as on the of the President’s Commission based organizations, and worked Commerce, Natural Resources & community. She is a weekly radio U.S. Department of Education’s Hostage Compensation in 1981. in higher education. Dr. Galiazzo Environment, and Joint Legislative talk show host, and, in 2001, was National Educational Research She studied at the University of has earned a Doctor of Philosophy, Budget Committees. Scott coaches appointed by Milwaukee’s Mayor Policy and Priorities Board. He Chicago and then began working Education Administration, basketball for the Boys & Girls John Norquist to serve as the city’s was a member of the California with the United Nations. Since Community College Leadership Club, the City of Glendale, and Faith-Based Liaison. She serves State Academic Standards then, she was a member of the Program, Th e University of Arizona Youth Sports. He is an on numerous boards, including Commission, serves on the President’s Panel on South Asian Texas at Austin; Leadership active board member and a mentor the Salvation Army Advisory California state testing system’s Relief Assistance, the Acting Certifi cate, Center for Creative with MatchPoint, a faith-based Board, COGIC Social Services, question-writing panels for Chairman of the Cultural and Leadership, Greensboro, North one-on-one mentoring program Christian Business & Professional history and mathematics, and is a Civic Aff airs Committee in Carolina; Master of Science, for at-risk youth, affi liated with Alliances, Hysop Diagnostic and member of the policy board of the Atlanta, Georgia, and a member Applied Behavioral Science, Prison Fellowship Ministries. Treatment Center, and V&J Foods California History– Social Science of the Advisory Committee on Th e Johns Hopkins University; Scott is a partner in a New York (a franchise of Burger King and Project. He also served as President Voluntary Foreign Aid with Hopkins Fellow, Community City private equity fi rm, resides Pizza Hut). She is the recipient of the board of directors of the the Agency for International and Organizational Systems, in Phoenix with his wife Anne, of many honors, including the East Palo Alto Charter School. Dr. Development/US State Th e Johns Hopkins University; and holds an MBA from 2003 Outstanding Community Evers is editor of and contributor Department. She is a board Bachelor of Arts, Human Th underbird Graduate School for Involvement and the 2003 to several books on education member of several international Services Administration, Antioch International Management. Planters of Positive Seed awards, policy and a member of the organizations, including the University, 1978. and has been named the African editorial board of Texas Education Southern Center for International American Chairperson of the Review and Education Next. Studies, and is a Trustee of the Wisconsin Republican Party. Morris Brown College. THE COMMISSION ON PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS AND ITS PARTNERS

Robert A. Gleason, Jr., Marcia A. Jackson, Virginia Elizabeth K. Johnson, Richard R. Kilgust, Texas Robert L. King, Arizona Pennsylvania Virginia Marcia Jackson, a graduate of the Dick Kilgust is Managing In 2006, Robert King became 66 Robert A. Gleason Jr., a leading University of Missouri-St. Louis, Practicing Landscape Architect, Partner, Global Public President and CEO of the insurance broker, has served in his holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political private practice, A.S.L.A. Former Policy and Regulatory for Arizona Community Foundation, family’s business since 1965, after Science and a Bachelor of Science Board Member of the Virginia PricewaterhouseCoopers. He is a statewide philanthropy, after 4 years as a Captain in the US Air in Business Administration- Board for Architects, Professional a Member of the fi rm’s Global serving for over fi ve years as Force. Rob led Gleason, Inc., as Accounting. Mrs. Jackson is Engineers, Land Surveyors, Leadership Team. He develops Chancellor of America’s largest President from 1970-1994, when experienced in the marketing Certifi ed Interior Designers, and and helps implement PwC policies public university system, the State he became Chairman and CEO. and business development area, Landscape Architects. Active and positions relating to legislative University of New York (SUNY). In 1985, he held a 2-year term as specializing in growth strategies campaign and political volunteer. and regulatory changes impacting During his tenure SUNY increased Secretary of the Commonwealth for small and mid-size fi rms. Her the accounting profession. Dick and diversifi ed enrollment, of Pennsylvania. Since returning work has focused on coordinating meets frequently with lawmakers, expanded research and enhanced to Gleason, he has kept active in and developing HIV/Aids projects, other policy-makers, investors academic quality. Immediately national, state and county politics: corporate social responsibility and regulators to address matters before joining the Foundation, in 1996 he took offi ce as Chair, projects in Africa, and agri- aff ecting the accounting profession King was named a University Cambria County Republican industrial development. She and its role in capital markets. Professor, the institution’s highest Committee, winning unanimous re- is a board trustee of Meridian Dick is a former member of academic rank by SUNY’s Trustees, election in 1998. From 1993-1997, International, a regional board PricewaterhouseCoopers Global and served as interim President Governor Casey named him to the member of Th e National Women’s Oversight Board and U.S. Board of SUNY Potsdam. He served on State Turnpike Commission; in Museum of the Arts and sits on of Partners and Principals. He President Bush’s 2000 education 1997, Governor Ridge tapped him the Executive Committee of the has served as the lead partner on transition team, and since 2004, on for the Transportation Commission. Links Incorporated, Metropolitan audit clients of all sizes, including UNESCO’s Education Committee. A graduate of the University of Chapter of Washington, DC. In some of the fi rm’s largest. Dick In 1998-1999, King was New Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, 1995, then-Governor George W. joined Price Waterhouse in York’s budget director, and prior to Rob is a University Trustee, also Bush appointed Mrs. Jackson 1973 after graduating from the that led Governor Pataki’s Offi ce serving St. Francis College for 10 to the Governor’s Commission University of Wisconsin with an of Regulatory Reform. He served years as Trustee, and for two years as for Women; in 2001, President MBA degree. He was named as as Monroe County Executive, and Vice Chair. In 1999, Th e Council Bush appointed her to serve on the 1995 Distinguished Alumnus for four years was Rochester’s State of Insurance Agents and Brokers the Commission for Presidential of the University of Wisconsin Assemblyman. King holds a law elected him Chair. Rob is also direc- Scholars and the President’s Department of Accounting and degree from Vanderbilt University tor/secretary for the Roman Catholic Commission for White House Information Systems. He is a board and a bachelor’s degree from Trinity Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown’s Fellowships. She is married and has member of Big Brothers and Big College, and worked for 13 years Foundation; trustee/former Chair of two daughters. Sisters of North Texas. as a prosecutor in California and Memorial Medical Center; trustee New York. of Conemaugh Health System; and Chair of his Parish Finance Council. 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Manuel Lujan, Jr., Modesto A. Maidique, Fernando A. Mateo, Charlotte Mohr, Iowa Robert E. Moss, New Mexico Florida New York Washington, DC Charlotte Mohr is a lifelong 67 Mr. Lujan currently owns his Dr. Maidique is the fourth Entrepreneur and self-made resident of Iowa, Registered Nurse, Robert Moss has worked in many own consulting fi rm, Manuel President of Florida International millionaire Fernando Mateo is mother of four, and farming capacities, but his primary role has Lujan Associates. He also sits University (FIU), a public research President and CEO of Hispanics partner with Jim, her late husband been as a public policy strategist. on the Boards of numerous university with an enrollment Across America, a not-for-profi t of 42 years. Her career has From 1993-1998, Bob served as companies, including the banking, of 32,000 students. Appointed organization promoting fi nancial included a 13-year appointment Vice President for Government construction, electric, gas, and in 1986, Dr. Maidique is the independence and homeownership by then-Governor Branstad as the Aff airs for the American telecommunications industries. He longest serving public university for all Hispanics throughout the fi rst chair of Iowa’s Job Training Automobile Manufacturers was the United States Secretary of president in Florida. He holds a country. Mr. Mateo originated Partnership Act Commission, Association. He spent ten years as the Interior from 1989 to 1993 Ph.D. in Solid State Physics from Operation “Toys for Guns”, and 18 years’ service on the Vice President of Federal Aff airs and a Member of the United MIT and is a graduate of the a popular anti-gun program, Environmental Commission. for the Coastal Corporation and States Congress from 1969 to PMD Program at the Harvard founded Carpet Fashions, and During her 32-year involvement served as deputy and then chief 1989. As a Representative from Business School. He has served currently serves as President of the with the Scott County Library, legislative and intergovernmental New Mexico’s 1st District, he was as a member of the faculty at New York State Federation of Taxi the system grew from one library aff airs offi cer for the Department on the Interior and Insular Aff airs MIT, Harvard, and Stanford. Drivers. Recognized by the New to ten, culminating in a 2002 of the Treasury. He also acted Committee, the Science, Space He was appointed by former York Chamber of Commerce & fundraising eff ort for the newest as Treasury’s Congressional and and Technology Committee, and President George H. W. Bush to Industry for business excellence structure, in which she was White House liaison. Mr. Moss the Joint Committee on Atomic his Education Policy Advisory and commitment to New instrumental. She served for 15 spent eight years in top staff Energy. Mr. Lujan is the Organizer Committee, and was appointed York City’s growth, Mr. Mateo years as Chairman of the Scott positions on Capitol Hill and as and Chairman of the Endowment by President George W. Bush’s has been lauded by the state’s County Board of Health, and a member of the Federal Election for Excellence in Education, Education Transition Panel. He entrepreneurial community continues as Chairman of the Commission, and served as chief which provides college serves on the Board of Directors of for his work refl ecting social Board of Directors of Valley Bank legal counsel for the U.S. House scholarships for students in National Semiconductor and the responsibility. Mr. Mateo has - in 1993, the fi rst bank to be of Representatives. He received his New Mexico universities. Carnival Corporation and he is a lectured in the university, college, chartered in Iowa in 25 years. Juris Doctor from the University member of the Secretary of Energy school and corrections circuits, She was the state’s delegate to the of California at Berkeley (Boalt Advisory Board. and has conducted workshops Associated Country Women of the Hall) and a Bachelor of Arts on the dangers of drug abuse World, traveling to Kenya in 1977 degree from the University of the and criminality. Born in the and Germany in 1980. In 2003, Pacifi c in Stockton, California. Dominican Republic and raised Charlotte was elected Trustee on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, of the Herbert Hoover Mr. Mateo is married with Presidential Library. three children. THE COMMISSION ON PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS AND ITS PARTNERS

John F. Mueller, Wyoming Kimberly Oliver, Maryland Laura E. Owens, Kentucky J. Bryan Pickens, Texas Jean Potter, West Virginia Jack Mueller is a native of Kimberly Oliver, a Silver Spring Laura Emberton Owens, Education Bryan Pickens is President of Jean Potter began her career as a 68 Cheyenne Wyoming and a kindergarten teacher, was named Cabinet Deputy Secretary for the Pickens Capital, LLC, an entre- teacher for the Norwin School graduate with a Bachelor of Arts 2006 National Teacher of the State of Kentucky, has combined preneurial investment company District in Irwin, Pennsylvania. and a Master of Education from Year by President Bush. In six careers as an educator, writer, and focused on natural resource explo- She was later asked to join the the University of Wyoming. He years, she has helped move Broad professional speaker. She served as ration and real estate development. West Virginia State Department of taught in public high schools Acres Elementary School from a the host and producer of the cable He manages a diversifi ed mix of Education to implement the Early in Texas and Wyoming before county academic watch list to the telecast First Tuesday and continues privately-held companies, provid- Childhood Education Program, joining the Wyoming Department school system’s most improved, as a contributing writer for various ing seed consulting and capital and, during her tenure there, also of Education. His assignments building a collaborative professional publications. Teaching on both the structure experience to emerging taught graduate and undergraduate during his 30-year career included learning community and crafting secondary and university levels, businesses with proven potential courses for several colleges and school accreditation, school programs to ensure consistency her primary role for 20 years was for aggressive, prudent revenue universities. During the Reagan evaluation, program evaluation and in curriculum, instruction, and that of an educator. She was chosen growth. He also co-owns Collectors administration, Mrs. Potter teacher certifi cation. He currently assessment. By 2001, the school by President Bush as one of three Covey, Texas’ premier wildlife served in the U.S. Department serves as Chairman of the State led for percentage increases in educators nationwide to participate and sporting art gallery and print of Education as Deputy Assistant Library Board of Wyoming and test scores, and has since met or in his national news conference publisher, representing fi ne wildlife Secretary for Elementary and is Chairman of the Wyoming exceeded all No Child Left Behind on education. Currently she serves artists and off ering original works, Secondary Education, and later, Board of Geographic Names. Act requirements. Oliver secures on the Kentucky Commission conservation art, and specialty as that Offi ce’s Acting Assistant He was appointed by Secretary grants for electronic learning on Community Volunteerism merchandise for the sportsman. Secretary. She left this position to of Education William Bennett systems, tape players, and books and Service. Laura lives with her An active political fundraiser, he become Deputy to the Chief of to serve on the Commission on in English and Spanish, to assist husband, Donnie, and has two is the founding Chair of Maverick Staff in the U.S. Environmental Accreditation and Institutional parents struggling with language children, Kennan and Elizabeth, PAC of Texas, a statewide organi- Protection Agency. She is a Eligibility, where he served for barriers or illiteracy. She promotes and one grandson, Drake. zation comprised of next genera- professional speaker on the subject six years. Currently he is semi- “Books and Supper Nights,” tion political leaders under age of early childhood education, and retired and is involved in where families gather at school to 45. Bryan’s strong community is an award-winning author of volunteer activities. read and enjoy dinner. Raised in ties include serving on the board seven children’s books that deal Wilmington, Delaware, Oliver of trustees of various organiza- with educational subjects, and a holds a bachelor’s degree in English tions, including the Texas Parks & developer of educational materials from Hampton University and a Wildlife Foundation, the Circle Ten for pre-school. Mrs. Potter and master’s in elementary education Council of Boy Scouts of America, her husband, Th omas E. Potter, from Wilmington College. She and the Texas Wildlife Association. are the parents of fi ve-year-old is the 56th honoree, the fi rst to He holds an MBA from Southern triplets, Christopher, Alexandria represent Maryland, and will Methodist University, and a BA and Victoria. serve for a year as full-time from Vanderbilt University. Bryan education spokesperson. resides in Dallas with his wife and daughter. 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Robert Ray, Iowa Renee Russell, Harvey W. Schiller, New York Linda O. Shaw, Stanley E. Taylor, Virginia North Carolina North Carolina As Vice President for Metropolitan Robert Ray, named “Most Dr. Schiller, Board Chairman for 69 Infl uential Iowan,” served an Mrs. Russell is Director of GlobalOptions Group, previ- Linda O. Shaw was elected Relations at George Mason unprecedented fi ve terms as Telecommunications for ously served as Chairman of Guilford County Commissioner University (GMU), Mr. Taylor Governor of his native state, Mission-St. Joseph’s Health Assante US and as Chairman/CEO in 1998 and is presently running handles administrative and and has been Republican State System. In addition she has a of YankeeNets, a sports media for her third term. She has academic oversight, development, Chairman, Chairman of the telecommunications consulting company that owns the NY served as Republican National coordination and implementation Republican State Chairmen, fi rm. Her career has concentrated Yankees, NJ Nets, and NJ Devils. Committeewoman since 1992. of policy and academic programs and member of the Republican primarily in the private sector with From 1994-1999, Schiller was She was elected to the Offi ce of for the Arlington Campus. Th e National Committee. He the ROLM and IBM companies. vice president of sports program- the Secretary for the Republican liaison to federal and local govern- chaired the National Governors’ As well as her professional ming for Turner Broadcasting, National Committee and ment, private, and non-profi t Association, Republican obligations, she is also very active president of Turner Sports, and served six years. At the request entities, he secures support for aca- Governors’ Association, in the community as Vice Chair president of the NHL’s Atlanta of then-Governor George W. demic, internship, partnership and Midwestern Governors’ for Eblen Charities, Special Events Th rashers. Earlier he was Executive Bush, Republican Presidential research programs; helps GMU’s Association, and Educational Chair for the Mission St. Joseph’s Director/Secretary General of the nominee, she served as Secretary administration and academic Commission of the States, and Foundation Board, and Vice US Olympic Committee (USOC), of the Republican National programs craft international initia- was President of the Council of President for Legislative Aff airs receiving the Olympic Order. From Convention in 2000. She serves tives; and directs media outreach State Governments. An army for the North Carolina Medical 1986-1990, he was Commissioner on the Board of Directors for the with the University Relations veteran, his career includes U.S. Society Alliance. She is politically of the Southeastern Conference and American Red Cross, the Metro offi ce. Professional, business Representative to the United active on the local and state level. member of the NCAA Executive YMCA, the Greensboro Economic and civic commitments include Nations, law partner, President Renee lives in Candler, North Committee. His service as a pilot in Development Partnership, the service on the Boards of Directors and CEO of two life insurance Carolina with her husband, Don the U.S. Air Force from 1962-1986 Heart of the Triad (Economic of the Alexandria Chamber companies, President of Drake and her two children, Hailey included combat in Vietnam, and Development) and the Greensboro of Commerce, the Alexandria University, and Trustee of the and Allie. earned him the rank of Brigadier Regional Committee on Economic Education Partnership, the Hoover Presidential Library. He General. In 1980, the President Development. She is a former Arlington Chamber of Commerce is on the Board of Directors of named him Permanent Professor member of the NC Museum (Immediate Past Chairman), various corporations and health at the USAF Academy. He holds a of Art’s Board of Trustees, the Leadership Greater Washington care organizations, as well as on B.S. from Th e Citadel, and master’s Greensboro Convention and (Chair, Strategic Planning national commissions and advisory and doctorate degrees from the Visitors Bureau, the Greensboro Committee); BB&T Bank, and boards, and has received countless University of Michigan. Schiller was Library Board and the Guilford the Washington Region for Justice professional, educational, and Vice Chair of the Host Committee County Board of Health. Linda and Inclusion, as well the Jack Kent civic honors. He and his wife live of the 2004 Republican National and husband Bob (former NC Cooke Foundation’s Undergraduate in Des Moines, and have three Convention, and was named to the State Senator) are in the restaurant Scholarship Review Board, and children and eight grandchildren. USOC’s Independent Commission business. She has two children and the International Foundation by the Senate. He and wife Marcia two grandsons. for Research in Experimental live in New York City. Economics’ Advisory Board. THE COMMISSION ON PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS AND ITS PARTNERS

Flo N. Traywick, Virginia Mary K. Turner, Virginia Paul G. Vallas, Pennsylvania Fidel Vargas, California Republican National Mary Kay Turner recently retired Mr. Vallas, CEO of the School Fidel Vargas is Vice President of 70 Committeewoman; Vice Chair, from teaching World Religion and District of Philadelphia, is Business Development at Reliant Southern Region, Republican Ethics at Bishop O’Connell High charged with improving student Equity Partners. Previously he National Committee; Executive School in Arlington, Virginia. After achievement and leading the largest served as Mayor of Baldwin Park, Committee, Republican National teaching on an Indian Reservation school reform eff ort in public California, where his innovative Committee; Republican Party in Montana, Mrs. Turner pursued education’s history. As CEO of approaches to city government of Virginia, elected in 1984. her graduate studies in Humanities Chicago Public Schools from 1995- earned praise as “best practices” by Chief Deputy Commissioner, with a focus on Indian education 2002, he is credited with improving the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Department of Aging. Member of and later researched alternative student test scores by virtually every Mr. Vargas is a founding member of the Executive Committees of both education programs, helping academic indicator, eliminating the Cesar Chavez Foundation, and the Republican Party of Virginia to found Western Wyoming waste, streamlining operations, has served on two Presidentially- and the Virginia Federation of Alternative High School and implementing large-scale school appointed national Social Security Republican Women. Trustee of Th e Learning Center, a program construction and renovation, commissions, including President the Lynchburg Academy of Music. for developmentally disabled ending social promotion, George W. Bush’s bi-partisan Social Member of the White House young children in Jackson Hole, partnering with national, corporate Security Study Commission. His Commission on Presidential Wyoming. As Chairman of Western and civic groups, and establishing career has also included posts as Scholars from 1991 to 1993. Wyoming Mental Association, the largest after-school and summer senior policy analyst to Los Angeles Worked extensively on the Mrs. Turner worked to bring reading programs in the country. Mayor Richard Riordan, and Vice Republican National Convention services to rural areas in the state. He previously served for six years President of Phillips Brooks House, from 1976 to the present. A More recently she completed as Chicago’s Director of Budget the community service organization member of President Reagan’s an appointment to the Defense and Revenue, and for fi ve years as of Harvard College. Mr. Vargas Virginia Steering Committee and Advisory Committee on Women the Executive Director of Illinois’ holds a Masters in Business a Founding Board Member of the in the Services (DACOWITS) and Economic and Fiscal Commission. Administration from Harvard Virginia School of Arts. Candidate is presently on the board of the Mr. Vallas began his career as a Business School. He resides in for Congress in 1986 and House of Alliance for National Defense. teacher in elementary school and Baldwin Park with his wife and Delegates in 1977. higher education. He served in the three children. Illinois Army National Guard for twelve years, earning the rank of Captain, and was a senior instructor at the Illinois Military Academy. He holds undergraduate and master’s degrees from Western Illinois University. He and his wife Sharon have three sons. 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Th e Presidential Scholars Foundation

Th e Presidential Scholars Foundation, a nonpartisan, nonprofi t in need in our Nation’s Capital; access to important national and organization, is the sole entity authorized by the Commission on international fi gures; and the opportunity to wrestle with issues that 71 Presidential Scholars to expand and enhance the public-private concern America and the world. Speakers, seminars and organized partnership that makes the Presidential Scholars Program possible. Th e community service are essential components of this program. Th rough Foundation seeks to provide fi nancial support for the program; develop the years, Scholars have had the opportunity to meet with many and maintain an alumni society, the “Presidential Scholars Association”; distinguished individuals, including Justices of the Supreme Court, and ensure the future ability of the Commission to recognize the Senators and Congressmen, members of the President’s Cabinet and outstanding young adults who are selected each year. In reaching out staff as well as the First Family, astronauts, poets, scientists, athletes, to individual donors as well as corporate and philanthropic America, experts in international aff airs, journalists, political strategists, and the Foundation emphasizes the value of excellence in education and artists in a variety of disciplines. Th e generosity of the program’s the national interest in encouraging high attainment by students in supporters will help continue this great tradition, and connect secondary school and after graduation. Th e members of this Foundation successive classes of Scholars with each other and the program as feel the Presidential Scholars Program is the highest national means mentors, peers, and colleagues. to encourage new generations of students to reach for the stars. Th e Th ose interested in further information about the Foundation’s Foundation continues to seek additional active members of its alumni activities or charitable giving may visit the Foundation’s website at society, its Board of Directors, and its various committees, in order to www.presidentialscholars.org. ensure future of this special program. Each year the Foundation raises funds from public and private sources to provide housing, transportation, meals and above all, education and enrichment activities for the Scholars during the program’s annual recognition events in Washington, D.C. Each year’s agenda aims to provide Scholars with structured ways to make a diff erence for those THE COMMISSION ON PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS AND ITS PARTNERS

Members of the Foundation’s Board of Directors 72 James E. Farmer, President Matt Anestis, Vice President for Alumni Relations (1991 Scholar, CT) Sanford C. Nemitz, Treasurer Linda Graves, Commission Chair Scott Bundgaard and Michael Galiazzo, Commissioners 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Th e Presidential Scholars Alumni Society

Th e year 2004 marked the Presidential Scholars Program’s 40th Th e Committee has joined the Foundation’s Board of Directors in 73 anniversary. With great pride in the past and great enthusiasm for the adopting an ambitious ten-year growth plan in anticipation of the future, that same year the Foundation’s Alumni Relations Committee program’s 50th anniversary, in 2014. Already this outreach has resulted turned its attention to growing the Presidential Scholars Association, in successful Scholar reunions in Boston and Chicago; ongoing eff orts with the goal of engaging our distinguished alumni community in to identify Class Chairs for the years 1964-present; development enhancing and sustaining this singular recognition program. Th e of distinguished alumni profi les and other enhancements to the Association’s mission is to “improve benefi ts for Scholars during Foundation’s website; substantial fundraising among the parent and National Recognition Week and beyond, to increase the public stature Scholar community in support of the program’s continued growth and of the program and to encourage and celebrate true excellence in success; and increased participation and presentations by Alumni during scholarship, public service, and artistic pursuits.” this year’s recognition events. We warmly invite the 2006 Scholars to join this eff ort. To contact us, to learn more or to become involved, visit the Scholars section of the Foundation’s website, or send a message to our Vice President for Alumni Relations, Matt Anestis (1991 Scholar, CT), at [email protected]. THE COMMISSION ON PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS AND ITS PARTNERS

Th e National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts

Th e National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts (NFAA) was NFAA also supports professional and emerging artists through career established in 1981 to identify emerging artists and assist them at development programs including its Fellowships in the Visual Arts 74 critical junctures in their educational and professional development; program, the NFAA Astral Career Grants and the ARTS Alumni and to raise the appreciation for, and support of, the arts in Awards for Achievement in the visual arts. Th e Foundation off ers its American society. ARTS Alumni additional opportunities to serve as summer interns at Arts Recognition and Talent Search® (ARTS) is NFAA’s core program. the Sundance Th eatre Laboratory and the Utah Shakespearean Th rough ARTS, NFAA annually grants award packages totaling up to Festival. NFAA continuously explores other internships and career $900,000 and makes available $3 million in scholarship opportunities entry programs. to America’s most outstanding high school senior artists through its NFAA is a publicly supported nonprofi t, nongovernmental 501(c)(3) Scholarship List Service (SLS). Each year up to 125 ARTS applicants organization with headquarters in Miami, Florida. Corporations, are invited to ARTS Week – a full schedule of performances, master foundations, individuals and public agencies support NFAA’s programs classes, exhibitions, readings, interdisciplinary activities and and operating costs through contributions and underwriting. enrichment programs. By participating in ARTS Week, these artists also have the chance to be named Presidential Scholars in the Arts. NFAA exclusively, and at the request of the Commission on Presidential Scholars, nominates up to 50 artists to be considered as Presidential Scholars in the Arts. 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

75 STAFF AND ADVISORS

Melissa Apostolides Aba Kumi Jennifer Richards Townsend Wells Executive Director Program Coordinator Executive Advisor, 2003 Scholar Executive Advisor, 2004 Scholar 76 (VT), Senior, University of Virginia. (CT), Junior, Princeton University. Major: American Government; Major: English. Biology minor.

Emily Ames-Ledbetter Matthew Austin Advisor, 2005 Scholar (MD) Advisor, 2003 Scholar (AL) Sophomore, Wheaton College. Senior, Rhode Island School of Major: Undeclared. Design. Major: Painting.

Hannah Baker Nicholas Burjek Advisor, 2005 Scholar (ID) Advisor, 2004 Scholar (IL) Sophomore, Williams College. Junior, Vanderbilt University. Major: Chinese. Major: Biomedical Engineering. 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Michael Chen Joel Englander Abdullahi (Abdi) Farah Ke Ji Advisor, 2002 Scholar (NM) Advisor, 2003 Scholar (CO) Advisor, 2005 Scholar (MD) Advisor, 2004 Scholar (MS) BA, Yale University. Senior, Stanford University. Sophomore, University of Junior, Furman University. Dual 77 Major: Psychology. Major: Symbolic Systems. Pennsylvania. Major: Undeclared. Major: Political Science & English.

Keith Nunziata Kimberly Popendorf Anna Swenson Uma Tadepalli 2003 Scholar (VT) 2002 Scholar (UT) Advisor, 2004 Scholar (ND) Advisor, 2003 Scholar (NC) Senior, Harvard University. BSc, California Institute of Junior, Harvard University. Senior, Princeton University. Major: Biology. Technology. Major: Geobiology. Major: Classics. Major: Music.

Christina Wagner Rena Xu Advisor, 2005 Scholar (MN) Advisor, 2003 Scholar (PA) Sophomore, Grinnell College. Senior, Harvard University. Major: Undeclared. Dual Major: Biochemistry & Government. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS AUTOGRAPHS

78 42 YEARS OF PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

79 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS AUTOGRAPHS

80