2008 Presidential Scholars Program

NATIONAL RECOGNITION WEEK

June 21 – June 24, 2008

National Recognition Week and the 2008 Yearbook are Sponsored by: GMAC Financial Services 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS 1964-2008 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

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

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In 1979, President Carter expanded the program to honor up In 1998, the Distinguished Teacher award was renamed the Presidential to 20 students selected by the Commission through an artistic Scholars Program Teacher Recognition Award to serve as a means competition. In 1980, a compendium of Scholars’ essays, poems, and for rewarding good teachers for knowledge, skill, and performance. musical compositions was published, following a performance by the Th e award marks the progress that schools, communities, educators Scholars in the National Academy of Sciences’ auditorium. and families are making as they work with their states and the U.S. Th e selection process was refi ned in the 1980s to emphasize Department of Education to improve teaching and learning, and leadership and community service. Th e U.S. Department of applauds the successes of highly qualifi ed teachers and counselors. Education produced a collection of Scholar essays on ways to Upholding the values represented by the medallion they received, each improve the Nation’s education system. class of Presidential Scholars has gone on to fulfi ll the bright promise In 1981, the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts was they showed so early in life. Th eir ranks now boast attorneys and created and its Arts Recognition and Talent Search program began to judges; leaders of business, industry and fi nance; senior military offi cers; conduct the annual artistic competition. In 1983, the Distinguished writers of fi ction, nonfi ction and poetry; diplomats; members of the Teacher awards were created, and the twentieth year celebration of clergy; educators; scientists and researchers in every fi eld; federal, state the program included an Alumni reunion and a performance by the and local government offi cials; computer specialists; engineers; choir Scholars at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. directors; dancers and choreographers; costume designers; physicians in diverse branches of medicine; actors, novelists; technical advisors; Th e year 1994 saw the publication of a working paper by the musicians and composers; architects and designers; visual artists; non- American Association for Gifted Children, entitled “Th e Presidential profi t managers, fundraisers, singers, entrepreneurs, and foreign service Scholars: A Portrait of Talent and its Development.” Th is study offi cers. Th ey are also family members, spouses and parents, and in their indicated that the support of parents and family members, and the personal and professional lives are helping to instill in new generations encouragement of teachers were important factors in cultivating the their commitment to excellence, their high ideals, and their devotion gifts of the Presidential Scholars, and that the Scholars approached to service. Individually, they are shining lights in their respective their experiences and challenges in ways that served to strengthen communities and fi elds of endeavor, and together they are a singular rather than impede the development of their abilities. constellation of purpose, dedication, and achievement.

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Congratulations

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7 THE PROGRAM THROUGH 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS 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 as a nation - depends upon [are this year’s] Presidential that you will contribute, What the the goals and the values Scholars, but the tens through your scholarship by which we challenge of thousands of brilliant and your practical ourselves. Th e average and young Americans whom experience, new thought Presidents 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 Have Said: 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 for is something also that you accomplish big.” what I know you, will carry with you the rest President Ford and your generation, of your lives, I hope will achieve in the years very proudly...” to come.” President Nixon President Johnson

8 44 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 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

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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 up to $249 Lynette Miller (1972) Family of Timothy Moon (2007) GMAC Financial Services Mr. James E. Farmer Dr. Anisha Abraham (1986) Brian Abrams (1996) Mr. and Mrs. Philip Nadeau (1991) Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas National Foundation for Family of Matthew Austin (2003) Jodi Pederson (1991) 2008 Goodman (1995) 2007 Advancement in the Arts Pamela Adams Baker (1992) Family of Jeff rey Rosen (2007) Commissioner and Mrs. Marilee Benson in honor of David Tao Scott Rothkopf (1995) Presidential Robert A. Gleason, Jr. U.S. Department (2007) Uma Samant (2000) of Education Family of Austin Barron (2000) Mr. and Mrs. Richard Senechal (1965) Friend: Gifts of $500 to $999 Scholars Marcy Brown in honor of Billy Buss Family of Benjamin Shaby (1997) Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Anestis PATRONS (2006) Family of Reema Shah (2007) (1991) Benefactors Commission: Gifts of Brendan Carrington (2000) Duane and Haley Smith $10,000 to $24,999 Mr. and Mrs. Nikolaos Apostolides Family of Bryan Chen (2003) Family of Jennifer Sternad (2000) Commissioner Richard R. Kilgust Th e John F. Kennedy Center Family of Jennifer Claytor (2006) Samantha Stoddard (1990) Dr. and Mrs. John Knox (1983) for the Performing Arts Laura J. David (1970) Family of Patricia Tsai (2007) Commissioner and Mrs. Dr. Linda Falcão (1978) Family of Daniel Viox (2007) McKinsey & Company Manuel Lujan, Jr. Andrew Farke and Sarah Nichols (both Family of Bret Voith (2007) Commissioner Jack Mueller 1999) Scholar: Gifts of $5,000 to $9,999 Stephanie Waters (1999) Commissioner and Mrs. Tamara Fountain (1980) Th e Allinder-Anestis Robert D. Ray Family of Craig Western (2007) James Francis (1970) and John and Suwei Zhou Family Charity Commission Chairman Elizabeth Bradford Boston Consulting Group Stanley E. Taylor Amalie Frischknecht (1998) With special appreciation to the Th e Chubb Corporation Avery Gardiner (1993) and Edwin U Colleague: Gifts of $250 to $499 following Commissioners and Lion Brothers Family of Samuel Haber (2007) their families: Family of Natalie Como (2007) Family of Kyle Haddad-Fonda (2005) National Society of Kristiana Garcia (1995) Commissioner Richard Bearden Family of David Kale (2000) Collegiate Scholars Family of Caleb Graham (2006) Commissioner and Mrs. Robert L. King Family of Jason Knirck (1989) Gloria Hwang and Steven Hetts Commissioner Flo Traywick Family of Aman Kumar (2005) (1992) Mr. and Mrs. Th omas Kumi Family of Janice Lin (2005) We thank all of the program’s Family of Leah Libresco (2007) Commissioner Fernando Mateo supporters for their generosity. Trent Magruder (2004) Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Olson

10 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Presidential Scholars represent excellence in education and the arts, and and around the globe, to as far away as China and Uganda. Th ey have the promise of greatness in young people. Th e medallion they receive issued scholarly papers, won awards in myriad competitions, raised symbolizes the hope of an ever- brighter future that this Nation entrusts hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity, and earned entry to the to each rising generation. For over 40 years, this unique program has fi nest colleges and universities. honored over 5,500 young people for their scholarship, leadership, Th e 2008 Scholars include National Merit Scholars and AP Scholars character and civic values. Each class holds unfathomable depths of with Distinction; class offi cers and student body presidents; Eagle and potential, creativity, and dedication to high ideals. On average, each Girl Scouts; Sunday School and Islamic studies teachers; mission trip year has a future Rhodes or Marshall Scholar. Each class will yield leaders; triathletes; family ranchers; Certifi ed Oral Surgery Assistants, artists in every possible discipline; teachers and professors devoted to West African music specialists; Mt. Kilimanjaro summiters; advancing world thought and fostering the talents of youth; nationally Habitat for Humanity homebuilders; fi lmmakers; non-profi t youth recognized medical doctors; and a myriad of attorneys, business leaders organization founders; team captains and star athletes in sports and community pillars who will infl uence the world in ways barely from water polo to tennis to ; Governors’ and Mayors’ imaginable. Alumni range from a Pulitzer Prize winner to a Tony honorees; zoo and animal clinic staff ; martial arts experts; coaches and Award nominee; a MacArthur Foundation “genius grant” recipient to mentors in nearly every academic, athletic and artistic discipline; fi re a National Poet Laureate; one of Fortune Magazine’s most powerful department, hospital and senior center volunteers; Youth Symphony women in corporate America to the Governor of Indiana; and from section leaders; masters of dance forms from classical Indian, to Miss America 1984 to the youngest-ever member of the President’s ballet, to Irish Step; newspaper editors and journalists; GRAMMY™ Council of Economic Advisors. Foundation jazz choir members; SADD and anti-drug advocates; Th e members of the Class of 2008 represent diverse backgrounds, special education classroom assistants; archeological aides; and teen experiences, and interests, and yet many common qualities unite them. radio show hosts. From lacrosse to Latin, glassblowing to robotics, Th ey are devoted to family and heritage; radiate boundless energy and astrochemistry to environmental advocacy, they pursue their passions a thirst for learning; selfl essly share their spirit, strength and character and convictions with joy, precision, and inspiring results. with their communities, schools, civic groups, and places of worship; In honoring these accomplished students, the President of the United champion the rights of others; lead by example; and put into practice States highlights the value to this Nation of our greatest “natural their hopes of bettering the world. resource”: our youth. By each year turning a national spotlight on By age 17 these amazing young people have already published work in these exemplary scholars and leaders, this program aims to convey Th e New York Times and national literary anthologies, released their support for all America’s students and to challenge them all to own CDs, mastered multiple languages, performed at Carnegie Hall, dare, strive, innovate, and excel. Th e work of the Commission on and conducted research at top facilities including the National Institutes Presidential Scholars confi rms, on behalf of the President, our deep of Health and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Academic, commitment to a world-class education for all our young people, and volunteer, and extracurricular interests have led them across the country affi rms education’s power to open doors, liberate potential, and bring dreams to vivid life.

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Kirsten C. Adam Rebecca A. Anderson Kristen E. Arn Cyrus F. Bahrassa Kelvin H. Bates Batavia, IA, Fairfi eld Community Portland, OR, Lincoln High School Henderson, NV, Green Valley Little Rock, AR, Central , WA, Lakeside School High School College Plans: The Curtis Institute High School High School College Plans: Undecided College Plans: University of of Music College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Undecided Notre Dame When asked what he wants to do Becky spent much of her I love being busy. Being involved Cyrus is, among other things, with his life after college, Kelvin I treat life like an all-you-can-eat childhood running rampant in the in school activities and taking Central High’s current student replies, “Everything.” Kelvin’s buff et. Th at is, I enjoy sampling forests of Portland, Oregon with part of my school experiences is body president and a captain of insatiable curiosity has led him the diff erent outcomes of my her brother, Aaron. In addition to really important to me and I try its state-champion Quiz Bowl to a diverse array of passions and actions. Instead of choosing which a deep appreciation for the natural to incorporate myself in to school team. Th e Zoroastrian son of an pursuits, from architecture to subject is my favorite, I surround world, Becky has developed a love as much as possible. I participate Iranian and an Indian, he loves chemistry to Broadway musicals, myself with mountains of books for chemistry and a passion for in several sports—, cross whitewater rafting, fl ying, and and at this point, he has no idea from all diff erent concentrations. music. She has decided to pursue country, and track and fi eld. I golfi ng (though he says his game where his life will take him. He Instead of deciding which color a musical career, and most recently am a national qualifi er for my is “frustrating some of the time, can most likely be found in the is my favorite, I clad myself in was awarded the 2008 NFAA school’s debate team, serve on depressing most of the time”). lab working late after an organic rainbow-colored attire. Similarly, youngARTS Gold Award in Music student council, and participate Despite pressure to pursue the more chemistry class, in a recording I am actively involved in a wide as well as the bronze medal and the in a variety of volunteer activities conventional routes of medical studio with his rock band variety of activities in and outside Bach Award at the 2008 Stulberg including , school or law school, he dreams (working on their 3rd CD), on of school. Whether I am playing International String Competition. tutoring, and hospital volunteer. of becoming a commercial airline the school stage rehearsing for the in band, performing a mime, Becky is dedicated to furthering Growing up in Las Vegas has pilot, exploring politics for a while, upcoming musical (he played the singing in a choir, editing the children’s music education by been a unique experience and and then settling down as a high lead in Urinetown this year), or school newspaper, helping at the performing benefi t concerts for something that I am very grateful school teacher. “I’ve known for playing cards and board games church bazaar, or painting a set for non-profi t music organizations, for. Th e place often called the several years now that I want to be a with friends. He is incapable the school play, I hungrily devour inspired by the belief that the tourist capital of the world is pilot,” Cyrus says. “My friends and of being angry, always wears an every glimmer of information I health of a society can be measured the place that I call home, and acquaintances always furrow their infectious smile, and harbors learn and eagerly munch on every by the health of its arts and its the excitement and passion of brows and give me a look as they an unnatural love for chocolate, happy moment I earn. arts education. She also enjoys the people and atmosphere here wonder aloud, ‘A pilot?’. But I have maps, and the color orange. good food, reading, knitting, and are incredibly contagious and to fulfi ll my own dreams before traveling. Her current project is something I will carry with me for I chase anyone else’s.” No matter desperately trying to learn how the rest of my life. what Cyrus does, he hopes to excel to cook before moving to an in every way possible. apartment next year for college.

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Cameron C. Bean William E. Begley Sharon E. Beltracchi James A. Biondi Alice L. Blumenfeld Mesa, AZ, Mountain View St. Albans, VT, Essex High School Colorado Springs, CO, Liberty Greenwich, CT, Brunswick School Albuquerque, NM, High School College Plans: Davidson College High School College Plans: Yale University Albuquerque Academy College Plans: Arizona College Plans: Stanford University College Plans: New State University Th e only thing about life that I come from a family of four York University Will doesn’t enjoy is deciding Sharon enjoys the academic aspect boys and I have been going to I am on a quest to look at the how to allocate his time, which, of school so much that she often Brunswick School for fourteen Th roughout high school I divided my time between academics and world around me in a global regrettably, is fi nite. He sings in his employs her knowledge and skills years. I love to act, and I have been fl amenco, leaving almost no time mindset. I challenge everyone I school’s Chamber Choir and men’s outside of the classroom. She in twelve plays in High School for anything else. I have been meet to do so. I admit however, a cappella group; he has played has played on a team which took (two of which were performed at lucky enough to study fl amenco that it is a very diffi cult task. numerous stage roles, including second place in the Colorado 4-A the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh) at the National Conservatory Often times I fi nd myself in Charlie Brown and Harold Hill; Knowledge Bowl competition, and many short fi lms. To support of Flamenco Arts, where I have a world of luxurious houses, he participates in “We the People” won a silver medal in one of her the possibility that I have a over-sized meals, and enormous state-level Science Olympiad received the most in depth Civics Team and Fed Challenge sense of humor, I have spent my instruction from the Encinias SUVs. Our main concern of the events, and won second place in Economics Team; he is Scholar’s summers teaching six to eight family. Without their school, I day might be, “Does this shirt a national Junior Classical League Bowl team captain and Classics year-old boys the fundamentals of never would have become the match?” But what about the rest story contest. In addition to her Club imperator. He staves off and instructing Middle dancer that I am today. For four of the world? What about outside academic pursuits, she devotes idleness by trying to teach himself School girls on the art of acting. years I have performed in Alma of the bubble? I know for a fact much of her time to the performing piano, guided in spirit by Billy I love to cook, and I am even Flamenca as a soloist, and I am that the girls in Zimbabwe are Joel. He plays baseball for his town arts. She has participated in an amateur aquarist. Baseball more worried about being raped also an apprentice in Yjastros: Th e team and would play cricket for many of her school musicals and runs in my family and I have American Flamenco Repertory than they are concerned about his town team if it existed. Having plays, building the set as well as been playing for as long as I can Company. Along with rehearsals what to wear. So I ask myself why. lived his whole life in the frozen performing onstage. In her spare remember, including stints with for these two companies, I take Why is the balance so slanted? tundra of northern Vermont, he time, she enjoys thinking up stories the Greenwich American Legion classes at the Conservatory But after realizing asking “why” is looking forward to heading about dragons and other team and my current role as a every day. At youngArts Week, I does nothing, I’ve started to ask south for college, where people are mythical creatures. tri-captain of Brunswick’s varsity merited a Silver Award in dance. myself “what can I do about it?” I remarkably friendly and cars start baseball team. I am an avid New In academics, I have been equally challenge everyone I meet to do so. in the winter as a matter York Mets fan and a lover of successful and will be graduating of routine. Spanish literature. cum laude. Th e liberal arts and fl amenco are my two passions, and I could never live without one or the other.

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Riley K. Brewer Jared T. Bruton John G. Burford Olivia J. Burke Christopher W. Burniske Ringling, MT, White Sulphur Duchesne, UT, Duchesne Shreveport, LA, Caddo Parish Barrington, RI, Barrington Honolulu, HI, Punahou School Springs High School High School Magnet High School High School College Plans: Stanford University College Plans: Montana State College Plans: Brigham College Plans: Princeton University College Plans: Columbia University University, Bozeman Young University Carpe Diem: seize the day. I learned I want to be everything. When I Olivia Joe Burke lives in the Ocean what that phrase meant as my dad I was raised on my family’s ranch Intelligent, well-rounded, kind, was little, I would play outside our State with her parents, her sister, struggled with cancer through my near a town called Ringling. service oriented. Football player, house in rural for hours, and her hamster Princess Pretty early years of high school. When While attending school in White weightlifter, hurdler. Piano, guitar, pretending to be Anakin, Gandalf, Pants, who ironically does not he passed away, I never lost his Sulphur Springs I was president cornet player, rock band member, or William Wallace. I guess you wear pants. She loves riding her infl uence, but rather, became more of the student body, my class, my bass singer. Lover of sore muscles, could say I had the imagination bike, eating granola, ballet, puddle inspired because I felt the need to Business Professionals of America sleep, food, milk, tests, challenges, equivalent of ADD. I have been hopping, and the smell of old fi ll the gap he left behind. I now club, National Honor Society and and girls. Eagle Scout, church President of Teenage Republicans, books. She is the proud President of push myself to achieve excellence my 4-H club. I also participated pianist, church choir member, founder of the public service club the BHS Environmental Club, and at an even higher level than before. in AIM Higher, Skills USA, and FBLA nerd, drama geek. Native SOS which focuses on peer tutoring has a habit of collecting litter and While I admittedly take pride in debate. When I’m not working on Utahn, lover of the cold and dry. and urban clean-up, and Varsity saving bugs wherever she goes. She my SAT scores or GPA, crafting the ranch, I like to hunt, fi sh, and Small-town boy, fi x-it man, and Quiz Bowl Captain. I have helped is also the President of the French a fl awless vase in glassblowing or , although my favorite past time bookworm. TV-free, technology birth a calf and have won cello Club and having grown up in her gliding down the perfect wave with is hanging out with my friends. buff , computer guy. My motto competitions. I am a lifeguard, a parents’ tiny French restaurant, she ease gives me equal pleasure. Since for life is “Take it one hurdle at a would-be novelist, and an excellent has a love for cooking and language. my dad’s death I have increasingly time, and it’ll turn out okay.” armadillo catcher. I am one of She loves meeting new people realized I now have two lives for probably three people I know who and is involved in service both whom I need to seize the day, my loves Ayn Rand. In my free time, I within and outside her community, dad’s and mine. Hence, I never hang out with my friends, date, and volunteering in the West Indies, and pause to waste time; instead I strap practice being terrible at both Super for organizations like the Global on my running shoes and soar. I Smash Bros. and Halo 3. When I Alliance for Immunizing AIDS, will pass this passion for excellence grow up, I would like to go into a based in Mali, West Africa. Olivia on to my children, and we will all profession that I love and make a hopes to one day be multilingual seize the day for Dad. lot of money. I am currently taking and travel the world. She would like suggestions; if you have any ideas, to study International Relations and you have my number. Public Health in college.

14 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

Kirsti A. Campbell Christina M. Chang Steven M. Chau Anne L. Chen Faye G. Cheng Winchester, VA, John Handley Austin, TX, Westlake High School Upland, CA, Upland High School Wellington, FL, Suncoast Hindsdale, IL, Hinsdale Central High School College Plans: Princeton University College Plans: Pomona College Community High School High School College Plans: The University College Plans: University of Miami College Plans: University of of Virginia L-E-I-S-H-M-A-N-I-A-S-I-S. A Time is my enemy. I want to Dual-Degree Honors Program Pennsylvania, Wharton School speller never forgets her winning learn everything. Do everything. in Medicine Kirsti is a scholar who is words. I attribute my passion for Experience everything. I have As a kid, I hated my name. It An award-winning writer and particularly interested in the language and etymology to my enriched myself with everything was diff erent, it was unusual, and musician, and an excellent leader sciences and medical research. lifetime love of reading. I have from the sculptures of Boccioni it was awkward. However, as I with great organizational skills, Outside of school, she loves soccer, been a member of my Spelling to Nigerian political parties to the grew older, I eventually came to she dedicates the majority of her Young Life, volunteering at her and Vocabulary UIL Team almost proteome of a mouse liver, but the embrace how unique it was, and community service to nursing local hospital, and exploring her half my life, and as team captain, I more I learn, the more I realize it has encouraged me to live up homes, playing the piano, serving Scottish heritage. Kirsti began became the 2007 State Champion how little I actually know. Th is to its individuality. Whether it is refreshments and doing crafts. playing soccer at age fi ve and, last spring. Zealous about the drive to multitask has motivated through Student Council, KEY She has worked with Alzheimer’s in addition to serving as captain foreign language and its intricacies, me to join my school’s mock trial Club, or Science Olympiad, I patients in a project called Memory of both her high school’s varsity I founded my school’s Spanish Club team, serve as a Junior Statesmen always try to do my best to stand Lane, for which she received the team and a local travel team, she three years ago, and the scope of our of America representative, lead out in the crowd through my President’s Volunteer Gold Level volunteers as an assistant coach service and cultural appreciation as captain of the tennis team, leadership, service, and hard work. Service Award. In 2008, she was of a younger team in her travel has expanded to touch the hearts and help patients at the Loma I am also an avid reader, and I awarded as the Hero in Medicine program. For the past four years, of many. A veteran student Linda University Medical Center, convey this enthusiasm through by the Palm Beach Medical Society. she has been an active participant government offi cer, I successfully among countless other passions the Read to Lead organization, of Anne will continue to pursue health in Young Life Christian Ministries. passed major legislation as a Girls and activities. For my eff orts, I which I am the co-President. In care as a profession. Her interest in medical science led State citizen. My roles also include have placed in the top entries of my free time, I like to clean my her to pursue volunteering at her All-Area Percussionist and Drum the California State Science Fair, room, as I fi nd that it physically local hospital, where she has served Captain, Homecoming Princess, State History Day, and National and metaphorically organizes for the past four summers. Both of co-winner for “Rickoid of the Year” Merit Scholars. Attending Pomona my life. Although I come from a Kirsti’s parents were raised on the at my science internship program, College on a full scholarship this family of engineers with doctorate Isle of Barra in the Outer Hebrides Research Science Institute…. While fall, I aim to study neuroscience degrees, I intend to pursue a of Scotland, and her family the list seems endless, I love my before entering the fi eld of business fi eld, once again being vacations there often. busy life. After testing my career anesthesiology as a researcher myself and being diff erent. interests in a variety of areas, I have and physician. arrived at my goal: to expand the frontiers of science.

15 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Alexander L. Churchill Grantham H. Coleman James K. Craft Jara A. Crear Ciera K. Cummings Lincoln, NE, Lincoln East Missouri City, TX,The High School Mendenhall, MS, St. Andrew’s New Orleans, LA, Metairie Park Lihu`e, HI, Kamehameha High School for Performing & Visual Arts Episcopal School Country Day School Secondary School-Kapalama College Plans: Stanford University College Plans: The Juilliard School College Plans: Stanford University College Plans: Brown University College Plans: Mills College or Massachusetts Institute of Technology I have an insatiable passion for Ever since the fourth grade, I have When I was a little kid, my ultimate Ciera Ku`uleimomi, grammar success in everything in which I somehow managed to fi nd a way goal was to be the person who enthusiast and math nerd I’m sure there’s no way to describe am a participant. From acting to from my gravel driveway out in saved the world. It didn’t matter extraordinaire, adores fi nding myself in 150 words, but I’ll academics, to actively volunteering, rural Mississippi to one of the to me that the entire world wasn’t hidden treasures in libraries and try. I’m a determined, active, I strive to do my best. As an actor, best schools in the state nearly in danger; I still wanted to be a boutiques, continuing the classical and opinionated individual; I believe that a character has to an hour away. Braving soaring great being with the super-human piano training she began at age six, or, less euphemistically, I’m an be fully developed as a person, gas costs and spending way too capability to help anyone and and honing her superior culinary argumentative strong-willed person drawing on aspects from all parts of much time on the road, I have everyone in need. Although I’ve skills by cooking for the homeless (but a nice one). I am passionate life to bring the character to reality. learned to appreciate the value developed a strong interest in on weekends. She attributes her about math and science; in fact, last Attending Juilliard in the fall is of education and have pushed sports, my future plans haven’t excessive enjoyment of life to the summer, I performed math research a dream, and also a validation of myself to make the most of it. deviated much from my original myriad of wonders made available at the Research Science Institute. I all the hard work I have put in to From setting the school tackle aspirations. I began competing to her as a child, which prompted love friends, family, music, reading, my craft. I come from a family of record in football to founding the nationally in Acrobatics Gymnastics the endless slew of inquiries tennis, and way more than 150 educators, who taught me from the Chess Club, I have been involved at the age of twelve. After winning for which her parents conjured other things. I’m highly politically very beginning to value educational in a variety of pursuits at school, one silver and two gold medals at magnifi cent, thorough explanations. opinionated (though I’ll try to success as my number one priority. including serving as Student Body National Championships, I was Th is unconditional encouragement keep those opinions silent around In the classroom, I am as focused Vice President in my senior year. selected as a member of the Junior and burgeoning adventurousness President Bush), and I hope that as I am on the stage, waiting for Outside the classroom, I love being Olympic National Team. I now enabled Ciera to pursue her love one day I can actually eff ect change the grade instead of the applause in the outdoors, playing the guitar, compete in Track and Field, which of Mathematics, for which she has in America, rather than simply talk to come. I often volunteer at my and being involved with I will continue to do in college. received numerous local and national about it. From speech to science, mother’s school, helping provide my church. In addition to playing sports, I’ve recognitions, including the position I’ve had a great time in high school, extra-curricular activities for her been involved in the Greater New of Mu Alpha Th eta International and am now ready to move on to prekindergarten students. I also Orleans Youth Orchestra as a Student Delegate President. Upon college, where I hope to pursue take part in many organizations, cellist, performed on a jazz dance garnering a fi ne education and math and engineering. ranging from sports clubs to ethnic team, performed various types of essential experience in the business community groups. Poetry is my community service, including a world, she plans to contribute to the second love. I constantly take part month long Spanish immersion perpetuation of the Bishop Estate in spoken word competition and community service program in legacy, which has provided her such “open mic nights” at clubs Costa Rica, and enjoy photography. immeasurable opportunities. in Houston.

16 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

Erica E. David Douglas D. Dellinger Daniel L. DeMars Jenna M. Devine Nancy G. Dietman Pinedale, WY, Pinedale Overland Park, KS, Blue Valley Spartanburg, SC, St. Joseph’s Lebanon, NJ, Pingry School Saint Paul, MN, Mounds High School North High School Catholic School College Plans: Princeton University Park Academy College Plans: University of College Plans: Duke University College Plans: University of College Plans: Dartmouth College California, Davis Notre Dame Jenna published her fi rst book I like to think of myself as a at age fi ve with crayons and Going to a small high school has Combination – amalgamation demonstrative leader; not the I want to live an intense, construction paper to the critical given me the opportunity to try – merger – mix, blend, melding person on a stage speaking, but interesting, and meaningful life. acclaim of her kindergarten class. things that elsewhere might be – each word describes my life, the one who leads through action Th is “goal” is the underlying Th irteen years later, she still loves mutually exclusive. During the a melting pot of science and and example, whether in the motivation for all the most writing and plans to major in fall, I run from cross-country agriculture that has molded and classroom or in social situations. I important choices in my life. It English at Princeton University practice to practice debate. I also formed me as an individual. also like to think I have a myriad is why I take the challenging and next fall. She has been published in run track in the spring, but my My father, grandson of a of characteristics that defi ne who interesting classes at school, why I Scholastic’s Th e Best Teen Writing favorite sport is cross-country homesteading family, introduced I am. I enjoy running and playing act in school plays, why I worked of 2007 and won two National skiing. I am grateful to the friend me to agriculture, ranching, and ultimate Frisbee to stay in shape as a research intern last summer, Gold Key awards for her fi ction who suggested that it might be fun the outdoors. All the while, my during the off seasons of Cross and even why I am going to and poetry. As a winner of the New to spend hours in the cold doing mother instilled in me a passion Country and Track. I plan on college. But I do not believe that I Jersey High School Poetry Contest, a sport I had never tried, because for science, teaching me to love majoring in biomedical engineering can reach this aim on my own—I she will read her work at the otherwise I would never have the world of questions and and taking a minor in business. need friends to help me. Th us, Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival discovered the best way to have answers. Today, I raise, show, My perfect day consists of playing even hanging out with friends in September 2008. Jenna also fun during a Minnesota winter. In and sell over 100 head of sheep, Frisbee and spending time at a pool is motivated by my desire for an loves theater and dance and can addition to debate, I have spent goats, and other livestock, and followed by a sushi dinner. In my intense life. Finally, I take my frequently be found acting in her four years involved in forensics am engineering novel snow fences free time I enjoy teaching myself Catholic faith seriously because high school’s theater productions. (not the CSI kind) on the speech designs that are revolutionizing bass guitar and spending time with of my desire that my life be She volunteers with a drama team at my school, winning a state habitat reclamation by utilizing family and friends. I brainstorm meaningful. Just being busy could program for disabled students and title in Class A Extemporaneous snow as a water supply. I write with my friends to fi nd creative not satisfy me; in fact, it would teaches Children’s Liturgy at her Speaking as a senior. During the poetry, swim, and am active in the ways of entertaining ourselves drive me insane. My faith gives a church. In her free time, Jenna summers I backpack with YMCA National FFA Organization. My without substances. I am a classical direction and purpose to my life enjoys reading, photography, Camp Widjiwagan and can’t world is without a doubt unique, cellist, a coach for my brother’s without which my “goal” would be and wearing out her iPod with wait to spend the summer hiking yet it is one I would trade with middle school Science Olympiad utterly out of sight. marathon dance sessions. through the Brooks Range no other. team, a scuba diver, a mountain in Alaska. climber, and a good friend. Making a diff erence in my community through service is important to me.

17 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Eric I. Dietrich Senan Ebrahim Eryn Eby Katie E. Everett Kate M. Falkenstien Portland, OR, Beaverton San Jose, CA, Harker School Anchorage, AK, Polaris Ann Arbor, MI, Ann Arbor-Huron Lawrence, KS, Lawrence Free High School College Plans: Harvard College K-12 School High School State High School College Plans: Montana State College Plans: University of College Plans: Massachusetts College Plans: Yale University University Honors Program Ever since kindergarten, I have Puget Sound Institute of Technology or always found myself involved in Harvard College Kate prides herself on the Eric is a journalist, outdoorsman, more pursuits than I have time Eryn is dedicated and enthusiastic balance she has achieved in Katie loves to swim. A seven-time athlete, and scholar. He has to count. My foremost interest is about everything she does, her life between academic and state fi nalist, Katie was a captain and spent three years on Beaverton’s service: I am currently Senior Class whether it’s practicing a yurchenko extracurricular achievement and team MVP of her high school swim student newspaper staff , serving President and Vice President of the for gymnastics, making a speech personal fulfi llment. She is a team. When she’s not , as a reporter, news section editor, National Honor Society, a role I at the Model United Nations talented student who will graduate Katie competes on her school’s senior editor and graphic designer. fulfi ll by planning activities to help Conference, or spending a at the top of her class as a National Academic Games team in games Th rough his involvement in cancer patients. I am fascinated by summer doing community service AP Scholar and National Merit concerning math, logic, grammar, scouting, he has spent around 250 science and research in particular: in Panama. Eryn sets goals and Finalist this spring before moving and social studies and has won nights camping, and completed in addition to leading the Science reaches them, taking advantage on to Yale, where she hopes to earn thirteen Academic Games national a ten-day backpacking trip in the Bowl Team as Captain, I was of the opportunities that present an economics degree and perhaps championships. An accomplished summer of 2005. In addition to awarded the distinctions of themselves along the way. Being ultimately attend law school. Kate pianist, Katie has taken piano achieving his Eagle Scout rank, Science Talent Search National from Alaska, she loves to explore is passionately involved in speech lessons for twelve years and plans to Eric served a term as Senior Patrol Semifi nalist (2007-2008) and the outdoors through kayaking, and debate, having won state continue in college. She also enjoys Leader of his scout troop, and Competition National backpacking, and skiing. Traveling tournaments in policy debate and learning foreign languages, including worked for the past two summers Semifi nalist (2007-2008) for my internationally and learning about extemporaneous speech as well Spanish, French, Latin, Greek, and as a staff member at Polaris research. I love all sorts of sports: other cultures is her passion, as serving as the president of her Chinese. Katie always thought that National Youth Leadership Training I have a black belt in tae kwon and she plans to keep promoting school’s Model UN. She is also she would be a doctor, particularly Camp. Since joining Beaverton’s do and am currently a varsity global issues and solutions. Th e involved in Young Democrats, the a neurosurgeon, when she grew cross-country and track teams his swimmer. I am also involved in past few years Eryn has been Society of Open-Minded Atheists up. Th is year, however, she became junior year, Eric has competed in speech, debate and theater, most working with an ophthalmologist and Agnostics, and her scholar’s interested in epidemiology through four seasons of distance running, recently playing Algernon in Oscar to improve iritis treatment. She bowl team. In spare moments, her research project simulating and ranks earning a varsity letter Wilde’s Th e Importance of Being is highly involved in her school Kate enjoys baking, tacky and human papillomavirus vaccination, among his most important Earnest. I hope to eventually merge and has helped organize multiple predictable movies, rooting for leading to win a $50,000 scholarship personal achievements. He has also my dual passions for science and fundraisers. Eryn is always eager to the KU team, and idly as the First-Place National Winner participated in his school’s Model service in the fi eld of medicine. have new experiences and do what surfi ng the Internet. United Nations program and is she can to help others. of the Young Epidemiology Scholars an International Baccalaureate Competition. She enjoyed this Diploma Candidate. project so much that, after college, she now hopes to earn an MD and a PhD to become a physician researcher. 18 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

Brianna G. Fitch Christopher W. Fitzhugh Brussels, Belgium, Brussels Peacham, VT, American High School St. Johnsbury Academy College Plans: Wellesley College College Plans: Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering Brianna loves to be involved in everything; thanks to her high My life is an impressionist schools small size, she has done painting. Th e vibrant hues of just that the past four years. Th e mountain biking, Ultimate class president, Mu Alpha Th eta Frisbee, ice hockey, engineering President, National Honor Society competitions, and robotics team President, Soccer and Tennis leadership are arranged unevenly Captain, she enjoys staying busy together. Shapes are formed by and making things happen in the my past experiences, moving from Brussels American community. California to to Texas to Hoping to work in the State my current home of Vermont and Department one day in the having experienced education Middle East, her experience living public and private. All these pieces overseas in Brussels, Belgium, together, under a framework of working at the U.S. Mission loving family and friends, form to the North Atlantic Treaty an image of…well… You have to Organization during the summer, stare at it sideways …and upside and traveling across Europe, down… and even then it isn’t North Africa, and into Asia with exactly what you expect. You see a her family have been incredible love for tea collecting, yet you also Alex Robbins Levy notice a passion for ice hockey, experiences that helped shape Still from Waterlogged her love of international aff airs complimenting a silver medal at and politics. She loves horseback the International Earth Science riding, playing tennis and soccer, Olympiad in 2007. Up, down, and participating in musical left, or right, the image tells of a theater productions. variety and a curious passion that I continue to live my life for.

19 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Kelly X. Fox Noah E. Fox Samuel M. Galler Julian B. Gewirtz Luke A. Ginocchio Windham, NH, Phillips Las Cruces, NM, Las Cruces Boulder, CO, Boulder High Hamden, CT, Hopkins School Clark, NJ, Union County Magnet Academy Andover High School School College Plans: Harvard College High School College Plans: Brown University College Plans: University of College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Johns Hopkins Pennsylvania, The Wharton School Julian is a scholar and intellectual University In addition to many academic Samuel thrives on his constant who strives at all times to connect achievements, Kelly has interests Although my expertise is in math enthusiasm, savoring his numerous what he learns to the tangible I love to explore the outdoors that extend over a wide range of and science, my greatest passion activities like hors d’oeuvres world. He has studied China and and play tennis. Tennis has been activities. She has played varsity since elementary school has been at a summer garden party. An the Chinese language for fi ve years; my escape for the past fours basketball during all of her four playing basketball. While I have athlete, actor, musician, teacher, he has founded an international, years as I have fallen in love with years at Phillips Academy, becoming been on a school team since third and scholar, he feels privileged to teen-run organization, the U.S.- the sport. At school I’ve been the sole team captain her senior grade, it has always taken a great have had the opportunity to be China Youth Forum, to build involved in a variety of clubs, year. She also participated in crew amount of eff ort and determination involved in such diverse pursuits. bridges between Chinese and the most interesting being the for three years at Andover. Kelly to successfully compete against Sam served this year as the current American teenagers, and traveled Robotics Club. As a freshman I has taken an active role in AAU others who are taller or stronger director of a student-run a cappella to China four times. He has was able to travel to Annapolis Basketball since the age of eight than I am. Th is determination group, co-captain of the varsity written a book-length manuscript and to compete in the and has won numerous state and has led me to be chosen as Varsity tennis team, and president of his on concepts of the self from the robotics competitions. I also national championships. Kelly team captain, and has played a school’s top jazz choir. His love Enlightenment to the present, traveled to Italy with my family is also a National Hoop Shoot large role in the many math and for the theatre has led him to play drawing on a wide range of in the summer of 2006, where I Champion and her name is science competitions I have won, roles such as Bernardo in West disciplines; he has attempted to explored Rome, Tuscany, Milan, permanently inscribed on a plaque the varied tutoring activities I have Side Story and Jesus in Jesus Christ apply his conclusions about what Venice, Florence, and watched in the Naismith Basketball Hall of engaged in, the volunteer coaching Superstar. A chess player, Sam has it means to be an individual to the games. Over the Fame. She has been an avid fi gure and organizing of our varsity won the Colorado State Chess his life. Indeed, Julian’s greatest past summers I have worked as skater and snow boarder over the team’s involvement with Special Championships seven times, and goal is to live a life of both unique an instructor teaching tennis to past seven years. She has played Olympics, and my leadership has taught dozens of local children identity and connection to other children ranging in age from 5 to the piano for twelve years and the responsibilities in organizations to enjoy competitive chess. What’s people—that is, a life of intellectual, 14. In my free time I enjoy a good drums for four years. In addition to such as National Honor Society, more, he loves salsa dancing, imaginative selfhood and pragmatic, movie or listening to some rock all her other commitments, Kelly MESA (Math, Engineering, playing piano, and reading in sympathetic humanity. music, especially Led Zeppelin. has always found the time to be Science Achievement), and Th e the sun. actively engaged in community Mayor’s Top Teens. Th rough my service. She has tutored English, experiences I have discovered that math, and science to members of I enjoy combining my academic a local French-speaking, Haitian and athletic skills to help others, community in addition to working and I plan to continue contributing over 100 hours for the Make-A-Wish throughout my life. Foundation as a volunteer event organizer and offi ce worker. 20 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

Nolan R. Goeken Jamye M. Grant Jacinth L. Greywoode Alison K. Grubbs Anisha Gulabani Spencer, IA, Spencer Houston, TX, The High School for Montgomery, AL, Loveless Washington, DC, Woodrow Sammamish, WA, Eastlake High School the Performing & Visual Arts Academic Magnet Program Wilson Senior High School High School College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Pepperdine High School College Plans: Wesleyan College Plans: Harvard College University College Plans: Princeton University University To paraphrase Kipling, thus far in Anisha Gulabani is a captain and my life I have been able to walk I have been a performer from Jacinth Greywoode has striven to An avid writer and backpacker, active member of the Eastlake with kings without losing the birth. I believe that true love and approach life with dedication and a Alison has attended a public high High School speech and debate common touch. I have discussed appreciation for my art, incites positive attitude. Born the youngest school in the nation’s capital for team. She is a two time national GMOs and free trade with Nobel a desire to learn more. Th is is of fi ve children, he has constantly the past four years. Although qualifi er in Original Oratory, Laureates at the World Food Prize what I have tried to accomplish pushed himself to shine brilliantly she admittedly does not know as and has won numerous awards in Institute, and I have argued on as a theatre student at HSPVA. and to achieve his highest potential. much about politics as she should, Lincoln Douglass Debate as well. behalf of Peanut Butter Cap’n At school I also seek personal Whether in school as a leader and she has become involved in the She has a particular interest in Crunch in spirited debates with my growth through engaging in encourager in and out of class, or student newspaper, volunteered women’s rights and founded her friends over which breakfast cereal is Advanced Placement courses and in his extracurricular activities, at a hospice home, and petitioned school’s Gender Equality Club as a superior. As a four-year-old, I drew numerous extracurricular activities where he has diligently honed the Chancellor of D.C. Public junior to increase awareness about the entire layout of a computer such as the American Leadership his musical talent as a pianist, Schools for the repeal of a women’s issues. In her free time, keyboard from memory; today Forum, National Honor Society, Jacinth holds himself to the highest controversial anti-violence policy. she enjoys sleeping, playing tennis I know the nicknames of all the Business Professionals of America standards. Jacinth has placed in She has long enjoyed playing (albeit poorly), and indulging in NCAA Division I basketball teams and the Active Black Council, a many piano competitions, including classical violin and just recently chocolate chip cookies. A true by heart. I enjoyed working in a club I co-founded that focuses the ACES Competition, AFMC rediscovered the joys of acting Seattleite at heart, she loves to be childcare program because I knew on making signifi cant positive Junior Festival, Boykin Festival, onstage. Alison’s future ambition is outside whenever she can, and I was helping build a better future, changes in the black community. and the Alabama Music Teachers simply to explore; she is in no rush she always braves the infamous, and I felt instant gratifi cation Community is very important to Association and Music Teachers to grow up too quickly. omnipresent Seattle rain without a when I started a school tradition of me and for the past two summers National Association auditions. hood or an umbrella. donning hideous sport coats each I have worked and volunteered Since 2006, he has worked as Friday. Th anks to my parents, I at my local community center’s pianist and intern for First Baptist have developed the self-discipline youth program. Th is program, the Community Ministries’ Nehemiah necessary to fi nish work that is S.H.A.P.E Community Center’s Center for underprivileged children important to me, as well as the Summer Enrichment Program, is a in Chisholm, Alabama. As a senior insight to understand that having program that I myself participated at LAMP High School, Jacinth fun along the way is important, too. in as a child. I was excited to captains many extracurricular give back and have an impact on teams, namely Scholar’s Bowl, children looking for a role model. Science Bowl, and EnviroBowl, and participates in many activities, including Model United Nations and Forensics. 21 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Katherine A. Gullick Yasmine A. Hafi z Kacey R. Hauk Rachel L. Hawkins Adriana Hertel-Wulff Portland, ME, Cheverus Paradise Valley, AZ, Xavier River Falls, WI, St. Paul Gallatin, TN, Gallatin High School Logan, UT, Logan High School High School College Preparatory Conservatory for Performing Artists College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: California Institute College Plans: Massachusetts College Plans: Yale University College Plans: The Julliard School of Technology Institute of Technology Rachel is a student with a curious Yasmine is an avid reader who Kacey Hauk lives in a small mind and a passion to explore Contrary to expectation, Adriana My world has been shaped by has memorized her thirteen town, River Falls, Wisconsin. She and discover the world around is a nerd. As such, please note two things: my mother teaching digit library card number. Born attends St. Paul Conservatory her. She is particularly interested the brilliantly staged pose next to me how to read when I was four in Kuwait, she is a triple citizen for Performing Artists in the in the natural and environmental Monsieur L’Hôpital, a mathematician and my father taking me sailing of Pakistan, America, and the Twin Cities. Kacey has received sciences, as well as law and usually cursed by calculus students since I was one. As captain of United Kingdom, and her numerous acknowledgments and mathematics. In addition to worldwide. During the intense both the debate and sailing teams international background has scholarships from touring dance being an avid reader, Rachel loves modeling, other tourists at Versailles and member of the math team, greatly contributed to her love conventions and competitions. music. As a fl ute player, Rachel carried bemused yet rather befuddled it is evident that these two loves of travel. She has co-authored Kacey fi nds herself learning and has enjoyed band throughout high expressions at viewing such a fi ne have been nurtured throughout Th e American Muslim Teenager’s dancing with choreographers school, and she also served as the young lady spending precious time my life. In 2006, my partner and Handbook with her mother and including Michele Larkin, Trey fi eld commander for the award- with a cold-hearted (he is marble I won the U.S. Sailing Double brother, an achievement for which Barber, Marcelino Palamino, Abdo winning marching band. She is after all), presumably dead old man. Handed National Championship. she received the Martin Luther Sayegh, Maggie Bergeron, Uri and currently a singer and guitarist Sadly, though enraptured by the A third infl uence, emphasized King Jr. Living the Dream award Toni Sands, Benjamin Johnson, and for the church praise team. In moment, both of the stunningly by my Jesuit education, has been from the City of Phoenix Human Karen Rivet. She appeared in Ballet academics, Rachel excelled in graceful subjects remained completely my desire to help others. As the Relations Commission. Th e book Minnesota’s Th e Classic Nutcracker Mock Trial competitions, attended oblivious to neighboring historical treasurer of the Cheverus Key attempts to dispel stereotypes for several years and played the Volunteer Girls’ State and the and architectural wonders. In her Club, I helped to organize the surrounding Muslims and roles of Clara, Porcelain doll, Governor’s School for Prospective spare time, i.e. the few minutes not assembly and distribution of over advocates tolerance and pluralism and German doll in addition to Teachers, and was named a spent brightening the dreary lives 500 Th anksgiving dinners to for all people. Yasmine listens to others. She has attended intensive member of the All-State of ancient statues, Adriana often less fortunate families. In 2007, a wide variety of music and is dance programs at both the Kirov Academic Team. She has also completes her homework in various I traveled to the Dominican constantly burning CDs. She has Academy and the Juilliard School. pursued opportunities to give back stimulating courses; begs her horse to Republic to volunteer in a rural enjoyed being President of the She is always open to furthering her to the community around her please, maybe, possibly elucidate his orphanage for disabled children. Student Ambassadors Club at her training and knowledge in dance. by serving as an attorney for the reasons for joyously rolling in mud In my free time I enjoy playing high school and likes watching Next year Kacey will be attending county Teen Court, representing directly after undergoing a deep-skin guitar and snow skiing, and I am a movies and tie-dyeing in her spare the Juilliard School in New fi rst-time juvenile off enders. One grooming; and participates in the certifi ed SCUBA diver. time. Th ough she has not decided York City. of her long-term goals is to hike enriching experiences of caterwauling on a defi nite major or career, she the entire Appalachian Trail. orchestras, physically excruciating looks forward to the intellectual ballets, and saving the whales, single- adventures ahead, both during and handedly, mind you. after college.

22 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

Nickolaus W. Hill Kristin J. Hogan Michael S. Holland Kyla D. Horn Jasmine S. Hu Sheridan, WY, Sheridan Charlotte, NC, Charlotte Catholic Hilliard, OH, Hilliard Davidson Cocoa Beach, FL, Cocoa Beach San Jose, CA, Lynbrook High School High School High School Junior/Senior High School High School College Plans: Harvey College Plans: Duke University College Plans: The College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Stanford University Mudd College State University Originally the shy new girl, I have I am driven to explore. One way Jasmine’s earliest dream was to I’m the guy that gets involved come a long way since the year I At fi ve years old, my mom asked I channel this drive is through be an explorer of the khakis and in everything: two sports, set out to read the entire second me if I wanted to go downtown to science. My biological research has binocular-toting set. Th ough music, work during the school grade book shelf in one semester. I participate in Irish Dance lessons led to opportunities such as the her ambitions have taken a turn year and the summer, National still enjoy a good book; however, I with my cousin. At the time, I Research Science Institute and the for the (slightly more) practical, Honor Society, Future Problem fi nd much more time to do other really wasn’t interested in taking Intel International Science and exploring continues to be an Solving, church on Sundays and things I love, such as hanging Irish Dance lessons; I was more Engineering Fair. I have tested integral part of her life. From Wednesdays, and a heavy class out with my friends, going to the excited that I would have the my knowledge on all-star science researching fruit fl y genetics, load. I force myself to get things beach with my family, and playing opportunity to see my cousin. Th at and academic teams. (I even to witnessing urban issues on done before I can forget them, and basketball. My goal for this year in mind, I told my mom that I’d captained a national champion foot and on Metro, to stalking I try to work hard in all that I do. is to complete a , for like to go. At fi ve years old, this team!) I am also a National a fl ock of feral parrots, Jasmine Additionally, I feel like a vanishing which I have been training for is the best decision I’ve made my Semifi nalist in both the Biology is insatiably curious about the breed in this modern world we live months. In school, I’m president entire life. Irish Dancing has been and Chemistry Olympiads. world around her. She hopes to in. I’m conservative, Christian, of National Honor Society and and continues to be a huge part of Beyond science, I broaden my express this curiosity through and not politically correct in the involved in the student council. my life; it has taught me more than horizons through language and her writing, which has received slightest sense. Th at aside, I love I’ve played three years of varsity I can express in words. Over the literature. I love Shakespeare, and recognition from the National to read, I love to watch movies, basketball and two years of fi eld years as I developed my skill, I have sometimes I even think in iambic Foundation of Advancement in and there’s nothing better than hockey and track. I’m interested acquired many titles including: pentameter! My appreciation the Arts as well as Scholastic Art spending time with my friends— in organic foods, sustainability, 4 times Mid-West Champion, 3 of literature has inspired me and Writing. Most recently, she I’m just an average guy doing the and antibiotic-free meat. After times North American Champion, to author international award- was one of fi ve national recipients best that he can. spending the past two summers All Ireland Champion, and 2 times winning short stories. I also love of Scholastic’s Gold Writing interning at Compass Group, a 2nd in the World including 2008. language itself. I fi nd myself Portfolio scholarship. She hopes foodservice industry, researching Without Irish Dancing, I wouldn’t deconstructing words, considering to eventually pursue a career in these topics, I see myself pursuing be the hardworking and dedicated meanings and etymologies of their journalism. Above all, Jasmine something with both business student that I am today. elements. Memories from my days has come to believe in the written and the environment. I can’t wait as a champion speller (National word as a powerful vehicle for for college, and I think it will be Spelling Bee) reinforce my love of expression and empathy, and one of the most rewarding and language. I am an International hopes to spend the rest of her life benefi cial experiences of my life! Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate, harnessing it. valedictorian, and voted Most Likely to Succeed by my class.

23 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Zachary K. Hynes Mythili K. Iyer Alexander R. Johnson Megan D. Johnson Cameron M. Johnstone Meridian, ID, Meridian Charter Yarmouth, ME, Yarmouth Kendall Park, NJ, Rio Rancho, NM, Rio Rancho Indianapolis, IN, High School High School Lawrenceville School High School Park Tudor School College Plans: Massachusetts College Plans: Massachusetts College Plans: California Institute College Plans: Rice University College Plans: Harvard College Institute of Technology Institute of Technology of Technology Megan is a motivated students Cameron enjoys both the sciences I love to absorb myself in both the A prolifi c wiffl e ball player and I enjoy being as busy as possible who sees a goal and strives to reach and humanities. He captains his world of the future and the worlds an imposing pick-up basketball without sacrifi cing quality for it in every way. After doing a self- school debate and English Academic in fi ction. Painted throughout player at a gargantuan 5’ 8”, Zach quantity. My major interest is selected research project for four Super Bowl teams, edits the literary these worlds are hints and glimpses enjoys a wide variety of recreational playing the fl ute—I’ve been consecutive years, she represented magazine, plays on the tennis team, at what the world of the present and academic activities. Serving learning for 13 years now and New Mexico at the International and serves as vice-president of the can be molded towards. I fi ll my as captain on the debate team, he plan on continuing in college and Science and Engineering Fair in economics club. Volunteering has time participating in my school’s qualifi ed, along with his partner, to beyond. I participate in both my 2008. She loves music including helped Cameron fi nd a focus for Student Government and Key the National Debate Tournament school’s orchestras, NJ Regional singing, playing piano, and his broad intellectual interests. An Club, National Honor Society this past year. Th roughout high and All-State Bands, and various playing guitar and has a very epidemiology mentorship at the local and SkillsUSA chapters. Last school, Zach has also been an wind ensembles. I also teach fl ute close relationship with her dad, health department during freshman year, I held an internship with avid participant in the Math for community service. I am part mom, and little sister, Meredith. year sparked his interest in public Micron Technology, Inc., where Team and Science Olympiad of my school’s Science Olympiad Th ough she’s only lived in two health. Th roughout high school he I programmed many tools to be competitions. A committee chair team, co-President of Model states, Megan loves to travel and volunteered at a program providing used by the group in which I was on the Student Senate, Zach also UN, Vice President of Masala hopes to see much more of the free health assessments for uninsured working. In any spare time I have, enjoys working with students and (an organization of South Asian world in the next several years. Indianapolis youth. Working with I like to read any books I have at faculty to improve the educational students), and Associate Director She participated in her school’s families navigating Medicaid for basic my disposal, as well as keep up with experience at his high school. He of the Peer Tutoring program. In Academic Decathlon and Science medical care brought the national several television shows. Th e thing aspires to emulate Peekay from my free time, I love to spend time Olympiad teams, was an offi cer debate on universal health insurance I look forward to most after high Bryce Courtenay’s Th e Power of with my friends and watch movies. for National Honor Society, and into sharp focus for Cameron. A school is being able to see more of One and Tandia and takes great advanced to nationals for the Telluride Association scholarship the world beyond my home town. pleasure in watching the Boston Junior Science and Humanities for a seminar in St. Louis exploring Red Sox routinely dominate the Symposium. Her most signifi cant economically devastated inner-city competition. Zach is excited to interpersonal connections outside neighborhoods deepened his concern study physics and math and serve as of her family lie within her church for fi nding workable solutions for a coxswain on the lightweight crew where she is an active participant the urban poor. His senior honors team at MIT. in many groups and activities. thesis examines current challenges in eradicating age old diseases, such as Syphilis and Tuberculosis, in inner cities. Cameron plans to study Public Health and Urban Planning college.

24 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

Jennifer Shiao-Nan Liu Working 9-5 digital color print 15” x 40”

25 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Benjamin R. Kantack Alexander B. Katz Mark H. Kavesh Justin J. Koh Nora M. Kovar Brookings, SD, Brookings Exeter, NH, Lakeland, FL, Bartow High Bakersfi eld, CA, Stockdale Omaha, NE, Duchesne Academy High School Phillips Exeter Academy School International High School of the Sacred Heart College Plans: University of College Plans: Princeton University Baccalaureate Program College Plans: University of College Plans: Harvard College Nebraska, Lincoln College Plans: Northwestern California, San Diego – Medical I’m from Exeter, New Hampshire, University – Honors Program in Scholars Program I grew up an avid memorizer, Benjamin Kantack attends although I’ve previously lived in a Medical Education absorbing and regurgitating facts Brookings High School in number of other states. I attended Justin believes that education is from every source of information My name is Mark Kavesh, and Brookings, South Dakota. He Phillips Exeter Academy for four the quest for new puzzles and available. Teeming with paragraphs I live in Lakeland, Florida. In plans to attend the University years, where I was elected to the mysteries to solve. Seeking such from books, digits of pi, and college, I plan to study chemistry of Nebraska-Lincoln in the fall Cum Laude Society. I served as solutions, Justin participated in lists of trivia, I supplemented my and dream of someday becoming of 2008 and double-major in Co-Head of the 196 year-old the 39th International Chemistry schoolwork with extra reading a physician-scientist. Outside political science and Spanish. Ben Daniel Webster Debating Society, Olympiad in Moscow, Russia and scholastic competitions, of school, my interests include has been active in the Boy Scouts Captain & Head of the Academic as one of four United States including Academic Decathlon, playing the violin in the Florida since age 11 and completed his Team, Co-Head of Peer Tutoring, representatives, ultimately winning for which I served as co-captain. Symphony Youth Orchestra, Eagle Scout Project in 2007. He and as a Peer Counselor. I also a silver medal. While fi rst and I have participated in theater for volunteering as a trial attorney has been involved in music ever competed on the Varsity Lacrosse, foremost a scientist, he is also over ten years, recently as Juliet at Teen Court, and conducting since starting piano lessons at Indoor Track, Golf, and Water a leader, community servant in Romeo and Juliet. My other medical research. I also enjoy age 6, and currently plays piano, Polo Teams. I’ve acted in/co- and musician. He serves as his activities include volunteering, biking, jogging, and cooking guitar, and percussion. He assists written/produced several fi lms school’s student body treasurer, social justice clubs, and Catholic challah French toast for breakfast at his local church as an altar created by Madman , a as well as Math Bowl and Science youth organizations. Essentially, on Saturday mornings. I am server, lector, and second grade production troupe we established Bowl captain. In this capacity, he I love considering aspects of the an avid classical music fan; the religious education teacher. Ben at Exeter. I am interested in Asian also participates in community human person, whether by reading Paganini Caprices and Bruch has also competed in debate for studies—the intricacies and outreach programs, working a neuroscience article, developing Violin Concerto number among four years and was the State AA traditions of the region’s cultures to improve the Bakersfi eld a character, or seeking an ethical my favorite pieces. Becoming a Champion for Lincoln-Douglas and the complex issues that modern community that has constantly stance or course of action. My Presidential Scholar holds the Debate in 2008. Ben is a member Asia must address: environmental supported him. He performs in college plans include a major in signifi cance for me of joining an of the National Honor Society quality, water stress, access to local orchestras and enjoys playing neurobiology with a minor in alliance of activism and solidarity. and a National Merit Scholar. energy resources, and peaceful violin or guitar as a relaxing way philosophy or religious studies. I believe that education can He enjoys reading, writing, and coexistence. Th e fl exibility of the to end the day. In the future, he While I will never lose my love for transcend boundaries, creating spending time with friends in his Exeter curriculum has enabled me hopes to pursue a medical degree detail, I realize that memorization, opportunities for myself and spare time. to pursue these interests; I plan to and join the ranks of other medical no matter its volume, will always others to advocate resolutions to concentrate in Asian studies at the researchers hoping to unlock the lack depth if it does not include the most pressing social dilemmas undergraduate level and beyond. mysteries leading to longer, richer creative thought and right of our time. and happier lives for all. use thereof.

26 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

Laney E. Kuenzel Richard Lan John D. Landgraff Rebecca M. Lee David A. Levary Cleveland Heights, OH, Hathaway Morrisville, NC, William G. Enloe Kwajalein, , South Burlington, VT, South Chesterfi eld, MO, Parkway Brown School Gifted & Talented Magnet Kwajalein Junior-Senior Burlington High School Central High School College Plans: Stanford University High School High School College Plans: Princeton College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: University of College Plans: University of University Laney is a math-loving, tree- California, Berkeley California, Berkeley I have had the incredible hugging, piano-playing student Among other things, I am an opportunity of traveling around who has lived in Cleveland Richard is an International I was born in Sacramento, athlete, debater, student, friend, the world (tagging along with my Heights for her entire life. She has Baccalaureate scholar who has California, but when I was sister, and daughter. Sports have parents) since before I could even been a fi gure skater for thirteen tirelessly served his community for three years old my family and I always played an important role walk. Probably my favorite places years and a vegetarian for nine. years. Having played violin since moved to the island of Kwajalein. in my life and I am a proud are Botswana and the Galapagos She can solve a Rubik’s cube in fi fth grade, he nurtures a deep Kwajalein is a United States member of state championship- though that’s mainly a function under a minute, recite 101 digits passion for music. In freshman military base located on the winning fi eld hockey and lacrosse of my love for wildlife. Th rough of pi, and touch her nose with year, he joined the offi cial youth southern tip of the Kwajalein teams. I discovered debate only these trips, particularly to areas her tongue. She cannot cook or orchestra of the Atoll, a few degrees north of the a few years ago, but since then, in the developing world, I’ve parallel park. Th e product of a symphony, which played at the equator, in the Republic of the the thrill of expostulation and become taken with the potential Montessori education, Laney loves Governor’s inaugural gala the same Marshall Islands. I swim on a refutation under pressure has applications of science, especially the challenge and excitement of year. In addition, Richard plays in local team and represented the never ceased to fascinate me. within the area of biological all types of research—from surfi ng his school orchestra, where he has Republic of the Marshall Islands Academically, I fi nd politics, engineering. Much of my high Wikipedia to independently served as concertmaster. Th rough at the 2006 Micronesian Games in international relations, and school career was spent working studying evolutionary game theory participation in Science Olympiad where I won three bronze history to be the most interesting within this applied science context. and working in a biomedical and Engineering Club, he has medals. I like to be outdoors. subjects. In my free time, I Actually, last summer was the engineering lab. Laney also enjoys medalled in events such as Bottle When I was younger I spent a lot enjoy taking pictures, listening fi rst time I didn’t travel anywhere teaching; she volunteers as a Rockets and Technology Bowl of my weekends and vacations to music, enjoying nature, and exotic but instead went to the peer tutor at her school and an at state level competitions. He backpacking. In the Marshall traveling. I recently helped fi nish Research Science Institute (RSI) ESL tutor for Spanish-speaking volunteers at the Raleigh Chinese Islands I enjoy sailing trips to construction on a community where I did some pretty exciting students in Cleveland Public Language School every Saturday, other islands, and took a fi ve center in the Dominican Republic, research in protein engineering. Schools. At Stanford, she plans to running errands for language day trip with three other friends an experience that left me with a Back in St. Louis, I love hiking explore math, computer science, teachers and teaching students last December. I was recently desire to continue working in the and when I can alpine skiing physics, and neuroscience. She how to play Chinese Chess. In his presented the Eagle Scout award DR and a profound appreciation and wakeboarding. On normal hopes to eventually become a senior year, he served as the assistant by the Chief Scout executive. for the simple things I had weekends though, I enjoy simply professor so she can continue concertmaster of a local Chinese previously taken for granted. Most relaxing with friends, especially teaching and conducting research. youth symphony, affi rming his of all, I love spending time with when that involves ping-pong. strong drive to preserve Chinese my friends and family; they are culture within the local community. fantastic and fun people. Richard is also a National Merit Scholarship recipient. 27 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Alex R. Levy Matthew E. Levy Grant L. Lin Lauren R. Lisann Jennifer S. Liu Lutherville, MD, Carver Center for Metairie, LA, Jesuit High School Indianapolis, IN, Lawrence North Dix Hills, NY, Half Hollow Hills Highland, MD, River Hill Arts and Technology College Plans: Louisiana High School High School West High School College Plans: Vassar College State University College Plans: Indiana University College Plans: Yale University College Plans: Maryland Institute College of Art For the past fi ve years Alex has Matthew plans to study Animal One of my earliest memories is Lauren Rose Lisann can been an avid fi lmmaker—writing, Sciences next fall working toward mimicking my parents and older simultaneously be considered Jennifer Liu is a seventeen-year old acting, directing, and editing fi lms entrance into veterinary school. sisters by scribbling algebraic a scholar, scientist, artist, and from Highland, Maryland who with his older brother. By now Alex He has volunteered much of his symbols down despite their athlete. She is Valedictorian of has recently graduated from River has worked on over twenty-fi ve time working for the world-class mysterious meaning. I also the Senior class at Half Hollow Hill High School. She is planning fi lms, half of which have been his Audubon Nature Institute while remember following woolly Hills High School West and has to attend the Maryland Institute own projects. In addition, Alex holding steady jobs as a veterinary mammoths across the pages of devoted the past several summers College of Art in Baltimore, has pursued painting, drawing, assistant and IT coordinator for David Macaulay’s Th e Way Th ings to neuroscience research. She Maryland this coming fall. Jennifer and sculpture at his high school (a Lakeview Veterinary Hospital. He Work and being thrilled by new has been named a Semifi nalist began her art making in her early magnet school for the arts), and has is heavily involved with service ideas and concepts. From learning in the Siemens Westinghouse youth, drawing cryptic and bizarre studied violin for fourteen years. in his school and community DOS commands before I could Competition and a Finalist in the pictures that her parents reluctantly He believes that new experiences as a member of over ten service spell to designing websites for the Intel Science Talent Search for hung on their refrigerator. Th ese greatly contribute to personal organizations and as the vice McKenzie FIRST Robotics team, her research projects. In terms of early beginnings spurred her interest development, and so he searches president of his parish’s Catholic or from constructing my earliest community service, Lauren is the in experimenting with new ways for adventure. Live to tell stories. Youth Organization. In addition, shadow puppets to experimentally Captain of Juniors Program at to express her ideas. From painting He hopes to spend a portion of his he is also an accomplished determining the average separation her local fi re department. She also and photography, to making music career teaching, after becoming a musician at piano, trumpet, guitar, of electrons in a helium atom, my loves studio art and beadwork, and movies, Jennifer has always successful independent fi lmmaker. and various other instruments. life has been devoted to learning and and can often be found sketching taken the initiative to try something Lastly, he is a veteran rugger, has been facilitated by an amazingly or making jewelry. In terms of new. During her high school having helped to lead his team supportive family environment. athletics, Lauren is a coxswain on career, she found herself having to a sixth consecutive state In addition to academic pursuits, her high school crew team and no extracurricular activities so she championship this past April. music performance in violin and also enjoys jogging and biking. decided to take art. Many of her piano, taekwondo training, and In the future, Lauren plans to latest works include performance- other extracurricular activities, I major in Cognitive Science at Yale based work using installations have had the joy of participating in University and eventually become created from everyday materials service and leadership organizations, a surgeon. that take reference from her serving as the Key Club childhood experiences in a suburban International President this year, hometown. Th ese environments and helping to train and inspire are then documented using younger members and new leaders. photography or video depending on Jennifer’s mood.

28 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

Ari J. Livne Benjamin B. Lu Emilie M. Lyons Jenny F. Ma Reid J. Magdanz Mercer Island, WA, Potomac, MD, Richard Union, KY, Larry A. Ryle Morgantown, WV, Morgantown Kotzebue, AK, Kotzebue Lakeside School Montgomery High School High School High School High School College Plans: Yale University College Plans: Stanford University College Plans: Vanderbilt University College Plans: University College Plans: Yale University of Pennsylvania Ari Livne’s devotion to the piano Ben is an aspiring entrepreneur Dorian Gray, Clarissa Dalloway, I have lived my entire life among has led him to study music in New with a patent pending and Daisy Buchanan, Anna Karenina— Jenny’s life is a medley of academic Iñupiaq Eskimos in rural Alaska, York City while simultaneously two scientifi c research projects to me, these are more than just achievements, a passion for connected to the rest of the world attending high school in Seattle. under his belt. In addition to his the names of famous protagonists science, community service, by only airplane or boat. I love the He has garnered numerous awards experiences as a fi nalist in the as reading has always been a and rugby. In school and her isolated life and take full advantage and frequent recognition in the Siemens Competition and Intel beloved hobby and endless source extracurricular activities, she is of my rural setting by camping, music world. Highlights include Science Talent Search, he enjoys of inspiration. With such a love always striving to reach her highest hunting, hiking, boating, and a Gold Award at the youngARTS playing violin, participating in of reading it only seems natural potential. She actively participates snowmobiling. In town, I collect week sponsored by the National his high school’s drama program, that a love of learning would in several clubs and teams such coins, read, run cross-country, and Foundation for Advancement and competing in quiz bowl. He follow, bringing with it a desire as the National Honors Society, play city league . Every in the Arts, a solo appearance values his tenure as a student in to become involved in school. As the Green Initiative Club, and spring, I look forward to visiting as the Seattle Chamber Music the International Baccalaureate the President of our 450 member the Math and Science Bowl team, my family’s log cabin in the Brooks Festival’s Emerging Artist, and (IB) Program at his high school Future Business Leaders of America some of which she holds leadership Range, 150 miles from Kotzebue a recent series of performances for teaching him to love English chapter, the Historian of National positions in. Outside of class, and 20 miles from the nearest with the Seattle Symphony. He and history as much as he loves Honor Society, the Secretary of the Jenny pursues her love for science village. I also enjoy traveling far has spent his summers studying science, as well as imparting to Speech & Debate team, and the through conducting research from home to see the rest of the and performing at the Tel-Hai him valuable work-study skills. chairman of a service project which in molecular biology at West world. In college I plan to pursue International Master Classes Ben is not sure of his future career raised $14,000 for the Alzheimer’s Virginia University and holding a degree in Environmental Studies. and the Aspen Music Festival. path, or even his college major, but Association, I have little time to a job as a lab assistant. Academics Afterwards I want to do fi eld Also very passionate about he has been inspired by the likes of spare. Yet, what time I fi nd goes aside, community service is research (preferably in an exotic academics, Ari is a National Merit the Google Guys and Jerry Yang to toward writing, whether an article also very important to her; she or remote location) and then Finalist and an AP Scholar with follow his dreams, whatever they for the local paper, a nationally has volunteered at a newspaper transition to an environmental Distinction. In College he hopes may turn out to be. recognized editorial, or a published company in China, helped a policy position in government. to combine music with the study essay. Th ough, what I strive for most research technician at the WVU of neuroscience or biology. is to create a protagonist of my own, Neurology department, and taught one that may, too, inspire others. elementary school students the magic of science through various demonstrations. In athletics, Jenny is a dedicated member of the Mon River Maniac’s girls’ rugby team.

29 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Lindsey P. McCloy Paola Melendez Domínguez Dennis F. Meng Alexia S. Miller Shauna Milne-Price Franklin, TN, Franklin High School Guaynabo, PR, Academia San Hockessin, DE, Wilmington, DE, Charter School Helena, MT, Helena High School College Plans: Princeton University Jose High School Archmere Academy of Wilmington College Plans: Middlebury College Plans: Cornell University College Plans: Cornell University College Plans: Princeton College I’m curious, and this curiosity has University been the driving force behind my I have worn many hats throughout I enjoy a variety of diff erent I am a Montanan who enjoys appetite for life. As the daughter of my high school years, currently activities, from breakdancing to I am overly enthusiastic when growing vegetables, walking my a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the class president; I also presided playing video games to running it comes to science and math pigs, playing the violin, being United States Marine Corps, I have the oratory club, possess the title cross country and playing diff erent – even, yes even, to the point of outdoors, and spending time with lived across the country and traveled of class artist, and am an active sports. I have run cross country being something of a “nerd.” And my friends and family. Someday around the world, and through member of the French Club and competitively throughout high though I relish the label, I must I would like to be a marine those experiences I have learned United Nations model. On any school, and I hope to run in the say that my interests do not stop biologist or a wildlife veterinarian to appreciate change, adventure, given day you could fi nd me Boston Marathon sometime in the there. I love to speak French; to who works to preserve the earth’s and diversity. During the summer engaged in a series of activities next four years. Also, I volunteer chat and spend time with my diversity of plants and animals. of 2007, I attended the Tennessee ranging from baking cupcakes pretty regularly at Habitat for family and friends, discussing Governor’s School for Engineering for a fundraiser, to practicing for Humanity. I like to spend time anything from fi lm to philosophy; and deepened my passion for oratory competitions, to painting with my friends on the weekends, to sing, dance and act (nowhere invention and innovation, and I a mural, to playing soccer with and we enjoy going to dinner, near professionally); to write and, plan to study engineering in college. the kids at the hospital where I movies, and concerts among other most of all, to read. Reading, along Th ough I love science and math, I volunteer. I am very fulfi lled by things. I enjoy many types of with perhaps physics, biology also have a passion for the arts and all of the activities I participate music, including hip-hop, R&B, and coff ee, is one of my greatest humanities. I have been heavily in, and take great pride in the Asian music, and a cappella. passions. From the fi rst whimsical involved in vocal music, piano, fact that I have become such a In college, I will be studying words of Alice in Wonderland to ballet, and musical theater for many unique individual that no label engineering and economics. I the heady, nearly indecipherable years, and after school, I divide my could accurately describe me. enjoy playing Ultimate Frisbee, monologues of Heart of Darkness, energy between Model UN and the My disctintive personality and and I hope I will be able to play on I have yet to fi nd even one book Science Olympiad team. When I’m character are renown throughout Cornell’s team. I did not enjoy reading. Hence, not standing right up front at my my school; at 5’3” and barely though I intend to pursue favorite indie rock band’s concert, I one hundred pounds I take great biophysics and eventually do spend my time at old record stores, pleasure in knowing that I have some intense medical research, I shopping for shoes with my mom, left an evident footstep in my fully expect to continue with my making movies with my brothers, community. Something which I lovely and numerous interests and hanging out at Starbucks with a aim to do wherever I go and with throughout my life. great group of friends. Th anks to my whatever endeavor I choose to laptop, my network of friends embark on next. is nationwide!

30 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

Joanna Drue Mitchell Self-Portrait 2 charcoal on paper 21.5” x 39”

31 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Alexandria H. Mitchell Joanna D. Mitchell Mary J. Murphy Shawn A. Musgrave John P. Mussman Valley Village, CA, Keystone Shaker Heights, OH, Shaker Simpsonville, SC, South Carolina Tucson, AZ, Canyon del Oro Chicago, IL, Northside College National High School Heights High School Governor’s School for Arts High School Preparatory High School College Plans: Boston University College Plans: Maryland Institute & Humanities College Plans: Undecided College Plans: Harvard College College of Art College Plans: New York Dance has always been my University – Tisch School for Th ere are two things which Shawn John is an aspiring research biggest passion. I am currently Joanna is your average teen the Arts despises above all else: yellow scientist planning to concentrate a member of the RDA Honor with an exceptional work ethic. squash and living the same day in physics and philosophy. An Mary has spent the last two years Company, South Bay Ballet, Regardless of whether it is touch twice. While a watchful eye and Eagle Scout and National Merit in Greenville studying creative under the direction of Diane football in gym class or her next careful vegetable screening can all Scholar, he is Co-President of writing. Her work has received Lauridsen, Charles Maple, and art assignment, she brings passion but eliminate any threat from the his school’s Latin Club and an recognition from the Scholastics Alicia Head. In 2007, I had to the table. It is this quality that former aversion, Shawn must go active member of the math team National Art & Writing Awards— the honor of being a Grand she believes has catapulted her into to considerable lengths to prevent and student council. John also three regional gold awards in 2008 Prize Finalist in Th e Spotlight the company of so many talented the latter, pursuing a diverse performs in musicals and runs for poetry, dramatic script, and Awards at the Dorothy Chandler artists and beautiful people. She spectrum of interests and adding cross-country. Last summer, he personal essay; a national gold Music Center in the category of has received numerous accolades new ones to the gamut whenever interned in a medical physics medal in 2008 for dramatic script; Classical Ballet as well as receiving from the Scholastic Art & Writing life gets too tame. Shawn is heavily laboratory at the University a national silver medal in 2006 Th e Daily Breeze Torrance Awards at the regional and national involved in theater both at school of Chicago, sponsored by the for poetry; and a publication in Performing Arts Consortium levels and more recently a Silver and through community groups, American Cancer Society to Th e Best Teen Writing of 2006. She “Making a Diff erence” Award for Award from the NFAA youngARTS and is the defensive captain for work on a project involving was the recipient of a silver award Outstanding Achievement in the program. Joanna is active in the his club and school volleyball digitalized gastric cancer diagnosis. with the National Foundation Arts. I was a Finalist Winner in performing arts scene at her high teams. A National Merit Scholar Most recently, John worked to for Advancement in the Arts the Dance category at YoungARTS school as well – singing and dancing and AP Scholar with Distinction, organize a physics competition for in 2008. She plans to fi ll her Week 2008 in Miami, Florida. I in Chanticleers (a show choir), Shawn has never had a favorite freshmen at his high school. In senior summer with work, open have attended summer intensives A Cappella Treble Choir, and has subject in school and hardly his spare time, he enjoys studying fi elds, train rides, beaches, and with American Ballet Th eater, served in a variety of roles in the relishes the prospect of having to languages, singing jazz, playing music festivals. Th ough it hasn’t Miami City Ballet, Royal theater department—everything choose a major. In his virtually chess, and social dancing. always been easy, she has received Academy of Dance, and Kaatsbaan from pit orchestra to leading nonexistent spare time, Shawn ample opportunities and plans to International Dance Center. I am actor. She is an avid reader and enjoys honing his arsenal of fake continue her writing in the fall extremely excited to be spending an enthusiastic participant in accents, hammock-napping, and with the dramatic writing program the upcoming summer on National History Day—last year as fabricating intricate backstories at NYU. scholarship with Boston Ballet. a National Finalist. for the people next to him at “We shall not cease from stop lights. exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the fi rst time.” -T.S. Eliot 32 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

Alejandra M. Nasser Robert J. Ostrowski Elizabeth M. Otto Joseph C. Parra Junyao Peng New York, NY, LaGuardia High Atlanta, GA, Columbus, IN, Columbus North Boynton Beach, FL, Dreyfoos Elk Grove, CA, Laguna Creek School of Music, Art, and The Westminster Schools High School School of the Arts High School Performing Arts College Plans: Princeton College Plans: Ohio College Plans: Maryland Institute College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Syracuse University University State University College of Art Growing up in Kunming, China, One can say the best things in life Growing up as one of seven Over the years, my career My visual arts background began Junyao Peng became fascinated are unexpected. From discovering children, Robby learned that in ambitions have spanned an when I was accepted into an arts with the piano ever since the my passion of theater through order to stand out from the crowd, enormous number of options, magnet middle school. From day she stepped inside her local child’s play to overcoming serious you must excel in everything you some viable, some unattainable, there my skills developed and my music shop and pressed her hands obstacles, my life has had its do. Earning a 4.0 while taking a and some merely humorous. interest grew. I decided that an down on the black and white fair amount of doors opening demanding course load, Robby has I have wanted to be a waitress art magnet high school would be keys. When she was eight years and closing. In the midst of all always made schoolwork a priority. (age 5), a professional ice-skater the perfect choice for me. I wasn’t old, Junyao immigrated to the of this, the one thing I love the Outside of the classroom, he is (age 8), and an editor (age 11). emotionally connected to my work United States, where she lived at most is meeting and working captain of the tennis team, and Eventually, however, I decided that until my sophomore year as I went the Taliesin School of Architecture with new people. I received the with a personal record of 55-1, nothing can quite match the magic through a tragic experience that founded by Frank Lloyd Wright in Harriet Sapperstein Travel Award Robby has lead his teammates and grandeur of the night sky, left me separated from reality. Art Arizona for more than two years. which allowed me to attend the to four state championships. An and decided to become a research allowed me to connect once again. As the only child at Taliesin, she Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s avid squash player, Robby likes to astronomer. I love sharing my I have been involved in many was nurtured and inspired by the Summer Seminar. Aside from tell people that his squash team is enthusiasm for books, science, and art activities, such as steamroller students and faculty there. Today, the amount of people who ranked number one in the South learning with younger students, printmaking, painted clothing she continues her love aff air with mispronounced my name in two (what he fails to mention though so the past couple of years I have fashion show, and I have had my the piano and has performed hours, I was overcome by an is that his team is the only High helped organize a summer science work displayed in many renowned with fi ve symphonies and won invigorating feeling of welcoming school squash team in the South!). camp for elementary students. galleries and shows. In my junior state, national, and international and discovery. I learned how to A leader both on and off the I am also co-president of the year I received the American piano competitions. In addition advocate the arts and acquired court, Robby is the Head Service Science Olympiad chapter at my Visions Award from National to volunteering and giving recitals “ill” rhyming skills. I hope to Prefect at school and holds various high school and the Scholastic, and I was also accepted at local senior homes, Junyao use many of the skills that I have leadership positions at his church. manager for the school paper. into the Marie Walsh Sharpe Arts has been the class president at learned throughout my entire Excited about college, Robby can’t In my free time, I read, listen to summer seminar in which 60 her school for three years and is life to become a United Nations wait to see where life takes him! music, play the piano, or enjoy the kids are chosen nationally. I was involved in academic competitions ambassador. In honor of my rare days when Indiana weather is awarded Finalist in NFAA with and school clubs. Junyao is a Frank mentally disabled brother, I want seventy degrees and sunny. the Gold Award. I’m going to H. Buck Scholar and the recipient to create a program that betters Maryland Institute College of Art of the Goldman Sachs Youth Prize institutions housing mentally with a full scholarship. for Excellence in International disabled people around the world. Education.

33 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Eduardo J. Pérez-Torres Jordan D. Pridgen Collin A. Rees Grant N. Remmen Anastasia N. Roda Ponce, PR, Caribbean School Midlothian, VA, Maggie L. Walker Kearney, NE, Kearney High School Detroit Lakes, MN, Detroit Lakes Lancaster, PA, Lancaster Catholic College Plans: Harvard College Governor’s School College Plans: Harvard College High School High School College Plans: University College Plans: University of College Plans: Harvard College I am proud to be a Puerto of Virginia Collin enjoys not only being a Minnesota – Institute of Technology Rican. I have won various scholar-athlete, but also being Honors Program Anastasia is a scholar athlete. She honors representing my island in Jordan is passionate about a scholar-athlete-musician- will be playing fi eld hockey for Grant is very committed international math competitions improvisational comedy, directing outdoorsman-perfectionist. An the Harvard Crimson in the fall to excellence and academic such as a gold medal in the his high school improv team as active member of the cross country, and played fi eld hockey and soccer achievement, but is also involved Iberian-American Juvenile Math well as performing weekly at , and track and fi eld teams in high school. In high school, in music activities and his Competition and a silver medal a professional improvisational at his school, he is also a leader in one of her passions was scientifi c community. Grant, a National in the Central American Math comedy club. Jordan’s love for the marching band and the captain research. Her research involves Merit Finalist, represented his state Olympiads. I try to make Puerto entertaining began when he of the Academic Competition water and water quality, including at the American Legion National Rico a better place through landed the role of the Nutcracker Team. As an Eagle Scout, Collin three years studying the impact High School Oratorical Contest. organizations such as the Boy in his 3rd grade play. Since then, has been fortunate to pursue his of the country’s oldest operating A member of the Student Council Scouts. Th is has led me to he has enjoyed participating in loves of travel and the outdoors nuclear reactor on the waters and and National Honor Society, and participate in and organize various multiple high school theatrical through camping, backpacking, and sediment surrounding the reactor. the top student in his class, Grant activities such as community center productions, portraying such roles canoeing trips to various corners of Her research was recognized is a leader at his high school. Grant renovations and mathematics as Th enardier in Les Miserables and the globe. An avid runner, reader, when she was named a 2008 Intel is passionate about mathematics capacitating workshops that have Lord Polonius in Hamlet. An avid and rock climber, he spends his free STS Finalist and a winner of the and has earned awards at various resulted in the honor of being reader and amateur fi lmmaker, time devouring books, devouring American Museum of Natural regional mathematics competitions. an Eagle Scout. I am proud to Jordan has produced and directed food, spending time with friends, History contest. She is active in Grant loves music and performing, attend Caribbean School. Besides several short fi lms and plans and volunteering for local youth Mock Trial competition, Quiz whether singing or playing the representing my school in various to pursue future fi lm making sports organizations. Collin loves Bowl and student government. trumpet or piano! He participates math competitions, I also enjoy endeavors. He has also been classic rock, jazz, and classical She is an active outdoorswoman, in several bands and choirs. Grant playing on its volleyball team and active in Model UN conferences music and detests most other kinds. and last summer summited Mt. enjoys theatrical productions and has fostering its artistic spirit as an actor throughout high school and plans Forever a student of the mind, Rysy, in the Tatra Mountains, performed in numerous high school in plays such as the musical, Grease. to pursue an academic study of Collin approaches life knowing that (2499 meters), the highest peak plays and musicals, including roles I am proud of my family which has Physics and Psychology in college. one should never feel as if there is in Poland. She was recognized as a as the French candlestick Lumiere, taught me to live, love, work, and Jordan has obtained the rank of nothing left to learn. 2007 Nestles Best in Youth winner a Chinese henchman, a pirate, and play. After all, one has to Eagle Scout and exemplifi es an for her environmental work. a Nubian slave. Grant serves his have pride. upstanding moral character in his daily life. His strong intellectual community through participation curiosity, his compassionate, moral in many volunteer organizations; character and his love of laughter he is especially fond of helping the will undoubtedly carry him far. literacy outreach program in local elementary schools. 34 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

Michael B. Sagan Kathryn N. Salkowski Ravi N. Sankar Richard J. Saunders Benjamin M. Schenkel Reston, VA, Herndon High School Summerville, SC, Fort Dorchester Oviedo, FL, Simsbury, CT, Simsbury Allentown, PA, College Plans: University High School Trinity Preparatory School High School Moravian Academy of Virginia College Plans: University College Plans: Stanford University College Plans: New England College Plans: Yale University of Pennsylvania Conservatory As a toddler in Los Angeles, Ravi grew up with Teenage My legal name may be Benjamin Michael dreamt of becoming Kate Salkowski has spent a good Mutant Ninja Turtles, Scooby I have had experiences that Moses Schenkel, but I will usually a “car wash guy.” Although he portion of her life attempting Doo, Frodo, and Ender, seeing allowed me to delve into various respond to my portmanteau of a has resigned himself to a more to balance diverse interests. She no diff erence between the fantasy forms of music, and I intend to nickname, Benkel, or anything pedestrian desk job, Michael refers to her 35 mm camera with worlds of animation and the piece it all together. My mother else that friends have creatively still possess the same sense of terms of endearment, yet has been literature he loved. His brother taught me to sing harmony to dubbed me over the years. While adventure as he did as a three- known to proclaim, “It’s a good also forced him to read a science songs on the radio ever since I can my extracurricular activities year-old hunting garibaldi in the day – I have calculus homework!” textbook in the third grade, noting remember. Th rough high school are invariably standard fare— Redondo Beech marina. Michael She knits while she listens to that Ravi became a nuisance I enjoyed operatic, choral, and newspaper, quiz bowl, debate, enjoys the outdoors and looks NPR’s Science Friday. In love with with excessive free time. Ravi eventually jazz and contemporary XC—some of my noteworthy forward to attending school in languages, business ventures, and excelled across creative/literary and singing. Jazz was one form of accomplishments, which I should Charlottesville, Virginia, in close mathematical thought, she will be mathematical/scientifi c disciplines singing that simply worked for resist rattling off here, include proximity to his favorite hiking merging these interests next year from an early age. By tenth grade me, because it fi t my voice and I spending fi ve weeks in Israel trail on Old Rag in Shenandoah in Penn’s program in Management he would be taking math classes was able to use what I learned by as a Bronfman Youth Fellow, National Park. Additionally, and Technology. Th roughout at a local university. He has also singing harmony with my mother squandering what was perhaps the Michael is a competitive swimmer high school, Kate has been in won class awards in English, Latin, to create a good performance. Jazz biggest lead ever on Jeopardy!, and who, in his time as a coach and theatrical productions, served as history, and science. Ravi is one of voice allowed me to travel to the once being awarded “Great Team elementary school tutor has come the prosecuting attorney for the the top-ranked Lincoln-Douglas GRAMMYs, sing at the North Hero” at the Target where I have to love to share his enthusiasm for mock trial team, swum on the debaters in the country and has Sea and Monterey Jazz Festivals worked part-time for nearly three his activities and academics with varsity team, and enjoyed many placed well at tournaments at with the Next Generation Jazz years. Apart from those pursuits, those younger than him. Michael early Saturday mornings digging Harvard, Yale, the Glenbrooks Orchestra, and of course, perform I enjoy playing bridge with the is also a lifeguard and was an foundations as the President schools in Chicago, and the at the Kennedy Center. All of elderly, reading for pleasure active member of his high school’s of Habitat for Humanity. Kate Tournament of Champions. He this has given me a taste of the whenever I get the chance, marching band, having served as a loves to laugh, drink coff ee, read has been recognized at the White mountain I must climb when I coming up with corny puns, and horn line captain in his senior year. anything found in print, discuss House for his volunteer work enter the music industry on my then giggling at said puns about politics, and eat, all of which she teaching SAT math. Ravi loves own. On my free time, I enjoy an octave higher than I should. accomplishes with exorbitant zeal. sunshine but not humidity. bringing together what I have Finally, I credit my successes thus learned musically and academically far to a doting mother, supportive in the preceding few months, and school, and the forty milligrams writing and recording my own of caff eine found in each can of songs or albums. Sunkist orange soda.

35 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Michael H. Schulson Devany A. Schulz Travis J. Serebin Stephen R. Serene Daniel P. Sexton Chattanooga, TN, Baylor School Davenport, ND, Shanley Germantown, WI, Germantown Washington, DC, Reno, NV, Damonte Ranch College Plans: Yale University High School High School The Potomac School High School College Plans: Princeton College Plans: University College Plans: Massachusetts College Plans: California Institute Self-evaluation can be unreliable, University of Wisconsin Institute of Technology of Technology so I’ll introduce myself through the perceptions of others: my Devany is a student who is If there is one way I hope to be In addition to his studies, Stephen My passion for physics came to grandmother says I think too recognized as a distinguished remembered by my peers and plays the cello, writes, and runs life when I was just ten years old, much. My sister thinks I’m a bit student by the North Dakota High community, it is for the ways I track and cross-country. Stephen as a little grade-schooler, with strange. My physics teacher noted School Activities Association. She have become involved and the has spent summers at Interlochen a glint in my eye and a skip in that I danced well at prom. My was recently named the YWCA relationships that I have built Arts Camp in Michigan and the my step. My teacher showed my father calls me a perfectionist. Young Woman of Tomorrow instead of simply GPA and test Aspen Music Festival in Colorado. class a video on black holes, and My college applications say I (15-18). She participated in Girls scores. I have spent countless hours During the year, he is co-principal I still remember hearing about spend time hiking, rock climbing, State and Girls Nation, the 2008 at practices for cross country, cellist of the American Youth the singularity, that point where serving the community, acting as U.S. Senate Youth Program, and marching band, and Destination Philharmonic and a Youth Fellow all time stops. I was awestruck, president of the literary society student council. She was chair of Imagination. Th e highlight of of the National Symphony fascinated, enthralled. From that and environmental club, and Cass County Youth Commission, my time in high school, however, Orchestra, and he has performed day forward I pushed myself to reading. My mother claims I’m a member of the American Cancer was helping to organize a Global at the Kennedy Center in achieve what I have achieved cute, but she is biased. My friends Society Youth Development Slavery Awareness Week that Washington, DC, and at Lincoln today. Whether it is classical observe that I like to spend a Committee and participant in culminated with a 24-hour fast Center and Carnegie Hall in New piano or mountain unicycling, lot of time alone. A personality the National Federation of High and infl uenced the entire student York. Stephen also plays chamber baseball or mathematics, I always survey determined that I’m an Schools’ Leadership Conference. body. I found an outlet for my music with friends whenever dive headfi rst into my goals and analytical yet intuitive person. Th ese experiences allowed her love of service as NHS President he can. Stephen writes for and passions. As I step across the Th ey are probably right, those to learn how to participate in and treasurer of my church youth edits an independent opinion threshold, into a whole new world, sources. Personally, I see myself diversifying society. Devany lives group. In my spare time, I like newspaper at his school, and has I am thankful for my experiences, as a thinker, a writer, and a hiker with her mom and dad on the to stay up on politics and world been published in Th e New York and my life in Nevada, yet can’t who, although interested in pretty farm where her dad grew up. She events through either reputable Times and on TIME.com. Stephen wait to live in a place where it is much everything, fi nds nothing has two older brothers: Luke, news sources or Th e Daily Show. I has run throughout high school, seventy degrees year round. more fascinating than religion, 23, and Justin, 21. Luke resides jump at any opportunity to travel winning multiple All-League humanity, and nature. in Lake Placid, NY and Justin and experience other cultures, and All-State awards. He recently currently attends school at the including an exchange program ran at the Nike Indoor United States Naval Academy. She last summer in Munich, Germany. National Championships. has a goldendoodle named Ike.

36 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

Joseph Charles Parra Fatigue oil, acrylic, colored pencil, charcoal, pencil 38” x 54”

37 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Ruchir F. Shah Ishna A. Sharma Alison M. Sheppard Brooke E. Sheppard Maria J. Skorey Barrington, RI, Barrington Roswell, GA, Roswell High School Whitman, MA, Whitman-Hanson Lawton, OK, Eisenhower Senior Yankton, SD, Yankton High School High School College Plans: University of Miami Regional High School High School College Plans: Loyola College Plans: Rice University College Plans: Massachusetts College Plans: University University, Chicago As a child, Ishna always strived Institute of Technology of Oklahoma Ruchir Shah is a motivated and to help others, whether through My plans have defi nitely changed energetic student at Barrington working with her neighbors to As a kid, I was always shy and Brooke Sheppard is the daughter over the years. At four I decided to High School in Barrington, RI. raise money for the local fi re reserved, choosing to keep to of Ernest and Cindy Sheppard of become an opera singer. At eight Next year, he plans to attend Rice department, coordinating an myself and preferring to read Lawton, Oklahoma. She attends I was determined to become a University and has absolutely no annual summer-time library in books than to play with the kids Eisenhower High School in nun. By ten I yearned to become idea what he wants to major in. her living room for her friends, or in the neighborhood. Growing Lawton, and will be attending a veterinarian, a teacher, and a In addition to his scholarly work, starting an American Red Cross up, I have realized that I could the University of Oklahoma in scientist at NASA. My evolution of he is also known for signifi cant chapter at her high school. She be spontaneous, fun, and even the fall, where she will major in career choices refl ects my varying procrastination. He has been aspires to combine this desire entertaining, so long as I stepped International Business and Spanish. passions. I enjoy the creativity of very involved in numerous to help with her dedication to outside of my comfort level and Brooke is a National Merit Finalist art, the beauty of literature, the activities throughout his school education to make a positive was not afraid to just be myself. and Academic All-State Finalist. conciseness of math, the lessons and community, particularly as impact on the world. She has As I have grown, I have become She is an active member of several of history, and the curiosity of FBLA (Future Business Leaders accepted a spot in the Honors on of the most outgoing people I clubs in her high school, including science. I adore playing my fl ute; of America) State President and Program in Medicine at the know, and can easily relate to the Key Club, Spanish Club, National music is a vital passion in my life. Interact Club President. He loves University of Miami to facilitate majority of the people I encounter. Honor Society, Fellowship of I also spend hours directing and politics and proudly supports her goal of ultimately working Th is revelation was surely a result Christian Athletes, and Student accompanying the Spanish choir at Barack Obama (or Ron Paul) for with Doctors without Borders. of the experiences I have had Congress. She participates in 2 church; service is also my passion. the 2008 Presidential Election. Ishna is also an avid pianist, throughout my life, and the people Varsity sports—swimming and Finally, those countless nights In his free time, Ruchir enjoys violinist, vocalist, and martial who I have encountered as a result. track and fi eld, and has competed studying for tests and completing reading a good book, hanging out artist, and hopes to continue Ranging from my involvement in the State Championships in both assignments and projects cannot with friends, or playing tennis. honing her diverse talents. with SADD, to musical sports. She is actively involved in be forgotten. Academics—the performances, and even my part- First Baptist Church Lawton, and pursuit of further understanding time job, the people I have met works during the summers as a and appreciating the world—is and worked with have truly shaped lifeguard and swim instructor. She one of my greatest passions which the person I have become. lives in Lawton with her parents, I plan to continue for the rest of two brothers, and one pet dog. my life. Brooke’s goals include going to medical school, traveling the world, and becoming fl uent in Spanish.

38 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

Alec J. Slatky Kellyn N. Smith John J. Squiers Andrew J. Stein Julie M. Swenson Massapequa Park, NY, City, MO, Saint Dallas, TX, Cistercian Oxford, MI, Oxford High School Idaho Falls, ID, Hillcrest Massapequa High School Teresa’s Academy Preparatory School College Plans: Harvard College High School College Plans: Princeton College Plans: University of Tulsa College Plans: Princeton College Plans: Brigham University University I am a diverse and inquisitive Young University After four years at St. Teresa’s individual and my innate curiosity I feel I am a well-rounded person. Academy, Kellyn plans to study John is happiest when he is busy. has led me to pursue a wide variety I love life’s simple pleasures. My Academically, I am especially engineering at the University Aside from his studies, John of activities. Whether it is through pastimes include hiking, jogging, interested in political science, of Tulsa. Kellyn began running participated in three varsity sports: academics, the arts or athletics, I and spending an afternoon reading math, and science, and combined competitively at age 6 and has football, baseball, and swimming. have found challenges that have a novel under the warm sun. Of those three fi elds into my science continued to do so ever since, He served as Vice-President of caused me to stretch my limits and course, that can only happen research project about how earning multiple varsity letters for the student council and captained set new goals for myself. I have the few times Idaho gets a warm complex statistical techniques cross-country and track during both the football and baseball been active as captain of Cross- summer sun. Th e fi ckle weather can be used to analyze voters for high school. Kellyn is a four-year teams. John keeps busy during Country, Robotics, and Quiz Bowl has granted me the pleasure of a more accurate representation of math team member and was the the summer by interning at the teams as well as an offi cer in the celebrating a second place fi nish the electorate. Th e project has won 2005-2006 Catholic Schools University of Texas Southwestern National Honor Society. Activities in the State High School Soccer awards at both the local and state Algebra II national champion. As Medical Center, and is a such as playing my trombone in Tournament while watching the levels, and though I never reached a member of the yearbook staff , contributing author of a paper our school jazz band, performing snow fall. Indoors, I have a thirst the national level, I felt a great Kellyn has enjoyed exploring her on dysfunction in hypertension as the lead in Th e Lion, the Witch, for learning and take every chance deal of personal satisfaction in my artistic side through photography which was recently published in a and the Wardrobe, and forming I get to expand my understanding work. Outside of the classroom, and page design. She received an medical journal. John gives back a rock band for the school talent of literature, physics, and I captain my school’s tennis team honorable mention from National to his community by volunteering show have nurtured my creativity. mathematics. I thoroughly enjoyed and play the saxophone in the Scholastic Press Association for as an assistant coach in the While I am extremely involved a recent project studying the marching band, wind ensemble, the 2007 Yearbook Feature Picture program at Prince of with extracurricular activities, aerodynamic capabilities of various and jazz band. A steady job was of the Year. Kellyn served as a Peace School. He received the St. I truly enjoy everything I do, rockets. I love music and volunteer deemed less important than junior and senior class offi cer and Bernard Gold Award, the highest whether it involves a leisurely my time as a church choir pianist. achieving good grades, but I still was involved in Peer Helpers. She honor that can be bestowed by game of baseball with old friends I enjoy debate and received a have worked as a tutor and as a volunteers at St. Luke’s Hospital Cistercian upon a student. John or the gut-wrenching thrill of the Jeff erson Cup at the National camp counselor, both of which and St. Joseph’s Institute for the was also recently honored by the fi nal seconds of an impossibly Forensic League’s National are rewarding because I see kids Deaf, an oral-auditory school Davey O’Brien Foundation as the close Quiz Bowl match. Tournament. Most of all, I enjoy blossom before my very eyes. It’s that serves grade school children winner of its 2007 High School teaching and tutoring others, the no coincidence that I want to who use cochlear implants and/or Scholarship Award. John plans to simple pleasure of knowing that I become a pediatric doctor. hearing aids. study engineering in college and have helped them to increase their hopes to attend medical school in knowledge and grow. the future.

39 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Kenric Tam Catherine M. Tang Bryce D. Tellmann Anthony J. Testa Jennifer E. Triplett Los Altos Hills, CA, Henry M. Gunn East Lyme, CT, East Lyme New Salem, ND, New Wilmington, DE, Charter School Ridgeland, MS, St. Andrew’s High School High School Salem High School of Wilmington Episcopal School College Plans: Harvard College / College Plans: University College Plans: Concordia College Plans: Columbia University College Plans: Tulane University New England Conservatory Double of Pennsylvania University Degree Program Anthony enjoys pursuing diverse I am Italy. Th e azure waves, the Catherine has always been Bryce Tellmann was born and interests, achieving distinction craggy beaches, the museums fi lled Kenric made his debut with the interested in... well, everything. raised on a dairy farm north of the in many facets of his life. He with priceless masterpieces, the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the From academics to music to video rural community of New Salem, complements his goal to excel diverse cultures, the breathtaking Walt Disney Concert Hall in 2006. games, she fi nds vast enjoyment where he has lived all his life. in his endeavors with his strong romance, and the rich history He was the fi rst prizewinner of the in developing an expertise in Bryce is actively involved in his commitment to community all weave eff ortlessly together 2007 Schimmel International Piano almost all activities. She has taken school, community, and church. service. Anthony plans to major to fabricate the Mediterranean Competition, the 2006 “Individualis” advanced level courses in almost He has a fl air for the musical, in chemistry and minor in music paradise, Italy. From the citrus International Music Competition, every subject area off ered in her and plays alto saxophone in the to blend his strong interest in the orchards and Pompeian ruins the 2005 Lennox International school and sought out others that Concert Band, sings tenor in the sciences with his passion for playing in the south to the majestic, Young Artists Competition, weren’t off ered. First a pianist at Concert Choir, is a member of the horn. Th roughout high school, strikingly pristine Alps in the the 2003 Stravinsky Awards a young age, then a violinist, she his church’s choir and bell choir. he was selected for the Delaware north, the Italian geography and International Piano Competition, now serves as the bass section He has assumed a leading role All-State Band and All-State range of cultures correlate to the and the second prizewinner of the leader for her school and was a in the student body, and is the Orchestra and performed with the diverse experiences and interests of 2006 Eastman International Piano member of the 2008 Connecticut President of both Student Council Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, with my life. I, like the Italians embody Competition. Kenric has performed All-State Orchestra. She is a and National Honor Society. whom he toured Brazil in 2007. a vast collection of interests, extensively with such symphonies National Merit Scholar and an Bryce strives to center his life He was a semifi nalist in the USA opinions, and beliefs, and embrace as the Symphony of the Southwest, AP Scholar with Distinction. around Christ and to this end Biology Olympiad and earned my willingness to explore new the Richardson Symphony, the However, her friends and family is deeply involved in Lutheran fi rst place on the National French views and experiences: volleyball, Fremont Symphony, the Peninsula think less of various recognitions Youth Fellowship and the District Exam. Anthony was captain of the Girlchoir, classics, ice cream, Law Symphony, and other San Francisco than for her genuine love of living Youth Council, on which he is the swim team, recently competing at & Order, religious studies, New Bay Area orchestras. In 2007, he and learning. Christian Growth offi cer. Bryce the state championships in which Zealand, family, environmental was the featured soloist touring writes a weekly column for the they placed second statewide. conservation, high school rock Eastern Europe with the San Jose local newspaper in which he off ers He volunteers his time in the bands, scorching summers, Youth Symphony. He has been his opinions and views on various community through the Key Club, constellations, kitschy décor, invited to give solo recitals for the topics ranging from the humorous as well as mentors cognitive and Seinfeld, U2, dream catchers, Braunschweig Classix Festival in to the very serious. learning-disabled children at a local ancient rituals, snow that sticks, Germany, the Steinway Society, elementary school and with the and 1989 Volvo station wagons. and the World Piano Pedagogy Blue-Gold All Star organization. Conference. Kenric studies piano with Hans Boepple, and plans to pursue degrees in biology and piano. 40 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

Corinne Tu Matthew G. Tung Jacob S. Vandermeer Jerry S. Wang Bianca A. Williams Pleasanton, CA, Amador Valley Sharon, MA, Sharon High School Dallas, TX, St. Mark’s School Morgantown, WV, Morgantown Irondale, AL, Jefferson High School College Plans: Harvard College of Texas High School County International College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Stanford University College Plans: Massachusetts Baccalaureate School Matthew is a modern-day Institute of Techonology College Plans: Auburn University Born in Paris and fl uent in French, Renaissance man who takes I am a senior at St. Mark’s School Chinese, and English, Corinne pleasure in achieving balance of Texas interested in the physical I have always prided myself on My experience as an IB student is a creative scholar with diverse among diverse passions. sciences. I play tennis and being a hard worker. Since I was has been very interesting interests. Due to outstanding Academically he pursues biology volleyball on my varsity teams, little, I have watched my parents and challenging as well. I academic and extracurricular by working in a research lab at the and I also compete in each sport work to improve our lives from have participated in many achievements, she is a National Harvard School of Public Health. outside of school. Last year, my living in a tiny apartment in extracurricular activities and Merit Scholar, a National AP He also enjoys history, philosophy club tennis team won the state China to living in a comfortable earned many honors, including Scholar, and an Elks Most Valuable and mathematics. An Olympiad championship, and this year we house in . Th eir being named as an Honor Student. As School Site Council fi nalist, his love for math is are vying for a spot in the national eff orts inspired me to push myself Graduate for the class of 2008. representative, Corinne has helped nurtured as captain of his school competition. Musically, I am and try my best at everything I Th roughout the many sleepless implement after-school tutoring math team. A musician, he has involved in orchestra and choir; do. I have always been good at nights I have endured, I have to close the achievement gap at sung at Boston Symphony Hall I am a member of the Greater academics, however, throughout learned to persevere and see my her high school. Her extensive twice and enjoys accompanying Dallas Youth Orchestra and the my life, I have tried to stay well- task through to the end no matter marketing research and internship himself on the piano. Captain Youth Chorus of Greater Dallas. rounded. I am very active in my how diffi cult or impossible my experiences won her 1st and of his high school baseball team, One of my most memorable community, volunteering as a task may seem (like writing a 2nd place for three consecutive he is a pitcher and infi elder for experiences has been performing tutor and assistant MathCounts 4000 word essay) or how late at years at California State business an American Legion team each in the Dallas Opera as a member coach for the local middle school night/early in the morning) it is. competitions. As captain of her summer. After traveling with the of the children’s chorus, but by kids and as a group leader for the An opportunity that I particularly school’s Varsity Dance Team, Boston Red Sox to Dominican far my favorite musical activity summer National Youth Sports enjoyed was working in a materials Corinne has helped bring her Republic, which sends used is composition. Last summer, I Program. I played on the Varsity engineering lab at the University of community artistic expression. baseball equipment to the D.R. volunteered as a Spanish/English football team, lacrosse team, and Alabama at Birmingham through a Her many talents and public each year, he initiated a baseball translator at North Dallas Shared on a community league basketball program at my school. Outside of speaking crowned her Miss Teen glove drive. He is president of Ministries, a local agency that team. I can play violin, piano, and school I enjoy volunteering at my San Francisco 2007, which she has the National Honor Society and provides emergency aid for needy I was on the school drumline for church’s daycare. As for my free used to expand her community enjoys playing cards and Ultimate families. In the future, I hope to many years. Overall, I feel very time, I haven’t had any since the service with low-income seniors to Frisbee. With the support of attend medical school and perhaps fortunate to be in the position 9th grade. the San Francisco Bay Area. Rotary his loving family and friends he conduct research in my fi eld. I am today. I was very lucky to International of Pleasanton named anticipates a future teeming have a family and community that her a 2007 “Outstanding Student with opportunities. supported me and look forward to with Community Involvement and continuing my success. Academic Achievement.”

41 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Raymond H. Xi Victor W. Yang Anne Z. Ye Conghua (“Martin”) Ye Angela M. Zeng West Chester, OH, Lakota West Lexington, KY, Paul Laurence Little Rock, AR, Central Jenks, OK, Jenks High School Menomonee Falls, WI, Sussex High School Dunbar High School High School College Plans: Harvard College Hamilton High School College Plans: Yale University College Plans: Undecided College Plans: Massachusetts College Plans: University Institute of Technology Conghua and Martin Ye are really of Pennsylvania F. Scott Fitzgerald once wrote, I’m a kid at heart. A kid who two diff erent people. Conghua, “Gatsby believed in the green enjoys Harry Potter, cheeseburgers, “Learn to solve a Rubik’s cube. thanks to China’s One Child Angela’s laughter can be heard light, the orgastic future that year stargazing, board games, laughing, Learn to spin a pencil. Compose Policy, was a spoiled “Little throughout the halls of Hamilton. by year recedes before us. It eluded and friends—a kid who never alternate soundtracks for the Emperor” before a transatlantic Not lacking in strength or us then, but that’s no matter— loses that childhood fascination Harry Potter movies. Learn Java. fl ight, during which he learned to abundance, her laughter acts as her tomorrow we will run faster, with the world. When I was Start domino toppling. Do lots share crayons with equally-bored personal radar system, allowing stretch out our arms farther.” Like younger, I believed that anyone and lots of math.” Th is is only plane-mates, transformed him into any student or faculty member Gatsby’s hopes, my goals have not could do anything: become a a short excerpt from my things- Martin, who is now an amusing to locate her within moments. come easily. I did not begin a great president, travel the globe, or to-do list for this summer. I have and laidback guy and a proud Her sense of humor enables her soccer player; I was not born a save the planet. And yes, I’m still the fortunate, albeit sometimes senior at Jenks High School. At to connect well with the younger natural leader. But in spite of these following that life mantra, albeit frustrating, tendency to fi nd Jenks, Martin involved himself students she teaches through Teen diffi culties, I continued to dream more realistically. Th roughout practically everything fascinating. with perhaps too many activities. Health Crew. Th is organization and to endlessly pursue those high school, I’ve spent weekends Whether I am tutoring freshmen, At times, the student, musician, allows her to help instruct children dreams. I regarded my setbacks at quiz bowl competitions, led explaining my science fair project and athlete within sparred in the Milwaukee region on the not as failures, but as opportunities volunteer music gigs in nursing to judges, volunteering as a violently as math contests, violin importance of healthy decisions. to do better, to improve upon homes, conducted research on church pianist, or teaching myself performances, and tennis duels Involved in her community and myself. And today, I proudly stand treating nicotine addiction, and calculus, it is my passion for my all tried to fi t themselves into the her school, Angela is an avid a State Team soccer player and the learned a nice number of things interests that motivates me to boy’s schedule. Having excelled participant in various activities, president of several extracurricular along the way. My interests range strive to improve. Skeptics remind in many of his interests, Martin is including pioneering an Asian clubs and teams. Like Gatsby, I from neuroscience to English to me of the brevity of summer, very thankful to Jenks and gives Program at her school, which helps “believed in the green light” and music to having a good time, and but even as I acknowledge his appreciation as a mentor to the increase appreciation of diversity. chased it. As I look towards the I plan on all of that in college. the reality check, I am already middle school’s MathCounts team. Incorporating aspects of Hmong future, it is this principle, more Ultimately, whatever I end up looking forward to everything In fact, he is so pro-Jenks that he and Chinese traditions into an than any other, that will guide my doing with my life will involve I have planned for my years at bleeds maroon, the school’s color. engaging, but educational, script upcoming pursuits. service to people—helping college and beyond. Th is is only Luckily, Martin won’t have to dye and performing it in front of the others fi nd the kid inspiration a bright beginning to an entire his blood too drastically as he will whole school presented her with in themselves. life, a life where I can explore become a Harvard Crimson an intimidating, yet rewarding more possibilities and dream next fall. experience. However, in her free more dreams. And start a button time, Angela relaxes by reading collection along the way. books, playing Super Mario Galaxy, and cooking food.

42 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

Julie J. Zhu Christina Zou North Potomac, MD, Potomac, MD, Montgomery Blair Montgomery Blair High School High School College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Harvard College Pause. Pause because that “great” Growing up in the fl uid melting violinist in the subway station pot of cultures that is the might be undiscovered, or a metropolitan Washington D.C. prodigy in disguise. Pause because area, I attended the Science, opportunities drift along every Mathematics, and Computer so often like cool breezes on Science Magnet Program in my hot summer’s days, and they’re high school, where my interests in useless if you don’t notice them. math and biology were nurtured I pause, but not as often as I amid a four-year frenzy of should. I paused after I ran my contests, late nights, and energy fi rst Southern Blot as an intern at drinks. A USAMO qualifi er, I was the National Institutes of Health. actively involved in my school’s I paused after I explained the math team, and served as its relationship between wavelength captain during my senior year. and color to one of my fi fth-grade Extending my love for science students. I didn’t need to; he into the realm of “sport”, I played understood. I paused today when on my school’s Science Bowl and I was painting Michelle. One Ocean Science Bowl teams for more stroke would have ruined the three years, and was captain of painting. I pause when I cartoon a State Science Bowl winning weekly for the Washington Post, team in 2007. I also attended the when I edit articles as co-editor-in- Research Science Institute at MIT, chief of Silver Quest, when I play where I investigated a mechanism volleyball, when I think through of implicit learning. Outside the a math team problem, and when classroom, I’m an enthusiastic I play piano, badly. I am pausing piano player, singer, tutor, and now, and enjoying it. self-professed bookworm. Julie J. Zhu Seasons of Man oil on canvas 24” x 18”

43 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Alabama Colorado Hawaii Jacinth L. Greywoode Sharon E. Beltracchi Christopher W. Burniske Bianca A. Williams Samuel M. Galler Ciera K. Cummings

Alaska Connecticut Idaho Eryn Eby James A. Biondi Alexander R. Johnson Reid J. Magdanz Julian B. Gewirtz Julie M. Swenson 2008 Richard J. Saunders* Americans Abroad Catherine M. Tang Illinois Presidential Brianna G. Fitch Faye G. Cheng John D. Landgraff Delaware John P. Mussman Scholars Dennis F. Meng Arizona Alexia S. Miller Indiana By State Cameron C. Bean Anthony J. Testa Cameron M. Johnstone Yasmine A. Hafi z Grant L. Lin *Presidential Scholars in the Arts Shawn A. Musgrave District of Columbia Elizabeth M. Otto **Presidential Scholars in both the Academic Alison K. Grubbs and the Arts recognition components Arkansas Stephen R. Serene Iowa Cyrus F. Bahrassa Kirsten C. Adam Anne Z. Ye Florida Nolan R. Goeken Anne L. Chen California Kyla D. Horn Kansas Steven M. Chau Mark H. Kavesh Douglas D. Dellinger Senan Ebrahim Joseph C. Parra* Kate M. Falkenstien Jasmine S. Hu* Ravi N. Sankar Justin J. Koh Kentucky Alexandria H. Mitchell* Emilie M. Lyons Junyao Peng* Robert J. Ostrowski Victor W. Yang Kenric Tam* Ishna A. Sharma Corinne Tu

44 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

Louisiana Missouri New York Puerto Rico Utah John G. Burford David A. Levary Lauren R. Lisann Paola Melendez Domínguez Jared T. Bruton Jara A. Crear Kellyn N. Smith Alejandra M. Nasser* Eduardo J. Perez-Torres Adriana Hertel-Wulff Matthew E. Levy Alec J. Slatky Montana Rhode Island Vermont Maine Riley K. Brewer North Carolina Olivia J. Burke William E. Begley Katherine A. Gullick Shauna Milne-Price Kristin J. Hogan Ruchir F. Shah Christopher W. Fitzhugh Zachary K. Hynes Richard Lan Rebecca M. Lee Nebraska South Carolina Maryland Alexander L. Churchill North Dakota Daniel L. DeMars Virginia Alex R. Levy* Nora M. Kovar Devany A. Schulz Mary J. Murphy* Kirsti A. Campbell Jennifer S. Liu* Collin A. Rees Bryce D. Tellmann Kathryn N. Salkowski Jordan D. Pridgen Benjamin B. Lu Michael B. Sagan Julie J. Zhu** Nevada Ohio South Dakota Christina Zou Kristen E. Arn Michael S. Holland* Benjamin R. Kantack Washington Daniel P. Sexton Laney E. Kuenzel Maria J. Skorey Kelvin H. Bates Massachusetts Joanna D. Mitchell* Anisha Gulabani Alison M. Sheppard New Hampshire Raymond H. Xi Tennessee Ari J. Livne* Matthew G. Tung Kelly X. Fox Rachel L. Hawkins Alexander B. Katz Oklahoma Lindsey P. McCloy West Virginia Michigan Brooke E. Sheppard Michael H. Schulson Jenny F. Ma Katie E. Everett New Jersey Conghua (“Martin”) Ye Jerry S. Wang Andrew J. Stein Jenna M. Devine* Texas Luke A. Ginocchio Oregon Christina M. Chang Wisconsin Minnesota Mythili K. Iyer Rebecca A. Anderson** Grantham H. Coleman* Kacey R. Hauk* Nancy G. Dietman Eric I. Dietrich Jamye M. Grant* Travis J. Serebin Grant N. Remmen New Mexico John J. Squiers Angela M. Zeng Alice L. Blumenfeld* Pennsylvania Jacob S. Vandermeer Mississippi Noah E. Fox Anastasia N. Roda Wyoming James K. Craft Megan D. Johnson Benjamin M. Schenkel Erica E. David Jennifer E. Triplett Nickolaus W. Hill

45 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Characterized by their interest in community issues and compassion for those in need, the Presidential Scholars have actively reached out to others. Service has played a signifi cant role in their development and is prominent in their future plans.

Olivia Burke, Rhode Island Christopher Burniske, Hawaii Christina Chang, Texas Faye Cheng, Illinois

Her brown wrinkled face smiled As the helicopter whirs over Th e patient children of eight I was fi rst drawn to the Read to up at me as she clasped my hand. Kaho’olawe, an uninhabited sacred hundred families waited in line Lead organization at my school 2008 Despite the frailty of her stooped Hawaiian island, the hardpan surface to ask Santa Claus for a miracle: because of its emphasis on frame, her grasp was strong void of topsoil and native habitats just one present. Naïvely, I stood education. Weekly, Read to Lead Presidential and genuine. She did not say a glares at me. I begin to understand in the middle of the only holiday organizes groups of high school word; we did not speak the same the destruction 50,000 goats and 50 these families would have, trying “mentors” to read individually language, but as she smiled at years of military bombing incurred to grasp the world’s blatant with elementary school “buddies.” Scholars At Work me I understood her gratitude on the once fl ourishing island. unfairness. I winked across the Jill, my buddy of four years, perfectly. With three of my fellow Yet, there’s hope for Kaho’olawe, table at a pregnant mother, was a shy girl originally adopted project members, I had helped to because 26 other Hawai’i Youth probably two years younger from China. Th e fi rst time we in the Community clear her tiny patch of land atop a Conservation Corps (HYCC) than I, who waited in line. Th e read together, she picked out hill overlooking the ocean on the members and I are traveling to the fourteen-year-old, carefully a picture book, and, while she idyllic but intensely impoverished restricted island for restoration. holding the bulge in her belly, was able to read on her own, she island of Dominica in the West Once everyone arrives, we load bales winked back at me. Innocently, stumbled over some of the words. Indies. Having spent a month on of Pili grass, native A’a’li’i shrubs, I had come to Any Baby Can I did my best to help her sound the island, I hardly considered and organic soil into trucks, then to teach, eager to give of my out the words, and through the the work hard. It was only light head east for planting. Th e work is talents. Th at evening, however, years, I have seen her reading labor, no concrete mixing or arduous as we break hardpan with I fi nally put my own skewed progress tremendously. One trail clearing, and yet she was so pickaxes, carefully plant A’a’li’i, perspective in perspective, and, book that I clearly remember grateful. In her eighties with a and surround it with Pili bales for in my wake, all the Spanish reading with Jill was one that she husband sick in bed, she simply shelter from the harsh wind. As the Club members I had led did the chose. Entitled Kids Like Me In did not have the physical stamina sun sinks we observe the 500 A’a’li’i same. Our superfi cial giving, China, it was a personal account to maintain her gardens and trees. and rudimentary water system we our lighthearted sentiment of of an eight-year-old child who It took us only a morning to constructed, and we all feel hope for charity were now hollow next was adopted from China. As we fi nish the work but the warmth in Kaho’olawe. Kaho’olawe was one to the profound awareness we were reading, I found myself her eyes conveyed her relief and week and 50 hours of service, but the developed. We learned that life tearing up and wondering how intense appreciation. As she held other 5 weeks and 250 hours with is caustic, precious, resilient. I Jill could be so strong as to read my hand, I understood the power HYCC were no diff erent. Whether found myself humbled by the about adoptions very similar to of simple kindness. rebuilding ancient Hawaiian truth: the wise are those who hers and not become emotional. fi shponds or maintaining trails bear life’s suff ering with undying Th rough my experience with Jill, in the Waianae Mountains, every hope in their eyes. I developed I often wonder about our Read to hour I spent with HYCC I poured a deep understanding of the Lead program: who is doing the into saving the environment. Yet, compelling meaning of service, reading, and who is doing HYCC gave even more back to me, one that rippled from me to the leading? as I became an expert on Hawaiian my classmates, and resulted plants and developed strong bonds in benefi ting our neighboring with teenagers from around the community. No individual eff ort islands. My life now revolves around on behalf of others is too small to environmental conservation. make a diff erence. 46 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

Jenna Devine, New Jersey Nancy Dietman, Minnesota Eric Dietrich, Oregon Senan Ebrahim, California Jamye Grant, Texas

Because the arts play a very I have always enjoyed working When I think of community One thing I never imagined Th e current state of the African- important role in my life, one of with kids and was thrilled this service, the fi rst images that come myself doing was stuffi ng massive American community is a state the most rewarding experiences I year to fi nd a service project that to mind are those of physical shipping pallets into a 40’ of disparity. Th is disparity is not have had has been volunteering allowed me to do so. Four days labor: collecting canned food, container. Nevertheless, for the only economic; it is psychological, in the ArtsAccess program at the a week, I tutor at a local public picking up litter, planting native past several years, I have done sentimental and health related as Matheny School in Gladstone, elementary school in the middle of plants in local parks. I’ve come to precisely that while volunteering well. Th ere are minds that cannot New Jersey. Th e Matheny School the day. Two days a week I work realize, however, that my impact at the Hidaya Foundation, a be touched and that have been is a residential program for with Mrs. Long’s fourth grade on my community has been non-profi t organization which destroyed over time, but our children and adults with multiple class, reading aloud, correcting greater in less tangible ways— provides charity both locally in children are Black America’s bright disabilities. ArtsAccess aims to grammar, and practicing through people, especially the the Bay Area and internationally hope. When I was four years old, give students a chance to express vocabulary with the students. young men whose lives I’ve been via shipping eff orts. I began I began attending the S.H.A.P.E themselves through theater. When My other time is spent with new able to touch with my leadership working at the Hidaya warehouse community Center’s Summer I fi rst joined ArtsAccess, I had immigrants from another class. in the scouting program. It’s not in Milpitas, packing containers Enrichment Program. S.H.A.P.E. no idea how the program could Ta Th a Hso, Ismaibel and Reyna the big, fl ashy fundraisers or with clothes, toys, supplies, and stands for Self Help for African work, as most of the students are all spoke almost no English social awareness events that have furniture that were being shipped People through Education. Th e profoundly disabled and some are when I fi rst met them. With my mattered most, I’ve found, but to Pakistan after the devastating center was opened during the civil completely nonverbal. But within limited Spanish and creative hand instead the small, insignifi cant Kashmir earthquake. Working at rights movement of the sixties the fi rst hour of volunteering gestures, we understand each moments of kindness I’ve been the warehouse, though without and has stood strong since. For there, I was moved and inspired other well enough to have learned lucky enough to share with others. a doubt the most physically the past two summers, I worked by the students and the joy they shapes, fractions and counting I’ve lost track of the number of demanding community service and volunteered at this program had in performing. As a volunteer, by fi ves together. Leaving school times I’ve shown frustrated groups I have ever participated in, was because of my belief in its mission. my weekly duties vary. I act as during lunch to see them has of 11 year-olds how to build a also one of the most rewarding No one can rescue my people the voice for nonverbal students, become the highlight of my school cooking table from staves and experiences I have had, so I as quickly and eff ectively as my play improv games, and act in day. Th ey make me feel valued: in rope, or stopped along a trail to immediately signed on to continue people. Th e children that I meet at short scenes. Last year I hosted a turn, I give them the consistency help a struggling young scout to work there. Eyeing the donation the center have such a hunger for Matheny assembly at my school they need. When I started adjust his pack. I do remember, bags piling up in the warehouse love. Th ey may not be the richest, to recruit more volunteers and referring to them as “my fourth however, moments years ago when for months on end, I and other most privileged children but they my drama class performed a play graders”, I realized how diffi cult it older scouts did the same for me, volunteers at Hidaya did our are some of the happiest I have written by a Matheny student. will be to leave them next year. and moments when I’ve watched utmost to get the goods one step ever seen. Every morning I would I love working with ArtsAccess boys I once guided, now young closer to needy families overseas. walk in at 8 a.m. and hear a choir because it allows me to share my men, turn to the next generation Th ough those I help through of small voices singing out, “Sister great love of theater with people and repay the favor. And that, Hidaya live thousands of miles Jamye!” fi lling my heart with love who really need a way to I believe, is the essence of what away, every time I seal a container and confi rming that I am indeed express themselves. service truly is. door, I feel the magnitude of the making a diff erence. impact I can have even from so far away, and I hope the butterfl y eff ect carries the impact of my service across the world.

47 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS AT WORK IN THE COMMUNITY

Jacinth Greywoode, Alabama Rachel Hawkins, Tennessee Cameron Johnstone, Indiana Mark Kavesh, Florida Justin Koh, California

During the summer I am part of the Th is past summer, I traveled to a As a freshman I applied for an For the past four years, I have A heavy box of cabinet parts hit the Nehemiah Center Program, a team rural county in Virginia with my epidemiology mentorship off ered served as a trial attorney both worktable, sending a cloud of dust that manages over forty primary church youth group to participate by the Indiana Health Department’s for the defense and prosecution into my sweaty face. As I headed school children. We begin each day in the Appalachian Service Project. Division of Disease Surveillance. at Polk County Teen Court. back outside to bring another load with breakfast and music time, then We drove many miles into the Th is sparked an interest in public Speaking with defendants about into the warehouse, I wondered provide lunch and various afternoon gorgeous mountains and were health, and I spent the following the circumstances of their actions why I volunteered for the Habitat activities. Some days are club greeted by a retired coal miner, his summers volunteering at the state has compelled me to ponder for Humanity in Bakersfi eld’s 110- days—Boys Looking Out for the wife, their daughter, and one of the and county health departments. not only our legal system but degree heat; my pencil-accustomed boys and Soul Sisters for the girls. six grandchildren who lived there. At the state health department, I how our relationships and values hands were blistered by the heavy Th ese clubs allow us to teach the Th e family’s decrepit trailer was on worked with epidemiologists who infl uence the decisions we make. tools. Th e small house was situated children life skills in a small group one of the most beautiful hillsides manage outbreaks and craft public For example, once I interviewed downtown, a block from graffi ti- setting. On Wonderful Wednesday, I had seen in my life. It was hard health policy. My responsibilities an eighth-grader charged with tagged, dilapidated buildings. we go on fi eld trips to locations to imagine how such poverty and included data entry of case reports grand theft auto. She jadedly When I became involved, the like the Civil Rights Museum. Th e beauty could coexist. We spent and assembling training binders admitted to sneaking out of her framework and walls had been bonds I forge with these children many hot, humid hours in the sun, for biohazard responses. For the house, stealing her parents’ car, and erected, but the lot still required draw me back to the Center each hammering boards, raising walls, county I worked on Summer crashing it into a telephone pole. I leveling. As I paused from shoveling summer. Each year I notice a drastic and chasing away wasps. But the Health Assessment Program realized that many of her problems hard-packed dirt to wipe sweat change: the children grow in respect best part of each day was when the and Education (SHAPE), which stemmed from her inability to from my eyes, a boy tapped my for authority and, more importantly, fi ve younger children came home provided free medical screenings stand up for her interests against arm, holding a cup of lemonade in respect for themselves. I see that from school. I found that the most to local underprivileged youth. At the chaotic swirl of infl uences that for me. After I took the cup and the Nehemiah children only need rewarding part of the whole trip was Project SHAPE I supervised groups surrounded her. Th e jury could thanked him, he happily skipped a chance to express the best that is the time I spent with those children. of children undergoing health recommend everything in its into his new home. As I drank, already within them. I’ve come to Th ey were so starved for attention assessments. Th e second year my power and yet this girl’s future lay I shared his joy; with a surge of realize that my primary job at the and love that they begged us to role expanded to include managing in her willingness to sort positive energy, I found that shoveling Center is to be an unconditional stay and play instead of going back the paperwork in the dental unit from negative infl uences in her had never been so exciting. source of aff ection and support in to work. What surprised me the and assisting families in fi nding environment. Volunteering at Teen Although working with Habitat the lives of these young children. To most about last summer was that follow-up care through Medicaid. Court imparts to me a sense of was not long-lived, it was my most know that my input eff ects a positive my trip to Appalachia was not just Last year I attended a Telluride fulfi llment and to my community powerful community experience. change that will make a lasting about repairing homes. I learned Association seminary on urban the hope of a socially-conscious It empowered me to believe impact in the children’s lives brings that it is far more meaningful to poverty in St. Louis. Much of what younger generation. Rather than that I do not need to perform me unimaginable joy. do something small with great love we studied relates directly to the being stigmatized by their wrongs near-impossible tasks to make a than to do something great without entrenched inequalities I observed through adulthood, the defendants diff erence; even my inexperienced any heart. within my own community at I encounter receive the opportunity hands were needed – the confi dence Project SHAPE. Th ese volunteer to preserve their aspirations. In and social awareness I gained made experiences taught me the personal the process, I encourage them to me rich. rewards of helping others, and contemplate their crimes’ impact about the daunting challenge of on their families and on society. providing equitable health care to all Participating in Teen Court has Americans. In college I plan to study left me with a strong sense of Public Health and Urban Planning. accomplishment, and I plan to continue making a diff erence in the lives of others.

48 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

Laney Kuenzel, Ohio John Landgraff, Matthew Levy, Louisiana Grant Lin, Indiana Lauren Lisann, New York Marshall Islands Many young students struggle Last August, I traveled to During the past four years, I have As an offi cer of the Dix Hills Fire to master reading or arithmetic. Last year I traveled to the island Nicaragua and assisted the poorest been deeply involved in Key Club Department Juniors Program For children who have trouble of Enniburr to look at a possible of the poor in that country. In the International, an organization throughout high school, I have understanding English, these Eagle Scout service project. I process of digging latrines, mixing that has served as the catalyst to been able to organize many already challenging subjects had heard about a small school concrete, and building homes, I my leadership development and fundraisers to help the local become almost impossible building on the island that served was able to truly appreciate the participation in, and appreciation community and the larger to learn. Two years ago, this as a seventh and eighth grade power of hard work and service for, all forms of community community of the United States. thought prompted me to begin school and as a teacher’s house. done freely with love. Th ough I service. Th rough my involvement, Th e fi rst fundraising carwash volunteering as an ESL (English Th e building was in very poor was unable to communicate well I had the opportunity to travel to I initiated was held soon after as a Second Language) tutor for repair. Th e thin plywood walls of with the local people, my actions Uganda with Building Tomorrow Hurricane Katrina hit in order Spanish-speaking students at the building were rotted in many showed them what I believed at and seven Key Clubbers to to raise money for its victims. a public elementary school in places and the supporting studs my core, and they welcomed me help lay the foundations of a Th e incredible success of this fi rst Cleveland. Every week, I help had notable damage. I decided into their homes and their lives. new school which would give carwash motivated me hold others, kindergartners through fourth that the only solution was to It was in this country foreign to rural village children access to including one to raise money for graders develop their English replace them with new weather nearly everything I knew that I education. Knowing this, I went video games and Nintendo sets to reading, writing, and speaking resistant plywood and fresh paint. fi rst clearly glimpsed the universal to Uganda envisioning our team donate to the children’s hospital skills. Th e job is certainly a Over the next four months I spent language of love. as the teachers and bringers of of the Long Island Jewish Medical diffi cult one. I leave every tutoring over two-hundred hours planning education, yet the most amazing Center. Furthermore, through the session exhausted from trying the project. After raising thirty- aspect of the whole trip were the Ride-Along Program at the fi re to make my lessons interesting six hundred dollars to fund the simple life lessons we learned department, I have assisted EMTs enough to keep the children project and over fi ve hundred from the children of the village. on the ambulance and also help engaged after a long day of school. man hours, the renovations to Everyone greeted us with a huge to comfort patients. Additionally, I have to think hard to devise the school were complete. After smile, despite their impoverished I participate in the Open House creative and eff ective approaches completing my project, I wanted circumstances. Th e kids were event, which serves to educate to help my students review the to do more because the island does inspired by the prospect of a children in the community on alphabet, sound out long words, not have access to school supplies new school. One young boy, for fi re and motor vehicle safety or keep their English and Spanish and other necessities for education. instance, told us about his dreams procedures. My desire to become vowel sounds straight. Th ough Recently two of the other service of becoming an aeronautical a physician, my experiences diffi cult, my tutoring job has been organizations that I am a member engineer, which would never have shadowing surgeons in hospitals, incredibly rewarding. I gladly of, NHS and Keystone, decided to been possible without a school in and my more fundamental volunteer my time and energy in do a service project on Enniburr, his area. Looking back, the whole aspiration of being able to restore exchange for the enthusiastic hugs and I volunteered to head the experience helped me realize that the health of affl icted individuals I get when I arrive each week, the planning. I am confi dent that this the magic in service does not just have driven me to these pursuits. colorful drawings my students project can enable the children lie in how much we do to help have given me, and the steady of Enniburr to succeed and help others, but how much they can progress I have proudly watched advance the Marshall Islands. do to help us appreciate life each of them make. and blessings.

49 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS AT WORK IN THE COMMUNITY

Mary Murphy, Robert Ostrowski, Georgia Eduardo Pérez- Grant Remmen, Minnesota Travis Serebin, Wisconsin South Carolina Torres, Puerto Rico Two summers ago, at the conclusion I believe that literacy is of After only a few times volunteering Most of my work in the of my mission trip to Nicaragua, I My community – in the form enormous importance to a child’s at Rockfi eld Elementary School, community has been with children, traded hats with a villager named of my family, my teachers, and education. Because of my strong it became diffi cult to tell who trying to prepare them for the Juan. More than just souveneirs, my peers – has given me many belief in the power of reading, I enjoyed it more, the second world that waits for them. Recently, the hats were a symbol of all that gifts such as chances to travel the feel that the Literacy Outreach graders or myself. I know that though, I became very aware of the we had learned from each other in world, a higher self-esteem, and program, sponsored by my high I have been blessed with many role that ethanol was playing as a a short ten day period. When I fi rst fellow mathematics enthusiasts off school Key Club, is of immense gifts when it comes to academics, fuel alternative. After researching met Juan, it was apparent that we of whom to grow. It has done so community importance. Th rough and the opportunity to give the subject, I decided that it was were two very diff erent people. We through the opportunities it has this program, we purchased books back and help younger students most important to begin with spoke diff erent languages, lived in provided in competitive math. In to give to all of the kindergarten has been extremely rewarding. trying to cut out the consumption diff erent countries, and had wildly September, 2007, I decided that students in my community. In Every Monday, I visit a second of fuel. Ethanol can’t be a solution diff erent concerns in life: while the it was time to give it all back. I addition to participating in raising grade classroom and often times with rising food prices. I’ve spent extent of my worries was getting soon came upon a middle school funds to purchase the books for work with a number of students the last two months working a “B” on a math test, Juan was called Nuestra Señora del Carmen the Literacy Outreach program, I individually. Our activities vary through my school and the city of busy worrying if he would have whose students had never heard assisted in selecting educationally from week to week, from reading Greenville to bring together two enough money to feed his family- of math competitions, let alone rewarding, yet entertaining, stories to telling time, but we things I care about. Th e goal is -and we were both only sixteen! had the opportunity to participate literature that would captivate always seem to enjoy ourselves. to promote public transportation Nevertheless, sweating together and in one. I decided to gather fellow and inspire young minds. I Of course, second grade students by encouraging young people laughing together as we built his math competitors and create chose books on the solar system, always have a story to tell, and it is to ride the buses, which in turn future home, I came to realize that weekly classes in which we would dinosaurs, and other subjects to sometimes a challenge to keep on will bring more funds to the bus Juan and I did share one thing in teach interested children skills broaden the horizons of young task. As an older student, I try to system to expand routes and raise common: hope. Juan’s hope was that essential, not only to mathematics readers. Furthermore, I volunteered set an example for the kids I work effi ciency. We’re hoping to hold his wife and daughter would one competitions, but also to life. in delivering the books to the with and hopefully give them a our fi rst benefi t in June, at which day enjoy the comfort and security When I came into the fi rst class, elementary schools, spending time little extra practice to make sure time we will be able to bring media of a home, and my hope was that the children’s faces glowing in with the young students in helping the concept sticks. I look forward attention to the situation and teach I would leave that week knowing anticipation left me awestruck them discover the joy of reading. I to the time I spend there each young teenagers how to use the my actions had changed someone’s before I could even begin to talk enjoy working with young students and every week and cannot help buses and how to be safe about it. life forever. Because Juan and I about integers. After three months and seeing the delight in their leaving with a smile on my face. I I hope that by starting with the overcame the superfi cialities of our of classes, I gave the children the faces as they fi nd the excitement of only hope the second graders feel teenagers, the types of people riding diff erences, we were able to work entrance exam to the Puerto Rican learning to read. By reading to the the same way. the bus can eventually expand together to build not just a home, Math Olympiads in which many children and then helping them to to those of all age groups but also a brighter future. fl ourished and passed on to the read themselves, I aided in ensuring and ethnicities. next round. It was an incomparable that my community will have a pleasure to introduce these bright literary future. children into a world fi lled with opportunities for both fun and work: the world of math.

50 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

Kellyn Smith, Missouri John Squiers, Texas Matthew Tung, Victor Yang, Kentucky Julie Zhu, Maryland Massachusetts For the past two years, I have I have spent many rewarding hours A mist splatters over the Jose reluctantly puts his hand on volunteered with St. Joseph’s volunteering as a MathCounts Ironically, it was my brother, a whiteboard and creates streams the Van De Graaf Generator. As Institute for the Deaf, an coach for middle-school students Yankees fan, who fi rst learned of water running down the glossy his fl oppy, brown hair stands on oral-auditory school serving over the last several years. My about the Lindos Sueños surface. “Th at’s what happens end, electrifi ed, the rest of my grade school children who are favorite community service, (“Beautiful Dreams”) program when you go ACHOO and don’t fi fth grade audience breaks into profoundly deaf and use cochlear however, is defi nitely hosting very sponsored by the Boston Red Sox cover your mouth. Germs go all laughter. “Electrons leapt from implants and/or hearing aids. I special semi-annual dances held at organization. During the summer over.” I smile and put the spray can the generator’s hollow metal admire St. Joe’s mission because my school. Th ese are not typical of 2005, I was chosen to travel to down on the table. “Does anyone casing onto Jose’s body,” I explain. of the emphasis the school places high school dances; the focus is the Dominican Republic to join know what you’re supposed to do “His hair went crazy because on preparing the children to never on dressing up or impressing forces with Dominican teens to instead?” Kindergarten hands shoot electrons repel...remember last have the necessary language, one’s date. Rather, our attention play baseball and build a baseball into the air: “Turn away…Use your month’s lesson? Now who wants developmental, and academic skills is centered on entertaining our fi eld in the impoverished town of hand!” “Take a tissue!” Our school’s to go next?” “Oh me, me!” they to “mainstream” into traditional guests from the Down Syndrome el Mamon. Since more than half of Red Cross Club was conducting scream. My physics teacher, Mr. classrooms. It is easy to forget that Guild of Dallas. Th ese young men the men were unemployed, we also a Scrubby Bear program to teach Donaldson, and I laugh, before these children have a condition and women join us for an evening volunteered in the day care center proper hygiene habits, complete reminding the kids about repulsion that makes them diff erent from of dancing, food, and games. Th eir allowing those mother’s who did with coloring sheets, songs, and and attraction of particles. But we other children. In class, there has presence is joyful and cannot help have a job to work. Although even award certifi cates. I love can’t shock knowledge into the never been a time when one of but put a smile on everyone’s face. baseball is a passion in the these kinds of people-interactive students of Highland Elementary the kids did not put forth full Our guests teach us what is truly Dominican Republic, few children activities that I’ve pursued with every month we volunteer to eff ort to try to improve his or important in life. Th ese kids are had a baseball mitt or ball. After the Red Cross. We’ve thrown teach physics. Sure, they’ll forget her speech. Th e kids at St. Joe’s not the least bit shy to show off a returning to the United States, I Christmas parties for local veterans, about electrons after recess, but are truly talented students and new dance move or ask someone began “Mitts Across the Miles” collected 1000+ donated coats it is their enjoyment of learning amazing models of persistence and to dance. Th ey are not concerned a program to send used baseball to charities, and raised over one that will last. Who knows, all this hard work. I am glad to have had about looking good or being cool, gloves and equipment to that hundred pounds of toys for the excitement might spark the kids’ the opportunity to work and learn for they have come to our dance country. I collected equipment Lexington community. Our club interest in science and inspire them with them. to have fun. Serving at these through the various teams and devotes itself to bettering the lives to teach others. And as I watch dances, I am always able to shift training facilities that I was of others in a way that couldn’t be Jose experiment with the generator, the focus away from myself and affi liated with, but also received done without this spirit of service. it’s easy to imagine him standing onto our guests. Because I am less mitts from across the country. I’m proud to be a part of the Red in my place, “shocking” the next concerned about having a good Th rough these eff orts, some of the Cross’s humanitarian tradition; in generation of curious fi fth graders. time than entertaining our most disadvantaged towns have just four years, I’ve blossomed from fun-loving guests, I actually been able to start Little League a shy freshman to a volunteer not have a better time at the DSG teams. Baseball has been such an afraid to spearhead new ideas and Dances than at our traditional important part of my life and spread my enthusiasm to friends. school dances. I am so happy that I have been As the motto says, “Together, we able to allow other children to can save a life.” experience the joy of playing this wonderful sport.

51 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Each Presidential Scholar presents the program’s Teacher Recognition Award to the one teacher, counselor, or school administrator who has been his or her greatest infl uence and inspiration. Every day, in classrooms across the country, these educators prove the power of excellent teaching to help guide young lives toward the realization of their true potential and the fulfi llment of their highest aims. 2008 Yousef Abbas (VA) Mark Ballerini (NY) Judith Bond (FL) Presidential Scholars Mathematics Science Research Chemistry John Handley High School Massapequa High School Bartow High School International Baccalaureate Program Teacher Recognition Lindsay Aegerter (WA) Walter Bartman (MD) Jorge Roberto Borda (ME) English Visual Arts Awardees Lakeside School Montgomery Blair High School Mathematics Yarmouth High School *Teacher nominated by more Brian Agar (MI) David A. Bear (OK) than one Scholar in 2008 Elizabeth C. Botzner (OH) Chemistry Economics, Calculus Oxford High School Eisenhower Senior High School Mathematics Lakota West High School Debbie Anderson (AL) Adam L. Bergeron (MO) Noel Breger (DE) Chemistry Biology Jeff erson County International Parkway Central High School History Baccalaureate School Archmere Academy Brian Bergeron (CT) Alan Austin (AZ) William Archer Brown (VA) Mathematics English Literature East Lyme High School History (Retired) Xavier College Preparatory Hans Boepple (CA) Robert P. Caldwell (ID) Frank Baker (AR) Piano Mathematics Math (Retired) Santa Clara University Meridian Charter High School

George Carr (SC) Mathematics St. Joseph’s Catholic School

52 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

Gerard Casanova (CT) Jeff Courtright (IA) Emmett Donegan (RI) Andreas Gebauer (CA) Tonhu Hoang (MA) History Biology Biology Chemistry French Hopkins School Fairfi eld Community High School Barrington High School California State Concord Academy University-Bakersfi eld Jamie Champlin (IN) Jerry D. Cowan (UT) Kristi O’Connell Edward M. Hogan (MI) Ekroth (SD) Scott E. Ginger (NV) Physics Physical Education Th eology Columbus North High School Duchesne High School English Forensics Duchesne Academy of the Yankton High School Green Valley High School Sacred Heart Richard Cionco (CA) Jim Cuellar (IN) Ethan Estey (AZ) Ned Granville (GA) Beti Holcombe (MO) Piano Psychology California State Lawrence North High School AP U.S. History Biology Mathematics University-Sacramento Canyon del Oro High School Roswell High School Clay-Platte Children’s House Martha Cushman (NC) Montessori School Ellen Cohen (LA) Andrew Evans (OR) Kathryn F. Gray (OR) Latin Michael Hu (HI) Spanish Charlotte Catholic High School English Violin Metairie Park Country Day School Beaverton High School Oregon Symphony, Private Studio AP Chemistry Elizabeth J. David (WY) Punahou School Karen Collins (MT) Robbie Everett (AK) Jan A. Guffi n (IN) Science Christine Hunnicutt (NE) Mathematics Pinedale High School Biology Philosophy of Knowledge White Sulphur Springs Kotzebue High School Park Tudor School English High School Leticia Alonso de Kearney High School Lozano (CO) James C. Foley (MS) Durrell “Butch” Hamm (KY) Frances Rivera Colón (PR) Jana Iampietro (MA) Spanish Literature U.S. History English Biology Boulder High School St. Andrew’s Episcopal School Larry Ryle High School English Caribbean School Whitman-Hanson Regional Amanda DePriest (MO) Ricardo E. Fullerton Daniel Haskell (ME) High School Maureen Conway (MN) (Marshall Islands) Visual Art Th eology William Johnson (VT) American History Louisiana High School Social Studies Cheverus High School Mounds Park Academy Kwajalein Junior-Senior English James Dixon (MA) High School Alicia Head (CA) St. Johnsbury Academy Lisa Conzemius (MN) Biology Ballet Maria del Carmen Don Johnston (NV) Mathematics Sharon High School Garcia (NM) Maple Conservatory of Dance Detroit Lakes High School Mathematics (Retired) Robert Donaldson (MD) Advanced Education Services Las Cruces High School Physics Montgomery Blair High School

53 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS TEACHER RECOGNITION AWARDEES

Jay Kauka (HI) Joshua Knox (VT) Kathy M. Littlefi eld (MN) Mark Misage (TX) Chrysi K. Notskas (NY) Advanced Placement Psychology Latin World History, Psychology AP Physics Mathematics, Science Research Kamehameha Secondary Essex High School Shanley High School Westlake High School Half Hollow Hills High School-Kapalama School West Judith E. Kroll (SD) Marilyn Lubarsky (CA) Mortimer Mishkin (MD) Thomas M. Keating (NJ) Gregory L. Novinski (TX) Debate Government/European History Cognitive Neuroscience English Brookings High School Upland High School National Institutes of Health Mathematics Pingry School Cistercian Preparatory School Steven Krueger (FL) Susan Hawn Gino Molfi no (MD) Robert R. Keeney Jr. (NM) Magedanz (KY) Cynthia Ogden (TX) * English Art Mathematics Trinity Preparatory School Mathematics River Hill High School Th eatre Arts Rio Rancho High School Paul Laurence Dunbar Th e High School for Performing Sara Krueger-Zuengler (WI) High School William R. Monahan (WA) & Visual Arts Catherine Kennedy (DE) English (Argumentation/ Biology Joseph Maley (VT) Elizabeth Otani (VA) French ) Eastlake High School Charter School of Wilmington Germantown High School History English South Burlington High School Jennifer P. Moore (TN) Herndon High School Silvia Kenneweg (OH) Jane J. Larke (WV) Mathematics Scott McCord (FL) Marilynn Rose Pedek (FL) Spanish Chemistry Gallatin High School Hathaway Brown School Morgantown High School Chemistry Chemistry Cocoa Beach Junior/Senior Alice Nagel (NY) Suncoast Community Eric Kincaid (WV) Michele Larkin- High School Drama High School Wagner (MN) AP Biology LaGuardia High School of Music, Daniel McGovern (NJ) James Penn (WI) Morgantown High School Dance Performance/Choreography Art, and Performing Arts Larkin Dance Studio Physics Communication Arts Vasantha Kittappa (PA) Noël Nelson (AK) Hamilton High School Carol Yovanovich Bobbie McGowan (DE) Biology Spanish (Retired) Lehman (OK) Leona Penner (NE) Lancaster Catholic High School English Orchestra Charter School of Wilmington John Noland (NC) Mathematics Cyndi Knodle (IL) Jenks High School Mathematics Lincoln East High School Mark McVicker (Belgium) English William G. Enloe Gifted & Nino Leselidze (MD) Orlene M. Perritt (WY) Hinsdale Township High Science Talented Magnet High School School Central Digital Filmmaking Brussels American High School Fourth grade (Retired) Carver Center for Arts and Technology

54 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

Henry A. Ploegstra (TX) Rafael D. San Juan (IL) Annice Steadman (AR) Chester Tylinski (IL) Ramsay Westgate (CA) English Spanish Biology Latin Social Sciences St. Mark’s School of Texas South View Middle School Central High School Northside College Preparatory Harker School High School Seth C. Potter (CT) Don M. Schawang (KS) David Stern (MA) Daniel Whitely (OH) Terence A. Vogel (MI) Th eatre English Chemistry Visual Art Brunswick School Bishop Seabury Academy Phillips Academy Latin, English Shaker Heights High School Ann Arbor-Huron High School Michele Radio (KS) Larry Scheffl er (OR) Patrick Sullivan (RI) Elli M. Wiemers (IA) Lois Voorhees (PA) Gifted Education Chemistry History Mathematics Blue Valley North High School Lincoln High School Barrington High School Chemistry Spencer High School Moravian Academy Patsy Ricks (MS) Doug Shenkle (MT) Janet Tedesco (LA) John T. Wilkes (VA) Rex Waddingham (ND) Latin Chemistry Geometry History St. Andrew’s Episcopal School Helena High School Archbishop Rummel High School Band, Choir Maggie L. Walker New Salem High School Governor’s School Joseph Riener (DC) Barbara Shinn (AL) Mitzi Terry (TN) Amy Walker (ID) Connie Willson (CA) English Piano Performance and Th eory AP U.S. History Woodrow Wilson Senior Samford University, Private Studio Franklin High School Debate English High School Hillcrest High School Lynbrook High School Cathy Whitten Sledge (LA) Eric Thiel (CA) Nedra Roberts (GA) Eric Walstein (MD) Mary “Molly” S. American Literature/Gifted and Biology Worner (CO) English Talented Amador Valley High School Mathematics Th e Westminster Schools Caddo Parish Magnet High School Montgomery Blair High School Talented and Gifted Education John M. Timm (OH) Prairie Hills Elementary School Evelyn Rodriguez (PR) Joan Snyder (AZ) Ashley Warlick (SC) Irish Dance Stuart Younse (CT) English Literature English Th e Richens/Timm Academy Creative Nonfi ction Academia San Jose High School Mountain View High School of Irish Dance South Carolina Governor’s School Chorale Director for Arts & Humanities Simsbury High School Constance Rudy (FL) DeAnna Stallings (UT) John Truitt (NM) Chris Watkins (TN) Zitta Zohar (NY) Visual Arts-Painting AP English Music Dreyfoos School of the Arts Logan High School Albuquerque Academy English Music - Piano Baylor School Private Studio

55 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Each year we ask our distinguished teachers to describe what they enjoy about teaching, or to recount an incident that has given them a sense of pride in their work. Clearly the Scholars’ great gratitude for these exceptional teachers is matched only by the teachers’ devotion to challenging, motivating, and supporting the students entrusted to their care, and their joy in watching those students take fl ight. 2008

Teacher Recognition Yousef Abbas, Virginia Brian Agar, Michigan Mark Ballerini, New York As a teacher, I’m profoundly Late in my career, I see that What’s more inspiring than a Awardees Refl ect grateful for the opportunity to teaching involves the joy of shared person with purpose? I fi nd help learners shape their own discovery and growth, especially no shortage of inspiration and intellectual wealth. I work to when scientifi c advancements satisfaction in working with on Teaching promote students’ responsibility provide new and practical students to fi nd an intrinsic for learning and inspire courage applications to intrigue students. purpose in a world of possibilities. to grow intellectually, with the Th e core ideas of a subject taught As a science research teacher, I don’t ultimate goal of always being able for so many years become fresh impart knowledge ... I try to incite to do something that exceeds my again as each new group explores a passion for critical thinking previous abilities—to and is enlightened. and exploration. keep learning. Alan Austin, Arizona Walter Bartman, Maryland Lindsay Aegerter, Having enjoyed the privilege for “It is the invisible that needs to be Washington forty years of teaching the brightest found, not the visible.” My life’s I am so moved by the power of and the best on three continents, I search has been to fi nd the invisible language to inspire and provoke; am deeply aware that our survival through the clues of the visible. literature allows us to explore and depends on how well we educate Th at is why the visual arts have so imagine awesome complexities, our best students in the political, much meaning; they are my bridge contradictions, and opportunities. I geographical and economic realities to understanding. strive for a spirit of mutual respect facing the world. Th ese young and inquiry in my classes, and I women and men are our hope. hope to foster authentic experience and expression in my students.

56 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

David A. Bear, Oklahoma Brian Bergeron, Judith Bond, Florida William Archer Jamie Champlin, Indiana Connecticut Brown, Virginia Th e most signifi cant reward I Students are the inspiration, the It is a privilege to teach young fi nd in teaching is the success of I really love the interaction that motivation, and the love that My career choice was inspired adults because they are full of my students. From helping a occurs in and out of the classroom. inspires us to do our best for by compassionate teachers who excitement, enthusiasm, questions, struggling Algebra I student solve Building a rapport and having them. Th ere is nothing better in employed their skills to guide laughter, and hope. As humans we an equation, to challenging my students feel comfortable when the world than seeing that look me through subjects I found have been allotted a fi nite gift of Advanced Placement Calculus and coming in for extra help is what in your students’ eyes as you help diffi cult, to nurture my intellectual time, which should never be taken Economics students to integrate I enjoy the most. Seeing students them to understand a diffi cult passions, and to honor my search for granted. Th e time I spend with multiple concepts; my personal succeed afterwards always brings a concept. What a rush! for meaning. My own students’ and preparing for my students is motivation is always driven by smile to my face. energetic curiosity and the very rewarding. their accomplishments. Jorge Roberto generous support of colleagues Hans Boepple, California Borda, Maine sustained me professionally. Richard Cionco, California Adam L. Bergeron, A moment can come when My goal as a teacher is to guide Teaching is the joyful act of Missouri George Carr, something distinctly personal my students in their exploration inspiring another to want to learn. South Carolina My motivation to continue occurs in a student’s playing, and discovery of new concepts. In Music, there is a tradition teaching lies in the minds of something spontaneous and Having taught for fi fteen years, My greatest motivation each year of teaching that includes great students who have convinced moving. It may be a sudden my passions are to inspire, to is the students and their desire to masters such as Haydn, Beethoven, themselves that science is too dynamic change that really packs encourage, and to challenge my learn. It encourages me to work Czerny, Liszt, etc. Connecting challenging, abstract, or irrelevant. a punch, or a simple phrase students to strive for excellence. that much harder to get them to a student to this tradition helps Each and every day I attempt to ending that melts me. When such My motto in my math classes is the next level of understanding. the student connect with a bigger tear down these preconceptions moments become more common, “Have fun with math!” Also, since I did not have the idea than that of their immediate and create an atmosphere that I know that the student has opportunity to take AP math world. When teaching a subject is conducive to enhancing one’s crossed a line, and that music has Elizabeth C. Botzner, Ohio courses, I want my students to as rich as Art or Music, resources understanding of scientifi c found a unique place in his outer My job is to help all my students understand the tremendous gift seem infi nite, always informing, principles and concepts. and inner life, and will be there for achieve to their fullest potential. they have been given. challenging and motivating. the rest of his life. With scholars like Ray Xi that Ellen Cohen, Louisiana is an easy task. Ray is one of the brightest, most caring young men No two days are ever alike for I have ever had the privilege to a teacher, which is why I look teach. I am honored and humbled forward to going to school each to be chosen by him to receive day. I enjoy helping individual the Presidential Scholars’ Teacher students form a group dynamic Recognition Award. that allows each student to achieve great things in Spanish class and beyond.

57 TEACHER RECOGNITION AWARDEES 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS REFLECT ON TEACHING

Karen Collins, Montana Jim Cuellar, Indiana Leticia Alonso de Emmett Donegan, Robbie Everett, Alaska Lozano, Colorado Rhode Island I love teaching because I love kids. I really enjoy introducing students What motivates me is helping All teachers know that the sparkle to psychological science because It has been a great joy to teach What I enjoy most about teaching students recognize and then of understanding that happens it is something that most students students from both ends of the is watching young adults realize the reach for their potential, and when a student fi nally gets that have never studied before, so it educational spectrum, the elite same fascination and wonderment then attempt things that they tough concept is priceless. My goal is all new knowledge. Observing in the AP classes and the Latino for the biological world that my have never dreamed that they is for students to not dread coming students utilize what they have students at risk of dropping out. own teachers instilled within could accomplish. Th is can be to my class, even if math is not learned to explain behavior, social Inspiring all students to reach their me. When I am able to motivate accomplished in any school setting, their thing. environments, and the events goals and go beyond, be it high students to strive for their full whether one teaches in urban relevant to their lives gives me a school graduation or Presidential potential; that is an awesome schools, suburban schools, rural Frances Rivera Colón, great deal of satisfaction. Scholars, is a teacher’s teaching moment! schools, or even Arctic “bush” Puerto Rico greatest reward. Alaska schools. Martha Cushman, Kristi O’Connell Ekroth, Th ere are many reasons why I North Carolina Amanda DePriest, Missouri South Dakota James C. Foley, Mississippi enjoy teaching, among the most important of which are the kids, Th e dynamics of the classroom Teaching is a very demanding career Great literature illuminates life, What I enjoy most about teaching and the constant learning about a have motivated me to teach Latin but also the most rewarding. Th e challenging us to refl ect and grow. is working with my students as subject that I love. Being a teacher and French for over 35 years. It is a gift begins the moment a student I encourage students to make this we make our journey through is about creating a special moment daily privilege to pass on to the next discovers himself. Th e simple thank connection and I enjoy watching American history each year. I fi nd when I see that my students are generation what I feel passionate you for having an infl uence on their them fi nd their place in life. it rewarding when students master enjoying learning, and I make a about, especially within a faithful life is well worth all the challenges. Ultimately, teaching is about our material that they had found diff erence in their lives. community whose mission is to call relationships with students--we diffi cult to understand. In addition, forth the best from both teachers James Dixon, Massachusetts learn from each other. I feel blessed I enjoy watching them gain self- Jeff Courtright, Iowa and students. Teaching is about helping each to be a part of their journey. Th ank confi dence in their abilities and in I believe that individuals who student to reach his or her you, Maria. themselves as they make their way Elizabeth J. David, possess a strong desire, work ethic, potential. Whether it is helping through high school. Wyoming Andrew Evans, Oregon and belief in themselves can achieve a student achieve a Presidential great things. People with these Teaching for me is the daily Scholarship or hearing a student My father taught me the attributes have kept our nation challenge of “setting the stage, in a modifi ed level science class say importance of creating a thriving and advancing. I take providing the opportunities, that she, “never thought someone community within the classroom. great pride in being part of a preparing the experiments, fi nding like me could learn stuff like this,” My sophomore English teacher profession that instills these just the right fi eld trip” that will every student’s achievement is conveyed humor and passion. characteristics in today’s youth, stick with students to inspire our achievement. My teaching colleague Laura ensuring tomorrow’s future. them to be curious, seek further demonstrated the value of taking knowledge, perfect their skills, risks. My mother, who recently and reach out with creativity and died, established the importance further questions! of creating a legacy. I hope to inspire these same qualities in my students.

58 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

Ricardo E. Fullerton, Andreas Gebauer, Ned Granville, Georgia Durrell “Butch” Edward M. Hogan, Marshall Islands California Hamm, Kentucky Michigan Mentoring students and helping I enjoy the challenges of working My teaching goal is to provide them foster a true love for biology I fi nd myself stooped in the When the deepest questions of with young people and actively students with a solid foundation is my biggest motivation. Th eir grandeur of the youth culture a student meet the wisdom of facilitating their all-around in science and to prepare scholars realization that the work to solve learning with my students, for the Christian tradition, and the development. Every day is to contribute to the advancement a problem is fun is when I know teaching serves as the best conduit combined energy of question and diff erent, with new challenges and of human knowledge. Towards that they are developing a joy for maintaining youthfulness and answer draws both student and opportunities, as well as laughter. this end, I incorporate diff erent of learning. Th ese skills transfer understanding. Th us the mantra teacher closer to Christ and to the I am fortunate in that I still view theoretical and practical tools to allow individual growth and of my teaching is as follows: truth…I live for that. teaching as something I get to do, into the classroom and laboratory confi dence, which is my “qui docet discit” – or he who rather than something I have to reach students’ varying greatest reward. teaches learns. Michael Hu, Hawaii to do. ways of acquiring and I do three things at school. I think Kathryn F. Gray, Oregon Daniel Haskell, Maine processing knowledge. with clarity, live with passion, and Maria del Carmen Music is the wordless language When someone possesses the soar with imagination. I push my Garcia, New Mexico Scott E. Ginger, Nevada that speaks to all listeners. odd combination of seemingly students to do the same every day. Teaching is a celebration in which Debate asks us to look at the Without borders or barriers, it is contradictory traits and If they learn my subject material gifts are a huge component of complex with a critical eye, the expression of our humanity. abilities that one needs to teach well, it’s the icing on the cake of my every day routine. I get to sometimes with an empathetic Teaching allows me the great successfully, I believe such gifts being good, caring, thoughtful, unwrap enthusiasm, potential, attitude, and always with the desire privilege to guide my students come weighted with obligations. confi dent people. laughter, and acquire a huge dose to resolve diff erences through on their road of discovery— to I hope that I would teach, even if of youthful energy. I have the peaceful means. Teaching debate witness their struggles, successes consolations such as my scholar’s Christine Hunnicutt, opportunity to share knowledge, and public speaking is rewarding and ultimately the emergence of gracious recognition were stripped Nebraska to motivate, and to give a student because students develop skills that their unique artistry. away from me, because it is a Th ere is no greater joy in the gift of a dream and the tools to can inspire them to achieve their great privilege to be part of a education than loving the subject Jan A. Guffi n, Indiana accomplish it. hopes and dreams, and hopefully, person’s life. one teaches. Th ere is no greater make the world a better place. What I enjoy most about teaching success in teaching than helping is watching my students, in the others to love it as well, even midst of the Great Ideas, discover though it may not become their new answers to old questions, new life’s work. Th ere is no greater love insights to the human condition, in teaching than loving to interact new questions about their very with one’s students. selves, and, more often than not, glimpses of the self they wish to become.

59 TEACHER RECOGNITION AWARDEES 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS REFLECT ON TEACHING

Jana Iampietro, Don Johnston, Nevada Thomas M. Keating, Silvia Kenneweg, Ohio Cyndi Knodle, Illinois Massachusetts New Jersey What I enjoy most about teaching My love for teaching is in my genes. Th e thing about teaching is that What I like best about teaching is the opportunity to share my It’s one thing to tell a student that I inherited it from my parents who every day holds the potential to is that all students invariably, at passion for mathematics and Shakespeare is a genius. It’s quite were also teachers. As much energy be the most rewarding, the most some point, are able to surpass my physics with my students. I another when the student tells as it takes to impart a foreign trying, the most invigorating, expectations through their insight take pride in creating a learning you that Shakespeare is a genius. language onto another human the most challenging, the most and creativity. I love discovering environment where students enjoy Of course, as a teacher, I’m always being, I am always energized by my important day of your career. And the medium through which this is learning and strive to do their best. eager to do the former. However, students’ learning and love. I receive if, at the end of the day, it has been achieved, whether it is analyzing a Th e ultimate reward comes when I as a teacher, what I truly live for is more than I give. less, then tomorrow always lies fi lm, explicating a poem, creating a see students engaged and genuinely the latter. in wait. collage, or even composing a song. curious, and I know then that my Eric Kincaid, West Virginia Robert R. Keeney Joshua Knox, Vermont excitement has transferred to Teaching is an amazing profession William Johnson, Vermont Jr., New Mexico the kids. where everyday we have the What motivates me is the Th e hardest thing about teaching Th e young of this planet are opportunity to literally look into possibility of being present at Jay Kauka, Hawaii is not letting what I know get in fi lled with dreams, passions, the eyes of the future. My goal is the moment when students fi rst the way of what my students can I establish high standards of and uncertainties. Th ey tightly to model a positive work ethic and discover how to learn. It’s an honor discover. Similarly, the greatest excellence, a prodigious workload, clutch their perspectives, yet seek motivation for students which, if and a privilege to help them make moments in my teaching occur and a fervid learning pace. understanding and direction. How adopted by them, can assist them that fi rst connection which will lead when my students actually take me Although initially unsure and special is the opportunity to help in attaining the success they desire to countless more. at my word and insist that I not get overwhelmed, students eventually ignite a spark that may lead to the and deserve. in the way of their learning. learn that with a burning desire actualization of their spirits. For Judith E. Kroll, and tenacious work ethic they this sacrosanct chance is why Vasantha Kittappa, South Dakota Pennsylvania will surpass all expectations. I teach. I teach because every year new Nothing is more gratifying than I love to teach and I endeavor to students enter my beginning debate Catherine Kennedy, witnessing their metamorphosis teach with purpose. Th e primary class with a smile on their face and Delaware from uncertainty to unwavering goal of education, to me, is to eyes that sparkle with anticipation self-confi dence. E ala e na mamo o Th e power of education is teach students to think. Mastering and the love of learning. I am lucky Manokalanipo. Eia ka pua laha’ole, astounding. Th rough their pursuit subject matter is important but enough to have them for four years ka ha’aheo o Wailua. of learning, I hope my students fi nd secondary. Th e most important if they stay with the program, and their passion. quality, I believe, that an educated the growth as a person, a learner, student should acquire is the ability a researcher and critical thinker is to think critically and carefully. A absolutely amazing to experience. person who can think critically can learn anything

60 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

Steven Krueger, Florida Carol Yovanovich Susan Hawn Magedanz, Scott McCord, Florida Mark Misage, Texas Lehman, Oklahoma Kentucky Kids amuse and inspire me. Th ere is no time in recorded When students leave my class, I Playful one minute and profound Helping develop students’ “Education is a journey, not a history that is as important and take great joy in knowing they are the next, they make me laugh and technical and musical abilities, as destination.” After thirty-eight pivotal as the present age we now now “haunted” by physics. Th e feed my mind. In class I can be well as their sense of commitment years of teaching pre-school inhabit. What we do— and don’t rainbow they see in oily puddles silly and serious without losing and responsibility to themselves to graduate school (mostly do—will aff ect our fate in ways on the ground is no longer just sight of my purpose. Teaching and to each other, is why I teach Montessori), at every bend of the unknown and unpredictable. If we beautiful, it is now explainable. allows me to change and challenge orchestra. But, having students say quest, I continue to experience are to survive and prosper, it will Developing students with others while being changed and I’ve taught them what is important incredible events and amazing be through the institution heightened curiosity and critical challenged by them. in living a meaningful life is what people like Victor Yang! Favorite of education. thinking skills are my primary keeps me teaching. quote? “Rejoice in the successes of responsibilities as a physics teacher. Sara Krueger- others, knowing there is plenty for Daniel McGovern, Zuengler, Wisconsin Kathy M. Littlefi eld, us all!” New Jersey Mortimer Mishkin, Minnesota Maryland Each one of us must fi nd our I received a letter once from a Joseph Maley, Vermont sphere of infl uence and live It amazes me when my former student with the following quote: I am a scientist at the National passionately in that place. For me, students ask, “Are you still After thirty-fi ve years, I still have “A teacher’s purpose is not to Institutes of Health in Bethesda that place is my classroom. While teaching?” Why wouldn’t I? Where a love for the enthusiasm and create students in his own image, Maryland, and, although I am I don’t expect to change the world else would I want to be than in exuberance of my students, who but to develop students who can therefore not offi cially a teacher, single-handedly, I am certain, that my classroom surrounded by fun, continue to off er me challenges as create their own image.” Th is is I greatly enjoy helping to train if I do my part, my students will. interesting, talented kids? Where well as tremendous satisfaction. what motivates me each and younger minds so that they may else could I possibly fi nd more What I most enjoy is creating every day. carry on with the work I love Jane J. Larke, West Virginia dedicated, caring, and fun-loving a learning community in my and, I am certain, they will Mark McVicker, Belgium One often doesn’t know the colleagues? Nowhere. Th is is classroom that students will fondly love: Discovery! impact made on a student. I do still it. remember as rigorous, respectful As a teacher, I am motivated know, however, that students make and fun. by the gratifi cation of seeing Marilyn Lubarsky, California an impact on me. It is personally students achieve their academic rewarding to share enthusiasm for My job has been to help my potential by seeking intellectual learning, and to challenge students students acquire the skills which rigor. It is exciting to be a part of to stretch themselves. I hope that they will need to make their transforming young learners into my high expectations contribute to dreams come true and, if they have authentic scholars who genuinely their ultimate successes in life. not yet dreamed their dreams, to enjoy the quest for understanding make sure that, when they awaken and the challenges of mastering to their futures, they have the tools complex concepts. they need to fi nd the meaning in their lives.

61 TEACHER RECOGNITION AWARDEES 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS REFLECT ON TEACHING

Gino Molfi no, Maryland William R. Monahan, Noël Nelson, Alaska Gregory L. Novinski, Texas Marilynn Rose Washington Pedek, Florida When asked what motivates me, One thrilling teaching moment Th e academic life off ers a structure why I enjoy teaching, or to share an I teach biology and am gratifi ed took place in the Costa Rican for off ering ourselves in a communal “Education is not the fi lling of incident that captures something when students choose to continue jungle, where I watched teams of response to the individual gifts God a pail but the lighting of a fi re.” about my teaching experience, their biological studies. More Costa Rican and Alaskan students has given us. As we submit to the Th is William Yeats quote inspires this response from Corey Sale (an importantly, I feel a sense of collaborate in their new languages task, we are brought into a greater me as I wake each day. I teach to advanced art senior) sums it up accomplishment when my students (Spanish and English) on tropical understanding of the material see ‘fi res’ ignite in young people, perfectly: “One day Mr. Molfi no look forward to their history, science research, developing and and ourselves. Th e moment of to share in their excitement, and handed me – or shoved, if you literature or art classes. Lighting presenting their bilingual reports to shared understanding is itself a to learn with them, for it is my want to be more accurate – this the fi re of intellectual curiosity in the group. Mission accomplished precious gift. students’ astounding passion and paper and told me – no, ordered young minds is the most rewarding for our exchange program! amazing insights that fulfi ll me as me – to write his statement. ‘It’s part of being a teacher. Cynthia Ogden, Texas * an educator. Chrysi K. Notskas, due at the end of the day’ which Teaching is messy, volatile and Jennifer P. Moore, New York James Penn, Wisconsin is basically how I defi ne him as a risky. I love the challenge. Tennessee teacher, always a tad on the edge, Teaching Mathematics for 24 A student “gets” a diffi cult concept. always prepared to bark an order As I refl ect on my eleven-year years and directing our District’s Elizabeth Otani, Virginia She recognizes something of herself that would make the noisiest dogs tenure as a teacher, I can’t imagine a Mathematics/Science Research Teaching transforms the way I live or the human condition through cower and whine, always with an day without the joys, tears, smiles, Program for 11 years, I truly enjoy in the world: politically, morally, literature. Th e student knows his impossible deadline. But for all his confusion and “A-Ha” moments of making a diff erence in students’ and intellectually. My students presentation impacted not only quick-temper quirks, he motivates the classroom. I take great PRIDE lives. I care, motivate, encourage, off er, in a microcosm, the spectrum the teacher but his classmates as me to meet each deadline and in the call placed on my life to challenge, build confi dence and of our changing society, and they well. Th ese are the moments of exceed his expectations if only to teach and celebrate the faith that open doors for students to succeed. challenge me to participate in those discovery, enlightenment, and receive a brisk nod of approval brought me to this moment. Many students have become Intel accomplishment that sustain me for all of my eff orts. Because changes. Could I be luckier than to and Siemens Finalists and attended be invited in and welcomed by as a teacher. behind the satisfi ed nod, I see the Alice Nagel, New York top universities. Recognition such the future? confi dence that he instills in all his as this one, and others listing me Leona Penner, Nebraska students, the confi dence he also has As an acting teacher, I am honored to be able to share with my students as their biggest infl uence on their My passion for teaching in our ability to do what is asked scientifi c careers, is what keeps and more.” this art form in an emotionally comes from watching students safe environment in which their me going. discover and develop both their talent and creativity can fl ourish. As mathematical knowledge base as students develop their characters, well as their problem-solving skills. in scene work or plays, their To hear from students that the understanding of humanity keeps discipline of daily preparation for growing. I am so privileged to be my class helped them long after able to be a part of their wonderful they left my class is music to journey of the human condition, my ears. whether as actors or in real life.

62 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

Orlene M. Perritt, Joseph Riener, District Constance Rudy, Florida Larry Scheffl er, Oregon Cathy Whitten Wyoming of Columbia Sledge, Louisiana Th ere is a crystal clarity that arrives Teaching for me is more than a What a joy it is to see the look on ‘Tis marvelous, with our dear when you know it is your last vocation, it is a calling. Given the My main motivations for teaching a child’s face when s/he suddenly Alison Grubbs. Other times, not (37th) year of teaching...(judging appropriate encouragement, most are a love of literature and the grasps the understanding! so much. Yet proud to be among everything daily as “this I will students can develop skills and desire to share it with students. Encouraging and helping each teachers, custodians, counselors, miss” or “this I won’t miss”). Th ose understanding beyond anything After 34 years, I am retiring this child to develop a lifelong administrators, security guards high (painting) moments every they ever thought possible. As a year, and what I will miss most educational independence and who try with all who amble in day when a student goes beyond teacher, helping kids be all that will be students like John, focus, as well as promoting the the door of our urban public high their own and sometimes my they can be is my greatest reward who love to learn and who growth of independent thinking, school. May God and my prostate expectations are the ones I will and satisfaction. make teaching a rich and have been my teaching goals. It allow me many more years of this. miss most. rewarding profession. is always gratifying when one is Doug Shenkle, Montana Nedra Roberts, Georgia Rafael D. San Juan, Illinois Joan Snyder, Arizona allowed to see the results of When dealing with budget, that eff ort. I’m a life-long student myself, It is a great honor to be named facilities, textbooks, and I believe in helping students think and some of my best teachers by my student Alex Katz as the curriculum I have always said critically and make connections Henry A. Ploegstra, Texas have been my own students. Th eir teacher who most infl uenced him. “teachers make the diff erence.” to great literature, great thinkers, “You changed my life by giving questions, confusion, and insights My mother, father and sister are I am a longtime career teacher each other and the world. Th ere’s me Th e Elizabethan World Picture.” have trained me to see through also teachers. I am sure they are because “students make the nothing better than the great ideas “Th e suff ering was at the wrong their eyes and, in the process, very proud of Alex and me. Alex is diff erence.” To be selected by an and conversations that happen end of the process: I should stretch my own skills. You can’t get a wonderful person and student. exceptional student for recognition when “the penny drops,” and suff er when I wrote, not when better mentoring than that. But I liked all my students, even for something I love to do is the students turn on to the greatest the papers were handed back.” those who didn’t value learning, absolute “icing on the cake.” gift of all: learning. I’m just there When students say things like Evelyn Rodriguez, for I was like them during my high to facilitate and learn too at those above, we know that we have Puerto Rico school years. Barbara Shinn, Alabama that point. It’s the magic that is made a diff erence. Teaching is a great joy, and my Our children are the future of education for us all. Don M. Schawang, Kansas students are my inspiration. When this society. To see a young person Michele Radio, Kansas DeAnna Stallings, Utah they demonstrate their intellectual I teach students that they are learn and grow in the arts is one Th e world is a wondrous place, growth and attribute a small only as interesting as the objects of the most energizing experiences What I love about teaching requiring deliberate living, part of their achievement to the of their attention. I encourage I have. I love learning from them is challenging my students to complex thought, and courage knowledge and guidance received students to be passionate, engaged and with them, and through this, question everything, to never of action. Enabling students to in my class, I have reached my students of the world and to take we build relationships that last accept anything at face value. I discover their own best selves, goal to contribute to the formation responsibility for the quality of forever. What a privilege! do not ask them to abandon their at the highest level, teachers of young ladies for a better their own lives. I cannot imagine belief system, but to come to a try to challenge students to tomorrow, for I see great potential more important or more complete understanding of what balance knowledge, justice, and in our youth. I hope for a better fulfi lling work. they believe and why. Th rough compassion while cultivating tomorrow where confl ict is solved literature, my students are able gratitude and respect….And so with words not war, where food to remove their blinders and the cycle of hope and faith and is shared and hunger eradicated. see the world from many will continue…. Education can make this happen. diff erent perspectives.

63 TEACHER RECOGNITION AWARDEES 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS REFLECT ON TEACHING

Annice Steadman, Arkansas Janet Tedesco, Louisiana John Truitt, New Mexico Terence A. Vogel, Michigan Eric Walstein, Maryland After thirty-eight years, teaching Th e reason I enjoy teaching is the Since the very beginning of It has been a great pleasure to bring Mathematics is my fi rst love, the continues to excite me. As the same as what motivates me—the my career as a music educator ancient language and literature to NY Giants my second. In nurturing students make the connections students. Whether in the classroom thirty-eight years ago, I have students of a new generation. I students to excel in the fi rst, talking between past and present or out, their enthusiasm and been committed to the central am very grateful to scholar Katie about the second, in an hour and knowledge and their environment, openness to growth are what excite importance of the arts in a young Everett for nominating me for a half block, allows for thought it is a time for celebration. Th e me and motivate me to constantly person’s development. In the arts, this honor. processes to refresh and recover. ‘aha’ moment for the student, and strive to improve and grow in a young person can fi nd a way to My approach to teaching is very for me, is what keeps me returning my teaching. bring the intangible realities of our Lois Voorhees, Pennsylvania structured and predictable. My each year. world to life, to imagine beauty no I absolutely love and thoroughly approach to students varies from Mitzi Terry, Tennessee one has ever seen or heard, to reach enjoy my eff orts to instill in my helpful to insightfully supportive, Patrick Sullivan, For me, teaching has been a career deeper into their own identities students a love of learning, an while communicating high Rhode Island of hope. For 20 years, I have and beliefs, and to give to the appreciation for chemistry, a expectations for achievement. Henry Adams once said, “a teacher hoped to instill in my students an world with a sense of identity that respect for and development of My greatest reward comes from aff ects eternity, he can never tell appreciation of American History. is both sublime and true. Daily, I creative thinking skills, as well as students who internalize my where his infl uence stops”. After My hope has been to teach them am humbled by what youngsters encouraging them to be caring, educational postulate “I teach you, nine years in the classroom, I still to believe in themselves and others. can create, and what their creation considerate, and responsible I don’t learn you”. think about this quote. Teaching Th ank you, Scholar Lindsey means to our future. individuals. Young people are such Chris Watkins, Tennessee gives a person the opportunity to McCloy, for keeping my hope alive. a pleasure! Chester Tylinski, Illinois have such a tremendous impact My greatest joy comes from helping on young people’s lives. To me, Eric Thiel, California School should be a safe place to Rex Waddingham, students not only learn how to North Dakota that is what makes the profession Teaching Biology off ers me an make mistakes. One learns from think but also develop a desire to so unique. Working with students opportunity to excite students mistakes. If students did not make “I hear you play trumpet. do so. Th e capacity for learning—as like Ruchir Shah and Olivia Burke about science and hopefully mistakes, there would not need to Come play in my band.” To a well as the innate yearning—is adds even more enjoyment to it. motivate them to develop a be teachers. It is important to guide searching high school graduate, already present; my job, simply, is Congratulations to both of you! heightened level of respect for the students in the learning process, that conversation with the music to inspire their brains in order to intricate and beautiful cycles that but also support them when they professor opened the door. It satisfy their innate need. work to maintain balanced systems. make mistakes and encourage them made me feel important and made Th ere is reward in knowing that to persist. education important to me. In I have contributed to making our rehearsals, I try to let my students earth a healthier place. know they are important... to open the door.

64 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

Ramsay Westgate, Elli M. Wiemers, Iowa Mary “Molly” S. California Worner, Colorado I am motivated to teach because I Education provides us with the enjoy young people and the thrill Young people need time every day opportunity to teach young people of learning. Kids energize me, to practice the language of self- our past, and on occasion, our especially as I watch them generate advocacy. Inspired teachers create future. Nurturing the aspirations new ideas and make connections. a safe atmosphere where students of others, with the belief that they My greatest joy is in watching are encouraged to think critically will improve our world, is what children grow academically, and stand up for themselves drives me to teach, and inspires physically, and spiritually into without arrogance or fear. Students me to think that what we do productive human beings. grow toward autonomy while is invaluable. developing the grace to listen to John T. Wilkes, Virginia one another, and we teach. Daniel Whitely, Ohio Th e power and infl uence teachers Stuart Younse, Connecticut My father fi rst suggested I would hold on young people’s lives is be a great teacher. I wondered inestimable. It carries with it Teaching is a conversation. I pose how, since I struggled to discover a daily burden that no other questions that guide, relate content my own “palette.” By following profession can match. Yet, nothing when relevant, and encourage his advice, I instruct my students compares with the feeling of students to make meaning of both at their current level, while I opening a student’s mind or successes and failures. Th rough see them as the artist they will helping him/her achieve a goal. these dialogs, both the students become. Our shared vulnerability and I begin to better understand as teacher/student will evolve to Connie Willson, California our world and how we can each artist/artist. Some people think that I am brave make a diff erence within it. for teaching high school students. Zitta Zohar, New York What they don’t know is that I am not brave but lucky. I am lucky I love puzzles! I hate predictability to have found my passion for in art! When I fi nd the true literature, to have the opportunity essence of a student, I encourage to share that passion, and to see them to claim forcefully their a precious few students begin own authentic uniqueness and to to develop their own passion acquire unquenched life long thirst for English. in creating their own unmistakable paths to new horizons.

65 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

The Commission is a group of private citizens appointed by the

President to select and honor the Presidential Scholars. Commissioners

The Commission are selected from across the country, representing the fi elds of On Presidential education, medicine, law, social services, business, and other

Scholars and professions. The Commissioners make the diffi cult choices of selecting Scholars from an initial pool of approximately 3,000 candidates who its Partners demonstrate exceptional accomplishments in academics and the arts,

and an outstanding commitment to public service.

The Commission invites the Presidential Scholars and their Teachers

to Washington, DC for National Recognition Week. Activities are

funded through a public-private partnership of the Presidential Scholars

Foundation and private corporate and philanthropic sources. As guests

of the Commission, the Scholars meet with government offi cials,

educators, authors, musicians, scientists, and other accomplished

persons. Scholars also attend recitals, receptions, and ceremonies in

their honor and visit museums and monuments of the nation’s capital.

66 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

Stanley E. Taylor, Virginia Richard Bearden, Arkansas Glen T. Becerra, California Scott A. Bundgaard, Hattie Daniels- Commission Chair Arizona Rush, Wisconsin Senior Partner, Impact City Council Member in Simi As Vice President for Metropolitan Management Group, Inc., a Little Valley, California, elected in Scott is a Vice President with Hattie Daniels-Rush is a licensed Relations at George Mason Rock Southern strategy and grass November of 1998. Currently a J.P. Morgan Inc., resides in marriage and family therapist in University (GMU), Mr. Taylor roots-based political consulting Public Aff airs Region Manager for Phoenix, and holds an MBA from the state of Wisconsin. She is a is involved with federal and local fi rm. State Director of the Bush the Southern California Edison Th underbird Graduate School former secondary school English governments, private and non- for President Committee-Arkansas; Company. Former Legislative Aide for International Management. teacher, and has worked in the profi t companies, organizations Chief of Staff to Congressman to Assemblyman James L. Brulte, Prior to his current position, Scott Milwaukee Public School District and associations that will benefi t Jay Dickey (R-AR4) from 1993- responsible for legislation dealing served Legislative District 19 as a social worker, case manager, the university and support and 1995; Executive Director of the with California’s utility industry in the Arizona State Legislature and program coordinator for HR enhance interaction and goals for Republican Party of Arkansas and the State Allocation Board, for eight years. First elected at Academy. Mrs. Daniels-Rush is all. He works with GMU central from 1990-1992 and 1996- which fi nances the renovation and age 25 to the Arizona House extremely active in her church and administration and academic units 1999. Managing Partner, Capital construction of public schools. of Representatives, Scott was community. She is a weekly radio to develop and/or address their Resource Management from Former Deputy Director for elected two years later as the talk show host, and, in 2001, was mission and goals for support from 1999-2000. One of Arkansas the Offi ce of External Aff airs in youngest member of the State appointed by Milwaukee’s Mayor the private sector, non-profi ts, Business Magazine’s “40 most the Administration of Governor Senate, serving as Chairman of John Norquist to serve as the city’s and local and federal government infl uential businessmen.” Board Wilson, overseeing the operation the Senate Finance Committee Faith-Based Liaison. She serves agencies, to support academic goals, member of Th e Little Rock Club of the Governor’s fi eld offi ces and for six years. He also served on on numerous boards, including internships, partnership and research from 1996-1999; Board member serving as liaison for constituent the Appropriations, Judiciary, the Salvation Army Advisory initiatives; and to promote initiatives and legislative committee chairman, groups. He is an active community Commerce, Natural Resources & Board, COGIC Social Services, with international governments. He Professional Counseling Associates member, serving on the Simi Valley Environment, and Joint Legislative Christian Business & Professional also works with University Relations from 1995-2001. Currently serving Education Foundation and Boys Budget Committees. Scott coaches Alliances, Hysop Diagnostic and to identify media organizations on President Bush’s Commission & Girls Club Board of Directors basketball for the Boys & Girls Treatment Center, and V&J Foods to cover and publish media items. on White House Fellowships. and participating in the Economic Club, the City of Glendale, and (a franchise of Burger King and Professional, business and civic roles Served as an instructor on Building Development Collaborative of Arizona Youth Sports. He is an Pizza Hut). She is the recipient include service on the boards of Democracy for the International Ventura County. Council Member active board member and a mentor of many honors, including the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, Republican Institution in Becerra and his wife Sally have two with MatchPoint, a faith-based 2003 Outstanding Community Arlington Chamber of Commerce, Washington, DC. children, Elizabeth and Nicholas. one-on-one mentoring program Involvement and the 2003 Leadership Greater Washington, for at-risk youth, affi liated with Planters of Positive Seed awards, BB&T Bank, for the Washington Prison Fellowship Ministries. and has been named the African Metropolitan Regions, Washington American Chairperson of the Region for Justice and Inclusion, Wisconsin Republican Party. and the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Undergraduate Scholarship Review Board.

67 THE COMMISSION ON PRESIDENTIAL 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS SCHOLARS AND ITS PARTNERS

Jeanne Ferst, Georgia Michael A. Galiazzo, Michael Geisen, Oregon Robert A. Gleason Marcia A. Jackson, Virginia Maryland Jr., Pennsylvania Mrs. Ferst has been deeply Michael Geisen, a 7th grade science Marcia Jackson, a graduate of the involved international, public, Dr. Michael Galiazzo is teacher at Crook County Middle Mr. Gleason, a leading insurance University of Missouri-St. Louis, and civic aff airs for over 30 president of Get Results, a School in Prineville, Oregon, was broker, has served in his family’s holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political years. She has served as a project management company named 2008 National Teacher business since 1965, after 4 years Science and a Bachelor of Science participant in many international that specializes in collaborative of the Year by President Bush. as a Captain in the US Air Force. in Business Administration- conferences, including the workforce development eff orts In 1996 he received a bachelor’s Rob led Gleason, Inc., as President Accounting. Mrs. Jackson is Ditchley Conference of 1996 involving business, labor, degree, magna cum laude, in Forest from 1970-1994, and next as experienced in the marketing & 1999, the German-American government and education. Resource Management from the Chairman/CEO. In 1985, he held and business development area, Economic Relations Conference He has served in a variety of , but a 2-year term as Secretary of the specializing in growth strategies in 1997, and was a member leadership roles in community- later found teaching to be his true Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. for small and mid-size fi rms. Her of the President’s Commission based organizations, and worked vocation. Geisen earned a Master Returning to Gleason, he also kept work has focused on coordinating Hostage Compensation in 1981. in higher education. Dr. Galiazzo of Arts in Teaching, with a science active in national, state and county and developing HIV/Aids projects, She studied at the University of has earned a Doctor of Philosophy, endorsement, from Southern politics: in 1996 he was elected corporate social responsibility Chicago and then began working Education Administration, Oregon University in 2001 and Chair, Cambria County Republican projects in Africa, and agri- with the United Nations. Since Community College Leadership that fall joined the faculty of Committee, winning re-election in industrial development. She then, she was a member of the Program, Th e University of Crook County Middle School. 1998. From 1993-1997, Governor is a board trustee of Meridian President’s Panel on South Asian Texas at Austin; Leadership He uses hand-tailored curricula, Casey named him to the State International, a regional board Relief Assistance, the Acting Certifi cate, Center for Creative labs, assignments and evaluations Turnpike Commission; in 1997, member of Th e National Women’s Chairman of the Cultural and Leadership, Greensboro, North designed to promote authentic Governor Ridge tapped him for Museum of the Arts and sits on Civic Aff airs Committee in Carolina; Master of Science, learning, correlate exactly with the Transportation Commission. the Executive Committee of the Atlanta, Georgia, and a member Applied Behavioral Science, the Oregon standards, incorporate A graduate of the University of Links Incorporated, Metropolitan of the Advisory Committee on Th e Johns Hopkins University; multiple levels of cognition, and Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, Chapter of Washington, DC. In Voluntary Foreign Aid with Hopkins Fellow, Community keep pace with emerging science. Rob is a University Trustee, and 1995, then-Governor George W. the Agency for International and Organizational Systems, He aims to ignite a passion for served St. Francis College for Bush appointed Mrs. Jackson Development/US State Th e Johns Hopkins University; learning in his students and to help 10 years as Trustee, and for two to the Governor’s Commission Department. She is a board Bachelor of Arts, Human them make informed decisions in years as Vice Chair. In 1999, for Women; in 2001, President member of several international Services Administration, Antioch their daily lives. He and his wife Th e Council of Insurance Agents Bush appointed her to serve on organizations, including the University, 1978. Jennifer have two children. Geisen, and Brokers named him Chair. the Commission for Presidential Southern Center for International the 58th National Teacher honoree, Rob is also director/secretary for Scholars and the President’s Studies, and is a Trustee of the serves for a year as full-time national the Roman Catholic Diocese of Commission for White House Morris Brown College. and international education Altoona-Johnstown’s Foundation; Fellowships. She is married and has spokesperson. trustee/former Chair of Memorial two daughters. Medical Center; trustee of Conemaugh Health System; and chairs his Parish Finance Council. 68 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

Elizabeth K. Johnson, Richard R. Kilgust, Texas Robert L. King, Arizona Manuel Lujan, Jr., Modesto A. Virginia New Mexico Maidique, Florida Dick Kilgust is Managing In 2006, Robert King became Practicing Landscape Architect, Partner, Global Public President and CEO of the Mr. Lujan currently owns his Dr. Maidique is the fourth private practice, A.S.L.A. Former Policy and Regulatory for Arizona Community Foundation, own consulting fi rm, Manuel President of Florida International Board Member of the Virginia PricewaterhouseCoopers. He is a statewide philanthropy, after Lujan Associates. He also sits University (FIU), a public research Board for Architects, Professional a Member of the fi rm’s Global serving for over fi ve years as on the Boards of numerous university with an enrollment Engineers, Land Surveyors, Leadership Team. He develops Chancellor of America’s largest companies, including the banking, of 32,000 students. Appointed Certifi ed Interior Designers, and and helps implement PwC policies public university system, the State construction, electric, gas, and in 1986, Dr. Maidique is the Landscape Architects. Active and positions relating to legislative University of New York (SUNY). telecommunications industries. He longest serving public university campaign and political volunteer. and regulatory changes impacting During his tenure SUNY increased was the United States Secretary of president in Florida. He holds a the accounting profession. Dick and diversifi ed enrollment, the Interior from 1989 to 1993 Ph.D. in Solid State Physics from meets frequently with lawmakers, expanded research and enhanced and a Member of the United States MIT and is a graduate of the other policy-makers, investors academic quality. Immediately Congress from 1969 to 1989. PMD Program at the Harvard and regulators to address matters before joining the Foundation, As a Representative from New Business School. He has served aff ecting the accounting profession King was named a University Mexico’s 1st District, he was on as a member of the faculty at and its role in capital markets. Professor, the institution’s highest the Interior and Insular Aff airs MIT, Harvard, and Stanford. Dick is a former member of academic rank by SUNY’s Trustees, Committee, the Science, Space He was appointed by former PricewaterhouseCoopers Global and served as interim President and Technology Committee, and President George H. W. Bush to Oversight Board and U.S. Board of SUNY Potsdam. He served on the Joint Committee on Atomic his Education Policy Advisory of Partners and Principals. He President Bush’s 2000 education Energy. Mr. Lujan is the Organizer Committee, and was appointed has served as the lead partner on transition team, and since 2004, on and Chairman of the Endowment by President George W. Bush’s audit clients of all sizes, including UNESCO’s Education Committee. for Excellence in Education, which Education Transition Panel. He some of the fi rm’s largest. Dick In 1998-1999, King was New provides college scholarships serves on the Board of Directors of joined Price Waterhouse in York’s budget director, and prior to for students in New Mexico National Semiconductor and the 1973 after graduating from the that led Governor Pataki’s Offi ce universities. Carnival Corporation and he is a University of Wisconsin with an of Regulatory Reform. He served member of the Secretary of Energy MBA degree. He was named as as Monroe County Executive, and Advisory Board. the 1995 Distinguished Alumnus for four years was Rochester’s State of the University of Wisconsin Assemblyman. King holds a law Department of Accounting and degree from Vanderbilt University Information Systems. He is a board and a bachelor’s degree from member of Big Brothers and Big Trinity College, and worked for 13 Sisters of North Texas. years as a prosecutor in California and New York.

69 THE COMMISSION ON PRESIDENTIAL 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS SCHOLARS AND ITS PARTNERS

Fernando A. Mateo, Charlotte Mohr, Iowa Robert E. Moss, John F. Mueller, Wyoming Laura E. Owens, Kentucky New York Washington, DC Charlotte Mohr is a lifelong Jack Mueller is a native of After two years as Kentucky’s Secretary Entrepreneur and self-made resident of Iowa, Registered Nurse, Robert Moss has worked in many Cheyenne Wyoming and a of Education, Laura Emberton millionaire Fernando Mateo is mother of four, and farming capacities, but his primary role has graduate with a Bachelor of Arts Owens left the Governor’s Cabinet President and CEO of Hispanics partner with Jim, her late husband been as a public policy strategist. and a Master of Education from for the post of Assistant to the Across America, a not-for-profi t of 42 years. Her career has From 1993-1998, Bob served as the University of Wyoming. He President for Regional Development organization promoting fi nancial included a 13-year appointment Vice President for Government taught in public high schools in at Western Kentucky University. She independence and homeownership by then-Governor Branstad as the Aff airs for the American Texas and Wyoming before joining previously served in the Education for all Hispanics throughout the fi rst chair of Iowa’s Job Training Automobile Manufacturers the Wyoming Department of Cabinet as Deputy Secretary, and country. Mr. Mateo originated Partnership Act Commission, Association. He spent ten years as Education. His assignments during prior to that, as Commissioner of Operation “Toys for Guns”, and 18 years’ service on the Vice President of Federal Aff airs his 30-year career included school Workforce Investment, and held a popular anti-gun program, Environmental Commission. for the Coastal Corporation and accreditation, school evaluation, further appointments to the Education founded Carpet Fashions, and During her 32-year involvement served as deputy and then chief program evaluation and teacher Commission of the States and currently serves as President of the with the Scott County Library, legislative and intergovernmental certifi cation. He is past Chairman the Southern Regional Education New York State Federation of Taxi the system grew from one aff airs offi cer for the Department of the State Library Board of Board (SREB). Before joining Drivers. Recognized by the New library to ten, culminating in a of the Treasury. He also acted Wyoming and the Wyoming state government, she focused on York Chamber of Commerce & 2002 fundraising eff ort for the as Treasury’s Congressional and Board of Geographic Names. education, workforce training and Industry for business excellence newest structure, in which she White House liaison. Mr. Moss He was appointed by Secretary local government issues. She taught and commitment to New was instrumental. She served spent eight years in top staff of Education William Bennett on the secondary and post secondary York City’s growth, Mr. Mateo for 15 years as Chairman of the positions on Capitol Hill and as to serve on the Commission on levels for some 20 years, and then has been lauded by the state’s Scott County Board of Health, a member of the Federal Election Accreditation and Institutional became a curriculum coordinator entrepreneurial community and continues as Chairman of Commission, and served as chief Eligibility, where he served for and instructional specialist for the for his work refl ecting social the Board of Directors of Valley legal counsel for the U.S. House six years. Currently he is semi- Barren County School District. She responsibility. Mr. Mateo has Bank-- in 1993, the fi rst bank to of Representatives. He received his retired and is involved in volunteer also provided leadership training as lectured in the university, college, be chartered in Iowa in 25 years. Juris Doctor from the University of activities. a communications consultant. In school and corrections circuits, She was the state’s delegate to the California at Berkeley (Boalt Hall) 2003-2004, Owens served as an elected and has conducted workshops Associated Country Women of the and a Bachelor of Arts degree from city council member in Glasgow. She on the dangers of drug abuse World, traveling to Kenya in 1977 the University of the Pacifi c in is a graduate of Western Kentucky and criminality. Born in the and Germany in 1980. In 2003, Stockton, California. University with bachelors’ degrees in Dominican Republic and raised Charlotte was elected Trustee of English and communication and a on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, the Herbert Hoover Presidential master’s degree in communication. Mr. Mateo is married with three Library. Secretary Owens and her husband, children. Donnie, reside in Frankfort, where he is Principal of Elkhorn Elementary School. Th ey have a daughter, a son, and two grandchildren. 70 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

Bryan Pickens, Texas Jean Potter, West Virginia Robert Ray, Iowa Renee Russell, Linda O. Shaw, North Carolina North Carolina Bryan Pickens is President Jean Potter began her career as a Robert Ray, named “Most of Pickens Capital, LLC, an teacher for the Norwin School Infl uential Iowan,” served an Mrs. Russell is Director of Linda O. Shaw was elected entrepreneurial investment District in Irwin, Pennsylvania. unprecedented fi ve terms as Telecommunications for Guilford County Commissioner company focused on natural She was later asked to join the Governor of his native state, Mission-St. Joseph’s Health in 1998 and is presently run- resource exploration and real West Virginia State Department of and has been Republican State System. In addition she has a ning for her third term. She has estate development. He manages Education to implement the Early Chairman, Chairman of the telecommunications consulting served as Republican National a diversifi ed mix of companies, Childhood Education Program, Republican State Chairmen, and fi rm. Her career has concentrated Committeewoman since 1992. providing seed consulting and and, during her tenure there, also member of the Republican National primarily in the private sector with She was elected to the Offi ce of capital structure experience to taught graduate and undergradu- Committee. He chaired the the ROLM and IBM companies. the Secretary for the Republican emerging businesses with proven ate courses for several colleges and National Governors’ Association, As well as her professional National Committee and potential for aggressive, prudent universities. During the Reagan ad- Republican Governors’ Association, obligations, she is also very active served six years. At the request revenue growth. He also co-owns ministration, Mrs. Potter served in Midwestern Governors’ in the community as Vice Chair of then-Governor George W. Collectors Covey, Texas’ premier the U.S. Department of Education Association, and Educational for Eblen Charities, Special Events Bush, Republican Presidential wildlife and sporting art gallery and as Deputy Assistant Secretary Commission of the States, and was Chair for the Mission St. Joseph’s nominee, she served as Secretary print publisher, representing the for Elementary and Secondary President of the Council of State Foundation Board, and Vice of the Republican National fi nest wildlife artists and off ering Education, and later, as that Offi ce’s Governments. An army veteran, his President for Legislative Aff airs Convention in 2000. She serves original works, conservation art, Acting Assistant Secretary. She left career includes U.S. Representative for the North Carolina Medical on the Board of Directors for the and specialty merchandise for the this position to become Deputy to the United Nations, law partner, Society Alliance. She is politically American Red Cross, the Metro sportsman. An active political to the Chief of Staff in the U.S. President and CEO of two life active on the local and state level. YMCA, the Greensboro Economic fundraiser, he is the founding Environmental Protection Agency. insurance companies, President of Renee lives in Candler, North Development Partnership, the Chairman of Maverick PAC USA, She is a professional speaker on Drake University, and Trustee of Carolina with her husband, Don Heart of the Triad (Economic an organization for next-generation the subject of early childhood the Hoover Presidential Library. and her two children, Hailey Development) and the Greensboro political leaders under age 45. His education, and is an award-winning He is on the Board of Directors and Allie. Regional Committee on Economic strong community ties include author of seven children’s books of various corporations and health Development. She is a former serving on the boards of trustees that deal with educational subjects, care organizations, as well as on member of the NC Museum of the Texas Parks & Wildlife and a developer of educational ma- national commissions and advisory of Art’s Board of Trustees, the Foundation and the Circle Ten terials for pre-school. Mrs. Potter boards, and has received countless Greensboro Convention and Council of Boy Scouts of America. and her husband, Th omas E. Potter, professional, educational, and civic Visitors Bureau, the Greensboro He holds an MBA from Southern are the parents of eight-year-old honors. He and his wife live in Des Library Board and the Guilford Methodist University, and a BA triplets, Christopher, Alexandria Moines, and have three children County Board of Health. Linda from Vanderbilt University. Bryan and Victoria. and eight grandchildren. and husband Bob (former NC and his wife Jennifer reside in State Senator) are in the restaurant Dallas with their daughter. business. She has two children and two grandsons.

71 THE COMMISSION ON PRESIDENTIAL 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS SCHOLARS AND ITS PARTNERS

Flo N. Traywick, Virginia Paul G. Vallas, Louisiana Fidel Vargas, California

Republican National Following Hurricane Katrina, Fidel Vargas is Vice President of Committeewoman; Vice Chair, Paul Vallas was appointed Business Development at Reliant Southern Region, Republican superintendent of the New Equity Partners. Previously he National Committee; Executive Orleans Recovery School District served as Mayor of Baldwin Park, Committee, Republican National to transform ravaged and California, where his innovative Committee; Republican Party underperforming schools into approaches to city government of Virginia, elected in 1984. successful learning environments. earned praise as “best practices” by Chief Deputy Commissioner, From 2002-2007, as CEO of the the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Department of Aging. Member of School District of Philadelphia, Mr. Vargas is a founding member of the Executive Committees of both Vallas led the largest school reform the Cesar Chavez Foundation, and the Republican Party of Virginia eff ort in public education’s history. has served on two Presidentially- and the Virginia Federation of As CEO of Chicago Public Schools appointed national Social Security Republican Women. Trustee of from 1995-2002, he improved commissions, including President the Lynchburg Academy of Music. student test scores by eliminating George W. Bush’s bi-partisan Social Member of the White House waste, streamlining operations, Security Study Commission. His Commission on Presidential implementing large-scale school career has also included posts as Scholars from 1991 to 1993. construction and renovation, senior policy analyst to Los Angeles Worked extensively on the ending social promotion, Mayor Richard Riordan, and Vice Republican National Convention partnering with national, corporate President of Phillips Brooks House, from 1976 to the present. A and civic groups, and establishing the community service organization member of President Reagan’s the largest after-school and summer of Harvard College. Mr. Vargas Virginia Steering Committee and reading programs in the country. holds a Masters in Business a Founding Board Member of the Previously, he was Chicago’s Administration from Harvard Virginia School of Arts. Candidate Director of Budget and Revenue Business School. He resides in for Congress in 1986 and House and Executive Director of Illinois’ Baldwin Park with his wife and of Delegates in 1977. Economic and Fiscal Commission. three children. Vallas began his career as a teacher and, as Captain in the Army National Guard, served as 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.

72 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

TRIBUTES

Presidential Scholars Commissioner, Foundation Founder Presidential Scholars Sponsor and Speaker and Treasurer Sanford C. “Sandy” Nemitz, 1932-2007 Mark W. Sneed, 1956-2007 Sanford C. Nemitz of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, was a driving force Mark W. Sneed, of Riva, Maryland, served as president of the of the Presidential Scholars Foundation. Sandy joined President James Baltimore-based Phillips restaurant chain and seafood products Farmer in leading the organization, providing critical support to manufacturer since 1998, and won praise for enhancing the company’s Scholars and Alumni, and designing ways to extend the Presidential profi ts and national reach. Mark oversaw daily operations and Scholars Program’s impact beyond its national recognition events. expansions of Phillips Seafood Restaurants and Phillips Foods, a leading Sandy fi rst became involved in 1981, as a member of the Commission supplier of crab products in the United States. Th e company credited on Presidential Scholars appointed by President Reagan. He served so him for much of its growth. Since 2005, due to Mark’s leadership, ably in that capacity that his appointment was renewed through three Phillips Foods contributed funds to support National Recognition Presidential terms and two Administrations, until 1993 and the close Week. On two further occasions, he arranged for the Scholars to enjoy of President George H.W. Bush’s term in offi ce. During that time, a complimentary meal at the Phillips Flagship on the D.C. waterfront. Sandy and Jim conceived of and realized their plan for a non-profi t He also hosted a “Defi ning Our Future” seminar, during which he Presidential Scholars Foundation, ensuring funding for the program and other area business and industry leaders challenged the Scholars to through a partnership of federal and private sources. Sandy served as the develop plans to live up to their full potential and help keep America Foundation’s Treasurer for twenty years. strong by playing an active role in the new global knowledge economy. Today the Foundation continues its important work and is instrumental Mark also joined President Bush at the White House to congratulate in ensuring that each new class of Scholars enjoys a memorable the Scholars. experience and a lasting relationship with the Alumni society. Sandy Th e Presidential Scholars Program and Phillips Foods join together in and his exceptional wife Evelyn, who survives her husband and remains honoring Mark’s memory – his humor, vitality, and good works – and a member of the Presidential Scholars family, proudly hosted annual in paying tribute to the courage and resilience of his wife and children, Scholar get-togethers at Sandy’s alma mater, Princeton University. Th e Candace, Savannah, Bailey and Davis Sneed. program, the Foundation and the Scholars will always owe Sandy and Evelyn a great debt of gratitude for their leadership, dedication and All associated with this program wish to thank the Nemitz family, enduring care for America’s young people. We will miss Sandy’s generous the Sneed family, and the Phillips family for their valued support and wit, wisdom, vision and friendship, and we are committed to making engagement in the Presidential Scholars community. the continued growth and success of the program and Foundation a lasting and most fi tting tribute to his memory.

73 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

THE 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 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. Foundation seeks to provide fi nancial support for the program; develop Th rough the years, Scholars have had the opportunity to meet with and maintain an alumni society, the “Presidential Scholars Association”; many distinguished individuals, including Justices of the Supreme and ensure the future ability of the Commission to recognize the Court, Senators and Congressmen, members of the President’s outstanding young adults who are selected each year. In reaching out Cabinet and staff as well as the First Family, astronauts, poets, to individual donors as well as corporate and philanthropic America, scientists, athletes, experts in international aff airs, journalists, political the Foundation emphasizes the value of excellence in education and strategists, and artists in a variety of disciplines. Th e generosity of the national interest in encouraging high attainment by students in the program’s supporters will help continue this great tradition, and secondary school and after graduation. Th e members of this Foundation connect successive classes of Scholars with each other and the program feel the Presidential Scholars Program is the highest national means as 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

74 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

Members of the Foundation’s Board of Directors

James E. Farmer, President Matt Anestis, Vice President for Alumni Relations (1991 Scholar, CT) Ralph Jahr, Secretary-Treasurer Stanley E. Taylor, Commission Chair Scott A. Bundgaard Michael A. Galiazzo Susan J. Ganz Avery W. Gardiner (1993 Scholar, ME)

75 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

THE 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 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 YoungArts® is NFAA’s core program. Th rough YoungArts, NFAA at the Sundance Th eatre Laboratory and the Utah Shakespearean annually grants award packages totaling up to $900,000 and makes Festival. NFAA continuously explores other internships and career available $3 million in scholarship opportunities to America’s most entry programs. outstanding high school senior artists through its Scholarship List NFAA is a publicly supported nonprofi t, nongovernmental 501(c)(3) Service (SLS). Each year up to 125 ARTS applicants are invited organization with headquarters in Miami, Florida. Corporations, 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.

76 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

77 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

THE PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS ASSOCIATION: YOUR 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 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.” our annual recognition events. We warmly invite the 2008 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].

78 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

ALUMNI GREETINGS TO THE CLASS OF 2008:

Congratulations to all of the [While you are in] Washington, As one of the greatest memories my passions for fi gure skating and 2008 Presidential Scholars on this DC this summer, make every of my life and a time where I got mathematics. My roommate and momentous occasion! Try to see eff ort to meet the students who to expand my horizons all over I shared a love of Hamlet, and this recognition as neither a feather will be attending college with the world, I wish the class of instantly started talking about in your cap, nor a pinnacle of your you in the fall. Among the fellow 2008 Scholars all of the lasting our favorite acts and scenes. We success thus far, nor a stepping- Scholars I met my year were two connections and friendships Scholars went to the best Seafood stone to world domination; students who are still among my [forged during National buff et that I still rave about, and I instead, see this as an opportunity closest friends, 33 years later. recognition Week and beyond] met a Commissioner with whom I to begin (or continue) building that I have made. Th e universe had the most wonderful discussion a life that will contribute to the Elizabeth Cheng Krist, is yours, live the extraordinary about how important scientists, greater good. What you do with 1975 Scholar, Missouri lives you desire to live, and share researchers, artists, and people your time on this planet matters Princeton ’79, your adventures with all the gifted in languages and culture are even more than you think it will, Senior Photo Editor, National other fellow adventurers around to the nation in fostering unity Geographic Magazine and success is most fully enjoyed you! Savor this moment, you around the globe. Th e last night when rooted in compassion deserve all the praise you will get of our stay, we Scholars had an and kindness. and more for your outstanding informal dance put together by achievements! Be yourself, because our amazing Advisors! I danced Mia Riverton, that is what this nation needs the night away until 3:30 a.m. and 1995 Scholar, Indiana – originality, ingenuity, curiosity, got to know my fellow Scholars in Harvard ‘99, and comradeship. a diff erent setting. At breakfast the Actress-Writer-Producer As for some of my amazing next morning, none of us wanted memories, I could write a book to say goodbye! So I just told full of them (maybe, one day people that I would see them later I will)! Chatting with so many and remember them always. smart, wise, creative young I know everyone will have their individuals from all over the own experiences to last a lifetime, nation was an opportunity for and that National Recognition ideas to fl ow and for us to build Week will be a part of your unique networks that will not break journey of exploration and insight. down. I met a friendly Scholar from New Mexico who shared Theresa (Tess) Anderson, his Native American heritage and 2006 Scholar, Wisconsin love of soccer while I discussed University of Wisconsin-Madison, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Spanish

79 ALUMNI GREETINGS 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS TO THE CLASS OF 2008:

First of all, congratulations on your was nearly 20 years ago, I still Finally, never forget that you have a I hope your National Recognition do I fi nd? Th e biography of U.S. achievement! Th is is a recognition remember it vividly today, and responsibility to help your country Week will be as memorable as Secretary of Education Terrel Bell, of your capabilities, dedication, am still very proud to be a and your world. You are very mine was. In short, it was the whose “A Nation At Risk” report and hard work over the past many Presidential Scholar. talented and very fortunate, and most thrilling week of my life. released not long before we arrived years. I hope you are proud of all As you celebrate your achievement of those to whom much is given, Never before or since have I been a in Washington remains a landmark you have done (though this is often and look with excitement towards much is expected. Th e 21st century member of a group of people with study of American education. Bell’s diffi cult to recognize as a high the great years ahead of you, I will be an age of unparalleled whom I truly belonged. I made life and work remain an exemplar school senior – I know it was would like to off er just a few words prosperity and dramatic change – friends from around the nation that of public service and integrity. In for me!). of encouragement: political transformations around the I am still corresponding with over 1983 at a Scholars’ reception I was I was a Presidential Scholar from First, treasure the experience. Meet world, environmental challenges, two decades later. I met and became able to shake his hand and thank Colorado in 1989. As I look back as many of your fellow Scholars as technological advances, the list pen-pals with a Yale-bound poet him. On the same shelf is Princeton now, it is amazing to see how my you can – some of those friendships goes on. My generation, your and future best-selling novelist; she historian Eric Goldman’s book life has changed – I have been may last a lifetime. Remember generation, and the generation after published my fi rst poem in one of on President Lyndon Johnson, to college and business school, that not every high school kid gets yours will shape this century. It is her journals. Down the hall from in which Goldman describes his worked for over a decade, traveled invited to the White House! Have our time. While you revel in the my room at the Georgetown dorm inspiration for the Presidential all over the world, lived in Paris, a blast. wonderful years ahead, never forget was a prize-winning cellist; across Scholars program in the early 1960s and am now married and have two Second, enjoy the next several years. that you have an obligation to make the hall, our advisor, a soon-to-be and how Johnson’s tireless zeal kids of my own. But even after You are about to launch into some the world a better place and to help Rhodes Scholar. It was a dream brought it to fruition. all these years I still have many very, very fun years. College is such improve the lives of those who are come true for me, and for my In short, without my connection to vivid memories of my days in a unique, special time. I met some less fortunate. When you are ready, family, and for my favorite teacher this program, I wouldn’t have the Washington, DC as a Presidential of my best friends in college, and use your gifts to make a diff erence. too (it was the very fi rst year same understanding of American Scholar – sitting on a bench at I still have so many memories of Together we can do great things for that teachers were recognized at government or of the unsung Georgetown talking with a Scholar those wonderful days. Th ere will America and the world. National Recognition Week). champions of education within from Vermont about politics, certainly be stressful times (studying Congratulations on an outstanding Th e National Recognition our culture. It is this combination listening to the absolutely amazing for mid-terms, interviewing for achievement, and enjoy the road Week experience deepened me of the past with the future that performances of the Scholars at summer jobs, deciding which extra- ahead! But remember that we are intellectually in long-lasting ways. has made my Scholars the Kennedy Center, watching curriculars to take), but they are all counting on you. Make us proud. Looking at my bookshelf as I type experience timeless. my brother play piano at the part of the fun. Based on my own this, nearly 25 years after I received And the experience isn’t limited to reception at the State Department, experience, I can tell you that later Scott Ellis, the telegram from President one week in Washington or books and of course the ceremony at the stressful times will include things 1989 Scholar, Colorado, Reagan announcing my selection on a shelf. Since the mid-1990s White House. In fact, I was asked like waking up to feed the baby at Harvard ‘93, as a Presidential Scholar, what I have been involved in eff orts to about my experience during a job Transition Lead, 3 a.m. and deciding whether to get New Teacher Center develop an alumni association of interview a few weeks ago, and the a huge loan for your house – the Presidential Scholars. As a result, I executive who was interviewing me college ones are easier, trust me! So get to network with brilliant and asked only one question about my in the midst of all the craziness and background: “What is a Presidential fun of college, be sure to take a few Scholar”? So while the experience moments just to savor those special years.

80 44 Years of Presidential Scholars

personable Scholars of diff erent For me, the Presidential Scholars of high achievement, and who, ages and backgrounds all over Program has been an exciting at worst, if he fails, at least fails the nation and world, as we work opportunity to meet some of the while daring greatly; so that his together and build support for a brightest students from around place shall never be with those program we respect and love. In the country. Hearing the towering cold and timid souls who know this way, the National Recognition accomplishments and aspirations neither victory or defeat.” It is Week experience keeps going of fellow Scholars is a really great empowering to know that there and growing, broadening and motivating factor and truly goes are people who understand what deepening our impact on to show the value of dreaming big it means to dare greatly even if it society in ways beyond even and working hard towards those means to sometimes fail. To all the what President Lyndon Johnson dreams. One of my favorite quotes Scholars, congratulations on your envisioned when he announced on is this one by Teddy Roosevelt: “It accomplishments and keep up the April 16, 1964 that the Scholars is not the critic who counts, not incredible work. program would “revolutionize the man who points out how the American education.” strong man stumbled, or where Xiaolong (Alan) Zhou, I belong to quite a few alumni the doer of deeds could have done 2002 Scholar, Florida groups from my high school, better. Th e credit belongs to the Harvard ‘06, University of Oxford college and graduate school days. man who is actually in the arena; Graduate Student (‘08), Duke University School of Medicine But the Presidential Scholars whose face is marred by the dust Medical Student (‘11) Alumni Association is the one I and sweat and blood; who strives am proudest of and the one I will valiantly; who errs and comes do anything to support. It is, for short again and again; who knows me, home. I hope you emerge the great enthusiasms, the great from your National Recognition devotions and spends himself in Week with the same sense of a worthy cause; who at the best, belonging, and of pride in being knows in the end the triumph a part of the Presidential Scholars Program – now, and for a long time to come.

Dr. John Knox, 1983 Scholar, Alabama Associate Research Scientist, University of Georgia, (Chairman, Distinguished Alumni Committee and Newsletter, Co-Editor, Presidential Scholars Alumni Association)

81 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS STAFF & ADVISORS

Melissa Apostolides Simone Miranda Olson Emily Ames-Ledbetter Linda Yao Executive Director Program Manager Executive Advisor, 2005 Scholar Executive Advisor, 2006 Scholar (MD) Junior, Wheaton College. (WV) Junior, Harvard College. Major: Anthropology. Major: Applied Mathematics and Statistics.

Caryn Grimstead Hannah Baker Amanda Berbert Program Manager Advisor, 2005 Scholar (ID) Advisor, 2007 Scholar (UT) Senior, Williams College. Sophomore, Brigham Young Major: Chinese. University. Major: Biology.

Nicholas Golinvaux Katherine Klem Advisor, 2006 Scholar (CO) Advisor, 2004 Scholar (KY) B.A., Junior, Yale University. University of Virginia. Major: Major: Molecular Biology. Political and Social Thought.

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Rose Long Shalin Patel Aman Prasad Mehdi Razvi Advisor, 2006 Scholar (AL) Junior, Advisor, 2007 Scholar (TX) Advisor, 2006 Scholar (ID) Advisor, 2007 Scholar (VA) University of Alabama/Huntsville. Sophomore, Rice University. Junior, Cornell University. Sophomore, University Major: Business Administration. Major: Biochemistry and Major: Chemistry. of Pennsylvania. Major: Cell Biology. Biochemistry.

Amy Varallo Alexandra Villasante Robert Waaser Christina Wagner Advisor, 2007 Scholar (SC) Advisor, 2006 Scholar (FL) Junior, Advisor, 2007 Scholar (IN) Advisor, 2005 Scholar (MN) Sophomore, Georgia Institute of Duke University. Dual Major: Sophomore, Carnegie Mellon Senior, Grinnell College. Dual Technology. Major: Nuclear and Philosophy and Pre-Medicine. University. Dual Major: Electrical/ Major: Biology and Education. Radiological Engineering. Computer Engineering and Computer Science.

Caterina Yuan Faye Zhao Advisor, 2007 Scholar (CA) Advisor, 2006 Scholar (AR) Sophomore, Harvard College. Junior, Yale University. Major: Molecular and Major: Economics and Women’s, Cellular Biology. Gender and Sexuality Studies.

83 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS AUTOGRAPHS

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85 2008 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS AUTOGRAPHS

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