2010 Presidential Scholars Yearbook

U.S. Presidential Scholars 2010 U.S. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM

NATIONAL RECOGNITION WEEK June 19 – June 22, 2010

National Recognition Week and the 2010 Yearbook are Sponsored by:

Ally Financial Inc.

U.S. Department of Education

YoungArts 1964-2010 46 Years of Presidential Scholars

The United States Presidential Scholars Program was established President Johnson opened the fi rst meeting of the White House in 1964, by Executive Order of the President, to recognize and Commission on Presidential Scholars by stating that the Program celebrate some of our Nation’s most distinguished graduating was not just a reward for excellence, but a means of nourishing high school seniors. Each year, up to 141 American students excellence. The Program was intended to stimulate achievement in a from across the country and around the world are named as way that could be “revolutionary.” Presidential Scholars, one of the Nation’s highest honors for During the fi rst National Recognition Week in 1964, the Scholars high school students. By presenting these young people with the participated in seminars with Secretary of State Dan Rusk, Astronaut Presidential Scholars’ Medallion, the President of the United Alan B. Sheppard, and Chief Justice Earl Warren. President Johnson States symbolically honors all graduating high school seniors of challenged the Scholars to give their talents and time “in our land high potential. and in all lands to cleaning away the blight, to sweeping away the For forty-six years, from President Lyndon Baines Johnson to shoddiness, to wiping away the injustices and inequities of the past so President Barack Obama, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program that all men may live together in a great world community of decency has placed more than 6,000 outstanding young achievers in and excellence.” the national spotlight. Initiated by President Johnson, the Over the next decade, several changes occurred in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program annually selects one male and one Presidential Scholars Program. In 1969, the medallion design became female student from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto the Great Seal of the Nation. In 1972, the National Teacher of the Rico, Americans living abroad, 15 at-large students, and up to Year was invited to become a Commissioner. Alumni Scholars were 20 students in the arts on the basis of outstanding scholarship, invited to serve as Advisors to the program. A booklet of Scholars’ service, leadership and creativity through a rigorous selection essays on issues facing the nation was issued by the Joint Commission process administered by the U.S. Department of Education. on Arrangements for the Bicentennial in 1976.

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

3 4 7 8 2010U.S. Presidential Scholars PRESIDENTS HAVE SAID: WHAT THE years tocome will achieveinthe generation, know you,andyour honor youforwhatI values ofexcellence.I toward, thegoalsand must aimfor, andreach society anditsmembers pace mustbefaster. Our our must befarther; must behigher;ourreach low asgoals...Ouraim and theadequatearetoo ourselves. Theaverage by whichwechallenge the goalsandvalues nation -dependsupon of usaccomplishasa individuals -whatall What youaccomplishas except members ofan “You are exceptional President Johnson ional generation. .” very proudly...” very rest ofyourlives,Ihope with you the will carry something alsothatyou cannot buy. ... It is is somethingthatmoney prize ofmaterialvalue.It thana more important recognition youreceiveis future rests...The and visiontheAmerican and uponwhoseskill these Scholarsrepresent young Americanswhom thousands ofbrilliant Scholars, butthetensof this year’s]Presidential dedication who[are uncommon abilityand men andwomenof not onlytheyoung we recognizeandhonor “Through [thisprogram] President Nixon President Ford accomplish big.” dream big,andaboveall, think big,beact cherish. You havegotto democracy whichallofus strengthen theAmerican In thiswayyouwill our nationalwisdom. and newinsightsinto experience, newthought and yourpractical through yourscholarship that youwillcontribute, Itrust third century. the agendaforAmerica’s vitalroleinwriting very intelligence couldplaya “Your leadership,your “I’m very grateful to “You are America’s “This marks the highest “America depends “I want to thank you have a chance to fi rst future and symbolize Scholastic honor a on...you to master the for the contribution you of all congratulate you, her greatest hopes. President can bestow, lessons we have recorded make to our Nation and secondly to call on ... Your country has and I am honored to in the past and to today, and urge you on, you for continued help. made an enormous bestow it. For while accept the challenges because the contributions You’ve been chosen in investment in you, and already you have done that will confront us you’ll make tomorrow an intensely competitive we’re relying on your much, I know you will in the future. ...Our will be just as important. way, based on merit energies and abilities do more, and not for quality of life during As we face the challenges alone. But of course, to carry us into the yourselves alone but for the next century will of a new era, we must with ... opportunity ... next century - free and nation and neighbor - depend on the creative encourage all young comes commensurate strong and prosperous. learning, caring, helping reasoning and the fi rm people to develop their responsibility. And Let this award be both education lead the way. dedication of you and knowledge and skills, so since [as a Presidential a recognition of past ... [In] America the your contemporaries. ... that they will have the Scholar] you are at accomplishments and a defi nition of a successful I don’t see how anybody necessary foundation least a temporary public challenge to excel in the life must include serving could be concerned about to thrive in a changing servant... I hope when years ahead. ... We’re others. Well, that goes the future of this great world. As Presidential you do go back home that counting on you to double for America’s best. country, looking at you, Scholars you are role you’ll be both incisive, understand and shape a Many have labored to reading your records, models for other young questioning, ... and better world...” share their knowledge knowing what you have people throughout our ... constructive.” President Reagan with you, and you can achieved.” country. I encourage you President Carter give them no greater President Clinton to build on your successes gift than to share your and continue to expand knowledge with others. your knowledge. By using ... Honor them by the your talents to serve your lives you lead. And as communities, you help you do... make ours a ensure a bright future for better, richer, more decent our country. ” world.” President George W. Bush President George H.W. Bush

9 2010 U.S. PRESIDE

U.S. Presidential Scholars represent excellence in education and the arts, and the promise of greatness in young people. The medallion they receive symbolizes the hope of an ever-brighter future that this Nation entrusts to each new generation. For over 45 years, this unique program has honored over 6,000 young people for their scholarship, leadership, character and civic values. Each class holds unfathomable depths of potential, creativity, and dedication to high ideals. Each year yields future Rhodes or Marshall Scholars; notable scientists, researchers, inventors and physicians; authors, journalists and artists in every medium; teachers and professors devoted to advancing world thought and fostering the talents of youth; and a myriad of attorneys, business and non-profi t leaders, public servants, politicians, entrepreneurs and community pillars who will touch the world in ways barely imaginable. Alumni range from a Pulitzer Prize winner to a Tony Award nominee; from a MacArthur “genius grant” recipient to a National Poet Laureate; from the Governor of Indiana to pioneers in climate science, energy policy and Internet technology. The members of the Class of 2010 represent diverse backgrounds, experiences, and interests, and yet they are united by many common qualities. They are devoted to family and heritage; radiate a boundless energy and thirst for learning; selfl essly share their spirit, strength and character with their communities, schools, civic groups, and places of worship; champion the rights of others; and set in motion their hopes of bettering the world. Some have survived life-threatening illness or daunting disability; risen above economic hardship, prejudice or persecution; or led their families and communities through trials and emergencies. As their characters are tested in the fi re of great adversity, they offer inspiring proof of the power and resilience of the human spirit. By age 18, these exceptional young people have already performed at Carnegie Hall, made scientifi c discoveries, launched award-winning companies, presented papers at scholarly conventions and published them in prestigious scientifi c journals, mastered multiple languages, founded charities, conducted research, and made scientifi c

10 E NTIAL SCHOLARS

breakthroughs. Academic, volunteer, and extracurricular interests have led them across the country and around the globe, as far away as Taiwan and Turkey. They have applied for patents to treat diseases and medical conditions; stepped forward to serve as offi cer candidates in the U.S. Armed Forces; won countless competitions; raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity; and gained entry to the fi nest universities. They are National Merit Scholars and AP Scholars with Distinction; class offi cers, student body presidents and state legislative pages; Eagle and Girl Scouts; active church, synagogue, mosque and temple members; foreign language interpreters and tutors; family ranchers; budding novelists and poets, accredited culinary arts specialists, licensed pilots; Special Olympics staffers; homecoming kings and queens; nationally ranked climbers; Red Cross volunteers and Habitat for Humanity homebuilders; animal shelter workers; standup comedians; Big Brothers and Sisters; Key Club International District Governors; team captains and star athletes in sports from football to fi eld hockey; Governors’ and Mayors’ honorees; martial arts experts; coaches and mentors in nearly every academic, athletic and artistic discipline; Youth Symphony concertmasters; masters of dance forms from ballet to tap to Scottish Highland; newspaper editors and journalists; top singers and musicians; and world citizens with roots or residencies in India, the Azores, China, Australia, Korea, Germany, and Nigeria. From professional dance productions to gene decoding, from painting to programming, they pursue their passions and convictions with joy, precision, and breathtaking results. In honoring these Scholars, the President of the United States highlights the value to this Nation of our greatest “natural resource”: our youth. By annually turning a national spotlight on 141 exemplary students and leaders, this program aims to encourage all American students to dare, strive, innovate, and excel; confi rm a deep commitment to securing a world-class education for all U.S. youth; and affi rm education’s power to open doors, unlock potential, and realize dreams.

11 Steven Ammerman Jacob Arber Aidan Baker Ian Ball Marjorie Bateman Albuquerque, NM, La Highland Park, IL, Highland Huntsville, AR, Huntsville Nashville, TN, University Mandeville, LA, Mandeville Cueva High School Park High School High School School of Nashville High School College Plans: Washington College plans: Georgetown College Plans: Stanford University College Plans: Stanford University College Plans: Tulane University University in St. Louis University I’ve always been the kid with When I was just a toddler, Described as a Renaissance A proud Albuquerque native, I Jacob has always enjoyed big dreams: to harness the I would struggle with math woman, I have pursued learning have benefi ted from my city’s languages. Born into a Russian power of the sun, to stabilize problems at the breakfast table in literature, music, history, inherent scientifi c nature. My speaking family, he speaks English third-world economies, to be and then rush outside to play and science. As a National innate inquisitiveness fl ourished and has studied Hebrew, Chinese elected president (I’m running in soccer. Although with age I Merit Finalist, AP Scholar with through biology mentorships at and Spanish, yet his interest 2044, mark your calendars!). I’ve have become more focused Honor, and Parish Student of the the University of New Mexico and in language extends beyond also always been the kid with and mature, I really haven’t Year, I have been an innovator Sandia National Laboratories. simply studying them. He was somewhere to go and someone to changed much. I still enjoy both inside and outside of the The exposure to sophisticated a member of the speech team, see. I have played football since the thrill of the interconnected classroom. My love of language equipment and techniques, captain of his school’s Student the 5th grade and was elected logic of mathematics, but I also led me to create and serve as such as DNA manipulation, Congress team, and a member of team captain my senior year. I follow politics closely, and I Editor-in-Chief of our school and contact with dedicated the National Forensic League, in serve as student body president am interested in issues of race literary magazine. I have furthered scientists has given me faith in which he has achieved the rank of and National Honor Society and class. I play on my high my interest in music with the the potential of science to solve Outstanding Distinction. He is also president in addition to holding a school soccer team, and I also Greater New Orleans Youth world problems. That faith is a very active participant in local variety of positions in other clubs. compete in golf tournaments. Orchestra Symphony, with which behind my choice of a career in politics, sitting on the Highland I have played the piano since I Instead of settling into one I played clarinet at Carnegie biochemistry. I also love playing Park Lakefront Commission and was fi ve years old and now serve discipline, I have taken on more Hall. My zeal for history led me to violin (sharpening my traits of working on a Senate campaign. as my church’s weekly pianist and and more. I run cross-country, found my school’s National World discipline, responsibility, and In his free time, he enjoys regularly perform at retirement travel around the nation for War II Quiz Bowl Team, which ability to do team work), reading, reading everything from novels homes and school functions. policy debate, play football, won this year’s championship. swimming, and rock climbing. My to newspapers. Jacob hopes to This past summer I obtained and tutor younger students in My desire to become a physician state’s socioeconomic contrasts apply his knowledge of language some research experience math. Not only do I develop new stems from my passion for and a desire to inspire youngsters and communication in the future while assisting a professor at skills in these diverse areas, science. I have served as Science to love reading motivate my to a career in international the University of Arkansas with but best of all, I get to know Club president, shadowed volunteering at the local food relations, politics or law. his work on dye-sensitized solar different types of people. In every physicians, and developed a

U.S. Presidential Scholars U.S. bank and library, where I have cells. I love to read in my free arena, I meet new people, and hospital pediatric treats program. fi lled several leadership positions. time (I’m secretly jealous of Harry each one I meet is passionate For two summers, I enjoyed I have participated in my school’s Potter, because I’m not him), and about something different. research internships in genetics. Science Olympiad team (heading I cherish every moment I get to 2010 several subcommittees) and the spend relaxing with friends. National and National Spanish Honor Societies. Additionally, my fl uency in Spanish stimulates my interest in other cultures.

12 Ross Beppler Aric Berning Nicole Black Alison Boyd Matthew Brailas Duluth, GA, Northview Aiken, SC, Aiken High School Shelby Township, MI, Henry Shaker Heights, OH, Shaker Austin, TX, Westlake High School High School College Plans: University Ford II High School Heights High School College Plans: Princeton University College Plans: Clemson University of Pittsburgh College Plans: Boston University College Plans: Ohio State University I’ve been writing outside of I am a thrill seeker at heart, and I have had great opportunities From atop a lifeguarding tower school since the third grade, and have a fascination with fl ight. This to learn from a multitude of on Stoney Creek beach, I watch Ever since I was in kindergarten see it as a defi ning part of my combination led me to parasail, sources, and it is learning itself the world and refl ect upon my and wrote my name in yellow life. I wrote only fi ction until my hang glide, take fl ying lessons, that motivates me to succeed. role in it. Most notably, I am a crayon on the rug, I have sophomore year of high school, and skydive. These experiences I have traveled to China and member of the two-time World wanted to leave my mark on when I started transitioning into offered a unique perspective, stayed with a rural family in a Champion FIRST robotics team, the world. Fortunately, I have poetry. I love poetry because and taught me to live in the farming village—an experience the ThunderChickens. To pass on found more positive ways to they are no assumptions going moment. Above all, I love to unlike anything one could fi nd my loves of engineering and math do so. Being president of my in—it can become whatever I be active, whether that means in the United States. Interning to future generations, I mentor school’s Interact club has given want it to become. Whenever I playing soccer or rebuilding at the Cincinnati Children’s elementary LEGO robotics teams me countless opportunities to used to write short stories I would houses for hurricane victims. Hospital during a summer and tutor junior high students help my community through always try to imitate someone The most rewarding experience vacation solidifi ed my career in math. When I am not putting volunteering. Additionally, I else, or to make them sound like of my life was traveling with my plans. As the captain of my my mind to work, I swim and have tried to make the world I thought they ought to sound. soccer team to Chile, where I high school’s nationally-ranked play tennis. I have been making more beautiful through music by Poetry, for me, is more a blank was able to combine my love of Academic Team, I have had the jewelry since childhood, and I playing the oboe in both school slate. I can organize a poem sports with volunteer service, privilege of traveling across recently began a group called and regional ensembles. At my however my mind organizes helping children in foster homes the country to compete, while “Bead the Need” to create church, I have had the opportunity it at the moment of creation, in Santiago. Remembering gleaning knowledge from my jewelry for various charities, to make contributions to the which makes it more genuine. those children’s determination surroundings. Learning simply including a shelter for abused world through numerous mission to overcome adversity keeps for the sake of learning would be women. My future aspirations trips, the youth council and the me grounded—even when I’m perhaps the most desirable of all include double majoring in handbell choir. Furthermore, up in the clouds. Whether I’m occupations, but I cannot pursue Biomedical Engineering and working in a biomedical research playing the tuba, coaching swim such a path without regard to Science & Medical Journalism, lab last summer helped me to team, or just doing schoolwork, the realistic demands of life. In traveling the world, saving discover how I can contribute I give my best effort to match a way, I envy the vagabond. the oceans, and discovering a to the world through a career in their determination. And with cure for diabetes. My past has science. I plan to use my college sustained, determined effort infl uenced my present, and I years to leave my mark through I hope to lead by example believe that my future will have a volunteerism and music, and to and inspire others to excel. signifi cant infl uence on the world. prepare to make a difference through my future career.

13 14 U.S. Presidential Scholars 2010of aninternationalmagazine. who werefeaturedonthecover continents withhismusicalfamily, cellist, Samhastraveledtofi three years.Asanaccomplished every schoolmusicalforthepast a cappella,andhasappearedin the school.HesingsinMadrigals, speak 35differentlanguagesat meet theneedsofstudentswho and implementactivitiesthat Sam hastheopportunitytoplan Body Presidentofhishighschool, Petersburg, Russia.AsStudent Egypt, andayouthcampinSt. in Peru,alepercolony giving serviceatanorphanage abilities intheselanguageswhile Russian. Hehasutilizedhis and Spanishismastering science lab.SamspeaksArabic doing Alzheimer’s researchina playing varsitytennisasheis for life.Heisjustascomfortable has diverseinterestsandazest Sam Brintonisayoungmanwho The youngestofsevenchildren, College College Plans:Harvard East HighSchool Salt LakeCity, UT, Samuel Brinton ve of theschoolnewspaper. I amalsotheeditor-in-chief Kentucky andbacktoTennessee. traveled toTexas, Tennessee, the lastfouryears,wehave for thelessfortunate.Over to buildhomesandrepairthings of thecountryoverAprilvacation that goestoanimpoverishedarea denominational volunteergroup in PilgrimFellowship,anon- Jets. Inmyfreetime,Iparticipate York Yankees andtheNewYork and amalsoafanoftheNew high schoolteamforfouryears, fan, Ihaveplayedgolfonmy public policy. Asanavidsports hope toworkinsomeaspectof to startadebate.Aftercollege,I of politics,Iamusuallythefi fall of2010.Adevotedfollower science andeconomicsinthe University andmajorinpolitical Honors ProgramatAmerican I havechosentoattendthe College Plans:AmericanUniversity High School Guilford, CT, Guilford Evan Brown rst align myselfwithmyvalues. and Icontinuallyattemptto strong foundationinreligion, my community. Lastly, Ihavea like tobefairlyinvolvedaround are veryimportanttome,andI sports, andotherextracurriculars always theretohavefun.School, They arealwaysthereformeand friends arealargepartofmylife. my sisterandbrother. Also,my is tobeaproperrolemodelfor in return,mymaingoallife my parentshavegivenme,and opportunities andguidancethat do mybesttorememberthe playing withmydogs.Ialways including jetskiing,golfi I havemanyfavoriteactivities parents andtwoyoungersiblings, Living inruralIowawithmy College Plans:UniversityofIowa High School Cedar Falls,IA,Hudson Ethan Budreau ng, and is attemptingtogetpublished. children’s picturebook, whichshe recently writtenandillustrateda reading anddrawing,has in herchurch.Madeleineloves through continuedinvolvement contribute tohercommunity energy orspaceindustries,and world througheithertheclean She hopestocontributethe her passionformathematics. favorite, sinceitincorporates to physics.Thelattermostisher from psychologytophilosophy has ledtoherinterestinsubjects discover howthingswork,which there. Shehasalwayswantedto snow, andextremedaylight her lifeandlovesthemountains, Madeleine haslivedinAlaskaall College Plans:Scripps HighSchool Service Anchorage, AK,Robert Madeleine Bulkow diseases onaglobalscale. treat andpreventinfectious a physicianandfi Bratton Green.Iplantobecome challenged campersatCamp to mentallyandphysically time isservingasacounselor My favoritewaytospend no culturalorlanguagebarriers. taught methatfriendshipknows family inArgentinalastsummer world, andlivingwithahost fueled mydesiretoexplorethe Growing upinasmalltownhas All-Star ScholarofMississippi. Laude Societyandselectedasan been inductedintotheCum of interestingclassesandhave myself academicallyinavariety love. I’vealsoenjoyedpushing while workinghardatwhatthey time withotherswhohavefun as captain,Ienjoyspendingmy leading theVarsity SwimTeam be practicingonayogamator cathartic forme,andwhetherit challenged. Athleticsare I ammosthappywhenbeing College Plans:ColumbiaUniversity Episcopal School Ridgeland, MS,St.Andrew’s Ann Burrell nd waysto Nicole Cacozza Anne Cai Joseph Calland Martin Camacho Luke Celenza Washington, DC, Woodrow Mt. Pleasant, SC, Porter- New Albany, OH, New St. Paul, MN, Central High School Bedford, NY, Fox Lane Wilson Senior High School Gaud School Albany High School College Plans: Harvard College High School College Plans: Brown University College Plans: Massachusetts College Plans: Northwestern College Plans: The Juilliard School Institute of Technology or University Even though he’s a mathematician I am a District of Columbia Public Princeton University at heart, Martin has always Luke grew up surrounded by School student with a broad An avid weightlifter who enjoyed branching out – his many music and started studying range of interests. I play soccer, I’m the chief editor of the also happens to excel at interests include academics, classical piano at age 5. Jazz write plays, and have a scuba school newspaper and literary making balloon animals and music, sports, and volunteering. caught his ear and, at age diving certifi cation. I watch Glee magazine, NCTE Winner, Coca- woodworking, Joe is rarely able After entering high school at age 12, he was accepted into the religiously and unashamedly. I am Cola Scholar, Youth Orchestra to fi nd suffi cient time in the day 10, he proceeded to found his high Manhattan School of Music undecided about my future career, and All-State concertmaster, for all his plans. He has always school’s quiz bowl team, leading Precollege Jazz Division. In 2009 though I will probably major in the Intel STS Semifi nalist, Research worked hard to balance the many it to three nationals, and he has and 2010, this MSM combo won social sciences or humanities. I Science Institute Scholar, seven- aspects of his life, including served as captain of his school’s the Charles Mingus Competition would like to continue to study time violin and piano soloist with athletics (football and baseball), science bowl and math teams. and he received the Outstanding Spanish, a language that I professional orchestras, MTNA clubs, and leisure. A prominent A three-time USA Mathematical Piano Soloist Award. He began picked up in middle school, and state winner, quiz bowl and math member of Ohio’s Model United Olympiad qualifi er, Martin has playing with The New York has since become one of my team captain, piano state winner, Nations, the local chapter of the taken classes full-time at the Youth Symphony’s Jazz Band favorite subjects thanks to some Youth-in-Government Justice National Honor Society, and his University of Minnesota for the Classic, and was awarded the excellent teachers. I traveled and Outstanding Attorney…but principal’s service-based “Eagle past two years. He’s attended Director’s Award in 2008. He has to Asunción, Paraguay last that dry laundry list leaves only a Ambassador” club, Joe also the International Science and also won a DownBeat Student summer in order to practice my smattering of fl at impressions. works on his own with Habitat Engineering Fair and the Research Music Award for an outstanding language skills and do community I’m a genetics and neuroscience for Humanity, through which he Science Institute through two performance. Twice he has service work at various schools. lover who writes free-verse independently built a playground mathematical research projects. participated in the Dave Brubeck I am looking forward to the poetry, an infamous klutz who in a new Habitat development. As a pianist, he’s topped several Institute Summer Jazz Colony new challenges of college. avidly plays Ultimate Frisbee and In his free time, Joe frequently area competitions. In his free and the Grammy Jazz Ensemble proudly survived Outward Bound, reads, watches movies with his time (which, surprisingly, and has also been part of the Vail a classical violinist and pianist friends, and rides his mountain abounds), Martin plays on his Jazz Workshop. Through these who has attempted improvisational bike. He is currently working on high school’s Ultimate Frisbee stellar jazz music programs, jazz, a formerly shy girl who is his atrocious golf game, which team, teaches Sunday School Luke has had the opportunity to now an enthusiastic debater hopefully will someday be a at his local parish, and enjoys play with Joe Lovano, Geoffrey and leads a crowd of people useful skill in the business world, reading, linguistics, and computer Keezer, Rich Perry, Dick Oatts, knocking on doors on Day 1 of where he intends to work. programming. In the future, Cassandra Wilson and others. summer camps, an only child he’d love to be a research He currently studies with Jeremy who has found a plethora of professor in mathematics. Manasia and Michel Camilo. siblings among at-risk inner-city children at Rise Up And Read, and a talkative person who would gladly listen to others’ stories and discover new interests while delving deeply into my passions.

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running trackinhissparetime. playing basketball,soccer, and keep himbusy, Bobbyloves 2010While academicsandmusic post-Katrina NewOrleans. hurricane-sturdy housesin for Humanity, constructing U.S.Rustic PathwaysandHabitat led himtopursueprojectswith community dedicationhasalso String Teaching Program.This through theAndover-Lawrence teaching freecellolessons Presidentialto sharewiththecommunity, endeavors alsoinspirehim ensembles. Hismusical chamber musicandorchestral who sharehispassionthrough joy isplayingmusicwithothers Competitions. Bobby’s greatest YoungArts, andJohansen festivals suchastheStulberg, England andeveninternational competitions throughoutNew stages aswinnerofyoungartist national, andinternational him accoladesonthestate, solo performerhavegarnered great passions.Histravelsasa Scholarsenjoys balancingthesetwo aspiring classicalcellist,Bobby As bothadevotedstudentand & TheJuilliardSchool College Plans:ColumbiaUniversity Newton, MA,PhillipsAcademy Bobby Chen my dreamofculinarymastery. consider myselfmuchcloserto youth, Ididn’t giveupandwould failures thansuccessesinmy mastery, andwhileIhadmore inspired metoaimforculinary Dominic wasthefirst onewho instead ofcartoons.Father on PBSSaturdaymornings love towatchcookingshows When Iwasyounger, Iusedto can makeanysituationbetter. favorite soundsandIthinkit of life.Laughterisonemy that happinessisthebestpart I lovetolaughandbelieve College College Plans:Harvard Kokomo, IN,ParkTudor School Chen Lynelle movies withherfriendsorfamily. free time,sheloveswatching kids livinginruralareas.Inher taught Englishtodisadvantaged all herrelativeslive)whereshe volunteering inTaiwan (where heat andspendthepastsummer also gotthechancetobrave at anearbyanimalshelter. She math tutorandoftenvolunteers year, sheworksregularlyasa in thefuture.Duringschool will probablypursueengineering inner mathandsciencegeek she oftenenjoyslettingouther this listmayhintatthefactthat League. Alookatthelatterhalfof the AmericanComputerScience Team, ScienceOlympiad,and Trial, FBLA,ChineseClub,Math school, withleadingrolesinMock member oftoomanyclubsather the tennisteamandbeinganavid years. Shealsoenjoysplayingon playing celloforovertwelve Diana lovesmusicandhasbeen College Plans:PrincetonUniversity High School RI,Barrington Barrington, Diana Chin of flight therestofmylife. license andenjoythefreedom to solo.Iplanacquiremypilot’s the medicalcertifi This includesfi have facedmyshareofstruggles. a studentwithCysticFibrosis,I flight lessonsinaCessna150.As and inJuneof2009Istarted this campwasaloveforfl for thefirst time.Theresultof where Iwasabletofly anairplane aeronautical engineeringcamp choice. Ihavealsoattendedan engineering asmycareer me intotherealmofelectrical interest themostandhasbrought electrical engineeringpiquedmy several engineeringcamps, in engineering.Afterattending together, whichledtoaninterest and attemptingtoputthemback a child,Ienjoyedtakingaparttoys discovering howthingswork.As curious personwhoenjoys I havealwaysbeenanaturally of Nebraska,Lincoln College Plans:University Parker, SD,ParkerHighSchool Derek Christensen ghting toreceive cate necessary ying, at StanfordUniversity. studying biologicalengineering teams. Inowlookforwardto Olympics basketballandtennis has beencoachingSpecial in myhighschoolexperience the mostrewardingactivities listening toLadyGaga.Oneof journalism, shoeshopping,and speaking, mathcompetitions, to ecology, Iloveextemporaneous very ownhiveofbees.Inaddition Nebraska, fishing, andkeepingmy enjoying thenaturetrailsherein recreational sideofecology, by Science Institute.Ialsolovethe at MITthroughResearch my ownentomologicalresearch had theopportunitytoconduct Entomology Hall.LastsummerI University ofNebraska-Lincoln’s the summerof2008,Iworkedat science beganthere.During in ecologyandenvironmental feeding thehorses.Myinterest such asgatheringeggsand and childrenhaveweeklyduties pile outsidethemainbuilding, is achickencoopandcompost where Iwenttopreschool,there At PrairieHillLearningCenter, College Plans:StanfordUniversity East HighSchool Lincoln, NE,Lincoln Maesen Churchill Lauren Coleman Daniel Comeaux Abbee Cox David Crouse Marissa Dearing Franklin, TN, University Lafayette, LA, Lafayette Lawton, OK, MacArthur Ponder, TX, Crouse Home School Potomac, MD, Maret School School of Nashville High School High School College Plans: Michigan College Plans: Yale University College Plans: Princeton University College Plans: The College Plans: Columbia University State University University of Chicago I am passionate about learning, I share certain qualities with As a proud Okie, but city girl As a child, David enjoyed building about people, about life. When my family members in Alabama When I travel outside of at heart, I cannot wait to move with Legos, a hobby that inspired a subject fascinates me, I read and the people in my hometown, Louisiana, I am reminded of my to NYC this fall. Politics is my him to pursue engineering. He has voraciously, whether it’s Oliver Nashville. We are warm, heritage. “Koh-me-ux? How passion, which I have pursued never stopped building, creating, Sacks on neuroscience or Susan friendly, dynamic, and unique. I do you say your name?” many as a state legislative page, Girls and inventing. He designed and Sontag on photography. I relish love creative writing and enjoy people ask me. The answer State Attorney General, and built a balancing robot for Baylor the challenge of mastering serving as Co-Editor-in-Chief of is simpler than it may appear: the student spokesperson for a University and developed a languages, immersing myself my school’s literary magazine. “Coe-Moe.” This link to my local school bond campaign. I remote laboratory solution for the in new alphabets, grammatical While I mostly write poetry, I like French roots wanders with me, am also dedicated to community University of North Texas. He is structures, and literature. to write screen plays as well. I from the National Science Bowl service, with over 500 recorded especially proud of the wireless Whether it is the beauty of am committed to volunteering to the Bands of America Grand Key Club service hours. As heart monitor he is developing Arabic calligraphy, the depth of and especially to working National Championship. However, student body vice president, I at UNT and the bipedal robot he expression in Spanish literature, with children. Last summer I my Cajun ancestry does not organized the most successful helped design for Michigan State the poetic allure of Latin, or volunteered at a school and an exclusively defi ne me. Indeed, I blood drive in my school’s history. University. David was named the musicality of Greek, I am orphanage in Cambodia. For three am also physics loving, politics The best experience of my life state champion and national captivated by language. I am years, I have tutored students obsessing, trumpet playing, thus far was the United States quarterfi nalist in the AAA Travel thrilled by exploring literature at a day-and-after-care center service giving, and above all, Senate Youth Program. As a Challenge. He earned the Siemens and the role it has played in and volunteered as an aide knowledge seeking. Whether I six-year quiz bowl team captain Award for Advanced Placement different cultures, as well as in a second grade classroom am delving into the minutiae of and a state medaling Academic and was declared a National AP how culture has infl uenced at my school. I am also the particle physics or attempting to Decathlete, I’m a proud nerd. Scholar and a National Merit literature. I immerse myself in Treasurer of the senior class understand the irrationalities of On a more personal note, I am Scholar. David is an offi cer in art and photography and fi nd it and the Gay-Straight Alliance political dynamics, I have yet to a fan of everyday life and all the the Civil Air Patrol, the U.S. Air diffi cult to tear myself away. I at my school. Academically, I fi nd a problem for which I do not little things that make it beautiful. Force Auxiliary, and is pursuing served as co-editor-in-chief of enjoy learning about everything, crave the answer. Above all other I love writing and receiving his pilot license. Since the age the school newspaper, senior but I am particularly interested aspects of my being, what truly handwritten letters. I sing and of ten, David has volunteered editor of the literary and visual in studying languages and defi nes me is that even though I dance pretty much everywhere I for Shoes for Orphan Souls, an arts magazine, and as a tutor literature. My long-term interest know I will never uncover all of go, though I’m dreadful at both. organization that provides shoes with the Latino Student Fund. is in an academic career, and I these answers, I do know that I for orphans in 68 countries. I hope to pursue a career in plan to remain a poet for life. In will always fi nd joy in the search. international law or diplomacy. my spare time, I go to concerts and cook vegetarian food.

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begins withadecisiontotry. belief thateveryaccomplishment 2010in engineeringandfollowingmy excited aboutpursuingacareer leader, rolemodelandfriend.Iam has inspiredmetoserveasa U.S.Board andTYROEditorial National HonorSocietyExecutive United Way Youth Action Board, My volunteerservicewiththe Valuable Studentscholarship. Elks NationalFoundationMost Presidentialand first placewinnerforthe or beingaCoca-ColaScholar Young EntrepreneurAward, for theJuniorAchievement Washington D.C.,beingnominated U.S. SenateYouth Programin representing Wisconsinatthe in nationaldebatetournaments, hospital residents,participating viola inCarnegieHallorbefore full potential—beitperforming has propelledmetorealizemy explore newhorizons,which an insatiabledesiretolearnand to biomedicalresearch.Ihave “green” automotiveinnovations Scholarsand technology, rangingfrom of mypassionforscience My lifepictureiscomposed College Plans:PrincetonUniversity Central HighSchool Brookfi Dongre Bryan eld, WI,Brookfi eld improvisation topureadrenaline. thrills oflife,fromdiscoveryand passion isforthepiano.Ilove I playthealtosaxophone,butmy DODDS-Europe HonorChoirand the first bassvocalistinthe2010 teaching myteammates.Iam not onlytolikesports,butenjoy wrestling teams,Ihavelearned captain ofthesoccer, tennisand Spain myhome.Asavarsity in Germany, andsoonI’llcall in Turkey andItaly, Ihavelived a yearintheAzores,Igrewup I wasborninCanada,spent military communitiesoverseas. nearly myentirelifeinvarious since 1979,andIhavespent has beenemployedbyDODDS kilts andkebabs.Myfather starry nights,northernlights, rockets, terrorists,explosions, Camels, fighter jets,tanks, College Plans:Undecided HighSchool APO, AE,Vilseck Eldredge Darren that happinessisachoice. I candoistoshowpeople I believethegreatestgood as aneuroscienceresearcher. counseling psychologistaswell Development. Ihopetobea in HumanandOrganizational Vanderbilt Universityandmajor willing todowork.Iwillattend any achievementwhenoneis that potentialisgreaterthan Scout. However, Ihavelearned and earnedtherankofEagle have hikedcountlessmiles life withtennisandmusic.I have learnedtodiversifymy Bowl, andSeniorBoard.I including BetaClub,Scholar’s my extracurricularactivities, served asaleaderinmanyof great achievements.Ihave values thatIhavereached and honest.Itiswiththese be introspective,empathetic, than that,theytaughtmeto places,” theywouldsay. More sake. “Knowledgecantakeyou to valuelearningforitsown My parentsalwaystaughtme University College Plans:Vanderbilt Snellville, GA,ShilohHighSchool Matthew Faulkner further enrichmentofmylife. contributed tomysuccessand of othersasmysupporters as vitallytothelivesandgoals I hopetobeablecontribute closer tomycareergoal.Oneday fonder asIcontinuetoinch and medicinehasonlygrown a pediatrician.Myloveoflearning to medicalschoolandbecoming this fallwiththeintentionofgoing will beattendingDukeUniversity success, Iamabletosaythat Thanks totheirdedicationmy to eachandeveryoneofthem. me, andIamforevergrateful friends, andfamilywhosupported reminded ofallmyteachers, academic excellence,Iam years ofacutedevotionto reminisce onthemultifarious had bestoweduponme.AsI the greatesthonorsIhaveever Scholars recognitionisoneof Receiving thePresidential College Plans:DukeUniversity Austin, AR,CabotHighSchool Emily Foltz reading, running,andtravel. cooking, mypassionsinclude culinary certificate. Otherthan I amtheproudrecipientofa Culinary CenterofKansasCity, Culinary ArtsProgramatthe A graduateoftheProfessional the UniversityofNotreDame. Yusko ScholarshipProgramat inaugural classoftheHesburgh- disciplines asapartofthefi plan tofocusmystudiesinthese particularly thesocialsciences.I enjoy nearlyallofmystudies, of RockhurstHighSchool.I the excellentJesuiteducation am proudtobetheproductof on thecross-countrysquad.I an EagleScout,andacaptain Students forPoliticalActionclub, Council member, Presidentofthe Society President,aPastoral community astheNationalHonor provide leadershiptomyschool to havetheopportunity I washumbledandhonored of NotreDame College Plans:University High School Leawood, KS,Rockhurst Stephen Fox rst Daniel Fried Alyson Gigger Daniel Gillund Austin Goodwin John Alex Goss Tucson, AZ, University Pocatello, ID, Century High School Wildrose, ND, Divide Plano, TX, Booker T. Bellaire, TX, Kinkaid School High School College Plans: Brigham County High School Washington High School of the College Plans: The Cooper Union College Plans: University Young University College Plans: Massachusetts Performing & Visual Arts of Arizona Institute of Technology College Plans: New York Since my fi rst little point-and- The most important thing to University, Tisch School of the Arts shoot digital camera four years These last four years have been Alyson is her family: She has Daniel was raised on a family ago, I’ve been exploring ways fi lled with academics, church, fi ve older siblings, a little sister, farm and is an ideal example of Austin Goodwin is a young artist to make bigger, sharper, and clubs, music, and relaxing with and the best parents. Her older what the youth of rural America with many dreams. It took him more natural-looking prints as my friends over cards and brothers and sisters have greatly can offer the world. He is not only one dance class to realize that well as pushing my subjects conversation. I’ve expanded infl uenced the activities in a top scholar, but he is an Eagle dance is what he would be doing and compositions. To me, Art my view of the world, and my which she participates, such Scout, artist, athlete, musician for the rest of his life; that dance is sharing; exchanging images, own role in it, through a mission as debate. Alyson is currently and entrepreneur. Daniel is class was 6 years ago. Today, thoughts, stories. I have used my trip to Los Angeles, a foreign the Lincoln-Douglas captain of chapter president of the National Austin is attending Booker T. photography to express myself, exchange trip in Germany, and her high school’s debate team. Honor Society, was senior patrol Washington High School for the serve my community and to begin ongoing outreach to the homeless Last year she was selected to leader of his Boy Scout troop, Performing and Visual Arts where to build a career. I’ve spent my through my church. Thanks to attend the National Forensics and has a close connection with he studies modern dance, ballet, summers continuing my education my high school experiences, it’s League national competition in two neighboring cities that have and dance composition, as well in photography, and this past easy for me to look at the world Birmingham, Alabama. Alyson provided him with many service as academics. Austin also studies January I volunteered my service and its issues from multiple has also shown a great interest and leadership opportunities. dance at Motion Center for Dance to a professional photographer viewpoints. In college, I’m in politics. One of her favorite His ingenuity and a passion for after school and on the weekends. in her studio. Outside of looking forward to studying the things to do is discuss national shaping red hot steel prompted Austin was a YoungArts fi nalist in photography and academics, I way societies function through and international issues with him to start his own business at Choreography this year, and has enjoy playing music at parties the lens of technology. I plan to her family. In addition, she was the age of fourteen. The result continued to create many works. and events. This April will be my study abroad and expose myself chosen as the fi rst alternate in was DragonFire Forge, a fully He is also an active member of third year to DJ the Pink Ribbons to new cultures and languages the U.S. Senate Youth Program. functional blacksmith shop that the community. He received his Project fashion show in Houston. as quickly as I can. God has When she isn’t busy arguing the makes it possible for Daniel to Eagle Scout Award in 2007, giving I’ve watched and helped the blessed me with an amazingly pros and cons of her latest debate create and market beautiful back to the community through show grow from the start, and loving and supportive family, topic, Alyson volunteers with works of art that originally only service projects and food drives. this year I am sure it will be a hit. superb teachers, great friends, her high school’s Interact club. his minds’ eye could see. He Beyond his art, academics, and a deep sense of curiosity. As a club offi cer, she recently also loves to learn, read, sing and community contributions, helped plan and organize a chili and swing dance, and has Austin spends his time writing cook-off fundraiser for the victims plans to pursue an education poetry, reading, and spending of the Chilean earthquake. in mechanical engineering. time with family and friends.

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but pastthat,Icanonlyguess. biology forthenextseveralyears, that was.Iplanonobsessingover 2010absence, Iforgotexactlywhat talk aboutmyfreetime,butinits and ScholarsBowlteams.Iwould chapters andcaptainofourmath U.S.Society andMuAlphaTheta school’s NationalSpanish Honor others. Iampresidentofmy ornithology, andamyriadof for obscureethnicities,orchids, Presidentialinterests, includingmypassions smiles”). IBhelpednourishmy and thelachrymosedreamt word autobiographies(“ personalized Infernos,andsix- from epistemologicalessays, but couldincludeanything have beenoverlynumerous healthy. Ourassignmentsmay caffeine thancouldpossiblybe cooperation, tenacity, andmore war ofattrition,wononlythrough lives forfouryears.Schoolisa acknowledge, JCIBhasbeenour stubborn ofmyclassmateswill school because,aseventhemost writing agreatdealaboutmy Scholarsautobiography inevitablyinvolves For me,tryingtowritean Alabama, Birmingham College Plans:Universityof BaccalaureateSchool International County AL,Jefferson Birmingham, Gray Gary Lluvia , becoming anartmuseumcurator. to helpmeachievemydreamof decade earningmultipledegrees band. Iplanonspendingthenext by themembersofmyhighschool Likely toSaySomethingRandom” with Distinction,andvoted“Most Merit Scholar, anAPScholar proud tobenamedaNational low self-esteem,andthusIam prestigious titlestoboostmy Brooks. Moreover, Iliketocollect Quentin Tarantino, andMel and Liszt;IwatchWes Anderson, Camus; IplayDebussy, Chopin, read Vonnegut, Salinger, and fervent discipleofthearts:I me thanthat.Forone,I’ma I liketothinkthere’s moreto I disagreewiththisstatement, foreign children.WhileIcan’t say appetite forcollectingsmall and Angelina’s unquenchable Newton’s innovativebrilliance and AngelinaJolie,with as ahybridofIsaacNewton My friendswoulddescribeme College College Plans:Harvard High School Orlando, FL,Dr. Phillips Brooke Griffi n and familyfortheirlovingsupport. Education aswellherfriends and thankstheDepartmentof the PresidentialScholarsProgram humbled tohaveparticipatedin the humanities.Sarahfeels chemistry toLatin,politics,and academic interestsrangefrom ideas, oropportunities.Her and lovestoexplorenewplaces, relax, shecooks,choreographs, Challenge Team ascaptain.To Society. ThisyearsheledWilton’s Student BoardandNationalHonor President oftheABetterChance as aPeerventionMemberand tutoring andmentoringstudents Sarah alsoworksone-on-one opportunities toexchangeideas. Republicans, sherelishes Congress andWiltonTeenage and aleaderinWiltonModel Congressman ChristopherShays national charities.Asaninternfor and benefits forregionaland has performedinprograms A ballerinaof15years,Sarah and supportsthosearoundher. her community, connectswith resident, isascholarwhoserves Sarah, alifelongConnecticut College Plans:Davidson CT,Wilton, HighSchool Wilton Sarah Gustafson golf, camping,andpingpong. In myfreetime,Ienjoyskiing, the symphonicandjazzbands. and first chairinstrumentalistin of myhockeyandsoccerteams, president oftheLEOclub,captain leader andhaveservedasvice of mycommunity. Iamanatural the loveofgameinyouth coach Ihavebeenabletoinstill is apassionofmine,andas the societyaroundme.Hockey effect, insomewayimpacting space, orinventanewgizmo—in discover thesecretsofouter energetics intransportation,to use hydrogenfuelcellsorfusion to find aneffi cient methodto where Imightusemyknowledge in athrivingtechnologicalworld For me,sciencewillbetheleader peace throughpolicyandpolitics. help theworldbypromoting Some peoplethinkthattheycan in academics,athletics,ormusic. I loveachallenge,whetheritis College College Plans:Dartmouth High School Bozeman, MT, Bozeman Brooks Hallin a NationalMeritscholar. a fullrideasLayscholarand University, whereIhavereceived the field ofmedicineatFurman youth group.Iplantopursue active participantinmychurch servant-leadership, andIaman a student-ledclubfocusedon as PresidentofYouth Impact, is required”;therefore,Iserve “To whommuchisgiven, Beta Club.Ibelieveintheadage, Honors Society, andamemberof President, Vice PresidentofTri-M Honor’s Society, KeyClub I amVice PresidentofNational I wouldratherleadthanfollow! I attendedAll-StateBandtwice. Band, andMarching Symphonic WindsEnsemble,Jazz euphonium, amamemberofthe on boththetromboneand the tennisteam.Iamproficient swim team,andparticipatedon grueling 500-metereventformy to statethisyear, swamthe helped leadmyAcademicTeam learning, andcompetition.I Yes. Iadmitit.enjoyschool, University College Plans:Furman Senior HighSchool KY,Georgetown, ScottCounty Hambrick Horace Rhodes John Alex Goss Ben, Fagettville Print 15 in x 15 in

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2010I loveeveryminuteofit. me, lifeisaperpetualjourney. change theworldsomeday. For U.S.a field withwhichIhopeto John Mayer. Idabbleinpolitics, the ArcadeFire,Interpol,and diverse blendofmusic,including international coffeevarietiestoa cultures tocopiousamountsof Presidentialto Wikipediaexplorationofglobal from booksbyMalcolmGladwell I immersemyselfineverything guest-editing SAT guidebooks, geospatial intelligencework,or VA Hospital,doingtop-secret I’m notvolunteeringatthelocal I die.Inmysparetime,when every sovereignnationbefore East foodstomygoalofvisiting everyday life,frommyloveofFar as itmayseem,guidesmy world’s vastness.Asidealistic have abitingurgetouncoverthe fields, butinthesensethatI and spaceviasuper-magnetic Scholarsislands thatmovethroughtime sense thatIdiscoverunknown I’m anexplorer. Notinthe College Plans:PrincetonUniversity Bridge SeniorHighSchool Columbia, MO,Columbia-Rock Alan Hatfi eld read andjamwithfriends. In herfreetime,Joylovesto varsity tennisforherschool. finance andbusiness,plays national titlesforcompetitionsin council, haswonstateand class presidentofherstudent In addition,Joyhasservedas Journal ofNeurochemistry. including publicationinthe earned hermuchrecognition, differentiation ofneuralcellshas on theeffectsofopioids research atSaintLouisUniversity as afreshman.Sincethen,her researching thesoybeangenome Joy fellinlovewithbiologywhile music isnotheronlypassion. Tetzlaff andGilShaham.Yet, renowned musiciansasChristian master classestaughtbysuch has beeninvitedtoparticipatein Orchestra fortwoyears,and the SaintLouisSymphonyYouth has servedasConcertmasterof Missouri. Anavidviolinist,Joy Central HighSchoolinSt.Louis, Joy He,17,isasenioratParkway College College Plans:Harvard Central HighSchool Chesterfi Joy He eld, MO,Parkway facets oftheuniverse. of thedefinite andindefi nite while stillpursuingknowledge diversity andglobalhealth continue herstudiestopromote the diversityoflife.Andreawill ponds havetaughtherabout on algaeremovalfromeutrophic and herindependentresearch experience inthemedicalfi outreach, herincreasing countless hoursofcommunity Society andStudentCouncil,her roles intheNationalHonor leader, hervice-presidency competition. Asanaspiring Music Associationannual Top Virtuoso oftheMidAmerica at theageofelevenandwinning as aperformanceinCarnegieHall her tootherachievementssuch scales, simultaneouslyleading has trainedherearbychordsand discrepancies. Herworkinpiano activities haveunveiledsubtle However, herextra-curricular shows thatthetwoareidentical. answer; physics,forexample, Scholarship hastaughtherone always searchedforthisanswer. C sharpandaDflat? Andreahas What isthedifferencebetweena College Plans:StanfordUniversity HighSchool North Leawood, KS,BlueValley Andrea Hinton eld, otherwise chaoticsenioryear. break fromwhathasbeenan which hasofferedarelaxing music theoryandcomposition, and cellototherealmsof experience withbothpiano also enjoyedapplyingmy setup atDukeUniversity—I’ve with aninterferometricimaging the summerof2009,working Goldberg devices—or, asin bottle rocketsortweakingRube writing clubs.Whennotdesigning math, film, fencing,andcreative leading memberofmyschool’s Olympiad team.Iamalsoa 2010 statechampionScience for RaleighCharter’s varsity wonderful nicheasanengineer it properly. Ihavefounda chase afterituntilIunderstand when there’s aphenomenon,I’ll seeking outthesolution,and there’s aproblem,Ican’t resist I am,decidedly, ascientist:when Institute ofTechnology College Plans:California HighSchool Charter Raleigh, NC,Raleigh Izatt Gregory accomplished groupofscholars! an honortobeincludedinthis of otherpeople,soitistruly myself inspiredbythepassions careers inthesciences.Ifi encourage studentstopursue awareness ofstemcellsbutalso can notonlyincreasegeneral to cutting-edgescience,we access. Byintroducingstudents communities throughstemcell outreach tohigh-need recent workinvolveseducational sustainability atmyschool.My $2000 toimproveenvironmental Student Government,Iraised as StudentBodyPresidentof in myBoyScoutTroop 374,and I aminvolvedasanEagleScout Outside oftheacademicrealm, the Colombiancocainetrade. theory researchoneliminating ethanol productiontogame- energy crisisthroughcellulosic from workonsolvingtoday’s many kindsofresearch,ranging to DJing.I’veparticipatedin and fromBhangraDancing from SpanishtoTaeKwonDo, from QuizBowltoModelUN, interests areallovertheplace: I amanIndian-Americanwhose Pennsylvania, HuntsmanProgram College Plans:Universityof School ofScienceandMathematics Carolina Raleigh, NC,North Saumil Jariwala nd Katherine Jarrell Megan Jenkins Uchechi Kalu Nolan Kamitaki Suraj Kannan Dry Creek, WV, Liberty Sheridan, WY, Sheridan Orangeburg, SC, South Hilo, HI, Waiakea High School Louisville, KY, duPont High School High School Carolina Governor’s School for College Plans: Harvard College Manual High School College Plans: Washington College Plans: Yale University the Arts and Humanities College Plans: University of and Lee University College Plans: Princeton University Perhaps I was born with science Louisville, GEMS Program I was born and raised in running through my veins. My I have always believed there Sheridan, Wyoming, a vibrant I can’t swim. I write my E’s and F’s parents told me that before I As an eighth grader, I once is a perfect balance between community that has afforded backward. I can never remember could even speak, I fi gured out declared to my friends that work and play. I am a volleyball me many opportunities. My that the Maltese Falcon is not how to use the VCR and kept I would one day be King of player who loves to volunteer high school hobbies include the Baltese Falcon. I count stairs watching a particular video about the World; since then I have and a high jumper who loves violin, varsity tennis, Quiz Bowl when I walk up them. My house animated geometric building tried to achieve this goal by to laugh. I am a leader who team, and crossword puzzles. has twelve leading upstairs, blocks over and over. I began actively making an impact on my can also follow and an active In addition to studying classical and my uncle’s house in Nigeria reading at an early age and community. As a self-proclaimed member of my school’s student violin, I’ve experimented with has twenty-two. Basically, I’m always preferred fact books to nerd, I have a tremendous interest government and debate team. As Mariachi violin in my school’s full of quirks and fl aws, which children’s fairytales. Continuing in science; it was this interest a ski instructor who reads, plays new Mariachi band. Recently, I I love, especially since I write. through my school years, science that drove me to conduct stem piano, and is her sister’s best have started teaching beginner Writing gives me an opportunity research has been an everlasting cell research that could provide friend, I am a true Renaissance violin students after school. I to explore my life and the lives door opening to fascination and revolutionary regenerative tissue woman. Growing up in a small serve as a youth member on a around me, to turn the mundane entertainment. More specifi cally, therapies for patients suffering town in West Virginia has taught local Wellness Advisory Council into something worthwhile. I what interests me the most is from a variety of illnesses and me the value of hard work and and have had the opportunity to won’t call myself a writer yet. applying science and technology conditions. I am also an avid determination, while also offering help organize my school’s health I’m not nearly old enough, or as towards improving the quality musician: I have played the viola many exciting challenges for the fair. As vice-president of my experienced. Someday I will be, of human life. Thus, naturally, for many years, and am trying future. My interests in chemistry, school’s National Honor Society but until then I’m just a girl, just a besides doing research with (with some success!) to learn to art history, and economics chapter, I have helped start an Southerner, just someone living implications for human health, play guitar as well. In between lead me to study anything and after-school tutoring program. this life and having fun doing it. I’ve taken advantage of numerous volunteering, AP classes, and my everything; the possibilities Though I may not have much opportunities to participate various clubs (a number of which for my future are endless. free time, I shamelessly seize in student councils, assume I helped found), I enjoy making every possible opportunity to leadership roles, and promote card houses and am currently watch Spongebob Squarepants. local education. But at my most working to make a replica of my fundamental level, I fi nd learning high school using trading cards. to be full of surprises and can’t wait to continue my education.

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Technology asanundergraduate. attend theCaliforniaInstituteof 2010and histeamworkskills,hewill a strongtechnicalfoundation continue incollege.To build two activitieshehopesto U.S.articles forhisschoolnewspaper, comedy andwrittensatirical He hasalsoperformedstand-up run extracurricularorchestra. and playedviolinforastudent- Presidentialpresident, andhasconducted serves asNationalHonorSociety speaking clubathishighschool, Toastmasters-sponsored public leading teams.Hecoordinatesa is interestedinworkingand III. Inadditiontoscience,Raj Professor, WilliamGoddard of CaltechChemicalEngineering volunteer workatthelaboratory biology aswelltwosummersof coursework inphysics,math,and developed fromhishighschool biomedical devices.Thisinterest take theformofengineering biological systems,whichmay a knowledgeofphysicsto Scholarsengineering principlesand Raj Kattiisinterestedinapplying Institute ofTechnology College Plans:California High School Excelsior, MN,Minnetonka Raj Katti in Koreaonafullscholarship. spend ayearstudyingabroad graduates highschool,shewill Korean andTurkish. Whenshe foreign languages—specifically drawing, painting,acting,and Kelley isalsointerestedin Studies. Outsideofdirecting, at theCenterforDocumentary films. Sheisalsoafi lm editor direct, andshoottheirown young studentshowtowrite, Makers, wheresheteaches organization calledMovie Currently, sheworksatan filmmaking attheageofnine. Kelley becameinterestedin University, Tisch SchooloftheArts College Plans:NewYork School oftheArts Carolina Durham, NC,North Kelley Katzenmeyer to learn—it’s justalotoffun. obligation thatmotivatesme external compulsionnorinternal brings. Ultimatelyitisneither the satisfactionthatknowledge the effortinvolvedbutbecauseof persist inmemory, notbecauseof a triviatournament,iswontto against anopposingteamin in preparationforanexamor gained duringstruggle,whether my knowledge.Mostknowledge of awronganswerorgapin especially ifIlearnitasaresult knowledge thatcomesmyway, resist seizingeverybitof but itissofunthatIcanhardly obligated toplaythepolymath, things toknow. ItisnotthatIfeel They arewonderful,gratifying chemical cycleofphotosynthesis. jazz records,orimaginingthe English intoLatin,transcribing taking derivatives,translating Byzantine Empire.Idelightin happy whenIseeamapofthe for it.Ijustbecomeinexorably There’s notmuchofareason into myspinalcord:Itjustis. knee-jerk reactionishardwired hardwired intomysystemlikethe Learning andunderstandingare College College Plans:Harvard School Randolph, NJ,Delbarton David Kersen and enjoythelittlethingsinlife. have learnedtowakeboard,sail, visits alakeinMinnesotawhereI doctor. Everysummermyfamily Peace Corpsbeforebecominga the sciencesandhopetojoin tournaments. Ienjoymathand state andnationalracquetball senior yearImedaledatboththe for twoseasons,andduringmy team whichhasgoneundefeated and amcaptainofadragonboat and basketballteams.Ifounded country playingforseveralsoccer play sportsandhavetraveledthe relaxing withfriends.Ialsoloveto reading, watchingmovies,and who lovestohavefun.Ienjoy I amaverymultifacetedperson College Plans:Carleton High School OR,Lincoln Portland, Eva Koeller playing pianoatCarnegieHall. Business LeadersofAmerica,and every yearthroughFuture National LeadershipConferences School intheSciencesand are attendingtheNJGovernor’s my besthighschoolmemories and minorinFinance.Someof to majorinCognitiveScience applying tomedicalschool,Ihope spoken fondly:Doctor. Before starts withaDandis,hopefully, of beingcalledbyanamethat can remember, Ihavedreamed not mind.Infact,foraslongI as theyareutteredfondly, Ido them startingwithD,and,aslong friends andteachers,mostof endless varietyoftitlesfrommy yet twoyearsold.NowIgetan to America,whenIwasnot that changedwhenwemoved not consideredamouthful.Allof light, andinIndia,mynamewas named meDedeepya,meaning When Iwasborn,myparents College College Plans:Dartmouth Bridge HighSchool Old Bridge,NJ, Dedeepya Konuthula Blaine Krauss Alexander Krolick Tyler Laprade Benjamin Lei Yvette Leung St. Petersburg, FL, Gibbs Anchorage, AK, South Palm Bay, FL, Palm Wayne, PA, Conestoga High School Glen Head, NY, Jericho Senior High School Anchorage High School Bay High School College Plans: Stanford University Senior High School College Plans: The University College Plans: Cornell University College Plans: Massachusetts College Plans: Harvard College of Cincinnati, College Institute of Technology As a student, the driving force Conservatory of Music When questioned as a toddler, behind my life has been a I am a staunch advocate of the I used to tell inquisitive people Sports are everything to me. desire to gain as many diverse phrase, “Variety is the spice of Blaine has no doubt where his that I wanted to be an engineer— I’d never even heard of a front experiences as possible. Not life.” On any given day, I can place in society lies. Born with the which is still true today, but what headlock or topspin in middle only does this make life more be found writing my research gift to perform, Blaine has been I meant back then was “someone school, and now I’m on Palm exciting, it helps me to better paper on zebrafi sh craniofacial practicing musical theater since who drives trains.” At the time, I Bay High’s Swimming, Wrestling, understand the world and to development, practicing Lalo’s a very young age. His talents had probably never heard of an Track, and Tennis teams. I don’t identify the intersection between Symphonie Espagnole for have allowed him to receive Eagle Scout, and never would really know how I let my friend what I do best and what is most violin, or simply mingling with national recognition from the have predicted at the journey I talking me into coming to Track, needed. I have explored music peers on the All-Star Math YoungArts program as a Silver took to become one—the snowy but it’s the best thing that’s ever by playing violin, and the arts Team. An International Science Winner in Musical Theater, an peaks climbed, the glacial rivers happened to me, because I kept by teaching Chinese Yo-Yo to and Engineering Fair Grand international invitation to perform forded, the service projects adding a sport each year, until younger students. I have explored Award Winner and Research at the prestigious Edinburgh completed, the hours spent at I ended up with at least one of politics through Model UN, Science Institute Scholar, I have Fringe Festival in Scotland, and “citizenship” merit badge classes them being in season the entire and math through numerous won the USA National Brain numerous local and regional (complete with homework). year round. This gives me a competitions. In the sciences, I Bee and served as Assistant honors. His interests in social Nor could I have guessed that ridiculously fast metabolism; I eat tracked a near-Earth asteroid at Concertmistress of the NY All- change and politics have led for one of my summer jobs I about as much as the rest of my the Summer Science Program State String Orchestra. Amidst to his community involvement would be a paid participant in an family combined. I also devote and modeled the thermomutability debating and drafting resolutions with his local Boys and Girls economics “lab” class—taking much of my time to my church, of graphene at the Research at Model UN conferences, I also Club of America, where he part in prisoners’ dilemma-type Our Lady of Grace. I volunteer as Science Institute. To share my love to play Ultimate Frisbee with reached out to underprivileged scenarios, with actual money at an altar server and at Vacation love of science, I help organize friends. I enjoy reaching out to my kids in pursuit of their artistic stake. I would not have expected Bible School. It is very important chemistry demonstrations for community as a peer ambassador dreams. He is president of his to become a regular tutor for to me that no matter how far I get, elementary school students. To for the Youth Decide drug high school’s Thespian society, special-needs students, or have I always keep in mind that the date, my explorations have led intervention program and as an a member of the Gay-Straight the opportunity to attend one of Lord has given me everything. me to identify strongly with the online expert to mentor aspiring alliance, and maintains a high the nation’s top universities. I am sciences, international relations, young scientists on their research academic standard. Recently, grateful for all these experiences, and business—fi elds to which I projects. I would like to thank my he has realized that his place and hope that the future holds just hope to contribute in the future. family and friends for being so in today’s society will be to as many surprises as the past. supportive of my every whim and serve his community as best endeavor throughout the years. he can; whether it’s through his talents or his volunteerism, he will continue to give back all that he has received.

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2010and helpothersinsomeway.U.S. happiest whenIcaninteractwith for otherpeople.Iamalways however, itwouldbemypassion life thattrulydefi I hadtopickoneaspectofmy Presidentialteams asdebateandchess.If of captaininsuchacademic a loveofrunning,andtheposition yielding multiplemusicalawards, have likewisestriventoexcel, my extracurricularactivities,I Placement coursepossible.In elected totakeeveryAdvanced my senioryearofhighschool,I of whichIloveandcherish.In podge ofdifferentactivities,all traits hasmademylifeahodge- unfortunate mixofpersonality of mywide-ranginginterests.This strives todothebestIcaninall indecisive personwhoalways their choices,Iamthetypeof Scholarswho areapatheticabout Unlike typicalindecisivepeople Hopkins University College Plans:Johns School Preparatory Flowood, MS,Jackson Andrew Li nes whoIam, an M.D./Ph.Ddualprogram. University, andhopefullypursue major inChemistryatStanford In thenearfuture,Iplanto produced bymysubwoofers. with thelevel-6earthquake subtly announcemypresence arrive atmyfriends’houses;I to ringthedoorbellwhenI enthusiast. Thereisnoneed am aself-proclaimedhip-hop I don’t havealabcoaton,I Science OlympiadTeam. When and headingourschool’s spirited research inGastroenterology, high schoolcareerconducting dedicated agoodportionofmy Tokyo thisJune.Inaddition,Ihave chance tocompetegloballyin Olympiad finalist vyingfora United StatesNationalChemistry entropic disorder. Today, Iama elucidates theimportanceof Law ofThermodynamics,which messy, IgladlycitedtheSecond complained thatmyroomwastoo At ayoungage,whenmymother been immersedinthesciences. inception ontoplanetEarth,Ihave Ever sincewhatseemslikemy College Plans:StanfordUniversity Hill HighSchool Clarksville, MD,River Richard Li dream ofsavingtheworld! or blogging.Atothertimes,I game oftenniswithfriends, yogurt, playinganot-so-intense time, I’mpronetoeatingfrozen energy corporation.Inmyspare day foundmyownrenewable engineering andhopetoone I willbestudyingenvironmental conserve ourplanet.Asaresult, important itistoprotectand have allowedmetorealizehow wild desertsandmountains escapes fromthecityinto Over theyears,myweekend challenges fromallangles. be abletotakeonsociety’s Kafka andCurie,sothatIwill psychology andsociologyto facet ofhumanintellect,from will endeavortoexploreevery Mario fanatic.Incollege,I amateur skateboarder, and photographer, grammargeek, to burstout.Iamaself-taught thoughts almostvisiblyabout her handraisedhigh, I amthegirlinclasswith College College Plans:Harvard Las Vegas, NV, ClarkHighSchool Heidi Lim my mentors,andfamily. individual Iamtoday:myfriends, those whohavemademethe friends. To cherish,Ithank make newacquaintancesand from differentcontinentsand communicate, Ispeaklanguages through mycameralens.To Creek andcapturelife’s vitality through thewatersofOyster chaotic events.To relax,Irow apply quantitativereasoningto my passionforeconomicsand others. To discover, Iembrace own andholdingthehandsof by bothwalkingsteadilyonmy state. To lead,Iset footprints to bethechampionofourmighty Decathlon experienceandthrilled I amhumbledbytheAcademic yesterday’s limits.To compete, goals onmydailypathandbreak less fortunate.To learn,Isetnew and shareitwiththosewhoare nourishment frommanyothers hospitality. To grow, Ireceive breathe outgentleHoustonian from theGulfofMexicoand To live,Ibreatheinwarmair or UniversityofPennsylvania College Plans:RiceUniversity Taylor HighSchool Houston, TX,JamesE. Ellen Liu hang outwithmyfriends. to cook,dowoodworking,and played soccerandgolf.Ilove During highschool,Idoveand work lateshiftsandovertime. child laborlaws,allowingmeto Doug, wasknowntoignore and betteryet,themanager, brother alreadyworkedthere, Baskin Robbinsbecausemy seat. At14,Igotajobatthelocal for notbeingrestrainedinacar pulled overandticketedbypolice were campedthere,thatIwas between thelineoftaxisthat lane-changing skillsbyweaving aunt’s latearrivaltoperfectmy Airport, takingadvantageofmy the terminalatReaganNational on mygrandfather’s lapcircling an afternoonbehindthewheel It wasafterIhadspentpartof first ticketattheageofthree. permissible, andreceivedmy far youngeragethanislegally I learnedtodriveearly, ata of Virginia College Plans:University School Preparatory VA,Vienna, Georgetown Nicholas Loftus Emma Lucken Paul Mains Katrina Malakhoff Patrick Mangan Erin Mauldin Roseville, MN, Roseville Saratoga Springs, NY, Centerville, MA, Barnstable Tallahassee, FL, John Paul Albuquerque, NM, Area High School Doane Stuart School High School II Catholic High School Albuquerque High School College plans: Harvard College College Plans: Carleton College College Plans: Harvard College College: The University of Dallas College Plans: United States Military Academy at West Point When I was little, I wanted to be I am a student who takes his My two obsessions are Iceland “The perplexity of life arises an artist and create a new art work seriously and himself less and Marine Biology. I am from there being too many I have grown up in the mountains. movement using markers. I still so. From my childhood, I have fascinated by Iceland’s culture, interesting things in it for us to Found my feet on a unicycle. enjoy drawing, and designed been a happy person, and I have history, geography, and language. be interested properly in any of Come away from soccer games the t-shirts for our high school always found the world to be an In the marine world, I can them.” I must confess that I am covered in mud, grass stains, band’s pops concert, in which I almost overwhelmingly exciting often be found kayaking, scuba just as perplexed as Chesterton, and my own blood. Discovered played trumpet in the symphonic place. Consequently, my interests diving, sailing, or taking water for I lament that there are but bravery beneath my feet while band, orchestra, and jazz have been numerous and varied. samples. I love to muck about in twenty-four hours in each hundreds of meters in the air. band. I am a versatile athlete In school, I try to take as many salt marshes and study marine day and twenty-four million Learned patience on the sidelines and have competed on varsity interesting-sounding classes as animal behaviors. On land, I (give or take seven) things I while recovering from injuries. teams in soccer, Nordic skiing, possible, including seminars on enjoy participating in various would like to pursue. My chief Found my voice in a mock trial cross country, and track and religious usage of artwork and the service activities such as tutoring, interests are my Catholic faith, courtroom. I am a curious scholar, fi eld, earning all-state honors life and literature of Oscar Wilde. building with Habitat for Humanity, community service, reading and a driven athlete, a loyal friend, in the 800m run and 4X800 I like to get others excited about and teaching Sunday school. I am writing, economics, politics, and a committed dreamer. My relay. As a coach and referee, the things that excite me, and I an active member of Key Club, and philosophy. Additionally, I interests are marked by the I combine my loves of sports am the founder of my school’s National Honor Society, Cape and enjoy many other areas of study, determination and passion I and children to teach others. Outdoor Adventure Club and Islands Youth Congress, and Latin including mathematics, history, bring to everything—from piano, I also love nature and have Horror Movie Appreciation Club. Honor Society, among others. Spanish, and Latin. Sports have to soccer, to mountaineering, organized a project to restore an Recently, I co-headed a school- My Future Problem Solving Team comprised a very large and to carpentry, to French. These oak savannah near my middle wide concert and silent auction and award-winning scenario rewarding part of my life, and I interests have led me to volunteer school by removing invasive to raise money for earthquake writing has earned four trips to have played baseball, football, in the National Park, where I plants and replanting native relief funds in Chile. In my free the International Competition. basketball, golf, and run cross fi xed sod roofs and built shutters species in the area. My favorite time, I enjoy skiing, playing the Currently, I serve as Secretary country on a varsity level. I am a led rock climbs, and fell down memories include taking road piano, and the occasional nap. General of my school’s Model UN hard worker, and I enjoy spending a mountain (with a subsequent trips to nature with my parents and co-chair of the Barnstable time with my family and friends. airlift). Besides mastering juggling and three younger brothers. So Community Problem Solving on a unicycle, I intend to pursue far, we’ve driven to forty states Team. I love playing fi eld hockey diverse fi elds of study, including and thirty national parks. and the violin, and I currently play medicine, history, engineering, fi rst chair violin with the Cape economics, language, and ancient Cod Symphony Youth Ensemble. Chinese landscape painting.

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2010inside unopenedZiplocbags. Staphylococcus Epidermidislives Broad institute.Idiscoveredthat U.S.as aresearchprojectatthe based ontheirDNAsequences environment andidentified them fall, Iculturedbacteriafromthe Boston’s Museum of Science.This at theYMCAandvolunteered Presidentialsummer, Iworkedasalifeguard international competition.Last and traveledtoAtlantaforthe the Massachusettscompetition, captain ofthewinningalliancein won undefeatedvictoriesasthe Tech Challenge.Bothyears,we team thatcompetesintheFirst joined TheMyotonics,arobotics War veteran.Two yearsago,I Melzer Drake,aRevolutionary information aboutitstenants,like Cemetery anderectingsignswith clearing apathtotheDrake completing myserviceproject: Scout, scouting’s highestrank,by ScholarsMexico. IbecameanEagle 70-mile backpackingtripinNew In theBoyScoutsIhikeda of Pennsylvania College Plans:University Sharon, MA,SharonHighSchool Russel McAvoy and creativewritingincollege. plans tostudybioengineering on thetrailsnearherhome.She summer) andhikeswithherdog hopes toearnherblackbeltthis Megan practicesTaekwondo (she her highschool.Infreetime, managing playsandmusicalsat science-fiction blog,andstage Duke University, writingaweekly transposons inaresearchlabat she hasenjoyedstudying both theartsandsciences, engineering. Passionateabout students’ interestinscienceand to cultivateunderrepresented and startedanorganization device totreatanaphylaxis, filed apatentformedical represented byaliteraryagent), written afantasynovel(now the lastfouryears,shehas nerd andnaturelover. Over Megan isaself-professed College Plans:StanfordUniversity Academy UpperSchool Chapel Hill,NC,Durham Megan Mikhail West Conferencefootballtitle. Cowboys wintheMountain to seetheUniversityofWyoming business, whilelivinglongenough and economicstofoundmyown to pursuedegreesinaccounting Boys’ StateandNation.Iwant have formed,especiallythrough have metandtherelationshipsI moments havebeenthepeopleI high school,mymostrewarding above myaccomplishmentsin sure Ilivelifetothefullest.Far opportunities inlifeandmake to takefulladvantageofthe or participatingintrack—isdone kindergarteners andfirst graders is teachingSundaySchoolto aspect ofmylife—whetherit Olympic memorabilia.Every to relax,andforfun,Icollect gymnastics, Ibakewhenwant and Idon’t liveonaranch.Ilove cowboy, Idon’t ownahorse, rodeos, andcattle.Iamnota Wyoming, theythinkofcowboys, When mostpeoplethinkof State University College Plans:Michigan County HighSchool Gillette, WY, Campbell Kaiser Mock others todothesame! a differenceandencouraging kids worldwide.Ienjoymaking and launchedadaytohonor founded anonprofit organization, the globetodonatematerials, drives, traveledtovillagesacross years, Ihavecreatedsupply I lovehelpingothers.Overthe to audiencesacrosstheworld. carnatic (southIndian)music enjoy introducingwesternand dance “Bharathanatyam”and dancer oftheIndianclassical jack fruittree).I’maprofessional made fromasinglebranchof south Indianstringedinstrument carnatic Veena (a1.3meter-long Indian dancewithvocal,flute, and enjoy fusingWestern pianoand ambitions. Musicismypassion—I community servicearemy and delvingintotherealmof experience differentcultures, traveling aroundtheworldto Helping othersthroughmedicine, biological sciencestoanswer. the manyquestionsleftfor of thebodyandamintriguedby I’m fascinatedbytheworkings College College Plans:Harvard Senior HighSchoolNorth Nashua, NH,Nashua Mohanasundaram Samita outside oftheUnitedStates. choreographing withcompanies performing, collaborating,and art onaninternationallevelby hopes toultimatelypursuehis languages andtraveling,Robbie an interestinlearningdifferent the AdvancementinArts.With and theNationalFoundationfor the Texas CommissionontheArts, Children’s FoundationontheArts, organizations includingthe of severalscholarship have earnedhimtherecognition in performanceandchoreography the yearsRobbie’s achievements Workshop, andmanyothers.Over the JoffreyJazz&Contemporary the JuilliardSummerIntensive, Arts Center, theHoustonMET, programs: theEDGEPerforming pleasure ofstudyingatvarious genres, Robbiehashadthe in classicalandcontemporary Training fornearlytwelveyears College Plans:TheJuilliardSchool Arts andVisual Performing Porter, TX,HighSchoolfor MooreJr.Robert Kelley Anne Katzenmeyer Still from To Be Remembered Excerpt 1

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2010decided uponanycareerplans. U.S.mathematics, butstillhavenot double majorinlinguisticsand In college,Iwishtopursuea walking aroundmyneighborhood. time, Ienjoyreadingforhoursand made throughthem.Inmyspare Presidentialactivities andallthefriendsI college, Iwillcertainlymissthese for severalyears.WhenIgoto in whichIhaveparticipated riflery practice—allactivities newspaper, orwalkingtoair writing forKaLeo,theschool at ameetingforthemathteam, the lab,however, Icanbefound with teammates.Whennotin events, orsimplyspendingtime machinery, planningoff-season robotics team,workingwith time, Iamoccupiedwiththe and community. Mostofthe activities throughoutmyschool Scholarsby gettinginvolvedinmultiple to satisfymynumerousinterests From ayoungage,Ihavesought College Plans:Yale University Academy HighSchool Honolulu, HI,SacredHearts Caitlin Mori in theworldiscloseathand. chance tomakeadifference night, andwhobelievesher sisters, whoreadslateintothe girl whoplayswithherthree universe. Iamstillthatlittle trek totheouterreachesof past planetsandstarsinmy of beinganastronaut,cruising matter thesport.Ioncedreamt cooperation anddedication,no team thatsucceedsonlythrough part ofateam,championship others’ expectations.Iama to surpassbothmyownand Colton, ortoproveapoint,but I pushmyself,nottoescape drive aten-speedfarmtruck. afraid ofalittledirt,andIcan through andthrough;I’mnot I dream.amasmalltowngirl, I play, Ifarm,compete,learn, of Washington College Plans:University Colton, WA, ColtonHighSchool Kelsey Moser my sleephourswithGPA. still timeleft,Iattempttoequal hike, ski,paint,andifthere’s music, doodle,foldorigami, Day. Inmysparetime,Icompose plant (andhug)treeseveryEarth Polar Bear. Iinitiatedthetrendto made semifinals inPBI’s Project an aluminumcandrive.Myteam 5785 poundsofcarbonthrough Lexus EcoChallengeandoffset With SCA,Icatalyzedprojectsfor place ormedalinallofthem. windmill, helpingmyschoolto Challenge forthetrebuchetand JETS, andEngineeringDesign Olympiad, PhysicsBowl,TEAMS/ Science Olympiad,Chemistry a sport.I’veparticipatedinthe claim Iwastreatingsciencelike intense enoughformypeersto organized competitionschedules impoverished nations.InMESA,I projects andreliefdrivesfor I’ve conductedlocalcommunity Alliance). ThroughServiceClub, SCA (StudentConservation Science Achievement),and MESA (Math,Engineering, I’m presidentofServiceClub, College Plans:TheCooperUnion Cottonwood HighSchool Salt LakeCity, UT, Uyen-Phuong Nguyen still hopeformyinnerchild. am I?”Ireply. Perhapsthereis says. “Iknowyouare,butwhat Cyclops! DirtyGorgon!”he some mathproblems.“Hideous calls mewhenIsuggestwedo “Persephone, QueenofHell!”he obsession withGreekmythology. as Isharedwithhimmyold school, Iglimpseditonceagain I startedtotutorMarianoafter we callmaturation.Butwhen casualty ofthisdirtybusiness childhood fantasyworld,a I mournedthelossofmyprivate society hasdeemed‘required.’ spurts, andIlimitmyselftowhat I read,readininattentive concentration. Now, when I’ve lostmytalentforpure distracting (hello,Internet!), older, andlifehasgottenmore for hours.ButasI’vegotten immerse myselfinfantasybooks When Iwasyounger, Icould College Plans:BrownUniversity New York, NY, FieldstonSchool Phoebe Nir performer innursinghomes. Kitchen, andavolunteer a bread-bakerfortheFriendly community serviceorganization, a memberofHopkinton’s environments, andamtherefore the keystobuildinghumane community involvementare believed thatcollaborationand Medal Award. Ihavealways Book Award andRensselaer have receivedaDartmouth National MeritFinalist,and of theMonth,APScholar, and been honoredasaNHScholar four-year classpresident. Ihave Hopkinton’s mathteamanda bag piping.Iamcaptainof Scottish Highlanddanceand culture hasfueledmytalentin My interestininternational and anartisticstudyofhumanity. it providesanoutletforcreativity is oneofmygreatestpassions,as from philosophy. Moderndance based physicstoinsightsgained the elegantsenseofcalculus- am captivatedbyeverythingfrom of academicsandexperiences.I into adesiretoexplorevariety Curiosity hasfunneledmyenergy College College Plans:Harvard High School Hopkinton, NH,Hopkinton Jillian Peters Derrik Petrin Sean Plumb Harrison “Harry” Potter Anna Quinlan Allison Ray Issaquah, WA, Skyline High School Los Angeles, CA, Loyola Bedford, NH, Bedford High School Richmond, VT, Mount Helena, MT, Helena High School College Plans: Yale University High School College Plans: Tufts University Mansfi eld Union High School College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Curtis College Plans: Undecided My world has always revolved Institute of Music In a world of men, sometimes it Allison Ray is a woman driven around spur of the moment takes a wizard to get the job done. When I was younger, I said, by academic curiosity, a passion inspirations that fuel my endless An exciting young artist, Sean That’s where Harry Potter comes “When I get older, I want to have for music, and sense of political curiosity. I always follow my recently performed as a guest in. When not defeating dragons big lips. And when I’m old and all responsibility. She was born and instincts, and they have led soloist at the 2010 Grammy Week and dark lords, he spends his used up, I want to be a queen.” raised in St. Paul, Minnesota; me places I never would have Solute to Placido Domingo with time reading history and anything I was aiming for quite the future. it was there she discovered dreamed of. A spontaneous the Los Angeles Opera Orchestra. that bears the name of Henry Now that I don’t have big lips her passion for opera. In the decision to teach myself acoustic He won the 2009 Classical Kissinger. When not making and I haven’t found a decent summer of 2007 she moved guitar over break led me to play Singer Magazine High School potions and dealing with goblins, prince to marry, I have other to Helena, Montana, with her bass guitar in a friend’s band, Competition, acknowledging he is an avid member of the FIRST plans. Traveling to Nicaragua mother. In spite of (or perhaps the opposite end of the musical him as the number one high robotics team, on which he has this past year opened my eyes because of) the ostensibly spectrum from the violin I have school vocalist in the nation. served as CEO and Tri-Captain. to a more nurturing type of limited academic and musical played since 5th grade. This Following the 2010 National When not staving off demons community. I want to continue opportunities Helena offered, she spontaneity applies to more Foundation for the Advancement and dementors, he can be found my Spanish studies and fi nd vowed she’d become the best selfl ess pursuits as well, such in the Arts YoungArts Week in helping, as a member of the fi rst time to live abroad. In college, scholar and singer she could as the time I decided one day in Miami, Sean was awarded with senior class, to establish his high I want to explore a subject of be. In the summer of 2008 she advance to join a church group the highest level of distinction, school and write opinion articles which I’ve just hardly touched participated in the Vocal Soloist (despite my personal atheism) in the Gold Award. Sean also won for local papers. When not playing the surface—cognitive science. Studies program at Interlochen preparing and serving meals to the 2009 Los Angeles Music Quidditch and wizard chess, he Now that I’ve redefi ned the world Arts Academy. Last summer she Seattle’s homeless. In essence, Center Spotlight Awards at enjoys watching Boston sports, in from a teenager’s eyes, I can traveled to Italy for fi ve weeks to I cannot say that I am bound to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. playing video games, and dabbling say, “When I’m older, I want to study opera and Italian. During a single passion: I have a love In November 2009, he was in dance, numismatics, and have accomplished something the school year, she divides for calculus and Robert Frost, featured as a guest on NPR’s international relations. He would, I consider signifi cant.” her time between schoolwork, Don Quixote and alternative hit radio show, “From the Top,” in addition to being an Auror, like music and theater, and Planned rock with a violin, global the showcase for America’s to work in the State Department. Parenthood, where she works health research and hiking the most talented young classical to help distribute information Cascades; the list goes on, and musicians. He has studied about health to her peers. will no doubt continue to grow. acting with the Hannon Theatre Company and has appeared in over twenty-fi ve professional and amateur operas, musicals, and plays. He studies with Dr. Karl Snider and also plays piano.

31 32 U.S. Presidential Scholars 2010for their8thstatechampionship. team thisyearastheycompete captain ofhervarsitysoccer year. Sheisexcitedtobea honors andAPcourseseach a 4.7GPA whiletakingnumerous and soccer—shehasmaintained sports—volleyball, basketball, Having letteredinthreevarsity Homecoming Queenthisfall. and herhighschoolvoted Outstanding FemaleStudent, School, shewaschosenasthe class. AtAlabamaGovernors Theta andtreasurerofthesenior also thesecretaryofMuAlpha year mathteammember, sheis National HonorSociety. Afour- Merit Finalistandmemberofthe her activities.SheisaNational strives forexcellenceinallof Elizabeth isastudentathletewho win anationalchampionship. and watchingtheBlueDevils Four inIndianapolisthisspring privilege ofattendingtheFinal birth, Elizabethhadthedistinct An avidDukebasketballfansince University College Plans:Auburn Christian HighSchool AL,Briarwood Birmingham, Elizabeth Reiser “shock ofblackcurlyhair.” words ofalocaljournalist—his sweater collectionand—inthe is alsoknownforhisextensive life forthepastfouryears,Jake creative writinghastakenoverhis Carnegie Hallthisyear. Although an awardhewillacceptat National PortfolioGoldwinner— a ScholasticArt&Writing Awards Silver Medalistinnonfiction, and Carolina Scholar, aYoungArts Jake isaPalmettoFellow, a into whatevermajorhechooses. he hopestoincorporatewriting Carolina HonorsCollege,where attend theUniversityofSouth Writing. Nextyearheplansto where hemajorsinCreative for theArtsandHumanities, South CarolinaGovernor’s School South Carolinaandattendsthe Leah Ross,livesinGreenville, Jake Ross,thesonofDannyand of SouthCarolina College Plans:University andHumanities Arts Schoolforthe Governor’s and attendstheSouthCarolina Greenville, SC,SouthCarolina Jake Ross –Her bestfriend,Alfonso. name upinlightssomewhere. that Iknowwilleventuallyputher has continuedtopursuegoals remained grounded,evenasshe out joyinallsituations.Shehas but acolorfulonethatbrings a blackandwhitepersonality, personality. Talia doesnothave to simplyhavingawonderful underprivileged kidsEnglish, of AmericanStates,toteaching competitions andtheOrganization chairing theModelUnitedNations the feistystarletinFAME, to unspeakable levels:frombeing any longershewouldreach the worldforTalia; ifdayswere wonder ifthereisenoughtimein set hermindto.Somehowyou excel ineverythingthatshehas goals, asshehascontinuedto undying motivationtorealizeher She constantlydemonstrates aspiring tobecomeanactress. with SpiceGirls,andalready was 6yearsold,obsessed When Talia and Imet,she University, Tisch SchooloftheArts College Plans:NewYork San Juan,PR,St.John’sSchool Talia Rothenberg engineering andpublicpolicy. Princeton, whereIplantostudy Institute. ThisfallIwillattend University’s FlagshipChinese repeat theexperienceatIndiana Chinese, andthissummerIwill studying intensiveMandarin local theatre.Ispentlastsummer while actingprofessionallyin I studieddifferentialequations accordion. Two summers ago and occasionallypickingupthe singing SchubertorFitzgerald, of schoolbyplayingChopin, solve. Ikeepmyselfbusyoutside to discover, anotherproblemto new tolearn,somethingamazing that thereisalwayssomething always have:withtheattitude the worldinsamewayI I endup,however, I’llapproach in publicpolicy. Nomatterwhere scientist; now, I’mmoreinterested was little,Isurewouldbea do somethingimpossible.WhenI in afamilythatwasneverafraidto I feelfortunatetohavegrownup College Plans:PrincetonUniversity HighSchool International High School&Eugene Eugene, OR,SouthEugene Torin Rudeen and friends,laughing. spending timewithmyfamily animals, music,writing,traveling, National MeritScholar. Ilove and ReadyWriting, andIama champion inUILMathematics junior highclarinet.Iamdistrict rehearsals, andIhavetaught I haveledfullbandandsectional Band allfouryearsofhighschool, member oftheTexas All-State of band;Iworkedtobecomea have beenanactivemember genetic diseases.Inschool,I in researchtotreatandcure degree, Ihopetoparticipate University ofTexas. Withthis biomedical engineeringatthe this fascinationbymajoringin science, andIplantocontinue born intoaworldofnatureand delivered babyhorses.Iwas diagnose animalillnesses,and on thenationallevel,helped people. Ihaveshownhorses in aruralTexas townof3,796 I liveonaminiaturehorseranch of Texas, Austin College Plans:TheUniversity Bellville, TX,BellvilleHighSchool Marissa Ruehle Ida Saki Kiah Schaefbauer Joseph Schiavone Jennifer Schmidt Karl Schutz Plano, TX, Booker T. Sioux Falls, SD, O’Gorman Piscataway, NJ, Middlesex County Seattle, WA, Lakeside School Eagle, ID, Bishop Kelly Washington High School for the High School Academy for Science, Mathematics College Plans: Pomona College High School Performing and Visual Arts College Plans: University and Engineering Technologies College Plans: Dartmouth College College Plans: New York University of Notre Dame College Plans: Harvard College Jennifer’s favorite part of senior year is the freedom she’s had to My life is a smorgasbord At only the age of eighteen, Ida Kiah is an excellent juggler—but Joseph is an aspiring computer pursue new interests. In the past, of passions, a buffet full of has already made a name for not in the literal sense. Excelling scientist who is dedicated to she has enjoyed playing soccer everything from school to herself in the dance world and as a student, actor, and softball applying his technical abilities for high school and club teams, volunteering to sports to continues to inspire audiences. player—as well as making time to support important causes. taking classical piano lessons, individual idiosyncrasies. In Not only did she receive a silver for family, church, and service— For example, he has interned at playing Ultimate Frisbee, and school, I’m part math/science award for modern dance from makes for quite the juggling act. Princeton University, designing participating on the teen advisory nerd, part history buff, and part YoungArts, but she also was National Merit Scholar, Academic and developing a system to test board at her local library. As writer wannabe—all crammed named a Texas Young Master All Star 2010, President of the quantum cascade lasers used part of her school community, into one person. For me, in dance. She has received National Honor Society, State in medical, public health, and she has co-chaired the Amnesty volunteering entails planning fi ve national titles, including Softball Champions 2009, and environmental applications. International club and helped a fundraising dinner for Big Distinguished Performer of the State Superior Acting are just He is also passionate about organize blood drives for a local Brothers Big Sisters, building Year and most recently, 2009 a few of the honors Kiah has robotics, and has been a member blood bank. This year, she loved a house in Tijuana, and leading New York City Dance Alliance earned that show her dedication of competitive teams since the being on the school Nordic ski other high school students Outstanding Dancer of the Year. and passion for the activities in fourth grade. At school, he is racing and crew teams for the on a spring break service Ida has graced the cover of the which she participates. In the founder and president of the fi rst time. Getting together with project. Because conventional prestigious Dance Spirit Magazine summer of 2008, she served on a drama club, vice-president of friends, being active outdoors, sports resulted in awkward and has appeared within the life-changing mission trip to Los the student council, and team cooking, and reading are some stumbling and tumbling, I now magazine numerous times. Most Cabos, Mexico, which sparked leader for the Moody Mega Math of Jennifer’s favorite ways to stick with running and Ultimate recently, Ida was selected to her passion to use her gifts to Challenge. In his spare time, entertain herself in her spare Frisbee to stay in shape. I love present her choreography in help others. She is an active he works on his novel, plays time. She looks forward to reading, particularly anything Miami, Florida, as a part of the member of her church and enjoys music, and plays soccer. As an trying more new activities and by Eric Schlosser or Malcolm National High School Dance spending time with her family of Eagle Scout, he also assists with challenges in college, though Gladwell. I can speak at a rate Festival, where she received the seven. When she has free time, community service through his she’ll miss her incredibly of approximately 332 words Outstanding Choreography Award she enjoys hanging out with troop. He is also a proud recipient supportive family and community. per minute, and I have a weird and was able to perform in the friends, working out, reading, or of the Elks Club Most Valuable obsession with Friedrich festival’s gala. She is a member working at her part-time job. Student award, and a National Nietzsche (I am a debater). of Repertory Company I and the Merit Scholarship fi nalist. I am from Idaho, but I do not Pre-Professional Company at live on a potato farm (although Dance Industry Performing Arts I have toured one before). Center and now travels on a twenty-four city tour around the nation demonstrating all styles of dance to children of all ages with various prestigious teachers.

33 34 wonders in new polymerandpublishingits championships. Discoveringa winning thenationalspeech the bestIcan.Makingittoand time! So,whatdoIdo?Just so manydreams,andlittle against time.Too manygoals, myself inaconstantrace From ayoungage,Ihavefound College University orHarvard College Plans:Princeton High School Fremont, CA,Irvington Pooja Shah of the geneexpressionpatterns U.S.all, totransformtheworld. time runsout,Iaspire,above push metoaction.Butbefore some ofmypassions,andthey Presidentiallifelong learning.Thesehavebeen empowerment, mentorship,and organization dedicatedtoyouth untrodden paths.Establishingan of milesonblackroadsand fruit fly. Runningforhundreds more commonlyknownasthe Scholars

2010 Drosophila melanogaster Nature . Decoding , similar opportunitiestoothers. will continuetostrive,bring exploration; Ihavestriven,and My lifeisconstantlyenrichedby intern forastaterepresentative. students, pianist,andformer tennis instructorforminority tennis captain,classoffi of newactivities.Iamavarsity volunteerism andexploration hosted asymposiumtopromote the AspenIdeasFestival,I on answers.Afterattending multiple solutionsbeforesettling that teachesstudentstoattempt MATHCOUNTS, acompetition state championships.Icoach three consecutiveforensic Debate. Ourteamhasearned Speaking andPublicForum champion inExtemporaneous counterterrorism. Iamastate issues fromhealthcareto and Forensics,Iargueabout President ofDrama,Debate, settling intoacomfortzone.As my experiencesratherthan and figuratively bybroadening through competitivedebate it. Ilivethisidea,literally a questionwithoutdebating without settlingitthantosettle It isbettertodebateaquestion College College Plans:Harvard Memorial HighSchool Verona, WI,JamesMadison Valerie Shen cer, through calculusproblemsforfun. surfing, andshamelesslyworking drug-prevention service,soccer, hip-hop), singing,community enjoys acting,dancing(tap,jazz, greater SanDiegoarea.Michael theatre-advocacy groupinthe Student BoardofTrustees, a of theLaJollaPlayhouse Theater. Heisanactivemember 2010 YoungArts SilverAward in Finalist andarecipientofthe Shakespeare Competition English SpeakingUnionRegional San Diego.Michaelisatwo-time Juliet bilingual productionof Coronado SchooloftheArtstoa from stage inarangeofproductions, in thefifth grade,hastakenthe Michael, whobeganperforming a trulywhole-brainedindividual. theatrical performance,makehim with hispassionandtalentfor calculus andphysics,coupled “analytical artist.”Hisinterestin Michael isaself-dubbed University College Plans:Northwestern High School Coronado, CA,Coronado Michael Silberblatt Zombie Prom attheOldGlobeTheaterin atthe Romeo and to myglobalcommunity. with me,istogivebacktenfold constant aspirationIwillcarry quest. Myphilosophy, andthe and tenacitytosucceedinmy friend. Ipossesstheconfidence a tutor, anadvisorandfaithful a studentvoiceattownmeetings, inspire otherstodothesame.Iam learned tomeetdeadlinesand high schoolyearbook,Ihave others. Aseditor-in-chief ofmy problems thataffectthelivesof of knowledgeanddesiretosolve occupation exemplifi specialties, neurosurgery. This of themostresearch-oriented a careerpaththatleadstoone fit forthefi eld ofscienceand These qualitiesseemanatural for excellenceandprecision. to takecalculatedrisks.Istrive out logicalsolutions.Iamunafraid causes metocontinuouslyseek a whole.Myinquisitivenature how theyfit, functionandform intrigue me.Iamfascinatedby Intricate, multi-facetedpuzzles University College Plans:Northeastern York, ME,York HighSchool Dakota Snyder es mylove and theColoradooutdoors. with apenchantforgoodmovies physics, Prestonisalsoapolyglot linguistics, orfailingmiserablyat accessibility, exploringhistorical advocating forimprovedweb Olympiad team.Whenheisnot Society andcaptainstheScience his school’s Spanish Honor Merit Scholar, Prestonleads Colorado Springs.ANational works premieredthroughout as composerofaward-winning the localyouthorchestraand himself asconcertmasterin districts. Healsodistinguishes work forseveralareaschool and providedextensiveconsulting convention ofwebdevelopers, firm, spokeataninternational production atalocalmultimedia horizons, Prestonledcreative Perpetually broadeninghis a devotedclienteletothisday. a freelancestudiothatmaintains and, atagetwelve,heestablished entered theworldofwebdesign, entrepreneurship. In2001,he in additiontohispassionfor academic andartisticpursuits Preston immerseshimselfin A writer, speaker, anddesigner, College College Plans:Harvard Academy HighSchool Colorado Springs,CO,Air Preston So Lauren Stephens Phoebe Strom Daniel Sullivan Austin Taylor Michael Taylor Indianapolis, IN, North Fargo, ND, North High School Wilmington, DE, Plano, TX, St. Mark’s Arlington, TX, Home School Central High School College Plans: Rhodes College Salesianum School School of Texas College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Massachusetts College Plans: Georgetown College Plans: Northwestern & New England Conservatory Institute of Technology I’m only elitist about word choice. University University or the University People say I’m the most immature Southern California Born in London to an Australian I have competed in Science mature person they’ve ever I have been fortunate enough father and an American mother, Fair, History Day, ARML, AMC, met. I fi nd talking about myself in my life to have been exposed I always try to do everything. Michael landed in Texas when AIME, USAMO, Academic Super awkward. I’m passionate about to a wealth of opportunities and There is never a moment I can be he was twelve. His intellectual Bowl, Knowledge Masters Open, public speaking, and I live by experiences that have been caught lacking something to do. interests include English, modern Academic World Quest, and quotes. As Marilyn Monroe once instrumental in shaping who I am. Simply put, I have a wide variety literature and the history of ideas. Science Olympiad. In 2010, I said, “I believe that everything I am the second child in a family of interests. In addition to being Michael has been playing piano conducted a science fair project happens for a reason. People of fi ve kids. Two summers ago, I a high honors student, a member since he was fi ve, violin since researching Single Nucleotide change so that you can learn to built a house alongside my brother of my church’s youth group, the eight, and composing since ten, Polymorphisms and qualifi ed let go, things go wrong so that and father. I have travelled to Vice-President of the St. Mark’s in addition to singing, improvising, for Intel ISEF. I have attended you can appreciate them when France several times and I have Honor Society, and a member strumming, blowing, and banging USA/Canada Mathcamp, the they’re right, you believe lies so become fl uent in the language. of the National Spanish Honor on any instrument he comes Research Science Institute, and you eventually learn to trust no Through the Interact Club and Society, I played varsity soccer, across. He fi ddles weekly in his Princeton’s SWIM program. I am one but yourself, and sometimes the Jefferson Awards Team at serve as a school ambassador, church’s youth worship team. In a 2009 National Merit Semifi nalist good things fall apart so better my school, I have been actively and participate in the school’s 2009 Michael was awarded two and the 2009 State AP scholar things can fall together.” involved in community service concert and jazz bands. Music national 1st places with the Music for Indiana. My poetry has been efforts. Most of my free time goes has manifested itself as one Teachers’ National Association published in both the Anthology to practicing guitar and singing of my greatest interests. My for Piano Performance and of Poetry by Young Americans with friends. We have been musical endeavors have led Composition. He is concertmaster 2003 Edition and “Etchings in playing locally in acoustic benefi t me to perform as a soloist with for the Youth Orchestra of Fort Thought,” 2007. From 2006 to shows for Uganda set up through the Plano Symphony Orchestra, Worth, a Jack Kent Cooke Young 2009, I ran varsity and junior Invisible Children for the past to be featured on NPR’s radio Artist, and the William H. Banchs varsity cross country and track. few years. After graduating from broadcast “Performance Today,” 2010 YoungArts Gold Award In 2002, 2003, and 2007, I was a Georgetown, I plan on getting and to play as the fi rst chair of winner in Music Composition. member of US National Climbing a J.D./M.B.A. through a joint- the World Youth Wind Symphony Team, and in 2007 I attended degree program. For my career, at the Interlochen Summer Arts the World Youth Championship I hope to work in microfi nance Camp, which I have attended Climbing Competition in Ibarra, focused on societal development. for the past two summers. Ecuador and was ranked 27th in the world in my age category.

35 36 U.S. Presidential Scholars and withregardforothers. 2010him toembracelifethoughtfully excel inaprofessionthatallows his criticalthinkingskillsand as acollegestudentistohone of far-off visions.Hisambition of creating,andtherealization satisfaction ofdoing,theprocess the excitementofdiscovery, the Prokofiev Sonata,Sethrevelsin negative one,orperforminga the historyofsquareroot t-shirts, learningC++,studying the last.Whetherheisdesigning enthusiasm andconvictionas new projectwithasmuch full ofenergy, hetackleseach Teen AdvisoryGroup.Always Summer ReadingProgramand work withthelibrarydistrict’s Theta, andyearsofvolunteer Honor Society, MuAlpha involvement throughtheNational life isenrichedbycommunity regional andstatelevels.Seth’s piano, math,andchemistryatthe won numerouscompetitionsin artist, magician,andDJ.Hehas classical pianist,filmmaker, Seth isamathematician, College Plans:Yale University High School Henderson, NV, Coronado Seth Thompson passion, andunitedbylove. – well-rounded,coloredby leading thelifeIenvisioned done, myhappinesscomesfrom I amproudofthethingshave internal transformation;while an externaltransition,but becomes thatsuccessisnot longer, themoreapparentit and rankingsgrowslonger However, asthelistoftitles nail technicianfortwoyears. in theserviceindustryasa hydroponic lettuce,andworked Camp, performedresearchon Control’s DiseaseDetective been totheCenterforDisease Governor’s HonorsProgram, program. Ihaveattendedthe major MiddleSchoolAwareness pianist, andthefounderofa National HonorSociety, anavid of myclass,thepresident graduating asthevaledictorian color, variety, andharmony. Iam I tryeverydaytofi painting. Artisawayoflife,and that thereismoretoartthanjust I grewup,however, Irealized My dreamistobeanartist.As College College Plans:Harvard High School GA,Parkview Lilburn, My NgocTo ll minewith classical pianistof15years. An avidmusician,heisalsoa friends wouldfind quite unusual. developed noveltastesthathis and, intheprocess,hehas sample theirdistinctcuisines, foreign culturesandfearlessly the worldtoexperiencemany gastronomy hasledhimaround epicurean whoseinterestin techniques. Davidisanadmitted ingredients andcooking with awidevarietyofdifferent dishes whileexperimenting stumbling upon,entirelynew he enjoyscreating,orrather co-author. Asaself-taughtchef, microbiology andisapublished conducted extensiveresearchin new scientifi musical passage.Exploring or theperfectphrasingfora harmonious mélangeofspices, form ofafortuitoushypothesis, “seeking” serendipity, beitinthe conservatory, Davidisconstantly the laboratory, thekitchen,or and familiartohim.Whetherin boundaries ofallthatisknown of discovery, instraddlingthe Above all,Davidrelishesthethrill College Plans:ColumbiaUniversity High School RI,Barrington Barrington, David Tong c frontiers,hehas government atHarvardCollege. He planstoconcentratein of One His favoritebookis hanging outwithhisfriends. time, heenjoysparks,musicand plays thetrumpet.Inhisfree swam atthevarsityleveland 400 students.Herantrackand they havespokentomorethan prejudice lessonplan,andsofar schools withanoriginalanti- traveling toOmahaelementary then, heandfriendshavebeen tolerance inschools.Since combat prejudiceandpromote sponsored programdesignedto an Anti-DefamationLeague- a chapterofNoPlaceforHate, he foundedatCreightonPrep, the Omahametroarea.In2008, 1600 underprivilegedfamiliesin weeks’ worthoffoodtoover an organizationthatdeliverstwo Core LeaderofOperationOthers, high schoolhasbeenservingasa Wyatt’s favoriteactivityduring College College Plans:Harvard School Preparatory Omaha, NE,Creighton Wyatt Troia byBryceCourtenay. The Power that nextyearwillbring. excited abouttheopportunities for familyandfriends.Benis as atechnologicalconsultant as writingcode.Heoftenserves technological advancesaswell and hespendstimeexploring is alsointerestedincomputers, of camp,theTreasure Hunt.Ben executing theculminatingevent and particularlylikesplanning counselor foratwo-weekcamp, spends timeinthesummerasa especially mathematics.He other studentsinvariousareas, enjoys spendingtimetutoring service tohiscommunity. Ben time outdoorsandengagingin Eagle Scout,Benenjoysspending language andculture.Asan as learningaboutSpanish calculus andphysics,aswell and thesciences,particularly Ben enjoysstudyingmathematics adventure forthewholefamily. moving ontocollegewillbean eldest ofsevenchildren,so faith andeducation.Heisthe with strongly-rootedvaluesin Ben comesfromafamilyofnine College Plans:StanfordUniversity Salle CollegiateHighSchool Grosse PointePark,MI,DeLa VanBerkumBernard Erica Vlahinos Alexander Vollmer Alan Wagner Anne Wang Grace Wang Castle Rock, CO, Douglas Marietta, GA, Cobb County Center Guaynabo, PR, Baldwin North Salt Lake, UT, Annandale, VA, Thomas County High School for Excellence in the Performing School of Puerto Rico West High School Jefferson High School for College Plans: University Arts at Pebblebrook High School College Plans: Massachusetts College Plans: Vanderbilt Science and Technology of Cincinnati, College College Plans: Southern Institute of Technology University College Plans: University Conservatory of Music Methodist University of Pennsylvania My life has a bit of everything. I plan to major in economics, I grew up surrounded by Alex has been singing for as Some days I wake up halfway with a double minor in corporate Grace is active in both her engineers. Dinner conversations long as he could talk, but did not around the world, ready to strategy and fi nancial economics. school and her community. As included heated debates about begin formally studying voice until represent Puerto Rico in an Placing sixth at the 2009 the senior class president of polar curves and differential August of 2007. In the summer of international math or physics International DECA Marketing her high school, she organizes equations. Life was always logical 2008, Alex attended the Boston competition, and other days I Competition was the catalyst class-bonding events in addition and reasonable, full of statistics. University Tanglewood Institute wake up ready to power through that led me to believe I could be to traditional homecoming, prom, Here’s one for you: less than 1% Young Artist Vocal Program. my habitual workout session; successful in the fi eld of business. and graduation festivities. As a of working actors make it onto Since then, his passion for music but no matter when or where I wish for a career that creates varsity swim and dive captain, the Broadway stage. And here’s has led him to do many things, I fi nd myself, I strive to give the fulfi llment of being able to she has learned about the role the thing. I’m going to be a part of ranging from caroling throughout my best and make the correct change the world. I am inspired by of leadership in athletics and that 1%. At eight years old, I fell Metro Atlanta in period costume decisions. Some people say undertakings such as Project Red, the importance of endurance in love with Musical Theatre: an to some more glamorous events that I do too much or that I am a where businesses help promote and team spirit. Grace uses art where you can escort people such as YoungArts Week in workaholic, but I only do what I society awareness about HIV/ her swimming experience in out of reality and into a place Miami. Alex loves performing, love. I enjoy reading, especially AIDs while making a difference volunteering for Special Olympics. where emotional limits do not and much of who he is has about the latest breakthroughs in the lives of millions. Being a She credits her leadership skills exist. Where, when overpowered been defi ned by his work on the in theoretical physics and the business executive in charge to an international leadership with passion or feeling of any stage. As such, it is anything workings of the human brain, and of such projects would give me program she attended after her kind, music can express what is but rare to fi nd this young man I keep myself active by swimming, a chance to challenge myself sophomore year, Camp Rising emotionally intangible. Through singing under his breath in class, running, tennis, and martial while simultaneously alleviating Sun. As for academics, Grace my passion, perseverance, dancing in the hallways, and arts. I partake in community the challenges of others. is involved with her school’s self-discipline, responsibility, simply marching to the beat of service activities whenever I varsity math team. She also integrity, compassion and talent, his own drummer. Alex credits get the opportunity, especially interned at the Naval Research I will do justice to this art form his love for the arts to his mother, in a nearby home for abused Laboratory, working with organic and constantly strive to be the Michelle, and thanks her for her children. In the future, I hope nanotubes. She is planning on best in my fi eld. I believe in constant, and crazy, wisdom. to pursue a career in science, pursuing a business and an this art! And my passion is too for it is my greatest passion. engineering degree under the deeply rooted for the odds of University of Pennsylvania’s my success to weed it out. So Jerome Fisher Program in I guess I’ll see you in the 1%. Management & Technology.

37 38

and achieveevenbigger. 2010who taughtmetodreambig supportive parentsandsisters, have beenpossiblewithoutmy However, noneofthiswould U.S.and evenbreedingguppies! rollerblading, moldingclay student government,iceskating, assistant, participatingin IU medicalcenterasaresearch tutoring math,interningatthe Presidentialeducation throughGlobalGiving, and awarenesstoimprove Indianapolis Star, raisingmoney at twohospitals,writingforthe Playing hard,Ienjoyvolunteering as aStanfordTree nextyear! promoting educationworldwide a socialworkerdedicatedto and politicalsciencetobecome pursue adoublemajorin3-Dart a NationalAPScholar, Iplanto Indiana AcademicAll-Starand a NationalMeritFinalist,an test scoresorthegrades.As sake, notnecessarilyforthe I enjoylearningforknowledge’s Scholarshard, workhard.”Working hard, life accordingtomymotto,“Play confident andoptimistic,Ilivemy Modest, motivated,passionate, College Plans:StanfordUniversity HighSchool IN,Carmel Carmel, Michael Wang who pushesmetoworkhard. it ismyidenticaltwinbrother by adesiretowin.Athome, pitch orthetrack,Iamdriven Whether itisonthesoccer Competition spursgreatness. gay marriagebill,werepassed. influential bills,suchasthe DC CityCouncil,watchingas as aninternfortheWashington, classroom, Ispentmysenioryear and government.Outsidethe the historyofSupremeCourt history, toMedievalEuropean, I’m ahistorybuff,fromAmerican captivates me.Idiscoveredthat as studentbodypresident, from classestosports,serving dimmed. Everythingatschool, interest inlearninghasnever 12 years,andyetmyloveof schools intwodifferentstates of student.I’vegonetothree characteristic ofmylifeisthat By farthemostdefining University College Plans:Georgetown Washington, DC,MaretSchool Paul Wasserman than ithasbeeninhighschool. time willbelesselusiveincollege college. Healsohopesthatfree major inSociologyandEnglish Washington. Hehopestodouble Daniel Inouye’s office in 2009, heinternedinSenator school. Duringthesummerof bane ofhisfouryearshigh mathematics hasremainedthe he isnofriendofnumbers; a healthyvarietyofinterests, career. Thoughhedoesmaintain all fouryearsofhishighschool letters inlacrosseandhockey, He hasalsoearnedvarsity government, androllerblading. art history, music,literature, include educationpolicy, Investment Club.Hisinterests Model UnitedNationsCluband as presidentofhisschool’s in ceramics,healsoserves time andpassiontohiswork While hedevotesmostofhis high schoolcareeris“busy”. adjective todescribeConnor’s The singlemosteffective College College Plans:Dartmouth School ofTexas Dallas, TX,St.Mark’s Connor Watumull complete withacolorscheme. a leveltwoMengerSponge, the unitsintoinverseof folded themandassembled thousand littlerectangles,she paper. Aftercuttingoutacouple wasted, sosheuseditasorigami amounts ofpaperfrombeing wanted tokeeptheridiculous she wasn’t interested,and from lotsofcollegesinwhich Natalie startedreceivingmail Finalist. AftertakingthePSAT, AP ScholarandaNationalMerit other things.SheisaNational science orchemistry, among considering studyingcomputer all dayreading.She’s now book editorsoshecouldspend she wantedtogrowupbea musicals. Inelementaryschool, modular origami.Shealsoloves Mathematics andenjoysfolding College SummerStudiesin She attendedtheHampshire team captainforsciencebowl. and pitorchestra,isa team, playsthetrumpetinband Natalie swimsonherschool’s College: PrincetonUniversity High School IA,Hempstead Asbury, Natalie Weires quench mythirstforknowledge. excited fortheopportunityto particular pathIchoose,am place tolive.Regardlessofthe the worldandmakeitabetter personal commitmenttorepair to mycommunity, andhonora athletics allowmetocontribute fulfill theirpotential.Importantly, to encourageothersstrive no matterwhatmyendeavor, and taught metochallengemyself, my leadershipskills.Theyhave to persevere,andstrengthened mental toughness,taughtme have enabledmetodevelop emotionally andphysically. Sports athletic participation,Ithrive to therestofmylife.Through take thoselessonsandapplythem the lessonstheyhavetaughtme.I athletics andcherishsportsfor respect. Ibelieveinthejoyof scholarship, sportsmanship,and exhibiting integrity, citizenship, participate. Ileadbyexample, socially responsibleandactively challenge, Iamdeterminedtobe With anappetiteforlearningand of Michigan College Plans:University Essex HighSchool Essex Junction,VT, Kevin Weiss Alexander Welton Nicole Wenger Pebble Beach, CA, Robert Fairbury, IL, Prairie L. Stevenson School Central High School College Plans: Dartmouth College College Plans: Yale University Alex is a student dedicated to I grew up feeding corn cobs to the creative arts and service hogs, riding bikes around the as well as scholarship. He is a country section, and reading National Merit Scholar and an endlessly. When I was three, I Eagle Scout, and the recipient began gymnastics and loved the of numerous awards, academic sport so much that I continued and creative, local and national. until my sophomore year, when In the summer of 2008, he began an injury forced me to give it writing his fi rst novel, Dawn, up. Attending a circus camp, and signed a New York-based I learned to juggle, unicycle, literary agent soon after its fl ip off of a Russian swing, and completion. He is currently perform other crazy stunts. I was working on his second novel. In State President of Illinois FCCLA addition to writing, he pursues (Family, Career and Community music through performance Leaders of America) during my in three instruments and junior year. In January, I went to composition in multiple genres an orphanage in Mexico, where and styles. He hosts a weekly I dug a phone line, helped build a radio show on KSPB 91.9 FM, house, spoke a little Spanish, and and in free time often indulges in met the sweetest children. I am his latest interest, photography. drum major of the marching band, Finally, Alex is an outdoorsman sing at every opportunity, and act who has ventured on dozens in musicals. In my free time, I act, of challenging excursions write, rollerblade, play basketball, in the disciplines of hiking, read, and spend time with friends. backpacking, and canoeing.

Connor Watumull Thawing Favna Raku fi red 7 in x 13 in

39 40 U.S. Presidential Scholars

2010lands—overall, tohavefun! Merengue, andtoexploreexotic to takeclassesinSalsaand I hopetocontinuepainting, language barrier. Alongtheway, to careforthosewhofacea pursue medicinewiththehope experiences haveledmeto effectively communicate.My face whentheyareunableto increased difficulties families coping withanillness,andthe and patientsgothroughwhen seen thestrugglewhichfamilies volunteering inahospice,Ihave Through myextensiveexperience a languagebarriercanpresent. understanding ofthedifficulty that beaches!), Ileftwithanimproved Costa Rica(sloths,butterfl enjoyed thenaturalbeautyof exploring CostaRica.WhileI program learningSpanishwhile next monthinastudy-abroad a languagebarrier. Ispentthe far fromhome,andseparatedby Costa RicalastJuly, Iwasalone, As Isteppedofftheplanein University ofAlabama College Plans:The Mountain HighSchool Scottsdale, AZ,Desert Whitaker Morgan ies, and hopefully awaitstheirarrival. as yet,butshepatientlyand largely amysteryofthefuture notable accomplishmentsremain investigative reporting.Further styles varyingfromfi as sheexperimentedwith creative outletandavitaltool passion forCody, becamea program. Writing, alwaysa the YMCAYouth andGovernment addition, shehasparticipatedin to thepositionofPresident.In Club, andthisyearwaselected a studentoffshootoftheLions been engagedintheLeoClub, years ofhighschool,Codyhas journalism department.Overfour newspaper inStateHigh’s positions fortheyearbookand occupant ofseveraleditorial part-time Wegmans cashier, and editing pen—asanAPScholar, of courseusingherfavoritered textbooks, producecodes—and the lastfewyearsbalancing senior, CodyWildhasspent As aStateCollegeHighSchool College Plans:Tulane University College AreaHighSchool State College,PA, State Cody Wild ction to on WFMT’s addition, shehasbeenasoloist best youngmusicians.In show highlightingthecountry’s From theTop March, Laurenperformedon baton ofGustavoDudamel.In Symphony Center, underthe of Venezuela atChicago’s Simón BolívarYouth Orchestra selected toperformwiththe Orchestra. In2009,Laurenwas the KankakeeValley Symphony Strauss’s debut in2008,performingRichard passion. Shemadehersolo pride, andnowherdefi a challenge,thensourceof she first regardedtheoboeas in herelementaryschoolband, oboe forsevenyears.Beginning Lauren hasbeenplayingthe College Plans:TheJuilliardSchool Academy fortheArts IL,Chicago Northbrook, Lauren Williams concerts wheneverpossible. in outreachandbenefit performances, andparticipates to inspireothersthroughher Competition. Laurenhopes National ChamberMusic a quarterfinalist intheFischoff She hasparticipatedtwiceas Live fromStudioOne well asaperformerontheir Oboe Concerto Introductions , anationalradio series. ning with , as degree; onlytimewilltell. medicine, teaching,oranother for thebetter;whetherthismeans which hecanchangetheworld Kevin hopestofind acareerin great amountofrespectandlove. brother, forwhomKevinhasa source ofinspirationishistwin in statelastyear. Hisgreatest his highschoolwhichplaced2nd on theKnowledgeBowlteamat bibliophilia andhisinvolvement desire todiscover, hasledtohis passion, deeplyrootedinthe in eachwithgreatdepth.This has allowedhimtobeinvolved passion ineachoftheseareas book. Hishighlevelofenergyand occasionally settlingdownwitha debate, piano,peertutoring,and group, trackandfield, trivia, Boy Scouts,theater, youth any otherway. Theseinclude another, andwouldn’t haveit involved insomeinterestor full. Hefi Kevin thriveswhenhisplateis College College Plans:Harvard Longmont, CO,NiwotHighSchool Kevin Wittenberg nds himselfconstantly bookcase, waitingforVolume II. story sitscollectingdustonmy so forthetimebeing,mylife My booknevergotpublished, Wasp-X-rays-Yarmouth-Zip files. music-Utilitarianism-Viking blood- Reediculous-Skiing!-Techno Ornithology-Pitcher-Queensland- Marlins-Nature conservancy- Steinbeck-Kent Wommack-Lisp- Invasive species-John marshall-Gro Flatebo-Honda- Environmental science-Field Brother-Chinese-Dormiendo- but hereitgoes:Agnosticism- shared itwithanyonebefore, twenty-six letters.I’venever summed upmyentirelifein ABCs bookthatperfectly I oncewroteanautobiographical College Plans:BrownUniversity High School Yarmouth, ME,Yarmouth Reed Wommack Angela Woods Evan Wu Adele Xu Emily Yang Sharif Youssef Carrollton, KY, Carroll Corvallis, OR, Crescent Shanghai, China, St. Newark, DE, Charter West Liberty, WV, Wheeling County High School Valley High School Paul’s School School of Wilmington Park High School College Plans: Duke University College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Stanford University College Plans: Massachusetts College plans: Yale University Institute of Technology I like to think of myself as strictly Always excited to explore, Adele always has trouble I stared blankly at my computer logical, yet I have a proclivity learn, and help out, Evan has explaining where she is from, but Demonstrating an analytical yet for ten minutes thinking of ideas for spontaneity that I would succeeded in a wide-spectrum will take a stab at it anyway: After creative mindset early on, Emily for this bio. Speaking my mind never want to relinquish. I prefer of activities and has taken on growing up in Delaware, moving enjoys taking on a challenge, a is not normally a trying task for “going with the fl ow” rather a multitude of responsibilities. to Shanghai and attending St. drive that inspired her pursuit me. I am a triple state champion, than following a rigid schedule. As a musician, he has won Paul’s School in New Hampshire, of engineering in college. a national octa-fi nalist, and the I never compromise my morals, numerous statewide honors in she is ecstatic to add California Participating in traditional winningest member in my speech but I respect others’ beliefs both piano and cello and, last to her list of places to call home Chinese folk dance since team’s history. I act, sing, write and possess an extremely year, led his school orchestra next year. In addition to traveling, kindergarten, she has since then and study. I have received awards open mind. I love meeting new to a state title. As a school and Adele also enjoys covering long become head teaching assistant and recognitions for doing so— people and could, according community leader, he plays distances of a different kind of the CACC Chinese Folk Dance but I am no nerd…I prefer the to an interviewer I once had, varsity tennis, organizes weekly with her varsity cross-country, Troupe, which has performed term “Intellectual Player”. I am strike up a conversation with music for area soup kitchens, track, and Nordic ski teams. at such venues as the Macy’s ambitious, learning invaluable a lamppost. (Imagine all the advocates for the homeless as When stationary, Adele paints, Thanksgiving Day Parade. As lessons from failure as well as engaging stories it could narrate!) an intern in the mayor’s offi ce of draws, plays the violin, and tutors a cellist, she has played with success. As a dual citizen of My life is a conglomeration of his city, and has served on the fellow students in a variety of Delaware’s All-State Orchestra The United States and Egypt, I God, family, friends, academics, State Superintendent’s Youth subjects. She has served as an as principal cellist as well as have lived in another country sports, music (fl ute and piano), Advisory Team, the Corvallis editor of her school newspaper, at the All-Eastern Orchestra, and spoken another language. dance, and laughter. I see the Youth Symphony Association insulated houses for Habitat for among other ensembles. In I love The Beatles…a lot. I am glass as half-full and view life Board of Directors, and as class Humanity in Mississippi, and addition, Emily still fi nds time to a leader. I am a learner. I am a as an adventure fi lled with president. As a young scholar, taught English to migrant workers’ volunteer at the Ronald McDonald lover. The world is daunting yet opportunities to be utilized to he maintains a 4.0 GPA, has children in Shanghai. As a future House of DE and play singles on exciting—I am eager for the better oneself, so as to eventually studied abroad for a semester Human Biology major, Adele Charter’s varsity tennis team. places I will go and the memories apply one’s knowledge and in Cambridge, England, and is fascinated by biology and Last summer, she worked on I will make as I venture forth. experience to better the world. has conducted research at philosophy and hopes to pursue two research projects at the Oregon State University. Evan the study of biomedical ethics. University of Delaware. One was was recently named his city’s with the Animal and Food Science Future First Citizen. He looks Department, and the other, forward to studying biophysics, entitled “The Utilization of Mobility economics, and a little bit for Socialization in Children of everything in college. with Special Needs,” involved collaboration between the Departments of Physical Therapy and Mechanical Engineering.

41 42

2010in thefuture,hewillloveit. whatever hechoosestodo grows up,butheissurethat U.S.what hewantstobewhen Scott currentlydoesn’t know time withEnglishliterature. debate teamandspendingmuch captain oftheLincoln-Douglass of thehumanities,servingas Presidentialsame time,isanardentstudent Program atschoolbut,the and ComputerScienceMagnet attends theScience,Math, free timeintheafternoon.Scott compete tofill upthathourof these directionswillsometimes basketball, tonameafew. Allof economics, concertpiano,and painful)—toward Spanish, at once(thankfully, it’s nottoo himself tuggedinmanydirections experiences, Scottoftenfeels his interestsandtakeonnew Seeking alwaystodiversify to ahappyandmeaningfullife. Scholarsthat “contraries”areessential William Blake,Scottagrees Like oneofhisfavoritepoets, College College Plans:Harvard Blair HighSchool Rockville, MD,Montgomery Scott Yu to promoteexcellenceinmath. future generationsofstudents specializes inmath,andtoteach have acareerineducationthat swimming, andhiking.Ihopeto team, andIenjoytennis,soccer, and dancingonmyschool’s step and musicquintet.Iloveballet nursing homeswithmypianoclub performed inpianoconcertsat of PianoClub,Iorganizedand and asadebater. Aspresident as thedailynewsvideoanchor, our school’s newspaper, aswell as editor, reporter, andwriterin enjoy workingincommunications students withmathconcepts.I math tutoringprogramtohelp math trophiesandcreateda school’s first andsubsequent led ourmathteamtowin and presidentofMathClub,I school activities.Asfounder I enjoymusic,arts,sports,and math, chemistry, andphysics. in naturefueledmyloveof all aspectsoflife.Mycuriosity I lovetochallengemyselfin University College Plans:Cornell Senior HighSchool Golden, CO,Lakewood Wendy Zeng seemingly differentpursuits. fullest, bridgingthegapbetween step, Ihopetolivemylifethe strategy intomyrunning.Stepby combine passion,techniqueand country andtrack(captain),I As avarsityathleteincross numerical andmodernnotation. research, andcomposedmusicin citizens, conductedlinguistics classes, taughtEnglishtosenior in China,Ihavetakencollege world. Duringsummer-long stays and traveledthroughoutthe intensively sincetheageoften I havestudiedthreelanguages and inventor. Aferventxenophile, columnist, accomplishedessayist, teacher, internationalnewspaper yearbook editor-in-chief, me intoamusician,mathlete, yet creativenaturehasmade my ownwriting.Mymethodical vicariously throughothers’or reflective, imaginativeside,living I eventuallyunearthedamore numbers atanearlyage;however, learner, Ibecameadeptwith interests inmylife.Aprecocious and synthesizethevarious I havealwaysstriventoreconcile College Plans:StanfordUniversity Chevy Chase,MD,LandonSchool T.Henry Zhu Wharton SchoolofBusiness. Economics/Finance fromPenn’s B.S. inEngineeringanda where hewillreceivebotha the UniversityofPennsylvania Management andTechnology at Jerome FisherProgramin to attendtheprestigious next year. Heisveryexcited in hischoiceofcollegefor politics, whicharerefl economics, technology, and Garrett isfascinatedbybusiness, City asaWard representative. on Youth CouncilofOklahoma He wasalsoselectedtoserve Eagle Scout,andYouth GroupVP. as PresidentofStudentCouncil, standout leader, currentlyserving All ConferenceinTrack. Heisa National Prepqualifi Conference AllStarin2010,anda the wrestlingteam,hewasanAll wrestling andtrack.Ascaptainof a threesportlettermaninfootball, places, laugh,andhavefun.Heis to meetnewpeople,visit and newexperiences.Heloves Garrett ishungryforknowledge of Pennsylvania College Plans:University Oklahoma City, OK,CasadySchool Zwahlen Garrett er, aswell ected 43 44 2010U.S. Presidential Scholars U.S. PRESIDENTIAL *U.S. Presidential ScholarsintheArts *U.S. Presidential SCHOLARS BY STATE 2010 Elizabeth W. Reiser K.Gray Gary Alabama Kevin T. Wittenberg Wendy S.Zeng Preston G.So Erica E.Vlahinos* Colorado Alexander P. Welton Sean M.Plumb* Pooja K.Shah Michael A.Silberblatt* California Aidan M.Baker Emily E.Foltz Arkansas Daniel P. Fried E.Whitaker Morgan Arizona Adele F. Xu P.Darren Eldredge Americans Abroad Alexander M.Krolick Madeleine C.Bulkow Alaska Sarah H.Gustafson Evan A.Brown Connecticut Alyson M.Gigger Karl T. Schutz Idaho Caitlin E.Mori Nolan M.Kamitaki Hawaii Matthew G.Faulkner Alexander S.Vollmer* My NgocC.To Ross C.Beppler Georgia Patrick G.Mangan Blaine A.Krauss* Tyler C.Laprade Brooke M.Griffi Florida Paul Wasserman Nicole A.Cacozza District ofColumbia Daniel A.Sullivan Emily P. Yang Delaware n Dakota R.Snyder Reed W. Wommack Maine Marjorie E.Bateman Daniel L.Comeaux Louisiana Suraj Kannan Horace R.Hambrick Angela R.Woods Kentucky Andrea N.Hinton Stephen M.Fox Kansas Ethan Budreau Natalie E.Weires Iowa T.Lynelle Chen Lauren H.Stephens Michael L.Wang Indiana Lauren R.Williams* Jacob U.Arber Nicole M.Wenger Illinois Maryland Montana North Carolina Rhode Island Utah Henry T. Zhu Brooks B. Hallin Megan E. Mikhail Diana D. Chin Anne J. Wang Richard Li Allison A. Ray Kelley A. Katzenmeyer* David R. Tong Samuel S. Brinton Marissa C. Dearing Gregory R. Izatt Uyen-Phuong N. Nguyen Scott S. Yu Nebraska Saumil A. Jariwala South Carolina Maesen A. Churchill Aric W. Berning Vermont Massachusetts Wyatt N. Troia North Dakota Jake G. Ross* Kevin M. Weiss Katrina D. Malakhoff Phoebe Strom Anne V. Cai Anna G. Quinlan Bobby S. Chen* Nevada Daniel P. Gillund Uchechi G. Kalu* Russel R. McAvoy Seth C. Thompson Virginia Heidi H. Lim Ohio South Dakota Grace J. Wang Michigan Joseph V. Calland Derek S. Christensen Nicholas J. Loftus Bernard J. VanBerkum New Hampshire Alison C. Boyd Kiah M. Schaefbauer Nicole L. Black Harrison M. Potter Washington Jillian L. Peters Oklahoma Tennessee Kelsey M. Moser Minnesota Samita Mohanasundaram Abbee B. Cox Lauren M. Coleman Derrik F. Petrin Raj M. Katti Garrett L. Zwahlen Ian S. Ball Jennifer E. Schmidt Emma Lucken New Jersey Martin A. Camacho Dedeepya Konuthula Oregon Texas West Virginia Joseph C. Schiavone Evan Wu Michael R. Taylor* Katherine L. Jarrell Mississippi David E. Kersen Torin M. Rudeen Matthew A. Brailas* Sharif I. Youssef Andrew G. Li Eva H. Koeller John A. Goss* Ann A. Burrell New Mexico Marissa A. Ruehle Wisconsin Steven M. Ammerman Pennsylvania Connor Watumull* Bryan Dongre Missouri Erin A. Mauldin Cody M. Wild Ellen Liu Valerie Shen Joy Q. He Benjamin Lei Austin Goodwin* Alan J. Hatfi eld New York Ida Saki* Wyoming Luke J. Celenza* Puerto Rico Austin M. Taylor* Kaiser A. Mock Yvette S. Leung Alan B. Wagner David G. Crouse Megan A. Jenkins Phoebe B. Nir* Talia Rothenberg Robert M. Moore Jr.* Paul M. Mains

45 Steven Ammerman Marjorie Bateman New Mexico Louisiana A visit with my mother to an The National World War II elementary school where most Museum in New Orleans, U.S. PRESIDENTIAL children qualifi ed for free lunches Louisiana provides an outlet was an eye-opening experience for my love of world history and for me. Fearing that these children allows me the chance to interact SCHOLARS AT WORK IN would not have enough to eat with World War II veterans, who once they returned home, I asked volunteer with me and visit the THE COMMUNITY my mother to help me make a museum. They remind me of my difference. The presentation at late grandfather, a World War II our fi rst visit to the food bank reconnaissance pilot, and they was extremely motivational; share their poignant wartime Characterized by their interest in community issues from my comfortable situation in experiences. Sometimes I serve life, I could not have previously as a general museum volunteer and compassion for those in need, the U.S. Presidential imagined the large percentage and other times as a volunteer Scholars have actively reached out to others. Service of New Mexico’s children living for Kids’ Corner. As a general under the poverty threshold (and volunteer, I work as a ticket has played a signifi cant role in their development and is habitually missing meals) or the taker, a theater usher and at prominent in their future plans. struggles of the elderly, who are the information desk. At Kids’ faced with choosing between Corner, youth volunteers, like me, buying food or paying for rent, staff an area with World War II medicines, and utilities. Since related crafts and activities that then, I volunteer at that food we do with the children who bank as much as possible in an visit the museum. I love sharing attempt to be part of a solution. my interest in World War II and My tasks include sorting and admiration of its heroes with a re-packing donated foods and younger generation. The crafts assembling backpacks and boxes and games include simulated that meet the special nutritional riveting in tribute to Rosie the needs of the aforementioned Riveter, planting seeds for a disadvantaged groups. It is a tad Victory garden, and building ironic that a rather menial job, Higgins boats. I especially enjoy often the source of backache, the Morse Code activity: children and always sweat-inducing, and veterans alike try the code should be one of my favorite box. Educating children about activities. However, at the end World War II, through games and U.S. Presidential Scholars U.S. of each session, I leave with activities, brings the past alive a smile on my face and the for them and makes history fun. satisfaction of having done something selfl ess and worthy. 2010

46 Nicole Black Alison Boyd Samuel Brinton Anne Cai Michigan Ohio Utah South Carolina Without the experience of helping Throughout my four years at One morning last fall, my Arabic As a service leader for Rise Up out others in their times of need, Shaker Heights High School, teacher announced to the class and Read, I recruit one-on-one we cannot truly appreciate those I have been involved in the that there was an urgent need for volunteer tutors for at-risk inner- who have helped us to get to Youth Ending Hunger/Interact an Arabic-speaking volunteer in city students between the fi rst where we are at today. As co- club. In my sophomore year I our community. I eagerly raised and sixth grades. I’ve tutored at president of my school’s chapter was the treasurer, and in my my hand, not fully knowing the RUAR weekly for four years, and of the National Honor Society, junior and senior years I have incredible experiences that I’ve always been excited to help I organized a variety of events served as president. As part of awaited me. Since that time, them understand what they’re to give back to our school and this organization, I have had there has been a huge infl ux of learning by using new methods. community. Among these was the opportunity to help others Arabic-speaking immigrants to Bayli, one of my regular tutorees, founding a group called “Bead the less fortunate than myself by the Salt Lake City area, and most has severe dyslexia and ADHD, Need,” which used my own talent serving meals at St. Tim’s Soup do not speak English. At the Asian and prefers to hide in her room of jewelry making to give women Kitchen, stocking shelves at the Association of Utah where many and avoid everyone aside from a greater sense of strength and community food bank, handing of these people come to receive her pets. Missing one session pride in their lives. After collecting out groceries at a local hunger help with the basic necessities could set us back a month, but donated supplies, we made fi fty center, and visiting with families of life, I assist with translation, we would always steadily build pieces in the fi rst few meetings to at the Hospice of the Western resumé assistance, and tutoring. up again with various methods donate to a local abused women’s Reserve. Additionally, I have Recently, a non-English-speaking until something worked—reading shelter, and we continue to make organized fundraisers such as woman from Iraq brought a word by word using a fl ashcard them for the American Cancer a faculty/student basketball Rental Credit Application to me. with a small rectangular hole, Society and other causes. On game and countless bake sales She needed help as she didn’t repeating phonics exercises until top of this activity, my love of and pizza sales so that the club understand what she needed familiarity overcame her dyslexia, animals has motivated me to walk could contribute to causes such to do to fi nd housing for her or doubling reading time as she dogs at a local Humane Society, as Harvest for Hunger. This year family. As Americans, we take repeated each sentence after and my loves of engineering I organized a campaign called for granted the ease of fi lling out me. Following my suggestion to and math have encouraged me Hearts for Haiti in which our a rental form. For this woman, picture characters as suitable to tutor children in math and student body raised $1000 to it was terrifying, as her family animals by personality, Bayli now mentor LEGO robotics teams. send to victims of the Haitian was depending on her to fi nd a wants to be a veterinarian, and Everyone has a unique talent earthquake. My experiences place to live. As we completed she directs energy into her own that they can use to contribute volunteering through the Interact the form, she had a big smile on goal to surmount her diffi culties. to society—just discover your club have enabled me to give her face and repeatedly uttered As I realized the students lacked passion and fi nd a way to use it to back to my community and “shokran” (thank you) to me. Her exposure to current events, I change the world for the better. helped me to make the world a form was accepted, and she now implemented a news segment better place. More importantly, has housing. It is gratifying to at the beginning of each week. however, my role as the leader know that my efforts have made a Through my articles for the of this group has given me the difference in these people’s lives. local newspaper, I recruited opportunity to get fellow students more volunteers to help with the excited about helping others so RUAR kids continuing on after I that they, too, can work to make graduate. Next year, I’ll miss those positive changes in our world. weekly times sitting in yellow plastic chairs, designing learning games, and I’ll miss my tutorees, who feel like the younger siblings that I, as an only child, never had.

47 U.S. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS AT WORK IN THE COMMUNITY

Joseph Calland Bobby Chen Derek Christensen Maesen Churchill Daniel Comeaux Ohio Massachusetts South Dakota Nebraska Louisiana I spent my summer on a Community dedication Through the years I have As a freshman, I got involved in This summer, I volunteered to playground. More specifi cally, has transformed me into a participated in a variety of Peer Network, a club at my school work with young children at I devoted over 200 hours to the construction worker by day and community service projects, but that connects special education the Thensted Center, a local task of researching, designing, music teacher by night, teaching the one that affected me the most students with regular education community outreach organization. and building a playground for the me that we are never alone and was the trip I took to Parkersburg, students for a number of I came armed with camp songs struggling Tray Lee Community can always rely on others’ helping Iowa. My church youth group left activities. One of the main things and a detailed schedule of what Center, which is located in the hands for guidance. I spent the the comfortable town of Lennox that the club does is convene we would do. I had analyzed the middle of a neighborhood built summer of 2008 constructing to head to Parkersburg, a town every Thursday for Lunch Bunch situation and I was ready. The entirely by Habitat for Humanity. hurricane-sturdy houses in New damaged by an F5 tornado. I in the special education wing. I kids walked in; my plans walked After interviewing contractors, Orleans for families displaced by was able to meet people directly met Haley at Lunch Bunch. She out! After struggling through storeowners, and architects, Hurricane Katrina. Building all impacted by the tornado, and I was a quiet girl with a sweet “Apples and Bananas,” I knew as well as borrowing tools and day alongside fellow traveling could see that although it had smile and a passion for baking. it was time to change strategy. buying several truckloads of volunteers, professional changed their lives, they had Haley and I quickly formed a So, I improvised. I looked through supplies, I fi nally completed a construction workers, and even still kept their faith. Not only did relationship when I started my iPod, found a few songs, and freestanding platform around a local Louisianans felt like a family my group build a garage for a to coach my school’s Special held a spontaneous dance-off. tree with a spiral slide, monkey event, and I learned not only to family whose home had been Olympics basketball team. She I lost. I led them in line dances bars, a ladder, and, perhaps most appreciate those close to me, destroyed, but we also built a became a team leader, always around the room. Eventually, I, importantly, a railing. The Center but to also welcome those with relationship with the people we encouraging others. However, along with the kids, convinced was run by a group of incredibly shared goals as friends and were helping. It was a week talking with Haley, I realized that the directors to join us in the dedicated people who worked to family. I will never forget fi nishing that I gained strength in my her favorite sport was actually “Cupid Shuffl e.” Everything was provide disadvantaged children the fi rst house and seeing a faith in God and the goodness tennis. Coincidentally, so is mine. unstructured, unplanned, and with guidance and support in a family’s joyful tears erupting of people. It was an experience Haley and I started practicing thoroughly enjoyable. What drew world that did not offer enough, down their gleaming, smiling that shall never be forgotten. tennis during the summer of 2008, me to the Thensted Center was and it is an organization that I am cheeks: Never again would this and entered in the state Special the chance to help those children eternally glad to have worked family take a home for granted. Olympics tennis tournament as who might otherwise slip through with. I am truly proud to say that Having taught underprivileged a unifi ed doubles team. We won the cracks. I thought I could I helped by building something children in Lawrence to play a silver medal that year. The aid them through structure and that would bring fun to the kids musical instruments for the past following summer, our tennis defi nition, but what I discovered who were growing up in a place four years, I have also learned squad expanded to include two was they truly needed someone geographically close to, and yet to appreciate the little things in other unifi ed pairs. This summer who cared, someone with whom worlds apart from, my own. life. Sometimes I get caught up Haley will be competing in the they could have fun. Whether and frustrated when my musical Special Olympics 2010 National they were playing games, endeavors as a cellist hit rough Games. I will be cheering her reading books, or even building spots, but seeing my students on. Participating as a unifi ed volcanoes with baking soda and rejoice every week when they partner in Special Olympics vinegar, the children were joyful. U.S. Presidential Scholars U.S. get to touch a violin reminds me taught me to encourage and I looked around the room and that success can sometimes be admire, to lead and to trust. saw them beaming; I smiled too. material, but passion and love shared with others is priceless. 2010

48 Abbee Cox David Crouse Bryan Dongre Stephen Fox Oklahoma Texas Wisconsin Kansas Though I have participated One Saturday afternoon when My community service Inclement weather had prevented in various community service I was ten years old, I stepped commitment led me to volunteer my classmates and me from activities, I am most proud of through the doors of the Shoes at an elder care center. During beginning our senior service being the student spokesperson for Orphan Souls warehouse. the fi rst few weekends, I passed projects the previous week. After for the 2009 Lawton Public The smell of shoe leather and by numerous rooms where three weeks of Christmas break, Schools Bond Election Campaign. cardboard hung in the air as I residents were inside all day. we were unaccustomed to waking I was thoroughly involved in was conducted with the other Some could not move since they up early and groggily met in the every aspect of this campaign, volunteers to a table in front of were attached to life support lobby of Trails West State School. from the planning stages to an old television. The images equipment while others had Before we could catch up on one calling community members I saw on that screen were resigned themselves to a solitary another’s breaks, the students the day before the vote. The forever burned into my mind. I lifestyle. Seeing their plight left began to arrive. Their wide proposal had two components—a saw suffering for the fi rst time; me feeling disheartened and I felt smiles contrasted sharply with sales tax increase and a bond. I witnessed despair unlike any I a need to cheer them up. Music my classmates’ and my stupor. Unfortunately, only the former had ever seen. Then, I saw pure, in the form of the viola has been By lunchtime, I could tell that passed, but the funds raised unadulterated hope streaming a gift from the heart that I enjoy the students had made a marked by this tax will indeed ease the from a child’s eyes. He had been sharing, so I decided to bring difference in our general attitude. fi nancial woes of our insolvent given a pair of shoes, the fi rst my repertoire to play for these Working with the developmentally school district. Many wondered thing he could call his own. When room-bound residents. I found this disabled had certainly taken why I worked so diligently on this I learned how many orphans to be an exhilarating experience an emotional toll on our group campaign, since I am nearing hadn’t been reached, I knew I had which I began to enjoy. I spent and it was diffi cult to accept graduation. However, I felt to help. I put my hands to work several hours of my weekends that the students with whom we passionately compelled to serve sorting and packing shoes. Two making sojourns to the center. were working would never be the school system that molded me years later, I was appointed a My endeavors led me to include afforded the same opportunities into the woman I am today. Also, captain in charge of leading other other musicians so that we that we so regularly took for though I supported this cause volunteers. My two hands were could reach out to more senior granted. Yet, the optimism and for the sake of future students multiplied into twenty. Over the residents. As the founder of the enthusiasm that the students of of my community, my service eight years I have served with Young Ambassadors of Music, I Trails West put into every simple also improved me personally. Shoes for Orphan Souls, I have was able to apply my leadership activity was incredibly infectious. The many speeches I gave touched hundreds of thousands to inspire and motivate other How could we complain about developed my public speaking of pairs of shoes. That means that musicians. We noticed that the our comparably insignifi cant ability, while interacting with I have had a hand in providing residents were more enthusiastic issues when these young men community leaders made me hundreds of thousands of children and eagerly anticipated our and women found joy in the more comfortable around those with shoes, with comfort, and, visits. Their smiles and gratitude midst of their daily struggles? of older generations and showed most importantly, with hope. kept us coming back. This me the importance of networking. was truly the most profoundly Regardless of our somewhat enriching and rewarding limited success, working on experience I have ever had. this campaign was truly an experience I will never forget.

49 U.S. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS AT WORK IN THE COMMUNITY

Austin Goodwin Gary Kenneth Gray Sarah Gustafson Horace Rhodes Hambrick Alan Hatfi eld Texas Alabama Connecticut Kentucky Missouri Through Boy Scouts of America My junior year, I spent my I have committed to A Better Doing mission work in Hell’s They represent our national I have accomplished many workstudy volunteering at UAB’s Chance as Co-President of Kitchen NYC last spring over heritage and a legacy of courage community service projects and 1917 HIV/AIDS Clinic. I spent most the Student Board. I joined my Spring Break was one of the in the face of oppression, yet understood the value behind of my time as clinic host; basically, this group years ago while it most enlightening, humbling, we as Americans rarely take the giving back to the community. I was a greeter and computer struggled, unsure of its purpose, and life-altering experiences of time to give our veterans their Each of us had to plan, and assistant for the patients. disconnected from the students my life. I tried to prepare myself just recognition and reverence. It execute a community service My visits were a bittersweet it serves. My experience in to “see” the homeless and the wasn’t until my parents decided project in order to receive our experience. The clinic was politics taught me that the best destitute, but actually entering to drag me out of a summer Eagle Scout award. We each shockingly busy and fi lled with a and most mutually benefi cial into relationships with those who slumber in 5th grade that I began decided it would be easiest to motley group of people; none of gift is time. With that lesson in are in dire need transformed my to appreciate veterans for who accomplish all of this if we helped them fulfi lled the stereotypes of mind, under my leadership, the perception of the world. The most they truly are. In the summer of each other. I was the youngest in HIV+ people. I saw people who Board is changing to include the awe-inspiring morning was the 2003 I began volunteering on my troop and it was an incredible were bourgeois and people who students not as objects of the one spent at the Holy Apostle’s the third fl oor in the Community experience to work on a video were homeless, parents and discussion, but as partners in Soup Kitchen serving lunch to Living Center at the Harry S center for the burn center at children, loved and abandoned. the solution: a support-system of the homeless. Seeing over a Truman VA Hospital. In this VA Children’s Hospital, clean up an I always tried to talk to patients. allies from across the high school thousand people enjoy a warm “nursing home,” most of the old historic grave yard from the I could never muster much spectrum with the tools to help meal in the midst of smiles and residents are elderly patients early 1600s, build rocking horses more than a “hello” because I them explore their opportunities. conversation was heartwarming. who need assistance with some for the kids at the cancer hospital, could never think of anything The Board has grown from 5 to The sanctuary of the church was of the most basic daily tasks. The restore historic signs describing meaningful to say to those who 25 members; the ABC students, like home to them. The homeless prospect of days spent passing a specifi c site from years past, had been so incomprehensibly who needed a committed partner were called “guests” and treated out iced water, replenishing and complete my own Eagle condemned. Yet their bravery was to help negotiate and widen as such. Amazingly, my church linen closets, and wheeling Scout project—repairing donated heartrendingly amazing. As with their world, enthusiastically youth group had to sign up weeks vets around wasn’t exciting bicycles for Jonathan’s Place, a any experience, I had failures attend our meetings and provide in advance for the privilege of to me at fi rst, yet once I made home for abused children. All of and successes. I particularly input. I am proud that the union serving there! There really are connections with the veterans, these experiences helped me to remember one woman. She was of Student Board and Students, many, many in this world who I conquered my apathy and look outside myself, especially young and always alone. She heterogeneous and dedicated, care for “the least of these,” reluctance to sacrifi ce my own during some of my own diffi culties seemed broken by her diagnosis has become a rare pocket of and I am glad to be able to count time and effort for their sakes. and focus on those who needed in a way few were. But my own diversity in Wilton, Connecticut. myself among that number, for They became living American my service more than I expected. weakness prevented me from that afternoon gave me a glimpse symbols, vibrant examples who ever learning her name, hearing of what I am sure heaven must refl ected America’s ideals just her speak, even waving. I failed look like. “Sacrifi cing” my spring as much the Statue of Liberty her worse than I ever failed break in order to serve others or any Presidential Monument anyone. I could never have done was immensely more satisfying does. For six summers, I have much for her but could have at than any sun-splashed week at given over 250 hours of friendship U.S. Presidential Scholars U.S. least tried. Her tragic sorrow the beach could ever have been. and service to honor their shadows me in punishment but legacy. My service to them is remains the most valuable benefi t not optional; it is a necessity. of my workstudy experience. 2010

50 Andrea Hinton Gregory Izatt Saumil Jariwala Katherine Jarrell Nolan Kamitaki Kansas North Carolina North Carolina West Virginia Hawaii I remember the day of my fi rst There is little else in my high- Boy Scouts are told from Day During the summer of 2009, I Is anyone listening? That is piano recital. I was six years school career that I’ve enjoyed One of their Scouting careers began working at a free clinic the question I asked myself old and my hands were clammy quite as much as the Science to “Do a Good Turn Daily,” but called Health Rite. This clinic many a muggy Friday afternoon when I walked to the tiny upright Olympiad—so when I heard surprisingly these young men caters to the “working poor” when I played classical pieces piano on stage. This anxiety that my school was planning often forget to turn an eye to the and boasts several volunteer on an upright piano at the Life became my dutiful accompanist on hosting an Elementary-level very organization that encourages physicians, dentists, and nurses. Care Center in Hilo. After every in all my performances, so when Science Olympiad tournament, them to go out and serve the Hoping to enter the health care piece there was a brief round I was approached at the age of it seemed only natural for me community. In my Troop, I noticed industry, I knew that volunteering of applause—mostly from the fi fteen to become the fi rst and to take part. A group of other that one in two Scouts who joined at Health Rite would be a great nurses—and an occasional lead pianist for my church’s small students and I put together a our Troop would leave by the end opportunity for experience, but smile. I’ve read the same worship team, I was more than a slew of plans and events, and we of the fi rst year. The problem lay I had no idea how rewarding, popular science articles that bit nervous. I barely knew what helped run the second annual with the diffi culty for these new eye-opening, and amazing this everyone has, the ones that I was getting into when I replied tournament in mid-April, hosting Scouts to integrate into the Troop opportunity would really be. I say listening to classical music yes, but I did know that there twelve teams—which amounted community, and the solution I had the unique opportunity of has good physiological effects was a spot to be fi lled, and that to several hundred people— proposed, while simple, was interacting with nearly every and stimulates the brain. So I I had the knowledge to capably and scoring their members’ effective: I pioneered a system patient who came in to Health continued this routine religiously fi ll that spot. In a whirlwind performance on a wide range whereby new Scouts could get Rite, because part of my duties over the last couple years with transition, my weekends of science-related tests and to know each other and bond involved working at the front the hope that the music might suddenly consisted of rehearsing, activities. When my little brother through community-building desk. Each day, I met new be therapeutic for the patients performing, and mentoring new participated in my school’s 2009 activities. During my three-year people and learned about their and that my time spent would be band members. The work was tournament, he was, it suffi ces to tenure, I acted as a mentor to all heartbreakingly sad stories. benefi cial. Only after refl ecting not at all easy, and there were say, rather excited, and absolutely of the new Scouts who joined the While many of these stories were for a bit, did I realize that perhaps times where I longed to return loved it. I saw precisely the same Troop, and I helped unify them almost unbearable to hear, they the benefi t went both ways; to my lazy days. However, the sort of excitement and passion not only to each other but to were also very inspirational. playing music freely with no sense of community fostered for the competition and, more our entire Scouting community. Learning of the hardships of expectations has allowed me to by both the cohesiveness of the importantly, for science in general I have now had the pleasure others motivated me to do more relax and feel more confi dent band and the outreach to the in many of this year’s kids. The of attending many of the Eagle to give back to others. The about my own music. Perhaps it congregation was unparalleled. head organizer for the event ceremonies for the Scouts I experiences I have had at Health was also I who was listening. In these four years of service, I received dozens of compliments originally mentored, and it has Rite gave me a new sense of have seen people whose lives and thank-yous from parents been awe-inspiring to see the determination and a drive for changed because of their worship and coaches from each of the growth they have undergone. the future. While the impact of a experiences, and their stories schools, and I have a feeling that While I know I am not responsible place like Health Rite cannot be have made every minute of a lot of those students are now for all of the transformation, it has measured by statistics or facts, hard work worth the struggle. geared up to participate in the been exciting to know that I have one can observe the improvement (incredibly rewarding!) middle at least been a part of it. Most in patients’ quality of life. school Science Olympiad as soon of all, I appreciate the fact that as they’re in the right grade. something I started has gained a life of its own and will continue to serve even after I leave the Troop.

51 U.S. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS AT WORK IN THE COMMUNITY

Suraj Kannan Dedeepya Konuthula Blaine Krauss Heidi Lim Ellen Liu Kentucky New Jersey Florida Nevada Texas My religion has always been an As the Community Service Chair As cliché as I thought it would Add 2,300 paper cups, 100 With a desire to share knowledge important part of my life; thus, one of my high school’s chapter sound, I never knew how fulfi lling gallons of water, and 50 freezing with fellow students, I started my of the greatest sources of pride in of Future Business Leaders of giving back to my community cold National Honor Society volunteer work by peer tutoring. my life is the ability to give back America, I was lucky enough to would be. The majority of members and you get Rock ’n’ Gradually, my desire grew into to my religious community and to have opportunities to help many teenagers my age get “pulled” Roll Marathon Station 13, the a passion to make a difference the Temple. Since I was in fourth people. In November, we went into community service through only water station headed by and to discover. Besides the grade, I participated in a number to the Madison Center, a local a high school requirement. My a teenager: me! At 5 AM in the regular summer activities, I of community service projects at nursing home, to help out with involvement with the Boys and dark, we pulled from the supply devoted much of my time to a the Temple, ranging from running their Thanksgiving Brunch. It was Girls Club happened accidentally, truck tables and trash bins, and very special organization called charity sales to cleaning and just supposed to be a one-time but is now a permanent and placed them along the quarter Skills for Living (S4L). There, I painting. When the Temple was event; members helped set up, proud stain on my life. I am mile station. With numb fi ngers, helped at-risk, underprivileged in between administrators and serve, and clean up, among fortunate to have a great Boys we slowly started fi lling the high school students learn life having diffi culty with certain other things. Although some and Girls Club located near my fi rst 500 cups. With the toasty skills, create college dreams, aspects of management, I used of our volunteers were slightly house, and being passionate sunlight came the elite runners, and turn their dreams into my skills in Microsoft Offi ce to surprised to fi nd themselves about theater and the arts, I am all in impossibly skimpy uniforms, reality. Having matured from help the administration organize singing the unicorn song to a even more fortunate that this who were followed by a tidal team leader to founder and and maintain the necessary crowd of very appreciative senior facility is the only arts related wave of runners, joggers, and president of my own organization, information and data; the systems citizens, they were gratifi ed club throughout the branches walkers. We swept the crushed Youth for Skills for Living, I still and databases that I designed to see how easily and warmly of Boys and Girls Clubs in the cups out of the path, handed out constantly challenge myself to are still used extensively to this these often neglected individuals nation. It is there that I was able water, and cheered our hearts fi nd new opportunities to serve by day. My Temple and my faith has responded to just a little bit of to use my skills as an artist and out. Between giant gulps of answering late night homework not only given me the courage attention. Perhaps it was the teach my craft to those younger heavenly water, runners thanked phone calls, by working with a to take on some of the hardest warm and fuzzy feeling that kept than me. In an underdeveloped us for volunteering, for giving broken arm, by fundraising at challenges of my life, but it us going back to the Madison community, there aren’t many our time to help someone else. night in the pouring rain, and by has also given me a sense of Center. In fact, we returned in options for children at a young That gratitude is what keeps me inspiring followers to become identity within my community; December to help set up and age to do anything positive, let going, and what makes me proud leaders themselves. Through for this reason, I feel that it is decorate their Christmas trees, alone opportunities that allow to be a volunteering leader. service, we, together, discover my responsibility to ensure the and again later that month to put their creative minds to explore. our ultimate treasure: humanity. maintenance of the Temple. up the paper snowfl akes that had It is humbling and a blessing to been created by eager, inspired be able to infl uence children members. I can speak for all of at such prime moments in their the students in my committee lives, as well as be able to show when I say that we gained more them that they can be destined from our visits than the excited for something greater that what people we went to see; nobody society has given. This honor U.S. Presidential Scholars U.S. should ever be forgotten. was so grand that I volunteered at the club (Royal Theatre Arts Academy) for over a year and continue to lend my support and guidance to this very day. Through this I have discovered 2010 my inherent drive to create and infl uence social change, a passion that will now be with me throughout my entire life.

52 Nicholas Loftus Emma Lucken Paul Mains Megan Mikhail Virginia Minnesota New York North Carolina Last summer, I volunteered to “Coach Emma! Did you see that? I On February 27, 2010, Chile Though overt discrimination is help construct houses in the did a lay-up with my LEFT HAND!” was shaken by a massive now rare in math and science, a Ninth Ward of New Orleans “Good job,” I reply as I high-fi ve 8.8-magnitude earthquake. pervasive expectation about who for families still displaced by the boy beaming up at me. I’d Hundreds were killed, and entire will succeed in those disciplines Hurricane Katrina. My high been helping Erik practice his villages and cities were ravaged. remains, which convinces girls school sponsored the immersion lay-ups for a week, and it was To help the thousands of families who once won science awards program in which we lived within rewarding to see his pride when and individuals who found that they “aren’t science people” the community while helping he fi nally mastered the skill. As themselves without access to and leads my college counselor to rebuild it. In keeping with a volunteer coach and referee adequate shelter, my friend Rosie to question whether someone the privations suffered by the of soccer and basketball, I enjoy and I decided to raise money for like me could enjoy at a summer residents, we slept on the fl oor combining my love of children the Jesuit-sponsored organization engineering program at MIT. of a classroom, ate sparingly, and sports by teaching others. called Un Techo Para Chile (A Rather than conform to these and worked seven hours a day I fi nd satisfaction in passing on Roof for Chile), which responds expectations, I decided it was in temperatures exceeding 100 the knowledge I have acquired to the needs of homeless families my duty to ensure that other degrees. Before we could even from my parents, coaches and in Chile. Rosie organized a underrepresented students begin construction, we had to teachers: practice, work together, silent auction, and I planned were given the opportunity clear the mountain of debris and have fun and you will succeed. “Music Night,” a night where the to succeed in math and sand that the fl oodwaters had My commitment to coaching musically talented students of science. So I established FISH left behind four years earlier. team sports provides children my school could perform for their (Fostering Interest in Science Surrounded by desolation and with life lessons they can apply families and the general public. and Healthcare), a nonprofi t destruction, I fi nally understood to achieve success in many A hectic process of publicizing, organization that works with local the natural disaster that had areas. I also learn lessons of auditioning, and preparing universities to offer a scientifi c occurred in New Orleans my own: watching these little ensued, but when the night was lecture series for female and was really the unfortunate kids struggle determinedly over, Rosie and I raised over minority high school students in accumulation of circumstances to complete basic tasks like $1,000 for Un Techo Para Chile. my area. The need for FISH has that could have potentially wiped dribbling or passing teaches In retrospect, it was absolutely only become more apparent as I out the city in its totality. Between me that success isn’t defi ned worth the stress: Helping people have applied for grants from the the troublesome geography, by great honors or awards, but setting up homes and shelter is NC Biotechnology Center and lack of money to rehabilitate rather by the fortitude to keep well worth the diffi culty of setting spoken with professors who have an already inadequate levee trying despite repeated failure up a night of art and music. shared their own stories of past system, and ineffective federal and the ability to fi nd happiness discrimination. Though I know I disaster planning response, New in the small things, whether a can’t change the world overnight, Orleans had suffered far worse compliment from a coach, a cool it is my hope that one day no than it should have. I’ll return new move, or a left-hand lay-up. student will feel like she can’t to rebuild another house with be a programming wiz because my class next summer in what of her gender or he can’t join a I anticipate will be a lifelong math team because of his race. pursuit of serving those who can benefi t, in any small way, from the help I learn to provide.

53 U.S. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS AT WORK IN THE COMMUNITY

Samita Mohanasundaram Robert Moore Jr. Uyen-Phuong Nguyen Phoebe Nir Jillian Peters New Hampshire Texas Utah New York New Hampshire I’ve always valued education Robbie Moore and members I am notorious at Cottonwood After my grandmother’s For years, I have been and understood that there are of Kingwood Jazz & Company for tutoring students in math, experience when she was treated volunteering with fellow Scottish individuals around the world who in Kingwood, TX, recently science, English, and, in for cancer, I couldn’t stop thinking dancers and bagpipers by don’t have the same quality of participated in a benefi t particular, for tutoring the ACT. I about the dismal environment performing for the residents education that we have in the U.S. performance to raise money for raised a girl’s ACT score by seven in hospitals. Time didn’t seem at local nursing homes. When At the age of nine, I personally the Alden Duncan Foundation. points. I heard from teachers that to pass beneath the fl uorescent I fi rst began participating in contacted newspapers, schools, This fund, created by Amy some kid was saying, “She just light. People were frightened and these performances, I simply family, and friends to encourage Duncan, mother of fi ve-year- explains things in a way where lonely and in pain. I decided I saw them as exciting ways of them to donate materials. old Alden Duncan and director you can actually understand it.” wanted to help. To me, the thing providing entertainment for those My perseverance paid off: I of KWJC, was established to I’ve also helped students design that was the most conspicuously whose lives might otherwise be collected more than 1,500 books help support her son’s struggle egg-drops, trebuchets, balsa- depressing on the ward was monotonous. However, every and supplies the fi rst year. My with leukemia fi nancially and wood bridges, and mousetrap the eerie absence of noise. year I become more receptive to commitment to education in communally. The students and vehicles. I help the community Besides the metronomic beep the reactions of the seniors, and impoverished nations didn’t parents of this local dance through other means than of the heart monitor or the static I have seen so many refl ections stop after that fi rst year; nine studio company dedicated an academics. As president of of the television, all was silent and memories in the eyes of years later, I’m still involved in evening to celebrate the arts Service Club, I collected about and joyless. I started singing on those who watch. Once, a leading my community in school by featuring KWJC and another 300 dollars by trick-or-treating for the wards in December, so my woman wheeled up to me in her supply drives; as of today, I’ve performance group, Kingwood UNICEF, with Service Club totaling repertoire initially consisted of chair after an evening of music collected more than 12,000 Dance Theatre, at a small about 500 dollars. I made dolls holiday songs, but as the months and dance and began to tell me books and materials. During showing; in doing so, the dancers for Primary Children’s Hospital to past, I started incorporating about her encounter with the the summers, I travel to village raised several thousand dollars comfort children before surgery. Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, bagpipes during a vacation in schools in third-world nations for the Duncan Foundation and I also helped arrange Sub4Santa whatever patients requested, Scotland with her husband. She and teach over 75 children not have since been able to help with to brighten the Christmas season or in several cases, where they proceeded to speak about her only science and technology, Alden’s treatments, check-ups, for homeless and abused children were either unconscious or husband’s death, and with every but also traditions, languages, surgeries, and more. Several at Cottonwood. Other projects lacked the strength to speak word I could see her heal. Men and cultures from across the other local events are currently I’ve done through Service Club for themselves, what their in the nursing homes have been globe. I love helping others! Over in the works for supporting the include food drives, blanket loved ones said were their reminded of their army days by the years, I’ve also founded the Duncan family and their son drives, cleaning up blighted areas, favorite songs. The results were the sound of the bagpipes. I see non-profi t organization Help in his battle with cancer. writing letters to soldiers, building humbling. Despite the fact that I feet tapping, hear voices singing, Others Corporation (currently and selling scarecrows for the had come to serve their needs, and catch glimpses of smiles and has 550 members worldwide), Justice Center, and so on. With people were desperate to show tears. These residents are part introduced Indian music to all this, I’ve come to understand me that they appreciated that I of a generation that brought us hundreds of people, and worked the importance of lending a was there. Those who couldn’t into a beautiful world, and it is all to encourage more than 114,000 hand to my community, as my speak clapped their hands; those that we can do to make certain individuals around the globe to community has become my basis who couldn’t clap nodded in that the last years of their lives U.S. Presidential Scholars U.S. inspire children on Children’s for support, and my motivation rhythm. People are capable of are fi lled with the same beauty. Day, an international event I to excel and be a better person. tremendous bravery, and it was created through Help Others an honor to provide comfort, Corporation. Making a difference even if only for a moment. and encouraging others to do the same is my passion. 2010

54 Sean Plumb Jake Ross Ida Saki Joseph Schiavone California South Carolina Texas New Jersey My volunteer work with the My school, the South Carolina It’s not every day that one is By teaching the next generation Special Olympics and Homeboy Governor’s School for the Arts and able to help people around the about the need to protect our Industries has opened my eyes Humanities, has a program with world through one organization. planet, we invest in the future. to the signifi cance of community a pretty self-explanatory name: My work through MediSend has This is why I have been thrilled to service and its role in the growth Connecting Arts Through Service allowed me to reach people in share my passion for caring for and development of all concerned (abbreviated C.A.T.S.), which is all various countries throughout the the environment with my peers. individuals. I aim to live my life about using our art areas to aid world. MediSend is a nonprofi t, Two summers ago, I interned by my school’s motto: “Men and the community. As an Executive humanitarian organization that at the Liberty Science Center women with and for others.” Council member of this program, supports under-resourced in Jersey City, New Jersey. I After taking some time seriously I have not only helped out with hospitals in developing countries provided technical support for contemplating the meaning of this local art festivals, cleaned rivers, with a multi-dimensional a new outreach group called saying, I decided to volunteer at and tutored little kids, but I’ve also approach to improving community “Building Green”. The group is the Special Olympics. Working learned to swallow my pride for health. Through MediSend, the dedicated to teaching inner-city with disabled people enlightened the sake of my cause. Basically, volunteers package various children about environmentally me and inspired me to grow into if getting people on a residential types of unused medical supplies responsible technology and a thankful and grateful individual. high school campus to become and ship them to developing energy sources. I maintained After two years of Special interested in awareness, energy countries, where they are used a website for the group, which Olympics, I wanted to step out of conservation, and recycling to perform surgical procedures in they used to collaborate while my comfort zone again and into means getting up at a community order to save lives. As a dancer, designing their curriculums. a totally different culture. And meeting and rapping about the I am aware of the importance of However, as the project what better way to do this than environment in front of the entire health and the human body, and I progressed, I gradually became work side-by-side in a bakery student body and faculty—well, yearn to help others understand more and more involved with the with recovering gang members? you gotta do what you gotta do. this signifi cance. Medisend has development of the curriculums Homeboy Industries gives jobs So remember: “When you momma given me a sense of power as themselves. As a high school to “the homies.” In an effort to at the sink and she washin’ all I am able to help people that I student, about the same age as plunge into a new worldview, dem dishes / remember that dat never believed were within my the children who would benefi t I worked in the bakery and water belong to da fi shes.” reach. Helping these people from this program, I was often tutored in the GED program for has inspired me to continue my approached by the teachers, who the most of the month of January volunteer work and broaden sought comments and advice. 2010. My work at Homeboy has my assistance to more people I was delighted to be able to changed the way I live my life—I throughout the world. It’s not help in this way, applying my try not to be judgmental and every day that one is able to save creativity as well as my technical ignorant. Instead I aim to be open, lives, but my ability to do so keeps abilities to this noble endeavor. caring, and loving. Community me feeling blessed and thankful. It is my profound hope that the service is not something to be children who participate in the done because it is required. program will become just as Rather, it is a necessary act inspired as I am, and give their for the betterment of society. time, talent and treasure to protect what they believe in.

55 U.S. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS AT WORK IN THE COMMUNITY

Michael Silberblatt Dakota Snyder Preston So Lauren Stephens Austin Taylor California Maine Colorado Indiana Texas The city of Coronado, where I As youth, we are not only the Since I fi rst became involved I stood nervous and exhausted I never expected any community reside, is home to the U.S. Navy future, but the present as well. Our with volunteering at my local as twelve sullen students walked service project to rival that Seals, the Naval Amphibious Base time is now. It is essential we fi nd library system, the Pikes Peak in. Between convincing the of my Eagle Scout project, a of Coronado, and the Naval Air our voice, speak out and pursue Library District, this exceptional school to allow four high school two-weekend endeavor that Station on North Island (NASNI). lasting solutions to issues we care institution and I have engaged students to run a summer math consisted of ravaging teenage Many Coronado residents serve about. It wasn’t until I became in a cordial camaraderie that program, the 50 hours of set-up, boys with sledge hammers, in the military or have relatives actively involved and socially culminated in encounters I planning four curriculums, and, tearing down over forty feet of who serve. I felt it was not only aware that I came to understand treasure to this day. I remember most importantly, making it fun, I drywall and constructing walls right, but that it was my duty to how I can make a difference in plundering the technology was beginning to wonder what I for two new administrative express gratitude to these heroes my community. For example, in my bookshelves at my library branch, had done. After all, most people offi ces for the Plano Children’s who sacrifi ce time with their town of York, Maine, many families poring through books hundreds would consider running a middle- Theatre. Elected as chairman families and dedicate their lives struggle with the high cost of of pages long about esoteric school math camp a “geeky” role of the events committee for a to ensure the safety and freedom heating oil in winter. As part of the concepts. It was natural that I rather than a leadership one. school-wide fundraiser called of our country. With the help of National Honor Society, I helped would decide without a moment’s Indeed, I am not in many of the McDonald’s Week, I had no idea the Coronado community, I was organize fundraisers to benefi t the hesitation to contribute to its typical leadership positions, such of the commitment and incredible able to collect and proofread over York Fuel Assistance Fund which well-being, since I owe the as student council president or rewards that would ensue. The 1,400 Valentines in just 2 weeks— provides fi nancial help for families library so much. As president team captain. However, despite exterior of the McDonald’s was far more than I had originally in need. As part of the AIDS of the Youth Advisory Council, not having won any elections, I covered in streamers and caked planned to attain. With the help Education Team, I worked to raise I experienced the fulfi llment of am the person my cross-country from bottom to top in blue and of a U.S. Navy offi cer, I was able awareness and funding for AIDs devotion to one’s community. coach goes to when he wants gold paint, our school colors. I to send around 1,200 Valentines research. I serve as a writing, The assortment of initiatives and to know whether the workout checked my watch as I put the to marines on board the U.S.S. math, history and science tutor varied activities we spearheaded was done, the person teammates fi nishing touches on the obstacle Pelileu. Afterwards, I sent the for my peers. I was instrumental were specifi cally meant to seek out for tutoring, and the course. It was seven o’clock, rest to the U.S. Navy Seals. in launching the “Girls Point of improve society’s perception of person teachers go to when and in twenty minutes over two About a week later, I received View Book Club,” sponsored teenagers. Under my leadership, they need someone to give a hundred students and teachers two personalized e-mails from by the Mainely Girls program, we began publishing a monthly speech or represent the school. would fl ood the parking lot and high-ranking offi cers on board where I serve as a role model and newsletter both in print and After a moment of refl ection, I fi ll their stomachs to capacity, the Pelileu thanking me for the mentor to 15 bright, enthusiastic online. We also coordinated, began to teach. Five days later, all for a generous cause. kind gesture and informing me fi fth and sixth grade girls. We supervised, and suggested new twelve students stood ready Over the course of the week, that the marines were surprised not only read great books, but outreach events—especially to start a race to write the I ran every possible event in a and heartened. Enclosed encourage girls to speak freely, for the library district’s Summer most square numbers in two McDonald’s parking lot. By the was a picture of at least 30 share ideas, develop confi dence Reading Program—countless minutes. “Three…two…one… end of the week, over $18,000 marines each holding one of the and address challenges we face times throughout the year. go,” I said, and ten markers was raised for a local homeless Valentines I had sent. A thoughtful in our contemporary world. Two years ago the library squeaked across the whiteboard. shelter. The sheer enjoyment red card goes a long way. district reciprocated my deep Even the kids whose parents of the week, combined with the U.S. Presidential Scholars U.S. appreciation for its services had “volunteered” them were knowledge of the invaluable with a youth volunteer award, scribbling enthusiastically, eager service we provided to those which was a great honor for to show off their new knowledge. in need, has been unmatched me. I’m deeply humbled by the by anything I have ever done. notion that I have somehow helped to illuminate—ever so 2010 slightly—these children’s futures.

56 David Tong Erica Vlahinos Anne Wang Michael Wang Kevin Weiss Rhode Island Colorado Utah Indiana Vermont Liver cancer is one of the most “sA I child a stggruled tihw I always wanted to debate in From an early age, I learned Seeking opportunities to make widespread and devastating lesDyxia.” Was that hard for you elementary school, but such the importance of receiving an a difference, I was elated to cancers in the world, the onset to read? I’m dyslexic and that programs did not exist in my education. With an education, discover TOPSoccer, a national of which is usually caused is what I see every time I open school district. Enjoying and people in the developing world program that fosters the by infection with Hepatitis B a book. As a child I wondered benefi ting from high school receive long-term aid and development of children with Virus (HBV). In fact, chronic why something that seemed so debate, I decided to found people in the developed world disabilities. I was excited to hepatitis infection increases simple for other children was so an elementary school debate become aware of the conditions partner and share my love for the lifelong risk for liver cancer very diffi cult for me. And growing program to give others the in the developing world and soccer, although I was initially by over thirtyfold. After my up in a small community that opportunity I never had. When take action. This helps to bridge wary to spend time with people own grandmother contracted provided no learning materials I fi rst approached four schools the developing and developed facing challenges. However, HBV and was diagnosed with for students dealing with this with my proposal, I encountered worlds into just one world. As a I soon began to anticipate hepatitis, I resolved to pursue learning disorder made it even repeated rejections. After result, I want to become a social my partner’s excitement; Joe scientifi c research in this area of more diffi cult. So in high school repeated setbacks, I felt worker dedicated to promoting drops his crutch and grasps my study as my community service I set out to change that and discouraged but still determined. education. As a research hand, eager to join freeze tag project. Over the course of high create opportunities for students In order to gain credibility, I mentor and math tutor, I have or speed dribbling. His resolve school, I worked in a biomedical in my community struggling requested to volunteer with promoted education in Indiana. has markedly improved. His lab where I investigated the with dyslexia. The number one an existing elementary school More signifi cantly, I co-founded passion for play and enthusiasm mechanisms of HBV-related liver therapy tool for students with debate program in another school GlobalGiving (GG) at my school are infectious. I identify with cancer development. Today, I this disorder is the concurrent district. Assisting this program to promote education worldwide. his energy, courage and hope that my hard work will have use of audio and printed books. for a year, I gained experience, a For our fi rst project, we raised determination. It is exciting to a positive effect on the lives of Being able to connect the visual solid reference, and permission $5,000 to build a library at TianAi witness Joe’s growth while he the thousands of people who processing of the graphic symbols to found my own program. I “Love School” that was affected participates in a sport I take for are affl icted by this far-reaching (letters) with verbal expressions now work with over a hundred by the Sichuan earthquake. The granted, opening him to a world of illness, as well as those of the of language can change the students, teach basic debate “Carmel High School Global Love wider possibilities. My exposure family members who must cope severity in which children are principles, judge rounds, edit Library,” which contains around to differing abilities has increased with such an ordeal. Indeed, I affected by the disability. Thus, affi rmative and negative cases, 3,100 new books donated by GG, my patience and tolerance. I am have experienced fi rsthand the I created the “Defying Dyslexia, and organize competitions. It is opened its doors to students more cognizant that everyone suffering that such an illness Discovering Reading” Series for rewarding to watch my students this early March. For our second has something to contribute. can cause, and so I take great my Girl Scout Gold Award project. progress from spouting out project, we are sponsoring two I have become increasingly comfort in knowing that my I organized a group of volunteers emotional reactions to arguing children who live in AIDS-stricken committed to striving to make the small contribution will help to (who served as readers), from a logical perspective. The communities in Lilongwe, Malawi. world more accessible to all. alleviate it, even if in the slightest recorded over 35 audio books, topics I choose cover issues It is my hope that I have inspired degree. Of equal importance, paired them with their texts and like the environment, sexism, those children not to be content my service project has taught created a Dyslexic Learning poverty, and economic growth in with just a primary or secondary me to consider science from not Materials Library complete with developing countries. I hope to education but to aim for a college only a rational standpoint, but step-by-step instructions on how create interest and awareness education, which will provide from a humanistic one as well. to add to the library. Each book in these important issues. I hope them with a chance to dream has a personal message from me that I have sparked desires big and achieve even bigger. dedicated to empowering young in the students so they might people. Today’s youth need to pursue a future path in which know that nothing is big enough they can actually infl uence to get in the way of your dreams the issues being debated. and that if you see something wrong in the world, or in your community, it only takes one person to make a difference.

57 U.S. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS AT WORK IN THE COMMUNITY

Morgan Whitaker Cody Wild Lauren Williams Kevin Wittenberg Angela Woods Arizona Pennsylvania Illinois Colorado Kentucky As one little face popped up, it Physics textbooks tell you that I have lived my whole life in Intersection is a youth group for Although not technically starving, was followed by many others. The energy can never be lost, only Illinois, the Prairie State. I 5th and 6th graders that I lead many students in my county are angelic faces were peering at me transferred from one form love its undeveloped open every week. The church staff malnourished. Approximately through the window, giggling and to another; from potential to spaces, and when I learned that and I meet and rehearse on 55% of the students in my district waving. This was my fi rst event kinetic, from the pain of loss to the native prairies are under Thursdays. On Sunday mornings I are enrolled in the free and with my community service club; the satisfaction of giving back. attack from invasive species and am in the church interacting with reduced price lunch program, my friends and I started the club Seven years ago, my aunt’s human intrusion, I knew I had the students. I get up on stage and and for many of them, school to encourage underclassmen to tragic death from metastatic to help do something about it. am the center of their attention lunch is the only daily meal. Upon participate in community service brain cancer inspired me to For four years, I was the leader for a half hour. Then I connect realizing this, I recognized that projects. This fi rst project was begin creating and donating gift of a habitat restoration group with them more personally, these peers are left to fend for painting a shelter for victims baskets to other cancer patients. comprised of homeschooled chatting about the multifarious themselves during the summer of domestic abuse. Seeing the While receiving treatment at students, under the auspices of stresses that come with being vacation. Hence, my mom and I smiling faces of the toddlers is the Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, the Chicago Audubon Society. the most diffi cult age of all. devised a summer food delivery an image that always has had a she was given a gift basket Armed with loppers and saws, I have a deep passion for this program for students on free and special place in my heart, and it from an unknown stranger. That we shared a twofold goal: to group because I was in their reduced price lunch. We obtained gives me continuing motivation simple gesture brightened her become educated about Illinois’s shoes not that long ago. I still a listing of these students and to serve my community. In day despite her grim prognosis. native species of plants, as vividly remember the horrors worked with the school cafeteria addition to the projects that I “Janis Angels,” as I decided well as identify and remove of adjusting to middle school to package and deliver lunches help to coordinate with my club, to call the organization that those invasive species that are and the beginning of puberty. to their houses several times a I have been a weekly volunteer inspiration produced, began with destroying our state’s natural If I can offer these youths the week. One time, a little girl was with a local hospice facility for 40 baskets that my cousins and I ecosystem. Although tiring, lessons that I have learned so sitting on her porch step, looking two years. The patients are delivered to a local hospital, and dirty work, it was also gratifying that they can build upon my dejected. Her house was not on always a pleasure to be around; has expanded over seven years and inspiring. Within the fi rst experience, then hopefully their our delivery list, but we stopped whether I am feeding or playing to service two hospitals. I hope two years, we excavated over transition into a more mature nonetheless. We approached her Scrabble with a patient, I can that original Good Samaritan an acre of what had previously and less forgiving world will be tenderly, so as not to scare her, feel from their expressions that would be happy to know that their been a densely wooded area of easier. I have the opportunity to and we asked how many lunches I am truly making a difference. kinetic energy of concern and buckthorn and nonnative plants. entertain 60 children, connect she would like. She held up fi ve I also have been involved with generosity was transferred to me. Working year-round, we also with them, and help them to fi ngers and we gave her fi ve Project C.U.R.E., which helps I recently learned that the family collected and spread the seeds grow into young adults while I lunches. She never said a word to distribute medical supplies of a 2008 Janis Angels recipient of endangered plants into newly get to reconnect with my inner to us, but her radiant smile said it worldwide. Through my work began their own nonprofi t restored areas. Walking through child. It may be service, but it all. Thereafter, we always stopped with individuals, the community, organization in 2009, delivering the prairie reserve today, visitors is also an adventure, and one I at her house. This experience and the world, I have found that gift bags fi lled with goodies to will fi nd areas full of life and wouldn’t give up for the world. proved to me, yet again, my there is no best way to make the Pittsburgh Cancer Institute’s growth that were just recently passion to aid the hungry. a difference; any effort to help patients for Valentine’s Day. As U.S. Presidential Scholars U.S. ecological wastelands. While can light up someone’s life. good as it feels to personally give much work remains, through the to others, it feels even better to tireless efforts of volunteers such inspire others to do the same! as myself, Illinois remains home to some of the most breathtaking native prairies in our country. 2010

58 Evan Wu Sharif Youssef Scott Yu Wendy Zeng Henry Zhu Oregon West Virginia Maryland Colorado Maryland Each week, I recruit several The twelve-year-old boy missing I’ve studied Spanish for years. I enjoy sharing my love for math Having grown up in America, I high school string musicians to two front teeth looked up at me, I’ve learned all about verbal and music with my community. feel that most people here don’t perform classical music with the papers in his hands trembling conjugation, subjunctive Through math club and the math realize just how complex of a me at a local soup kitchen’s as he stumbled through the mood, composite tenses, and tutoring program I founded at language English is, with its Sunday dinner. Although diffi cult beginnings of a speech he had demonstratives. From my seat in my school, I have been able to oftentimes inexplicable spelling, to quantify, the positive effect of just written. I stopped him. “That the classroom, I’ve studied Latin promote student involvement, idioms, pronunciations and the music I organize becomes was good, but how about if we American culture, holidays, and opportunities, and interest in grammar. As the fi rst person in evident through the gratitude of move that phrase here and say even literature. But undoubtedly math. I enjoy seeing lives made my family who can call English our listeners, who shower us with this word with just a little more the most valuable lessons I’ve brighter with the nursing home his fi rst language, I’ve had to smiles, applause, handshakes, emphasis, and John…” “Yes, received have been from the ESOL concerts I organized. My most overcome language barriers and even thank you cards. Soup sir?” came his tenuous reply. students I tutor during the school rewarding experience was as between myself and my older kitchen workers remark that our “Relax, you’re doing a great year. In my tutoring, I have taught a math tutor for refugees at relatives. My grandparents music actually produces a calmer, job. Just have fun with it—and one girl the rudiments of algebra, the African Community Center. have always been interested in happier, and safer environment don’t call me sir.” A smile was so she can pass the standardized The refugees come from the learning English from me, even for the meals. Recently, one of our the only reply I got. Every year, exit exam needed for graduation; United Nations to start a new as they taught me Chinese. fans suggested a name for our my school’s speech team hosts I have explained the history of life here in the United States. My When I started teaching at their “band”: “Something Good in the a speech and debate workshop Thanksgiving to a young man who experience was eye-opening, senior center in Beijing during Messed-up World.” Another guest and competition for local middle had felt alienated by our foreign seeing the refugees struggling to my summer visits, I discovered told us after we fi nished one schools, and every year I enjoy tradition; and I have helped a adjust to a new culture and settle a surprisingly large, eager Sunday that he had never been helping younger students expand new English-speaker express his in a new place while dealing group of seniors who wanted to “so royally treated” in his life. Our their horizons. The satisfaction ideas, so that he may make new with a traumatic past. Their learn English to communicate music hasn’t saved any lives, nor I experience during this time is friends and converse comfortably circumstances in the past had to their families overseas. Even has it eradicated homelessness exceeded only by the knowledge with them. Through our time made education diffi cult, but they at their ages, these seniors in Corvallis, but it has brought that I am making at least a small together, the ESOL students were keen to learn. One student were enthralled by the new precious happiness and dignity to difference in these kids’ lives and have increased their mastery of I taught lacked understanding in words I taught them, feeling many people less fortunate than our community. The students’ the English language; and I, of basic math foundations, but he like young scholars once again. me. I’ve won many piano and cello transformations are spectacular. Spanish. Just as I have shown worked very hard to catch up, Their heartfelt thanks have competitions, but of all my musical Their confi dence increases with them the way to solve a quadratic despite a language barrier and been the ultimate compliment achievements, I am most proud of each word; their hesitant grins equation, so my students have the confusion of adjusting to a and gave me an unforgettable my soup kitchen performances. break into full-fl edged smiles shown me the importance of new school and environment. He sense of accomplishment as they grasp new concepts. equality in the school system. quickly learned new concepts that I could genuinely help I am honored to give back at Today, I vehemently believe that and memorized the multiplication these elderly people whose least a small portion of the skills every student, English-speaking table and list of squares I had wisdom far surpassed my own. and happiness that the speech or not, deserves a chance him recite. His persistence During the school years, I tutor community has given me. to be successful. Through to learn moved me as I spent younger children throughout my assistance to the ESOL extra effort to help him learn. my community, and as I look at department, I hope that I’ve each of them, I see the same helped put that chance within enthusiasm for learning that reach for many of these kids. those senior citizens had, which is that special catalyst to help them reach their dreams.

59 60 U.S. Presidential Scholars

2010 aims. potentialandthefulfi of theirtrue teaching tohelpguideyounglivestowardtherealization the country, theseeducatorsprovethepowerofexcellent infl or schooladministratorwhohasbeenhishergreatest Teacher RecognitionAward totheoneteacher, counselor, Each U.S.PresidentialScholarpresentstheprogram’s uence and inspiration. Every day,uence andinspiration.Every inclassroomsacross RECOGNITION AWARDEES 2010 U.S. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS TEACHER llment oftheirhighest Liberty HighSchool Liberty Biology &HonorsAnatomy Cathy E.Acord(WV) HighSchool Barnstable Statistics (MA) Nancy Aborn Parker HighSchool Mathematics JoBondy(SD) Mary Hopkinton HighSchool Mathematics Bickford (NH) Lawrence A. Phillips Academy College Counseling Academic Advising& Carl Bewig(MA) Coronado HighSchool English &Theatre Linda C.Benning(CA) HighSchool Carmel Social Studies Dave Bardos(IN) Huntsville HighSchool Chemistry Phillip M.Baker(AR) Durham AcademyUpperSchool English Jordan Adair(NC) Briarwood ChristianHigh School Briarwood English Nicole Conrad(AL) Baccalaureate School CountyInternational Jefferson Philosophic Studies Chambers (AL) H. Martin Dance Company Houston Metropolitan Dance Modern Joe G.Celej(TX) Pebblebrook HighSchool Vocal Studies E.CaseIV(GA) George Cabot HighSchool AP Biology (AR) Mandee Carmical Highland ParkHighSchool Counselor Pat Cannon(IL) Blue Valley HighSchool North Gifted Education Michele Buche(KS) HighSchool Barrington Latin Janet Brock(RI) Scott CountySeniorHighSchool AP World History Katherine Booth(KY) Irmarie Coriano (PR) Matthew Davis (NE) Gretchen Edelen (MT) Elizabeth Franklin (MS) Thomas Haindfi eld Mathematics Oral Communication English Spanish (NE) St. John’s School Lincoln East High School Helena High School Jackson Preparatory School Social Studies Creighton Preparatory School Charles Creighton (OR) John Dell (VA) Dwayne Edwards (LA) Stephen A. Orchestra Physics Western Civilization Freeman (ME) Myra Halpin (NC) Crescent Valley High School Thomas Jefferson High School Lafayette High School History Chemistry for Science & Technology York High School The North Carolina School Jeffrey Crosby (NH) Christopher of Science & Mathematics Biology Laurel Depalatis (AK) Elmore (MO) Max Gabrielson (CT) St. Paul’s School Chemistry Social Science Classical Languages Whit Hames (NC) South Anchorage High School Rockhurst High School Wilton High School AP Biology Stacy L. Crouse (TX) Raleigh Charter High School All Subjects Linda D. Richard Espenant (TN) John Garnevicus (WA) Crouse Home School DeRegnaucourt (FL) French Science Donna Hieb (WY) Calculus University School of Nashville Lakeside School English Kenneth J. Culek (OH) Palm Bay High School Campbell County High School Biology Jaime Estrada (DC) Casey Gendason (TX) Shaker Heights High School Gregory Devine (NJ) Classics & Modern Languages English & College Counseling Mary Highland (ME) Physics Maret School St. Mark’s School of Texas Spanish Marilyn Curtis (OR) Delbarton School Yarmouth High School Comparative Values Robert Fedell (FL) Scott Gould (SC) and Belief Systems Jason DeWitte (NM) English Creative Non-Fiction Katherine Eugene International High School Biology Dr. Phillips High School South Carolina Governor’s Hoffman (PA) La Cueva High School School for Arts & Humanities English Amy Dahlin (MN) Lynda Fischer (NJ) State College Area High School English Fan Disher (LA) English Kenneth A. Roseville Area High School Mathematics Old Bridge High School Greathouse (MO) Mary Lynn Huie (GA) Mandeville High School AP, Honors & General Chemistry Language Arts Michael Dalton (CT) Jeff Flygare (CO) Parkway Central High School Parkview High School Social Studies Lori Dumaine (NH) English Guilford High School History Air Academy High School William Gulde (IN) Elizabeth Irish (TX) Bedford High School European History U.S. History & Craig Darif (KY) North Central High School Academic Decathlon John Foster (NY) James E. Taylor High School Chemistry Edwin J. Duncan (UT) English duPont Manual Magnet AP Physics Doane Stuart School High School Cottonwood High School

61 TEACHER RECOGNITION AWARDEES

Gaylen Isaacs (HI) Scot Key (NM) Patricia Lund (ND) Peter Mehlbach (CO) Mark Olbin (AZ) English Humanities Mathematics European History 5th Grade Sacred Hearts Academy Divide County High School Lakewood Senior High School Lineweaver Elementary School High School Allerton Kilborne (DC) United States History Bill Lynch (OR) Joelle Miller (MD) Thom O’Rourke (TN) Shyamala Maret School English Biology/Science Olympiad Debate Jithendranathan (MN) Lincoln High School River Hill High School University School of Nashville Chemistry Min Kim (NH) Central High School English Darin Maier (MS) Joe Morris (ID) Jason Patera (IL) Government Calculus Music Department Chair Clint Johns (CA) Jodene Kissler (CO) St. Andrew’s Episcopal School Century High School Chicago Academy for the Arts Math Math Irvington High School Douglas County High School Marianna Malm (ND) Witty Muehlbauer (NV) John Pritchett (TX) English English Band Mary Ellen North High School Clark High School Bellville High School Johnson (UT) Patrick Kolb (AZ) Biology Language Arts Brophy College Preparatory Jeremy Manasia (NY) Jamie Y. Nekoba (HI) Brian Rawlin (GA) West High School Jazz Piano Science Language Arts Manhattan School of Music Waiakea High School Northview High School Mark Julien (MI) William Kysor (TX) Ceramics English St. Mark’s School of Texas Jan Mantle (WA) Nora Nido (PR) Jerry Reisig (MT) Henry Ford II High School English & Spanish Math Physics Colton High School Baldwin School of Puerto Rico Bozeman High School Neil Kane (DE) Michael Lewis (IA) Mathematics Theology Hudson High School Vicky Mayall (UT) Dawn Norton (MN) Keven Renken (FL) Salesianum School AP Chemistry AP/IB Biology Theatre Department Chair East High School Minnetonka High School Gibbs Senior High School Michael Karas (MI) Ken Lindemann (SD) Mathematics History & Government of the United States O’Gorman High School Serena McCalla (NY) Patrick Norton (GA) Ann Robinson (AE) De La Salle Collegiate High School Science Research AP Literature and Composition Mathematics U.S. Presidential Scholars U.S. Melissa Lozoff (NC) Jericho Senior High School Shiloh High School Vilseck High School Steve Kemper (AK) Acting Science The Arts Center of Carrboro Charles McArver Jr. (SC) Carol L. Obermann Evelyn Rodriguez (CO) Robert Service High School History (WV) English Nicholas Lucero (OK) Porter-Gaud School Mathematics Niwot High School 2010 Mathematics Wheeling Park High School Casady School

62 Sheila R. Rulison (TX) Judith Shepherd (PA) David Stover (DE) Janice Vote (IN) Walter Wolfe (CA) English European Literature Physics French Acting Workshop MacArthur High School Conestoga High School Charter School of Wilmington Park Tudor School Loyola High School

David Salter (SC) Diana C. Siliezar- Valerie Taylor (TX) Greg Warren (MA) Rebecca Woods (KY) Biology Shields (RI) English Physical Science Mathematics Williston Elko High School Biology Westlake High School Sharon Middle School Carroll County High School Barrington High School Razmick Sarkissian (WY) Louise L. Karen Weires (IA) Amy Wopat (DC) Orchestra Robert Slayton (VT) Thompson (WI) Mathematics Spanish Sheridan High School Latin AP Chemistry Hempstead High School Woodrow Wilson Senior Mount Mansfi eld Brookfi eld Central High School High School Timothy Scheffl er (WI) Union High School Adam Weiss (VT) Debate and Forensics Coach Marilyn L. Biology Robert Wright (FL) James Madison Memorial Judith A. Smith (MD) Toalson (MO) Essex High School History High School AP English Literature Gifted Education John Paul II Catholic High School and Composition Columbia-Rock Bridge Lily Weiss (TX) Montgomery Blair High School Senior High School Auxiliadora Dance (Modern, Schiavone (NJ) Composition, Repertory) All Classes Steven Sorkin (MD) Tamás Ungár (TX) Booker T. Washington High School Home School Honors Geometry Music – Piano Performance for the Performing & Visual Arts Landon School Texas Christian University David Schmittgens (CA) Benjamin Williams English Jeffrey S. Stahlman David Veselka (TX) (MD) Robert L. Stevenson School (OH) Photography English College Counselor Kinkaid School Georgetown Preparatory School Rebecca Shafer (IL) New Albany High School Mathematics Tom Vitrano (ID) Catherine Prairie Central High School Kenneth Stedman (NV) Theology Wojtkun (NH) Mathematics Bishop Kelly High School Gifted and Talented Education Bob Miller Middle School Nashua Senior High School North Gretel von Bargen (WA) Biology Skyline High School

63 64 U.S. Presidential Scholars

2010 ON TEACHING AWARDEES REFLECT RECOGNITION TEACHER the impactIhadonhislife. he wrotetome,thankingmefor why myheartisinteachingwhen student ofmineremindedme where yourheartis.”Aformer My mantrais“Putyourtime Massachusetts Nancy Aborn will ruboffonmystudents. and honesty, hopingsomeofit the classroomwitheagerness writers. EachdayIarrivein to becomebetterthinkersand around me,andtohelpthem my curiosityfortheworld my students,toshowthem Each dayIstrivetochallenge Carolina North Jordan Adair enjoy thelearningexperience. actively participateinclassto experimentation, theyshould are involvedinresearchor around them.Whetherstudents minds totheamazingworld challenges thatopentheir students mustbeprovided career. It ismybeliefthat Teaching scienceisarewarding West Virginia Cathy Acord influence ontheirlife. me Ihavehadapositive a graduatingseniortelling when Ireceiveanotefrom comparison toafeelingIget were great,buttheypalein The rewardsofmyfirst career engineering andmanufacturing. retired fromcorporate I amasecond-careerteacher, Arkansas Phillip Baker in thelivesofmystudents. to makeapositivedifference the responsibilityofchoosing the privilege,honor, and blessed foreverydaythatIhave acknowledgement. Iamtruly Each deservesrespectand people, areentrustedtoteachers. the mindsandheartsofyoung The mostpreciousgiftsofall, California Linda Benning what educationisallabout. a senseofwonderinyouthis essence ofteaching.To instill the lesssuccessfulis successes andworktoaddress experiences. To celebratethe think ofnootherthatrivalsits vocation Ichoseandcan For 36years,Ihavelovedthe Indiana Dave Bardos about myjobyearinandout. the reasonIremainpassionate to theirlivesinarelevantwayis drive tomakethisideaconnect within itisvitaltoallstudents.My the amazingvarietyofpeople compassion fortheworldand I teachbecauselearning Kentucky Katherine Booth working withyoungpeople. way tospendone’s timethan I can’t imagineamorerewarding not wasted;ithasservedmewell. wrong hewas.Myeducationwas post-graduation plans.How aghast whenwetalkedofmy education.” Myprofessorwas waste ofyourmathematics “Teach highschool?Whata New Hampshire Lawrence Bickford for usefulnesstomankind.” and laythesurestfoundation form thenoblestcharacter is dangerous;andbothunited yet knowledgewithoutgoodness knowledge isweakandfeeble, educator: “Goodnesswithout has guidedmy46yearsasan and goodness.Thisnoblegoal is theartofyokingknowledge At itsfundamentalcoreteaching Massachusetts Carl Bewig Janet Brock Mandee Carmical Irmarie Coriano Kenneth Culek Rhode Island Arizona Puerto Rico Ohio Archimedes said, “Give me a The motivation to teach comes I simply love teaching! With a I have fun teaching! The place to stand on, and I will from the intrinsic rewards of my great sense of responsibility, I classroom provides me with the move the Earth.” Give students students becoming contributing like to create for the students a stage to share my fascination a place to learn, and they will citizens. Helping students to challenging, changing, surprising with science and the excitement move the earth. Through reading overcome personal diffi culty and rewarding environment of of learning. Teaching allows ancient texts my students or to strive for the betterment infi nite possibilities. It is very me to become engaged with have conversations with the of their own understanding fulfi lling to see how they acquire the energy and enthusiasm of great minds of the past and drives me to become the best knowledge and are inspired to youth in a personal and fulfi lling one day can move the earth. teacher, to fi nd and create become better human beings manner. I grow with my students strategies for all of my students and reach their dreams. as we gain new insights. Michele Buche to have maximum learning. Kansas Charles Creighton Marilyn Curtis George Case IV Our duty is to help students Oregon Oregon discover opportunity; our reward Georgia I love to see classical music Each classroom represents a is when they act on it. Teachers I teach music for the service of become a major part of a young world of unlimited possibilities must show students the magic great art and for the personal person’s life. I am pleased when and each student brings a of personal initiative and the desire to create. Therein, the they understand the discipline multitude of perspectives and science of resourcefulness— study of our music, our literature, of practice and dedication. I abilities. Students today face how to recognize and even our voices, and our performance love to see it permeate other a complex, global world. As a create them if need be. These has become for each of us an areas of their lives and have teacher of comparative world combine with vision, hard work, expression of who we are as a positive infl uence on their religion, I encourage students intelligence, and faith to birth individuals, as musicians, and character and future. to explore different cultures and innovation and advancement. as a corporate ensemble. realize, as H. G. Wells notes, “Our Stacy Crouse true nationality is humankind.” Pat Cannon Nicole Conrad Texas Michael Dalton Illinois Alabama It is an honor to journey alongside I love being a counselor and The most exciting moment as my remarkable students. It Connecticut debate coach. Both roles an English teacher is seeing is a privilege to witness their To foster a love of learning allow me to share my students’ a student connect to a piece enthusiasm and determination in my students and to help enthusiasm, desire to learn, and of literature and truly love it. It of spirit. It has been said that to them realize their dreams. hope for the future. As a coach, is my hope that they fi nd one teach is to change a life forever. To make a difference. I teach by creating opportunities poem, story, or novel in my It should also be said that to for students to guide and learn class that they will carry with teach is to be forever changed. from each other, passing on them throughout their lives. knowledge and skills they can use for the rest of their lives. I have the best job in the world.

65 TEACHER RECOGNITION AWARDEES REFLECT ON TEACHING

Amy Dahlin John Dell Gregory Devine Lori Dumaine Dwayne Edwards Minnesota Virginia New Jersey New Hampshire Louisiana The satisfaction of helping It’s wonderful to see my students I am fortunate to teach physics I think of teaching as providing As a teacher of history I am students prepare for the lives awaken in this world of ideas, and music at Delbarton School experiences that students can constantly tasked to impress upon they want to live is the most gain strength and confi dence, in Morristown, NJ. The students learn from. I want my students my students the relevance of the fulfi lling part of my job. Teaching and take progessively more here are eager to learn, which is to have a sense of purpose in past to the world in which they is about helping students create initiative in creating and exploring tremendous motivation for me as their learning. Students, like live. If education is analogous possibilities for themselves. I hold this world. The bright smiles a teacher. I get to share in their Harrison Potter, make my mission to a life-long journey, it has truly high standards and pose diffi cult and intense excitement that discovery of all that is great about worth it. If nothing else, I aim to been my privilege to have known tasks to students because I want students radiate as they wrap physics and music. What fun! convince them that achieving outstanding budding scholars like them to be ready for anything. their heads around new ideas is higher expectations stems from Daniel Comeaux along the way! the energy that sustains us all. recognizing you are worthy of Jason DeWitte those higher expectations. Craig Darif New Mexico Christopher Elmore Kentucky Laurel DePalatis Kansas I teach for the purpose of Edwin Duncan Teaching my students to Alaska being a positive role model and Each cycle of new faces seeking be independent learners is As my dad would say, learning hopefully an inspiration to young Utah new challenges and facing challenging and exciting. Learning is essential to our survival, people. I believe education is After 40 years I still cannot hide new obstacles reminds me how how to think critically excites which means it’s fundamentally the single most important thing my enthusiasm for teaching! diffi cult it is to achieve the simple them. Discovery involves risk, interesting and purposeful. a young person must be a part When a former student stretches goal of being a good person. and to take risks often requires What I love about teaching is of in order to open up options for a new goal I rejoice. When a An often overlooked reward the support of a guide. I am the challenge of tapping into my for themselves. I consider it an student in my class has an “Aha” of teaching is that working thankful that my life journey led students’ natural desires to learn honor and a privilege to be a part and says “I get it! That’s so cool,” towards that goal is an essential me to a profession where I can by showing off how fascinating of providing the highest levels I can’t help but cheer also. component of doing the job well. help guide students on theirs. chemistry can be. It’s serious fun! of learning to my students. If the bar is high, the students will rise and achieve excellence. Gretchen Edelen Richard Espenant Matthew Davis Linda DeRegnaucourt Montana Tennessee Nebraska Florida Fan Disher For over thirty years, I have An inspirational teacher must be My love of teaching is found in the I truly love my students and what been involved in a discussion in tune with students’ interests, riddle each student represents. I teach. It is my goal that when Louisiana of ideas with inquisitive young offering fl exibility when it comes Solving those riddles each day they leave my class they know a I enjoy sharing my mathematical minds. As Paulo Freire said, to topics to explore. Through keeps me energized. My students lot more mathematics but more expertise and my philosophy on “Knowledge emerges only … my years of teaching French, inevitably stump me, amaze me, importantly that they knew I life with my students. We respect through the restless, impatient, I am continuously impressed make me laugh, and motivate me. loved them and their lives are each other’s talents especially continuing, hopeful inquiry by the quality of my students’ Watching their successes, by enriched because of both. I am when they work problems in a human beings pursue in the work and their level of artistry

U.S. Presidential Scholars U.S. whatever defi nition of success blessed to teach the students unique fashion. My favorite times world, with the world, and in creating their projects. It they choose, rewards me. I teach in so many ways. are reaching the point where they with each other.” It’s been an is they who inspire me. enjoy working exquisite math honor to share their journey. problems, doing math labs, and participating in math contests!

2010

66 Jaime Estrada Lynda Fischer Elizabeth Franklin John Garnevicus Washington, DC New Jersey Mississippi Washington I believe in fostering balance To a teacher, each year is a new When a student relays to me a There are many positive things between emotional and adventure because education story about how he has used that can come out of good intellectual growth in my is a collaborative effort. his Spanish to help others or to teaching, but the only sustainable students. It allows them to Sharing ideas fosters creativity, improve our world, I know all reason to teach is that you love become passionate thinkers. I understanding, and higher-level the long days and nights that to do it. There are many things want my students to view their thinking. I am proud to be a teaching requires are well worth that I enjoy about teaching, none environment as an inexhaustible teacher and to touch the lives it. When a student communicates more than knowing that I’ll get a universe from which to learn, of students such as Dedeepya in a second language well little bit better at it each year. create, communicate and Konuthula. Congratulations, enough to offer help and hope experience. My goal as a teacher Dedeepya! I look forward to to others in need, whether in is to facilitate this process. seeing your future success. another country through mission Casey Gendason or volunteer work or in his own Texas Robert Fedell Jeff Flygare community, I am overjoyed. To see the wheels spinning in the minds of young people energizes Florida Colorado Stephen Freeman me. I enjoy tossing an idea to “The labor we delight in physics Teaching is the hardest and best the group and observing the pain” is a line from Macbeth job. There is no “magic bullet” Maine discussion unfold. I am impressed that best expresses my attitude that makes every learner a I am a fortunate person to love with how engaging my students toward teaching: though both a scholar, but what does work is my life’s work. Every day is both are in the classroom, and their daunting and enervating calling, a connection between teacher challenging and rewarding when questions and comments make the ineffable benefi ts certainly and student built on respect you are living your life’s dream me a better teacher and person. provide “abundant recompense” for the potential every human of working with adolescents. in terms of personal satisfaction contains. That respect has Teaching students about the and personal growth. Realizing made the difference for me world is a humbling and gratifying Scott Gould what a privilege it is to teach such in lighting students’ minds. experience when they return South Carolina exemplary students as Brooke years later to share how your Jamaal’s granny called me. She Griffi n, I cherish the opportunity John Foster infl uence helped shape them. was in tears because he’d been every day to share my love of accepted to Berea College, full New York literature with my classes, and Max Gabrielson tuition paid. He would be the fi rst constantly try to expand my own While intellectual ambition in the family to attend college. education in order to deliver the and curiosity might draw my Connecticut She told me that I had changed best service to them. Teaching students and me to the seminar Teachers of remarkable his life. I said, No, ma’am, to me is an act of prayer. table, congeniality and good dedication and learning kindled actually he changed mine. And humor keep us there. My student in me a deep love of classical that’s why teachers teach. Paul Mains (as kind as he is languages. What a great privilege brilliant) strikes this balance and joy it is to share this interest effortlessly; students like him turn with my students, and to see classrooms into communities. them making discoveries in language and literature that will be their own lifetime possession.

67 TEACHER RECOGNITION AWARDEES REFLECT ON TEACHING

Kenneth Greathouse Mary Highland Elizabeth Irish Mary Ellen Armstrong- Michael Karas Missouri Maine Texas Johnson Michigan In a well known quote, Physicist Being a teacher allows me to I have a deep love and Utah While it may seem corny, my Richard Feynman challenges the focus on the best qualities of appreciation for American history. I love teaching because each inspiration for teaching comes belief that the poet sees greater every student I encounter and As a teacher, it is my goal to bring day is a new beginning. I tried from a classic movie: Boys Town. beauty in the stars. The natural encourage the development our nation’s past alive through other careers, but missed the I have always believed that world has power and elegance and maturation of those intelligent discourse and debate, students and all the creativity and every student has the potential that eludes the uninitiated. qualities. Every day, I proudly so that my students may not only autonomy afforded educators. to do great things, whether that Opening the eyes of students witness students achieving, develop a similar appreciation for What other profession is so student is the best and brightest, to the endless vistas that a persevering, creating, tolerating, our history, but also perpetuate engaging and challenging? like Ben, or that student is jounrey into the heart of nature and transcending. I learn—and the ideals of the Republic. I am NEVER bored, love my struggling to fi nd an identity. provides is a joyful endeavor. laugh—alongside them. students, and always seek new Gaylen Isaacs knowledge and technology. Steve Kemper Thomas Haindfi eld Katherine Hoffman Hawaii Alaska Mark Julien Nebraska Pennsylvania A simple thank you from a It gives me great joy to pass Everyone loves stories. The Teaching allows me the privilege student in an unexpected Michigan on the love of learning to stories of American history of discussing popular culture, moment brings great joy. The What I most enjoy about teaching motivated students. They are the generate a collective memory literature, and meaningful ideas best part of teaching, however, is providing the spark that ignites problem-solvers of our future essential for a people to survive daily; it allows me the opportunity is convincing students of their learning. When illuminated, and so I feel I am a participant and thrive. This memory permits to be a lifelong learner, constantly unrealized potential. Their students discover knowledge in this important endeavor. students to transcend time and exposed to new perspectives impact on the world around them for themselves and learn how to place and create identities that and ideas about the world; it is immeasurable and infi nite. think–not merely what to think. My Allerton Kilborne are unique yet universal. Molding allows me to pass on my passions This is the promise that makes ultimate goal is that my students students who will contribute and infl uence the future. teaching so worthwhile. will continue this process of self- Washington, DC to that memory is one of the discovery beyond the classroom. Love of teaching comes from greatest joys of teaching. Mary Lynn Huie Shyamala teachers opening up their hearts to students, feeling that Georgia Jithendranathan Neil Kane Myra Halpin outpouring being reciprocated, Reading literature involves Minnesota Delaware and then going forward together. North Carolina engaging in the most diffi cult Teaching is all I know. I believe Paraphrasing Aquinas: “Teaching It is most gratifying for me to questions about the human that every lesson is a “Lesson” imbues others with what is Jodene Kissler see the light in students’s eyes condition. I love working the in itself and needs to be allowed received through prayer and when they discover something for students learning to read to unfold and evolve based on refl ection.” For 35 years, I have Colorado themselves, the ‘aha’ moments. literature for its questions—not my students’ responses. These been blessed by teaching, For over three decades of I view myself as a learning its answers. Literature shows us responses inspire the direction especially at Salesianum where teaching, I’ve been blessed to U.S. Presidential Scholars U.S. facilitator. The students and I are how to read life more closely as I choose to take within my we educate the whole person have been a part of the lives of on an exciting learning adventure we all struggle to fi nd meaning classroom. This is what motivates in the tradition of St. Francis students like Erica Vlahinos. The together, I share what I know and and purpose in everyday action. me and keeps everything fresh. de Sales, whose motto is “Live young people we teach give us together we all learn even more. Jesus.” Teaching is my life. energy, enthusiasm to continue our own learning, and hope for a strong future. I am inspired

2010 by their vision and passion.

68 Patrick Kolb Ken Lindemann Darin Maier Jan Mantle Arizona South Dakota Mississippi Washington What motivates me as a teachers My greatest reward is seeing For me, teaching is about During elementary school I knew I is the ability to inspire students of the excitement and focus my helping students actualize their wanted to be a teacher. From then all ages to be continous content students display regarding the potential, whatever that may on, my path was set. I entered learners, love science, and have AP Calculus exam. I love the be. My greatest joys come from the best profession in the world, a good idea of who they are and subject matter, and I love to see working with students who and this year, after 36 years in the what they want to do. I enjoy my students gain an appreciation may not be the strongest but classroom, I am retiring. I have so teaching because I help students for mathematics as well as the for whom the information that many wonderful memories that I reach their given potential. lessons math teaches about I present just clicks with them will cherish for the rest of my life. hard work and perseverence. and they meet with success William Kysor beyond their initial expectations. Vicky Mayall Texas Nicholas Lucero Utah Marianna Malm When students are involved Oklahoma Teaching continually inspires me in the creative process, their Education is the Great Liberator. North Dakota to better myself. The challenge is minds and spirit are moving into I wish for all my students to Author Burton Blatt maintains to make chemistry approachable a higher level of self-expression. discover disciplines of mind that “every person must have a and understandable to every They are beginning their that they love and challenge place, must be here for a special student so they leave my class journey as artists. My reward them. I believe that an earnest reason, or no one has a place with a love of how things as their mentor is the joy of devotion to powerful ideas brings and no one has a special reason work. The reward is seeing seeing that transformation,and uncommon opportunities. for being. Either everybody students have great success somehow knowing that their counts or nobody counts.” To me, and knowing I have helped journey will be for a lifetime. everybody counts, especially my them reach their goals. Patricia Lund students who add joy to my life! North Dakota Michael Lewis Charles McArver Jr. Where else will you fi nd such Jeremy Manasia Iowa honesty, humor and spirit than South Carolina Spending my day with the energy in our classrooms? What a New York The primary motivation in my and enthusiasm of teenagers is privilege it is to make a difference Teaching jazz is like holding a teaching is the wonderful a great way to enliven myself. in the lives of students who mirror in front of the students relationships built with my I hope to get my students to have an eagerness to learn. face and having them express students. I feel blessed that they enjoy learning, and look at Teaching keeps me challenged what they see through sound, share part of their lives with the ideas that they’ve learned and inspired to set expectations exemplifying the importance of me and that I can share the joy from childhood with a new to best serve our students. the individual in the community. of learning with them. For me, perspective. “If you know the One cannot be without the moments spent with my students WHY, you’ll know the HOW.” other. When a student is are “moments of grace.” inspired to explore their depths, the potential is boundless.

69 TEACHER RECOGNITION AWARDEES REFLECT ON TEACHING

Serena McCalla Witty Muehlbauer Dawn Norton Mark Olbin John Pritchett New York Nevada Minnesota Arizona Texas Teaching is a means to change There is no “correct” Honor and joy have marked my Would I want to be a student in It is inspiring and fulfi lling for me the world. I compel my students interpretation to a literary work. career as a biology teacher. My my classroom? This question is to watch my students mature to be innovative and willing Therefore, I’m ecstatic when students remind me daily of good asked by me with every teaching musically and individually through to change the status quo. I students share an opinion, things the next generation has experience offered to my the district grade 6-12 music expect them to create the refl ection, or analysis I’ve never to offer: resilience, dedication, students. They must be motivated program. Hopefully through innovations that will solve the thought of before. Students enthusiasm, humor, and hope. It to learn or they won’t. I enjoy this involvement in the school’s music complex challenges our world bring their own distinctive has been my delight to share in challenge to keep students’ desire program students will be blessed faces. To know I have been perspectives and experiences, the beauty that is learning with to learn and their curiosity piqued! with the lifelong love of music. instrumental in this process making each day and lesson thousands of the very best! is tremendously rewarding. unique. The classroom is where learning occurs for Thom O’Rourke Brian Rawlin Patrick Norton Tennessee Georgia Peter Mehlbach teachers and students alike. Georgia Spending time teaching in middle I don’t teach; I simply answer Colorado Jamie Nekoba What keeps me going year after school, high school, and college, students’ most common question, For the past 34 years, I have year is helping my students I have a unique perspective on “Why do I need to know this?” gotten paid to do a hobby. For Hawaii move beyond their instinctive how a student’s journey evolves. with personal stories, formulas, three decades, I have had the It warms my heart to see young distrust in order to develop a At any grade level, my students theories, and art. I value my honor of teaching America’s people continue to strive for mature skepticism. I want them learn we are always learning and students’ opinions above my own, best and brightest. I never leave excellence with the optimism to believe that good questions learn how to manage uncertainty. and make sure to get out of their disappointed. My classroom is of making this world a better are important, but good answers My students are all works in way, so they may create a better about energy, critical thinking, place. Our contributions as are the goal. To doubt is to be, progress. Just like their teacher. life for themselves and others. and love of history. My students teachers serves as a model for but to resolve is to become. make me better every day. all students to aspire to use their talents for the good of the Jason Patera Jerry Reisig Carol Obermann Illinois Montana Joelle Miller community that nurtured them. West Virginia Each day we teachers get The enthusiasm in which my Maryland Nora Nido Students like Sharif Youssef to be magicians, scientists, students approach learning I strive to encourage my students motivate me to keep teaching storytellers, gurus, coaches, and their excitement upon to reach their full potential. I Puerto Rico although I could have retired. and artists. It’s such a privilege mastering concepts is very am rewarded on a daily basis As Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s I enjoy teaching students who to be a part of someone’s inspiring. Every day I feel blessed seeing my kids excel and little Prince, I live in my own ask insightful questions and life in this way—to have the that my students value me as succeed. I never expected to extraordinary world where I who appreciate the beauty of opportunity to show young a primary resource in their be recognized for something elucidate knowledge of old mathematics as Sharif does. I also people that their imagination quest for understanding and that rewards itself. Being Geometry theorems with today’s fi nd it rewarding to teach students and motivation can create knowledge in the fi eld of physics.

U.S. Presidential Scholars U.S. nominated by Scholar Richard Li twists and turns. I seek to who struggle with mathematics limitless paths and possibilities. and impacting such a talented strengthen those who need it but work hard to do their best. student have further encouraged by addressing individual skills my passion for teaching. and believing in the power that mathematics can bring. I sprinkle my teaching with alma, vida

2010 y corazón, which aren’t Latin spices, but a lifestyle inherited from my mentor Marina Ruiz.

70 Keven Renken Sheila Rulison Timothy Scheffl er Judith Shepherd Florida Oklahoma Wisconsin Pennsylvania We laugh. We cry. We “rage Teaching is not for the faint of My coaches defi ned my high In the classroom, we make an against the dying of the light.” heart—it is for those with a school experience. Coaching effort to articulate the ponderous It is the sum and substance of passion for the subject matter debate, a disappearing activity, questions of life as presented growing up. It is the sum and and a heart fi lled with patience lets me open the same doors to in literature; then we attempt to substance of living. Together, we and cooperation. Teachers others. My wife Kristin, a special better tolerate not knowing the know the joy, beauty and mystery teach who they are, using open education instructor, inspires me. answers—an exploration of the of this spinning planet. And I am dialogue with their students for I get diamonds like Valerie, who ambiguity and wonder we share honored, touched and moved by it. the maximum education benefi ts. only need to be shined, whereas through the written word. Thought Kristin starts with uncut stone I am not an elder, I smile each and produces the same results. day as I embrace the mantra of Ann Robinson David Salter Chaucer: “…and gladly would Germany South Carolina Auxiliadora Schiavone he learn and gladly teach.” I teach because I must—there For as long as I can remember, I New Jersey is a gene—because it is so fun; have had a passion for teaching. Diana Siliezar-Shields because my students make me There is no greater joy in the Homeschooling was a unique laugh every day; for students like profession than seeing one’s and rewarding experience. Rhode Island Darren who are awesome and students achieve and develop Teaching became an extension I often tell my students to fi nd inspiriational; for the students to their fullest potential. My of parenting. The moments I their passion in life and then who declare “I can’t do math,” but motivation comes from students valued most were those moments to live it. For me, that passion after much pushing and cajoling, who show me their passion for when my children were so is teaching science. I teach leave saying, “I can do math.” learning as together we explore engaged in their learning that they in a way that honors those the fascinating science of biology. didn’t want to stop. Their eyes educators who helped me to would light up and their voices become who I am today. I teach Evelyn Rodriguez would be full of excitement. to help students recognize Colorado Razmick Sarkissian their maximum potential. Wyoming Teaching makes me an active Rebecca Shafer part of those “magical moments” It is a great joy as an orchestra Robert Slayton when students develop their director to have this unique Illinois minds, confi dence, and opportunity to infuse all I teach because I like to learn. I Vermont understanding. Just as my high disciplines of learning into one teach because students reward I am a teacher who loves to school speech teacher impacted area of performance. Students are me with laughter and appreciation work with students and observe me for life, I strive to infl uence my eager to see the inner tapestry of and busy me daily with a multitude them as they begin to grasp a students’ quality of life by sharing learning and are enthused more of problems. I teach because diffi cult concept—especially my passion for learning and towards a better understanding my personality, creativity, and when they have been struggling helping them embrace the arts. of the concepts taught. knowledge base motivate and and then reach the “aha” inspire future generations. I moment. There is nothing teach because I am needed. more exhilerating than seeing students challenge themselves and each other academically.

71 TEACHER RECOGNITION AWARDEES REFLECT ON TEACHING

Judith Smith Kenneth Stedman Louise Thompson David Veselka Janice Vote Maryland Nevada Wisconsin Texas Indiana I love reaching the minds of I start every year by telling my Teaching AP and Introductory A student described my course Teaching provides priceless young people with great books students, “I don’t teach for today. Chemistry, my students have like this: “MrV teaches us how moments of shared joy. I and ideas; empowering their I teach for your future.” I tell a wide range of aptitudes to make great photographs am privileged to work with voices by showing them how them to think outside the book, and goals. I look for the “light without telling us how to do extraordinary students who to use language effectively to to be creative and innovative. bulb”. Then I have reached it.” His statement clarifi ed impress me daily with their ability, inform, to communicate, and to To teach, to inspire, to help mold that student, no matter what my own uncertainties about determination, and generosity. convey deep feeling through their future is my passion. Their level of understanding is the teaching the creative process, To be able to share my passion language; serving in a helping role success is my motivation. goal. Smiles follow light bulbs. and I’ve tried to remain true for French with them and to a fascinating, diverse group who Smiles keep me going when to the practice he described. see joy in their faces when make up this country’s future. David Stover my day is challenging. Art is a voyage of discovery. they succeed is inspirational. Connecticut Steven Sorkin Marilyn Toalson Tom Vitrano Greg Warren I love teaching because it allows Maryland me to share my passion for Missouri Idaho Massachusetts What a point of punctuation it physics with my students, share Every day my students inspire me Students are gifts to the world. Students push me to be better. has been to teach a Presidential in their struggles as they seek to seek knowledge, to question, I use religion, philosophy, song, They ask new and interesting Scholar! Henry’s daily example to make sense of the concepts, and to laugh. I hope to inspire literature, history, science, questions as I try to help them asserted just what a primal and celebrate with them when my students to view the world jokes and everything I can get consider the universe from appetite learning can be in they realize they now truly with a spirit of hope and joy, to my hands on to try to help the different persepectives. Their the generation of the deeper understand the “big idea.” seek wisdom, and to fi nd passion. students see that they are gifts enthusiasm makes me use humanity that is his context and Together we search for truth, to the world. Education is not new examples that are both legacy. I will incorporate his debate complex issues, and only training for life, it is life. humorous and mundane to ways as barometers and beacons Valerie Taylor eventually will impact the world. explain important concepts. Texas in my future approaches. Gretel von Bargen That is why science fascinates I love teaching. No other Tamás Ungár me. That is why I teach. profession would give me the Washington Jeffrey Stahlman Texas same joy. As I learn with my My greatest joys as a teacher are Adam Weiss Ohio students, we discover how Through the study of piano, the continuing to fulfi ll my desire to I feel very fortunate to be with writing helps us see the world wonders of human chararcter learn and encouraging curiosity Vermont young people as they make a more vividly and how reading unfolds. While I am part of a in my students. I hope that my I am motivated by the opportunity major life decision, where to brings others’ worlds to us. chain of teachers whose duty enthusiasm for biology and love to help students become excited attend college. It is great fun We create a community within is to hand down the traditions of teaching foster in my students about learning biology, become to help students mature, grow, our classroom that connects of classical music from a life-long appreciation for proud of their achievements, and discover themselves. I have with communities beyond it. generation to generation, the the abundance and relevance and become well prepared

U.S. Presidential Scholars U.S. courtside seats as students ultimate beauty of my profession of natural phenomena. for the academic challenges dive into their future successes is the nurturing of human that lie ahead. I am enriched and I relish each minute. creativity at its highest level. by my students’ successes and their appreciation of their experiences in our biology class. 2010

72 Karen Weires Catherine Wojtkun Amy Wopat Iowa New Hampshire Washington, DC I strive to help my students learn Why do I love teaching? “To know another language not only how to fi nd solutions CHILDREN! And their passion is to have a second soul” - to problems, but also how to for seeing outside the box, their Charlemagne, 742-814. As a accept and work through their zest for learning, their sensitivity, foreign language teacher, I mistakes. I know I am in the their laughter, their ability to have the privilege of mentoring right profession when I walk bounce back from defeat and students as they develop their out of school at the end of a day meet new challenges, and ‘second soul.’ It is inspiring to exhausted, but thinking, “I can’t their blessings in allowing me witness such profound growth wait to do it all again tomorrow.” to learn from them and share and I am continually amazed their journey to success! at all that they accomplish. Lily Weiss Texas Walter Wolfe Robert Wright Eleanor Roosevelt said, “The California Florida future belongs to those who As a parent myself, I am reminded There are few moments in life believe in the beauty of their every day what an amazing honor that compare to witnessing a dreams.” As a dance teacher I it is to be entrusted with the youth grasp a new concept try to help my students realize education of someone’s child. and achieve what they felt their dreams while creating That responsibility challenges me impossible. This is why I teach. a rigorous and creative every day to inspire my students I want students to know that environment, motivating by to love learning and to live artfully. endless opportunities await them example. My students inform my outside my classroom door. teaching and inspire me daily! Rebecca Woods Kentucky Benjamin Williams I love to be part of students’ Maryland learning experiences. After I believe in stories. One of my twenty-fi ve years of teaching, great joys is watching students— I become recharged when and my daughter—take on a a student discovers his/her story, live in it, and so engage ability to understand and apply with the world and ultimately mathematical concepts. I am with their own hearts. I love grateful for the many times when it when students make those I have watched my students connections between themselves make choices that refl ect and the story, because I high personal standards. know it means they will make them the rest of their lives.

73 THE COMMISSION ON PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS AND ITS PARTNERS

The Commission is a group of private citizens appointed by the President to select and honor the U.S. Presidential Scholars. Commissioners are selected from across the country, representing the fi elds of education, medicine, law, social services, business, and other professions. The Commissioners make the diffi cult choices of selecting Scholars from an initial pool of approximately 3,000 candidates who demonstrate exceptional accomplishments in academics and the arts, and an outstanding commitment to public service. The Commission invites the U.S. 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. U.S. Presidential Scholars U.S.

74 Marina C. McCarthy José Miguel Amaya Michael A. Caplin Martha A. Darling I. King Jordan Chair Member Member Member Member Dr. Marina C. McCarthy has Dr. José Amaya is currently the Michael A. Caplin is an attorney For the past decade, Martha Dr. I. King Jordan was the fi rst over three decades of research, Director of Diversity for Hy-Vee, and President of Turtle Island Darling has consulted on deaf President of Gallaudet teaching, administrative, and Inc., an employee-owned retail Consulting, which provides education issues for the National University, the only university consulting experience in corporation operating 230 retail strategic planning advice to the Academy of Sciences and other with all programs and services education. She has also taught stores in eight Midwestern non-profi t community. He has nonprofi ts. She retired from designed specifi cally for students courses in education at Harvard states. From 1997-2005, he been involved in a wide array The Boeing Company in Seattle, who are deaf and hard of hearing. and Brown Universities and at served as an Assistant Professor of non-profi t projects including having held senior management He fi rst joined the faculty of Boston College. In addition, of English and Latino Studies programs in performing arts, assignments in 747 Program Gallaudet’s Department of Dr. McCarthy has supervised at Iowa State University where social services, education, and Management, Government Affairs, Psychology in 1973, in 1983 he student teachers in the Brown he conducted research and environmental stewardship. His and Boeing’s Corporate Offi ces became Chair of the Department, University teacher training taught courses in American non-profi t experience includes where she supported the CEO and three years later he was program and has been a case literature and Latino studies. serving for 11 years as the on education policy. Previously, appointed Dean of the College writer for a University-wide During Dr. Amaya’s tenure at Director of Eastern Operations Ms. Darling was Vice President of Arts and Sciences. He served faculty development program run Iowa State, he also served as for Childhelp USA. He also has for Strategic Planning at Seattle- as the University’s President by the Harvard Business School. the President of Humanities worked as a public defender, a First National Bank and Executive from 1988-2006 and is presently She has served as an Allston Burr Iowa, the State’s affi liate of federal prosecutor, an educator, Director of the Washington President Emeritus. Dr. Jordan is Senior Tutor (resident academic the National Endowment for an entertainment attorney, and Business Roundtable’s Education a recipient of the U.S. Presidential dean) at Harvard College and the Humanities, and the Iowa a music producer. Mr. Caplin Study. She has served as a White Citizen’s Medal and in 1990 was as a Study Group Leader on Learns Education Council, an currently serves as Chairman of House Fellow and Executive appointed as the Vice Chair educational policy and politics education council convened the Board and a member of the Assistant to Secretary of the of the President’s Committee at Harvard’s Institute of Politics. by former Iowa Governor Tom faculty of the Phoenix Project, Treasury Michael Blumenthal and on Employment of People with She has also taught in public Vilsack. Prior to his position at a non-profi t that educates and as a Senior Legislative Aide to Disabilities; he was reappointed and independent schools in the Iowa State University, he was an empowers emerging social U.S. Senator Bill Bradley. Earlier, to this position in 1993. Dr. Jordan U.S. and Europe, and has served Assistant Professor of English entrepreneurs; in addition, he she was a free-lance consultant earned a B.A. in psychology on a number of educational at The Ohio State University. Dr. is President of the Board of the to the Organization for Economic from Gallaudet in 1970. The boards and committees including Amaya holds a Ph.D. and an New York Center for Children, a Cooperation and Development and following year he earned an the MATCH Charter School in M.A. in English from UCLA. non-profi t free clinic providing other international organizations M.A., and in 1973 a Ph.D., both Boston. Dr. McCarthy currently care and treatment for abused for four years in Paris. Darling is a in psychology and both from holds a research appointment children. Mr. Caplin holds a founding co-chair of Washtenaw the University of Tennessee. at Harvard University, from B.A. from Swarthmore College, County’s Success by Six early where she received an Ed.D. a J.D. from the University childhood initiative and serves on in Administration, Planning Virginia Law School, and a variety of other boards. She and Social Policy. an LL.M. from Georgetown is a graduate of Reed College University Law School. and of the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University.

75 THE COMMISSION ON PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS AND ITS PARTNERS

Colin Kippen Yvette Lewis Reginald Lewis Sheldon Pang Srinija Srinivasan Member Member Member Member Member Colin Kippen is currently Yvette Lewis is the founder and Reginald Lewis recently com- Sheldon Pang is currently a Vice Srinija Srinivasan is Vice Executive Director of the director of “So This is Opera,” a pleted a three-year term as the City Chairman of RBC Capital Markets, President and Editor in Chief Native Hawaiian Education program that introduces young Administrator for the City of East a major part of the Royal Bank of at Yahoo!. Since joining the Council, which aims to assess audiences to the world of opera Orange, New Jersey, where he Canada’s global business. From company as its fi fth employee in and coordinate innovative in performance, workshop oversaw the complete day-to-day 2004-2006, he served as President 1995, Srinivasan has led a range education programs for Native and residency settings. She operations of all municipal services of RBC Capital Markets Pacifi c of editorial and policy functions, Hawaiians and make policy is also a lyric soprano who for 70,000 residents. From 2005 Group, where he was involved beginning with the organization recommendations to improve has performed extensively, to 2006, Mr. Lewis was Executive in developing RBC’s business in and evolution of the Yahoo! the education and well being of including appearances with Vice President at the United Way the Asian Pacifi c region. Prior directory. She has overseen Native Hawaiians. Mr. Kippen has the Washington Opera, the in Newark, New Jersey. He to joining RBC, Mr. Pang spent network editorial standards and worked most of his professional Baltimore Opera, the Opera also previously served in senior twelve years with AIG Trading original content development, life as an advocate for Native Theatre of Northern Virginia, the management roles in New Jersey Group, fi rst as a Vice President guided the company’s corporate Americans in a number of venues. Baltimore Symphony, and at the State Government from 2002 to then as a Managing Director, responsibility arm, and directed He has served as Senior Counsel Spoleto Festival in Melbourne, 2005 as Special Assistant and providing services to international policy issues including privacy to the Senate Committee on Indian Australia. Ms. Lewis has almost Director of the Commissioner’s clients in commodities, foreign and data use, advertising Affairs in the U.S. Senate, Deputy fi fteen years experience as Offi ce of External Affairs in the exchange, and fi xed income standards, youth safety, Administrator for the Offi ce of an elementary general music Department of Human Services trading. He started his career community guidelines, and Hawaiian Affairs, Chief Judge of teacher in the Baltimore City and and as Special Assistant to the as a Research Scientist at the accessibility. Prior to joining the Suquamish Indian Tribe on the Montgomery County, Maryland Assistant Commissioner for the Massachusetts Institute of Yahoo!, Srinivasan was involved Port Madison Indian Reservation Public Schools. She also worked Division of Abbott Implementation Technology. Mr. Pang has for with the Cyc Project, a ten-year in Western Washington, Appellate for a period as a staff assistant in the Department of Education. Mr. years been involved in promoting artifi cial intelligence effort to build Judge for several Indian tribes in at the John F. Kennedy Center for Lewis also spent nearly eight years educational causes, including an immense database of human Washington and Oregon, and trial the Performing Arts. Ms. Lewis serving as Program Assistant to the establishment of scholarships commonsense knowledge. She attorney and Deputy Prosecutor in holds a Mus.B. from Howard the Director of the Urban Poverty at MIT and Brown University, chairs the Board of Trustees for King County, Washington. Kippen University and is a member of the Program of the Ford Foundation in and supporting New York Huaxia SFJAZZ, a non-profi t organization U.S. Presidential Scholars U.S. is also the former Chairman of American Guild of Musical Artists. New York City, Program Offi cer at Chinese School. Pang received an dedicated to jazz creation, the Native American Graves She is currently a teaching the Victoria Foundation in Montclair, Sc.B. from Zhejiang University, an presentation, and education. Protection and Repatriation and artist with the Maryland State New Jersey, Program Offi cer for M.S. from Vanderbilt University, She is also a member of the 2000 Act (NAGPRA) Review Committee. Arts Council and the Strathmore Education at the Joyce Foundation and an Sc.D. degree from MIT. class of Henry Crown Fellows at Mr. Kippen holds a J.D. and a M.A. Hall Performing Arts Center in Chicago, and Director of Policy the Aspen Institute. She holds in Urban and Regional Planning and Program Development at the a B.S. with distinction from 2010 from the University of Iowa. Fund for New Jersey. Mr. Lewis Stanford University in Symbolic holds a B.A. in Urban Studies from Systems, and was honored as Morehouse College, and a M.A. a Presidential Scholar in 1989. in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago.

76 Donald M. Stewart Cynthia Telles Sarah Brown Wessling Member Member Member, 2010 National Teacher of the Year Donald M. Stewart is currently a Dr. Cynthia Ann Telles has been Visiting Professor at the University on the faculty of the University Wessling is the 60th National of Chicago’s Harris School of Public of California, Los Angeles Teacher of the Year. She teaches Policy Studies where he has taught School of Medicine Department English in tenth through twelfth since 2005. He previously served as of Psychiatry since 1986. She grades at Johnston High School CEO and President of the Chicago is currently the Director of in Johnston, Iowa. A believer Community Trust. Prior to joining the the UCLA Neuropsychiatric in engaging her students, she Trust, Stewart was a Senior Program Institute Spanish-Speaking focuses on learner-centered Offi cer and Special Advisor to the Psychosocial Clinic where she education and encourages President at the Carnegie Corporation is responsible for managing the them by giving them a variety of New York. For over 12 years, Mr. clinical operations of this model of assignments and showing Stewart was President and CEO of psychiatric clinic, as well as the them how their work is relevant the College Board, which provides training program, research, and to their lives and society today. SAT and Advanced Placement as- budget. Among many corporate, A native of Winterset, Iowa, sessments to help students make the non-profi t, and public service she has bachelor’s degree in transition from high school to college. board memberships, Dr. Telles English Education and master’s Stewart is also former President of was also appointed to the in English Literature from Iowa Spelman College, the 129 year old National Advisory Council of the State University. Wessling historically black women’s college Substance Abuse and Mental has been a teacher for eleven in Atlanta. Stewart was a program Health Services Administration, years, and has been inspiring offi cer in the Overseas Development the advisory group on Health students at Johnston High Division of the Ford Foundation serv- Care Reform, and the Regional School for ten. In 2005, she ing in Nigeria, Egypt and Tunisia. He Selection Panel for the White earned certifi cation in English is currently a Fellow of the American House Fellows Program during Language Arts/Adolescence Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Clinton Administration. Dr. and Young Adulthood from the a member of the Council on Foreign Telles received her B.A. from National Board for Professional Relations. He earned a B.A. from Smith College and doctorate Teaching Standards. She is Grinnell College and a M.A. from in Clinical Psychology from married to Tim Wessling and Yale University as well as Master Boston University. they have three children. and Doctoral degrees in Public Administration from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He also completed the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard Business School.

77 THE PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS FOUNDATION

The Presidential Scholars Foundation, a nonpartisan, nonprofi t organization, is the sole entity authorized by the Commission on Presidential Scholars to expand and enhance the public-private partnership that makes the U. S. Presidential Scholars Program possible. The Foundation seeks to provide fi nancial support for the program; develop and maintain an alumni society, the “Presidential Scholars Association”; and ensure the future ability of the Commission to recognize the outstanding young adults who are selected each year. In reaching out to individual donors as well as corporate and philanthropic America, the Foundation emphasizes the value of excellence in education and the national interest in encouraging high attainment by students in secondary school and after graduation. The members of this Foundation feel the U. S. Presidential Scholars Program is the highest national means to encourage new generations of students to reach for the stars. The Foundation continues to seek additional active members of its alumni society, its Board of Directors, and its various committees, in order to 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 difference for those in need in our Nation’s Capital; access to important national and international fi gures; and the opportunity to wrestle with issues that concern America and the world. Speakers, seminars and organized community service are essential components of this program. Through the years, Scholars have had the opportunity to meet with many distinguished individuals, including Justices of the Supreme Court, Senators and Congressmen, members of the President’s Cabinet and staff as well as the First Family, astronauts, poets, scientists, athletes, experts in U.S. Presidential Scholars U.S. international affairs, journalists, political strategists, and artists in a variety of disciplines. The generosity of the program’s supporters will help continue this great tradition, and connect successive classes of Scholars with each other and the program as mentors, peers, and colleagues. Those interested in further information about the Foundation’s activities or charitable giving may visit 2010 the Foundation’s website at www.presidentialscholars.org.

78 MEMBERS OF THE FOUNDATION’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS

James E. Farmer, President Avery W. Gardiner, Vice President for Alumni Relations (1993 Scholar, ME) Ralph Jahr, Secretary-Treasurer Matthew T. Anestis (1991 Scholar, CT) Christina DePaul James M. Dubin Susan J. Ganz Aris Melissaratos Sharon Sayles Belton

79 YoungArts

YoungArts is the core program of the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts (NFAA). The program’s mission is to identify emerging artists, provide educational enrichment and assistance in their pursuit of the arts, and to raise the appreciation for and support of the arts in American society. Dedicated to inspiring and nurturing young artists, YoungArts was founded in 1981 by businessman and visionary, the late Ted Arison, and his wife Lin. YoungArts is committed to identifying the next generation of emerging artists. The YoungArts program reaches students in every state and contributes to the cultural vitality of the nation by investing in the artistic development of thousands of gifted artists in nine disciplines in the visual, literary and performing arts. YoungArts is open to high school seniors and other 17-18-year-old artists. Finalists share in an awards package valued up to $900,000, including $500,000 in monetary awards. In addition, all YoungArts applicants are eligible for $3 million in scholarship opportunities from leading universities and colleges through automatic placement on YoungArts’ Scholarship List Service. Over the last 29 years, YoungArts has honored over 16,000 young artists with more than $6 million in awards and nearly $84 million in college scholarship opportunities. YoungArts alumni go on to become leading professionals in their fi elds. Alumni include Emmy nominated actress Vanessa Williams, three-time Tony Award nominee Raúl Esparza, star of HBO’s Entourage Adrian Grenier, Warner Brothers Recording Artist Josh Groban, Executive Director of the American Ballet Theatre Rachel Moore, and internationally-acclaimed multi-media artist Doug Aitken. At the request of The Commission on Presidential Scholars, which is appointed by the President of the United States, YoungArts serves as the exclusive nominating agency for U.S. Presidential Scholars selected U.S. Presidential Scholars U.S. on the basis of outstanding scholarship and demonstrated ability and accomplishment in the performing, literary and visual arts. YoungArts selects up to 60 YoungArts fi nalists annually as nominees. The Commission ultimately names up to 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts who are honored by the White House each June. The celebration honoring the 2010 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts includes a special exhibition

2010 featuring works at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and performances at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

80 81 82 2010 U.S. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS 2010U.S. Presidential Scholars PROGRAM BENEFACTORS M&T CharitableFoundation The ChubbCorporation Mr. MatthewAnestisandMs.GillianMoore The Allinder-Anestis FamilyCharity Scholar: Giftsof$5,000to$9,999 YoungArts ofEducation U.S. Department Ally FinancialInc. President: Giftsof$75,000ormore Sponsors acknowledge thefundingprovidedby: the PresidentialScholarsFoundationgratefully The CommissiononPresidentialScholarsand Benefactors Mr. Tony Chan Champlin Ms. DonnaLynne Mr. Calejesan Virgil Ms. LaurieButler Mr. Roy Briere Ms. MichelleBaldonado Ms. PamelaBaker Ms. RebeccaAnderson Mr. BrianAbrams School Glenallen Elementary Associate: Giftsofupto$249 Schneider Ms. Kathryn Ms. ErinLong Ms. KristinLambert Gardner Ms. Avery Ms. MariaTorres Diaz Dr. MeathBowen Colleague: Giftsof$250to$499 Mr. CharlesSanders Mr. andMrs.MatthewOlson Ms. KristianaGarcia Friend: Giftsof$500to$999 Lion BrothersCompany Dr. JohnKnox Mr. NicholasGoodman Mr. JamesFarmer Mr. JamesDubin Ms. ChristinaDepaul Mr. ArisMelissaratos Mentor: Giftsof$1,000to$4,999 Ms. DebbieRaque Ms. JeremeePeters Ms. CandacePau Ms. SoniaLahrPastor Mr. Ostrowski Robert Ms. AlexandraOcampo Mr. ShawnMusgrave Ms. KimberlyMcKinney Mr. LiamMcCoy Ms. BrigitteMadrian Mr. JasonLindsey Mr. BradfordLee Mr. AmanKumar Ms. KatherineKlem Ms. MichelleKlem Mr. HamishKirkland Ms. MarionKee Mr. MarcKatz Ms. CamaraJones Dr. ThyHuskey Ms. GuanHuachun Mr. SpencerHill Ms. MelissaHanson Dr. Gunther Cary Ms. DeniseGrab Mr. BrianGongol Mr. CraigGerman Ms. EricaGaston Dr. ConnelFullenkamp Mr. DonaldFrankenfeld Ms. Tamara Fountain Mr. HaroldEvans Ms. ClaireG.Dunne Mr. MichelDiCapua Mr. ZachColeman Ms. ConnieClark Ms. GraceChen supporters fortheirgenerosity.supporters We thankalloftheprogram’s Museum Art The SmithsonianAmerican Arts for thePerforming The JohnF. KennedyCenter partnership: following institutionsfortheir specialappreciationtothe With School Glenallen Elementary Mr. NaupakaZimmerman Dr. Zhu Yiliang Ms. HeidiYeh Ms. MichelleWu Mr. Woo Robert Ms. KatherineWidland Mr. MichaelWhite Mr. Vernon Western Ms. StephanieWaters Ms. JeanetteWat Ms. LauraWang Mr. R.J.Walsh Mr. DavidTao Miss MeiH.Tang Mr. HuiTang Ms. RubyTang Ms. AnneStuart Ms. RemaShah Mr. StephenSerene Dr. EricSchoenberg Mr. DavidSchaaf Mr. IanRousseau Ms. HeatherRoss Mr. Razo Gregory 83 84 2010U.S. Presidential Scholars ALUMNI GREETINGS TO THECLASSOF2010 education beyondschool. beside youascontinuethat we lookforwardtolearning your predecessorScholars, your educationinschool.As Enjoy theremainingyearsof with mind-numbingconsistency. of gettingthelittlethingsright ever. Lastingsuccessisamatter and entrepreneursmorethan more. Americaneedsinnovators Ideas matter. Havemanyandseek these threethings: times ahead,remember commence intoexciting Congratulations! Asyou AM, DesMoines,Iowa Talk-Show Host,WHO- Partner, DJGongol&Associates; 1997 Scholar, Iowa Brian Gongol dream bigineverythingyoudo. Lady forus,andcontinueto “Hi” tothePresidentandFirst time againinlife.Havefun,say you willcrosspathstimeand friends foryearstocome,and may beyourclassmatesand scholars youmeetthisweekend weekend together. Thefellow revel ineverymomentofyour Scholars, andIhopeyoureally joining thefamilyofPresidential Aloha, Scholars.Congratson Miller SchoolofMedicine Palmer EyeInstitute/UM Ophthalmology Resident,Bascom 2000 Scholar, Hawaii M.D., M.Sc. Bradford W. Lee, working togetheragainsomeday! you meetthisweek;you’llbe leaders. Rememberthepeople nation areproudofyou,itsfuture Scholars. Thepeopleofthis Congratulations toallthe2010 of Medicine,Class2012 Vanderbilt UniversitySchool 2004 Scholar, Illinois Nick Burjek from theprogramasIdid. I hopeyougainasmuch to adoctorateandbeyond. me throughundergraduate a decadeago,havecarried gained fromvisitingWashington independence andconfidence friendships I’vemade,andthe U.S. PresidentialScholar!The Congratulations onbecominga Yale LawSchool,2012 2000 Scholar, NewYork Betsy Cooper forever. Well donetoyouall! friendships, however, willlast be overalltoofast.Someofthe be impressive.Theweekwill and thepeopleyou’rewithwill Center eventwillbeamazing, to relaxandsavorit.TheKennedy performances andspeakers...try a blur:namesandactivities reward! Forme,theweekwas this weekofrecognitionand accomplished sofar:enjoy Mazel Tov onallyou’ve atLaw, Attorney KnobbeMartens 1993 Scholar, Georgia Ben Kleinman yet, trytogetsome innow! started bankingupsomesleep Week, andifyouhaven’t achievements. EnjoyRecognition (graduation) andallyour Congratulations onthismilestone Medical School Harvard Children’s Hospital;Instructor, Deaconess MedicalCenterand Medical Toxicologist, BethIsrael Cambridge HealthAlliance; Medicine, Emergency Attending physicianin 1990 Scholar, Pennsylvania Becker, M.D. Melisa W. Lai in therushofwind. wings. Don’t lookdown.Glory is inyourhands.Spread you fallintothevoidorsoar of agreatprecipice.Whether You havereachedtheedge Facilities, LoewsHotels President, Senior Vice 1965 Scholar, Dakota North Richard Senechal,A.I.A. an abundanceofjoysincollege! what comesnext.Mayyoufi zenith, butjustwaituntilyousee This weekmayfeellikeyour Vanderbilt University Assistant Professor, 1992 Scholar, Missouri Dave Tabb and enjoyyourweek! to thePresidentialScholars, Congratulations! Welcome Engineer, Ameresco Project Development 1999 Scholar, Texas Jennifer Riordan nd Matt Baglini Lynn (Chen) Clara Shih Yuen-Jong Liu, M.D. Hua Wang 2009 Scholar, Rhode Island Jeffers, M.D. 2000 Scholar, Illinois 2000 Scholar, Massachusetts 1999 Scholar, Nevada Midshipman, United States Navy 1989 Scholar, California CEO, Hearsay Labs; Author PGY-1 Resident, Law Student, Northwestern Department of Surgery University School of Law Hello and congratulations, Class Plastic Surgeon; Board of Congratulations and welcome Directors, American Society Beth Israel Deaconess Medical of 2010! You’ve worked hard to get to the Scholar community! Center, Harvard Medical School Congratulations! I am so excited of Plastic Surgeons; Board of about the journey on which you here, so play hard with the rest of Directors, California Society Open your mind, soak it your time. Enjoy the convention, all in, and soar high! Congratulations for the hard are about to embark. I wish you of Plastic Surgeons; Board of work and dedication that has make friends, take chances, Governors, Ventura County lots of success as you continue and don’t stop succeeding. Medical Association; Chair-elect, culminated in your award! As to build your life’s dreams. California Medical Association Andy Grogan-Kaylor endorsed by President Clinton, Young Physician Section 1983 Scholar, Wisconsin whom I met in my year, you should Mary Ford strive “to have dreams that are Alexandra Ocampo Congratulations on your Associate Professor of Social Work, University of Michigan both timely and timeless, to try 1992 Scholar, Minnesota achievements! National 1994 Scholar, Rhode Island to live [your] dreams knowing Human Resources Business Manager of Education Programs, Recognition Week is such a Congratulations on your National Audubon Society that life’s real regrets are more Partner, Target Corporation memorable experience. I am wonderful achievement! rooted in not trying than in I’m so excited for you—grand particularly partial as a past Becoming a Presidential Bienvenidos! Congratulations on not succeeding, and to fi nd adventures lie ahead. Treasure Advisor, Senior Advisor, and Scholar is one of my favorite your extraordinary achievements joy in the effort.” Best wishes this network of scholars for Commissioner Liaison, since I memories and still a source of and welcome to the Presidential in your future endeavors! the rest of your life and stay in have had the opportunity to meet inspiration. Enjoy your time in Scholar family! If I could offer touch. And seek out what makes fi ve years of Presidential Scholars Washington, and don’t forget you any advice, it would be... you come alive; what the world and watch them accomplish great to take lots of pictures! John Zhou don’t judge yourself against needs most is people who are things. Take time to get to know the accomplishments or paths 2006 Scholar, Michigan of your fellow Scholars. You alive in delight and commitment. your fellow Presidential Scholars Eric Schoenberg, M.D. Senior, Harvard University and to enjoy the many exclusive have been honored because 1980 Scholar, Georgia To the high achievers and you have been committed to Scotty Nowlin activities and opportunities during this week. Keep in touch with the CEO, ECS Consulting, Inc. polymaths of the Class of 2010: your own unique talents. Enjoy 1988 Scholar, Nevada other excellent people you meet, Welcome to the Presidential Salutations and congratulations meeting new people and know Lieutenant Colonal, USAF and you will be amazed at what Scholar Family. On behalf on your many accomplishments that you are adding to their Congratulations on your hard they and you will do. You have of the Presidential Scholar in the journey of Life! After years experiences as they are adding work and this recognition! started on an excellent path; now Alumni of Greater Kansas City, of breaking the curve on tests, to yours. Best of luck, and forge Celebrate with your family take yourself and this country “Congratulations”, and I look performing as virtuoso musicians, your path fearlessly every day. and friends, then take a deep forward to a brighter future. Good forward to meeting you in person. and organizing extracurricular breath and dive in to your future luck to all of you in the future! activities, pause. And pat yourself with your whole heart and on the back while basking in the glow of your successes. College, mind and soul and strength. Thomas Ankenbauer Good luck and God Bless! or whatever lies next for you, 2009 Scholar, Michigan will come soon enough, so enjoy Cadet, United States the moment and remember to Military Academy thank all those who helped you Congratulations on your current become who you are today. success and recognition—you Know that your talent and hard are truly America’s best and work has opened up a world of brightest of this generation. possibilities, and one of your Your past achievements have greatest challenges and greatest demonstrated that you are all opportunities down the road capable of positively infl uencing will be to choose that path you our nation; the only question is, are most passionate about. will you? All eyes are on you.

85 STAFF & ADVISORS

Simone Miranda Olson Amanda Berbert Kirsten Adam Jane Ball Acting Executive Director Exec Advisor, 2007 Scholar (UT) Advisor, 2008 Scholar (IA) Advisor, 2009 Scholar (LA) Senior, Brigham Young University. Junior, University of Notre Dame. Sophomore, Tulane University. Major: Neuroscience. Major: Biological Sciences. Major: Cell and Molecular Biology.

Caryn Grimstead Shalin Patel Kristina Bohl Andrew Chael Program Manager Exec Advisor, 2007 Scholar (TX) Advisor, 2009 Scholar (CA) Advisor, 2009 Scholar (NM) B.A., Rice University. Sophomore, Stanford University. Sophomore, Carleton College. Dual Major: Biochemistry Major: Electrical Engineering. Major: Undeclared. and Cell Biology. U.S. Presidential Scholars U.S.

2010 Christopher Fitzhugh Kelly Fox Advisor, 2008 Scholar (VT) Advisor, 2008 Scholar (NH) Junior, Franklin W. Olin Junior, Brown University. College of Engineering. Major: Biology. Major: Robotics Engineering.

86 Abhinav Golla Booyeon Han Stephen Henrich Alexander Katz Julia Kellman Advisor, 2009 Scholar (TX) Advisor, 2009 Scholar (AZ) Advisor, 2009 Scholar (IA) Advisor, 2008 Scholar (NH) Advisor, 2009 Scholar (CA) Sophomore, Stanford University. Sophomore, Princeton University. Junior, Simpson College. Sophomore, Princeton University. Sophomore, Washington Major: Undeclared. Major: Undeclared. Triple Major: Biology, Major: Undeclared. University in St. Louis. Mathematics and Biochemistry. Major: Philosophy.

Justin Koh Emily Ngan Aman Prasad Mehdi Razvi Travis Serebin Advisor, 2008 Scholar (CA) Advisor, 2009 Scholar (WV) Advisor, 2006 Scholar (ID) Advisor, 2007 Scholar (VA) Advisor, 2008 Scholar (WI) Junior, Harvard University. Sophomore, Duke University. B.A., Cornell University. Senior, University of Pennsylvania. Junior, University of Major: Chemistry. Major: Biology. Dual Major: Chemistry Dual Major: Biochemistry Wisconsin, Madison. and Chemical Biology. and Mathematics. Dual Major: Political Science and International Studies.

Jeanette Wat Advisor, 2009 Scholar (NH) Freshman, Rice University. Major: Undeclared.

87 AUTOGRAPHS U.S. Presidential Scholars U.S. 2010

88 U.S. Presidential Scholars