2009 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS NATIONAL RECOGNITION WEEK

June 20 – June 24, 2009

National Recognition Week and the 2009 Yearbook are Sponsored by: GMAC Financial Services

1 1964-2009 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

The United States Presidential Scholars Program was established President Johnson opened the first 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 from across the country and around the world are named as in a way that could be “revolutionary.” Presidential Scholars, one of the Nation’s highest honors for During the first 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, Presidential Scholars’ Medallion, the President of the United Astronaut Alan B. Sheppard, and Chief Justice Earl Warren. States symbolically honors all graduating high school seniors of President Johnson challenged the Scholars to give their talents high potential. and time “in our land and in all lands to cleaning away the blight, For forty-five years, from President Lyndon Baines Johnson to to sweeping away the shoddiness, to wiping away the injustices President Barack Obama, the Presidential Scholars Program and inequities of the past so that all men may live together in a has placed more than 6,000 outstanding young achievers in great world community of decency and excellence.” the national spotlight. Initiated by President Johnson, the Over the next decade, several changes occurred in the Presidential Presidential Scholars Program annually selects one male and one Scholars Program. In 1969, the medallion design became the female student from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto 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 20 students in the arts on the basis of outstanding scholarship, were invited to serve as Advisors to the program. A booklet of service, leadership and creativity through a rigorous selection Scholars’ essays on issues facing the nation was issued by the Joint process administered by the U.S. Department of Education. Commission on Arrangements for the Bicentennial in 1976.

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In 1979, President Carter expanded the program to honor up In 1998, the Distinguished Teacher award was renamed the 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, 2009 Presidential Scholars and musical compositions was published, following a performance skill, and performance. The award marks the progress that by the Scholars in the National Academy of Sciences’ auditorium. schools, communities, educators and families are making as they The selection process was refined in the 1980s to emphasize work with their states and the U.S. Department of Education leadership and community service. The U.S. Department of to improve teaching and learning, and applauds the successes of Education produced a collection of Scholar essays on ways to highly qualified 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 fulfill the was created and its Arts Recognition and Talent Search program bright promise they showed so early in life. Their ranks now began to conduct the annual artistic competition. In 1983, the boast attorneys and judges; leaders of business, industry and Distinguished Teacher awards were created, and the twentieth finance; senior military officers; writers of fiction, nonfiction year celebration of the program included an Alumni reunion and and poetry; diplomats; members of the clergy; educators; a performance by the Scholars at the John F. Kennedy Center for scientists and researchers in every field; federal, state and local the Performing Arts. government officials; 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-profit managers, fundraisers, This study indicated that the support of parents and family singers, entrepreneurs, and foreign service officers. 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 professional lives are helping to instill in new generations their that the Scholars approached their experiences and challenges commitment to excellence, their high ideals, and their devotion in ways that served to strengthen rather than impede the to service. Individually, they are shining lights in their respective development of their abilities. communities and fields of endeavor, and together they are a singular constellation of purpose, dedication, and achievement.

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6 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

7 2009 Presidential Scholars

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

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

9 The Commission on Presidential Scholars and the Presidential Scholars Foundation gratefully acknowledge the funding provided by:

2009 Sponsors Benefactors President: Gifts of $75,000 or more Mentor: Gifts of $1,000 to $4,999 Colleague: Gifts of $250 to $499 Presidential GMAC Financial Services Mr. Richard Brown in honor of Commissioner Michael Galiazzo Scholars Shauna Brown (1995) Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Olson National Foundation for Mr. James E. Farmer Benefactors Advancement in the Arts Ms. Susan Ganz Associate: Gifts of up to $249 U.S. Department Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Goodman The Family of Kirsti Campbell (2008) of Education (1995) Mr. Brian Gongol (1997) Dr. and Mrs. John Knox (1983) Dr. Caryn Grimstead Patrons Lion Brothers, Inc. Ms. Barbara Knapp (1979) Scholar: Gifts of $5,000 to $9,999 Mr. Aris Melissaratos Mr. Steven McCornack (1976) The Allinder-Anestis Ms. Victoria Henrion Weir (1997) Family Charity Friend: Gifts of $500 to $999 The Family of Craig Western (2007) The Chubb Corporation Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Anestis (1991) M&T Bank and the M&T Mr. and Mrs. Nikolaos Apostolides With special appreciation to the Charitable Foundation Commissioner and Mrs. Manuel following institutions for their Lujan, Jr. partnership: Commissioner Jack Mueller Mr. Mark Pallansch (1972) The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts The Smithsonian American Art Museum

We thank all of the program’s supporters for their generosity.

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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 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-profit 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 2009 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; selflessly share their spirit, strength and character with their communities, schools, civic groups, and places of worship; champion the rights of others; and set in bold motion their hopes of bettering the world. Some have survived life-threatening illness or daunting disability; risen above abuse, neglect, economic hardship, prejudice or persecution; or led their families through trials and emergencies. With characters tested in the fire of great adversity, they offer inspiring proof of the power and resilience of the human spirit. At age 18 (and as young as 14!), these exceptional young people have already disproved long-held scientific theories on self-built equipment, performed at Carnegie Hall, launched award-winning companies, presented papers at scholarly conventions, mastered multiple languages, and conducted research at the Fermi National Accelerator Lab and the NASA Langley Center. 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 for medical technology with the potential to revolutionize medical screening; stepped forward to serve as officer candidates in the U.S. Armed Forces; won countless competitions; raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity; and gained entry to the finest universities. They are National Merit Scholars and AP Scholars with Distinction; class officers, student body presidents and state legislative pages; Eagle and Girl Scouts; active church, synagogue, mosque and temple members; foreign language interpreters; family ranchers; nuclear reactor interns; national pageant winners, accredited culinary arts specialists, hip-hop dance instructors, Special Olympics staffers and therapeutic riding aides; homecoming kings and queens; Red Cross volunteers and Habitat for Humanity homebuilders; animal shelter workers; youth County Commissioners; Big Brothers and Sisters; Key Club International District Governors; team captains and star athletes in sports from football to field hockey; Governors’ and Mayors’ honorees; martial arts experts; coaches and mentors in nearly every academic, athletic and artistic discipline; Youth Symphony section leaders; masters of dance forms from ballet to tap to Irish Step; newspaper editors and journalists; SADD or anti-drug advocates; and world citizens with roots or residencies in Nigeria, Belgium, China, Honduras, the Czech Republic, and Jamaica. From robotics to orchid cultivation, cross-country to chess, 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; confirm a deep commitment to securing a world-class education for all U.S. youth; and affirm education’s power to open doors, unlock potential, and realize dreams.

11 2009 Presidential Scholars

Priscilla Aleman V. Kenji Alexander Aparna Ananthasubramaniam Thomas Ankenbauer Bonnie Antosh Miami, FL, Design and Nashville, TN, Ensworth Troy, MI, The Roeper School Portage, MI, Hackett Catholic Spartanburg, SC, Spartanburg Architecture Senior High High School College Plans: Stanford Central High School High School College Plans: The Cooper Union College Plans: Duke University University College Plans: United States College Plans: Yale University Military Academy I like dissecting the human mind I am always looking for new people There once was a girl Bonnie Antosh, at one time or and thought process, anything to meet and new ways to have fun. Who dreamed, in this world, I am a motivated, hard-working another, has been a fairy godmother, that involves research and critical Schoolwork comes first, most of She’d be a professor and help American who is fascinated by a flying boy, a flapper, and a dancing thinking; expanding and exploring the time, but I try to be pretty well- others too science, math, and history. In cat. Over the past four years, addition to being a dedicated the endless possibilities of everyday rounded. I definitely enjoy sports; Linguistics, the brain she has juggled her dual loves of scholar, I am an entrepreneur, a life and applying that to my art. It is I’ve played most of them, and I Not studied in vain academia and art, directing and musician, an artist, and a leader. I one thing to be a “successful” artist, can tell you much more than you To model with math, pathways acting in numerous productions. am also committed to improving but another to question the process want to know about my beloved and molecules She also studies vocal performance and continue practicing the true Tennessee Volunteers. Photography my physical fitness by participating and plans to pursue a major in Then maybe one day essence of art and the mind. My has also become a recent interest in competitive Cross Country and Music. Off stage, Bonnie serves as She’ll go far away ultimate goal is to use my artistic of mine, and the Natchez Trace swimming. Through hard-work and the Editor-in-Chief of her school’s Teach others less fortunate in their ability to bring awareness to social Parkway, which begins (or, I guess, perseverance, I created an extensive newspaper and the President of the own homes conflicts locally and worldwide. ends) close to my house, provides yard work business that became Spartanburg Youth Theatre’s Junior It is an injustice to sit and watch a great opportunity for beautiful And then after that very successful. I place great value in Advisory Board. She also volunteers strife, starvation, and genocides snapshots and contemplation. She will bring some back community service, and have worked with women’s and children’s happening in other countries and Finally, no description of me would To study what they could not for many organizations, ranging organizations throughout her not see that it is relevant to us be complete without mentioning otherwise do from Habitat for Humanity to my community. In the future, Bonnie or feel a need to take action. As my love of music. I am not someone How she loves to dance local parish. My commitment to hopes to travel extensively, perform stated by Martin Luther King Jr. in who wins awards for my musical Build robots, perchance service and my appreciation for our Shakespeare, and live every day as a the Letter from Birmingham Jail, skills, or plays piano for hours To research in science, and read all God-given freedoms has led me to beautiful adventure. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to every day, but I do enjoy playing day long pursue a career as an officer in the United States Army. justice everywhere. We are caught popular songs on the guitar. I have Service, singing, the flute in an inescapable network of everything on my iPod from the Five languages (plus two?) mutuality, tied in a single garment Beatles to Lil’ Wayne. Nashville is Three R’s, running distance, and of destiny. Whatever affects one Music City, after all. also much more directly, affects all indirectly...” A learner at heart Loves teaching and art But clearly she is not a poet at all

12 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

Priscilla S. Aleman Bride Not to Be plaster, denim, fabric 36” x 65” x 24”

13 2009 Presidential Scholars

Joshua Arthur Arky Mary Awadallah Matthew Baglini Jacob Bailey Ernest Baker II Brooklyn, NY, Saint Ann’s School Syosset, NY, Syosset High School Cumberland, RI, Cumberland Independence, KY, Simon Kenton Opa Locka, FL, Miami Carol City College Plans: Columbia College Plans: Yale University High School High School Senior High School University College Plans: United States College Plans: Massachusetts College Plans: Eugene Lang I am ebullient, savoring the bustle Naval Academy Institute of Technology College-New School for Josh began singing about two or of academics, extracurricular Liberal Arts three years ago. At school, he sings activities, service, and church I am a youth activist and top student My main goals in life have always under the direction of Peter Clark, from Cumberland High School. I been these three things: To learn “Our work is never over,” Ernest involvement, pursuing everything Felton Baker II once said. His to whom he owes many thanks. But have starred in several shows put as much as possible, to apply that wholeheartedly. The several glorifying hard work and devotion to it is his private teacher, Fredrick on by the local Drama Club, am knowledge for the betterment of academic awards I have received, the Arts has lured an intense drive Martell, who has guided him to on the varsity Debate team, and the world, and to have fun doing it. including Salutatorian of my for his divined present and far most, where he is now. Mr. Martell, over play intramurals obsessively. I am Though to most of the people who graduating class, reflect my passion his future. He started with Martial the past years, has provided Josh currently serving as a Commissioner know me I’m simply ‘that smart guy,’ for learning. I enjoy leadership Arts receiving a black belt in both with the most incredible component and service. I am President of my on the Cumberland Youth there are many things that make Commission, a youth advocacy me who I am. I make short films Jujitsu and Go Ju Ru. He then began of his life, and for this, Fred deserves school’s chapter of the National to entertain audiences from around initiative, through which I have with my friends, I play the drums the highest honor, praise, and Art Honor Society, Executive the globe and help less fortunate helped start and run a heating-oil professionally, I’m a trivia junkie, thanks. Josh participates annually Board member of our chapter of communities. As for the many voucher distribution program. After and I’m a dedicated big brother. in solo voice concerts, a chamber the National Honor Society, and endeavors and accomplishments college, I hope to become a pilot for My dream is to someday make a group, and his school’s chorus. He have held leadership roles in church. Ernest obtained, his hometown the US Navy, and make a career in contribution toward making nuclear has also been selected as a finalist Engaged in my community, I have Opa Locka, Florida granted him the Navy. In the future, I hope to fusion a viable energy source, for the Classical Singer high school served at a hospital, elementary with a Proclamation and bestowed competition to be held in May 2009. school, and library, and in a tutoring enter politics and become a national providing cheap, clean energy to the January 23rd in his honor as ‘Ernest Apart from singing, Josh loves to program. Yet with all this, my leader. world. In this way I hope to make Felton Baker II Day’. Practicing cook for his family and friends, church involvement has been the the world a better place – of course for a karate tournament, sketching hoping to tantalize all palettes. In most important aspect of my life. a Nobel Prize wouldn’t be too bad proposed designs for his portfolio, school, he writes science articles From my enthusiastic service in either. or rehearsing for a performance for the newspaper and conducts the children’s summer camp and are daily tasks for Ernest. Either independent science research. tutoring programs, to membership way it goes, effort is definitely an in the youth group, I have cherished unequivocal thought in Ernest’s every minute spent in the company mind. For Ernest, dance isn’t just of my church family. I am also an something he does for happiness; it’s avid artist and knitter. something he can’t imagine himself living without.

14 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

Jane A. Ball Celia Dovell Bell Alyssa Bilinski Kristina Bohl Holden Brown Metarie, LA, St. Martin’s Baltimore, MD, The Bryn Easton, CT, Joel Barlow San Diego, CA, Francis Parker Mandeville, LA, Fontainebleau Episcopal School Mawr School High School High School High School College Plans: Tulane University College Plans: Columbia College Plans: Yale University College Plans: Stanford College Plans: Maryland Institute University University College of Art People look up to me…but, it’s I have always loved to argue, and okay. I’m 6’3”; 6-6 in heels. I stand I grew up in a house full of writers, throughout high school, this Kristina is a Renaissance woman Holden attends the New tall and have set the bar high for and from an early age (before I had affinity has served me well. As of the twenty-first century. Her Orleans Center for Creative Arts myself in academics, athletics considered that maybe, having a three-year captain of my school’s passions are academic, artistic (NOCCA) for Media Arts, as and community activities. Sure, poet for a mother and a novelist debate team, I have earned 40 and athletic, and she throws a Level III student. He works I have many hard-earned school, for a father, I should become debate awards, including two herself whole-heartedly into primarily in video, creating short, scientific, and sports competition an engineer in the interest of Connecticut Debate Association everything she does. When she’s narrative films, and has won awards and honors, and am very rebellion), it was clear that I was State Championships and two Yale not rehearsing classical guitar, you numerous awards for his work in proud of all those achievements. one of them. My first published Osterweis Tournaments. And the may find her sailing alongside sea the cinematic arts, including 1st Yet, as a ninth-generation Creole essay appeared in the New York skills I cultivated in debate also lions in Monterey Bay, solving place in the student division of the New Orleanian, I’m no slouch at Times Magazine when I was served me in other activities: giving multivariate integrals, or speaking Louisiana Film Festival, 1st place at rebuilding my own and others’ lives seventeen, and since then I’ve closing statements in mock trial, Swedish with her cousins in the Nunez Film Festival, and Best since Hurricane Katrina. Aside had work appear in Five Points fighting for the rights of Ugandans Västerås. Kristina is the proud Student Filmmaker at the Ozone from refurbishing homes, I am Magazine, and been selected as through Invisible Children, and Varsity Captain of Parker’s Film Festival, for his short film, constructing better opportunities a Portfolio Gold Medalist in performing in the improvisational undefeated Academic League team, The Starmaker. He was also named for children and teens through the Scholastic Art and Writing comedy group, Troupe du Jour, as well as the president of the a youngARTS gold award winner tutoring, sports activities, and peer Awards, and a finalist for the raising money for Hurricane Science Olympiad Club and the 2009. Holden has taken part in the mentoring. Volunteering changes youngARTS program run by Katrina victims. Due to all of French Honor Society. Kristina Talented Art and Talented Drama you forever; for the better. My the National Foundation for the debates in my life, I have also is a National Merit Scholarship programs at his school, both of dream is to shoot one-on-one with Advancement in the Arts. learned to appreciate the peaceful winner and a recipient of the which have played an important the President and bring back my argument-free moments. Giggling 2009-2010 Kyoto Scholarship. role in his work as a filmmaker. autographed basketball to use an over dinner with friends, enjoying a At Stanford, Kristina plans to “Inspirational Rock” for the success movie with the debate team after a study Materials Engineering while of all the physically, mentally, and tournament, or jogging around my pursuing her interests in economics economically children that I work murderously hilly neighborhood and languages. Kristina enjoys with. My plan is to become a sports is the perfect way to rejuvenate for working as a sailing instructor and medicine/orthopedic surgeon, and the next cause. volunteering in her community. In I’m height you can believe in. her free time, Kristina loves to read, travel, and ski.

15 2009 Presidential Scholars

Alexander Bruce Andrew Carmedelle Andrew Chael Grace Chao Kevin Chaung Weston, MA, Weston Saint Augustine, FL , Saint Albuquerque, NM, Manzano High Woodside, NY, St. Mary’s High Kokomo, IN, Kokomo High School Joseph Academy School School High School College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Franklin W. Olin College Plans: Carleton College College Plans: Washington College Plans: Indiana University College of Engineering University in St. Louis, University Ever since I was a young child, I I am a dedicated learner who aspires Scholars Program in Medicine Kevin is a student who actively seeks loved explaining things to others. Since age six, I have been active in to know as much about the world out new experiences both inside and As I grew older I never lost this Boy Scouts, which led to my love as possible; one of my favorite At age five I declared I would be outside of school. He is a member love of teaching, and over the years for the outdoors. The same year I pursuits is scouring Wikipedia to “The Pretender” when I grew up. of the Environmental Club, which this has become one of my defining achieved the rank of Eagle, I hiked pick up interesting bits of trivia. If there was a need for a firefighter, helps clean up the Wildcat Creek traits. Some of my most rewarding nearly 200 miles and was a crew I am passionate about multiple pilot, lawyer or any other hero in a every year; the Diversity Group, experiences include tutoring leader at Philmont Scout Ranch academic disciplines, a fact that situation, the Pretender effortlessly which aims to bring attention to students at the Boys and Girls Club, in the New Mexico mountains. makes choosing a college major became just that. Although I minorities; and the Mayor’s Youth and volunteering at the Cape Cod My dream is to hike the entire daunting. I love delving into history, unfortunately came to realize I Advisory Board, which allows could not be everything at once, National Seashore where I helped Appalachian Trail. These last four especially that of the R.M.S Titanic, students to observe and participate rangers present information about years were incredibly busy with the Islamic Caliphate, and the era of I have always kept that fire, that in local government. He is also the vibrant seashore. At my school varsity sports, academics, scouts, disco fever. In the analytic sphere, I hunger to explore the variety in the treasurer of the Boys Legion, I am captain of the math team and community service, clubs, music am a state champion in the MESA the world, seeking knowledge and a group that is involved in many the science team. In addition I am (bass guitar) and relaxing with program and the inaugural president truly living life. I am a mentor for school functions, including prom a writer and editor for the school friends while playing Rock Band. of Math Nerds Anonymous, a club inner-city youth and a future doctor, and fundraisers. As captain of the newspaper. The school newspaper Two of my favorite high school dedicated to the celebration of the the scientist who is fascinated by Math and Science Academic Teams, is a fairly serious publication, but I experiences were mission trips to common nerd. I also rock out on European history, the classical he seeks to learn as much as he can have always had an irreverent side Jamaica. Despite their poverty, the the French Horn in my school band violinist who enjoys her friend’s and guide others who wish to do that I try to express whenever I joy of these people and their love and city youth orchestra, sing in hip-hop mixes, and the extrovert the same. He also makes sure to give can. To this end I founded a humor for life affected me deeply. It has my school choir, hike up and ski who loves to read novels on rainy some of his time to the community: magazine which publishes satirical inspired me to pursue future work down tall mountains, read a lot days. This year I was accepted to he has volunteered at St. Joseph articles written by students. I am to benefit people in developing of cheap paperbacks, and watch three medical schools, a feat for the Hospital as an ER receptionist looking forward to continuing nations. My life has been blessed CNN excessively. I give back to daughter of a pastor and teacher. and currently tutors 3rd graders at teaching and learning in the years with a loving family, great schools the community by tutoring local My secret? A supportive family Boulevard Elementary. ahead. (public, private and parochial), good elementary school students in after- and belief in myself because “I can friendships and, most importantly, a school programs. do all things through Christ who strong religious faith. strengthens me.”

16 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

Holden M. Brown Still from The Starmaker

17 2009 Presidential Scholars

Brian Chen Sally Chu Rachel Clausen Julian Cook Chris Copeland Morgantown, WV, University High Lynnwood, WA, Edmonds- Moorhead, MN, Moorhead High Chicago, IL, Jones College Wilmington, DE, Sanford School School Woodway High School School Preparatory High school College Plans: Stanford University College Plans: Princeton College Plans: University of College Plans: Muhlenberg College Plans: Houghton College University Pennsylvania College Chris has had an interest in science Julian Armand Cook was born in and computers from a young age. My name is Brian Chen. I was Sally is an avid reader who often Rachel was born into a family Chicago, Illinois. He resides on the His father bought the family a now born and raised in Morgantown, multitasks and enjoys helping of artists. A conducting father, south side of Chicago with his mother not-so-aptly-named PowerMac G3 West Virginia, home of the WVU others. Ever since she was a child, musical mother, composing brother, Kimberly and his sister Nina. Julian in 1995, and Chris never looked Mountaineers. I am an avid she devoured books endlessly and writing sister provided the attends Jones College Preparatory back. During the summer, Chris swimmer and captain of my high – even going so far to read through prime kind of kin for an actress. High School, where he is Student works as a software developer for school swim team. I also enjoy textbooks during her summer break She started out young in musical Council President, Concert Choir EM Photonics, Inc. in Newark, playing varsity tennis and partaking so that she was able to take college theater, and went with it all the way President, a member of the Christian DE, a small business born out of in various outdoor activities. At level mathematics as a sophomore to the AHST Fringe Festival in Club, and a private voice student University of Delaware’s electrical school, I participate in Math Club, in high school. Through her pursuit Edinburgh, Scotland the summer of Mrs. Gaye Klopack. Julian has engineering department. There he National Honor Society, Science of knowledge and the International of her Junior year. Rachel is also a competed and won in a plethora of has contributed to projects including Bowl, Geography Bowl, Student Baccalaureate Program, she member of the National Forensic competitions, including the prestigious an advanced long-range image Council and Model UN. I am discovered her passion for the League, for which she has had the Classical Singer Chicago competition processing application for NASA continually engaged in community medical field and decided to become honor of advancing to the State and National Association for Teachers and an automated software-testing service programs through my a surgeon because it would allow her tournament all four years of her of Singing competition. He was also framework for use within the church, such as playing violin in to help put people back together. In high school speech career. She recognized as a Level I Winner at company. This year, he volunteered the orchestra and assisting young addition to being a student, she is a was also awarded second place in NFAA YoungARTS week 2009. his web development expertise to children at Vacation Bible School. musician, a scientist, a leader, and a humorous interpretation at the NFL Julian plans to pursue a collegiate improve and create more content for Next year, I hope to continue these servant of the community. She has tournament the past two years, thus education in pastoral ministry/ a Delaware anti-bullying advocacy passions, even as I discover new played in the Chamber Orchestra placing her in the top 24 humorous theology, and musical performance. group’s website. His school activities interests at Princeton University. for four years, and been chosen as speakers in the nation. Her creativity In his spare time, Julian enjoys being include: writing for, organizing, and Student of the Year four times. She is cultivated daily by her love of involved in his faith community, publishing his school’s newspaper is president of Math Club, Book painting, sculpture, reading, and spending time with friends, reading, and competing on the math league, and Movie Club, and Model United frankly any other art she can get her studying the bible, listening to various academic bowl, science olympiad, Nations, and treasurer for National hands on. Christian music artist, and cooking. and varsity tennis teams. At Honor Society. In two years, she Julian is extremely thankful for those Stanford, he plans to study electrical has dedicated over 766 hours of to which he owes his success: his engineering and German language, service to her community. Now Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, mother hopefully studying abroad in Berlin. she volunteers on a patient floor at Kimberly Cook, private voice teacher Stevens Hospital and helps people Gaye Klopack, and very supportive fight cancer. family and friends.

18 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

Benjamin D. Crosby Kate Davis Sameer Kirtikumar Joseph P. Dexter Carolyn Douglas Carol Stream, IL, Glenbard North West Linn, OR, West Linn Deshpande Chester, VT, Green Mountain Derry, NH, Pinkerton Academy High School High School Carrollton, TX, Texas Academy Union High School College Plans: Wellesley College College Plans: Yale University College Plans: Manhattan School of Mathematics and Science College Plans: Princeton of Music College Plans: Massachusetts University Carolyn is captain of the math About half-way through a stack of Institute of Technology team, treasurer of the German old photos, a picture catches my Growing up as a classical violinist, Joseph relishes intellectual diversity club, and secretary of the Asian attention: a grinning, bespectacled, Kate has been involved with a From an early age, I have been and prides himself on tackling Explorations Club. Learning new eight-year-old me, bedecked with variety of musical styles since fascinated with numbers and multifaceted issues. Inspired by a languages is one of her passions, a blue reproduction kepi and the age of five. However, when mathematics. In recent years, I have burgeoning interest in Classical and in addition to German and flanked by two bearded Civil War relocated to the Pacific Northwest been participating in such contests literature, he began studying Latin Japanese, she hopes to dabble in re-enactors. This photograph eight years ago, she developed as the United States of America in the seventh grade and Attic Latin and Russian in college. She seems somehow emblematic to two new passions, coffee and Mathematics Olympiad and Greek the following summer. plans to pursue premedical studies me of the insatiable intellectual jazz. From then on, the upright American Regional Mathematics Living close to Dartmouth College in addition to majoring in German, curiosity which has so defined my bass became her primary musical League, and lately, pursuing proved helpful to Joseph’s study but these plans are not set in life, resulting in countless library outlet. Nurtured by the supportive research in biostatistics. Although of the Classics, and his initial stone whatsoever. In her free time, fines and late-night philosophical music community in Portland a good deal of my time is now encounters with the second she reads fantasy novels, listens discussions, and even a summer OR, she was able to satisfy her devoted to my school studies and declension have led to wide study to foreign pop music, and spent studying human rights at hunger to learn and perform. work, I still love to watch movies in the field, from Plautus to Plato donates blood. Cornell University. Beyond learning Over the past few years, Kate has and T.V., listen to music, or go out to Phanocles. Eager to merge for its own sake, I have sought gained some acclaim with her jazz and play. I swim, play Ultimate his diverse interests, Joseph has to apply my passion in service to bass and vocals. She was named Frisbee, and have recently picked prepared original translations of others, whether through leading a a ”youngARTS” silver winner, up racquetball. At school, I am the Euler’s Latin mathematical papers. world hunger awareness event with Downbeat Student Award winner, president of our Mu Alpha Theta His scientific research has focused my church youth group or spending and was selected to participate in chapter and am involved with on microfluidics, a fantastically hours on the phone explaining a the Brubeck Summer Jazz Colony, the Junior Engineering Technical multidisciplinary field that seeks math problem or history concept. and the Grammy Jazz Ensemble. Society chapter. I tutor local high to apply engineering and materials In my free time, it’s not uncommon Besides music, Kate enjoys other school and middle school students science to solving fundamental to see me making music, whether forms of the arts, reading, espresso, in mathematics. problems in the life sciences. His improvising on the piano or singing shopping, and spending time microfluidics research led to his in the choir, tossing a Frisbee with friends. designation as a Research Science around with friends, or just curling Institute Scholar and a Semifinalist up with a good book. in the Intel Science Talent Search. Joseph plans to pursue a Ph.D. in the physical sciences and a career in academic research.

19 2009 Presidential Scholars

Edmund “Ned” Downie Kyle Doyle Shelby Dvorak Leia M. Dwyer Lauren Faraino Washington, D.C., Missoula, MT, Loyola Sacred Dickinson, ND, Dickinson High Providence, RI, Classical Vestavia Hills, AL, Vestavia Hills St. Albans School. Heart High School School High School High School College Plans: Yale University College Plans: University College Plans: University of College Plans: Undecided College Plans: Harvard College of Montana North Dakota I enjoy learning about math and My parents, sister and I once spent Lauren’s definition of a perfect logic, ethics and European history, I love to learn new things, a trait I consider myself to be a an entire summer camping across day might surprise you. Most of but I especially like historical which has served me well over the hardworking person who loves the nation in a cramped pop-up tent her time is devoted to academic linguistics. This semester, I worked years. This love of thinking has led keeping busy. In my high school, I trailer. We visited National Parks endeavors, extracurricular pursuits, with my teacher Mr. Wallace me to discover many different fields serve as the treasurer of the Friends and museums, all while experiencing and volunteer activities, all of Ragan on an Independent Study that I enjoy studying. However, of Rachel Club, the president of the the diverse faces of America. Facets which provide the foundation for in Romance Linguistics. Outside I love learning about computers Spanish Club, the vice president of this invaluable trip are seen in her outward successes. However, of school, I read widely; among my in particular—the field I want to of Medical Explorers, and the most everything I do. I have a deep nothing brings a smile to her face favorite books are Ideas by Peter enter—and many is the time I’ve vice president of National Honor love of the outdoors and physical like a quiet weekend that provides Watson and Anthony Powell’s A looked up a new type of technology, Society. I am also a member of Close activity; I frequently camp, hike, and the opportunity for her to express Dance to the Music of Time. I like not because I plan on using it, but Up. During my high school years, canoe and have been an avid Irish herself on a canvas. When painting, to stay on top of current events, just to know about it. In my free I have volunteered at St. Joseph’s dancer for 12 years. My family and Lauren abandons the analytical eye especially foreign affairs. And, time, I play music and do a great Hospital and Health Center and I are extremely close and I always that usually dictates her thoughts whenever I have the chance, you’ll deal of volunteer work as part of with the Best Friends Mentoring enjoy spending time with them. I and simply allows imagination to find me outdoors. I’m a committed my 4-H club and various other Program. I have also spent time have a natural curiosity which has lead her. Lauren plans to practice environmentalist; one summer, I organizations. I am an avid reader, volunteering on two Students lent itself to success in academics law someday, and she will do so with dug trenches and cleared trails in the singer, trumpet player, gamer, and Today Leaders Forever Pay It as I seek to learn all that I can. The passion and dedication. But her C&O Canal National Historic Park. pretty much anything else you can Forward Tours. In my free time beauty of nature has inspired me as legal career will not define her. To One of my greatest loves is soccer. I think of. I enjoy playing piano, shopping, an artist, fulfilling an innate need for truly know Lauren, you need only played striker for my school’s varsity reading, biking, and cooking. In creativity. Lastly, I strive to give back to study the products of her most team, and I follow the European college, I plan to major in dietetics to others in service as a Girl Scout, creative moments: her paintings. leagues closely. I saved for four years and Spanish with a pre-medicine having seen the vast spectrum of to earn money to travel to Germany focus. After college, I plan to attend people’s circumstances in America. for the 2006 World Cup. Because medical school to become a Doctor of that trip, I want to travel the of Osteopathic Medicine. Following globe and explore its cultures my medical school residency, I and languages. would love to volunteer abroad with World Medical Mission, an organization that provides medical care to people in places where medical services are unavailable.

20 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

Peter Ferguson Linyi Gao Emmett Gilles Michael Girouard Nikhil Goel Fairfield, AP , Delone Catholic Moscow, ID, Moscow High West Hartford, CT, Conard Lewiston, ME, St. Dominic Huntsville, AL, Virgil I. Grissom High School School High School Regional High School High School College Plans: Maryland Institute College Plans: Princeton College Plans: University of College Plans: Williams College College Plans: Vanderbilt College of Art University or Stanford University North Carolina University Michael’s primary focus has been I have been fortunate to have lived Living on the Idaho Palouse I believe that what I have done is on his family, schoolwork, and Nikhil is a scholar who is both in a variety of places where art and has been a blessing. On the little compared to what I will do community for the past four years well-rounded and has no shortage artists were almost non-existent. Palouse, nature harmonizes with – that I am small compared to of his high school career. He is of things to do. He excels not only Growing up in these surroundings community. When I look at the who I will be. I have done a great the eldest of three and enjoys as a student, but also as a musician, has shaped me into a person smooth curve that separates deal of doing and growing to be spending time with his family an entrepreneur, an athlete, an who feels almost obligated to the cloudless blue sky and the where I am, and I am comfortable and acting as a role model for his innovative scientist, a writer, and insert creativity and purpose into verdant rolling wheat hills, I see with my accomplishments to the younger brother and sister. Both a leader in his community. As a everything he encounters. As I an abundant poetic beauty – not present. But I not satisfied that in and outside of school, Michael musician, he plays both the piano and have grown artistically, mentally, because one plant is particularly these achievements are the measure is truly an academic. He enjoys the guitar, and as an entrepreneur, he and physically, I have had many tall or vigorous but because of the of my mettle. It seems that every almost all of his classes, and has has started two successful businesses opportunities to share my artistic richness of life of the entire wheat time one learns something, it only taken chemistry and French in academic tutoring and website insight on life with those around field. In this spirit of the Palouse, makes him aware of a thousand courses at the local university and design. Additionally, he is a Director me, which has led to many amazing I applied for two MathMovesU other things to learn before he truly at Bates College, respectively. Last of the Rocket City Math League, experiences and memorable grants to found a school math understands. Every time one makes summer, he spent five weeks in a member of his school’s Track moments. I have sacrificed a lot club, which has helped contribute a positive difference, it only makes Paris for a study abroad program, & Cross Country teams, and an to get to the point where I am to an atmosphere of learning and him aware of how much more improving his French skills. award-winning sports writer for the artistically, but when I observe the enthusiasm in our school. I also needs to be done before the world He enjoys being the cantor at school newspaper. He naturally fills abilities I have acquired from hard volunteer regularly at our local changes for the better. I want to school masses, participating in his leadership roles as a captain of his work and determination, I would hospital, tutor elementary school become wise enough to bring new math team, dancing, and acting. school’s Math Team, Science Bowl have chosen no other way to live students, captain my school’s life into this world with the help of Michael is an active volunteer for Team, Science Olympiad Team, and my life. I constantly remind myself Knowledge/Science Bowl teams someone wiser than me, to teach EqualityMaine, a political activist the All-City Academic Team leading that my abilities are not only for and actively participate in Future our children to be even better than group that ensures the rights of him to an engineering internship personal gain, but to help others. I Problem Solving. In my spare time, we have been. LGBT citizens. He plans to obtain at NASA last summer. He is also look forward to seeing what I am I like fishing, distance running, a degree in biology and continue Co-President of Politos, his school’s capable of accomplishing, not only table tennis, personal writing, on to medical school or a Ph.D. premier political organization, and in for myself, but for the world. piano, browsing scientific journals, program. his free time, he is an active volunteer and attending church activities with the Junior Civitan Society, the regularly. Red Cross Youth Committee, and the Hindu Cultural Center of North Alabama.

21 2009 Presidential Scholars

Abhinav Golla Allen Granzberg Suvai Gunasekaran Elise Gurney Charles Gyer Austin, TX, Westlake High School Brooklyn, NY, Stuyvesant High Madison, WI, James Madison Albuquerque, NM, Albuquerque Houma, LA, Vandebilt Catholic College Plans: Stanford University School Memorial High School High School High School College Plans: Yale University College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Carleton College College Plans: Yale University The common thread uniting my diverse interests is my love of Allen loves music, the arts, I like to be busy. I am very active in New Mexico is a strange sort As a student from south Louisiana, a challenge. As an enthusiastic international politics, business, and several school clubs and community of place – barren and beautiful I have had the opportunity to be outdoorsman, I challenge myself law. He currently attends Stuyvesant organizations. I am President of – and my hometown Albuquerque surrounded by the greatest people through whitewater rafting and High School in New York City. Spartan Youth Service, Editor-in- has a unique culture somewhere on earth throughout my life. Living hiking. I credit my interest in the Allen is Club/Pub Director in the Chief of our school paper, Captain between backwater hippy and in such a culturally, artistically, and outdoors, as well as my leadership student government, Blood Drive of Science Olympiad, and President laidback quirky. It is this exceptional aesthetically rich and beautiful abilities, to my time spent in Boy Coordinator, and a Varsity member of Spanish club. I also played varsity environment that has allowed me to part of the world has caused me to Scouts, an integral part of my life of the Lincoln Douglas Debate tennis for three years. I have served engage in the breadth of activities take interest in activities ranging that culminated in my Eagle Scout Team. Allen currently interns as a Director of the International I have undertaken. I have played from student council to theater to Award. I love music, and for seven at the Securities and Exchange JOOI Board and a Member soccer and tennis, volunteered for sailing and journalism. My concern years, I have played the viola in Commission and truly enjoys of National Youth Advisory the Animal Humane Association for my home inspired me to start a orchestra. Last summer, I spent learning about economics and the Committee of DoSomething.Org. and the Adaptive Ski Program, and website examining the geopolitical several weeks researching the total United States’s financial system. I am an Intel Science Talent Search taken art classes since I was young. and socioeconomic impacts and synthesis of natural products in In his free time, he does ballroom Finalist, National AP Scholar, and At school, I am intrigued with implications of energy policy in organic chemistry with the Welch dance and competes professionally Siemens Scholar for Science and science as a way to better understand Louisiana and around the world. Summer Scholar Research Program. in competitions around the nation. Math. I enjoy spending time with the world, but my academic interests Most importantly, I cherish the I also enjoy studying as well as He finds it extremely relaxing and my friends and going to movies. I range from history to English. My people whom I know and love and tutoring students in Latin, and I it is definitely something he wants love cooking, doing wheel pottery, appreciation for the interdisciplinary anticipate meeting new people have won Summa Cum Laude and to continue to do in college. Allen and riding roller coasters – the aspects of education has led me to from whom I might learn every gold medals at Regional, State and has loved challenging himself and scarier the better. Pizza is still my Carleton College, where I intend day. I consider time a gift, and my National Latin conventions. My has always enjoyed giving back to favorite food and Prison Break, my to take advantage of the liberal tendencies to act a little crazy and greatest, most satisfying challenges his community. Allen would like to favorite TV show. I believe that the arts curriculum it offers. In college somewhat silly are only aimed at have come from helping my thank his family, friends, teachers, world will be a better place if each of I plan to become involved in the living life to the fullest. I also enjoy community as president of Austin’s and everyone else that has allowed us gives back something to improve newspaper, as I was in high school, fulfilling one hundred fifty word Medical Explorer Post and as a for him to get this far. He hopes to the lives of others around us. and to study abroad for at least writing assignments one word short hospital volunteer, experiences that study economics and international one trimester. My career plans are of the word limit. have led to my decision to pursue a studies in college. still uncertain, but I hope to travel career in medicine. extensively and to someday open my own bakery.

22 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

Peter C. Ferguson Efficient Machine #3 oil, pastel, wood, brushes, masonite 43.5” x 17”

23 2009 Presidential Scholars

Booyeon Han Sejal Hathi Andrew Henderson Garnet Henderson Stephen Henrich Phoenix, AZ, Desert Vista Fremont, CA, Notre Dame High Spartanburg, SC, Spartanburg Jackson, WY, Jackson Hole Mason City, IA, Newman Catholic High School School High School High School High School College Plans: Princeton College Plans: Harvard, Stanford, College Plans: Yale University College Plans: Columbia College Plans: Simpson College University or Yale University University Since my earliest years, I have Stephen enjoys challenging himself The most important lesson I have I am passionate, vibrant, yet loved opportunities to observe and Garnet is a student who strives to to be as versatile as possible. He learned until now: take advantage of sometimes insecure—an intricate study others – their personalities, balance her many extracurricular lives for intellectual pursuits while new opportunities because they can arabesque of interests and ideas, motivations, and behaviors. I plan passions with academic success. thriving in extracurricular activities always open doors to unexpected dreams and disappointments that to continue this interest by studying She has been dancing since she was as well. His parents often poke fun experiences. As a young violinist, I is still seeking its unique color. As economics in college and also by three years old, and is the president at his undying desire to be involved never knew that I would become a a person of eclectic leanings, I love taking many opportunities to study of the Dancers’ Workshop Junior in everything. Stephen plays the part of the most talented orchestras to express myself through writing, abroad and travel throughout the Repertory Company. Garnet is also trumpet and violin and participates in the nation. The highlights to embody music with dance, to world. Outside of academics, I have an intern in the offices of Dancers’ in varsity athletics in cross country, of my music career include the discover new worlds on Wikipedia, participated in student government, Workshop and teaches dance classes baseball, track, and tennis. He performance as concertmaster with to create sustainable social change, model congressional debate, and to students ranging in age from serves in many leadership roles Van Cliburn, and the trip to Paris to challenge science’s frontiers. In the youth group at my synagogue nine to seventy years old. She has such as class president, Math Club and Nice, France to perform in recent years, among other endeavors, throughout high school, and I look presented original choreography in vice president, and team captain different venues, including the gothic I have focused particularly on forward to enjoying these activities student concerts and choreographed of the cross country team. He also cathedrals. At school, I have served growing the international nonprofit in college as well. I have always commercially. Garnet has a passion takes advantage of opportunities as president of the science club and I founded to empower girls; writing loved the outdoors and worked the for writing, frequently writes poetry to serve his community through orchestra council and played on my second book; performing past summer at an environmental and prose, and was awarded the Youth Ministry, National Honor the varsity tennis team. I have also intense scientific research on the education camp in North Carolina. Wellesley College Book Award in Society, and voluntary tutoring. volunteered at the hospital, tutored immunology of mast cells; and Therefore, I am incredibly excited 2008. She attended the Wyoming Although most people consider his students in math, and performed building a website on peace. I about immersing myself in the High School State Drama Festival academic successes to be his most in nursing homes. When I am not have aspired to everything from a New England outdoors next year, in 2006 and 2007, earning an all- significant, he also takes pride in involved in music or the community, policymaker to a neurosurgeon, but and one day, I dream of hiking the state award for her performance his masterful ping pong skills and I love to watch movies, listen to hope withal, in whatever I do, to Appalachian Trail. of a dramatic monologue and his exceptional abilities in Guitar music, and make pazookie (half- transform the world. an honorable mention for her Hero. In the future, Stephen intends baked cookie with ice cream!). performance in a group piece. to double major in biology and Garnet enjoys outdoor activities mathematics while completing much in beautiful Jackson Hole, but is undergraduate research, and later looking forward to moving to New plans to attend a school of medicine. York City in the fall.

24 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

Bailey Hoar Adam Horn Emily Leahy Howell Lily Hsiang Sandy H. Huang South Burlington, VT, Versailles, KY, Woodford County Missoula, MT, Hellgate Oak Hill, VA, Thomas Jefferson Ames, IA, Ames High School Middlesex School High School High School High School for Science College Plans: Stanford College Plans: Dartmouth College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Harvard College and Technology University College College Plans: Harvard College Adam is above all a reader and I’ve lived in the same house for My unquenchable desires for Bailey, a Vermont native, has writer. His passions have led over 18 years. Luckily, the house Lily has never been one to keep learning and exploration have studied in Concord, MA, for the him into various curricular is in Missoula, Montana , one to a single school of thought, field exposed me to a diverse and past four years. She is a senior and extremely extracurricular of the best towns in the country, of study, or group of people. This rich blend of academic and proctor, a head tour guide, a activities from writing for the and luckily my family is about as childhood curiosity to explore a extracurricular experiences choral officer, and the Managing Composition and Future Problem good as they get. My little brother, breadth of people and places has throughout my school years. It Editor for the school newspaper. Solving areas of his Academic Sam, cracks me up more than I led her to be a painter, violinist, helps that I have rarely let lack of A performer since a very young Team to doing a short piece for would’ve thought possible, my figure skater, and writer, in addition time deter me from pursuing my age, Bailey performs classical music the Lexington Herald-Leader to dog is ridiculously good looking, to a mathematician, biochemistry interests. Currently, I am president and is a soprano soloist with her writing screenplays for his Film and my parents are extremely, researcher, and computer of Math Club, concert chair Bb school’s Small Chorus; this spring, Club troupe. He has tried his wonderfully reasonable – a rare programmer. Last summer, Lily clarinet in Band, News Editor of she is playing the role of “Johanna” hand at coaching most anything trait among parents. But I want attended the Research Science the school newspaper, co-Editor in “Sweeney Todd.” Bailey is a he has enjoyed himself – UpWard to spend the next years of my life Institute, where she explored of the school literary magazine, a member of the varsity ski team Basketball and Future Problem traveling as much as I can. After the depths of scientific research dedicated volunteer and tutor, a and is coaching the school’s JV Solving in particular – with varied college, I’m planning on joining by studying the chemistry of member of the Varsity Girls Tennis Girls’ Lacrosse Team. Bailey spends levels of success. In a surprising the Peace Corps. Then, I’d like to histone proteins, which also won team, and a member of Science the majority of her free time near twist, Adam was also the Right work in international public health, her recognition as an Intel STS Olympiad. Among these activities, a piano, singing with others or Tackle on the Varsity Football fighting diseases and improving the semifinalist. As co-captain of her I find time to squeeze in late-night writing songs of her own; she hopes Team for three years, earning the quality of life in other countries school’s Lincoln-Douglas debate studying for exams and carefree to record a CD of these original honor of Team Captain as a senior. – and traveling, of course, as part team, Lily is deeply involved with chatting with friends at coffee songs this spring. She is happy to Adam would describe his career of the job. Once I’ve accomplished debate and greatly enjoys its verbal shops. I have participated in several return back to the Northeast next aspirations as markedly subdued, whatever I end up doing, I’d like melee and intellectual stimulation. research internships, including a year, where she will be closer to though he hopes one day to publish to head back home to Missoula, She also enjoys model student memorable one at the Research home and better skiing; Bailey will works of either fantasy or theology. become an old woman, and float judiciary and won 2nd place Science Institute last summer. study the humanities and continue G.K. Chesterton published both, the Blackfoot. respondent in the National High Through these experiences, I to sing, act, and write. and Adam joins Hemingway’s School Moot Court Competition. discovered my true passion lies Nick Adams in proposing that In her free time, Lily loves traveling in research. I hope to pursue Chesterton “must be about the best with family and friends. that passion, as well as my other guy there [was].” interests, in the future.

25 2009 Presidential Scholars

Jessica Hwang Tiffany Hwang Irene Jacqz Andrea Jarrett Meagan Jenigen Columbia, MO, Hickman High Wichita, KS, Wichita High Newburyport, MA, Newburyport Saline, MI, Saline High School Richmond, VA, Appomattox School School East High School College Plans: The Juilliard Regional Governor’s School College Plans: Harvard College, College Plans: University College Plans: Columbia School College Plans: Maryland Institute Princeton University, or Yale of Pennsylvania University College of Arts University Andrea has been playing the violin I live my life with a simple I love the things I do, and so I since the early age of three, and Meagan has won many awards During her years in high school, satisfaction that doesn’t leave me define myself as more than just attends the Music Institute of including a Silver Medal Portfolio Jessica has cultivated diverse complacent, and I’m always looking a hardworking student: I am Chicago’s Academy program for in the national level of Scholastic interests in languages, math, music, to challenge myself. I’ve performed a photographer and a cross- pre-college musicians, where she Art and Writing Awards, a Silver and the law. A two-time participant my violin as concertmaster in a country runner. Recently, I have studies with Almita Vamos. Andrea Portfolio for NFAA’s YoungARTS in the Scripps National Spelling number of city-wide orchestras been involved with my school’s was the Grand Prize Winner of Program, and First Place in the Bee, Jessica has received numerous and received first place awards at Environmental Club, working to get the 2008 Michigan ASTA Solo Virginia State Fair’s Fine Arts national awards for her studies state-level piano competitions. In Styrofoam trays out of the cafeteria. Competition, Junior Division. She Scholarship. She is the first in Spanish and French. She has addition, I am active in both my I participate in Model United is a member of Quartet Polaris, high school student to receive served as the captain of her school’s school and community, leading Nations and Newburyport High Gold Medal Winners of the a fellowship from the Virginia math team, and she provides math a number of school clubs and School’s student-run art gallery. I 2008 Fischoff Chamber Music Museum of Fine Arts. Additionally, tutoring to local middle schools regularly volunteering at the edit the literary magazine, and give Competition, Junior Division. Meagan won a ‘Shirt of the Day’ and junior high schools as an active hospital, Wichita Chinese School, tours of Boston’s Museum of Fine Andrea has performed as a soloist Award resulting in her design being member of Mu Alpha Theta. Jessica symphony concerts, and local middle Arts to middle school students. For with the Toledo, Dearborn, printed and sold by Design By is also a classical pianist and violinist school. While I love where I am in a national engineering competition, Birmingham-Bloomfield and Ann Humans. Since 2006, Meagan has and has achieved recognition for life, my contentment never prevents the Real World Design Challenge, Arbor Symphony Orchestras, as the had five solo shows, participated both solo and concerto performance me from moving forward to the next my team designed and presented an first-place winner of their concerto in nine group shows and has an at local, state, and national levels. stage of my life. energy-efficient airplane wing. I’m a competitions. In April 2009, she Art-o-Mat series in the Whitney Jessica has served as Attorney writer and a political junkie, a sailor, performed at Carnegie Hall as a Museum. In addition, she has used General and Supreme Court Justice older sister, volunteer, and math member of the YouTube Symphony her talents to help beautify the of Missouri Youth in Government, tutor. I love to snowboard and travel, Orchestra under the direction world around her by volunteering and her mock trial team has won and I’m thrilled to be attending of Michael Tilson Thomas. This her time to help fix up homes in both the Missouri High School school in New York City next fall. summer, she will attend the Astona poverty areas, decorate nursing Mock Trial Competition and the International Summer Music homes, and introduce children to the American Mock Trial Invitational. Academy in Geneva, Switzerland. world of Art. Meagan uses her art In her free time, Jessica enjoys Andrea’s ultimate goal playing the to explore the human as an animal, reading sci-fi and solving jigsaw violin has always been to inspire and identifies strongly with the puzzles. audiences with her passionate vulnerabilities of being human. She performances. is a self-proclaimed addict to “clutter, noise, static and discord.”

26 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

Leif Johnson Steven Johnson Fedja Kadribasic Peter I. Kamel Julia Ann Kellman Wasilla, AK, Wasilla High School Rockford, IL, Interlochen Arts Boca Raton, FL, West Boca Ellicott City, MD, Centennial Pacific Palisades, CA, College Plans: Dartmouth Academy Raton High School High School Marlborough School College College Plans: University of College Plans: Stanford College Plans: Rice University College Plans: Washington Minnesota Guthrie BFA Actor University University in St. Louis I have endeavored to be a balanced Training Program As a child, Peter was one who sat person, rather than pursuing Originally, I am a war refugee from silently and watched the world, Julie is a California Art Scholar virtuosity in one area to the Steven has been acting since Bosnia who came to the U.S. ten contemplating the complexities and recipient of the Governor’s exclusion of other experiences. the ripe old age of eight. He years ago after living in Germany around him. He has since grown to Medallion for the Arts. She was a Academically, my interests are has performed in large equity for 5 years. Moving around the be a diverse young man, passionate Grand Prize Finalist in the 2008 in biology, astronomy, computer theatres, tiny community stages, world has endowed me with a about knowledge and serving the Music Center Spotlight Awards science, geography, history, and and everything in between. He cosmopolitan sense and fluency community. As captain of the Photography Competition and even political science. I have had has braved harsh winters in in Bosnian, English, Spanish and Debate Team, Math Team, and has exhibited work at the Pacific the privilege of representing northern Michigan, where he German. I love to travel with my Science Olympiad Team, Peter Asia Museum in Pasadena, the the State of Alaska five times attends boarding school for theatre. family, play chess, solve math works diligently to shine in all his Marguiles Collection in Miami, in national competitions (the In the summers, he works as a problems, read, and sing; I have endeavors, motivated by a drive and Affirmation Arts in New York. National Geographic Bee, counselor at a free day camp in his been active in multiple honors to use his skills to benefit society. Julie’s portfolio received a Gold Academic World Quest, and three hometown of Rockford, Illinois. societies, School Advisory Council, In his free time, Peter volunteers Key in the Los Angeles regional times in Science Olympiad). I am Steven also keeps busy by serving FJAS/AJAS, Swim and Track at nursing homes, tutors, and Scholastic Art Awards of 2009. involved in my community as an on his school’s Student Senate team, engaged as the Science Club manages an organization that sends A National Merit Commended Eagle Scout, an Associate Judge Committee, serving as a Student president and awarded in chorus; tutors to inner city students. He Scholar, Julie studied at the at Youth Court, through ministry Ambassador, performing in many yet, my deepest passion since early is currently working on patenting California Summer School for in my church, and as a volunteer plays and musicals, writing plays, childhood is for natural sciences. heat-sensitive, artificial tissue that the Arts InnerSpark program, with the local theatre. Though, or running, reading, and studying. In recent years, I did research at he helped design in a mentorship Otis School of Art and Design, perhaps because, I am not a natural He would like to thank his family, two state universities and received at Johns Hopkins. Peter plans to and UCLA Design Media Arts athlete, I relish the challenge of friends, and teachers for all of their multiple awards at regional, state, attend the Rice/Baylor Medical Summer Institute. Besides her developing what ability I have as a support and guidance. national, and international levels. Scholars Program in the fall and artistic endeavors, Julie serves as runner, a cross-country skier, and My goal is to become a research hopes to become a doctor to Youth Representative on the Pacific a sprinter. Of all my achievements, physicist and a professor. Perhaps, epitomize his dream of serving Palisades Community Council, my Varsity letters have given me if my dream of becoming a Nobel- the community. participates in the YMCA Youth the most satisfaction. In my free Prize Laureate does not come true, & Government Program, has led time, I bike, play frisbee and airsoft, I will inspire one of my students her school’s chapter of Amnesty and read science fiction. enough to achieve it. International, and is an avid volleyball player. Next fall, Julie hopes to study Digital Media and Philosophy.

27 2009 Presidential Scholars

Lee Kennedy-Shaffer John Kenney Daniel Kim Benjamin Kotopka Carmen Lai Mechanicsburg, PA, Fargo, ND, Shanley High School Cupertino, CA, The Harker School Lincoln, NE, Pius X High School Las Vegas, NV, Ed W. Clark Mechanicsburg Area Senior High College Plans: Columbia College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Princeton High School School University University or Massachusetts College Plans: Duke University College Plans: Yale University Daniel Kim packs big ambitions into Institute of Technology “To give anything less than your a small frame. While maintaining I am a firm believer of the phrase I was born in Brooklyn and remain best is to sacrifice the gift.” John a rigorous academic curriculum, Growing up in Nebraska, the “work hard, play hard.” Throughout a proud fan of the New York Mets. has taken Steve Prefontaine’s Daniel volunteers with the oldest of seven kids, has been an high school, I strove to be my In addition to rooting for the words to heart, devoting himself to American Red Cross, trains for ideal starting point from which to personal best, but at the same time Mets, I participate in a number everything he does. His devotion to judo, plays the viola, and raises learn the importance of leadership achieve balance between work and of extracurricular activities. I am athletics is evident; as captain of his awareness about Hepatitis B among and achievement, two qualities fun. In addition to maintaining captain of the high school debate, soccer team, which won the state Asian Americans. Through the I’ve pursued all my life. I love to my grades, I also participated in math, and academic quiz bowl championship for the first time in synergy of intellectual curiosity compete, whether in the field of activities such as founding my high teams. I also serve as the student his school’s history, John was named and humanitarian passion, Daniel math and quiz bowls, or literally on school’s Piano Club, which holds coach of the MathCounts team 1st Team All-State. His academic dreams of becoming a medical the field, running cross-country. My annual benefit recitals for charity at the middle school. I am in the passion in high school is debate; he doctor – translating scientific theory passion for writing led me to work and provides piano tutoring sessions Model United Nations club and is the first four-time state champion into practical application, providing for my school’s newspaper, most for the students by the students. In on the varsity tennis team. In my in Open Policy debate in state hope to those in need. During his recently earning a trip to D.C. with the summer of 2008, I discovered free time, I enjoy playing soccer history, and this February qualified free time, Daniel enjoys playing the Institute of Peace based on an my interest in research during my and ultimate Frisbee, watching TV to the national tournament for the with his pet cat, writing blog entries, essay dealing with current genocide. research internship in microbial sitcoms (especially The Simpsons, third time. He has a passion for listening to Chinese music, fooling On a lighter note, I’ve had a blast genetics at the local university. I have The Office, and Red Dwarf ), and music, most notably seen through around with Photoshop, watching on the musical stage with roles also won various math competitions, listening to Bruce Springsteen, The his leading performances in school Korean dramas, and formulating ranging from lisping Winthrop in ran on my school’s cross country Clash, The Beatles, and Billy Joel. musicals. John has sought to do his – apparently with little success the Music Man to love struck Ching team, played in chamber orchestra, In addition, I am politically active best in everything he does, never – half-baked theories about female Ho in Thoroughly Modern Millie. and volunteered at the local and have enjoyed volunteering for satisfying for less than success. Most logic. Daniel is also a self-proclaimed The summer after my junior year, I hospital. In the future, whether I am Howard Dean, John Kerry, and importantly, John is grateful that he poet! An excerpt: “Alone in his was able to conduct research with performing a benefit piano recital for Barack Obama, and participating has a wonderful family, and knows room, he took a look around: / aphid populations and mathematical leisure, conducting scientific research in gay rights, pro-choice, and anti- that his parents deserve a large share Old binders, books, and clothes in modeling. I’m looking forward to at a university, or saving lives and war demonstrations. of the credit for his success. a mound. / He sighed and realized pursuing a career in biomedical learning everyday as a physician--my that there was still much work: / ‘I research at either Princeton or MIT goal in life is to pursue what I love, should clean up my room,’ he said this fall. help build towards a better society, with a smirk.” and live life to the fullest.

28 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

Jeffrey Lerman Helena Liu Henry Liu Kevin Luo Vishal Maini Deerfield, IL, Deerfield Little Rock, AR, Central Westerville, OH, Thomas Yorktown, Virginia, York Tempe, AZ, Corona del Sol High School High School Worthington High School High School High School College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Massachusetts College Plans: Princeton College Plans: Princeton College Plans: Yale University Institute of Technology University University or Stanford University I am busy, intelligent, self directed, Perhaps the most effective means disciplined and a voracious reader. I am no longer the broomstick- When I was younger, I loved Kevin is a continuously inquisitive by which I can convey the essence As the third of five children, I am toting wizard wannabe romping storytelling. My grandfather bought person. Learning something of my Self is by describing a small a superb negotiator and my life through the woods in search of me cassette tapes every week and I new and interesting has helped child in a forest searching for a is never boring. I am extremely unexplainable phenomena, plants would listen to them over and over prompt many of his activities and delicious fruit. This fruit cannot close with my family who has to use in magic potions, and bugs. again. When I came to the United accomplishments. As such, he has be described in words – indeed, provided great strength and Science has since supplanted magic, States at the age of six, I didn’t come to conduct numerous science it may not even exist – yet the inspiration to me. I like eating, and I’ve reluctantly relinquished know any English, but that didn’t projects in the field of computer appeal of the concept of this fruit, good music, films and Chicago my broomstick for the sake of stop me from reciting the stories to science (even working at a NASA its metaphysical form itself, is sports teams. My favorite author civility. Now, you’re more likely my teachers and classmates! In the internship this past summer), to so divinely sumptuous that the is William Faulkner; my favorite to find me brewing thermite future, I hope to become a software excel as a classical pianist winning child seeks it with an undying movie is The Usual Suspects; and ingredients, sifting through code, engineer or computer programmer, several awards, and to enjoy fervor. In his epic Pursuit of the my favorite Chicago Cub is Ernie or volunteering as a witch at a or maybe even an animator. I’ve competing in tennis and scholastic Fruit, the child encounters many Banks. I have had an incredible Halloween fundraiser. In spite always had a competitive spirit, bowl (state-qualifying team), and distractions and false paths along high school experience which of how time has redirected my participating in programs such as sometimes chess. In addition to the way, which occasionally lead included a summer studying activities, my sense of adventure Science Olympiad or the Ohio his many varied interests, he values to unpleasant bogs and hostile Spanish and doing community and wonder about the world still Math League. On the athletic side, service, devoting much of his woods, but far more frequently service in Nicaragua, managing dominates my motives, leading I enjoy playing soccer and ultimate time to volunteering at the local result in the discovery of wondrous my school newspaper, captaining me to anything from tutoring Frisbee with my friends, though nursing center, and also serving and mysteriously beautiful places my Scholastic bowl team, playing disadvantaged students to I must say my favorite outdoor with the local 2006-2007 Youth – glittering streams and serene volleyball and baseball, and running cross country. I’ve held activity is capture-the-flag. I also Commission as Vice Chair of the ponds, sunny clearings and participating in Model UN. I can’t plenty of leadership positions enjoy camping and climbing trees, Student Relations Committee. enchanting gardens. One day, he wait to begin college where I hope and participated in innumerable and I absolutely love the rain! Since September of 2007, he has finds a deep well mirroring the to study economics. contests and orchestral exploits, yet faced the challenge and hardship heavens above. He gazes into the I’m here wishing I could experience of his mother being diagnosed well, fascinated, when suddenly, time nonlinearly. Then, I could with, and then slowly recovering miraculously, he disappears. Where explore even more possibilities and from, cancer, through which he has is he? Who knows? better yet, help others gain a similar gained a deeper understanding, admiration for the world and its appreciation, and compassion for inner workings. life.

29 2009 Presidential Scholars

Christopher Maze John Nathan McDaniel Aaron Mead Maggie Millner Erin Mills Ranchester, WY, Tongue River Jonesboro, AR, Jonesboro Tea, SD, Roosevelt High School Cherry Valley, NY, Cherry Valley- Brewer, ME, Brewer High School High School High School College Plans: University Springfield Central School College Plans: Princeton College Plans: University of Idaho College Plans: Vanderbilt of Oklahoma College Plans: Brown University University University I am a Catholic Ninja/All-State I’m probably one of the oddest Maggie has been writing since Erin is a hardworking girl who loves Euphonium Player/Toeshoe- John was born on January 16th, 1991 people that you will ever meet. I am the age of three. Her poetry has a challenge in any area. While her wearing Broseph. I kick butt/torch in Jonesboro, Arkansas to parents entirely eccentric, yet alarmingly been published in eight literary biggest accomplishments are in the crème brulee/mountain bike James McDaniel and Connie Meeks. methodical. I don’t mind a magazines, including Syracuse field of academics, she also enjoys but I don’t hit straight drives to He attended Blessed Sacrament moderately messy environment, but University’s Stone Canoe. Maggie’s her musical, athletic, dramatic, the greens/pray the rosary every Elementary School, Douglas I need to be able to walk; pacing is writing has won many awards, service, and other extracurricular day/feed the beta fish. I enjoy easing MacArthur Junior High, and a frequent pastime of mine. I relish including first place in the pursuits. As the valedictorian of on down/kayaking/listening to the Jonesboro High School. As a high mischief on occasion. I strive for international Bennington College her class of 200, she loves being road (on a bike)/whitewater rapids/ school student, he was determined to perfection, as I see any product Young Writer’s Competition, an able to encourage and instruct her Jalan Crossland, The National seize every opportunity that crossed imbued with less than the creator’s NCTE Achievement Award, a classmates, and has tutored several Fingerpicking Banjo Champion. I his path. He excelled not only in the greatest efforts to be worthless. YoungARTS Silver Award and a students throughout high school. try to find contemplative silence/soft realm of academia, but also in the I will circumvent guidelines that Scholastic National Gold Award. She enjoys performing with the local cotton shirts/spare time during my fields of athletics, performing arts, inhibit my intentions. I will achieve Maggie has attended nine literary theatre group and being a part of day to help me cope with stress. I and leadership. John participated in whatever I set my mind to, and hate conferences nationwide, and is the Brewer High School swim team, am a man of many passions, striving track and field as a competitive runner being told that I cannot accomplish the editor-in-chief of her school’s but the highlight of her life is her to become a balanced individual. in the 800 meter run and 3200 something. My greatest fears literary magazine. She is also active summer job. Her volunteer position Last summer I had the opportunity meter relay. As a junior he played on include failure and disappointing in various choral, band, and jazz as Barn Staff at Living Waters Bible to travel to Ecuador with the the marching band drumline, and those depending on me. I spent the groups, participating in All-County Conference allows her to combine Experiment in International as a senior he was selected for the last few years exploring healthcare and Area All-State groups annually. two of her greatest passions: horses Living for five weeks. I work as a honorable position of drum major. careers and biology. Somehow She has played lead roles in her and teaching. Whether leading trail groundskeeper and lifeguard, to As drum major, John led the band surviving the deluge of homework school’s theatrical productions and rides or teaching horsemanship make money for gas and personal to many competition victories while a second consecutive year of 5 AP played four years of varsity soccer lessons, Erin’s enthusiasm is what expenses through the school year. he himself earned many awards classes brings, I serve as the Chair of and track. Maggie will major in stands out the most. Her goal in I mentor several students both in for his leadership. In addition to the Teenage Republicans. Literary Arts at Brown University. life is to “do everything as unto the and out of school to help them find his leadership as drum major, John Lord,” and that means with a smile. wholesome activities. eagerly participated in JHS student government and was elected president of the student council in his senior year. John appreciates most academic pursuits, but his true passions include travel, linguistics, history, business, and biology.

30 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

Julia A. Kellman God Travels by Train... digital image, archival inkjet print 19” x 13”

31 2009 Presidential Scholars

Daniel Mitra Lucia Mocz Jared Moffat Evanne Montoya Jesse Nee-Vogelman Woodstock Valley, CT, Woodstock Mililani, HI, Mililani High School Jackson, MS, Jackson Louisville, CO, Monarch Santa Rosa, CA, Elsie Allen Academy College Plans: Harvard College Preparatory School High School High School College Plans: City College of New College Plans: Brown University College Plans: Whitworth College Plans: Harvard College York or Columbia University I have always had a passion for University learning. My academic curiosity Philosophy, my passion, is both Jesse’s motto has always been “You’ve Daniel Mitra, 17, is a native of extends to any subject, but my an art and a science. Rigorous are Evanne was co-Editor in Chief of gotta throw both cheeks in the Woodstock Valley, CT and is a special interest lies in mathematics, the tests of logic, but beautiful her high school newspaper, and ring, baby,” and it is in that spirit senior at Woodstock Academy. computer science, and music. At my are the metaphors. Rather than is excited to pursue a career in that he has pursued everything in Dan primarily is a tap dancer but school, I am the president of the being mere academic interests, journalism. Evanne’s other interests his life. Always a promoter of a is accomplished in hip-hop as well. math team and captain of the science introspection and wisdom, the include writing poetry and dancing. healthy body, Jesse has been active Dan is a member of the TapCity bowl team. I participated in several wrestling and constant struggle She does many forms of dance but in wrestling, baseball, and, of course, Youth Ensemble of New York national and international math with the most preeminent questions will always be a ballerina at heart, the harrowing sport of table tennis. City and 4mula1, a Boston based and science competitions, including of human existence, compose mostly because she feels ridiculous Jesse also has a passion for music, hip-hop crew. He has won the the Intel International Science and the substance of my present and when attempting hip-hop. She and has played piano for several American Tap Dance Foundation’s Engineering Fair and the Siemens future. I like to think of my life is very involved with her church, years. He also can almost play the Tap Future Award, Outstanding Competition for Math, Science, and as both an act of artistic creation and has been on mission trips to guitar and has said that “with a gun Youth Tapper Award from the Technology, and won numerous and careful calculation, a balancing Montana, Juarez and Ensenada, to his head he could probably play Borough of Brooklyn, Best Dancer awards. Additionally, I have taken act between spontaneity and Mexico and Mandeville, Jamaica, a few songs on a trumpet.” Despite Award from Central Connecticut several Advanced Placement and responsible planning. Every artist where she acquired skills such as doing all this, Jesse also finds time State University, and Silver Award college courses in math and science. needs training, and every scientist stuccoing, participating in concrete to pursue his passion for theater, from the National Foundation I am also a violinist in Hawaii’s needs creativity. An overwhelming bucket lines, and entertaining small having written several one act scripts for Advancement in the Art’s highest level youth symphony and desire to effect positive change in children. She also was a part of including the award winning “Land youngARTS competition. Dan the concertmaster of my school’s the world underlies both themes of her church’s high school choir, Salt Of Sunshine and Bananas.” Jesse has been featured in the press such string ensemble and symphony my personality. I want, most of all, and Light, which puts on benefit hopes in the future to “be an actor as Dance Teacher Magazine. He orchestra. In university I plan to to be the catalyst of a chain reaction concerts and goes on service and or something, or maybe some sort was a soloist at Amateur Night pursue these subjects and hope to in which human empathy and music orientated tours. Though she of sciencey dude.” Jesse feels that at the Apollo, and was a member one day become a math professor enlightenment spreads out is sad to be leaving her lifelong home the biggest problem with the world of the Legacy Dance Company or computer scientist. While from concentrated sources and of Colorado, she’s ready to see where is that people take life WAY from Lexington, MA. Dan will be contributing to the advancement of pervades the entire zeitgeist. this new chapter of her life takes her. too seriously. attending either the City College of mathematical sciences, my goal is Philosophy should not be delegated New York or the School of General also to teach a future generation to “experts.” Philosophy needs to Studies at Columbia, which will of students. be democratized. allow him to pursue a professional career in dance while attaining a degree.

32 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

Emily Ngan Elan Nguyen Stephanie Nicholson Omosola O. Odetunde Ridge Olivieri Morgantown, WV, Trinity Bradenton, FL, Saint Stephen’s Camas, WA, Camas Senior Pearland, TX, Pearland San Juan, PR, Saint Christian School Episcopal School High School High School John’s School College Plans: Duke University College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Stanford College Plans: Stanford University College Plans: University of University North Carolina at Chapel Hill Throughout my academic career, I am the oddball in my family. Omosola wishes there were more I have remained steadfast to a Physically, it is clear why. Only When I was four years old, I hours in the day to accomplish I enjoy flying, scuba diving, singular motto: Participate in all my Dad surpasses me in height. decided that I would become a everything that she wants and traveling, reading and writing. I areas of life, may it be art, athletics, My mom and even my two sisters, scientist. So, I caught a “fuzzy- hopes to do, but has attempted to constantly strive for the best in or academics, but in everything, who are 7 and 13 years older than wuzzy caterpillar” from the do her best with the little time that everything I do, be it as a pilot pursue nothing less than excellence. me, have to look up to talk to me. abandoned lot next door, put it in she has. This year, her first year in the cockpit, a student in the I have developed this motto Also unlike the rest of my family, I a cage, and waited anxiously for in Academic Decathlon, she was classroom or an Eagle Scout in because I firmly believe in being love sports. I used to play football my beautiful butterfly. Out came the Texas State Silver Medalist in the wilderness. No stranger to a well-rounded individual who with the neighborhood kids, a hideous, furry moth. But, my the Honor division, and medaled foreign lands, I love to travel and contributes a ‘dime’ rather than a watch SportsCenter 24/7, and simple childhood experiment made at nationals. She has a myriad of have visited many countries all ‘penny.’ I have avidly participated collect baseball cards. These days, me fall irrevocably in love with interests including playing the over the world. As an athlete, I’ve in academic competitions, I devote my energy towards just science, and since then I have never trombone, which she has pursued for participated in Cross Country student council, community one sport – basketball – and hope looked back. My most interesting six years; teaching Sunday School running and competitive service, orchestra, dance, varsity to play competitively in college. scientific experience was interning to preschoolers; Future Problem Swimming at my school. This volleyball, and studio art, and have But what’s most puzzling to my at a nuclear reactor, and in the Solving, in which she is a three-time last year my swim team made the prided myself in receiving many family is that I do not obsess over future, I hope to research autism. Texas State Champion; Academic championships, and I won first accolades and awards. From being movies like they do. In spite of our Besides science, I am passionate Decathlon; Youth Group; multiple place in the 50 meter freestyle. nominated an All-state volleyball differences, however, my family about volunteer work and planning committees; honor player to being valedictorian of my and I get along just fine. In fact, education. I spent last year serving societies, in two of which she has graduating class, I am convinced they made me who I am, and I as the Governor of the Pacific held or currently holds an officer that it is possible to bridge the owe my accomplishments to their Northwest District of Key Club position; the Spanish language, gap between ‘jock’ and ‘nerd.’ unconditional love and support International, and as Governor, I which she has studied for four years, Through my participation in a over all those years. implemented a literacy initiative. In earning awards at competitions; wealth of activities, I am able to my free time, I love to be outdoors, and participating in her favorite do what I enjoy while developing or discover tasty new restaurants in sport, gymnastics. She was also my character as a well-rounded the city with friends. given the honor of being named to individual and a contributor to the Texas All-State Academic team. society. Her schedule is equally as hectic as it is exciting for her. She plans on majoring in Computer Science and ultimately becoming a programmer for educational software.

33 2009 Presidential Scholars

Zach Osborn Leann Nicole Osterkamp Avalon Owens Marissa Pan Andrew Peters Bonn, Germany, Bonn Boulder, CO, Boulder Boise, ID, Centennial High School Alpharetta, GA, Alpharetta Rochester, MN, Mayo International School High School College Plans: Princeton High School High School College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: The Juilliard University College plans: Harvard College College Plans: Carleton College, School Northfield, MN Coming from a military family, When Avalon was growing up, When Marissa was five years old, her Zach grew up all over the world. Leann is a scholar who lives for she loved to read about grand science experiments involving mud I might have trouble deciding His family’s frequent moves meant music. She believes most of life’s adventures in fantastic worlds. and earthworms in the kitchen were on a college major: fields I enjoy that he was constantly learning lessons and self-discovery can Now the real world is too exciting, not met with much enthusiasm from include physics, biology, math, to adapt to new circumstances happen with the 88 keys of a and demanding, for her to spend her mother. Thankfully, these days classics, and languages/linguistics. and challenges. His high school piano. Her journey has led her to much time on escapism: she has she is having a bit more luck – her (For the last, I participated in the education alone took place in performances across the United been involved in Idaho’s Academic extensive neuroscience research in North American Computational schools as far flung as California, States and Italy. Along the way she Decathlon and Competitive Speech circadian rhythm has taken her to Linguistics Olympiad.) I have also Germany, and southern Spain. has won or received top honors programs for three years each, and the Intel International Science and competed in the state finals of While some might balk in such in many competitions. Highlights she is also involved in National Engineering Fair and allowed her Knowledge Bowl for three years. a situation, Zach relishes the have been winning the Schlern Honors Society, her school’s human the honor of National Semifinalist Some of my favorite pastimes are adventure. He views every new International Music Festival rights and environmental clubs in the Siemens Competition. In composing and playing music – I’ve experience as both a challenge to Competition in Italy and being a (as well as a club that produces an addition to science, another one of played the piano for twelve years and conquer and an opportunity to seize. “Rising Young Star” in a Colorado annual art and literary magazine), Marissa’s passions is dance. She is the French horn for seven, and I’m Zach has excelled at numerous Symphony Orchestra Gala. She has cycling, running, tennis, and various a member of the professional ballet active in my school band. For the sports including Volleyball, Baseball, won several awards in the Music types of art. Though her interests company North Atlanta Dance last few years, several friends and Golf, and Water Polo, and in his Teachers National Association’s cover a wide spectrum, her greatest Theater, and her favorite roles to I have helped to run and expand senior year he was elected Captain competitions, including being a passion is science. She wants to perform have been Dewdrop Fairy in the newly formed Youth United of his Cross-Country team. He national finalist. Most recently major in biology in college, with the Nutcracker and Esmeralda from program, a branch of Habitat for serves as Treasurer in his school’s she was awarded a 2009 NFAA the intent of becoming a genetic the eponymous ballet. In school, Humanity in which we construct a Student Council, and is a Model youngARTS Silver award in music. engineer, and minor in Mandarin Marissa is an integral member house each year. I also love drawing United Nations Delegate, and She has spent summers at the Chinese. She has two goldfish, of Student Council, President of and taking photographs – you might an Eagle Scout. His experience Schlern International Music Festival Scylla and Europe, whom she credits Medical Club, and President of imagine the Minnesotan landscape as a designer and fabricator on and the Bowdoin International with all of her successes. Spanish National Honor Society. too desolate for that last hobby, but I his FIRST Robotics Team has Music Festival. Leann has played in She actively volunteers in the think my home state is beautiful. motivated him to pursue a degree in numerous Master Classes with some Hispanic community, and her most Mechanical Engineering. of the world’s leading pianists. She fulfilling endeavor this year was has expanded her musical journey to create a tutoring program for into jazz piano, composition, and Spanish-speaking students. Marissa orchestral conducting. also enjoys working as a live and print model, pilates, eating, travel, and poetry.

34 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

Anne Pfeifle Elizabeth Phillips Nathan Prillaman Xin “Kathy” Qian Ryan Ragaglia Rapid City, South Dakota, Anchorage, AK, West Anchorage Potomac, MD, Richard Solon, OH, Solon High School Cheyenne, WY, Cheyenne Stevens High School High School Montgomery High School College Plans: University of Central High School College Plans: Yale University or College Plans: Massachusetts College Plans: Yale University Pennsylvania College Plans: Brown University Augustana College Institute of Technology or the University of Wyoming Nathan is a serious student, A self-described sushi fanatic and As an avid runner, I have loved A life-long Alaskan, Elizabeth composer of classical music, and flaming hot cheeto addict, Kathy Ryan has had many successes competing for my high school dedicates herself to a variety of performer. He is currently in is a passionate piano player and in both academic and extra- cross country and track teams pursuits. A delegate in Model the International Baccalaureate an avid fan of forensic science. curricular endeavors. He was since eighth grade. When I’m not United Nation for three years, she Program at Richard Montgomery Her latest project, Pass the selected as a National Merit training, I play my cello in our was a 2009 Committee Director High School in Rockville Maryland Pulse, is a community outreach Finalist, a Presidential Scholar school orchestra, in the community and awarded “Most Outstanding where he is active in the music initiative which aims to increase Semi-Finalist, and an AP Scholar orchestra, with other Suzuki Delegate” in the 2009 Alaska program and music scene as a organ donation awareness in with Honor. He is involved in students, or for fundraisers, such Model UN Conference. An Honor performer on piano, bass, clarinet the Northeast Ohio region, and many clubs and organizations as the annual Messiah concert at Society member and President and guitar, as an arranger, as a the group has been featured in and performs a leadership role Christmas. In between fundraisers of her school’s Mu Alpha Theta band leader, and as composer, all in numerous newspapers throughout in many of those organizations. and track practice, my co-president chapter, she tutors students in both various ensembles playing various the area. In her spare time, Kathy He is his Senior Class Secretary, and I represent our class on student math and Spanish. Starting 3 years genres of music. He is also an Eagle enjoys web design, volleyball, and Chair of the Cheyenne Mayor’s council making decisions about ago on West’s varsity rifle “A” team Scout with a bronze palm, and is aspiring to grow taller. She has led Youth Council, Vice-President of graduation, class activities and as “most improved,” she finished junior assistant scoutmaster in Boy her team to numerous national Art Club, a member of National service projects. Outside of school, this year as Co-Captain in addition Scout troop 1434. finishes as Captain of Science Honor Society, and a performer I relish improv competition with to four years on her school’s state Olympiad and Future Problem in his school’s Drama Team. One Destination Imagination. While I champion varsity tennis team. Solving, as well as been a successful of Ryan’s main extra-curricular enjoy all these activities, my true Extremely active in Anchorage international extemporaneous interests is the oboe, and he was favorite is reading. By the time I Youth Court, she provides “justice speaker and Vice President of selected as the 2009 Wyoming All- was ten, I had read all the books on for youth by youth,” serving as Speech and Debate and an attorney State Orchestra’s Principle Oboist. snakes in the local library. I hope to the President, leading attorney, and Secretary of Mock Trial. He plans to major in International continue to pursue these interests presiding judge, Board of Directors Relations major with a focus on in college, combining them into a Co-Chair , and Ethics Board Bar European Politics, and to possibly major or career that I could pursue Counsel. She plays the flute in minor in Performing Music at the rest of my life. her school’s symphonic band, and either Brown University or the loves playing with her dog and University of Wyoming. gardening. She plans to study biological engineering and pursue a career in international advocacy.

35 2009 Presidential Scholars

Mariana Ramírez de Arellano Brian Reiser Elizabeth Rodenbough Rebecca Roelofs Annemarie E. Ryu Guaynabo, PR, Saint Seattle, WA, Lakeside School Greensboro, NC, Grimsley Hockessin, DE, The Charter Rochester, MN, Mayo John’s School College Plans: Princeton High School School of Wilmington High School College Plans: Harvard College University College Plans: University of North College Plans: Undecided College Plans: Harvard College Carolina at Chapel Hill This year I am president of the My broad range of interests matches Pursuing what I believe in and am Annie wonders whether she should Student Council and president of the equally diverse experiences in My interests range far and wide, passionate about has led me down stop trying to prioritize since she Model United Nations Club and I my life. Living in Europe for five from environmental activism to some of the most challenging and tries to do her best at everything, am involved in the National Honor years, during which time the Euro classical music to working with rewarding pathways of my life. I regardless of its given rank. Annie Society and Junior State of America was introduced, started my interest classmates on a Rally for Darfur. I love the outdoors, from sailing on has excelled in tennis, captaining Club. Aside from clubs, I fundraise in languages and foreign affairs. love to dance, to run, to write and to the Chesapeake Bay to backpacking her team to the state finals and for students in public primary After moving to Seattle, I developed hang out with my friends. Playing through the Appalachian Mountains winning the doubles championship, schools in Cambodia through a a strong interest in math after only piano and violin occupy much of to a quick stroll through my local in music, as the concertmaster of cookie company I started three years a few months of math class under my time outside school. Mission nature preserve. I have carried my the Southeastern Minnesota Youth ago. One of my most memorable Ms. Kol, my seventh-grade math trips with my church have taken passion for the environment over to Orchestra, and in a myriad of other experiences was last summer, when I teacher. Many of my other interests, me from the soups kitchens of DC my academic pursuits: last summer extracurricular activities ranging was able to teach the students I was such as piano and Boy Scouts, to the casinos of Atlantic City to my Envirothon team took first from researching gene expression helping out in Cambodia and see have similar roots in my life and the mountains of Chiapas, Mexico. place at the International Canon in cancers at the Mayo Clinic to what my fundraising helped achieve. the interconnectedness of these are Summers growing up in NC Envirothon and I was also able to organizing events and fundraisers In my spare time, I enjoy practicing highlighted. The same skills I use meant hiking and backpacking the conduct research on the invasive as president of her school’s student yoga and cooking for and spending in coaching a fifth-grade math club mountains or kayaking the Outer wetland plant, phragmites australis, government and Spanish club. time with my family and friends. helped me earn my Eagle Scout Banks with an environmental camp at the University of Delaware. Annie credits her achievements to After college, I plan on attaining award. The same organizational program. I also founded my own day In addition to these activities, I her supportive family, friends, and a joint degree in Business and skills I use in my work with the camp for young children when I was also play the violin in my school’s teachers, and a vital combination International Law to keep serving Middle School Science Olympiad in middle school, and “Camp Libby” orchestra, tutor elementary students of optimism and aspiration. Annie the world community. team are equally applicable in my was a part of my summers thereafter. in science fair projects, am captain is thoroughly enjoying life and work as Vice-President of the The third of four children, I value of the Science Olympiad team, and appreciating the challenges that it state Junior Classical League Latin family and friends most of all. My participate in many environmental- offers. She hopes to, in the future, convention. It is this dynamic life will make a positive difference related community service activities, write a novel, play in a reputable between different but interwoven in the world, and I am eagerly such as road clean-ups and bird orchestra, advance human welfare interests that characterizes my own anticipating the future. banding. In college, I plan to major with a scientific discovery, and passions in engineering. partner with Captain Planet to halt and accomplishments. damage to the environment.

36 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

Meagan C. Jenigen Ghosted Roots graphite on paper 30” x 20”

37 2009 Presidential Scholars

Lucas San Juan Hunter Sceats Grace Serio Clare Sestanovich Konlin Shen Dover, NH, Dover High School Colorado Springs, CO, Cheyenne Madison, MS, St. Andrew’s Washington, DC, Sidwell Logan, UT, Logan High School College Plans: Wesleyan Mountain High School Episcopal School Friends School College Plans: Harvard College University College Plans: California Institute College Plans: Rice University College Plans: Yale University of Technology Konlin is a mixture of academics, First and foremost, I am a writer I am not trying to change the There are a thousand labels I might classical music, and “raw” hip hop. and a filmmaker. I have written and Although hardly such an epic world but just want to keep it from pick for myself; the most mundane, As the math club and MESA directed short films that have been traveler, Mr. Sceats finds a great deal losing its culinary edge! I am on a yet perhaps most meaningful, presidents, orchestra concert master, viewed by over 12,000 people and of kinship with Tennyson’s “Ulysses” mission to get both guys and girls is simply “student.” Since I left and self-taught breakdancer and presented at the New Hampshire in his desire to “drink life to the into the kitchen to teach them how kindergarten twelve years ago, rapper, Konlin is definitely not your High School Short Film Festival. lees”: he seeks to plumb its depths to cook. While I have never had the daily excitement of going to average high school student. He For the past three years, I have been with weighted line and search out cable television in my home, I learn school has inevitably faded but, took first place overall in the Utah the director of Dover High School’s the dark corners of the world. His by watching cooking shows while in many ways, learning has never State Academic Olympiad, and annual film festival. I am the New interests lie in the realm of science, exercising at the gym and therefore ceased to feel like some kind of consistently ranks in the top three Media Director for the Tide, DHS’s particularly polymer chemistry, but broaden my cooking repertoire one thrill-seeking. Biology may not in the Utah State Math Contest. student run newspaper. As New he enjoys studying Late Antiquity mile at a time. My love of cooking be as conventionally thrilling as Konlin started playing violin at five, Media Director, I covered the 2008 Western Europe as well as the also encompasses my passion for parachuting, but there are certainly and has soloed five times with local presidential election, receiving press Korean martial art of Tae Kwon Do. travel as I love to sample local foods educational adventures to be had orchestras and has been a member clearances to film news videos of a A born-and-raised Coloradoan, he when in a new city. I am learning – inside and outside the classroom. of the All-State Orchestra three Barack Obama campaign speech values his proximity with nature a to speak Italian and hope to travel Inside, I’ve discovered I’m an times. In addition, Konlin has been and a Sarah Palin rally. I have been great deal and spends his time there to Florence someday to practice American history buff (especially dancing for four years, and has a practicing martial artist for the traversing canyons and mountains, pediatric medicine and continue to anything Supreme Court-related) performed for many events. Konlin past eight years and have attained as well as participating in the explore my Italian ancestry. Back who’s interested in Genetics. is also the Online Editor of the the rank of First Degree Black Belt encompassing challenge that is big home in Mississippi, as co-founder Outside, I’ve buried myself in good Logan High “Grizzly” newspaper, in Shaolin Kenpo Karate. This fall, game hunting. and president of my high school books, tested the waters as an a senior class officer, a GED Tutor, I will attend Wesleyan University, Environmental Club, I lead my peers amateur short-story writer, learned and a critter care specialist at the where I plan to major in in recycling and conservation efforts. the details of Icelandic glaciology Stokes Nature Center. He is a Film Studies from the experts, contributed to recipient of the Siemens Award for my first art show, and turned into a Advanced Placement and hopes to running fanatic. I’m looking forward become an applied scientist. to more lessons – and of course, more thrills.

38 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

Patrick Short Yookyeong Carolyn Sim Anne Song Janet Song Philip Vidal Streich Raleigh, NC, Jesse O. Sanderson Seoul, S. Korea, Indian Hudson, OH, Western Audubon, PA, Methacton Platteville, WI, Home School High School Springs School Reserve Academy High School College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: University of College Plan: Princeton College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Harvard College North Carolina at Chapel Hill University or Massachusetts or Yale University I’ve always loved science, and Institute of Technology Janet is driven to explore the living on a farm is like having my Patrick is never afraid to seek Anne loves challenges and loves to intricacies of life. A laboratory own giant laboratory. In seventh Research requires investigation, new challenges and explore new have fun, and she has found that intern since her sophomore year, grade I began home schooling analysis and publication. As the eye avenues. As Drum Major of the she can achieve both in many ways Janet was an Intel Science Talent for greater challenge. Since ninth of a storm is peaceful and calm, I Marching Band, Patrick led the – through academics, athletics, Search finalist and a Davidson grade I’ve taken undergraduate and was able to get a new perspective Marching Spartans to the first arts, research, extracurriculars, and Fellow. Her constant desire graduate courses and conducted by standing at the center of Grand Champion trophy in seven service. In academics, Anne loves all to expand the breadth of her research at the University of the entire research process. years, a goal they worked very the disciplines, particularly those knowledge has led to research on Wisconsin-Platteville. Research My research on Frequency- hard to achieve. Last year, Patrick involving problem-solving and the early detection of cancer and has been my most intellectually dependent Characteristics of was named the Most Outstanding using logic and creativity to find brain volumetric methodologies, thrilling and sheer fun experience Terahertz Radiation has been Player on the Sanderson Tennis a solution. On the athletic field, the latter of which she studied as I’ve disproved generally held recognized by an SCI journal, Team and led the Sanderson Math Anne plays soccer, basketball, and at the Research Science Institute assumptions and made “patent “Current Applied Physics.” As Team as President. Patrick values runs track. Her favorite is soccer, where she was named one of the pending” discoveries published the first author, I implied the physical fitness very much and and in her senior year, she was top five presenters. Although Janet in Advanced Materials and the clinical application of terahertz enjoys running and lifting weights named to the NSCAA Scholar All- is a scientist at heart, she also seeks “Editor’s Choice” section of technology for tissue classification. to cross train for tennis. In his America team – one of thirty-five to serve her community. She is Science, befriended fascinating I hope my contribution can help community, Patrick has made a student-athletes in the country to president of Mock Trials and the “science-kids” from around the the development of the terahertz large impact as Student Council receive the honor. She also plays Tri-M Music Honor Society and world, co-founded a company, endoscopic probe to eliminate Vice President, National Honor the clarinet in the school band. teaches her peers about HIV/ and won fantastic awards totaling the painful biopsy procedures. Society Volunteer, and Church This past summer, Anne worked as AIDS and eating disorders through almost $250,000, including the top Research especially helped me to Youth Board member. Patrick has an intern and conducted research Peer Connections. Furthermore, award at the Intel International get in touch with areas outside a very curious mind and enjoys with the Department of General Janet often plays piano at a local Science Fair. I also love music – of academics, such as personal inventing and dreaming up new Pediatrics at the Cleveland Clinic’s nursing home and was a finalist in from Bach to Coltrane to Hendrix responsibility and team work. Even ideas. Patrick will be taking a Gap Main Campus. She participates in the American Fine Arts Festival. In – and politics, where I was elected though the entire research process Year to learn Mandarin in China her school’s Academic Challenge the future, she hopes to become a Treasurer of the Democratic Party was at times frustrating, through and teach in Guatemala. Patrick team and Forensics Club, and biomedical researcher and join the of Grant County. My dream is to this experience I discovered my will enroll at the University of she loves helping others through fight against diseases like autism combine science and politics to interest in bio-medical research and North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a various volunteering activities. or cancer. help solve some of our most realized how satisfying scientific Morehead-Cain Scholar in the fall daunting problems, not least research can be. of 2010. global warming.

39 2009 Presidential Scholars

William Sun Amy Tai Robert Tamai Anish Tilak Devyn Tyler Chesterfield, MO, Parkway Tulsa, OK, Oklahoma School of Honolulu, HI, ‘Iolani School Lawton, OK, Eisenhower Pearland, TX, The High School Central High School Science and Mathematics College Plans: Harvard College High School for the Performing and Visual Arts College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: University of College Plans: Columbia Robert Tamai can always be found Southern California University Like many five-year olds, I was I want to do everything and around campus with a smile on his fascinated with space exploration. anything. Although I consider face. At ‘Iolani, he is a proconsul Anish. Oh Anish. The last eighteen Devyn is originally from New However, rather than aspiring to myself a mathematician, I am also (student body president) and an years have seen him through some Orleans, Louisiana; however, become an astronaut, I instead was a moralist and a musician, a writer enthusiastic participant in the great times. He was born in Bombay, she relocated to Houston after inspired by the masterful Ed Harris, and an orator, an astronomer and a school’s student government. Robert India and raised in Oklahoma. Thus, losing everything in Hurricane who played the Mission Control programmer. Despite these broad is a member and team captain of he has grown up to appreciate the Katrina. She studies theater, has Director in Apollo 13. Though my interests, I am a well-balanced both the varsity tennis and cross diversity of the human experience. a passion for French, and loves to interests have markedly shifted individual, and I know what I country teams. In addition to his He is passionate about helping read. Devyn is a member of the since then, I still retain a passion want to do, my position in society, leadership roles, Robert plays in others and strives to accomplish his International Thespian Society, for integrating leadership and and my strengths and weaknesses. the school’s top orchestra and goals. Although he has an easygoing National Honor Society, and the the sciences. I have published my My life is a journey of personal is on the yearbook staff. He is a personality, he is constantly American Leadership Forum. research in Nature Chemical Biology cultivation, during which I share National Merit Scholar, Cum Laude searching for new challenges, Along with her school work, she as co-first author and was awarded any newly acquired happiness and Society member, and recipient new experiences. He is his high also has years of film and television second place in the Intel Science understanding with others. Further, of the school’s Top Scholar and school’s Student Body President, experience; her resume include Talent Search. At the same time, I believe there is a disturbing Headmaster’s List distinctions. In Homecoming King, and Key Club roles in The Great Debaters and The I enjoy foreign policy debate and incompetency in a singular, static 2007, he attended the HOBY World Treasurer. He thrives on creativity Curious Case of Benjamin Button. politics; I had the opportunity of existence, so I continuously seek Leadership Congress as the Hawaii and is an avid photographer/artist. Her latest accomplishments are participating in Boys Nation over people with whom I can exchange representative. Robert has two older He hopes to be an architect one her unforgettable experience with the summer. As president of our interesting stories and nontrivial sisters and two very loving parents day. But just to clarify, he does not the youngARTS program and National Honor Society, I planned trivia. If I can achieve an inner and would like to thank them for all want to be the typical architect. He her acceptance into Columbia events that raised money for cancer equilibrium by studying subjects of their support and encouragement wants to make a difference in the University. Theater is one of research and organized volunteers to that I love or playing music or over the last eighteen years. Aloha! way people live. He plans to build the things that Devyn can truly help around the community. When cooking scrumptious meals, why simple, affordable, yet innovative and embrace, and studying theater has I’m not glued to C-SPAN watching can’t others? environmentally friendly, structures been fundamental to her growth as quorum calls, I love playing cello for those who currently live in an actor as well as a person. She is and pickup basketball games with unfortunate circumstances. I hope thankful for her parents; they have friends. the world is ready for this kid! taught her to live without limits.

40 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

Mark Vander Schaaf David Wagner Ilana Walder-Biesanz Anne Wang Camille A. Wasden Westfield, NJ, Union County Sparks, NV, Spanish Springs Portland, OR, Riverdale Omaha, NE, Millard North Layton, UT, Northridge Magnet High School High School High School High School High School College Plans: Rice University College Plans: Brigham Young College Plans: Franklin W. Olin College Plans: University of College Plans: Massachusetts University at Provo College of Engineering Pennsylvania Institute of Technology I’ve yet to discover exactly what I’ll do in the future, but I’d like Henry David Thoreau would When given one word to describe Pablo Picasso stated, “Some As a curious child, Camille never to continue my family tradition often walk in hopes of discovering myself, I pick “polymath.” painters turn the sun into a yellow hesitated to ask, “How does it of working to improve the world “an absolutely new prospect,” Everything interests me. I build dot, others turn a yellow dot into work?” She continues in her quest somehow, not as a diplomat, which was “a great happiness” robots, argue cases for mock the sun.” Throughout my life, I for knowledge, always wanting to minister, teacher or social worker, to him. To seek and discover trial, answer trivia questions as have attempted to turn yellow dots understand the world around her. like my family, but as a scientist the new is also a great source captain of the science bowl team, into suns. In kindergarten, that Camille loves voice, dance, and and engineer. I’m curious about of pleasure to me. As an Eagle play defense on the soccer team, meant finger painting expressionist piano. She has performed lead nanotechnology, molecular biology, Scout, I associate my knowledge speak three languages (English, artworks. In later years, that meant roles in several school musicals, her organic chemistry, engineering with service opportunities. I have Spanish, and Japanese), and delving into the worlds of pencils most memorable being Fantine in entrepreneurship and more, and taught myself to play viola and act, sing, and dance. I spend my and pastels, black and white keys, “Les Miserables.” Having lived in hope to create revolutionary piano competitively. My father’s summers polishing my drama skills civilized argumentation (debate), Japan for 6 years as a child, Camille materials that will help solve heritage has encouraged me to in Shakespeare acting intensives, and peer tutoring, putting my speaks Japanese. This experience human problems. I love Ultimate learn Spanish, which I speak teaching elementary school (in own twist on the world. I am helps her connect with her heritage, Frisbee, rock-climbing, snorkeling, conversantly at home and abroad. Spanish) in Honduran two-room curious and eager, and very much since her grandmother is from hiking, woodworking, time with I will apply all of these skills on a schoolhouses, or helping design spontaneous. I have attempted Okinawa. Math and science have friends and family, Thai food, two-year mission, just as I apply hands-on math exhibits for my yoga, track, ice-skating, hip-hop been especially rewarding for music, exploring new places, and them now. I love to read. Of late, state science museum. In my dance, and paintball. I’ve recently Camille, with experiences ranging meeting people. The words of the I have developed an affinity for free time, I philosophize with received my diploma in the art of from friendships formed in AP poet, Mary Oliver, “Tell me, what Plato, who taught me that learning friends, sing Broadway and opera square dancing, and studied in a classes to a NASA article award. is it you plan to do with your one is endless. This fall, my unending tunes around the house, and read grocery store with my IB family. In She enjoys applying her knowledge wild and precious life?” run through walk takes me to BYU, where I will Romantic-era literature. Though recent years, I’ve researched PTKs to solve real-life problems, and my mind when I think about the pursue my double major in physical I plan to major in engineering, I’ll at the Research Science Institute finds happiness in service. Camille future, all the while staying open science and music. I plan to earn a continue pursuing my passions for and depression medication has held leadership positions in to discovery, because my life is PhD, from which I will teach and languages, linguistics, cognitive at Creighton Medical Center. National Honor Society, advanced unpredictable, and I like it that way. research at the collegiate level. science, philosophy, theater, Whether I am delving into the choirs, and her church youth group. literature, and education. I haven’t mysteries of science or expressing Her Swedish great-grandmother’s yet decided whether I’m going to myself through art, I have many words say it all: “Life is beautiful, teach, build multilingual robots, more yellow dots to change. but you have to keep working at it!” run the U.S. Department of Education, or be the international spokesperson for NASA.

41 2009 Presidential Scholars

Jeanette Wat Annie Wentzell Nathaniel Patrick West Emily White Tyler Christian White Exeter, NH, Phillips Exeter Ocean Springs, MS, Mississippi Upper Arlington, OH, Upper Lewisville, TX, Lewisville Crystal Lake, IL, Crystal Lake Academy School of the Arts Arlington High School High School Central High School College Plans: Rice University College Plans: Maryland Institute College Plans: The Curtis Institute College Plans: Brigham Young College Plans: Stanford College of Art of Music University University, Yale University, or As a kid, Jeanette loved to play University of Michigan musical chairs, partly because she A modern day adventurer, Annie My goal is to be the principal bassist Emily has a great love for knowledge liked the prizes (usually chocolate Wentzell sometimes drives out of a major orchestra. I’ve challenged and scholarship. She has been I pride myself on being passionate cakes), but mostly because she into the country simply to get lost. myself on a daily basis to develop named a National Merit Scholar, and involved. I’m always chasing a enjoyed figuring out her chances With a camera in hand, she wanders the skills needed to study at a top Finalist for Denton Area Youth colossal ambition, often working of winning from the length of through ghost towns and abandoned conservatory and I’ve come to Leader of the Year, A Honor Roll, late into the night to realize the the music. The mathematician theme parks exploring forgotten believe that dreams can be achieved state qualifier for UIL Literary unimaginable. When I’m not in her led her to qualify twice places. Until she began attending if you dedicate yourself to realizing Criticism, 6-medal winner in building to a framework of ideas, for the USA Math Olympiad an arts boarding school, horse back them. I received scholarships to Academic Octathlon and current I can be found listening to or and complete graduate-level riding, doodling and wandering in attend both Interlochen Center President of Academic Decathlon. singing Korean pop music. My studies in Abstract Algebra at the the woods consumed Annie’s life. for the Arts and Aspen Music She enjoys tutoring other students, Kpop obsession led me to create a University of Chicago. She has Since going to her rural Mississippi Festival. Recently, I participated especially in math. As Woodwind youtube video, which got me invited also been fascinated by science and art school, Annie has developed in the NFAA 2009 youngARTS Captain in her high school band, to New York to meet the group research, attending the Research groundbreaking methods for week and was awarded first prize Emily spends many hours in what is and perform on stage with them. Science Institute and becoming a securing pennies to railroad tracks in the 2009 ASTA National Solo – for her – a labor of love, helping On my weekends I volunteer with Semifinalist in both the Siemens and a love for photography. Her Competition. Last year, I performed other students hone their musical Big Brothers Big Sisters, and can and Intel Science Competitions. As interest in exploring has encouraged on NPR’s “From the Top” radio show skills. In what little spare time she be found playing basketball or at Vice President of Chemistry Club her to pursue photojournalism as and served as principal bassist of has, Emily enjoys swimming, classic the park with my Little, James. I and Book Award Manager, she a career, suiting her desire to move the ASTA National High School literature, old movies and classical consider myself an intellectual, and enjoys organizing activities to help around and to document. Honors Orchestra. As a sophomore, music. Emily spent much of her spend much of my time poring over others learn science. In community in 2007, I was awarded second 8th grade year being treated for sociology research journals, often service, she loves volunteering at prize in the International Society Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. That concerning the dynamics of race the Spanish Fiesta Festival and of Bassists’ Solo Competition and experience has led to an interest and class. As you can imagine, my International Day. A National Merit won the High School Concerto in mechanical and bio-medical myriad interest have made it nearly and Cum Laude Scholar, she tutors Competition at Interlochen. This engineering, with a goal of inventing impossible to decide what I want others in a variety of subjects. In her fall, I look forward to studying at new prosthetics and devices to help to do with my life. Yet I feel that as spare time, she swims, plays piano, The Curtis Institute of Music. cancer patients and others who have long as I follow my passion, I’ll be and spends time with friends and lost limbs, sight, and hearing. heading in the right direction. family.

42 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

Amanda Williams Connie Wu Tony Wu Jackson Peter Wyche Alice Xiang Newburgh, IN, Castle Lexington, KY, Paul Laurence Corvallis, OR, Crescent Valley Overland Park, KS, Pembroke Kingsport, TN, Dobyns-Bennett High School Dunbar High School High School Hill School High School College Plans: University of College Plans: Yale University College Plans: Yale University College Plans: University of College Plans: Harvard College Notre Dame Southern California I am always doing something – In his four years of high school, Alice is a lover of life and novelty, Amanda is a scholar who pursues something that challenges my mind Tony has never ceased broadening Call me Peter or Jackson – I answer and as such strives to experience many interests and accomplishes and truly interests me, whether his interests. Kindled at an early to both. I plan on majoring in as much of the world as possible. many things. Amanda has been it is music, math, or chess. Since age by Beethoven’s Appassionata, philosophy, politics, and economics From going on “wanderings,” to an avid reader since a very young age five, I have immersed myself Tony’s love for music led him to in college. I like acting, and I hope Rubik’s cubing, to baking muffins, age. Amanda loves music and in the music world, continually win multiple district and state to pick up another language or to learning new languages, to is an accomplished pianist. She discovering ways to express myself competitions on the piano and two to add to my semi-fluency “conversing” with peacocks, she enjoys playing piano for her own through the piano. As an avid trumpet. Inspired by Leonardo in Japanese, French, and Latin. I has found her interests both varied pleasure and also for others. She performer and competitor, I have Da Vinci and Scientific American love movies and taught an Asian and unlimited. Although her has played piano in competitions, enjoyed the thrill of playing at alike, Tony interned as a software film class during high school. I existence is largely characterized by at her church, at nursing homes, Carnegie Hall in New York. At the developer at Oregon State have lived in five states and was spontaneity, she is unwavering in and at fundraising events. She opposite end of the spectrum, my University and won 3rd prize at homeschooled through the sixth her devotion to her organizations has played keyboard with her passion for numbers and problem the Intel Northwest Science Expo grade. I admire Caesar Augustus and teams. As the Lt. Governor of high school jazz band and in the solving has led me to become a US in materials engineering. Interested for his political savvy and my the Ohio River Valley Junior State, county summer musical orchestra. Physics Olympiad Semifinalist and in international affairs, Tony grandfather for his character. My Alice has made it her mission to Amanda enjoys being active in her a four-time USA Mathematical studied abroad for ten months in best quality is my sense of humor. encourage students to take an active school, church and community Olympiad Qualifier. My busy life Germany on a Congress-sponsored role as citizens of our democracy. and especially enjoys working with often finds me pursuing chess as scholarship, founding a youth An avid Varsity runner, she enjoys children. She is a Sunday School well. These sixty-four squares have Amnesty International Club at training with her team whenever Teacher in her church’s Preschool given me countless opportunities to his school and participating in injuries permit. Her propensity for Program, a key staff member in exercise my mind, to be creative, to local politics. This past year, Tony inadvertently leading large groups her church’s Vacation Bible School take risks. For seventeen years now, studied international development of people astray (people often Program, and the Director of the I have dedicated myself to many at the Telluride Association follow her thinking she knows Junior High Music Ministry at her different worlds – a mere handful Summer Program, and plans to where she is going) has surprisingly church, a group she founded. Also a of all the worlds still waiting to be focus his efforts at the junction coincided with her success as a swim lesson teacher at the YMCA, explored. of applied science and poverty leader of many clubs at her school. Amanda hopes to continue to be of while majoring in biomedical Alice’s future plans remain vague service to children throughout her and electrical engineering at Yale and amorphous, but her ultimate life. She plans to pursue a career as University. goal is benefit humanity through a Pediatrician. her work, to use her passion for life to better the lives of others.

43 2009 Presidential Scholars

Bo-Tsuong Xiang Ping T. Yeh Allen Yueh Ge “Andy” Zhang Jasmine Zhuang Charlotte, NC, Myers Park Ellicott City, MD, Centennial Bridgewater, NJ, Bridgewater- Marietta, GA, George Walton Moorestown, NJ, Moorestown High School. High School Raritan Regional High School Comprehensive High School High School College Plans: Duke University College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: The Juilliard College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Yale University or Massachusetts Institute of School Despite my given name, I’m Technology Gimme two ounces of Tupac and Jasmine, Mei-mei, J.Z., Bi-Ling, usually called Tong-Tong. I’ve Over the last few years, Allen Rachmaninov in a high ball glass. Jie-jie, Jazz – the list could go on got two very hard-working, One of my favorite books is Robert Yueh has established himself as a Make it quick! Add equal heaps of and on. My plethora of names compassionate parents and a broadly Fulghum’s All I Really Need to prolific pianist. He is the winner table tennis and service, and blend reflects who I am, involved in and knowledgeable, incredibly talented Know I Learned in Kindergarten. of numerous competitions and has vigorously with ½ poetry, history, passionate about so many different brother at Wake Forest. I’m a fan The things that matter, whether performed with several orchestras and art, ½ rock hard sciences. Voilá! activities. I am a house of cards of distance running and the Avett intangible concepts like wisdom or around the world. Allen won the This is what I do. / Into a new cup, – no part of me can stand alone. Brothers. I want to be like the down-to-earth ideas like sanitation, grand prize of The Fourth New York pour high fructose idealism over I am the Co-President of the people I admire – Paul Farmer, Jim are learned not in high school Piano Competition and as a result, three cubes of pragmatism and four International Affairs Club/Model Kim, Richard Feynman. I’d like to nor in college but in the little performed several solo engagements of Cooperade®. Mix together 80% UN, Co-Captain of the Math Team, see the world, meet people I believe playground sandbox. Of course, in New York and Washington ingenuity, 100% sweat, and 100% a volunteer at the local Chinese in, find my talents, and develop these fundamental ideas have D.C. In addition, in January 2009, Curiosity Blue® with a fresh dash of School, a violinist in the New Jersey them deeply. pushed me to excel in the real world. Allen won the Gold Award in of initiative, and strain over a healthy All-State Orchestra, and a runner At church, I teach Sunday School youngARTS Week, sponsored splash of empathy. Be generous. on the varsity cross country and and sing in the choir, youth a capella by the National Foundation of Add 120-proof crazy juice and wait track teams. I have also been lucky group, and worship team. With the Advancement in the Arts. At the age ‘til bubbles effervesce. This is who I enough to experience unforgettable Chesapeake Bay Foundation for of twelve, Allen gave his solo recital am. / Pour both cups together, and summers volunteering as an English five years, I have delved deeply into debut by opening The Shandelee swirl until ingredients, friendships, teacher in Taiwan and participating the history, culture, and ecology of Music Festival. He returned to the and memories coalesce – each union, in the New Jersey Governor’s School the watershed. I preside over the festival a year later, garnering praise a smile, a laugh, a cry. Now shake, of the Sciences. As Shakespeare Environmental Club, run a tutoring from The Times Herald Record: don’t stir. In fact, shake violently. once proclaimed, “All the world’s a club for immigrant elementary “Every once in a while, there emerges And light it all on fire baby. Alas, stage…one man in his time plays schoolers, organize my school’s a young performer who shows the garnish with a twist of luck. A many parts.” Not limited to who I Quizbowl tournaments, and lead the promise of uniqueness. Such a one is product of my choices and actions, am at the present, I have yet to make viola section in orchestra. I hope to Allen Yueh. Remember his name.” it’s a rare and potent mix, but I’m countless more entrances in the earn an MD-PhD degree so I can taking that risk. With one hand, I theatre called Life. continue research while also serving hold dearly onto yesterday. With the people from all walks of life through other, I grasp that glass madly onto medicine. tomorrow.

44 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

Lauren Zumbach Hinsdale, IL, Hinsdale Central High School College Plans: Princeton University I love to hit the ground running. Literally, as I’ve been a member of the cross country and track teams throughout high school and will continue competing in college, but also figuratively. Nothing excites me like new challenges and the chance to pursue my diverse interests. I’ve been involved in service through Athletes Committed to Excellence Club and National Honor Society. An interest in world events led to my involvement in a political discussion club and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, while my desire to learn more about environmental issues directed me to the student naturalist program at my local forest preserve. While I will undoubtedly continue to pursue these passions, my infinite list of fascinations, from mountaineering to Russian writers, Annie M. Wentzell and limitless possibilities for the Circus: Clown future are what really inspire me to digital image, archival inkjet print never limit myself and always seek 20” x 16” new opportunities.

45 2009 Presidential Scholars

Alabama Connecticut Illinois scholarsLauren E. Faraino Alyssa M. Bilinski Julian A.b Cook* y state 2009 Nikhil Goel Emmett F. Gilles Benjamin D. Crosby Presidential Daniel Mitra* Steven L. Johnson* Alaska Jeffrey C. Lerman Scholars Leif K. Johnson Delaware Tyler C. White By State Elizabeth A. Phillips Christopher N. Copeland Lauren E. Zumbach Rebecca D. Roelofs Americans Abroad Indiana *Presidential Scholars in the Arts Zachary T. Osborn District of Columbia Kevin V. Chaung Yookyeong C. Sim Edmund T. Downie Amanda C. Williams Clare S. Sestanovich Arizona Iowa Booyeon J. Han Florida Stephen E. Henrich Vishal Maini Priscilla S. Aleman* Sandy H. Huang Ernest F. Baker* Arkansas Andrew P. Carmedelle Kansas Helena Liu Fedja Kadribasic Tiffany J. Hwang John N. McDaniel Elan Q. Nguyen Jackson P. Wyche

California Georgia Kentucky Kristina E. Bohl Marissa Pan Jacob S. Bailey Sejal Hathi Ge Zhang Connie Wu Julia A. Kellman* Adam T. Horn Daniel J. Kim Hawaii Jesse T. Nee-Vogelman Lucia Mocz Louisiana Robert J. Tamai Jane A. Ball Colorado Holden M. Brown* Evanne M. Montoya Idaho Charles F. Gyer Leann N. Osterkamp* Linyi Gao Hunter J. Sceats Avalon C. Owens

46 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

Maine Missouri New York Pennsylvania Utah scholars by stateMichael P. Girouard Jessica J. Hwang Joshua A. Arky* Peter C. Ferguson* Konlin Shen Erin L. Mills William J. Sun Mary R. Awadallah Lee Kennedy-Shaffer Camille A. Wasden Grace F. Chao Janet Song Maryland Montana Allen Granzberg Vermont Puerto Rico Celia D. Bell* Kyle D. Doyle Maggie R. Millner* Joseph Dexter Peter I. Kamel Emily L. Howell Ridge T. Olivieri Bailey Hoar North Carolina Nathan C. Prillaman Mariana I. Ramirez Nebraska Virginia Ping T. Yeh Elizabeth M. Rodenbough Rhode Island Benjamin J. Kotopka Patrick J. Short Lily L. Hsiang Massachusetts Anne A. Wang Bo-Tsuong Xiang Matthew E. Baglini Meagan C. Jenigen* Alexander D. Bruce Leia M. Dwyer Kevin K. Luo Nevada North Dakota Irene B. Jacqz South Carolina Washington Carmen G. Lai Shelby N. Dvorak Michigan David R. Wagner John B. Kenney Bonnie A. Antosh Sally C. Chu Andrew W. Henderson Stephanie A. Nicholson Aparna K. Ananthasubramaniam New Hampshire Ohio Brian T. Reiser Thomas G. Ankenbauer South Dakota Carolyn E. Douglas Henry Liu Andrea C. Jarrett* West Virginia Lucas E. San Juan Xin Qian Aaron M. Mead Minnesota Jeanette J. Wat Anne Song Anne M. Pfeifle Brian Chen Nathaniel P. West* Emily W. Ngan Rachel A. Clausen* New Jersey Tennessee Andrew T. Peters Oklahoma Wisconsin Mark D. Vander Schaaf Vladimir Kenji Alexander Annemarie E. Ryu Allen Yueh* Amy Y. Tai Alice Xiang Suvai Gunasekaran Mississippi Jasmine B. Zhuang Anish Tilak Philip V. Streich Texas Jared E. Moffat Oregon New Mexico Sameer K. Deshpande Wyoming Grace M. Serio Andrew A. Chael Kathryn L. Davis* Abhinav Golla Garnet E. Henderson Annie M. Wentzell* Elise C. Gurney Ilana Z. Walder-Biesanz Omosola O. Odetunde Christopher J. Maze Tony Wu Devyn A. Tyler* Ryan T. Ragaglia Emily A. White

47 2009 Presidential Scholars

Characterized by their interest in community issues and compassion for those in need, the Presidential Scholars have actively reached out to others. Service has played a significant role in their development and is COMMprominent in UNITYtheir future plans. Aparna Ananthasubramaniam, Ernest Baker II, Florida working with different nationally 2009 Presidential Michigan acclaim artists, the students in Scholars AT WORK Because the arts are used in an my school are benefiting in many Does helping people internationally everyday manner, I feel it would be ways. I hope the experience ignites IN THE COMMUNITY necessarily imply a degree of cultural a very dark world to live in if they something inside of them, letting effacement, of interfering in their didn’t exist, quite hard to bear. Many them know that they can accomplish traditional systems? I, like many of my community service projects much also. For me, accolades for others, continually grapple with have intrigued both my school and my performances are an honor, but this question as I try to find my my community in ways that are to see another become motivated functional niche in the realm of almost unimaginable. I found a way by his or her discovery of dance volunteerism. All I know is that we to provide dance space to students through me is priceless. Parents are cannot continue to deny these people who are deficient in finances and given the opportunity to see their access to both the material goods transportation, thereby providing children create dreams…to see necessary to ensure a quality standard a chance for them to pursue their them perform and be applauded of living and the means necessary to dreams as artists. ‘The Whole for their hard work. I want to affect procure the skills now necessary to Project’ has opened an extensive the community, to affect the world earn these goods, under the label of horizon for helping people in need, through dance. “cultural preservation.” I watched a particularly inner-city children. movie on the debilitating effects of Helping them pursue their dreams is uncured, ignored blindness in rural the absolute least I can do. After all, villages. I attended a presentation someone took the time to educate on leprosy and the related social me about dance. Why not do the ostracization. And, of course, I same? Students, parents, and faculty always wanted to help, but I always and staff have all benefited from wondered what effort I could ‘The Whole Project’. My students take that wouldn’t morph into the have learned, with inestimable archetypal well-intentioned failure. accomplishments, engaging in all Perhaps intervention and assistance forms of dance, acrobatics, modeling, most effectively takes the form of a impersonating, and the Martial Arts. collective effort by economic, social, Given the education I receive from political, and technological experts to alter globalized, homogeneous infrastructure and models in favor of individualized ones that allow people to keep their cultural identity while gaining prosperity, and not simply integrating them into the very system that left them out in the first place.

48 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

Jane A. Ball, Louisiana Celia Bell, Maryland Kristina Bohl, California Alexander Bruce, Andrew Carmedelle, Florida Massachusetts Whether by cleaning and I scarcely spoke Spanish. When I Because I am concerned about the Each of the last two years I rebuilding flooded homes and pointed to the lightning flickering future of underprivileged youth Freshman year I approached the participated on school mission trips playgrounds in my beloved over the orphanage walls and asked in my community, I have worked director of the Boys and Girls to Jamaica to construct housing for city of New Orleans where my the boy beside me what it was with the San Diego Yacht Club Club to ask if tutors were needed, needy families and visit orphaned family has lived since 1703, or called, he asked, “No lo hay en los Sailing Foundation to launch the and since then I have gone every children and adults. And each COMMUNITY by fostering a love of academics Estados Unidos?” Don’t they have Monarch School Sailing Program. week to help students with their time, I found the tables turned on mixed with athletics for children that in the United States? I couldn’t Collaborating with the Monarch homework. My most gratifying who was helping whom. In the few in need, it is very satisfying to stay really explain what led me to School for homeless and at-risk experience there involved working words available here, it is difficult busy putting my faith in action volunteer at the Hogar Esperanza children and teens, I have played a with a seventh-grader named to describe the impact these trips by helping others. Since school de un Niño—the Child’s Hope lead role in the project for the past Kendia. The first time Kendia had on me. Perhaps the best insight and sports, especially basketball, Orphanage—located in the town two years, coordinating volunteers, asked me for help with her math is to share one particular diary are my favorite activities, I am of Monte Cristi, in the Dominican teaching sailing basics, and serving homework, I was perplexed that entry about an orphan girl named always happy to share the joys Republic, just east of the Haitian as a mentor on the water. Under her worksheet contained questions Crystal who has Down syndrome. of learning and physical activity border. The things we did were so my direction, this free program based around an amazingly broad “… she leaned her head against to make all children healthier, simple—we sorted clothing and has grown in participation and cross-section of mathematics my shoulder. She was quiet now, improve their grades, promote donations, ran an English camp for duration, and as I pass the torch to including addition, fractions, content simply to be held. I quietly friendly competition, and open the village children, and traveled younger sailors’ leadership, I will geometry, algebra, and everything whispered song lyrics to her. She various doors for their future to the worker towns near the ensure that it flourishes long after I in between. I found to my dismay turned her head and looked deeply success. I am committed to the Haitian border, the bateys, bringing head off to college. This experience that she could not solve the into my eyes. She was smiling. In approach of integrating academics clothing and food, juice for the is very rewarding because it allows majority of the problems, but her way, Crystal thanked me for and athletics to fully develop children, and games for them to me to introduce kids for whom life Kendia worked diligently on the spending my morning with her. children into positive citizens play. Small things, and at times it is especially challenging to a lifelong practice questions that I made to The love she shared with me was and to expose them to the joy seemed that they were only a drop sport that provides independence, help her understand the concepts. boundless and full. I actually felt of helping others. This mixture in the well of all that needed to camaraderie and fun. My leadership The next week Kendia was waiting chills as I held her. I saw God allows children to learn about and be done. Yet the children we were of the Monarch School Sailing for me with an almost identical inside of her, looking at me through challenge themselves, enhance their living with never seemed to see Program reflects my aspiration math worksheet. This time she was her smile. I sensed my purpose understanding and exposure to it that way. I remember Mariani, to become a servant-leader. I’ve able to answer a few more of the and meaning in life being told many other people, improve their seven years old and standing up in explored real-life applications of easier questions on her own. Every to me right there: to love others self-discipline and concentration, my lap as I swung back and forth science through global outreach, week after that Kendia continued unconditionally and do all I can and teach teamwork; sports on the orphanage swing set, the immunizing Sudanese refugees to get a worksheet with the same to the best of my abilities for the can also be used as a reward for earth tilting below us, and how with the Centers for Disease format, and by the end of the year benefit of others.” improving their school scores. I love she laughed as I tried to steady her Control. I’ve shared my knowledge she could answer nearly every working with physically, mentally or pull her into my arms, and she of computers with senior citizens problem by herself. Kendia also and economically challenged young repeated, over and over, “No voy a through Teen-Senior Connect, told me that she was now scoring people, including some who are caer.” I won’t fall. helping to bridge both the much higher on her math tests. my age, and enjoy watching how technology and the generation gap. Kendia’s success made me feel like I far they can become involved with I care about others and always seek was actually making a difference. overcoming needs beyond their to contribute to my community. own too.

49 Presidential Scholars AT WORK IN THE CO2009MMUNIT PresidentialY Scholars

Grace Chao, New York Sally Chu, Washington Benjamin D. Crosby, Illinois Sameer Kirtikumar Edmund Downie, Deshpande, Texas Washington, DC These past few years I have had the At Stevens Hospital, I work on 8 For years, a Rotarian who lived in honor of mentoring inner-city youth West, the oncology department. my subdivision had run an annual Before entering high school, I Last summer, I volunteered on the in New York City. From the South There, I help the nurses and doctors food drive to benefit a local food viewed community service more National Mall at the Smithsonian Bronx to Canarsie, I have taught make each patient’s stay more pantry. She moved away, however, as necessary chore rather than as a Folklife Festival, a celebration of over 100 students leadership and comfortable and I help answer and the drive gradually died. The fulfilling part of my life. However, world culture that takes place every advocacy skills. I became a mentor the patient’s questions about their summer after my sophomore year, about midway through that year, I summer in Washington, D.C. I because I wanted to share with my condition. Sometimes, when my neighbor and I decided to had the opportunity to tutor several served as Lead Volunteer for the peers the empowerment that I had the patients do not understand restart the drive in our subdivision. younger students in mathematics. Recycling and Sustainability Aides, experienced as a youth advocate English as proficiently as Spanish I was thrilled with the way we were Teaching and tutoring resonated managing approximately 125 speaking with city officials and or Chinese, for example, then I able to unify the neighborhood with me. Helping others in volunteers over the course of the publishing a public policy report. translate for them, and readily pay around a common effort organized mathematics, especially, allowed me two weeks. This job was a great fit At one session, a girl in a Brooklyn attention to their gestures to satisfy from within and benefiting other to share my love of the subject in a for me because it combined two high school came up to me and said, their needs. I also sit with them, community members. After a very meaningful way. In the students’ of my strongest interests: cultural “Seeing kids my age come talk to me and tell them stories to keep their successful first year, we convinced improvement, I saw the direct exchange and environmentalism. about active leadership was amazing. mind off of their stay in the hospital some friends to expand the drive to benefit and value of my efforts, and The 2008 Folklife Festival brought You really inspired me today.” and their medical problems. It is their subdivision and I successfully this has inspired me to continue to the United States Bhutanese Our work was even recognized by amazing how quickly the patients proposed further expanding this tutoring and to aspire to teach monks who had never traveled the New York City Department come alive when they hear about food drive concept to my fellow mathematics. outside their home village, let alone of Education which asked us to high school once again because members of the Carol Stream Youth their home country. And just a few conduct a workshop on student it brings back memories of their Council, an organization which feet away, musicians and cooks from leadership in schools at the DOE youth, and motivates them to regain serves as a liaison between the Texas showed us all that regional Teen Leadership Conference. As a the health they had when they town youth and the village board. culture still thrives in America. peer mentor working throughout were young. Immediately, they are I have sought to transmit my food I loved helping at an event that the city, I see the poverty, language determined to get out of bed, and drive vision to some of the younger impresses upon one million visitors barriers, and gang pressures that with me to walk by them in case Council members, and believe that per year the importance of cultural confront many young people every they fall, their recovery accelerates my dream of a network of Youth diversity. At the same time, the day. The youth I have worked with by leaps and bounds. I love each Council-facilitated, youth-led, Festival’s extensive public recycling have big dreams for changing their and every patient I come across, community-oriented drives across effort shows the Smithsonian’s communities, and it has been an and I feel their pain when they are the village may someday soon be a commitment to sustainability. I amazing experience for me to help bleeding or vomiting or just plain reality. Pursuing this dream over the enjoyed working in a program that turn those visions into realities. uncomfortable. I empathize with past few years has not only positively takes seriously our responsibility as their hardship and worries, not just impacted my community but has stewards of the planet. from dealing with recovering from also transformed me into a more their illness, but also from having to confident, active leader, eager to let their family see their weakness embark on other service endeavors instead of the strength that they are in the future. associated with.

50 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

Shelby Dvorak, North Dakota Leia Dwyer, Rhode Island Lauren Faraino, Alabama Nikhil Goel, Alabama from not only parents and teachers, but young students as well, praising During my high school career This past summer, I was involved I had tutored younger students in Earlier this year, I was one of the opportunity that they received I have had the opportunity to with therapeutic horseback my suburban community for years. the primary organizers of the and the drive and interest they now volunteer on two Students Today riding as a viable therapy I was unaware at the time, but my Rocket City Junior Math Mania possess in mathematics. In that one Leaders Forever Pay It Forward option for children and adults prior tutoring experience had not Tournament at the U.S. Space day of the tournament, I not only got Tours. On my first Pay It Forward with disabilities. I believe that prepared me for Cotezz Childers, and Rocket Center in Huntsville, to explore one of my major passions, Tour I traveled from my hometown individuals with disabilities a 6th grade boy from inner city Alabama with the Grissom Math mathematics, but got to instill a similar of Dickinson, ND to Omaha, need active participation in Birmingham. Denied a proper Team. We offered the tournament passion in hundreds of other students NE stopping in various towns alternative forms of therapy. While elementary education, Cotezz for elementary and middle math as well. along the way. At my first stop in conventional therapy is necessary, struggled with even the most basic teams and I was an essential part of Moorhead, MN, I helped load additional activities can be more concepts of mathematics. Despite organizing and running this year’s computers into a truck to be sent to pleasurable and effective for these numerous lessons, Cotezz showed tournament. The competition had Abhinav Golla, Texas Africa. Next, in Roslyn, SD, I spent individuals. Therapeutic riding little progression over the months. I over 600 participants competing Community service has always been time at a nursing home playing is one such activity that has been became frustrated that I could not in five different categories in five an important part of my life. As a Boy games and visiting with residents. shown to aid in the treatment understand why he seemed to have grade levels, in both individual Scout, I have had the opportunity to Then, in Sioux Falls, SD, I packed of individuals with a wide array such difficulty motivating himself. and team competitions. As one volunteer in numerous community boxes at the local food bank. At of disabilities. My project began Not long thereafter, however, I had of the tournament’s Directors, programs. The most memorable of my final destination, in Omaha, with an extensive research process the opportunity to visit his house. my duties included writing and my many volunteer experiences has NE, I picked up garbage at the wherein I gathered information I met Cotezz’s family... two aunts, proofreading a major portion of undoubtedly been my time spent with Salvation Army Kids Camp. On about therapeutic riding and two siblings, and his grandmother, the twenty-five sets of tests and Mobile Loaves and Fishes, a local social my second tour I journeyed from results from studies conducted all living in a tiny house in a solutions, coordinating tournament outreach program dedicated to feeding Dickinson, ND to Bozeman, MT. to prove its efficacy. I volunteered neglected part of Birmingham. logistics, organizing workers, and clothing the homeless. Each week, First I stopped in Miles City, MT as a therapeutic riding assistant His grandmother was raising three supervising and administrating after preparing wholesome meals and to help clean up a church. Then as well. Then, I embarked on children for the fourth time, doing the testing facility, and hosting loading them onto the delivery truck, in Gardiner, MT I cleaned out a a campaign to raise awareness her best to clothe and feed them, the awards banquet. The major my fellow volunteers and I drive to ditch to prevent flooding. Following about therapeutic riding. I visited but unaware how to direct Cotezz inspiration to volunteer to run the underpasses, side streets, abandoned this, I went to Idaho Falls, ID, to facilities for individuals with toward proper study habits. She tournament was the prospect of lots, and other hidden enclaves of rake leaves in a graveyard. Lastly, in disabilities to give presentations on had relied on the schools to help getting the chance to influence the Austin serving as temporary “homes” Bozeman, MT, I picked up garbage therapeutic riding and distribute him in that regard, to little avail. talented minds of young, gifted for the city’s homeless. Surrounded along a highway. Some places I materials I had compiled for their She smiled at me, telling me I students and to provide a fun, by hungry families in tattered clothes, visited admitted they had never had use. Lastly, I used the information was helping Cotezz’s confidence, enjoyable experience in the world I was initially overwhelmed by the volunteers before. It was amazing to I had gathered to create a website though I now knew it paled in of mathematics. The greatest part inadequacy of our offering, keenly see the joy I brought to people with dedicated to spreading information comparison to her devotion. of being involved in the successful aware of the vast chasm between the such simple acts of kindness. about therapeutic riding. It is my From that day forward, I resolved tournament was to see a smile on sandwich in my outstretched hand hope that my work will reach to be a little more patient with every child’s face at the end of the and the enormity of the problems beyond those to whom I was Cotezz, while still pushing him to day, whether they had won a trophy of poverty and homelessness. I soon able to speak directly, that I have reach his potential. I also gained or not; I had never before seen so realized, however, that our mission set into motion a chain of raised a tremendous admiration for his many young children excited about provides more than a meal: it is, in fact, awareness about this effective form grandmother, an unsung hero who math. As a young child, I too was about stitching together the torn fabric of therapy. taught me that compassion and avidly interested in mathematics of community. For myself, seeing the kindness form the basis for a moral but did not have the opportunity to smiles on the children’s faces when the society. participate in tournaments such as truck comes into view, watching them RC Junior. Since the tournament, laugh and play, suddenly energized by my email inbox has been flooded hope and a nutritious meal, these are to this day with ecstatic remarks the highlights of my day.

51 Presidential Scholars AT WORK IN THE CO2009MMUNIT PresidentialY Scholars

Allen Granzberg, New York Adam Horn, Kentucky Sandy H. Huang, Iowa Jessica Hwang, Missouri Tiffany Hwang, Kansas I have always wanted to give back As community service has become Tutoring is one of my most Although I have volunteered for To me, the most important activity to the community that has given a more widely heralded factor in cherished activities because many organizations in the past four involves giving back to that which me so much. When I found out college admissions and scholarship nothing is more rewarding to years, I have focused on providing has nurtured me; since I was last year that one out of every contests, pressure has mounted me than helping others succeed. math help for public school five-years-old, that something has three individuals will need a blood for students to find long-term, When I am explaining a topic to students. I believe that education been the Wichita Chinese School. transfusion in their lifetime, I knew high-involvement service projects. someone, the eventual light bulb is fundamentally empowering and After attending the school and its that the position of Blood Drive Students often feel obliged to moment is priceless, for when the that math education is especially functions until I was fourteen, I Coordinator was right for me. bend over backwards to involve student understands, I feel that powerful, paving the way for well- became part of the volunteer staff. After applying and receiving this themselves in projects they may or I have accomplished something paying jobs in fields as diverse as For the past three years, my duties position, my co-coordinator and I may not be interested in or have noteworthy. I completely fell in love business and physics. I strive not have included assisting the teachers started working very hard in order time for. In my experience these with tutoring recently, when I began only to foster a love of math but at weekly classes and summer to make sure we could plan the most contortions are unnecessary. I volunteering at a local homeless also to open doors for my students’ camps, teaching Chinese dances successful blood drives possible. I became a volunteer boys’ basketball shelter and started tutoring young economic success and, in the long to students, and most importantly, spent countless hours cooperating coach because I have experience children whose families stayed there. run, to help maintain the United instilling an interest in the Chinese with the New York City Blood with athletics, enjoy working with I always look forward to spending States’ presence as a global leader culture. Teaching the students makes Center and school administrators in children, and happen to attend a time with those children; their in science and technology. In me realize how much I have learned order to make sure that the Blood church with a growing basketball cheerful smiles and lively speech tenth grade, I tutored the Gentry and now have to contribute. I see Drives ran smoothly. This year I ministry. I chose to coach Academic warm my heart. They are so lively Middle School math team: one in this year’s students myself as a was able to create two very large Team because I have done it myself and always begging for hugs and session per week, five 7th graders, student a decade ago, proud to carry blood drives, collecting 178 pints for so many years; I desired to piggy-back rides, especially Jordan. twenty practice problems, countless the stories of our ancestors onto at the first. We broke a school-wide teach all I had learned over the One of my first afternoons there calculator malfunctions—a definite the stage and into our community. record of 205 pints for the second years. Neither was a herculean task. was spent teaching Hailey two- trial of patience. Although initially Enduring the passage of time is the Blood Drive, saving over 400 lives. Neither was a stretch beyond my digit subtraction; during another retention of knowledge was low eagerness to absorb the lessons our Knowing that I made a difference natural interests. But both were in afternoon I helped Cora with a and forgetfulness high, I soon culture has to teach, whether in to 400 people and their families was areas I was passionate about: both figurative language assignment. witnessed, with pride, the small verbal, written, or physical form. I truly rewarding. I hope to continue were activities I could truly enjoy. It is truly a privilege to have the signs of progress: Nicholas reading can find no better use of my Sunday to give back to my community And because I chose to serve out opportunity to guide these bright the questions carefully, Avantika afternoons than spending it with and helping people continue to of my inherent interests, I found but sometimes neglected children searching for an efficient solution, today’s students and sharing with live their lives, because every life is that I could approach my tasks as towards the path to success. I hope and Riaz managing to sit through them the very lessons that once meaningful. true service should be approached: to build upon the love of learning twenty minutes of problem-solving taught me who I was yesterday, thus with a joyful, willful attitude. As a that is already present in their young without falling out of his chair. shaping who I am today. consequence, I feel that I was able to minds. After all, education provides I have tutored not only math bless the children and feel blessed in boundless opportunities that these team members but also students equal measure. children deserve to have. who struggle in math class by volunteering at homework help sessions for students in remedial math and calculus alike. I am convinced that every student can learn math if given encouragement and nurture, and I believe my duty is to improve the math education of my fellow students in the little ways that I can.

52 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

Leif Johnson, Alaska Fedja Kadribasic, Florida Julie Kellman, California John Kenney, North Dakota Benjamin Kotopka, Nebraska The most significant community There are many ways a person I have been privileged to serve on When a friend from California Participating in Mathcounts had a service experience for me has can contribute to the community. the Pacific Palisades Community asked how my week was going deep impact on me, making school been with Mat-Su Youth Court While some help in the health Council, which connects our earlier this year, she was surprised relevant and math challenging for because I can see how it impacts and nursing industry and others small town with the city and to hear my response; “Well, I was the first time. It was natural, that the lives of at-risk young people. with animals, I have chosen to county of Los Angeles. In Council, airlifted by helicopter out of a I would help bring the program I have put in over 200 hours, help where I feel the strongest: in residents and local businesses neighborhood this morning.” This to schools in Lincoln that lacked and am now an Associate Judge. the field of science. Thus, as the consider community issues and spring I joined the youth in my resources to support their own Although I can’t talk specifically president of the school Science resolve conflicts. As the primary community in a frantic effort to program. By visiting these schools, about any cases I have heard, I Club, I engaged its 30-some Youth Representative with a full save our city from the rising waters I personally learned much about firmly believe that for the majority members into promoting science vote, I participate in all debates, of the Red River. School was the challenges less affluent schools of defendants, this experience of in our community. Our activities on matters such as renovating canceled at both the collegiate and face. I’ll never forget the lack of the criminal justice system has range from attending competitions community spaces, approving high school levels for two weeks as technology, the difference in math been a force for positive change on regional, state, and higher levels, new businesses, and considering the young people of my area bore readiness and the language barriers in their life. Most defendants organizing Science Fair judging effects of decisions on traffic flow. the brunt of the sandbagging effort. present in these schools. Once we walk away saying something like and performing simple experiments Confronting community issues Although one of the houses which began instructing, I had to learn “Wow, I’ll never do that again.” in local elementary schools, to has taught me to appreciate the I tried to defend was eventually quickly that people approach Knowing that I had a part in such a organizing science tutoring. There role of compromise, but also the flooded, leading to my first problems with varying basic skills change is tremendously gratifying. is a legacy left for future students importance of action. For example, experience with a helicopter, the and confidence. When I began Defendants choose to have their in the form of the school chapter in our town is a steep, winding, vast majority of our city was saved connecting with the kids, however, cases handled and adjudicated of Florida Junior Academy of unlit road through a canyon, a from certain disaster due to the I was gratified at the excitement by peers through Youth Court. Sciences that sets promoting favorite spot for speeding teen and efforts of thousands of volunteers, of one student who discovered for For some, it appeared that being sciences as its priority, but there adult drivers, and the site of three but in particular the efforts of himself the relationship between prosecuted for their behavior was are other accomplishments as recent fatal accidents involving teen students. Standing in a sandbag line the slope formula and the real the first time they had been held well: motivating an unusually drivers. Our Council recommended next to a fifth-grader and an elderly application of it when graphing, accountable for their actions. For high number of students who to the LA City Council that stranger, both perfect strangers or the young Vietnamese whiz kid others, their criminal behavior may went to Florida Junior Science, reflective lane markers be installed yet devoted to the same cause of who was so intensely shy at first have been a momentary lapse in Engineering, and Humanities and police presence increased, helping one’s neighbor, I witnessed that no one knew her true potential judgment, and they quickly realize Symposium at the University of measures that were successfully the definition of “Community.” A until she began to trust us. The that they have made a mistake. For Florida and, most importantly, implemented. We also organized newspaper columnist devoted an satisfaction I see on the kids’ faces almost all, Youth Court is a life- organizing and preparing the public discussions among young article to the value of youth turnout when they suddenly understand changing and learning experience. State Vice-Champion Team for drivers, their parents, and the to the flood fight, and I agree with a once unattainable concept is all the Science Olympiad. And, to town in hope of averting further his conclusion: If our youth are our the proof I need to let me know prove that we all are kids who care, tragedy. On the Council, I feel future, than our future is bright. my efforts have had a lasting and we participated in Relay for Life. I have learned much about my important effect on the very kids Doing what I do best and enjoy community and have made some who in turn taught me so much. the most, science-related work, has small contribution to its well being. given me an opportunity to give I have come to understand that a back to the community in a very great community requires energetic productive way. participation and initiative from its citizens.

53 Presidential Scholars AT WORK IN THE CO2009MMUNIT PresidentialY Scholars

John Nathan McDaniel, Aaron Mead, South Dakota Maggie Millner, New York Lucia Mocz, Hawaii Emily Ngan, West Virginia Arkansas I volunteer at a local art and science In eleventh grade, I founded a local While learning is an integral part Tagging along with my dentist mom Early in the fall of my senior year, museum, the Washington Pavilion. chapter of FirstBook, a non-profit of my life, it is only one aspect who was involved with the Special a handful of my friends and I I work during Spooky Science organization that encourages of my character. Through the Olympics Special Smiles program, founded a small social club called Night (a Halloween-themed children’s literacy by distributing school clubs I am a member of, I I found myself in a coliseum “the League.” We were an entirely event) and during summer camps books to underprivileged families. participated in various community inundated with kids and adults, male group dedicated to the which the Pavilion hosts. Through As President of my school’s projects including performing bopping to the tunes of an off-key appreciation of gentlemanly pursuits volunteering at the Pavilion, I get National English Honor Society, music for public events and serving karaoke singer. Taking a closer look, and chivalry. In the following weeks, to directly interact with the area’s I recruited a FirstBook advisory as a teacher’s aide. But what I find I noticed all the medals and ribbons as the group grew in size, I realized youngest inquiring minds. These board of community members, most rewarding of all my service hanging from around their necks the true potential of the League kids only need to be shown science students, and teachers. We held a experiences is volunteer teaching. and ineffaceable smiles on their we had created. With over seventy can be and is fun. With a little pancake breakfast and a used book I tutored disadvantaged students faces. Screening the athletes and members, we converted our club into prodding in the right direction sale to raise funds. Community at my school in math and served as teaching them about oral hygiene, a philanthropic community service and proper nurturing/stimulation, programs received free books for a music clinician for the Mililani I got to really interact with these organization. Just a few weeks after these kids will grow into the next the children they serve, paid for by Middle School Orchestra. I worked exuberant athletes. Win or lose, they the birth of the League, we were generation’s vanguard of scientists, our fundraising. Borders donated with small groups of violinists gave their best performance and already preparing to throw a huge explorers, inventors, and discoverers. $4,000 in gift cards. All together, and violists at their annual music exuded hearty laughter and genuine rave-style dance party for high My impact may be small overall, but over 500 children in Otsego County camp and during their after love for one another. Childlike school students around Jonesboro. in every horde of kids there are a few received free books. The impact of school rehearsals, teaching them innocence is one of the rarest and It was to be called “EuroBash.” The whose eyes light up in pure innocent this service project was most evident performance techniques, confidence most precious qualities the world party would provide a safe, fun, and wonder. These children make it all at the “book party” we held at the in their own playing abilities, has to offer, and even though I unique experience for teenagers, worthwhile. I see, reflected in their local library. Children and parents and lessons in interpreting their came to the event as a volunteer, and the money raised at EuroBash shining eyes, images of myself, and gathered to read and listen to stories, repertoire. I also hosted an event I ended up learning something would be donated to the American my childhood fascination with play games, and make crafts. It was entitled Winter Math Day where more important than anything a Red Cross. EuroBash was held in a science and insatiable thirst for inspiring to see children with so I instructed elementary school textbook could ever tell me – how warehouse fully equipped with the knowledge. These future movers and much enthusiasm about reading children how to make artistic crafts to appreciate the inner beauty necessary black lights and strobes. shakers motivate my involvement and writing. Over 50 people left the using math as a basis. I remember and uniqueness of each human We played techno music and sold and justify it simultaneously. library with a new book. Through one young girl in particular. I being. After serving in the Special glows sticks. At the end of the night, this project, I affected the lives of inspired her to be more involved in Olympics for two years, I have the League had raised over $2,000 many people in my community. mathematics and her enthusiasm come away more compassionate, for the American Red Cross. I I helped children open the door to become a math teacher one day patient, generous, and appreciative consider the success of EuroBash into the infinite world of literature. was absolutely fabulous. Her family of the sincere and loving qualities my most significant achievement as Personally, I have learned to value was very happy about her new of human beings, which often get well as a testament to the amount of my own opportunities. I feel motivation. Nothing is more exciting buried in our self-centered and good that a motley crew of teenagers increasingly grateful for my family than to see another enjoy learning, competitive world. can do. and teachers, who first inspired my a goal I have in all my community own love of literature. teaching endeavors.

54 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

Stephanie Nicholson, Elan Nguyen, Florida Ridge Olivieri, Puerto Rico Leann Nicole Osterkamp Elizabeth Phillips, Alaska Washington As a basketball fanatic, I am For the past nine years, I’ve been Being an artist, I always feel that For six years, I have devoted over Entering high school, I always particularly grateful for the involved with a program that I sharing music and its significance 650 hours to judging, defending, thought that my favorite dance opportunity to volunteer at Special founded in third grade to help with others is what I am meant and prosecuting defendants in memories would come from Olympics. Not only does the the Good Shepherd Orphanage to do. I always try to contribute Anchorage Youth Court (AYC), Homecoming, or Senior Prom. cause resonate with my family’s in Haiti. The project consists of an undying enthusiasm for music a diversionary juvenile justice Never would I have guessed that aspirations to help people rise collecting used and new clothing, with my community through: system. I first joined hoping to gain my fondest memories would come above their disadvantages, but washing and then distributing participating in my school’s talent volunteer experience and learn from an “Old Hollywood” themed it also gives me the chance to them to the orphanage. Over the shows, playing in the school pep about the justice system. I’ve since dance at a camp for people with experience all the activities related years, I have managed to collect band at the sports games, the huge learned to look beyond myself disabilities. Decked out in our to sports: refereeing games, running over 6000 pieces of clothing for the Bolder Boulder 10K road race, and focus on helping those less boas and top hats, we danced the drills, organizing tournaments, Good Shepherd and have been able playing jazz gigs, and by playing fortunate than me. I see AYC as an night away without a care in the accompanying the players on out- to visit the orphanage on various at my neighborhood’s retirement effective opportunity to help my world, and I will never forget our of-town field trips, and playing occasions. I must say, one of the home. But the retirement home peers. Deprived of opportunities happiness. This dance was part of all kinds of sports (basketball, most impacting moments in my is unique. I feel a freedom to that allow them to lead successful a weeklong session at Mt. Hood volleyball, soccer, etc.) with the life to date was the first time I ever experiment and totally pour myself lives, many teenagers turn to crime. Kiwanis Camp, which provides team during practice. The fun I visited. The smiling faces of all the out into my music. The talk-backs Teenage attorneys and judges in overnight summer camps for adults have, though, pales in comparison children, at receiving something so during my concerts teach me AYC provide positive peer pressure and children with disabilities. I to the new perspective I have simple as a uniform, were amazing. even more than the performance. to encourage better lifestyles. volunteered there as a counselor, gained. Contrary to my ignorant It’s hard for us to imagine, with Having the capability to talk with Though the court is run entirely working one-on-one with campers. expectations, the mentally disabled all the conveniences that our lives people, who are as willing to share by teenagers (judges, attorneys, At camp, the mentality was “camper athletes are enthusiastic and afford us, that these kids have in the world of music as myself, bailiffs and all), it maintains a first,” and the focus was on what playful. Months later, I am still nothing but the roof over their is an experience beyond words. less than 10% recidivism rate, the campers were able to do, not moved by their lack of self-pity heads at night and the clothes on Getting a chance to talk with the much less than that of the regular on what they were prevented from and inspired by their unfussy and their backs. I’m just glad to help. retirees afterwards and learn of juvenile justice system. I have doing because of their disability. light-hearted determination to their own life stories, gives me even worked over 100 sentencing Watching a camper overcome his overcome challenges. These days, more to bring into my music. Every hearings, directly helping over fear of heights and ride a horse I cringe when my friends jokingly time I play at the retirement home I 100 teens and their families learn for the first time felt more like a insult each other as “retards.” And not only feel an incredible freedom from mistakes like shoplifting, victory to me than earning an A I no longer define intelligence in to share myself and my art with the drug abuse, and burglary. AYC on any test, and I will remember terms of academic success. Rather, world, but also an ability to share a is an effective alternative to the seeing a homesick camper smile it’s the ability to make the best of bit of my generation and life with over-tasked justice system that when receiving a care package from any situation so that when we can’t those of another generation. struggles to give defendants the her parents for far longer than have what we like, we can still like range of support necessary to help I will remember being accepted what we have. learn from their mistakes. Through to college. Spending time at Mt. AYC, defendants are given a second Hood Kiwanis Camp taught me chance, and the community is to appreciate how every person redressed. Many of the defendants is special in his or her own way. even become AYC members Everyone has a unique gift to share and positive role models after with the world, and it is the world’s completing their sentence. AYC is job to discover it. one of the few organizations where I, as a teenager, can make a real difference in someone else’s life.

55 Presidential Scholars AT WORK IN THE CO2009MMUNIT PresidentialY Scholars

Nathan Prillaman, Maryland Mariana Ramírez de Brian Reiser, Washington Annemarie Ryu, Minnesota Grace Serio, Mississippi Arellano, Puerto Rico One hundred man hours to replace Creating and running the Middle The belief that some persistent As a volunteer for Habitat for a roof on an old gazebo and do In the summer of 2006, I began School Science Olympiad team was societal problems can be alleviated Humanity since the age of fifteen, some painting? I thought my Eagle my non-profit project “Cookies a daunting task. In order to even with creative solutions is a I have witnessed the changes that project would take nowhere near for Learning.” With my original start the club, I had to consider steadfast source of motivation a generous charitable organization that much time, and that the powers chocolate chip cookie recipe, I the many concerns of the school in my life. I have always been produces in a community. My 15th that be would swoop down and bake and sell cookies throughout administration ranging from an environmentalist and have birthday present to myself was reject my pitiful excuse for a project. my school and my community. making sure the club was not too participated in several community spending the day working on the However, as usual, I had grossly Then, I send the proceeds to the competitive to how to raise funds. clean-up and tree planting events. Burrell Family House in Jackson, underestimated the amount of work Ponheary Ly Foundation (theplf. It took over a year to address the Since I studied AP Environmental Mississippi. This house was one ahead of me. Instead of finishing in org), which purchases school issues and find a faculty sponsor. Science last summer, I have of the many that Habitat for one day, it took five, and required uniforms and supplies for students Once everything was in place, the maintained a compost heap in my Humanity built to help rejuvenate over four hundred man hours to in public primary schools in club took off. The club members backyard and have been exploring an inner city neighborhood. finish. I was so lucky that I had my Cambodia. Although my passion brought unbridled enthusiasm and ways to convert organic waste from My participation in the work of friends and family to help me, so for baking initiated the cookie incredible diligence to a degree local schools into compost. Recently, this international organization that it took four hundred man hours project, I was inspired by Ponheary that I did not expect from middle I called the local Forest Service allowed me to experience first and not four hundred Nathan hours. Ly’s philanthropic work and her school students. However, they to inquire whether any trees were hand exactly how I could work to They came, they saw, and instead hardships during the Khmer Rouge needed help constantly, new supplies available for an Arbor Day project. make a difference in someone else’s of eating donuts and leaving like regime. I sell over 120 cookies per every week, and additional funding The service obliged, offering one life and in society as a whole. On any normal teenagers, they worked week. Within my community, I sell for those supplies. The work was hundred 10- to 15-inch white pine multiple occasions, as I pounded hard for hours on end. I was proud boxes including literature describing exhausting. However, their work trees. I have posted sign-up sheets nails and painted while balancing of the project after it was finished, the current precarious situations and mine paid off when the team for these trees in science classrooms, on scaffolding, I watched walls go but I was most delighted with the of children in Cambodia to local qualified for the state tournament. and the first one hundred people up, the porch constructed, and a willingness of other people to come law firms, banks, and individuals. The team was not planning to who pay two dollars will receive a family of three move in to start their out and help. Throughout the last three academic attend due to a lack of funding, tree on Arbor Day. Proceeds will be new lives full of hope and gratitude. years, I have raised over 15,000 but the team’s collective excitement used to create a grant for a project When a charitable opportunity USD, sponsoring six hundred convinced the administration to to better the environment. I have like Habitat for Humanity brings students in primary public schools pay for the trip. Working with the created informational sheets on a community together to build a of Siem Reap, Cambodia. I continue club required a wide variety of skills specific tree care, as specified by the home for a family, there is so much to find ways to increase awareness and a significant time commitment, Minnesota Department of Natural friendliness and optimism that it is using the resources at hand and plan but the enthusiasm of the members Resources, to be distributed with the hard not to have fun and want to on continuing my project during and and their passion justified all of young trees in hopes that the trees return again and again. after college. the effort. After that experience, will flourish in their new homes. I understood that helping others The newly planted white pine tree with their intellectual pursuits is a in my backyard reminds me of the necessary component of my own positive difference that an individual intellectual vitality. can make.

56 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

Konlin Shen, Utah Patrick Short, North Carolina Amy Tai, Oklahoma Ilana Walder- Camille Wasden, Utah Biesanz, Oregon I am a GED math tutor for the Service has intrinsic worth – and My successes and life philosophies Two Japanese girls moved into my Bridgerland Literacy Center. I teach hands-on service enriches the soul. derive from not only my own The summer after my freshman neighborhood and were struggling adults how to do long division, One must truly and completely hard work and experiences but year of high school, I wanted to do with English in our local schools. and reduce a fraction. It has enjoy the service, and thus dedicate also from the dedication and something extraordinary. My plans I volunteered to work with them been an eye-opening experience. themselves to it. As a student and lessons of teachers, adults, and to stay with a family in Mexico on conversational English, since The students come from every community member, I have tried to peers in my life. By offering my hadn’t worked out, so I searched I speak Japanese. Using English background: immigrants, high make a meaningful impact on my passion and time to others, I for another opportunity. I ended and Japanese books to develop school dropouts, recovering drug community. Through our church mirror the supportive roles of up in a two-room schoolhouse in a customized curriculum, I addicts. But they all have one thing youth board, I have organized these individuals. I am part of a a remote Honduran village. The carefully planned lessons with in common: they all truly want to many great service projects youth philanthropy group that first-through-third-grade teacher games, study guides, and role learn mathematics, in contrast to including the Christmastime established a pilot adolescent handed me the second-grade playing/practice. Both girls acted my high school peers who always Giving Tree, Stop Hunger NOW, depression awareness program in class for six weeks. I was stuck extremely shy, but as I taught them act as if math is a punishment and countless visits to local nursing my hometown. Interacting with in a country I’d never been to American phrases and customs, dished out by spiteful teachers. homes. Through Student Council, members of the philanthropy group teaching students I didn’t know in they became more outgoing. We My GED students realize their as a team, we galvanized the school and with students in local schools, a language I barely spoke. I had no worked together until the girls lost opportunites in life and are to raise over 176,000 pounds of I witnessed true-life examples of training in education, so I winged could use English for events, desperately trying to compensate. food for the North Carolina Food a stigma-enveloped social issue, it. Using personal white boards, such as following instructions in They want to know what’s really Bank. As a member of Mighty including its deleterious effects on flash cards, and “poofs,” I pieced school or cooking, and discussing going on beneath those algebraic Taylor and the Flaming Vegetable victims. These experiences touched together engaging lesson plans topics with friends. Their new manipulations, so that they will be Bandits, a Jazz Band formed to me to the core, compelling me to including games of geography understanding of English improved able to answer any question that play at local nursing homes, I was pour my sweat and blood into hide-and-go-seek, symbiosis their schoolwork. Working with pops up on the GED exams. Even able to exercise my talents much to this educational pilot program. charades, and multiplication these girls was exciting, and I was though I do get “warm fuzzies” the delight of the men and women Working as a research coordinator around-the-world. I studied my able to help them bridge a new from my students’ many thanks of the nursing homes. To see the and a grant-writer has cultivated Honduran geography and history culture. We became friends and after every class, I’ve realized that happiness and joy spread across in me a greater sense of social late at night to keep ahead of my had fun together at every session. in every lesson, my students teach their faces when we began to play awareness, especially for those class. I returned the next summer, Their confidence in speaking me just as much as I teach them. “In the Mood” or “It Don’t Mean who fall beneath the radar, such as speaking fluent Spanish, to teach English grew with each lesson, and In a way, I’ve learned every moral a Thing” made every moment of teenagers afflicted by depression. third grade. This time I knew I enjoyed being able to help them. of every children’s story: “be fair, practice and preparation worth it. The most touching yet triumphant what I was doing. I planned a As I taught, I loved watching the be respectful, don’t judge a book I have learned through service that moments are when high school behavior incentive system to keep girls progress until they could fully by it’s cover.” But to sum it up even the most meaningful interactions students admit to their depression my students on task and led fun participate in community activities. more succintly, while I teach them are those that are the most genuine, and become willing to seek and successful classroom activities, mathematics, they teach me about and the most purely from the heart. therapy. Seeing these students which the regular teacher copied life. overcome depression is a physical for use with her other classes. In manifestation of my philanthropic the end, I gained a little teaching work and shows the positive effect experience and a lot of perspective of my efforts on society. on cross-cultural communication and life in a developing country.

57 Presidential Scholars AT WORK IN THE CO2009MMUNIT PresidentialY Scholars

Jeanette Wat, New Hampshire Connie Wu, Kentucky Ping T. Yeh, Maryland Jasmine Zhuang, New Jersey Lauren Zumbach, Illinois “Aquí puede aprender la gramática,” I The dismal gaze and frowning Visiting Hollifield Station The summer after my sophomore After hearing about the challenges explained to a large family of six that mouth of an aged man lying wearily Elementary School in 2008, I year, I flew to Taiwan to attend America’s servicemen face both gathered eagerly around our booth. on a bed greeted me as I walked was introduced to the English the Assisting Individuals with while overseas and once they At the Spanish Fiesta Festival, I into the small hospital room in for Speakers of Other Languages Disadvantages Program, where 300 return, it bothered me that this conversed with immigrants from the local Veterans Affairs Hospital (ESOL) Homework Club. Shortly Taiwanese Americans would teach was a group whose needs were Mexico, most of whom spoke little and sat down next to him. Half afterward, once I understood the young students in the countryside. unfulfilled. I decided to organize to no English. Working with other an hour later, the patient’s eyes pressing needs of the school’s many On the first day at Nanhu the Trot for the Troops 5K race students, I helped to organize and had filled with a renewed vigor immigrant students, I founded an Elementary, we expected to follow to benefit Operation Homefront, man the booth that taught the from our conversation, and the ESOL Tutoring club at my school. our pre-set lesson plans, but while an organization that helps active newcomers how to use new software corners of his mouth had traveled Every Wednesday afternoon, we had naively set aside an entire servicemen and their families. As designed to take them step-by- upwards in a smile of gratitude fifteen of my friends and I go to hour to teach just colors, none of our race director I was responsible step through the intricacies of the – a smile that stayed on his face Hollifield Station to mentor the fifth-graders possessed such a long for administration, publicity, English language. After recognizing the next day I visited. For the past Homework Club students, who attention span. We became master fundraising, and recruiting eighty the growing Hispanic population three summers, I have devoted come from India, China, Korea, improvisers, keeping our students volunteers to help on race day. While in our community, we chose user- myself to volunteering at the and Latin America. Besides help interested through a constant the enormity of the undertaking was friendly and basic, but nonetheless VA Hospital, serving veterans with English and math, what these barrage of activities. From the pride somewhat overwhelming at first, effective, software that contained in need and fulfilling my desire kids need most are role models: I felt while watching my smiling once I committed to the challenge daily conversations – from common to give back to the community people who listen patiently to their students perform “I Believe I Can and began learning from experience expressions for communicating that has nurtured my growth for needs, who praise and encourage Fly” to the countless games we made I grew comfortable in my role as with peers at school to those used seventeen years. Whether I was them, who simply care. And that is up on the spot and surprisingly the chief organizer of the event. at the grocery store. After an hour sorting and delivering medicine, what this club is about: we not only found to be immensely enjoyable, When race day finally came, it was of instructing and demonstrating to assisting patients with hearing assist the students in learning basic from our weekend explorations of a huge success. We raised over each group that came throughout aids, or keeping patients company, academic knowledge, but we also the local winery to our final water $7,500 and received a Homefront the week, I was excited to see that the patients and hospital staff nurture a work ethic that applies to balloon fight, this was one of my Hero award for our efforts from the most had learned the skills and were would always express a genuine schoolwork and to all areas of life. greatest, most fulfilling experiences. Illinois Lieutenant Governor. The able to independently operate the appreciation for my efforts. The We show them that they are creative, Ironically, in a place that was so best part of it for me was seeing software, which I could see breaking words “thank you,” the gentle smiles, capable people who have great unfamiliar was where I felt most the 200 participants on the starting numerous language barriers in their the grateful looks never failed to potential. We are their big brothers comfortable, with my students, line, whom I had inspired to come new environment. As I handed evoke a warm feeling in my heart and sisters, if only for a couple hours my teaching partners, and my own together in support of a common them the software for free, I felt an and inspire me to continue serving a week. The most important facet abilities. Gaining lasting friendships cause. Though I will likely never overwhelming joy in getting to know, others. My volunteer experience of this tutoring club, though, is that and strong connections to the kids meet the people Trot for the Troops personally, other members of my at the VA Hospital has made me we pass onto these underserved with whom I originally thought I has helped, I am proud to say I was neighborhood and in helping to ease discover that I possess the wonderful but wholly deserving children the had nothing in common, I not only able to assist those who have given their transition to life in our country. power to change another individual’s hope and opportunity to believe in made a difference in my students’ so much to our country. life, to bring smiles to faces. themselves – and to make their own lives, but also brightened my own. bright futures.

58 2009 Presidential Scholars

Each Presidential Scholar presents the program’s Teacher Recognition Award to the one teacher, counselor, or school administrator who has been his or her greatest influence and inspiration. Every day, in classrooms across the country, these educators prove the power of excellent teaching to help guide young lives toward the realization TEACHERof their true potential and the fulfillment of their highest aims.s 2009 Presidential Scholars Christopher T. Adrian (MI) Peter Banker (MA) John J. Brady, III (TN) Teacher History English Mathematics Hackett Catholic Central High School Weston High School Ensworth High School Recognition Claudia Alldredge (GA) Zedric K. Bembry, II (FL) Kristi Bridges (WA) Awardees Spanish Dance Government Alpharetta High School Miami Carol City Senior High School Camas Senior High School

Ellen Anderson (RI) James Benigna (MI) Jie Bu (NV) English Chemistry Music - Piano Performance Classical High School The Roeper School Raymond Buchheister (PA) Titu Andreescu (TX) Gayle M. Berard (LA) Independent Artist/Mentor Mathematics English University of Texas - Dallas Fontainebleau High School Ruth Burson (CA) Social Studies Michelle Bagley (MD) Jeffrey Berger-White (IL) Notre Dame High School Mentored Research English Centennial High School Deerfield High School Rob Burt (CA) Drama Jason Baker (PA) Margaret A. Bouck (NY) Elsie Allen High School Mathematics English Mechanicsburg Area Senior Cherry Valley-Springfield Central Clarissa Bushman (NY) High School Junior-Senior High School Economics Stuyvesant High School

60 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

Matt Carey (IL) John Deliman (OH) Jim Fahy (ND) Beenu Gupta (DE) Josh Hilberman (MA) History Music Social Studies Biology Tap Dance Glenbard North High School Upper Arlington High School Dickinson High School Charter School of Wilmington Sandra Hindsman (MS) Jacob D. Charlebois (NV) Karyn Dempsey (AZ) Christopher Fatheree (TX) Stephen Guziewski (WI) Biology English Humanities English Physics St. Andrew’s Episcopal School TEACHERs Spanish Springs High School Corona del Sol High School Pearland High School James Madison Memorial High School John S. Hirsch (MA) Ginger Cherry (NC) Marian DeWane (ID) Kevin C. Fielden (TN) English English Science/AP Chemistry Social Studies Michael Hagstrom (ND) Middlesex School Jesse O. Sanderson High School Centennial High School Dobyns-Bennett High School Charity and Justice Shanley High School Susan M. Hodgin (ID) Jeffery Cumpston (Zimbabwe) Paul Donovan (DE) Anna Freundt (MS) English Music German English William Hanewald (WY) Moscow High School Sanford School Jackson Preparatory School Chemistry Nelson W. Daniel, Jr. (OK) Tongue River High School Celeste Hutton (KS) Chemistry Douglas Dosky (OH) Patricia Gardner (NM) English Oklahoma School of Science Mathematics English Cynthia Hardesty (VA) Wichita High School East and Mathematics Thomas Worthington High School Albuquerque High School Physics York High School Yelena Ivanov (NJ) Samuel M. Davidson (NM) Katie Elsener (NE) Chris Girard (KY) Piano Counselor English Mathematics Lorraine Heinrichs (Germany) Albuquerque High School Pius X High School Simon Kenton High School Mathematics Rob Jensen (MT) Bonn International School Science Margaret DeBlois (ME) Rosalyn Ericson (NJ) Kylene Gott (IL) Hellgate High School English Biology Guidance David Henner (PR) St. Dominic Regional High School Moorestown High School Crystal Lake Central High School Physics Terrie Joplin (NC) St. John’s School English Terri Dees (SC) Kimberly Este (MS) Jo H. Green (TX) Grimsley High School Biology English Latin Mercedes Higuera (PR) Spartanburg High School Mississippi School of the Arts Westlake High School Spanish Aimee Joyaux (VA) St. John’s School Photography Appomattox Governors School for Arts & Technology

61 2009 Presidential Scholars

Gaye Klopack (IL) Mark Littlefield (MA) Rebecca Meyer-Larson (MN) Kristen Murphy (RI) Debora Palmer (WV) Vocal Music Mathematics Honors English American Literature Studio Art Jones College Preparatory Newburyport High School Moorhead Senior High School Cumberland High School Trinity High School

Lilia Kol (WA) Jason L. Lovera (MO) Barbara Milburn (MN) John Naisbitt (IL) Bill Parker (AK) Mathematics English English Social Studies/AP European History Biology Odle Middle School Parkway Central High School Mayo High School Hinsdale Township High Wasilla High School School Central Julia Kolander (NE) Amy V. Maddox (AL) David Montee (MI) Ivor Parsons (NY) Latin History Theatre Suzanne Nelson (SD) United States History Millard North High School Vestavia Hills High School Interlochen Arts Academy United States Government Syosset High School Stevens Senior High School Francine Kontos (NH) Andrew Mahar, IV (NC) Elizabeth Moore (IL) Peter Perry (MD) Art Spanish Mathematics Andrew R. Nielson (UT) Music Dover High School Myers Park High School Naperville North High School Physics Richard Montgomery High School Logan High School Randy Kuchynka (OK) Frederick Martell (NY) Tom Moore (CT) Larry Peterson (UT) World History Classical Voice Modern European History Gary Nyhus (IA) AP Mathematics Eisenhower Senior High School Hunter College Conard High School Mathematics Northridge High School Newman High School Michael Lazere (IA) James E. McCarter, Jr. (IN) Kane More (FL) Alan G. Phillips (LA) Science Science AP Biology Jane O’Connor (CO) American History Ames High School Central Middle School West Boca Raton Community Language Arts Vandebilt Catholic High School High School Monarch High School Laurie LePore (OR) Lisa McCulley (SC) Jason Piluk (MD) Biology, Genetics Publications Janie Mueller (CO) Cynthia Ogden (TX) Biology Riverdale High School Spartanburg High School Chemistry Theater Centennial High School Cheyenne Mountain High School The High School for Performing & Evie Lewis (WY) Daniel McKeen (OH) Visual Arts Wright Porter (AR) English AP Computer Science Cathy Murphy (GA) History Bryan Ott (FL) Jackson Hole High School Solon High School English Literature and Composition Jonesboro High School George Walton High School Theology Nick Lewis (OH) Beth A. Messere (PA) St. Joseph Academy Doris Pridonoff Lehnert (CO) English Calculus Professor of Piano Western Reserve Academy Methacton High School University of Colorado-Boulder

62 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

RoseMary Pringle (FL) Beth Russell (OR) Anthony Silk (CA) Judith Tanzman (CA) William Waters (MD) Fashion English Math Fine Arts English Design & Architecture Senior Crescent Valley High School Harker School Marlborough School The Bryn Mawr School High School Ellen Sassenberg (MN) Kathleen Smith (NY) Robert Tostevin (MO) Sandra L. Webb (HI) David Quinn (WA) Latin Biology Social Studies Biology English Mayo High School St. Mary’s High School The Pembroke Hill School Mililani High School Edmonds-Woodway High School Mark Savage (ME) Randall Smith (CT) Gail Tuthill (HI) Sherwood Williams (VA) Wallace B. Ragan, III (DC) Outdoor Education History Chemistry AP English Language & Classics Brewer High School Joel Barlow High School Iolani School Composition St. Alban’s School Thomas Jefferson High School for Dawn Schmidt (AZ) Sally Squibb (TX) Joe Vaccaro (LA) Science & Technology Cheryle A. Redelings (CA) Social Studies Debate Sciences Jayne Wingate (WY) History Desert Vista High School Lewisville High School St. Martin’s Episcopal School Francis W. Parker School AP Calculus Mary J. Schmitz (SD) Annice Steadman (AR) Edward Vaitones (NH) Cheyenne Central High School Jonathan A. Rice (VT) History Biology German Bernie Yanelli (FL) Science Roosevelt High School Central High School Pinkerton Academy Green Mountain Union High School Social Studies Laura J. Segedin (NJ) Steve Steinbach (DC) Almita Vamos (IL) St. Stephen’s Episcopal School Cindy Rodgers (AL) Industrial Arts History Violin Performance Andrew Zartmann (AK) Mathematics Roosevelt Intermediate School Sidwell Friends School Unknown High School Virgil I. Grissom High School Mathematics Diane Sheppard (AL) Matthew Stergios (MT) Irina Voro (KY) West Anchorage High School Michael Roh (WV) English AP History Piano Math and Physics Indian Springs School Loyola Sacred Heart High School University of Kentucky, School of University High School Music Leonard Sievers (IN) Amanda Streich (WI) Dan Ruff (KY) Math/Geometry Spanish and General Studies Deanna Wasman (MO) English Castle High School Home School Mathematics Woodford County High School David H. Hickman High School

63 2009 Presidential Scholars

Each year we ask our distinguished teachers to describe what they enjoy about teaching, or to recount an incident that has given them a sense of pride in their work. Clearly the Scholars’ great gratitude for these exceptional teachers is matched only by the teachers’ devotion to challenging, motivating, and supporting the students reflectionsentrusted to their care, and their joy in watching those students take flight. 2009 Teacher Recognition Christopher Adrian, Michigan Jason L. Baker, Pennsylvania Jamie Benigna, Michigan Awardees I am profoundly fortunate to teach One of my many rewarding moments I am lucky to earn a living doing what in a Christ-centered educational of teaching is when students graduate I love and sharing with students an Reflect environment. Parents, faculty, and and return to thank us for helping excitement and passion for learning. students inspire me each day to them. At that point you know I get to bask in the fascinating on Teaching be a better person and educator. their thoughts are genuine and they microscopic and macroscopic world Working with students like Thomas appreciate that you played a part in around us every day and bring new Ankenbauer is a cherished privilege. helping them start down the next path minds along for the adventure. of their lives. Claudia Alldredge, Georgia Gayle Berard, Louisiana Seeing my students learn Spanish and Peter Banker, Massachusetts Teaching literature to creative, overcome uncertainties is my passion. Teaching English. Every day, I get inquisitive, gifted students is a great As they acquire self-confidence in their to interact with untainted minds, to challenge. I try to find the right tools to language skills, I feel their enthusiam facilitate and participate in serious help each student reach his potential: for this language and culture. These discussion about topics of great reading, question and answer, writing, skills will prepare them for new significance to the lives of students. We discussion, presentations. The thrill challenges in our global society. What also share in laughter. Every day, we comes from watching young students a joy to know my contribution to their take the chance to laugh. There is no like Holden Brown “smile” at the irony successes! better way to spend a lifetime. in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice in his writings and discussions. Ellen Anderson, Rhode Island Zedric Bembry, Florida I love seeing my students use the I’m a self- taught dance teacher, Jeff Berger-White, Illinois interpretive tools I have helped them who has had a company for twenty I want my students to “[s]peak what discover to unlock the insights and gifts years. Working alongside different [they] feel, not what [they] ought to of authors and characters. Not only personalities, cultures, styles and say” (William Shakespeare); to “risk can I appreciate Jane Eyre or William disciplines, and displaying them delight”( Jack Gilbert); to discover Blake in a new light, but I am thrilled as one, motivates me the most. My “things [they] didn’t know [they] to introduce a new generation to greatest feeling of accomplishment is loved” (Nazim Hikmet); and most of lifelong friends. when a student states, “You have made all, to realize the beauty of their “one a difference in my life.” wild and precious life” (Mary Oliver).

64 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

Margaret Bouck, New York Raymond Buchheister, Matthew Carey, Illinois Jeff Cumpston, Oregon Peggy DeBlois, Maine I have the pleasure of working with Pennsylvania There are two factors that influenced I love music, and I love kids. My There is nothing as energizing as bright and exciting students who As a teacher, what is most gratifying my decision to become a teacher. First, music experiences in public school spending time with teenagers! There inspire me to be more than a teacher. to see is the light in a student’s eyes my dad is a teacher. He’s been my role were amazing and had a powerful is not a day that I don’t leave class Their drive and enthusiasm force when they realize that their talent model for the ideal teacher: intelligent, impact on my life. I am passionate without learning something new by me to be contemporary, creative, to draw and paint can become caring, and dedicated. Through to provide the same wonderful seeing the world through their eyes. reflections inquisitive, and passionate about something more than what they just him I came to realize the profound experiences for my students. It is Literature is a search for truth, and I language and literature. It is love to do, that being an artist can positive impact a teacher can have on incredibly rewarding to see them am blessed to take that journey with magic when together we create this actually become their profession and students’ lives. The second influencing fall in love with music and have it a my students. wonderfully cyclical environment in earn them a living. factor is my time studying abroad central part of their lives. which I am the student as well as the in college. That was a transforming Terri Dees, South Carolina teacher. Ruth Burson, California experience, as it sparked my curiosity Nelson W. Daniel, When students ask questions that I Daily the halls are full of laughter; the about history. As a teacher I hope Jr., Oklahoma can’t answer, they are going beyond Kristi Bridges, Washington classroom is bursting with inquisitive to develop in my students that same Learning requires the meeting of what I or the textbook can tell them Stephanie’s adaptability, curiosity, minds, the sharing of ideas, critical curiosity and excitement about minds and spirits of teacher and and are thinking for themselves. My self-motivation, interpersonal skills, thinking and hard work. Everyday I history. This task I find endlessly student. Thus the Latin adage greatest moments are when students academic ability, and leadership have the opportunity to learn, meet challenging and rewarding. “In learning you will teach and in show me that they understand the make the people and places she new challenges and touch the lives of teaching you will learn” is realized. physical and chemical workings of a interacts with better for her having students…to make a difference and Jacob Charlebois, Nevada Teachers can learn amazing things living system and that they appreciate been there. She has been an asset to plant seeds – amazing! In education, it’s difficult to see the from their students – especially about the wonder of it all. our community, and she will continue myriad ways we affect the students’ human nature – but only if they are bringing positive change to any part Rob Burt, California lives. Sometimes, it’s the casual open to the dialogue. John R. Deliman, Ohio of the world she is in contact with. Each year I am blessed to receive into conversations we have with them in Great music touches one’s soul. my charge remarkable young people the hall that can be the legacy-type Samuel Marc Davidson, It motivates students to strive for New Mexico Jie Bu, Nevada who inspire and delight me. I relish memories they craft about their quality in all that they do. I find joy Teaching is an impossible mission guiding students through the creative school days. To be the basis for these I am most deeply fulfilled by the in helping my students develop from while leading is. It’s such a joy to process as they make discoveries memories is humbling and gratifying. diversity, challenges and rewards of fourth grade children into young share what we believe; to guide what that expand their unique minds and working in an inn-city school. The adults. My greatest reward comes they imagine and to cheer what they spirits. My job is to make it matter. Ginger Cherry, North Carolina highest achieving, deeply motivated when students, like Scholar Nathaniel achieve. I am especially humbled They make it matter for me. I teach because I love my subject. students work alongside many other West, gain success by taking full that I have had the opportunity to Books, literature, texts, are powerful students of varying motivational advantage of opportunities that we as accompany some of my students, like Clarissa Bushman, New York conduits, and I love to explore them levels and goals, resulting in teachers provide. Carmen, in her musical journey for Teachers wait for the moment when with my students. Reading can soothe, commencement ceremonies that over 12 years. My students often current events breathe life into theory. excite, teach, empower, and entertain, consistently bring tears to my eyes. refer me as their second father when I It is the best time ever to be teaching and too often students are unaware of Graduates from professional families truly regard them as my own children Macroeconomics, as the formerly its allure. I find joy in awakening and off to big-name institutions, and and best friends. The reward and academic concepts come alive on nurturing my students’ reading souls. students headed for local community responsibility are so immense that I today’s world stage. The final is not colleges, who are often the first in their know my mission is worthwhile. the Advanced Placement Exam. families to attend any institution of It is the ongoing test of making not higher education, all join together in only personal financial decisions, but joy-filled celebrations. global ones.

65 TEACHER RECOGNITION AWARDEES REFLECT2009 ON TEACHIN PresidentialG Scholars

Marian DeWane, Idaho Katie Elsener, Nebraska Anna Halley Freundt, Mississippi Jo Heim Green, Texas Cynthia Hardesty, Virginia Intertwining my lifelong journey of Teaching is not merely a job or a Everyday, every student, every lesson Like most teachers, I have always been I teach for the “light bulb” moment, the learning with that of my students profession. It is an exploration into is different; the challenges inherent in an optimist. I want the best that I can moment when you see in a student’s creates opportunities for me to creativity, productivity, intellect, and teaching motivate me to grow as an give and the highest that each student eyes that a concept, which has been encourage and support their voyages. I talent. The privilege of guiding my instructor and as an individual. My can achieve. I hope every student frustrating or confusing them, has offer support, caring, and a safety net students into constructive adulthood students make me want to be a better will learn something positive in my finally clicked, and understanding has when they need it. Every day, I have is exciting and inspiring. I watch as teacher. They make me laugh and classroom whether it’s Latin or a love occurred. The light of that moment the chance to be the spark igniting their they soar. “Teachers open the door, but make me think. Teaching offers lessons of learning, a respect for individual keeps me teaching. passion for learning and to make the you must enter by yourself.” –Chinese about living with passion, curiosity, eccentricities or cultural differences. magical world of chemistry meaningful Proverb and empathy. Teaching is passing the torch from one Lorraine Heinrichs, and relevant. generation to another keeping alive the Americans Abroad Rosalynn Ericson, New Jersey Patricia A. Gardner, New Mexico highest traditions of learning. I like to think of myself as an educator. Paul Donovan, I feel fortunate to be a teacher. For me, teaching is a calling, where I In class, the focus of my role is Americans Abroad Teaching gives me the opportunity get to work with amazing students. I Stephen Guziewski, Wisconsin the students and their needs. Pass Thanks to my students, I have been to help students make sense of their love what I do, and while that may be I teach because my students need to information on to students and they able to maintain my enthusiasm for universe, to challenge them and in payment enough, it is rewarding when know they can and will succeed. I teach will forget it very quickly. If on the and dedication to teaching German turn, be challenged by them. It allows a student comes back and tells me they because in the eyes of my students I other hand they are allowed to discover language, literature, and culture me to connect with young scholars learned something from me that helped see glimmers of hope and sparkles of the answers on their own, they will for more than forty years. I am through reciprical learning experiences, them in another class or endeavor. enthusiasm. I teach because I get to see learn. thrilled when young people begin and to serve as a bridge between students grow and achieve great things communicating in another world generations. Chris Girard, Kentucky every day. But mostly I teach because David Henner, Puerto Rico language and delighted when some I love teaching because there is a new my students inspire me! The motivation of my teaching is the of them gain global perspective from Kimberly A. Este, Mississippi challenge every day. Whether it is annual alumni reunion at Christmas. studying or working in a German- Although I am an academic teacher helping a student who is struggling, Michael Hagstrom, North Dakota Former students return to share speaking land. at the Mississippi School of the Arts, challenging a student to go the extra Every human life is a great mystery – their triumphs and failures, joys and I feel that it is my responsibility to mile, or celebrating successes, each day lived in the dramatic tension between disappointments, and playfully recreate Douglas A. Dosky, Ohio encourage my students to continue is different than the last. It means a lot who one is and who one is meant to be our time together in the classroom. It In college, I gained a great appreciation to cultivate Mississippi’s rich artistic to know that I am making a difference. – according to the late Pope John Paul reminds me every day that my students for mathematics and the impact that it heritage and to provide opportunities II. The noble role of a teacher is to call are truly a work in progress. has with the real world. Because of this for them to share their talents with the Kylene Gott, Illinois students to use personal freedom for strong devotion, I strive to enlighten nation. My inspiration for teaching comes excellence. Mercedes Higuera- Pereda, Puerto Rico the students so they can see, love, from the diversity and independence of and appreciate all the splendors that James A. Fahy, North Dakota each young person with whom I work. William G. Hanewald, Wyoming The poet Antonio Machado once said: mathematics can bring to them as they My students bring me back to the Students inspire me by their tireless Students who want to learn the “whys” “in matters of culture and knowledge, journey through their life. classroom excited to teach day after efforts to establish identity and by and “what for” of physical science, who what is not shared is lost.,” that is day. Each student provides inspiration their persistent and focused struggle to challenge me, try to prove me wrong, my motivation. With students like to me whether it be to provide the extra overcome and learn from challenges. and ask probing questions motivate Mariana, this is easy to live by as she help to succeed or the extra challenge. me to continue teaching. I sense their clearly realizes the importance and Teaching inspires me to keep learning earnestness when using experiments to beauty of language and literature. for the sake of the students. evaluate theoretical learning and share Congratulations, Mariana, for your their delight when the “aha!” moment commitment to excellence and society! arrives.

66 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

Josh Hilberman, Massachusetts Celeste Hutton, Kansas Aimee Joyaux, Virginia Julia L. Kolander, Nebraska Doris Pridonoff Teaching tap dance is about Teaching remains timeless, not I love teaching because I love learning. Any time a scholar is engaged in a Lehnert, Colorado connection: connecting aural, neural, students. Bored instructors doubly I see art as a way to present virtuous curious, meaningful, and authentic Teaching piano for 50 years has and motor impulses; connecting bore students. Enthusiasm’s key, not ideas, raise legitimate questions and search into ancient history and brought me great joy. My experience ourselves to our dancing spirits and dog-and-pony shows. Laughter’s elevate the debate on the complex literature – a long standing tradition as a pressured child pianist with musical voices; connecting to historical necessary, at self and pieces of beloved issues of our times. I want my of education survives. By exploring expectations of greatness, my passion traditions and reinventing those discipline which beg satirizing. students to see art as a vehicle to the past and embracing the present, for music, and the raising of my traditions. Challenging and being A teacher who doesn’t push is express their place in this history. the future of humanity can be shaped own 4 children, has helped give me challenged, exploring, developing, unrespected. When the profession’s through knowledge and wisdom. As greater insight and empathy for the playing, learning constantly; that is inevitable crisis occurs and we wonder Gaye Klopack, Illinois an educator, it is my honor to practice individual student’s I have I taught. teaching to me. who cares anyway, this honor offers I teach young people to sing. Trying a craft which embodies a whole realm My scholar, Leann Osterkamp, loves proof. to teach them vocal technique is like of possibilities and adventures with music and has been an exemplary John Hirsch, Massachusetts putting together pieces in a puzzle. young people. student. I teach because I can’t help it: Yelena Ivanov, New Jersey And even before I’ve figured out how whatever profession I chose in life, As both a musician and teacher, all the pieces should fit together, I ask Francine Kontos, Laurie LePore, Oregon I would have felt driven to teach, in I strive to nurture young, talented them to do a very scary thing – go on New Hampshire In seventh grade I fell for science. some way. I teach English because pianists. Together, my students and stage and perform. Eventually they Teaching is exciting. From the That “tumble” had mostly to do reading, discussing, and writing I carry on the noble tradition of begin to free themselves from that simplest assignment to the most with my teacher. Cropped hair, about literature is both what I’m most revealing real meaning in the music fear, and begin to feel in touch with complex, my students never cease lace-up Hush Puppies, plain blouse passionate about and the academic of great composers. My greatest joy the music and their own artistry. to surprise me with their response. and skirt; initially fearsome, always discipline that, I find, allows me to and most precious reward is when I When that happens, they not It is a thrill to see the moment that straightforward, and tough as nails, engage students in the fullest, most can help my students liberate their only empower themselves but also their idea solidifies; to watch their she loved us and science, in that order, interesting way. imagination, technique, individuality, give their audience much joy, and excitement grow with each new piece and by the end of the year I knew and sense of harmony. this teacher gets to be part of that they add to their work. The end result my calling. The mark she made was Susan M. Hodgin, Idaho audience. is rarely what I imagine it will be. truly indelible, and now I get to do Rob Jensen, Montana the same. Teaching and learning begin with Lilia Kol, Washington Randall Kuchynka, Oklahoma trust – and for me, a sophomore I teach for the “aha” moments, for the Evie Lewis, Wyoming English teacher--that comes through kid who hated science yet now at least Teaching math is my passion. My Teaching school is the greatest job in writing and revising, reading, tolerates it, for my smile when I see assignment is particularly challenging the world. It is wonder and discovery. The dual nature of my job gives listening, speaking, and viewing. my student in a play, for the student and rewarding because I have As a history teacher, I see the wonder me great pleasure and satisfaction. The processes begin, and students honoring me with this recognition students for several years in row. This in the students’ eyes as they discover Teaching Drama and English unfold like a spring bloom. With some two years after my class. I teach offers me the opportunity to see their another amazing concept about our provides the opportunity to foster good practice, the classroom becomes for the difference it makes. talents develop over time. I have had world and the people in it. “rigor, relevance and relationships.” a landscape of respect, confidence, many students choose math related Regardless of the content area, humor, and thought through response. Terrie E. Joplin, North Carolina fields for their careers. This motivates Michael Lazere, Iowa students develop and merge creativity Conversations about novels and my teaching. I often tell my students that I don’t with self-discipline as they gain poetry generate ideas and clarify like the words “teacher” or “learner” confidence to present themselves as in understanding of one’s own and because they imply that education serious English students or dramatic others’ worlds. When I help students is one-way – that they are “empty artists. unlock and explain artistry and vessels” ready to be filled with meaning, while still valuing the knowledge. In my classes I strive to remaining mystery, then we have create an atmosphere where we are all embarked on a continuous journey. teachers and learners.

67 TEACHER RECOGNITION AWARDEES REFLECT2009 ON TEACHIN PresidentialG Scholars

Nicholas Lewis, Ohio Andrew H. Mahar, Daniel McKeen, Ohio Elizabeth Moore, Illinois Cathy Murphy, Georgia I teach in order to help my students North Carolina I love teaching. My motivation: the To me, nothing is as inspiring or as Freshmen: Lia asks about theme. Hers deepen an appreciation for other sets One aspect of teaching that I find daily surprises, the enthusiasm of humbling as teaching. I love sharing isn’t arguable. She returns with “Man of eyes while simultaneously shaping exciting is the possibilities that each youth, the thrill of small successes, my excitement with students, opening is inherently evil.” their own perception of the world. It is new group of students brings to the the joy of creation, the shared their eyes to possibilities, and getting Juniors: “A Rose for Emily.” For forty an immensely rewarding experience; classroom. They are at such a pivotal humanity, the unexpected laughter, to know them as thinkers and as years, Emily’s slept with a dead body. teaching is also learning. Students, like age in high school that we, as their the metamorphosis as they grow from young adults. Without a doubt, I have Does Emily symbolize the antebellum Anne Song, have the incredible ability educators, can influence whatever children into adults. I was an engineer learned as much from my students as South? LitMag: Angela’s story. Blind to open my eyes to new possibilities. direction they end up taking in their for 10 years before teaching. Now I they have from me. girl’s brother dies in a fire. Should lives. wake up happy. she commit suicide or have split Mark Littlefield, Massachusetts Thomas Moore, Connecticut personalities? I love teaching. My passion for teaching comes from Fredrick Martell, New York Rebecca Meyer- To paraphrase Thoreau, “I wish to working with students to achieve I try to promote excellence, especially Larson, Minnesota brag as lustily as Chanticleer in the Kristen Murphy, Rhode Island success through hard work, dedication, to those students who the muse has “Art is the symbol of the two noblest morning, not to annoy my neighbors, I regard the profession of teaching as and discipline in their academic studies chosen by granting them interest human efforts: to construct, and to but to awaken them.” I want my the most important of all professions. and other activities. Working with and desire for excellence. My wish refrain from destruction” - Simone students to question what they hold Our job is to inspire excellence and students to develop confidence and to is to have them feel the personal Weil. I spend my days with young dear, and to squirm as they confront motivate success in the lives of our set and maintain high expectations in transformation that happens when artists dedicated to creating more the new ideas that will force them to students. Despite its many challenges, challenging mathematics courses brings they apply themselves to creating and than the rest of the world can destroy; think. teaching has given me reason to believe great rewards for me as their teacher. performing excellently. My hope is for a noble pursuit indeed! My soul is that we can all make a difference in the them to pass the same desire to the inspired every day by creation. Kane More, Florida world. I am priviledged to share the Jason Lovera, Missouri next generations. What makes teaching such a satisfying life -long experience of learning with My motivation to teach English Barbara Milburn, Minnesota profession is knowing what you do may my students. There is nothing better rests in the notion that the success of James E. McCarter, Jr., Indiana Voltaire said that if you teach people well impact the future. Each day brings than being involved in the intellectual each individual depends upon each I recall teachers who challenged me as to think that they are thinking, they new challenges and opportunities to and emotional development of a young individual’s ability to recognize, value, a child, exposing me to new worlds and will imitate you and adore you. If share with my students and to watch mind!! and celebrate the human soul. The ideas I would otherwise never have you teach people to truly think, they them grow intellectually. Learning is disciplined, rigorous study of literature encountered. As an educator I have will challenge you and not honor also a two-way street, which keeps me John S. Naisbitt, Illinois offers that journey, through which each always sought to provide my students you. Perhaps Voltaire didn’t have the young and forever inquisitive. Teaching for me is about creating individual can learn to embrace the with equally challenging opportunities opportunity to work with Presidential positive, energetic and productive values of love, compassion, and hope. and experiences that they would not Scholars like Annie and Andrew. Janie Mueller, Colorado relationships with the students. Once get anywhere else. I love young people – finding each kids know you care about them the real Amy Maddox, Alabama David Montee, Michigan student’s special gifts and talents learning can begin. My mother taught What I appreciate most is being Lisa McCulley, South Carolina I’ve learned more about my subject and building them up to believe in for 30 years, and she told me to “have reminded daily that our future is in The creative process is awesome to (acting and psychological behavior) themselves to pursue their dreams; to the students fall in love with you, and excellent hands. I believe that it is my behold! As budding journalists enter over my years in the classroom dare to dream new dreams. Finding the rest is easy.” civic duty to share the gift of essential the publications lab, they bring fresh, than during all of my time acting teens who fluorish in the hard sciences lessons with the next generation. Yet, I new ways of perceiving the world. I professionally. Students open my eyes and can go on to touch others and our failed to realize the enormous blessings have the ultimate pleasure of watching to new horizons every day I’m with nation is my passion. I would receive in return. Teaching them share ideas and become fluent them. It’s an honor to share their lives is an always challenging, infinitely in expressing them both verbally and and creative breakthroughs; it’s where rewarding experience. visually for others to enjoy. What fun! art and heart meet.

68 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

Andrew Neilson, Utah Cynthia Ogden, Texas Debora D. Palmer, Peter Perry, Maryland Jason Piluk, Maryland Teaching motivates me. Not the Living in a post-modern world, I feel West Virginia I teach my students through the The most rewarding aspect of “teaching” that dispenses information the pressures that my teaching must Being able to share my passion for the vehicle of music. The experiences teaching biology is knowing that the for students to memorize, but the reflect an eclectic understanding of arts with students is a privilege. Being we share through this pursuit help intellectual and social boundaries of teaching that challenges students the global economy, cultural diversity, able to watch them grow in skill and establish personal convictions, teach the student have expanded beyond to view learning as true conceptual and the surge of technology and understanding, and then to approach life lessons, and formulate values his or her immediate environment understanding. My students don’t information. I can appreciate that the the rest of their lives with sensitivity, that the students will use for the rest with the ultimate realization that they typically say they love the physics I whole world does indeed seem close creativity, and a sense of aesthetics, is of their lives. I am excited about are part of a larger, more dynamic teach. Rather, they say they like the and immediate because of these. But a gift they give to me. my facilitating role in this process, continuum. Scientific knowledge has way I teach. They like to understand. I also sense that the basic elements of and look with pride as my students no limits, nor does teaching, about it. learning are not nearly so complex. I Bill Parker, Alaska mature into productive members Suzanne Nelson, South Dakota have discovered the power of looking Although I have been teaching of society. I relish the fact that this Walter Wright Porter, Arkansas Passion for truth is the foundation right into a student’s eyes and saying for over thirty years, I am still growth and maturity takes place My greatest sense of accomplishment of my personal studies. This search “You are smart. You are talented. thrilled by the “aha” moments when through the performance and study is when students embrace their ultimately leads to other questions, You are beautiful.” Those are very students connect new concepts to the of music, and that my students leave natural inquisitiveness to learn particularly “why?” I revel in this simple, straightforward statements. foundations we have been building. me being educated participants and on their own. I want students to search and believe it’s the basis for Yet they can be so difficult to express I am indeed fortunate to be able to consumers of music. understand that learning is a life- positive change. I push my students in the faces of students who use teach the same highly motivated and long process. It may not always be to focus on the “how” and “why” as a cynicism, anger, or defiance to mount able students for up to three years. Larry J. Peterson, Utah simple or easy, but the rewards are means for understanding the “what.” soundproof walls of armor around Their growth is a wonderful thing to Teaching Advanced Placement immeasurable. their pain. However, when I have observe, and the gratitude of students students lets me work with the best Gary L. Nyhus, Iowa been brave enough to say them, I have and parents is priceless. students in the world. They will Rosemary Pringle, Florida always been amazed by the results. I loved teaching mathematics because be the leaders of tomorrow. I enjoy “Mrs. Pringle I don’t understand!” I think it is because these kinds of Ivor R. Parsons, New York challenging them to reach their full applying problem solving techniques statements really touch a common is music to my ears. I find teaching to real life situations defines It is the story of America – a city on potential. My goal has always been irresistible! The rewards of teaching need in all of us – a need that to be the teacher that students were mathematics at its best. Watching transcends cultures, socio-economics, a hill, a beacon for all mankind. It come often for me. I love to watch students gain confidence in this is so rewarding to work with young glad they had… five years after they students blossom, to realize command and statistics. It is the need to be graduated. skill for close to forty years was very recognized, seen, heard. When every people who want to know that story. of the tools, to create a product they rewarding. I feel fortunate to have A day never goes by when I don’t are genuinely proud of, and to gain perspective is validated, the walls Alan G. Phillips, Louisiana had this career that I loved. come down. The classroom is safe. I have renewed energy and enthusiasm the respect of their peers. teach. My students learn. from their questions and challenges. For forty years I’ve had the honor to Jane O’Connor, Colorado work with outstanding young people David Quinn, Washington On a daily basis, I am impressed with Bryan Ott, Florida who have inspired, challenged and “What do you do?” asked my affirmed me. They’ve given me far my students’ tenacity and desire to Jesus, Himself, dedicated much classroom visitor. We were watching a achieve excellence. They sometimes more than I’ve given them. Their student lead a large-group discussion of his ministry to teaching others. expressions of love will live forever feel that they are put through the I am honored to follow in His on ethics, having just broken from wringer, but they consistently meet in my heart. There is no more noble smaller clusters. “What protocol footsteps by trying to lead others to profession – I am a teacher. and exceed my expectations. They understandings that will ultimately should we use?” the student asked. inspire me to be my best; I don’t ever bring them to peace, happiness, and With consensus reached, another want to let them down. fulfillment. My goal is to teach my discussion leader began asking students to love and be loved. probing questions of her peers. “I learn.” I replied.

69 TEACHER RECOGNITION AWARDEES REFLECT2009 ON TEACHIN PresidentialG Scholars

Wallace B. Ragan, Cindy Pessoney Beth Aeowyn Russell, Oregon Laura Segedin, New Jersey Kathleen M. Smith, New York District of Columbia Rodgers, Alabama Someone once told me that philosophy There aren’t many jobs I’d take, no To help students understand the Teaching is, like parenting, essential I enjoy watching students mature, is dangerous in the hands of children. matter how lucrative, if educating kids intricacies of all living things and to social cohesion and cultural vitality. find their own talents and interests, This may be true, but where would our wasn’t involved in some way. Over the their interactions with our planet is For me, teaching is a calling and sacred and make choices for their futures. kind be without fire? Our task is to years I’ve learned how much I truly a privilege and a responsibility in trust. As my own life has been shaped My students publish their own tend the flame of human consciousness. love kids! They are a part of me, my these changing times. With greater by wise and caring mentors, dedicated international math competition, host a Love of knowledge, tempered by moral day, and my world. I’ll take a school appreciation of the complexities of life to what is true, good, and useful, so I local tournament for elementary and sensibility, is the gift that warms us all. play over Broadway any day. on earth, I hope to foster in students a endeavor through teaching the Classics middle school students, and compete greater sense of stewardship for their to open up new worlds to the young in a variety of contests themselves. Ellen Sassenberg, Minnesota Diane M. Sheppard, Alabama lives, their communities, and their people entrusted to me. They are bright, enthusiastic, capable, As a Latin teacher, I believe that As a child, I loved hearing my world. What I continue to love about problem solvers. knowledge of the ancient world can mother tell stories; she taught me the teaching is the unique journey that I Cheryle A. Redelings, California illuminate life in the 21st century power and beauty language gives. take each year with students as they Socrates called himself “a midwife of Michael Roh, West Virginia and explain why we do what we As a teacher, I try to help students grow and develop as individuals and ideas.” It is an apt description of a I believe there is a fundamental do. Producing well-rounded critical develop their own voices and the skills as a class. teacher’s role. By teaching history I can yearning in all young minds to thinkers who can make connections necessary to tell their stories. Together, acquaint students with the entire range understand the mysteries of the across the millennia is vitally we embrace writing as the heart of self Randall Smith, Connecticut of human ideas. And there is no more universe. There is no greater thrill important in shaping tomorrow’s discovery and communication. To me, teaching is the chance to give exhilarating experience than opening than seeing this burning wonder and leaders. back, the War On Ignorance, the quest students’ minds and hearts to good and being able, as a teacher, to direct such Leonard R. Sievers, Indiana for meaning, the business of building true ideas. students to an understanding of their Dawn Schmidt, Arizona It is both a privilege and a honor to effective citizens, to nurture the adult curiosities. I encourage students to have an be a teacher. I am fortunate to have in the child, to kick a kid’s game up Jonathan A. Rice, Vermont appreciation for the past and the opportunity to affect so many to the next level, and to help our As a child of migrant workers, I Dan Ruff, Kentucky understand the implications for the people in a positive way; to help replacements do better than we did. attended many schools. Caring Recently, a past film student returned future. Creating global citizens who nurture and mold future adults like teachers gave up their planning time to my current film class to teach a are informed about the world in which Amanda Williams one day at a time. Sally Squibb, Texas to help me catch up, invited me into mini-lesson on video editing. He cited they live is imperative in today’s society Teaching – it’s what I do. It is the most 1960 made me a teacher! JFK science clubs, and shared their love for numerous examples from the earlier and I hope students will be inspired rewarding job in the world. established the Peace Corps. I read the learning; they inspired me and helped class, illustrating a thorough knowledge to travel and learn from their life words of George Washington Carver: foster my love of science. May I always of the subject matter. To realize that experiences. Anthony Silk, California “No individual has any right to come follow in their footsteps. a student has successfully retained I took a long and crooked road to into the world and go out of it without information and can successfully, Mary Schmitz, South Dakota teaching, starting with Navy Test Pilot, leaving behind him distinct and enthusiastically impart it to others, Writing innumerable letters of then to Software Project Manager to legitimate reasons for having passed well; that is certainly one of teaching’s recommendation for college admission, Cruise Ship Social Host, and finally through it.” I leave much behind! greatest rewards. placement, or scholarship has become here. Of all my jobs, this is the only one a necessary evil in my yearly routine. where each day is highlighted by the Crafting an original and truthful exhilaration of discovery. Who could snapshot of each student who asks ask for anything more? is challenging. Reading the much- appreciated, “Thank you,” or hearing, “Your letter made my mother cry” is priceless.

70 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

Annice F. Steadman, Arkansas Amanda Streich, Wisconsin Gail Tuthill, Hawaii Almita Vamos, Illinois Sandy Webb, Hawaii My students and I engage in a Home-schooling has been a most When I first watched a master For me teaching is a way of life. After 25 years of teaching, what I sharing experience. As they share rewarding experience as I’ve teacher captivate his students with It’s an opportunity to pass on the enjoy most is helping my students their cultures and past learning encouraged my three children to learn mind-boggling demonstrations and knowledge and skills I received from become successful, confident young experiences, we build our biology class for the joy of learning by pursuing geeky science jokes, I was hooked. my dedicated teachers. What a thrill adults. It is an honor to work with around these experiences. Questioning what interests them, by bringing real I love my students, and I gain to have students such as Andrea students, like Lucia Mocz, who are and active learning are standard world experiences into their studies happiness beyond measure in not only Jarrett who like a sponge sops up as clearly capable of helping to solve the procedures. I encourage students to with plenty of time and space to helping them understand chemistry, much kowledge and inspiration that I many challenges that face our nation. think beyond the classroom and to think, and by fostering an atmosphere but also in bringing a smile or a look can give her. never give up because there is more to of mutual trust and respect. of wonderment to their faces. Bernard Yanelli, Florida discover. Irina Voro, Kentucky As a late-in-life teacher, I feel Judith Tanzman, California Joe Vaccaro, Louisiana We learn how to do things better invigorated to spend my days Stephen A. Steinbach, As an artist and an educator, I Teaching high school chemistry and to be happier mostly through the surrounded by teenagers and ideas. In Washington D.C. encourage and challenge students and biology came to me as a career process of asking questions. So, I teach his last public speech, Horace Mann My college experience was shaped to take risks with ideas and process change after Hurrican Katrina. My the joy of asking questions as a nifty boldly proclaimed, “Be ashamed to die by an incredibly intelligent and in order to create work that is both biggest surprise and greatest joy since shortcut in the pursuit of happiness. until you have achieved some great inspirational professor. If I convey meaningful and personal. When that time has been the impact that I …Because, if the process of asking victory for mankind.” My students only a fraction of her commitment students tap into their imagination have had on students outside of class questions brings us joy, we are already inspire me to seek such victories every and energy to my own students, I will and the power of creative thinking, simply by listening to them with an happy… day. have succeeded as a teacher. Truth be they discover the artist within open mind and without judgement. told, though, I learn as much from my themselves and the tools for a Deanna Wasman, Missouri Andrew Zartmann, Alaska students on a daily basis as they learn successful and creative life. Thank Edward Vaitones, One of my students recently said, Education isn’t about standards, from me. you, Julie, for this great honor! New Hampshire “She really pushed us to think outside college entrance, or jobs. What we Learning German opens new ways to the box...She loved to teach and loved learn is who we are. I have succeeded Matthew Stergios, Montana Robert M. Tostevin, Missouri view the world and to communicate. the topic of mathematics so much, if my students ask better questions I have found the teaching profession I have spent my entire life in school, It is exciting to watch students and that’s the most important thing, and have a broader sense of the to be very rewarding. For me, which is the one place where the advance and begin to think in to do something you love.” I find possibility of ideas. teaching is not a job, but a vocation. serious pursuit of serious ideas and German. They make the language continual inspiration in challenging To have the opportunity to positively the spirited company of inquisitive their own and acquire flexibility and my students to reach their potential influence the future is very exciting young minds join together. Teaching creativity in their thinking. I aim to and find their passion. and fulfilling. As the years go by, has privileged me by helping to keep teach with an enthusiasm and love of I have discovered the additional my thinking fresh and my interests learning. William Waters, Maryland benefit of coming into contact with youthfully alive. I grew up in the home of an engineer outstanding human beings – which and a nurse, a place of invention and has made me a better person! healing where possibilities met at the intersection of hard work and hope. I found this again in the schoolhouse – as a student and then as a teacher – and I’ve been there ever since.

71 2009 Presidential Scholars

The Commission is a group of private citizens appointed by the President to select and honor the Presidential Scholars. Commissioners are selected from commacross the country,ission representing the fields of education, medicine, law, social The Commission services, business, and other professions. The Commissioners make the difficult choices of selecting Scholars from an initial pool of approximately On Presidential 2,600 candidates who demonstrate exceptional accomplishments in Scholars and its academics and the arts, and an outstanding commitment to public service. Partners The Commission invites the Presidential Scholars and their Teachers to Washington, DC for National Recognition Week. Activities are funded through a public-private partnership of the Presidential Scholars Foundation and private corporate and philanthropic sources. As guests of the Commission, the Scholars meet with government officials, 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.

72 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars commission

Stanley E. Taylor, Virginia Richard Bearden, Arkansas Glen T. Becerra, California Scott A. Bundgaard, Arizona Hattie Daniels-Rush, Wisconsin Commission Chair Senior Partner, Impact City Council Member in Simi Scott is a Vice President with Hattie Daniels-Rush is the President As outgoing Vice President for Management Group, Inc., a Little Valley, California, elected in J.P. Morgan Inc., resides in and CEO of the Hattie Daniels-Rush Metropolitan Relations at George Rock Southern strategy and grass November of 1998. Currently a Phoenix, and holds an MBA from Institute, the largest African American Mason University (GMU), Mr. roots-based political consulting Public Affairs Region Manager for Thunderbird Graduate School education and human service consultant Taylor has been involved with firm. State Director of the Bush for the Southern California Edison for International Management. firm in Wisconsin. Hattie Daniels-Rush federal and local governments, President Committee-Arkansas; Company. Former Legislative Aide Prior to his current position, Scott was formerly the director of community private and non-profit companies, Chief of Staff to Congressman to Assemblyman James L. Brulte, served Legislative District 19 in the relations for the Milwaukee County organizations and associations Jay Dickey (R-AR4) from 1993- responsible for legislation dealing Arizona State Legislature for eight executive. She has also served as a school that will benefit the university and 1995; Executive Director of the with California’s utility industry years. First elected at age 25 to the administrator, program coordinator, support and enhance interaction Republican Party of Arkansas and the State Allocation Board, Arizona House of Representatives, school social worker and classroom and goals for all. He worked with from 1990-1992 and 1996- which finances the renovation and Scott was elected two years later teacher. Mrs. Daniels-Rush is a licensed GMU central administration and 1999. Managing Partner, Capital construction of public schools. as the youngest member of the marriage and family therapist and a academic units to develop and/or Resource Management from Former Deputy Director for the State Senate, serving as Chairman clinical social worker in the state of address their mission and goals for 1999-2000. One of Arkansas Office of External Affairs in the of the Senate Finance Committee Wisconsin. She, along with her lovely support from the private sector, Business Magazine’s “40 most Administration of Governor for six years. He also served on daughter, Ericka Kathryn are partners in non-profits, and local and federal influential businessmen.” Board Wilson, overseeing the operation the Appropriations, Judiciary, the Hyssop Diagnostic, Treatment, and government agencies, to support member of The Little Rock of the Governor’s field offices and Commerce, Natural Resources & Social Service Agency. Mrs. Daniels- academic goals, internships, Club from 1996-1999; Board serving as liaison for constituent Environment, and Joint Legislative Rush is extremely active in her church partnership and research initiatives; member and legislative committee groups. He is an active community Budget Committees. Scott coaches and community. She is a former weekly and to promote initiatives with chairman, Professional Counseling member, serving on the Simi Valley basketball for the Boys & Girls radio talk show host and in 2001 was international governments. His Associates from 1995-2001. Education Foundation and Boys Club, the City of Glendale, and appointed by Milwaukee’s Mayor John professional, business and civic He served on former President & Girls Club Board of Directors Arizona Youth Sports. He is an Norquist to serve as the city’s Faith-Based roles include Alexandria Chamber Bush’s Commission on White and participating in the Economic active board member and a mentor Liaison. Hattie serves on numerous of Commerce, Arlington Chamber House Fellowships, and as an Development Collaborative of with MatchPoint, a faith-based boards including the Salvation Army of Commerce, Leadership Greater instructor on Building Democracy Ventura County. Council Member one-on-one mentoring program for Advisory Board, COGIC Social Services, Washington, BB&T Bank, for the for the International Republican Becerra and his wife Sally have two at-risk youth, affiliated with Prison Christian Business and Professional Washington Metropolitan Regions, Institution in Washington, DC. children, Elizabeth and Nicholas. Fellowship Ministries Alliances, Hyssop Diagnostic and Lead Virginia, and Leadership Treatment Center, St. Michael’s Hospital, Arlington. In June, Mr. Taylor will Wheaton Franciscan and V&J Foods (a retire from the University to pursue franchise of Burger King and Pizza Hut). private projects in real estate She is the recipient of many honors and development and other areas. awards. Hattie and her husband Robert are the proud parents of one daughter, Ericka Kathryn Rush.

73 THE COMMISSION ON PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS2009 AND ITS PresidentialPARTNERS Scholars

Jeanne Ferst, Georgia Michael A. Galiazzo, Robert A. Gleason Jr., Marcia A. Jackson, Virginia Elizabeth K. Johnson, Virginia Maryland Pennsylvania Mrs. Ferst has been deeply involved Marcia Jackson, a graduate of the Practicing Landscape Architect, international, public, and civic Dr. Michael Galiazzo is president of Mr. Gleason, a leading insurance University of Missouri-St. Louis, private practice, A.S.L.A. Former affairs for over 30 years. She has Get Results, a project management broker, has served in his family’s holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Board Member of the Virginia served as a participant in many company that specializes in business since 1965, after 4 years Science and a Bachelor of Science Board for Architects, Professional international conferences, including collaborative workforce development as a Captain in the US Air Force. in Business Administration- Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified the Ditchley Conference of 1996 efforts involving business, labor, Rob led Gleason, Inc., as President Accounting. She currently serves as Interior Designers, and Landscape & 1999, the German-American government and education. He has from 1970-1994, and next as the Coordinator for Study Abroad Architects. Active campaign and Economic Relations Conference served in a variety of leadership Chairman/CEO. In 1985, he held and Cultural Liaison at Virginia’s political volunteer. in 1997, and was a member of roles in community-based a 2-year term as Secretary of the Hampton University International. the President’s Commission organizations, and worked in higher Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Jackson is experienced in the Hostage Compensation in 1981. education. Dr. Galiazzo has earned Returning to Gleason, he also kept marketing and business development She studied at the University of a Doctor of Philosophy, Education active in national, state and county area, specializing in growth strategies Chicago and then began working Administration, Community politics: in 1996 he was elected for small and mid-size firms. Her with the United Nations. Since College Leadership Program, The Chair, Cambria County Republican work has focused on coordinating then, she was a member of the University of Texas at Austin; Committee, winning re-election in and developing HIV/Aids proj- President’s Panel on South Asian Leadership Certificate, Center for 1998. From 1993-1997, Governor ects, corporate social responsibility Relief Assistance, the Acting Creative Leadership, Greensboro, Casey named him to the State projects in Africa, and agri-indus- Chairman of the Cultural and Civic North Carolina; Master of Science, Turnpike Commission; in 1997, trial development. She is on the Affairs Committee in Atlanta, Applied Behavioral Science, Governor Ridge tapped him for Board of Trustees of Meridian Georgia, and a member of the The Johns Hopkins University; the Transportation Commission. International, a regional board Advisory Committee on Voluntary Hopkins Fellow, Community A graduate of the University of member of The National Women’s Foreign Aid with the Agency for and Organizational Systems, Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, Rob Museum of the Arts and sits on the International Development/US The Johns Hopkins University; is a University Trustee, and served Executive Committee of the Links State Department. She is a board Bachelor of Arts, Human Services St. Francis College for 10 years as Incorporated, Metropolitan Chapter member of several international Administration, Antioch Trustee, and for two years as Vice of Washington, DC. In 1995, then- organizations, including the University, 1978. Chair. In 1999, The Council of Governor George W. Bush appointed Southern Center for International Insurance Agents and Brokers named Mrs. Jackson to the Governor’s Studies, and is a Trustee of the him Chair. Rob is also director/ Commission for Women; in 2001, Morris Brown College. secretary for the Roman Catholic former President Bush appointed Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown’s her to serve on the Commission Foundation; trustee/former Chair for Presidential Scholars and the of Memorial Medical Center; trustee President’s Commission for White of Conemaugh Health System; and House Fellowships. She is married chairs his Parish Finance Council. and has two daughters.

74 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

Richard R. Kilgust, Texas Robert L. King, Kentucky Manuel Lujan, Jr., Modesto A. Maidique, Fernando A. Mateo, New York New Mexico Florida Dick Kilgust is Managing In December of 2008, Robert Entrepreneur and self-made Partner, Global Public King was named President Mr. Lujan currently owns his Dr. Maidique is the fourth millionaire Fernando Mateo is Policy and Regulatory for of the Kentucky Council on own consulting firm, Manuel President of Florida International President and CEO of Hispanics PricewaterhouseCoopers. He is Postsecondary Education, the Lujan Associates. He also sits University (FIU), a public research Across America, a not-for-profit a Member of the firm’s Global state’s coordinating board for on the Boards of numerous university with an enrollment of organization promoting financial Leadership Team. He develops and higher education. He previously companies, including the 32,000 students. In November independence and homeownership helps implement PWC policies served for three years as President banking, construction, electric, of 2008, Dr. Maidique presented for all Hispanics throughout the and positions relating to legislative and CEO of the Arizona gas, and telecommunications his resignation to the FIU Board country. Mr. Mateo originated and regulatory changes impacting Community Foundation, and prior industries. He was the United of trustees, but will serve until a Operation “Toys for Guns”, a the accounting profession. Dick to that was for nearly six years the States Secretary of the Interior successor is named. Appointed in popular anti-gun program, founded meets frequently with lawmakers, Chancellor of the State University from 1989 to 1993 and a 1986, Dr. Maidique is the longest Carpet Fashions, and currently other policy-makers, investors of New York (SUNY). King was Member of the United States serving public university president serves as President of the New and regulators to address matters named a University Professor, Congress from 1969 to 1989. in Florida. He holds a Ph.D. in York State Federation of Taxi affecting the accounting profession the institution’s highest academic As a Representative from New Solid State Physics from MIT and Drivers. Recognized by the New and its role in capital markets. rank by SUNY’s Trustees, and Mexico’s 1st District, he was on is a graduate of the PMD Program York Chamber of Commerce & Dick is a former member of served as interim President of the Interior and Insular Affairs at the Harvard Business School. Industry for business excellence PricewaterhouseCoopers Global SUNY Potsdam. He served on Committee, the Science, Space He has served as a member of and commitment to New York Oversight Board and U.S. Board President Bush’s 2000 education and Technology Committee, the faculty at MIT, Harvard, and City’s growth, Mr. Mateo has been of Partners and Principals. He transition team, and since 2004, on and the Joint Committee on Stanford. He was appointed by lauded by the state’s entrepreneurial has served as the lead partner on UNESCO’s Education Committee. Atomic Energy. Mr. Lujan is the former President George H. W. community for his work reflecting audit clients of all sizes, including In 1998-1999, King was New Organizer and Chairman of the Bush to his Education Policy social responsibility. Mr. Mateo has some of the firm’s largest. Dick York’s budget director, and prior to Endowment for Excellence in Advisory Committee, and was lectured in the university, college, joined Price Waterhouse in that led Governor Pataki’s Office Education, which provides college appointed by former President school and corrections circuits, 1973 after graduating from the of Regulatory Reform. He served scholarships for students in New George W. Bush’s Education and has conducted workshops University of Wisconsin with an as Monroe County Executive, and Mexico universities. Transition Panel. He serves on the on the dangers of drug abuse and MBA degree. He was named as for five years was Rochester’s State Board of Directors of National criminality. Born in the Dominican the 1995 Distinguished Alumnus Assemblyman. King holds a law Semiconductor and the Carnival Republic and raised on Manhattan’s of the University of Wisconsin degree from Vanderbilt University Corporation and he is a member Lower East Side, Mr. Mateo is Department of Accounting and and a bachelor’s degree from of the Secretary of Energy married with three children. Information Systems. He is a board Trinity College, and worked for 13 Advisory Board. member of Big Brothers and Big years as a prosecutor in California Sisters of North Texas. and New York.

75 THE COMMISSION ON PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS2009 AND ITS PresidentialPARTNERS Scholars

Charlotte Mohr, Iowa Robert E. Moss, John F. Mueller, Wyoming Anthony Mullen, Connecticut Laura E. Owens, Kentucky Washington, DC Charlotte Mohr is a lifelong resident Jack Mueller is a native of Cheyenne Mullen, a ninth through twelfth Laura Emberton Owens became the of Iowa, Registered Nurse, mother Robert Moss has worked in many Wyoming and a graduate with a grade special education teacher at president of Advancement Strategies of four, and farming partner with capacities, but his primary role has Bachelor of Arts and a Master of The ARCH School, an alternative after serving as Assistant to the Jim, her late husband of 42 years. been as a public policy strategist. Education from the University of education branch of Greenwich President for Regional Development at Her career has included a 13-year From 1993-1998, Bob served as Wyoming. He taught in public high High School in Greenwich, Western Kentucky University. Prior to appointment by then-Governor Vice President for Government schools in Texas and Wyoming Connecticut, is the 59th National that, she was for two years Kentucky’s Branstad as the first chair of Iowa’s Affairs for the American before joining the Wyoming Teacher of the Year. Due to family Secretary of Education. She previously Job Training Partnership Act Automobile Manufacturers Department of Education. His circumstances when he was young, served in the Education Cabinet as Commission, and 18 years’ service Association. He spent ten years as assignments during his 30-year career college attendance along with a Deputy Secretary, and before that, as on the Environmental Commission. Vice President of Federal Affairs included school accreditation, school desire to become a teacher were Commissioner of Workforce Investment, During her 32-year involvement for the Coastal Corporation and evaluation, program evaluation and deferred for full-time work, first holding further appointments to the with the Scott County Library, the served as deputy and then chief teacher certification. He is past in a factory assembly line then for Education Commission of the States system grew from one library to ten, legislative and intergovernmental Chairman of the State Library Board 20 years as a New York City police and the Southern Regional Education culminating in a 2002 fundraising affairs officer for the Department of Wyoming and the Wyoming officer. He received a bachelor’s Board (SREB). Before joining state effort for the newest structure, in of the Treasury. He also acted as Board of Geographic Names. He was degree in Criminal Justice from government, she focused on education, which she was instrumental. She Treasury’s Congressional and White appointed by Secretary of Education Long Island University in 1990 workforce training and local government served for 15 years as Chairman of House liaison. Mr. Moss spent William Bennett to serve on the and earned a master’s degree in issues. She taught on the secondary the Scott County Board of Health, eight years in top staff positions on Commission on Accreditation and Elementary Education and Special and post secondary levels for some 20 and continues as Chairman of Capitol Hill and as a member of the Institutional Eligibility, where he Education from Mercy College years, and then became a curriculum the Board of Directors of Valley Federal Election Commission, and served for six years. Currently he in New York in 2001. During his coordinator and instructional specialist Bank-- in 1993, the first bank to served as chief legal counsel for the is semi-retired and is involved in first year of teaching in 2001-2002, for the Barren County School District. be chartered in Iowa in 25 years. U.S. House of Representatives. He volunteer activities. Mullen taught special education in She also provided leadership training She was the state’s delegate to the received his Juris Doctor from the grades seven and eight at Northern as a communications consultant. In Associated Country Women of the University of California at Berkeley Westchester Board of Cooperative 2003-2004, Owens served as an elected World, traveling to Kenya in 1977 (Boalt Hall) and a Bachelor of Arts Educational Services in Yorktown city council member in Glasgow. She and Germany in 1980. In 2003, she degree from the University of the Heights, New York. He then went is a graduate of Western Kentucky was elected Trustee of the Herbert Pacific in Stockton, California. to The Arch School where he has University with bachelors’ degrees Hoover Presidential Library. taught for the past seven years. He in English and communication and is married to Susan Mullen and they a master’s degree in communication. have three children, John, Andrea, Owens and her husband Donnie reside and Thomas. in Frankfort, where he is Principal of Elkhorn Elementary School. They have a daughter, a son, and two grandchildren.

76 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

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

77 THE COMMISSION ON PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS2009 AND ITS PresidentialPARTNERS Scholars

Flo N. Traywick, Virginia Paul G. Vallas, Louisiana Fidel Vargas, California Republican National In May 2007, in the wake of Fidel A. Vargas is a Founding Committeewoman; Vice Chair, Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana’s Partner of Centinela Capital Southern Region, Republican Superintendent of Education Partners. Prior to joining Centinela, National Committee; Executive tapped Paul Vallas to serve as he was a Managing Director for Committee, Republican National superintendent of the New Orleans TMG Advisors, an investment/ Committee; Republican Party of Recovery School District (RSD). consulting firm specializing in Virginia, elected in 1984. Chief From 2002-2007, as CEO of the business development, strategic Deputy Commissioner, Department School District of Philadelphia, planning, and government affairs. of Aging. Member of the Executive Vallas oversaw the largest school Prior to TMG Advisors, Mr. Vargas Committees of both the Republican reform effort in public education’s was a co-founder and served as Party of Virginia and the Virginia history. As CEO of Chicago Public a Managing Director of Reliant Federation of Republican Women. Schools from 1995-2002, he is Equity Investors. Mr. Vargas has Trustee of the Lynchburg credited with establishing the largest also served as Managing Director of Academy of Music. Member of after-school and summer reading TMG Ventures, Mayor of Baldwin the White House Commission on programs in the country. Previously, Park, California, and member on Presidential Scholars from 1991 to he was for six years Chicago’s several public and private sector 1993. Worked extensively on the Director of Budget and Revenue, boards including Sponsors for Republican National Convention and for five years the Executive Education Opportunities, Operation from 1976 to the present. A Director of Illinois’ Economic and Hope, Inc., the Los Angeles County member of President Reagan’s Fiscal Commission. Vallas began Water Districts, President Clinton’s Virginia Steering Committee and his career as a teacher in elementary Advisory Council on Social Security, a Founding Board Member of the school and higher education. He President Bush’s Commission on Virginia School of Arts. Candidate served in the Illinois Army National Strengthening Social Security and for Congress in 1986 and House of Guard for twelve years, earning the The Commission on Presidential Delegates in 1977. rank of Captain, and was a senior Scholars. Mr. Vargas graduated with instructor at the Illinois Military honors from Harvard University Academy. He holds undergraduate with a B.A. in Social Studies and and master’s degrees from Western received his MBA from Harvard Illinois University. He and his wife Business School with a concentration Sharon have three sons. in Entrepreneurship and General Management.

78 2009 Presidential Scholars

FoundationThe Presidential Scholars Foundation

The Presidential Scholars Foundation, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, is the sole entity authorized by the Commission on Presidential Scholars to expand and enhance the public-private partnership that makes the Presidential Scholars Program possible. The Foundation seeks to provide financial 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 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 figures; 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 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 the Foundation’s website at www.presidentialscholars.org.

80 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

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) Sharon Sayles Belton Scott A. Bundgaard Christina DePaul James M. Dubin Michael A. Galiazzo Susan J. Ganz Aris Melissaratos Stanley E. Taylor

81 2009 Presidential Scholars

theThe N ationalArts Foundation for Advancement in the Arts

The National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts (NFAA) was established in 1981 to identify emerging artists and assist them at critical junctures in their educational and professional development; and to raise the appreciation for, and support of, the arts in American society. YoungArts® is NFAA’s core program. Through YoungArts, NFAA annually grants award packages totaling up to $900,000 and makes available $3 million in scholarship opportunities to America’s most outstanding high school senior artists through its Scholarship List Service (SLS). Each year up to 125 ARTS applicants are invited to ARTS Week – a full schedule of performances, master classes, exhibitions, readings, interdisciplinary activities and enrichment programs. By participating in ARTS Week, these artists also have the chance to be named Presidential Scholars in the Arts. NFAA exclusively, and at the request of the Commission on Presidential Scholars, nominates up to 50 artists to be considered as Presidential Scholars in the Arts. NFAA also supports professional and emerging artists through career development programs including its Fellowships in the Visual Arts program, the NFAA Astral Career Grants and the ARTS Alumni Awards for Achievement in the visual arts. The Foundation offers its ARTS Alumni additional opportunities to serve as summer interns at the Sundance Theatre Laboratory and the Utah Shakespearean Festival. NFAA continuously explores other internships and career entry programs. NFAA is a publicly supported nonprofit, nongovernmental 501(c)(3) organization with headquarters in Miami, Florida. Corporations, foundations, individuals and public agencies support NFAA’s programs and operating costs through contributions and underwriting.

82 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

The National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts

83 2009 Presidential Scholars

AluThe Presidentialmni Scholars A lumni Society

The year 2004 marked the Presidential Scholars Program’s 40th anniversary. With great pride in the past and great enthusiasm for the future, that same year the Foundation’s Alumni Relations Committee turned its attention to growing the Presidential Scholars Association, with the goal of engaging our distinguished alumni community in enhancing and sustaining this singular Societyrecognition program. The Association’s mission is to “improve benefits for Scholars during National Recognition Week and beyond, to increase the public stature of the program and to encourage and celebrate true excellence in scholarship, public service, and artistic pursuits.” The Committee has joined the Foundation’s Board of Directors in adopting an ambitious ten-year growth plan in anticipation of the program’s 50th anniversary, in 2014. Already this outreach has resulted in successful Scholar reunions in Boston and Chicago; ongoing efforts to identify Class Chairs for the years 1964-present; development of distinguished alumni profiles and other enhancements to the Foundation’s website; substantial fundraising among the parent and Scholar community in support of the program’s continued growth and success; and increased participation and presentations by Alumni during our annual recognition events. We warmly invite the 2007 Scholars to join this effort. To contact us, to learn more or to become involved, visit the Scholars section of the Foundation’s website, or send a message to our Vice President for Alumni Relations, Matt Anestis (1991 Scholar, CT), at [email protected].

84 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

To the Class of 2009:

Congratulations Presidential to the man who is actually in the I would like to wish this year’s Dear U.S. Presidential Scholars You may be standing here for many Scholars Class of 2009! arena, whose face is marred by dust scholars and teachers a hearty of 2009, others, or you may be standing Over the next few days, you and sweat and blood; who strives congratulations! Please enjoy the Congratulations on this milestone. here just for you; whatever your will meet some extraordinary valiantly; who errs, who comes engaging events in your honor You’ve survived the ride to this interpretation, it’s not a mistake people. I hope you savor every short again and again, because and know that this celebration in special week, this place, this that you’re here. You’re not an moment of the experience and there is no effort without error the fabulous city I now have the group of your peers. There’s a impostor. You don’t have to spend view it not as the reward for past and shortcoming; but who does privilege of living in is just the world of trouble out there for the rest of your life trying to justify accomplishments but as a challenge actually strive to do the deeds; who welcome party into a community you to work on healing. There’s a this recognition. You don’t have to to do even more. knows great enthusiasms, the great of remarkable folks. Capitalize on world of wonders to engage with. live somebody else’s dream for your devotions; who spends himself in the relationships you build over life. You’re called to be yourself. Some advice from Teddy Roosevelt There’s a world of potential and of a worthy cause; who at the best this brief time, and make the most That’s what your country and this (April 23, 1910) seems apt: actualities, within you and outside knows in the end the triumph of of being amidst the buzz. Oh, and of you. You’re arriving on the world need from you. “It is not the critic who counts; high achievement, and who at the give your teacher and parents both threshold of adulthood at a time Find your passion, live it, and allow not the man who points out how worst, if he fails, at least fails while a hug. They deserve it. Best of luck of unprecedented change on our that process to change you, and the strong man stumbles, or where daring greatly, so that his place shall as you go forth. Take with you planet. Make the most of it. You’re change you again, and again. Work the doer of deeds could have done never be with those cold and timid from this recognition week a bit of here to help. and play well with others. Fall on them better. The credit belongs souls who neither know victory nor energy, a bit of knowledge, a bit of Thirty-four years ago I traveled your face and get up again; make defeat.” humility, a bit of inspiration, and a to D.C. to be recognized as you mistakes, own them and rise above new friend or two. Here’s hoping you dare greatly! are being recognized today. Here’s them. Live authentically and live what I’ve learned about the lasting fully, whatever you choose to do. Brian Abrams, 1996 Kristiana Garcia, 1995 effects of that experience: This You don’t have to set the world Scholar, Colorado Scholar, New Mexico honor isn’t something to dismiss on fire, but you do have to be you. Nothing short of that is going to Managing Partner, Row Capital Attorney, Jones Day as a fluke, unless you choose to. Some of you may have sought it, fulfill you. and some of you probably just You can learn to live from the true had it land on you, and some of center of yourself, and watch your you may still be wondering “Why passion change your world. It’s me?” I still wonder that, from time worth it. I believe in you. to time. Nonetheless, it’s real. For me, it’s been a lasting source of Marion R. Kee, 1975 encouragement, and I’ve really Scholar, West Virginia needed that from time to time. Owner, Beryllium Sphere,LLC

85 ALUMNI GREETINGS TO THE CLASS OF 2009: 2009 Presidential Scholars

Looking back, 11 years later, to call Dear Presidential Scholar of 2009, through the Presidential Scholars Congratulations to the 2009 This honor recognizes not just myself a Presidential Scholar and Many congratulations on your alumni network, many of whom Presidential Scholars! This who you can become - but what to count myself among the nation’s wonderful achievement! have become dear mentors, extraordinary distinction that has you’ve already given to the world of brightest remains one of the greatest colleagues, and friends. From been awarded to you is recognition yourself. So congratulations! Carry It’s been six years since I sat in privileges of my life. Enjoy National management consultants to of the hard work and commitment this recognition humbly, gracefully, your seat, flipping through my Recognition Week – I assure you singer-songwriters, they are truly to your endeavors evident and welcome to a worldwide family. NRW yearbook, surrounded by the people you meet and fun you amazing and inspiring individuals, throughout your high school years. We’re proud and happy to have you 140 faces I did not yet recognize. have will be unforgettable! and I almost certainly would not This group of select individuals among us. At the time, I had no idea what have met them if it hadn’t been of which you are now a part is a NRW would be like. I knew being for the common connection of wonderful source of inspiration Virgil Calejesan, 1998 named a Presidential Scholar was Katherine Klem, 2004 Presidential Scholars. for you, because as diverse as the Scholar, Puerto Rico an incredible honor, but I did not Scholar, Kentucky accomplishments and talents Guest Service Agent, The Waldorf really know what it would mean for So put down your yearbook, go Grassroots Advocacy are, you share a common goal, Coordinator, American Cancer Towers me beyond a few days of excitement introduce yourself to someone excellence. As you take part in Society in DC. new, and make the most of your time at NRW. And when NRW the Presidential Scholar events in Now, long after NRW, some of finally comes to an end and you Washington, you will forge new my closest friends are still from find yourself not wanting to say friendships within this impressive that group of fellow Scholars. And goodbye, take comfort in the group, as I did and continue to what’s more, I have continued to fact that you will get to enjoy do - many of us are still close meet Scholars from other years the benefits of being part of the friends and remain in touch a Presidential Scholars family for decade later! Enjoy the events this years yet to come! week in DC, they will leave you with many wonderful memories. Congratulations!! Rena Xu, 2003 Scholar, Pennsylvania Associate, The Boston Lauren Malan, 1998 Consulting Group Scholar, Connecticut Associate, Barclays Capital

86 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

I hope your National Recognition do I find? The biography of U.S. Presidential Scholars. As a result, Week will be as memorable as Secretary of Education Terrel Bell, I get to network with brilliant and mine was. In short, it was the whose “A Nation At Risk” report personable Scholars of different most thrilling week of my life. released not long before we arrived ages and backgrounds all over Never before or since have I been a in Washington remains a landmark the nation and world, as we work member of a group of people with study of American education. Bell’s together and build support for a whom I truly belonged. I made life and work remain an exemplar program we respect and love. In friends from around the nation of public service and integrity. this way, the National Recognition that I am still corresponding with In 1983 at a Scholars’ reception Week experience keeps going over two decades later. I met and I was able to shake his hand and and growing, broadening and became pen-pals with a Yale- thank him. On the same shelf is deepening our impact on society in bound poet and future best-selling Princeton historian Eric Goldman’s ways beyond even what President novelist; she published my first book on President Lyndon Lyndon Johnson envisioned when poem in one of her journals. Down Johnson, in which Goldman he announced on April 16, 1964 the hall from my room at the describes his inspiration for the that the Scholars program would Georgetown dorm was a prize- Presidential Scholars program in “revolutionize American education.” winning cellist; across the hall, the early 1960s and how Johnson’s I belong to quite a few alumni our advisor, a soon-to-be Rhodes tireless zeal brought it to fruition. groups from my high school, Scholar. It was a dream come true In short, without my connection to college and graduate school days. for me, and for my family, and for this program, I wouldn’t have the But the Presidential Scholars my favorite teacher too (it was the same understanding of American Alumni Association is the one I very first year that teachers were government or of the unsung am proudest of and the one I will recognized at National Recognition champions of education within do anything to support. It is, for Week). our culture. It is this combination me, home. I hope you emerge from The National Recognition of the past with the future that your National Recognition Week Week experience deepened me has made my Scholars experience with the same sense of belonging, intellectually in long-lasting ways. timeless. and of pride in being a part of the Looking at my bookshelf as I type And the experience isn’t limited to Presidential Scholars Program – this, nearly 25 years after I received one week in Washington or books now, and for a long time to come. the telegram from President on a shelf. Since the mid-1990s Reagan announcing my selection I have been involved in efforts to Dr. John Knox, 1983 as a Presidential Scholar, what develop an alumni association of Scholar, Alabama Associate Research Scientist, University of Georgia (Chairman, Distinguished Alumni Committee and Newsletter Co-Editor, Presidential Scholars Alumni Association)

87 STAFF & Advisors 2009 Presidential Scholars

Melissa Apostolides Simone Miranda Olson Nicholas Golinvaux Aman Prasad Executive Director Program Manager Executive Advisor, 2006 Scholar Executive Advisor, 2006 Scholar (CO). Senior, Yale University. (ID). Senior, Cornell University. Major: Molecular Biology. Major: Chemistry.

Caryn Grimstead Kirsten Adam Emily Ames-Ledbetter Program Manager Advisor, 2008 Scholar (IA). Advisor, 2005 Scholar (MD). Sophomore, University of Notre B.A., Wheaton College. Major: Dame. Dual Major: Biology and Anthropology. Art History

Amanda Berbert Kirsti Campbell Advisor, 2007 Scholar (UT). Advisor, 2008 Scholar (VA). Junior, Brigham Young Sophomore, University of Virginia. University. Major: Neuroscience. Major: Undeclared. 88 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

Abdi Farah Christopher Fitzhugh Kelly Fox Alexander Katz Advisor, 2005 Scholar (MD). Advisor, 2008 Scholar (VT). Advisor, 2008 Scholar (NH). Advisor, 2008 Scholar (NH). B.A., University of Pennsylvania. Sophomore, Franklin W. Olin Sophomore, Brown University. Freshman, Princeton University. Major: Fine Arts. College of Engineering. Dual Major: Biology. Major: Undeclared. Major: Industrial Engineering and Business.

Justin Koh Emilie Lyons Shalin Patel Travis Serebin Advisor, 2008 Scholar (CA). Advisor, 2008 Scholar (KY). Advisor, 2007 Scholar (MS). Advisor, 2008 Scholar (WI). Sophomore, Harvard College. Sophomore, Vanderbilt Junior, Rice University. Dual Sophomore, University of Major: Chemistry. University. Major: English. Major: Biochemistry and Cell Wisconsin, Madison. Major: Dual Biology. Major: Political Science and International Studies.

Ishna Sharma Robert Waaser Linda Yao Advisor, 2008 Scholar (GA). Advisor, 2007 Scholar (IN). Advisor, 2006 Scholar (WV). Sophomore, University of Miami. Junior, Carnegie Mellon Senior, Harvard College. Dual Major: Neuroscience. University. Dual Major: Electrical/ Major: Applied Mathematics and Computer Engineering and Statistics. Computer Science. 89 AUTOGRAPHS 2009 Presidential Scholars

90 2009 Presidential Scholars 45 Years of Presidential Scholars

91 AUTOGRAPHS 2009 Presidential Scholars

92