2007 Presidential Scholars Program

NATIONAL RECOGNITION WEEK

June 23 – June 27, 2007

National Recognition Week and the 2007 Yearbook are Sponsored by: GMAC Financial Services Presidential Scholars 07 1964-2007 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

2

Th e United States Presidential Scholars Program was established in President Johnson opened the fi rst meeting of the White House 1964, by Executive Order of the President, to recognize and celebrate Commission on Presidential Scholars by stating that the Program was some of our Nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. not just a reward for excellence, but a means of nourishing excellence. Each year, up to 141 American students from across the country and Th e Program was intended to stimulate achievement in a way that around the world are named as Presidential Scholars, one of the Nation’s could be “revolutionary.” highest honors for high school students. By presenting these young During the fi rst National Recognition Week in 1964, the Scholars people with the Presidential Scholars’ Medallion, the President of the participated in seminars with Secretary of State Dan Rusk, Astronaut United States symbolically honors all graduating high school seniors of Alan B. Sheppard, and Chief Justice Earl Warren. President Johnson high potential. challenged the Scholars to give their talents and time “in our land For forty-three years, from President Lyndon Baines Johnson to and in all lands to cleaning away the blight, to sweeping away the PresidentGeorge W. Bush, the Presidential Scholars Program has placed shoddiness, to wiping away the injustices and inequities of the past so more than 5,000 outstanding young achievers in the national spotlight. that all men may live together in a great world community of decency Initiated by President Johnson, the Presidential Scholars Program and excellence.” annually selects one male and one female student from each state, the Over the next decade, several changes occurred in the Presidential District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Americans living abroad, 15 at-large Scholars Program. In 1969, the medallion design became the Great students, and up to 20 students in the arts on the basis of outstanding Seal of the Nation. In 1972, the National Teacher of the Year was scholarship, service, leadership and creativity through a rigorous invited to become a Commissioner. Alumni Scholars were invited selection process administered by the U.S. Department of Education. to serve as Advisors to the program. A booklet of Scholars’ essays on issues facing the nation was issued by the Joint Commission on Arrangements for the Bicentennial in 1976. In 1979, President Carter expanded the program to honor up In 1998, the Distinguished Teacher award was renamed the Presidential to 20 students selected by the Commission through an artistic Scholars Program Teacher Recognition Award to serve as a means competition. In 1980, a compendium of Scholars’ essays, poems, and for rewarding good teachers for knowledge, skill, and performance. musical compositions was published, following a performance by the Th e award marks the progress that schools, communities, educators Scholars in the National Academy of Sciences’ auditorium. and families are making as they work with their states and the U.S. Th e selection process was refi ned in the 1980s to emphasize Department of Education to improve teaching and learning, and leadership and community service. Th e U.S. Department of applauds the successes of highly qualifi ed teachers and counselors. Education produced a collection of Scholar essays on ways to Upholding the values represented by the medallion they received, each improve the Nation’s education system. class of Presidential Scholars has gone on to fulfi ll the bright promise In 1981, the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts was they showed so early in life. Th eir ranks now boast attorneys and created and its Arts Recognition and Talent Search program began to judges; leaders of business, industry and fi nance; senior military offi cers; 3 conduct the annual artistic competition. In 1983, the Distinguished writers of fi ction, nonfi ction and poetry; diplomats; members of the Teacher awards were created, and the twentieth year celebration of clergy; educators; scientists and researchers in every fi eld; federal, state the program included an Alumni reunion and a performance by the and local government offi cials; computer specialists; engineers; choir Scholars at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. directors; dancers and choreographers; costume designers; physicians in diverse branches of medicine; actors, novelists; technical advisors; Th e year 1994 saw the publication of a working paper by the musicians and composers; architects and designers; visual artists; non- American Association for Gifted Children, entitled “Th e Presidential profi t managers, fundraisers, singers, entrepreneurs, and foreign service Scholars: A Portrait of Talent and its Development.” Th is study offi cers. Th ey are also family members, spouses and parents, and in their indicated that the support of parents and family members, and the personal and professional lives are helping to instill in new generations encouragement of teachers were important factors in cultivating the their commitment to excellence, their high ideals, and their devotion gifts of the Presidential Scholars, and that the Scholars approached to service. Individually, they are shining lights in their respective their experiences and challenges in ways that served to strengthen communities and fi elds of endeavor, and together they are a singular rather than impede the development of their abilities. constellation of purpose, dedication, and achievement. 07Presidential Scholars

4 Congratulations 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

5 07Presidential Scholars

6 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

7 THE PROGRAM THROUGH EIGHT ADMINISTRATIONS 0Presidential Scholars 7 “You are exceptional “Th rough [this program] “Your leadership, your members of an exceptional we recognize and honor intelligence could play a generation. What you not only the young men very vital role in writing accomplish as individuals and women of uncommon the agenda for America’s - what all of us accomplish ability and dedication who third century. I trust as a nation - depends upon [are this year’s] Presidential that you will contribute, the goals and the values Scholars, but the tens through your scholarship by which we challenge 8 of thousands of brilliant and your practical ourselves. Th e average and What the Presidents have said: young Americans whom experience, new thought the adequate are too low these Scholars represent and new insights into our as goals... Our aim must and upon whose skill and national wisdom. In this be higher; our reach must vision the American future way you will strengthen be farther; our pace must rests... Th e recognition you the American democracy be faster. Our society and receive is more important which all of us cherish. its members must aim than a prize of material You have got to think for, and reach toward, value. It is something that big, be big, act big, the goals and values of money cannot buy. ... It dream big, and above all, excellence. I honor you is something also that you accomplish big.” for what I know you, and will carry with you the rest President Ford your generation, of your lives, I hope will achieve in the very proudly...” years to come.” President Nixon President Johnson 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

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

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

SPONSORS BENEFACTORS President: Gifts of $75,000 or more Mentor: Gifts of $1,000 to $4,999 Associate: Gifts of up to $249 Family of Gautam Mukunda (PS 1997) GMAC Mr. and Mrs. Nikolaos Apostolides Dr. Anisha Abraham (PS 1986) David Pacheco (PS 2003) Family of Ryan Arnold (PS 1997) Family of Whitney Reiben (PS 2004) Mr. James E. Farmer National Foundation for Jesse R. Baker and Pam Adams Baker Steven Robertson (PS 2006) 2007 Advancement in the Arts Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas (PS 1992) Whitney Seibel (PS 2002) Goodman (1995) Heidi Burch (PS 1992) Family of Matthew Spencer (PS 2003) 10 U.S. Department Presidential Th e Hon. and Mrs. Family of Bryan Chen (PS 2003) Family of Jennifer Sternad (PS 2000) of Education Robert A. Gleason, Jr. Family of Jennifer Claytor (PS 2006) Family of Alison Tupay (PS 1996) Th e Hon. and Mrs. Bill Graves Family of Jeanmarie Combe (PS 2005) Family of James Valpiani (PS 2000) Scholars PATRONS Mr. and Mrs. Sanford C. Nemitz Family of Judith Fan (PS 2006) Ann Waterman (PS 1994) Commission: Gifts of Angela and Ross Fleischman (PS 1996) Stephanie Waters (PS 1999) $10,000 to $24,999 Benefactors Friend: Gifts of $500 to $999 Amy E. Genkins Juliette Wells and Rodney Yoder Th e John F. Kennedy Center Drs. Nancy Martin & Bobby Lee Faye Zhao (PS 2006) Mr. and Mrs. Matthew for the Performing Arts Graham, Jr. Anestis (1991) Drs. Yan Yang and Kezhuang Zhao McKinsey & Company Vaughn and Carol Gray (PS 1996) Empire International Family of Gregory Griffi th (PS 2006) Phillips Foods, Inc. With special appreciation to the C. Spencer Smith Family of Kyle Haddad-Fonda (PS 2005) following Commissioners and

Commission Chairman Edith Hines (PS 2000) their families: Scholar: Gifts of $5,000 to $9,999 Stanley E. Taylor Gloria Hwang and Steven Hetts Commissioner Richard Bearden American Trucking Association Family of Elizabeth John (PS 2003) Commissioner Michael Galiazzo BB&T Colleague: Gifts of $250 to $499 David Jordan in honor of Jennifer Commissioner Marcia Jackson Boston Consulting Group Th e Family of Matthew Jordan (PS 2004) Commissioner Elizabeth Johnson S. Atkins (PS 1996) Th e Chubb Corporation Michelle Klem (PS 1993) Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Lujan Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Olson Th e Kumi Family Commissioner Charlotte Mohr Lion Brothers Otology Associates Guy Paul Land (PS 1969) Commissioner Robert E. Moss National Society of Family of Jason Sanford (PS 2006) Anne Large (PS 1986) Jennifer and Bryan Pickens Collegiate Scholars Rena Xu and Family (PS 2003) Trent Magruder (PS 2004) Governor and Mrs. Robert D. Ray Th e H.W. Schiller Kristen E. Manderscheid (PS 2006) Commissioner Renee Russell & Family Family Foundation Geoff rey J. Michael (PS 1993) Commissioner Flo Traywick Lt. William P. Moynahan (PS 1993) Commissioner Mary Kay Turner

We thank all of the program’s supporters for their generosity. 2007

Presidential Scholars represent excellence in education and the arts, By age 17 these amazing young people have presented at the and the promise of greatness in young people. Th e medallion they International Congress of Nanotechnology, launched independent Presidentialreceive symbolizes the hope of an ever-brighter future that this Nation fi lm companies, Scholars mastered multiple languages, performed at Carnegie entrusts to each rising generation. For over 40 years, this unique Hall, received national recognition for Best New American Play, and 11 program has honored over 5,000 young people for their scholarship, conducted research for facilities from the Stanford University Medical leadership, character and civic values. Each class holds an unfathomable School to the Barrow Neurological Institute. Academic, volunteer, depth of potential, creativity, and dedication to high ideals. On and extracurricular interests have led them across the country and average, each year has a future Rhodes Scholar. Each class will yield around the globe. Th ey have issued scholarly papers, won awards in artists in every possible discipline; teachers and professors devoted to U.S. and international competitions, raised hundreds of thousands of advancing world thought and fostering the talents of youth; nationally dollars for charity, and gained entry to the country’s top colleges. recognized medical doctors; and a myriad of attorneys, business leaders Th e 2007 Scholars include National Merit Scholars, Civil Air Patrol and community pillars who will infl uence the world in ways barely cadet commanders, top equestrians, 4-H offi cers, campaign workers, imaginable. Alumni range from a Pulitzer Prize winner to a Tony jewelry makers, team captains and athletes in sports ranging from Award nominee; a MacArthur Foundation “genius grant” recipient to football to fencing, mayoral appointees, award-winning fi ddlers, a National Poet Laureate; one of Fortune Magazine’s most powerful Youth Congressional Medal winners, dog therapy aides, karate women in corporate America to the Governor of Indiana; and from instructors, published authors, mentors at juvenile detention centers, Miss America 1984 to the youngest-ever member of the President’s tsunami and hurricane aid relief workers, coaches, United Synagogue Council of Economic Advisors. Youth volunteers, certifi ed search and rescue team members, Th e members of the Class of 2007 represent diverse backgrounds, interns for historic preservation with the Navajo Nation, hospital experiences, and interests, and yet many common qualities unite them. and clinic staff , class offi cers and student body presidents, Islamic Th ey are devoted to family and heritage; radiate boundless energy studies teachers, youth commissioners for city park and recreation and enthusiasm for learning; selfl essly share their spirit, strength and departments, Sunday School teachers and mission trip leaders, Eagle character with their communities, schools, civic groups, and places of Scouts and Girl Scouts USA Councilmembers. From swing dancing worship; lead by example; and make practical their hopes of improving to sign language, quantum mechanics to youth advocacy, Latin to the world. luge, they pursue their passions and convictions with joy, precision, and inspiring results. Th e work of the Commission on Presidential Scholars reaffi rms, on behalf of the President, the Nation’s commitment to high-quality education for all Americans, and highlights education’s potential to open doors, encourage action, and unfetter dreams. 07Presidential Scholars

Aimee Alphonso Jessica Anastasio Kyle Antonini Duncan M. Ariey Katherine Aurand Slidell, LA, St. Mary’s Dominican San Antonio, TX, St. Mary’s Hall Boise, ID, Boise High School Anchorage, AK, West Anchorage Rapid City, SD, Stevens High School 12 High School College Plans: University High School High School College Plans: Yale University College Plans: Princeton University of Michigan College Plans: Undecided College Plans: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology My favorite pastime is getting Jessica has played the fl ute since When I was nine, I announced Duncan Ariey was born and lost: lost in books, lost in my own the age of seven. In addition to to everyone that I wanted to raised in Anchorage, Alaska. He Born and raised in the Black thoughts, and lost on the endlessly winning state and local music design roller coasters when I grew recently graduated from West High Hills, I spend oodles of time changing roads of New Orleans. competitions, she is a prizewinner up. It was the only way I could School, and at writing is deciding hiking, biking, snowshoeing, As my car bumps through pothole of the National Flute Association think of keeping myself in touch between Brown University and bouldering, snowboarding, etc. after pothole, I fi nd myself High School Soloist Competition, with these incredibly intense and Pomona College. Duncan has When I’m not frolicking in the thinking about where these roads a fi nalist of the International enjoyable machines that I had loved acting since he was cast in a Hills, I’m starting new groups (like have taken me before. Th ey have Kingsville Music Competition, recently become obsessed with. local performance of “Th e Little crochet club) or leading existing taken me to countless days of high and a Silver Award winner of Consequently, this dream pushed Mermaid” when he was nine. He activities (like debate). I love non- school, where I am president of the National Foundation for me into mechanical engineering, has appeared in numerous local mainstream sports like Ultimate the varsity quiz bowl team and an the Advancement of the Arts which I found myself striving performances; won several improv Frisbee and fl oorball. I fi nd avid member of National Honor youngARTS program. She enjoys intensely to be great at, eating competitions; captained his school’s government fascinating, especially Society and Mu Alpha Th eta. Last studying Latin and the long-term up all the math and science acting, speech, and debate team; the legislative branch. I spend year after Hurricane Katrina, I impacts of ancient literature. available to me. From there, I and starred in an independent heaps of time reading, and I love followed the road to Houston, Having spent two of her most became involved in research, fi lm. After college, he hopes to curling up with a coloring book TX, where I thrived as both a memorable summers at the Boston which opened up a continually work as an advertiser, psychologist, and popsicles. I was “that crazily UIL Chemistry and Best of Texas University Tanglewood Institute expansive world of engineering to or doctor, although lion tamer, busy person who does everything” Chemistry winner. Next year, I Young Artist Orchestra program, me, beyond roller coasters, which racecar driver, and rock star are until I read John Ruskin’s quote, will again follow my beloved roads Jessica will be a Tanglewood I continue to explore. Aside from still possibilities. When Duncan “Th e highest reward for man’s to Yale University with the hope of Music Center Fellow this summer. that, I play the piano whenever I isn’t in class, doing homework, or toil is not what he gets for it, majoring in cognitive science and She is a substitute fl utist for the can, wherever I can, performing, in another “structured activity,” he but what he becomes by it.” I possibly English literature. San Antonio Symphony and accompanying, teaching, and can be found wasting time with realized I was wearing myself out has performed with the Olmos at nursing homes. I also enjoy his friends. He enjoys playing for a high school resume that Ensemble and the Victoria Bach being active in my school and and listening to music, and has will mean nothing in 5 years. Festival. Jessica also plays the cello community, volunteering often. I taught himself both guitar and Now I thoroughly enjoy life and and enjoys English-style horseback am also physically active, whether drums. Duncan still enjoys comic do things I love with people I riding. In the future, she looks it be running, biking, hiking, books, although AP Literature love, which is ridiculously more forward to studying both music climbing, skiing, or salsa dancing. has forced him to see Foxtrot as a rewarding than a padded resume- and the classics. juxtaposition of familial archetypes. trust me. 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

Maia Bageant Lindsey Beckett Benjamin Beilman Amanda Berbert Isaiah Berg Roswell, GA, Roswell High School Arundel, ME, Berwick Academy Ann Arbor, MI, Community Centerville, UT, Viewmont Starkweather, ND, Oak Grove College Plans: Massachusetts College Plans: Dartmouth College High School High School Lutheran High School 13 Institute of Technology College Plans: The Curtis Institute College Plans: Brigham Young College Plans: Dartmouth College Lindsey is a fun and hard- of Music University When she was young, Maia was working individual who loves to I am many things. I am a farm Violinist Benjamin Beilman I grew up in a multigenerational always trying to make things. be involved with many diff erent kid with a penchant for debates discovered his life’s passion at age Japanese household in Hawaii, She built submarines, clocks, aspects of her community. In ranging from theology to thirteen when he stepped on stage where I loved surfi ng, but I and castles out of Lego bricks; addition to being a diligent economic globalization. I am a for his fi rst solo performance with currently reside in Utah, where musician in the sense that I love she would set “robber traps” by student, Lindsey is a leader of orchestra. Since then, he has had I enjoy skiing. I love fi nding music and sing, play trumpet, making webs of string laced with her school’s community service the opportunity to appear as guest solutions and solving riddles. As and play guitar, though I will not hidden bells. Now, Maia is still organization. She spends a good soloist with orchestras throughout a child, I was so inquisitive that comment as to whether or not interested in making a diff erence deal of time visiting the elderly, the United States and Europe. my mom set a limit on how many the resulting sound is pleasing. I by tackling the impending energy organizing service projects, Th e recipient of a Gold award in questions I could ask her in one am an optimist, an evangelical, a crisis through the development of and working to preserve the Music from NFAA’s youngARTS day. I now enjoy the sciences, loyal friend, politically undefi ned new technologies. She is President environment. She is also a program, Benjamin is also the Gold especially physics, because it (or confused, if you will), a of her school’s National Honor dedicated member of the Berwick medal winner of the 2007 Stulberg explains how so many things work. conversationalist, and a lover of Society, as well as Captain of math team, and has represented public speaking. I am incredibly International String Competition. I plan to use my curiosity and the Academic Bowl Team. In her school at the Maine State blessed with a loving network As the Grand Prize winner of the creativity to explore biomedical addition to being an AP Scholar Math Meet the past two years. of friends, family, teachers, and 2007 American String Teachers’ engineering. I also love serving with Distinction, ranked fi rst in Another of Lindsey’s interests is mentors, who have supported me Association National Solo at a local hospital and serving in Georgia and fourth in the nation the violin, an instrument whose in my darkest and brightest times Competition, he will perform with leadership positions, such as high on the National Spanish Exam, study she has been pursuing for and are the true recipients of this the Detroit Symphony Orchestra school activities chief and National and a National Merit Finalist, she the past twelve years. Outside honor. As Isaac Newton said, “If I during their upcoming season. Honor Society President. I have a is the valedictorian of her senior of school, Lindsey is an avid have seen further, it is by standing Benjamin is Concertmaster of passion for cross-country, piano, class. For nine years she has played equestrian who spends many on the shoulders of giants.” the Michigan Youth Symphony reading, writing, soccer, and luge the violin and has been an All- weekends every spring, summer, Orchestra and has appeared on – who doesn’t love a sport where State participant twice; she is also and fall competing in horse shows. National Public Radio’s “From one can receive an ice burn at a member of a string quartet. In Last September, she competed in the Top” program featuring seventy miles per hour? her free time, she enjoys reading, the American Saddlebred Hunter outstanding young classical playing baseball with her friends, Classic National Championship in musicians. He has performed in biking, and writing poetry. St. Louis and fi nished sixth. recital at the Juilliard School’s Starling-DeLay Symposium, the Skokie Library’s Young Steinway concert series, and the Verbier Academy in Switzerland. 07Presidential Scholars

Prateek Bhide Greg Billington Chris Bowman Kenneth Brewer Charles Bridge Beaverton, OR, Westview Lakenheath, England, Lakenheath Ellicott City, MD, River Hill Provo, UT, Timpview High School Belmont, MA, The Roxbury 14 High School High School High School College Plans: Harvard College Latin School College Plans: Jerome Fisher College Plans: Wake Forest College Plans: Cooper Union College Plans: Harvard College Program in Management & University School of Art Kenneth Brewer (16) loves Technology, University of languages. He speaks German, Th roughout my life, I have been Pennsylvania I have seen the pyramids, hiked Chris Bowman is a gentleman, French and Spanish fl uently, captivated by books. (All-time the great wall, cruised down the photographer, and a pretty My hero Ben Franklin wrote, which he learned in part by living favorite – at least so far – would Nile, scuba dived on the Great good dancer. He has spent most “Dost thou love life? Th en do not abroad. He has lived and studied have to be: Th e Catcher in the Barrier Reef, and experienced of his formative years living squander time, for that’s the stuff in fi ve countries including: Rye.) Fortunately for me, my a total solar eclipse in India. At modestly in assorted suburban life is made of.” I take his words Germany, Mexico, France, family and my school have the age of three, I wanted to environments, observing and to heart. Over the past four years, Costa Rico and Austria. He says always encouraged and nurtured study biology and protect bats, participating within their cultural I have taken 12 AP classes, won exposure to other cultures has this passion. During high and at eight, I wanted to be an framework. Th is is where he fi ve local piano competitions, won broadened his worldview and school, my academic interests Olympic swimmer. Now, I’m learned to be a gentleman, which a state championship and placed given him an appreciation for have broadened and include going to major in sports science, he quickly found out can be a 10th at the national tournament cultural and political diversity. everything from Chemistry to minor in math and in Latin, very boring thing to be. To cope in speech, placed 5th at the state He also loves science, and has Virgil. Outside the classroom, I and run. I dreamed of achieving with his boredom, he began to tournament for doubles tennis, done extensive research in organic remain very busy. I have always A’s in high school and maybe pursue other activities such as served on the boards of three school chemistry at the University been involved in music, having becoming a National Swimming skateboarding, photography, and clubs, served on the Beaverton level including summer research played the piano and sung in Champion – this year, I’ll graduate gallivanting. Enthralled with his Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board, and at MIT. He plans to unite his choirs for many years, and I valedictorian and last year I won newfound hobbies, Chris began invented an automatic sheet-music passion for languages and science now sing at school in the Glee the World Junior Swim/Run to live faster and found himself page turner. Th rough it all, I’ve by pursuing a career as a medical Club, in musical shows, and with Championships. I dance salsa, play on an exciting path through found time to be a kid and hang researcher with an emphasis on a small a cappella group, the jazz piano, am a member of the foreign countries, classrooms of out with friends on weekends. third world public health issues. Latonics. Every fall, I have played USA Triathlon Team, hold a black eclectic teachers, and other such After completing my double degree Kenneth is also involved in his goalie for one of my school’s belt in Karate, have eaten and inspirational environments. He through the Jerome Fisher program, community and is an Eagle Scout, soccer teams. In addition, I enjoy enjoyed rocky mountain oysters, utilizes photography to help I hope to matriculate into an MD/ foreign language volunteer and Model UN and serving as editor and I can sometimes see the fl oor bring his sometimes-extraneous MBA program in order to pursue community diabetes awareness of the school newspaper. When of my room beneath the piles of life into focus and dances medical entrepreneurship, perhaps volunteer for low-income and not in school, I contribute to my clothes and important paperwork. because sometimes you just need in the fi eld of neuroengineering. Native Americans. He loves to ski, church community and spend I hope I do something important to “boogey down”. Chris still I’m excited to grab the world by the hang out with friends, scuba dive time with my family and friends. with my life. considers himself a gentleman, as horns and live a meaningful life. and sing in school choirs. Th is summer, like last summer, kindness will always be useful in I will teach middle-school gaining friendships and improving students – a challenging, yet even the most dismal of situations. rewarding experience. 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

Andrew Brown Brittanie Brown Jeffrey Burkert Rachel Burns Lawrence Cai Simpsonville, SC, Phillips Dallas, TX, Booker T. Washington Spokane, WA, Lewis and Clark Hockessin, DE, Charter School Los Alamos, NM, Los Alamos Exeter Academy High School for the Performing High School of Wilmington High School 15 College Plans: Duke University and Visual Arts College Plans: Harvey Mudd College Plans: University of Virginia College Plans: Yale University College Plans: The Juilliard School College or Caltech I love to learn about new people, My life is a pointillist painting: “I’ve got the liquid nitrogen, but places, and ideas. As a little kid, Brittanie lives in Dallas, Texas and I am a person with a wide variety from afar I appear blended and it’s leaking! What should I do?” I would spend hours curled up is currently a senior at Booker of interests and passions. Th ey uniform. Upon closer examination, Th ese were the words I heard upon reading good books, fascinated by T. Washington High School include playing on my high school however, I reveal an infi nite amount my arrival at my internship at the the characters’ adventures. When I for the Performing and Visual varsity tennis team, solving my of textures and shades that refl ect Los Alamos National Laboratory. got a little older, I started reading Arts where she is a member and Rubik’s cube, playing the French my miscellany of pursuits. One Before walking into that lab, I about quantum mechanics and assistant rehearsal director of horn in the school band and an such activity is one of my utmost fi gured that two years of high general relativity, which seemed to Repertory 1 Dance Company. orchestra, and serving as captain of obsessions and passions: running. school chemistry would be enough lie in a realm somewhere between Brittanie did not begin her formal my school Knowledge Bowl team. Since fi fth grade, I have competed to perform the organic synthesis fantasy and reality. Participating dance training until the age of I’m also an Eagle Scout, which has in cross-country and track and required of me, only to quickly in Boy Scouts, achieving the 12 at Central Pennsylvania Youth given me a love of the outdoors. I fi eld, and have run for all twelve discover how much there was Eagle Scout rank, I learned to Ballet. Brittanie is now a Silver have done a variety of community seasons of my high school career. to learn. Yet, since that day last appreciate the natural world. Award 2007 youngArts winner service projects through scouting In addition to athletics, I devote summer, I’ve learned an incredible Over spring break, I explored in modern dance and a Texas as well. In addition to my my time to Model United Nations, amount, not only about organic the Amazon Rainforest with two Young Master recognized by the scouting activities, I also serve my the high school equivalent of chemistry but also in the ability biology teachers. Phillips Exeter has Texas Commission on the Arts. In community by running after- my dream to become a United to apply knowledge. My time in introduced me to people from all previous years, she was accepted school math and chess programs at Nations High Commissioner for the lab has taught me how to take over the world. In my dorm, I have on scholarship to summer Holmes Elementary School, which Human Rights. I am also a Buddy a fundamental understanding of lived with guys from Afghanistan, programs such as the Alvin Ailey is in the poorest neighborhood mentor for learning-disabled a subject and transform it into Japan, Estonia, Chile, Korea, American Dance Th eatre, Debbie in Washington State. I’m looking children, which has taught me something that can be applied Panama, and the UK. At Exeter, Allen Dance Academy and Alonzo forward to pursuing a degree in a the importance of patience, practically. Knowledge cannot I have also served as co-head of King Line’s Ballet. Attending an technical fi eld wherever I choose tolerance, and unconditional simply sit and gather dust; it must Christian Fellowship. To relax, I Arts school, Brittanie has been to go to school. acceptance. Meanwhile, as an be used, reshaped, and reused. I love to play the trumpet and the able to explore other forms of arts environmental and social activist, fi nd myself asking “why” over and piano. I don’t know where life will besides dance. Given this, she I hope to serve in the Peace Corps over again. It is a simple, one-word take me, but it will certainly be plans to incorporate artistically following graduation from college. question, but within it lies truth. an adventure. visual arts and music into her Collectively, these interests coalesce dancing as she continues to grow to create the unique portrait of as a contemporary ballet dancer, my personality. choreographer, and actress. 07Presidential Scholars

Yi Cai Monica Ceragioli David Chapel Justin Cockrell Natalie Como Louisville, KY, duPont Manual Incline Village, NV, Incline Parma, MI, Western High School Warner, OK, Warner High School Leawood, KS, Blue Valley North 16 High School High School College Plans: University College Plans: Oklahoma High School College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Yale University of Michigan Christian University College Plans: Duke University

Yi constantly dabbles in two Monica is a successful student, David is one of those Kindergarten: air conditioner Mountains, running, outerwear, worlds – the sciences and music. athlete, musician, and artist comprehensive students who repairman. Middle school: video meeting new people, sunshine, Her research projects with medical who loves challenging herself. refuse to let learning die at the game designer. Junior year: challenges, and family are all applications have been recognized She is a National Merit Scholar classroom door. Whether acting on artifi cial intelligence fi eld. Th ese things that make me happy. in the Siemens, Intel STS, and and is her class valedictorian. the local stage, mowing the lawn were Justin’s career plans… until Whether it’s testing my own Intel ISEF competitions. She has She is a dedicated soccer player at the Chapel Cemetery, engaging he went to Harvard Summer physical limits in a cross-country also received several other academic who helped lead her team to in political debate with his School. While his roommate was race or challenging the little girls honors, including the Siemens victory in the 2006 Nevada State conservative friends, participating out all night, Justin stayed in his gymnastics team I coach, I’m State AP Award, All-State Academic Championships. Monica is also in youth Bible study, trying with room and read two books outside passionate about pushing the Team member, Raytheon’s an avid runner. In addition to great frustration to organize a of the assigned homework: James limits of myself and those around MathMovesU Scholarship, and competing in track, she recently platoon of head-strong student Dobson’s Life on the Edge, and me. Academically, I am most FBLA Nationals First Place in trained for and completed the 26.2 councilors, or playing French horn the Bible. He visited MIT… interested in science and recently ‘Business Calculations. Yi is also a mile San Francisco Marathon. in the pit orchestra for a local and returned home with a new completed a research project in violinist of 12 years and has served She has also managed to exercise musical, David is constantly trying plan. “I’m going to be a Christian which I engineered a low-tech as the concertmistress of several the right side of her brain; she to learn something new. His idea of psychologist,” he would tell you water purifi cation system for use diff erent orchestras. Currently, she plays the tenor saxophone in her a day well spent includes discussing now. “I don’t care about the in third world countries. I’ve also travels to Cincinnati each Saturday school band and loves painting. historical gaff es and baling hay money anymore… I care about been lucky to involve myself in for the international Starling Monica plans to have a career in with his Accelerated American people.” And that’s why he helped activities outside the classroom Program. With Starling, she has the sciences and is contemplating History teacher. Th ese sundry give away over 1000 pounds of such as student council, track, performed at the Aspen Music becoming a doctor. In the future, intellectual preferences do a great food to those in need in March, triathlons, community service, and Festival, Kennedy Center, and she would like to follow her deal to explain why his only all- and plans to do it every month math competitions. I’m so excited on “From the Top.” As a soloist, passion for traveling by living state qualifi cation resulted from the afterward. Of course… Justin’s fi rst to attend Duke next fall with Yi has soloed with the Louisville abroad and exploring Europe and state quiz bowl tournament. His passion will always be drumming, hopes of participating in research, Orchestra, Starling, and many other South America. Although she has grandmother puts it well: David’s a so catch him on the road this studying abroad, and taking in all ensembles. She has also assumed loved growing up in Lake Tahoe, m’academia nut. summer with his band Texhoma. the new knowledge my brain can leadership roles in and outside of Monica is excited to experience Th ey’re coming for you. hold. Eventually, I would like to school, such as Science Olympiad life on the East Coast beginning go on to graduate school, work in President, Amnesty International next fall. the medical fi eld, live in Colorado, Group co-founder and co-chair, and snowboard every weekend. and student coach of Kentucky’s fi rst place MathCounts team. 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

Derrick C. Cooper Jr. Emanne Desjardins Alissa D’Gama Michael Ding Emily Disbrow Belleville, IL, Belleville Township Jakarta, Indonesia, British Tucson, AZ, Catalina Foothills Barrington, RI, Barrington Wheaton, IL, Wheaton Warrenville HS West International School High School High School South High School 17 College Plans: DePaul University College Plans: Swarthmore College College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Michigan State School of Drama University in a combined B.S./ Daughter of an American Foreign “Do not go where the path may Michael is a multi-faceted student M.D. program Th ere is nothing that I enjoy in Service Offi cer, Emanne was lead, go instead where there is no with talents in many areas. He is Academics, music, athletics, life more than being active in my immersed in foreign cultures path and leave a trail.” Whether a musician, researcher, leader in volunteering – Emily does it church and spending time with throughout her life, having lived in I am falling down the stairs extracurricular and volunteering all, with a little international my family. I have four little sisters Virginia, North Africa, the Middle engrossed in a book, leading activities, and athlete. He has fl air. Emily’s experiences living that I love dearly. I’ve noticed that East, and Indonesia. Despite my school’s National Honor played the piano for over eleven in England gave her a great they watch me like a hawk so I being one of the only Americans Society, Calculus club, or Science years and performs at the Rhode foundation for her high school try to be a positive role model. I at her high school, Emanne has Olympiad team to unprecedented Island Musicians Chopin Club achievements. She participated live in a small town in Illinois. I’ve thrived. She led the school Debate victories, eating pani-puri with and at a senior center. For his in marching band for four years lived in the town my entire life Team to victory, acted in student- Coca Cola, studying convection Senior Project, he investigated the (playing mellophone for three and have become accustomed to directed plays, and performed cell patterns at my Biophysics lab, eff ects of trace elements on the years and serving as drum major the environment. I love to spend for the President of Indonesia performing Air on the G String growth of tumor cells in a lab at her senior year), as well as concert my free time reading drama, as part of the school Choir. on steel drums, or wearing scrubs Brown University. He is captain band (French horn), pep band, playing basketball, and relaxing Having experienced the dangers over my hoodie at the Neonatal and top scorer of the math, and jazz band. Additionally, with close friends. I also enjoy of terrorism and natural disasters ICU where I volunteer, I have computer science, and LifeSmarts Emily is a member of National spending time with older people. fi rst-hand in Jakarta, Emanne tried to follow Emerson’s advice. teams at his school. In addition Honor Society, Spanish National Th is may seem strange. However, I devotes her time to humanitarian Although at times, when I blaze to helping out a senior citizen, Honor Society, Math Team, and have learned to value the wisdom causes. She has provided relief for my own trail into a saguaro cactus he currently volunteers as a team Youth & Government. Outside of of the elder generations. I am Tsunami and Earthquake-aff ected here in sunny Arizona, this may leader at community fund raising, school, she volunteers at Central very excited to attend college and regions in Indonesia, and taught be painful, I hope to become a at a Providence soup kitchen, DuPage Hospital, accompanies experience a new living location. underprivileged children English. neonatal surgeon, travel to third and at environmental cleanups the children’s choirs at her church, I am very grateful for the support Additionally, she organized the world countries and help children on state beaches and land trusts. plays softball, and works as an of my family and I am eternally building of a free school for who do not have the opportunities He runs cross-country and track, umpire for her community’s youth grateful for God’s many blessings. street children in Jakarta and that America has given me. With and enjoys reading and listening baseball leagues. Emily spends made an award-winning fi lm the help of God, my family, and to music. With his goal to excel her spare time (which is rare yet about the project, which won the my friends, my future is infi nity in college and beyond, he will try appreciated) following Chicago Mondialogo School Contest and and beyond! his best. sports teams or listening to music. garnered prestigious funding from UNESCO. Emanne aspires to use her education to promote positive change in society. 07Presidential Scholars

Sarah Dolan Edward-Michael Dussom Ben Farrar Vera Fomenkov Asher Frankfurt Madison, WV, Scott High School Covington, LA, The Saint Gorham, ME, Gorham High School Owings Mills, MD, Carver Center for Dallas, TX, Booker T. Washington 18 College Plans: West Paul’s School College Plans: Dartmouth College Arts and Technology High School for the Performing Virginia University College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Mount and Visual Arts I try in most of my spare time Holyoke College College Plans: University of I am a very determined person. My scholarly passions include to be as far removed from the Southern California Once I set my mind to something, international politics, economics, Vera, born in Pushino, Russia, cookie-cutter mold of a normal Playwriting began for me during there is no stopping me. I work public health, and medicine. immigrated to the United States overachieving high school student my sophomore year of high hard at everything I do and I’m not In each, I fi nd a potential when she was two and a half, as possible. Certainly, I play school, when my one-act play afraid to jump into something that contribution to the welfare of but has kept in touch with her musical instruments (trumpet, Broken But Not Torn was produced I’ve never tried before. Th is year the world we share. With future roots through regular visits to her guitar, tenor sax), I participate in at Booker T. Washington’s annual was my fi rst year in band, and I training in both world economics grandparents during the summer. some school sports (skiing, golf), New Plays Festival in 2005. Broken chose to play the trumpet. Over the and medicine, I hope to address She has been painting, sculpting and I am an active member of my went on to be workshopped that course of six months, I went from in any way possible the issues of and drawing intensively for four school’s academic teams (math summer at the International knowing very little about music and third-world health care. My other years now in addition to balancing team, model United Nations). Th espians Playworks Competition, having no previous instrumental interests include more varied her rigorous academic workload. However, I do some less ordinary and soon after, Dramatics experience, to being fi rst trumpet pursuits: I enjoy reading Oriental Th roughout her high school things as well. I play Guitar Hero magazine printed Broken in their in my school band. I also jumped literature, researching topics career, she has been recognized competitively, and was (somewhat September 2005 issue. Later that into acting this year, and I landed endlessly on the Internet, and both regionally and nationally for unoffi cially) ranked seventh in the fall, Playscripts, Inc. picked up the role of Frenchy in the county not getting up until I’ve solved her representational, fi gurative world at one time. I design and Broken for publication. In 2006, production of Grease. I love music, the math problem that was so body of work by the Maryland code web pages for fun, and I’ve a second one-act of mine, Gale, and I spend a lot of my spare time endlessly frustrating me. I play Artists Equity Foundation, been commissioned to create a was produced at the annual New just dancing and singing in my the piano for my own enjoyment Maryland Distinguished Scholars page for a local business. I write Plays Festival. Th at spring, I was room, or around my house. I love and relaxation, and occasionally Program, Marie Walsh Sharpe Art creatively as part of an online given a screenwriting assignment to laugh and to make other people for performance. I love to cook Foundation, Scholastics Art and fi ction project. I even host a radio in my Advanced Playwriting class laugh. You will usually fi nd me in (French and Northern Italian, Writing Awards and Young Arts. talk show on a local college station and was immediately drawn to the a large group of people engaging mainly) and to go out to dinner She has also had a piece displayed about current issues and their world of cinema. I began to write in some ridiculous story or activity with friends. I relish a chance in the “Art is for Everyone” exhibit eff ects on youth. my full-length screenplay, Fallout, to entertain them. My childhood to make people laugh, debate a at the Baltimore Museum of Art. and in the following summer, I dream is to go to Japan. I love the dinner table topic heatedly, or Vera wishes to pursue her passion spent six weeks at the University culture and the language, and was get myself intentionally lost. I eat for studio art in the context of a of Southern California’s School given a great opportunity to learn chocolate compulsively, watch liberal arts education. of Cinematic Arts studying fi lm about them with my participation children’s movies, and listen to the production. I cannot wait to in the West Virginia Governor’s works of Romantic composers. return to USC! Honors Academy. I am determined to achieve my dreams, and I won’t let anything stand in my way. 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

Katrina Galka Mark Garret Whitefi sh Bay, WI, Dominican Stowe, VT, Rice Memorial High School High School 19 College Plans: Southern College Plans: Stanford University Methodist University An avid interest in science led me Belting out emotional melodies is to participate in research through what Katrina enjoys doing most, the University of Vermont’s but she delights in any aspect of Helix program, studying organic the stage, whether dancing, acting, light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), or watching others perform. and in Medquest, a program for When the curtain falls, Katrina future healthcare professionals. keeps herself busy with school, I plan to pursue my interests in having recently graduated as the science with a career in surgery Valedictorian of her class. Katrina or medical research. A jazz also has loved playing Varsity afi cionado, I play the alto and tennis, singing for her church, and tenor saxophones in my high working as secretary of her school’s school jazz band, as well as the student council and editor of the Bb and bass clarinets for wind literary magazine. Whether riding ensemble and music festivals. As through the streets of Germany in president of a youth community a wheelbarrow or simply enjoying service group, I have helped raise a refreshing banana popsicle, money for local, national, and Katrina fi nds time for fun too. international charities, including Finally, Katrina extends her love a school where I volunteered in and thanks to her brother, Frobo, Chile. I play varsity tennis and ski Christopher Bowman and her parents for enduring her as often as possible in Vermont’s Places I’ve Done: Waterfall hours of singing around the house Green Mountains. With my mixed silver gelatin print and for all of their support. American, French and Swiss 8” x 10“ heritage, I enjoy baseball, Moliere, and a delicious fondue. 07Presidential Scholars

Scott Giblin Reed Gilbow Margaret Glaspy Susan M. Glass Ilana Goldberg Towson, MD, Carver Center for Cleveland, MS, Cleveland Red Bluff, CA, Mercy High School Washington, DC, National Highland Park, IL, Highland Park 20 Arts and Technology High School College Plans: Undecided Cathedral School High School College Plans: Pennsylvania College Plans: University College Plans: Stanford University College Plans: Manhattan School Academy of the Fine Arts of Mississippi Music has been the light in of Music each day. It has kept me up ‘til When I was little I wanted to be Not one to limit himself to a I believe in working hard to Ilana is a passionate spirit who morning, brought me to tears, an apple tree and a school bus. single endeavor, Scott’s many achieve my goals. I am committed loves to relish in as many facets of wrapped me in its arms, and My sister got really mad at me and interests are littered along the to becoming a physician so that I life as possible. She has embraced kissed my forehead goodnight. kept telling it wasn’t possible, but spectrum of topics. Designer vinyl may have a benefi cial eff ect on the many leadership roles ranging My mother and father have I insisted that I could. I’ve since toys, 8-bit chiptunes, fashion, world. I study diligently in school from Class President, during created a monster in bending over altered my life plans, but I haven’t philosophy, consciousness studies, and attempt to learn as much as which she helped to arrange backwards to allow me to jump on altered my way of thinking. I like t-shirt design, independent music possible every day. I love operating a Senior Citizen Prom in her every musical opportunity possible to do things my own way. I run and fi lm are all among Scott’s a variety of volunteer activities community, to President of and in letting me think up wild my own race in cross-country and interests and doings. Notably, through the Boy Scouts and my Choral Board and French Honor dreams and then encouraging me track, I use my own style when I Scott has had three t-shirt church; I revel in seeing the faces Society. In the area of Fine Arts, to achieve them. My brother is a play the piano, and I have my own designs printed at the popular of others when I have made a Ilana has been Vocal Director musical genius and understands “organization” system for studying. t-shirt website Th readless.com. positive impact in their lives. I also of the student run musical my every thought, while my sister My favorite class in high school However, Scott’s truest love and enjoy my free time. I play several “STUNTS”, committee head, host is the most beautiful and open- was biology, and I’m thinking desires belong to the visual arts, sports including tennis, soccer, and performer in the arts festival minded creature there is. I wish about going to medical school. molded by all Scott’s thoughts, running, and ultimate Frisbee. “FOCUS” and served as section my family was a song for everyone actions, and experiences. Scott is My favorite pastime, however, leader in the Madrigals, Swing to hear. It seems as though every a representational realist painter/ is photography. I love capturing Choir and Chorale performing day is a new work of art and while sculptor guided and inspired by images, forever frozen in time. I groups. One experience closest life may bring you a lonely heart the works of artists including actually recently began creating my to her heart was participating and teary eyes, the world is far Lucian Freud, Ron Mueck, and fi rst photographic study! My motto in Panim el Panim: a program too beautiful to let either one Marc Quinn. Scott also must give has always been to seize life, and I combining moral and religious last. Love and music are the deep credit to the teachings of painting will always live by that philosophy. tenants with US policy and purples and amazing greens that teacher Teresa Shovlin and activism. Fulfi lling her desire to make life worth living. sculpture teacher Joe Cypressi, contribute to her community, and the support of his friends Ilana has used her talents to and family. perform for a recorded concert, distributed to local Senior Citizen’s homes. She hopes to use her music to contribute to societies everywhere. 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

Samuel Haber Lana Hazel Helen Helfand Spencer Hill Pranoti Hiremath Woodmere, NY, George W. Conway, AR, Conway High Portland, OR, St. Mary’s Academy Shawnee, KS, Shawnee Mission Seattle, WA, Garfi eld High School Hewlett High School School West College Plans: Stanford University Northwest High School College Plans: University 21 College Plans: The Wharton College Plans: University College Plans: University of of Washington School of Business at the of Arkansas I go to a very liberal all-girls California – Los Angeles University of Pennsylvania Catholic high school in downtown As the daughter of an artist Lana is known for her ability to be I’m a laidback person who leads Portland, Oregon. Given that I and an engineer, I combine Since I’ve entered high school, involved in many diff erent things, a very active life, sometimes too previously attended large public expression with logic. My artistic I’ve been certain I wanted to all of which she does well, and busy for my own taste. Both schools and am, in fact, Jewish, persona reveals itself through pursue a career in business. I still have time for her family and academically and beyond, I’ve this has been a very interesting Kathak (Indian Classical) joined an investment club at friends. She takes school seriously, developed interests in a broad experience. I have learned, above dancing, solo and orchestral the beginning of 8th grade, loves learning, and enjoys variety of subjects. At school, all, that one can never own too violin performances, creation of which I would later parlay into challenges. She has always taken as I act and direct fi lms for the many pairs of Birkenstocks. I greeting cards, Dhrupad singing, three summers at the New York rigorous of a schedule as possible, school’s Radio/TV program. In love running cross-country, and photography, and leadership of Mercantile Exchange, giving me and it has paid off as she is ranked athletics, I was team captain of my was team captain this year. My my school’s literary magazine. the opportunity to manage a fi rst in her class. She is self- school’s football team this year. I favorite activities outside of school My scientifi c interests have led futures portfolio at a time when motivated and persistent, taking also play recreational basketball, include concert-going, exploring, me to computer refurbishing and the price of crude oil was peaking. commitments seriously and being volleyball, tennis, and golf. Two road tripping, baking, and internships at Fred Hutchinson I have also pursued my interest a natural leader. Helping others nights per week I volunteer at a sleeping. Last summer I worked Cancer Research Center and in economics through my Intel is important to Lana, and she has local elementary school tutoring in a lab at Oregon Health and NOAA Fisheries. Passions draw Social Science Talent Search a compassionate, servant’s heart. struggling students. I also serve as Sciences University studying the me toward travels from Ghana competition, where I created a Her activities include playing the treasurer to the executive board enervation of the cornea. Th is to Japan, involvement in local model for Social Security reform saxophone in band, being captain to my school’s community service summer I shall be working at a and international communities, that used equity portfolios for a of the fl agline, and taking her program. When I’m not engaged wonderful establishment called and house remodeling. I believe source of retirement funds. I look eleventh year of piano lessons. in one of these activities, I like to Baskin Robbins. Th ey serve ice in seeing the good in people and forward to furthering my business She likes to get up early, enjoys read, play piano, listen to music cream. I plan on studying some fi nding the best in situations. knowledge and experience during reading, and often scrapbooks in (I’m a Beatlemaniac), play chess, combination of biology, physics, Although I look forward to future my college years and beyond. her spare time. She is attending or spend time with friends and and European history in college, aspirations, I am enjoying every the University of Arkansas with family. After college, I plan to and eventually becoming either a moment to the fullest. an Honors College Fellowship, join the Peace Corps and travel scientifi c researcher or a physician. and plans to major in biomedical to Uganda to help stop the use of engineering and minor in Spanish child soldiers. and music. 07Presidential Scholars

Emily Howell Brittany M. Hulings Jay E. Jackson Erin Jaeger Sara Kathryn Jaszkowski Lynchburg, VA, E.C. Glass Sewickley, PA, Quaker Valley Carrollton, TX, Booker T. Keene, NH, Keene High School Boise, ID, Bishop Kelly 22 High School High School Washington High School for the College Plans: Dartmouth College High School College Plans: Yale University College Plans: Michigan Performing and Visual Arts College Plans: University of State University, Alumni College Plans: California Institute Music and writing have been Notre Dame Outside school, you would Distinguished Scholar of the Arts constants in my life ever since I probably fi nd Emily curled up Sara is a National Merit Scholar, I am a sixteen year old high Jay Jackson is a dance senior at learned the alphabet (or, at least, in a rocking chair with a book, Girl Scout Gold Award recipient, school senior, slightly sensitive Booker T. Washington High School the fi rst seven letters of it) from dancing and singing onstage, 2007 Woman of Tomorrow, 2011 about being younger than my for the Performing and Visual stickers my mom placed on our or performing a piece of music. Notre Dame Scholar, United classmates. I have always stood out Arts (BTWHSPVA) in Dallas, piano keys. I play three types of She is very involved in theatre at Dairymen of Idaho Distinguished as a great student and many have Texas. At BTWHSPVA, Jay serves saxophone, guitar, bassoon, piano, her high school, where she most Student, a Wendy’s High School recognized me for my intellect. In as Assistant Rehearsal Director and the organ. I’m never without recently played Anita in West Side Heisman state fi nalist, and class fact, I sometimes refer to myself and performer with Repertory a novel, usually by either Woolf, Story – her favorite role to date valedictorian. She lettered in as a “science geek.” But there is Dance Company II where he has Wilde, or a Brontë, and I’m the has been Demeter in the nation’s volleyball, swim team, softball quite a diff erent side to me. I performed works by Ting-Yu Chen, Editor-in-Chief of my school’s fi rst amateur production of Cats. and ski racing, and served as class love to perform; whether on the Gabriel Masson, Bridget Moore, literary magazine. Yes, I’ve won Emily is very involved in music, president or in student cabinet stage during musical productions, Keith Th ompson, Holly Williams, numerous academic awards and both singing and playing the the last three years. At Bishop on the tennis court as a starting and Bruce Wood. He has attended will be graduating as Salutatorian, keyboard, and sings in church Kelly, Sara is a campus minister, member of the varsity state fi nalist summer intensives at Point Park but I know that there is much and community choirs. For the tutors through the National team, on the golf course as part of University on scholarship and more to life than scoring a 4.0. As past two years she has worked Honor Society, serves as a Natural the boy’s team or on the football the Broadway Th eatre Project. President of Interact, I’ve traveled as an organist at a small local Helper, and is a member of the fi eld waving fl ags. I also volunteer. Th is summer, he will attend the to El Salvador on three mission church. Last summer she traveled Fellowship of Christian Athletes I serve as a Junior Advisor to American Dance Festival on a trips to build houses and visit to El Salvador with a church leadership team. She serves on the Th e First Tee of Pittsburgh, a Dance Council Scholarship. In orphanages. Th is has given me an youth group; it was an amazing City of Boise Parks and Recreation World Golf Foundation initiative August, he will attend the Diavolo appreciation for global service and experience. In school, she is co- Commission, Silver Sage Girl aimed at providing children of all workshop in Los Angeles and will using my resources to better the president of Latin Club and an Scout Council Board of Directors, backgrounds an opportunity to enroll in the dance department at world. After four amazing years anchor on the morning news. and the Bishop Kelly Strategic develop life skills through golf. California Institute of the Arts. at Dartmouth studying English, Her favorite subject is English Planning Committee as a youth For my eff orts, I was designated His chorographic credits include writing, and, yes, music, I’d – she’s always hoped to be a member. She is the president of as a First Tee Scholar and was the BTWHSPVA Entertainers’ love to become a National writer and is a voracious and the Treasure Valley Teen Advisory awarded the Pritchett Young performances of Godspell, Th e Geographic correspondent. omnivorous reader. Committee and serves on the St. Leadership Scholarship. Boyfriend, Cabaret, and Seussical: Mark’s Peer Ministry Team. In the Th e Musical. In 2003, Jay toured summer, Sara is a lifeguard and with the national revival of Th e swim team coach. Will Rogers Follies for the Dallas Summer Musicals. 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

Kathleen Jee Helen Margaret Johnson Lindsay Johnson Scott Jorgenson Sara King Potomac, MD, Montgomery Blair Tampa, FL, Saint Mary’s School Helena, MT, Helena High School Brookings, SD, Brookings New Albany, IN, New Albany High School College Plans: Brown University, College Plans: Massachusetts High School High School 23 College Plans: University eight-year Program in Liberal Institute of Technology College Plans: University of College Plans: Otterbein College of Maryland Medical Education Nebraska - Lincoln I love everything that I do, Sara made her debut at the age As a motivated young woman, Helen is a scholar, a performing from playing in the symphony I am a man of many passions. of four weeks playing the role Kathy strives to achieve balance artist, and a scientist. She is a to volunteering at the Humane From athletics to academics to the of the baby in the musical Baby in all aspects of her life. She is recipient of the Blanche Robertson Society. Winning a Scholastic arts, I love them all. Whether it’s and has performed at a variety of the managing news editor of Bacon Honors Scholarship, a writing award, competing in the reading a book about the political venues in the Kentucky/Indiana Silver Chips, her award-winning four-year full-tuition, room, national debate tournament, and genius of Abraham Lincoln, or area including Derby Dinner school newspaper, and a member and board merit scholarship to having scary movie marathons learning the proper technique for a Playhouse, Music Th eatre of the varsity basketball team. A Saint Mary’s School. She is the with my friends are all made block-start in track, I’m constantly Louisville, Actors Th eatre of National Merit Finalist, Kathy also Founder and President of the possible by my passion for life. I striving to learn something new, to Louisville, Kentucky Opera remains dedicated to community Math Club and the President of love learning, playing tennis and challenge myself further. It is this and STAGE ONE. Some of her service and volunteers at a local the National Honor Society. A soccer, and reading geeky science insatiable thirst for knowledge that favorite roles include Annie in hospital regularly. She has a great cellist, Helen performs as a soloist web comics. I learned through a has helped to expand my horizons ANNIE, Laurey in OKLAHOMA!, passion for science and its amazing and with the Saint Mary’s String series of laboratory failures last and to make me more aware of the Cinderella in Cinderella, Mrs. implications for life. Currently, Ensemble and Honors Trio. A summer, however, that I don’t world around me. It has led me to Potts in Beauty and the Beast and Kathy is conducting research at pianist, she won 1st place in the love engineering PCR reactions discover a myriad of possibilities Sharpay in High School Musical. Georgetown University on breast Senior I Division of the Raleigh to create epigenetic tests. After and problems that exists in our She has soloed with the Louisville cancer cell invasion and hopes to Piano Teacher’s Association 2007 that realization, my attention lives, and has me constantly Orchestra on numerous occasions. continue participating in scientifi c Young Artists’ Piano Competition. turned more towards physics. searching for solutions. If I am to In addition, she was the Grand research in the future. She plans Helen also dances with the Although I wish I could continue accomplish one thing in life it is Champion Winner of the Coca- on majoring in bioengineering Concert Dancers of Raleigh. As a learning every subject, I want to this: to help others and leave this Cola Talent Competition at the with the ultimate goal of senior, she completed a year-long eventually get a graduate degree world a better place. I can’t ask for 2006 Kentucky State Fair. She becoming a doctor. biochemistry internship in the in astrophysics. Once I earn that any more than that. is a voice student of her mother, Cavanagh Lab at North Carolina degree, I intend to join the Peace Debbie King Raque, dance student State University. She plans to Corps and work in Africa to give of Bette Weber Flock and enjoys major in biochemistry and pursue something back to the world that singing joint concerts with her both an MD and PhD. She has given so much to me. father, Tim. She was named intends to become a researcher/ a Silver Award Winner with physician who specializes in the the NFAA. neurogenetic basis of autism. 07Presidential Scholars

Alexander Krey Arjun V. Landes Scott Levin-Gesundheit Leah Anthony Libresco Amelia Lin Los Altos, CA, Los Altos Lake Forest, IL, The Thacher Washington, DC, Sidwell Mineola, NY, The Wheatley School Plano, TX, Texas Academy of High School 24 School Friends School College Plans: Yale University or Mathematics and Science College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Yale University College Plans: Princeton Massachusetts Institute College Plans: Harvard College University of Technology I live to learn, yet spend my free Scott is a high school senior, I often wish there were more hours time lobbying to end homework My parents tell me I was an an accomplished student and Leah has had an interest in politics in the day. From trying my hand in America. I attended Montessori unusually serious child. I believe an all-around good kid. He ever since she was three and would at swing dancing to learning how schools through middle school, that the stoicism of my youth was has maintained a perfect grade run into the family room when to palm read, my life has always never taking a test, receiving a grade the outward expression of an inner point average and won national the “Gokkin Goop” (McLaughlin been about exploration, though or doing a minute of homework. propensity to analyze and reach recognition for his abilities in Group) came on to yell, “Issue there never seems to be enough For high school, I chose a small, independent conclusions about the writing, language, and math. One!” with host John McLaughlin. time to try it all. Since sixth grade, ranching boarding school in Ojai, world. Th is tendency to analyze When Scott was a sophomore, Now, she continues to be involved I have played clarinet and been CA, and my world exploded with led me to an obsession with order, he captained his school’s Math in politics, writing editorials as an enthusiastic band nerd both new options. Th e day I arrived, in human life and the natural Squares team to win the county co-editor-in-chief and organizing on and off the football fi eld. At having never ridden a horse, I was world, and a relentless desire fi nals, which were televised on PBS. her fellow students to take action the same time, I have been doing handed boots, spurs, tack, a horse, to see reason in what I do. As a While Scott excels academically, to alleviate the ongoing genocide research on the applications some Ben Gay for falls, and a result, I know that I will not be he most enjoys the time he spends in Darfur. Her explorations in of carbon nanotubes in shovel to clean up my horse’s stall fulfi lled unless I spend my life in as a tutor in an algebra class for science are fueled by the same nanotechnology for almost three daily ... at dawn. Today I captain pursuit of perfect happiness, which English language learners who have commitment that spurs her years now and run my school’s Mu our Gymkhana (competitive can only be achieved through recently come from Mexico or El activism. With research topics, Alpha Th eta chapter. I aspire to a Western riding) team, and play understanding. I once thought Salvador. Scott tutors these students ranging from the gender gap in joint career in science research and varsity football and basketball. I that to know everything would in their native language. He is mathematics to new treatments education, a position in which I enjoy leadership as student Head provide the ultimate satisfaction fl uent in Spanish and spent last for prostate cancer, Leah’s science can give back to the community of School, Head of our Discipline I sought, however I soon realized summer as a high school exchange projects were inspired by the in more ways than one. I plan to Committee, Freshman Prefect, and that quantum theory rendered student in Argentina. He is also curiosity and love of problem continue to take on life with zeal, Head Admissions Tour Guide. I this dream unattainable. Now, my Editor-in-Chief of his school’s solving that prompts her to keep and am grateful to my parents for love to teach and head two tutoring aspiration is to develop a complete newspaper, overseeing the day- asking questions about the world being the best inspiration I could programs; I also founded our formulation of the universe’s laws. to-day operations of the and the around her. Th is investigative spirit ever have. Habitat for Humanity chapter. I Th us, physics and mathematics are paper’s coverage. Scott’s humorous continues to shape everything she love languages and am fl uent in central to my goal, as is philosophy side comes out in his monthly does, from taking apart pens to Spanish and Mandarin. Before because it imbues the latter fi elds column, “A Little Levity,” which see how they work to developing college, I’ll take a year to volunteer with meaning. puts school issues under a comedic a genetic theory of magic in the in China, India and South light. In Scott’s spare time, he is a Harry Potter series. America, and hopefully at the 2008 mediocre yet avid bowler and plays Olympics in Beijing, as well. alto saxophone in the school’s jazz band. 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

Heidi Liu Brooke Luo Moriah Lutz-Tveite Michael L. MacCombie Tudor Dominik Maican Plymouth, MN, The Blake School Oklahoma City, OK, Des Moines, IA, Chagrin Falls, OH, Bethesda, MD, Winston Churchill College Plans: Harvard College Oklahoma School of Science Des Moines Christian School & University School High School 25 and Mathematics Central Academy College Plans: Brown University College Plans: Indiana University As a young woman with College Plans: Duke University College Plans: Vanderbilt multifaceted interests, Heidi University Michael is a man of many hats- a Tudor is a graduate of Winston Brooke is a scholar who thrives loves to learn about anything scholar, athlete, researcher, thinker, Churchill High School and Th e on active involvement in her I am an Iowan. I am a city and everything. Her trivial and teacher. In the academic Juilliard School’s Pre-College community. She volunteers as girl. I am an AP Scholar with pursuits allowed her to become a realm, he participates in math Division. He will attend Indiana an aide at her city library and a Distinction. I am a State contestant on the 2007 Jeopardy! competitions and does speech University to study composition, Sunday school teacher assistant at Champion Cheerleader. I love Teen Tournament. For the and debate, for which he won a and has already written fi ve her local church on the weekends. biology. I love fashion. I take past two years, Heidi has been state championship this year. As symphonies and over 40 chamber As former vice-president of her Calculus BC. I take ballet. I can involved in cognitive neuroscience an athlete, he plays soccer and works. He has won more than school’s service organization, whip out a three-page paper. I research at Stanford University pole vaults for his track team. 46 national and international Key Club, Brooke has worked can whip out a triple pirouette. I and the University of Minnesota. Last summer, he investigated the competitions for composition and with organizations such as the worry about world hunger. I worry She co-authored a poster at the operations of statewide elections, piano. In 2005 Tudor received Children’s Hospital and Salvation about dropping my baton. I off er International Geriatric College of and this year has designed a a $25,000 fellowship from the Army. In 2005, she won the intelligence. I off er extroversion. I Psychopharmacology conference personal research project regarding Davidson Institute for Talent title of Ms. China Oklahoma am a loquacious 18-year old girl. last year and she is co-authoring adolescent stress relief. For the Development. He is three-time allowing her to travel across the I hate talking on the phone and I papers examining sleep apnea, last four years, he has contributed winner of ASCAP Morton Gould state performing cultural dance don’t IM. I spent part of each high cognitive decline, and statistical his thoughts through words as an Award for Composition. In 2006, and speaking to young children. school day in a public school. I regression. Aside from this, Heidi editor of his school newspaper and he was named Composer in Brooke is also involved in her graduated from a private Christian enjoys learning languages, having of his school’s artistic publication. Residence Fellow at Dumbarton school’s modern dance group and school. In these respects and taken three foreign languages Once a month, he travels into Concerts. He received top honors participates in school productions. others, I am a paradox. However, in high school. She also serves Cleveland to volunteer as a teacher at the Moscow Tchaikovsky She currently serves on Student my contrasting qualities combine as the editor-in-chief of the at an urban elementary school. He Conservatory Competition for Council and is a member of to create a fun-loving girl who school literary magazine and as plans on studying public policy young composers and Italy’s TEAM+S. In her spare time, she is as eager to learn about genetic a member of the county library’s in college and hopes to serve as a Cultural Music Associations 7th enjoys reading, writing, watching research, as she is to experience teen advisory board. In addition to government service worker. Annual International Competition movies with her family, and sorority life. playing classical piano and violin, for solo instrument; was twice spending quality time with her she is a vocalist who participates winner of Juilliard’s Annual friends. Brooke plans to double actively in her school and national Competition for Composers; major in biomedical engineering honor choirs. won the prestigious New York Art and economics in college. Her Ensemble Annual Competition dream is to one day establish her for Young Composers; and was own children’s hospital. featured on NPR’s show “From the Top.” 07Presidential Scholars

Robert Marsland III Benjamin Ballard Massenburg V Kyle McCloskey Colin McSwiggen May Min Madison, WI, Saint Kula, HI, King Kekaulike Lakenheath, England, Lakenheath Cincinnati, OH, Cincinnati Country Greenville, RI, Lincoln School 26 Ambrose Academy High School High School Day School College Plans: Brown University College Plans: Princeton College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Haverford College College Plans: Massachusetts PLME University Institute of Technology Aloha everyone! Upon entrance When my parents asked me if I I am a student who loves I have always had a compulsive to Harvard University, I plan to would like to learn Japanese, I had Colin is always trying to learn exploring various activities and drive to do everything well, study Biomedical Engineering, no idea they also meant moving something new. He loves all fi elds fi elds. Although I plan to pursue especially schoolwork. Combined as I have grown up in the health to Japan. Since then, I have spent of study, with a particular passion medicine in college, I hope to with a natural capacity to receive care fi eld (my father is a physician over 10 years overseas, immersing for math and the sciences, and major in history or English. As ideas, this drive has pushed and my mother a pharmacist) myself in the various cultures in his free time he pursues the Honor Council president, I help me to a high level of academic and have always had a knack for of the world; I have strolled performing arts, foreign languages, to advance my school community achievement; in middle school inventions. I also truly love media through Red Square, climbed to community service, and athletics. and promote values of honesty and the fi rst half of high school, production, and have started the top of St. Peter’s Basilica, and He plays the French horn, sings and peace. Outside of school, I however, it produced detrimental my own “business,” Quantum explored the labyrinthine London in a chorus, and performs in plays play clarinet for various state and eff ects as I began to lose sight of Media Maui, which you can fi nd Underground. While in high and musicals at his school. During regional orchestras and bands. the importance of friendship and at www.qmaui.com. Integrating school, I have involved myself the fi rst half of this year he lived In terms of athletics, I am a of beauty. When my orchestra my interests in medicine and in numerous activities, ranging in Japan, and he speaks both competitive swimmer and rower went on tour to Europe in 2005, media, I plan to attend Medical from the local swim team and Japanese and Spanish fl uently. His who enjoys taking leadership and I met some new friends who School, specializing in Radiology. community theater productions hobbies have included software bonding with the team. I also reawakened me to the non- I also consider myself a tennis to a Europe-wide Model United programming and translating dedicate a lot of time to serving academic side of life. Since then, player, runner, surfer, musician, Nations conference held on a Japanese literature into English. my community. As president of I have become the main instigator and leader, in addition to being NATO base. As our school’s Recently he organized a group my school’s Community Problem of outings and parties with my a student. Two summers ago, I National Honor Society President, of students from his school to Solving team, I helped lead a friends, and have come to derive embarked on a mission trip to I have worked to establish compete in the fi rst ever North playground renovation project. immense joy from listening to the rugged Rio Coco, the river connections with the British as American Computational During the summer of 2006, good music and hiking in the dividing Honduras and Nicaragua. well as the military communities Linguistics Olympiad. Other I founded the Young Writers’ beautiful Wisconsin forests. Th ere, I developed my relationship through a variety of service pastimes include fencing and the Project, which is an annual writing with God, while serving the native projects, such as volunteering at board game Go - he has very little camp for children. In my free Miskito Indians. I letter in three a British retirement center. In skill in either one, and he enjoys time, I enjoy reading, shopping, Varsity sports, I am the president my free time (whenever I get the them both immensely. and dining out with friends. of our Christian Club, and I am chance), I love reading anything, the captain of our championship from Raymond Chandler to math and science teams. Michael Crichton. 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

27

Vera Fomenkov Angst charcoal on paper 72” x 36” 07Presidential Scholars

Rebecca Mock Michael Thomas Montoya, Jr. Timothy Moon Peter Morrissey Chetan Narain Lantana, FL, Dreyfoos School of Irving, TX, Cistercian Jamesville, NY, Manlius Pebble Omaha, NE, Creighton Madison, NJ, Madison 28 the Arts Preparatory School Hill School Preparatory School High School College Plans: Maryland Institute College Plans: Wake Forest College Plans: Stanford University College Plans: Fordham University College Plans: Princeton College of Art University University Gifted with a fashion sense that Peter is a person who believes Rebecca plans to pursue a degree My name is Michael Th omas led him to be voted “Best Dressed” deeply in the importance of Ever since I turned 11, I have in illustration. She enjoys the Montoya, Jr. and I am from in the Manlius Pebble Hill Class of dedication: that anything can tried to understand my place thrill of a visual challenge and Irving, Texas. I have had the ’07, Tim brings a unique style to be accomplished through hard in the world, both scientifi cally the satisfaction of solving it. pleasure of attending Cistercian his varied activities. Tim has been work. In addition to being a and socially. I began to wonder Although she is a student of many Preparatory School for the past the principal oboist of the Syracuse student, Peter is an accomplished about the molecules and atoms artistic fi elds including fi ne art, eight years, and I plan to continue Symphony Youth Orchestra for athlete (Cross Country), musician that made me up, and my fi lmmaking, and graphic design, my education by attending Wake four years and has also played in (French Horn), Eagle Scout, and explorations eventually brought her true passion is drawing. Forest University next fall. I multiple All-State and All-County State Champion Extemporaneous me to DNA. In the summer of Rebecca has been interested in feel fortunate to have become ensembles. He competes on his speaker. But more importantly, 2005, I got the chance to work sequential art and storytelling a National Merit Semifi nalist, school’s golf team and enjoys Peter’s hard work has also been in a lab at Princeton University from a young age, when she would to be number one in my class, playing basketball and soccer. directed towards others. He to explore DNA in the most pretend to be a gypsy or a fairy and to have been with a vastly As co-founder and co-captain of visited the Dominican Republic basic of organisms – bacteria. in her backyard. She would write talented group of young men his school’s Masterminds trivia in 2006 to learn about Central Socially, I started reading books books and draw comics of her at my all-male high school. Yet, team, he has led his team to three American poverty, only to return about places from Italy to adventures. Th e fantastical world through the years I have striven straight fi rst place fi nishes in home and spend his summer Japan to understand how my of the mind has always been a to broaden my horizons through the Syracuse Area Masterminds writing a response book on the blend of Indian and American source of keen interest to Rebecca, pursuing multiple endeavors League and to excellent showings subject and raising awareness in culture compared to those and her sketchbook the portal outside of academics and serving at the MIT Beaver Academic his community. Peter’s true passion around the world. After I started through which she travels to many as a tutor. Besides being an Eagle Tournament III and WCNY is education, and in his free time, working with an organization to worlds. Rebecca is a 2007 NFAA Scout in Boys Scouts of America Double Down. In his spare time, he is found working tirelessly at improve Indian literacy, I took YoungARTS Awards Finalist and and working on many community Tim enjoys cooking and dancing. his former grade school, teaching an interest in foreign relations the president of her school’s Visual service projects, one of my mathematics, speech, and drama. as well and attended the New Arts House Council. greatest passions has been sports His hard work has allowed Peter to Jersey Governor’s School for including years of competitive empathize with those who struggle International Studies. Now as varsity football, track & fi eld, every day of their lives, and I enter college, I fi nd my dual and powerlifting. It is this love appreciate the value of hard work interests more visible than ever – I of sports that has inclined me to even more. want to pursue both molecular want to pursue sports medicine in biology and international studies. my future career. 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

Neil Nayak Jacqueline Nesi Kevin Ni Michael O’Brien Oseremen E. Okoruwa Hockessin, DE, The Charter Darien, CT, Convent of the Millcreek Township, UT, Skyline Pittsburgh, PA, Pittsburgh High Council Bluffs, IA, Creighton School of Wilmington Sacred Heart High School School for the Creative and Preparatory School 29 College Plans: George Washington College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Harvard College Performing Arts College Plans: Harvard College University (7 year accelerated College Plans: Temple University BS/MD) I consider myself a normal high Immigrating to Utah from Oseremen “Remen” Ejehi school student who has learned Shanghai, I lovingly enjoy the Michael O’Brien is a senior Okoruwa was born in Durham, “Busy” during the high school that anything is possible with past seventeen years I’ve spent majoring in Literary Arts at the North Carolina. He currently years would be an understatement hard work and determination. here in Salt Lake with my Pittsburgh High School for the lives in Council Bluff s, Iowa, for Neil. Th roughout his four My interests include spending parents and friends. Like Utah’s Creative and Performing Arts. although he attends school at years, he has maintained his time with friends, running, and multicolored climate, I’m full of In the fall, he will be attending Creighton Preparatory School in interests in science, research, writing, and my favorite activity is life and spontaneity. I fi nd solace Temple University, majoring in Omaha, Nebraska. He plans to community service, and music. lacrosse, something I will continue in adventuring outdoors, making English. He is the 2007 Leona attend Harvard University in the In school, in addition to excelling next year at Harvard. I am the crepes, and playing piano at care Hersh youngARTS Award winner fall. Remen’s academic interests in academics, his involvement in second oldest of six children, and centers throughout the Salt Lake in Writing from the National include the classics as well as Science Olympiad and Envirothon my family is extremely important Valley. At Skyline, I run cross- Foundation for Advancement in science. He was the 2006-2007 resulted in several awards at the to me. During my senior year, I country and serve as editor-in- the Arts, and has received two Nebraska Junior Classical League state and national level, and he served as my school’s student body chief of the school paper Horizon. silver medals from the National vice president, and he is a fourth emerged as the captain of both president and a captain of my My greatest accomplishment has Scholastic Art and Writing year Latin student with plans to teams. During the summers, soccer and lacrosse teams. I was been the love for science that I Awards. His work has been continue his studies in college. he spent his time researching at an editor of my school newspaper have cultivated with a childlike published or is forthcoming in Th e With regards to the sciences, the University of Delaware. His and co-founder of R.E.S.T., a curiosity. I’m an Intel Science Fair Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Hanging Remen has participated in a host sense of community service led club that helps students manage (ISEF) Finalist and two-time US Loose Magazine, and Th e Best of activities, holding the vice him to spend countless hours stress. I have participated in service National Chemistry Olympiad Teen Writing of 2005. Finally, presidency and secretariat of the volunteering at a state run home activities including a Joshua House Qualifi er. I’ve investigated Michael would like to thank his school Science Club and competing for the disabled, and also became Fund house-building project in the eff ects of lithium-induced mother, Audrey, whose strength in Science Olympiad, Science the founding president of the Appalachia and a Juvenile Justice nephrogenic diabetes insipidus at and determination in the face of Bowl, and JETS TEAMS. Remen Habitat for Humanity chapter at Advocacy Project in Chicago. I am the VA Medical Center. I’m also tragedy have inspired him as both aspires to enter medicine. In his his school. Continuing in scouting very grateful for the gifts I have a recipient of the Utah Music a poet and a human being. free time, he enjoys baking cookies, enabled him to achieve the rank been given, and in the future, I Teacher Association’s Future Artist reading, and fencing. of Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of hope to continue to give back to in Music and Martin Luther King America’s highest honor. He my community. Jr. Youth Leadership Awards. Th is loves to play the drums and piano fall, I will study Chemical and and is co-founder of a rock band Physical Biology and pursue a that has performed at several Hispanic Studies Citation. charitable events. 07Presidential Scholars

Mallery Olsen Mari Michener Oye Andrew Parchman Ashley Paseka Shaan Patel Madison, WI, James Madison Wellesley, MA, Wellesley Baltimore, MD, Prague, NE, Prague High School Las Vegas, NV, Clark High School 30 Memorial High School High School The Culver Academies College Plans: University of College Plans: University of College Plans: Smith College College Plans: Yale University College Plans: Harvard University Nebraska-Lincoln Southern California

Th roughout her life, Mallery has I live in Wellesley, Massachusetts, I am a middle child who enjoys Ashley has always loved a I’m one of the few Las Vegas been committed to her education, where I can often be found sports and reading. Although good challenge, whether it be natives roaming this earth. setting high goals for herself, but driving, running, or cross-country I grew up playing almost every in academics or in athletics. Although I do not live in a casino she also makes time for her many skiing in circles. Once in a while, sport imaginable, from hockey to Schoolwork has taken priority as many speculate, I do carry other commitments. She is an avid I get my bearings and head for tennis to baseball, I stuck with just throughout the years; however, around an oversized buff et plate musician, focusing on the oboe. a destination. I climb Mount two in high school: lacrosse and being active in sports is a close with me, not of food, but of Much of her time in high school Katahdin each summer, and I football. While I will no longer be second. She is a three sport letter activities! Outside of that though I has been dedicated to theatre, both work at a wildlife sanctuary on strapping it up on the gridiron, winner for all four years of high am just like every other vegetarian on and off stage; she has served as the Charles River. During the I will be playing lacrosse at the school where she helped her team Indian kid who’s grown up in a a lighting designer, stage manager, school year, I spend much of collegiate level. When I am not reach the girls state basketball motel and loves to discuss Vedic and actress in numerous shows. my time volunteering for the out on the athletic fi eld, I enjoy tournament her senior year. philosophy. Th e accomplishment I During the summers, Mallery Arghand Project, an agricultural reading literature and the classics. Ashley, a music lover, plays the am most proud of does not come has been lucky enough to travel development cooperative in I grew up in Baltimore, a city I clarinet and was chosen to play with a laminated gold certifi cate: globally with her family. She Kandahar, Afghanistan. I love to have come to love, and have been in two honor bands. She has the growth of my character and especially values the time that she write, to sing, and to eat things at boarding school for the past been very active in the FCCLA mind over the past four years. has spent in Ecuador, working in with chocolate in them. I will four years. My older brother is a organization, which has shaped After living in my dad’s rundown rural areas, and learning about the attend Yale this fall to study rising senior at the United States her leadership skills and public motel and attending urban public challenges facing health care for English and Political Science Air Force Academy – he plays speaking abilities. She has served as schools, I have engendered a both humans and animals. Th ese – until then, I have another fi ve lacrosse as well – and my younger a class offi cer all four years of high unique appreciation for diversity experiences have encouraged her months at home with my parents sister is a rising sophomore at her school and was team captain of that I am most fulfi lled by. Oh, love of medicine, which she hopes and my parakeets. high school. Th ey, along with the basketball team and quiz bowl and I couldn’t go east for college to turn into a career in oncology. my parents, have been endlessly team. Her hometown may not be because I have a strong affi nity She would like to thank her supportive of me. big, but her pride in it is. She loves towards the LA Lakers and animal parents and teachers, for always meeting new people, dancing, fries from Inn-N-Out! pushing her to be her best, and her music, and reading. Ashley plans friends, for telling her that she did to major in pharmacy. not always need to be perfect. 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

Shalin Patel Milton Perez Subha Perni Jeff Picker Neal Pisenti Sugar Land, TX, L.V. Hightower Miami, FL, New World School West Bloomfi eld, MI, Detroit Beaverton, OR, Arts and Portland, OR, Lincoln High School High School of the Arts Country Day School Communication Magnet Academy College Plans: Harvey Mudd 31 College Plans: Rice University/ College Plans: The Juilliard School College Plans: Princeton College Plans: Manhattan School College Baylor College of Medicine University of Music Medical Scholars Program After being exposed to the power I grew up on science, from my of acting at 6 years old while Even when I was a little girl, I Growing up in the Portland area, early days in elementary school Shalin is a well-rounded scholar watching Jim Carrey in the “Th e would scrawl snippets of poetry on Jeff has had the opportunity at the planetarium to more who has found his niche in the Mask”, Milton made the decision the margins of addition worksheets to play with and learn from recent forays into immunology fi eld of medicine. Th rough his to be an actor. His acting debut and even on the wide-ruled paper many of the area’s predominant research. As part of this quest participation in the Medical was as Tevye in Fiddler on the they used to give to elementary musicians. For years, he has played to know, I have dreamed of Academy at Hightower, Shalin Roof. Since experiencing his fi rst school kids and even on the professionally around the Pacifi c some day changing the world. has taken classroom courses in theatrical role, he has yearned margins of addition worksheets. Northwest, but his experience Physics is my passion, but my medicine and has also participated to learn more. One of his most English has been my passion doesn’t end there. He has played interests are truly varied and range in clinical internships in the Texas memorable roles is that of Ross ever since that time. I’ve found, bass in national and international from philosophy to English to Medical Center. Shalin likes to in Th e Elephant Man. Milton however, that it’s not only words groups such as the 2006 and 2007 constitutional law. I feel that it keep himself busy with a variety loves the feeling he gets from and books that inspire me; in fact, Gibson/Baldwin GRAMMY is our responsibility as citizens of extracurricular activities. He performing and hopes to one day science has struck me as of late Jazz Ensemble, the 2007 NFAA to be well versed in many areas has won two silver medals in be the inspiration for another as equally poetic. I have invested Stan Getz/Cliff ord Brown of life, because specialists never Pathophysiology at consecutive 6-year-old who will one day be a lot of time trying to solve the Fellowship, the 2006 and 2007 create the new groundbreaking HOSA National Conferences, and watching him on stage or on the intellectual puzzles of my research, Monterey Next Generation Jazz theories that bridge disciplines. In participates in state competitions screen. He inexhaustibly thanks working on projects investigating Orchestra, and the 2006 Brubeck this new world, I’ve learned the with his Math and Science Team. his father and mother for giving various diseases such as multiple Institute Summer Colony. He importance to question not only Shalin also places a large priority him so much courage while letting sclerosis, pemphigus vulgaris, has performed extensively in the our government but also what on community service, as he has him follow his bliss. breast cancer, and leukocyte United States (at many venues we know and believe to be true been a summer volunteer at local adhesion defi ciency. On my school including the Monterey Jazz because only through a dialogue hospitals for the last two years, and newspaper, literary magazine, Festival, the Jazz Standard and with life can we come to realize participates in a variety of service and debate team, I have tried to Dizzy’s Club in NYC) as well in the full potency of our existence. organizations, including the Youth develop these passions and pursue Italy (at the Umbria Jazz Festival), When I am not working, I am Advisory Council for DePelchin’s my curiosity. In my free time, Croatia (at the Dubrovnik Music usually hanging out with friends Children Center. He has worked I love to dance, play tennis, Festival), and Korea (at the or sleeping, as the case may be, as a research laboratory associate and am a major movie and Cheonan Arts Festival). He will and I am always looking for a at M.D. Anderson Cancer philosophy buff . perform in France in the summer good joke. Center, and has written a of 2007. professionally reviewed paper on left ventricular remodeling. 07Presidential Scholars

Archana Rajender Mehdi Razvi Katherine Roddy Jeffrey Rosen Nicholas Noronha Rosenbaum Fargo, ND, Midlothian, VA, Maggie L. Walter Knoxville, TN, Webb School Avon, CT, Choate Rosemary Hall Saint Paul, MN, 32 Phillips Academy Andover Governor’s School of Knoxville College Plans: Yale University Saint Paul Academy College Plans: Boston University College Plans: University of College Plans: Dartmouth College College Plans: Yale University Accelerated Medical Program Pennsylvania Since the day when four-year-old (combined BA/MD) Katherine is this year’s Jeff toddled around his backyard, Impersonal, third person Mehdi has many diverse interests Valedictorian at Webb, where whacking a plastic golf ball and biographies are nothing but I was born in Detroit, MI and and has come to learn that the she is the Secretary-Treasurer counting strokes in increments of trouble, so here’s an anti-thesis for moved to Fargo, ND when I was power of knowledge is endless. of the Student Government twenty-fi ve, he has been fascinated you: nobody describes easily, but fi ve years old. After hearing about Th e youngest of fi ve children, he Association, Band captain, by the power of mathematics. Jeff here I go. I dance like nobody’s Phillips Academy from a family knows that the success of a team is Ambassador Team Leader, and has spent many years improving watching, I love to laugh at friend, I decided to apply and was impossible without patience and Co-Editor of the Spartan Spirit, his problem-solving techniques, myself (especially when I trip accepted. Th e last four years have cooperation. He has participated the school newspaper. She is also a and as Captain of the Math Team, over things), and I worship at the been a truly wonderful educational and earned high honors in team captain of both the Varsity Cross he has led the team to several shrine of punning, innuendo, experience, which has broadened activities ranging from 36- Country and Varsity Track teams state championships and a fi rst and double entendre. I get rabid my horizons considerably. Coming hour mathematical modeling of which she has been a member place fi nish in New England. when it comes to linguistics and from a family with many doctors, competitions to quiz bowl since her eighth grade year. Individually, he qualifi ed twice languages, especially Japanese and I was exposed to the wonderful tournaments. In 2005, he began Outside of school, Katherine is an for the United States of America things Asian, so keep me away world of Medicine at a very early volunteering in various units at active member of the Episcopal Mathematical Olympiad, and from your Hello Kitty backpack. age and choosing a career was a local hospital and, yearning for Church of the Ascension where was enthralled by the beautiful Math, too, is just another therefore quite easy – I wanted more, performed experiments in a she volunteers as Head Acolyte, problems he encountered. Jeff language (the tenses are a little to be a doctor and experience the molecular biology laboratory. He Lector, and Vacation Bible School is also a self-described political more diffi cult), but so is particle profoundly satisfying profession has completed a mentorship in leader. Katherine also serves as a fanatic, and will intern this physics (Do you speak muon?). of Medicine for myself. I worked neurosurgery to further evaluate math, science, and writing tutor. summer with Representative Go fi gure. Current favorite words: towards that goal and was elated his interests in a medicine. When In her spare time, Katherine enjoys Joe Courtney (D-CT). Jeff has ramshackle, tasogare, effl eurer. when I was accepted into the he is not working in the hospital, scrap booking and running with served as President of the Student I love making people smile and Accelerated Medical Program at Mehdi enjoys tutoring, reading, her yellow lab, Penny. Katherine Council and is most proud of the be happy, because why not have Boston University. I play tennis, playing tennis, and watching is the oldest of three daughters of work he has done to make Choate more happiness in the world? In and also enjoy playing the violin basketball. In school, he is the Marilyn and Patrick Roddy and a more environmentally conscious addition, the stories, plays, movies, and piano. president of the National Spanish plans to pursue either Chemistry school. In his free time, Jeff and video games I like the best Honor Society and director of a or Classics at Dartmouth in enjoys playing intramural sports, have complicated plots, interesting tournament held annually by the the fall. composing Bach-style inventions, characters, and nuanced themes quiz bowl team. and writing about himself in the always open to re-interpretation. third person. And hey, so does my life. 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

Phoebe Rusch Rebecca Russ Angel Saez Vivek Sant Barbara M. Santisteban Highland Park, IL, Interlochen Englewood, CO, Cherry Creek San Juan, PR, Colegio San Ignacio Andover, MA, Andover High San Juan, PR, Academia Menonita Arts Academy High School de Loyola School College Plans: Brown University 33 College plans: Princeton University College Plans: Yale University College Plans: University College Plans: Harvard College of Pennsylvania Interested in the environment Winner of the 2005 Interlochen I am a scientist. Born with Curiosity, tenacity and concern for since childhood, I will pursue Angel is a student who has Creative Writing Award, Phoebe insatiable curiosity for all things others have been the major driving a bachelor’s degree in global blended his passions for volleyball, studies what she loves, and experimental and patterned, I forces in my life. I have always environmental studies, with service, business, world travel, and owes her artistic and intellectual have always pursued a left-brain been fascinated by the power of hopes of going on to obtain a academics into a truly balanced and development to Interlochen’s path. It is, thus, unsurprising electronics and computers, which degree in environmental law. I fulfi lling lifestyle. In eighth grade, wonderful teachers. Her play 3/4 of that my favorite class in school is allows us to manipulate Mars am part of the National Honor he discovered and began honing a Mass for St. Vivian won the 2005 biology, that I avidly researched landers from 50 million miles Roll and a National Merit Scholar his interest for scientifi c research. VSA Playwrights’ Discovery Award, cataract surgery at the University away or to peer at tiny sections of Semifi nalist. My thoughts have His research led him twice to was performed at the Kennedy of Colorado, and that in college, our brain. Th is fascination has led been published in AllScholar. the Intel ISEF in 2003 and 2005 Center and was nominated for the I hope to major in microbiology, me to study electrical engineering. com and “Youth in Philanthropy.” with investigations concerning, Charles MacArthur Award for Best with a specifi c concentration in My work with senior citizens, I have volunteered for online among other topics, the eff ect New American Play. Her award- immunology. Th ough my love of the handicapped, and war and magazines and a youth leadership of oxi-reduction processes in the winning latest play, Banana Rat, the methodical and mathematical disaster victims has inspired me to institute for several years. I am human buccal fl ora. In 2006, his explores the relationship between reveals much about me, it does do more. I would like to combine also a very active member of my participation in a Jesuit Service detainees and interrogators at not convey my duality. I am also these two interests by developing church’s youth group; I’m part Mission to Lirios, Costa Rica Guantanamo Bay, and will be an artist. Creativity inspires me, sophisticated technology to of the worship group (vocal), allowed him to witness the extreme included in the Kennedy Center rejuvenates me, and allows me that improve and save lives. Outside deacons, and dance group. I’ve poverty many South Americans Prelude Festival. As a poet, Phoebe much needed cathartic release. It the classroom, I run cross-country, co-directed a children’s bell choir endure. As a result, Angel has received NFAA’s Silver Award and is this freedom of expression that edit the Literary Magazine, build and participated in plays, and I understood the importance of being four national gold awards from compelled me to dance with the robots and work at a local software was part of my school choir for a socially responsible individual, Scholastic, and was published in Academy of the Colorado Ballet, to company. I founded the Red Cross four years, as well as secretary committed to uphold and live by the Best Teen Writing of 2005. She learn choral and classical singing in Club at my school, and every week of our National Honor Society his Jesuit school’s philosophy, “men recently won a Gold Portfolio my advanced high school choir, and for over four years I have enjoyed chapter, and treasurer of my class. at the service of others.” Award for her poems, plays and to help organize dances and sing-a- playing the piano for senior I also participated in Presidential fi ction. She will volunteer in Ghana longs for people with Alzheimer’s. citizens. For pure fun, I enjoy Classroom and took French at the and Togo this summer with Cross- watching comedies and listening Alliance Francaise for two years. Cultural Solutions, and hopes to jazz. to study international relations, anthropology and history in college. With any luck, she will continue writing for the rest of her life. 07Presidential Scholars

Beth Schaffer Sean Sessel Jay Shah Reema Shah Scott Sheppard Albany, NY, Guilderland Orange Beach, AL, Casper, WY, Natrona County Edison, NJ, John P. Stevens Lawton, OK, Eisenhower 34 High School Bayside Academy High School High School High School College Plans: Massachusetts College Plans: Rice University College Plans: BS/MD-Michigan College Plans: Harvard University College Plans: University Institute of Technology State University of Oklahoma If there is one word to attach to I love to reach out to people. For Beth, it has never been, Sean, it’s “ambition.” Whether Since I am the son of a doctor and Th roughout my life, I have tried Scott has always been the type of “When I grow up....”; she wants it’s in academics, personal fi tness, accountant, I know the value of to touch as many people as I person to stay involved in every to make things happen now. career, extracurricular, or fun, he hard work. While it was not easy can, using diff erent modes of activity possible. Some examples of Creating her own haunted house strives for the sky. He has led the to take seven IB/AP classes and communication. Since I was a his involvement include Key Club, at eleven and a math camp at school’s Scholars’ Bowl team to participate in many extracurricular little girl, I have been practicing Fellowship of Christian Athletes, fi fteen, she’s not one to let age the national championships, the and community service activities, Odissi, a form of Indian classical and National Honor Society. get in her way. She busies herself Science Olympiad team to the I remained in the top one percent dance. It has allowed me to tell He also has performed very well with schoolwork and swim team state championships, and himself of my class. I am not afraid of stories about our ancient culture academically, and accordingly, was and seems to have some trouble to the semifi nalist USA Biology academic challenges. While I enjoy to large audiences. My years of awarded the honors of National separating these spheres from the Olympiad. Sean’s passion is travel: all my classes, the sciences are my training have culminated in my Merit Finalist and Academic rest of her life. Indeed, friends his realization that the world is passion. Th erefore, I researched recently completed Manchpravesh, All-State during his senior year. have caught her likening the truly a global stage has motivated and presented a paper on avian or an Indian dancer’s graduation Most recently, Scott was a part application of blush to a chemical him to “see it all.” He has been to infl uenza at Central Wyoming from dance. In the past few years, of his school’s FedChallenge titration and converting distances Africa, South America, Asia, and College. I have varied interests in I have also learned sign language team, which fi nished runner-up to the familiar yards of the pool. Europe; in all his adventures, he regards to extracurricular activities. and worked with deaf children. at regionals. Scott has shown a When she’s pretending to have free has engaged the local population I participated and ranked in all Th is has allowed me to see the strong work ethic in and out of time, Beth teaches Israeli dance to experience the culture. He the math, science, history, etc. plight of the deaf community and class by maintaining a 4.0 GPA and hangs out with the special-ed takes an interest in current contests available throughout my spurred me to found a summer despite having six AP classes, kids and the other “main stream” events, from budget reform to high school career. Giving back to camp to teach inner-city children playing Varsity Golf, and serving students who care through Best environmental policy, as well as the community is very important in Trenton sign language to help over 150 volunteer hours with Buddies. However, her major new developments in science, for me. Th erefore, I volunteer in spread deaf awareness. I have also his school’s Key Club. Overall, passion is mathematics. Th ough especially biotechnology. As for the hospital, library, and Mercer strived to connect with people Scott has shown that it is possible she has been known to sit in a tree the road ahead, he looks to House, a facility for at-risk through my writing. As editor- to be involved in multiple school or on a rock by a pond and work the horizon. youth. Since my future goal is to in-chief of our school newspaper, and community activities while solitarily, Beth fi nds some things become a physician, I applied to I was given the opportunity to nonetheless maintaining success are best when shared with others and received acceptance in many help mold people’s perception of in the areas of academics and is involved in running three combined BS/MD programs. the world. Th ese eff orts at forging and athletics. diff erent math clubs. bonds have shown me just how rewarding reaching out can be. 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

35

Scott Giblin Cosmonaut plaster 32” x 17” x 23” 07Presidential Scholars

Veronica Shi Stuart Shirrell Chelsea Shover Umang Shukla Elizabeth Simpson Chandler, AZ, Corona del Sol Little Rock, AR, Little Rock Pequea, PA, Penn Manor Knoxville, TN, Farragut Powell, WY, Cody High School 36 High School Central High School High School High School College Plans: University of College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: University of College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Harvard College Notre Dame Arkansas, Fayetteville Music and science, one perceptual When Chelsea’s parents asked Umang is a versatile young man Growing up on a rural homestead, and emotional, the other, logical I tend to go through intellectual her preschool teacher if their who enjoys, among other things, Beth strove to embrace her and objective, are two seemingly cycles. Let me clarify: I tend to daughter was bossy toward writing about himself in the third opportunities and savor the opposite facets of life. Yet, they swing from the theoretical to the other children, the teacher person. Umang is President of his serenity of small-town life. With have intertwined to become an the concrete over long periods. I replied that the little girl merely school’s Student Government, Vice enthusiasm for public speaking integral part of me. Ever since began high school with a love for had “leadership qualities.” Th at President of Farragut’s Mu Alpha and a thirst for grappling with I was fi ve, I have been playing mathematics, in all its abstract must have been true because Th eta, Spanish Honor Society, political issues, she delved into the piano, winning numerous beauty. As I became somewhat Chelsea emerges a leader in almost and Science National Honor speech and debate and qualifi ed awards at the state, national, disillusioned with high-minded everything she tries – at her high Society, as well as the Secretary for the National Forensic League’s and international level. Among symbols, I diverted my attention school she is president of the of the Farragut Frisbee Club. An national tournament for four these, the most memorable was with physics and its ability to National Honor Society, captain Eagle Scout, Umang is dedicated consecutive years, breaking to being selected as a winner of the predict natural phenomenon of the championship quiz bowl to community service and student congress semifi nals her NFAA youngARTS program. But through abstractions. By junior team, president of Model United volunteers frequently throughout junior year. Meanwhile, she no feeling compares to standing year, however, I had moved Nations, and an editor for the his community, especially through maintained a passion for the in front of a cheering audience further away from abstractions to newspaper. Because her essentially the Boy Scouts of America and performing arts through piano, after performing Rachmaninoff ’s the all-too-real world of current opposite career aspirations the National Honor Society. dance, and choral music. Longing Piano Concerto No. 3 with aff airs. Political science and the favor medicine or journalism, Umang plays recreational soccer to lead through service, Beth the Phoenix Symphony. Just nightly news swallowed my time. she attended the Pennsylvania and tennis, but his real strengths participated in student council as in music, my dedication to Th e summer after my junior Governor’s School for Health Care lie in academic competition – he and served as the 2006 Wyoming science has led to success. Th ree year, I attended TASP, where I last summer, and she is currently is captain of the school’s state Association of Student Councils’ years of volunteering at Barrow learned about Islam. My studies interning for the teen page of the champion Science Bowl team and President, initiating Wyoming Neurological Institute and two led me to teach a course at my local newspaper. For fun, Chelsea co-founder of Farragut’s Academic Student Service Day and years of working with mentors church based on the idea that runs cross-country and, to try Team. Umang was elected facilitating the state convention. at Arizona State University Christianity and Islam can coexist something new, was recently Supreme Court Justice at the 2006 She continued to serve through have resulted in several research peacefully. Continuing the trend, chosen as an emcee for the annual TN American Legion Boys’ State LINK Crew, a freshmen projects. Th ese projects have not however, I have since become in school talent show. In whatever and has won numerous oratorical mentoring program. With all her only won many awards but have a monetary policy competition she does, Chelsea hopes to use her contests. Umang is also a baritone endeavors, Beth found direction also strengthened my goal to study – Fed Challenge – which may just passion for writing, zeal for new in his school’s vocal ensemble and in faith. Participating in Catholic medicine, where I can combine be the perfect synthesis of theory experiences, and desire to a member of the Farragut Comedy Youth Group, she recognized the my desire to help people with my and practice. help people. Improvisation team. importance of faith and family interest in science. and strove to allow such values to guide all aspects of her life. 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

Candice Smith Garrett Smith Kathryn Stillman Lova Sun Qiancheng (Sam) Sun Hobbs, NM, Hobbs High School Riverton, UT, Riverton Horn Lake, MS, Home school Montgomery, AL, Loveless Fort Collins, CO, Poudre College Plans: Harvard College High School College plans: LeTourneau Academic Magnet Program High School 37 College Plans: The Julliard School University High School College Plans: University of Illinois I am a driven individual, and College Plans: Princeton University have been since childhood; when Art is a passion of mine, whether 100 percent of my graduating class I have the thinking patterns of a Th rough her experiences as a a challenge is placed before me, I it be dance, music or drawing; has Finalist status in the National scientist, the hands of a musician, student, musician, researcher, tackle it with alacrity and eagerly I love them all! I danced in the Merit program. Impressed? My and the hopelessly naïve eyes of and teenager, Lova has acquired a search for more. I always set high opening ceremonies of the 2002 class has two members. I have a dreamer. However, my greatest sincere love of living and learning. standards for myself. Whenever I Winter Olympics in Salt Lake been home schooled alongside my distinction is that I’ve had the She has been playing the piano feel something is not up to par, I City, Utah. I have been the twin sister Liana for twelve years. rare privilege of naming myself for almost twelve years; since strive to correct it. Th is constant national outstanding dancer for During that time, I fell in love after a Dr. Seuss character. When making her orchestral debut at age struggle for edifi cation is not easy New York City Dance Alliance with physics, calculus, and solving I was fi rst learning English, I eleven, she has soloed with four to contend with, but it keeps me as a junior and teen. I have used problems. Th is love and my remember struggling with the orchestras throughout the region, sharp and determined, and has my choreography skills to create lifelong interest in biology created then-foreign pronunciations. and has been named Alabama helped me achieve my goals. In dances for dance studios, high my intended major, biomedical Ironically, my friends were also Music Teachers Association Solo order for people to be satisfi ed school programs and soloists. I engineering. When I wasn’t befuddled whenever I explained and Concerto winner for the past with life, I believe they must take have received several awards for studying, I experimented with 4-H that the spelling of “Qiancheng” eight years. At school, she serves action. Last summer, I attended my drawings without having projects – as colorful as horse quiz was perfectly logical. Around that as captain of Science Team, vice Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse formal training. I enjoy composing bowl, dairy products judging, seed time, I fi nished reading my fi rst president of the senior class, and America, a nonprofi t program on the piano. I have a fl air for ID and quality judging, and horse book, an allegorically profound president of National Honor that benefi ts high school students drama; achieving superior ratings art – and found opportunities and highly regarded work of Society, Mu Alpha Th eta, and from diverse socioeconomic in competitions at the state level. to volunteer, like rehabilitating literature titled “Green Eggs and French National Honor Society. backgrounds. Th at summer made I earned my Eagle Scout award. orphaned wildlife and providing Ham.” Th us, to celebrate my Lova, who has been named me realize the potential I have Professionally I want to pursue horse-based therapy to the achievement, I dubbed myself valedictorian, AP Scholar with to help not only myself, but also additional dance training and children of my school district’s “Sam.” Th irteen years later, I Honor, and Siemens Competition others. In the future, I intend to become a member of an elite special needs classes. My pastimes sometimes see that phrase, “Sam, semifi nalist for her research on give back to my community, to dance group, which could include include music, photography, and I Am”, as distinctly humanist Respiratory Syncytial Virus, also help others in the manner that Netherlands Dance Th eatre, reading widely and insatiably. or objectivist or existentialist; possesses a remarkable knack LEDA helped me. Hubbard Street or Houston Ballet. nevertheless, that name’s most for tripping over and spilling powerful meaning for me is still everything in her path. She is an its fi rst: child-like enthusiasm for ardent lover of gymnastics, books, trying new things. and spaghetti, and looks forward to going to college in the North and witnessing fi rsthand the mythical white powder called snow. 07Presidential Scholars

Miel Sundararajan David Tao Will Taylor Nathaniel Thomas Arnav Tripathy Granger, IN, Penn High School Bardstown, KY, Missoula, MT, Loyola Sacred Heart Riegelsville, PA, Palisades Chapel Hill, NC, East Chapel Hill 38 College Plans: Massachusetts The McCallie School High School High School High School Institute of Technology College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Carleton College College Plans: Massachusetts College Plans: Harvard College Institute of Technology Bold and inquisitive, I am never Most of my friends would say that Will is active in both his school Since an early age, I have been shy of facing challenges head-on. I am very obsessive compulsive, and community, being a crucifer I am passionate about technology attracted to mathematics and From exploring faraway countries but this isn’t necessarily a bad at his church and president of the and analytical problem solving. I music, and I have sustained this with family to making waves in thing. In fact, my personality lends National Honors Society and the am the President of my school’s interest throughout my high medical research, I am always itself to problem solving. If there is student body at his high school. robotics team, which competes in school life. Musically, I gave a in search of new experiences. I a niche that needs to be fi lled, I’m Along with his active participation the FIRST Robotics Competition. well-received solo piano recital would like to carry this spirit of usually the one to delve headfi rst in these areas, he served as captain Last summer, I worked in a as a fundraiser for the school adventure into my college career into fi lling that particular gap. As a of the debate and football teams computational neuroscience during my sophomore year. and beyond as I navigate the perils boarding student at Th e McCallie where he earned a state medal laboratory at MIT, where I Mathematically, I am enjoying of pediatric trauma surgery. As School, I am constantly fi nding in each. He was selected as both developed an algorithm to generate this year due to the several classes my career aspiration suggests, new projects on campus to tackle. a National Merit Finalist for 3D renderings of brain cells from I can take at the neighboring serving others is also a cornerstone Whether it’s founding my school’s academics and as an All-State electron micrographs. Th e summer University of North Carolina; of my identity. As President of Literary Club or establishing a off ensive and defensive lineman in prior, I was an intern at BAE last year, I attended the 2006 National Honor Society, I lead campus vermiculture program football. Along with his father and Systems, a government contractor International Mathematical students on volunteer missions (that’s worm farming for those brother, he has taught a Hunter for military electronics, where Olympiad in Ljubljana, Slovenia across the community, chairing who aren’t “in the know”), I try to Education class for the last fi ve I helped design guided missile as a representative of the American blood drives in the school lobby look past the obvious to get things years. His family is an incredible detection systems for fi ghter jets. team where I not only won a and organizing fundraising events. done. In my free time, a very asset in his life. He plans to study In addition to technical pursuits, I gold medal, but also managed Much of my time has also been precious commodity during my abroad in college before attending enjoy performing and composing to dress up in British hats and spent in our community ER, senior year, I like to catch up on graduate or law school. music. I have been studying the steal a Canadian moose. I enjoy where I do all from translating movie trivia and write satire. piano for eleven years and the many subjects academically and Spanish to cleaning beds, assisting pipe organ for four. My church hope to complete a double major in procedures to comforting crying choir recently performed one of undergraduate degree. children. In the sparkle of those my compositions, written for patients’ eyes, I fi nd meaning, four-part choir and piano. I like purpose – and I hope only to fi nd Alpine skiing, playing soccer, and that sense of satisfaction in traveling. I can often be found my future. enjoying a book. 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

Patricia Tsai Ashley Tsang Amy Varallo Angela Viani Mahesh Vidula New Orleans, LA, Benjamin Chapel Hill, NC, East Chapel Hill Aiken, SC, Aiken High School Colchester, VT, Rice Memorial Naperville, IL, Illinois Franklin High School High School College Plans: Georgia High School Mathematics and 39 College Plans: Princeton University College Plans: University of North Institute of Technology College Plans: Bowdoin College Science Academy Carolina College Plans: Massachusetts “I’m usually not this messy,” I Who is Amy Varallo? If your I like to be involved with the Institute of Technology explain to people sitting in my car. As a fun-loving and analytical answer had been “an intelligent events in both my high school Ever since I was a child, I have In the trunk, tennis balls, empty individual, Ashley likes to both young woman who loves and in the community. I was the loved exploring the unknown. water bottles, SAT guides, and work hard and play hard. She has science, horses, and the quest captain of the varsity soccer team My father loves telling the story Student Council memos wrestle been recognized numerous times for knowledge,” you may have this year and I am the secretary/ of how when I was six years old, for space. People ask how I manage for her academic excellence in areas correctly responded to that treasurer of my class as well as the I took my brand new glasses and to study, practice tennis and such as science and mathematics. question on Jeopardy. Amy loves yearbook editor. I am a member rubbed them against stones in piano every day, lead my church Last summer she completed Jeopardy and has appropriately of the peer ministry group at order to prove that the saleswoman worship team, and volunteer for research with Dr. Christina been a contestant on the show. my high school through which I deceived us by saying that my community projects, and I always Williams at Duke University in However, she attends to her have gotten involved in various glasses were “scratch-proof.” My point to my family. “Reach for the the Howard Hughes Pre-College scholastic duties and still fi nds community service activities. passion for learning led me to moon, because even if you fail, Program. She hopes to continue time to relax and have fun. Th e past two years I have visited attend the Illinois Mathematics you’ll land among the stars,” my her scientifi c endeavors in college. She has been captain of the West Virginia with Habitat for and Science Academy, where I sister often reminds me when I feel However, Ashley has many talents Academic Team and Science Team Humanity and through the was given the opportunity to take overwhelmed. I love sitting at the outside the lab as well. She serves throughout high school, and she program YouthWorks I have served challenging classes and perform lakefront and watching Wednesday as a co-president of her school’s has served as an active leader in communities in Northern New exciting research. I analyzed the afternoon boat races. I also enjoy French Honors Society and as a Student Council and Beta Club. York, Philadelphia, and Northern prion protein, the agent implicated composing my own music, having senator in the Student Government Her love for languages is apparent Maine. I love kids and I have had in the cause of mad cow disease, written the senior song for my class Association. In the community, she by her involvement as president the opportunity to work with at the University of Chicago, and this year. Some of my fondest high spends time tutoring at Glenwood of the National French Honor kids on most of these trips. In my presented my fi ndings at various school memories include uprooting Elementary and volunteering at Society and a member of German own community, I am a Sunday conferences. In the future, I aspire tree-sized weeds from Katrina- University of North Carolina Club. She volunteers her time school teacher for preschool and to be a physician who betters the ridden lawns, laughing hysterically Hospitals. She is also a musician tutoring underprivileged students kindergarten children and I human condition by applying his at cheesy math jokes during Mu playing both the violin and piano in the area. For enjoyment, she was also able to help kids learn research to his practice. Alpha Th eta practices, and jumping competitively. In her free time, she takes horseback riding lessons, English through the Refugee into freezing water at fi ve in the like to knit, cook, swim and competes in dressage, and fences. Resettlement Program. morning for swim practice. salsa dance. A part-time job at a local ice cream store supplements her busy schedule with a little sweetness. 07Presidential Scholars

Daniel Viox Bret Voith Robert Waaser Hillary Walker Richard J. “RJ” Walsh St. Louis, MO, Saint Louis Coral Gables, FL, Gulliver Batesville, IN, Batesville Anchorage, AK, East Anchorage Bedford, NH, Manchester High 40 University High School Preparatory School High School High School School West College Plans: Vanderbilt College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: Carnegie Mellon College Plans: California Institute College Plans: Stanford University University University of Technology My life is centered on a fi rm Although some might tell you I’m I have always had a passion for belief that compassion for others Robert loves to explore his As a life long Alaskan, I love the a “computer nerd,” I also love the mathematics. As a child, I would is essential. I fi rst learned this boundaries and have fun. He beauty of the outdoors. I ski – outdoors. I have worked for the often entertain myself by asking lesson playing sports as a child, is an avid reader and drawer, both downhill and cross-country – past two years at a small software my parents, “What number do an activity I have continued and hangs out with his friends during the long winters, and I company in my hometown, and you want?” entering their answers through participation on varsity whenever possible. Meanwhile spend summers exploring the have “risen through the ranks” to in my calculator, and performing swimming and water polo he has maintained top marks Chugach Mountains near my develop my own software for the a series of random arithmetic teams. I thoroughly enjoy my in school while participating in house. An ardent astronomer, I company. When I’m not staring operations before prompting commitment to young individuals many diff erent activities including often spend evenings stargazing at the computer screen, I am an them for more numbers. More through teaching elementary National Honor Society and with one of my two telescopes. active member and Eagle Scout recently, my career plans have Sunday school. I have a devoted Drama club. Robert is a member I love to share my passion of in Troop 414 in Bedford. I love shifted to science, leading me father and brother who support of his high school state-qualifying learning with other people; I’ve climbing New Hampshire’s White to spend a summer researching all that I do, whether it is an Math and Interdisciplinary volunteered as a guide at a local mountains, and am on my way “Th e Formation of the Ciliary academic endeavor, an appearance Academic teams and captain science museum and I spend to summiting all four thousand Folds in Chicken Embryos,” for on ESPN, or even a fl edgling of the Science team. He is also time tutoring. My other interests footers. I’m also a member of my which I won the Pfi zer Award attempt to develop a golf game. co-captain of the varsity wrestling include writing, reading, shopping, school’s math and FIRST Robotics for Excellence in Research. I I believe emotions can best be team, and has earned the Bulldog softball, late-night coff ee, and teams, both of which were winners have developed a deep interest captured through music, though spirit award, Most Pins Award, traveling. I look forward to this year! I hope to continue my in Spanish, too, which led me to my personal musical talents are and Academic All-State First Team studying physics in college. love of math and computers next volunteer at a local elementary in want of improvement. After status. For the past three years, year at Stanford, and work on the school with a relatively high having an internship in corporate Robert has been a member of the DARPA Grand Challenge project. concentration of students from fi nance, I now desire to study 2006 Destination Imagination Whether it’s grad school or my immigrant families, many of them economics and I am intrigued Global Champion creative own startup company, I’m ready Hispanic. I also enjoy athletics. I by the business world. I am problem-solving team. Robert is for whatever is coming next in was a member of my high school’s determined to enact positive also an Eagle Scout and an active my future! state champion track team last change in the world through any member of his church youth school year and a captain of the means possible. group. Recently he was named runner-up cross country team this a National Merit Scholarship year. I plan to major in biology. winner, Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice of Democracy scholarship state winner and an Indianapolis Star Academic All-Star. 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

41

Rebecca Mock Painting Party oil on masonite 16” x 24” 07Presidential Scholars

Lu Wang Maxwell G. C. Weaver Craig Western Brooks Yang Luci Yang Gilbert, AZ, Mesquite High School Sedona, AZ, Sedona Red Rock Peachtree City, GA, McIntosh Columbia, MO, Rock Bridge Solon, OH, Solon High School 42 College Plans: Harvard College High School High School High School College Plans: Harvard College College Plans: University of College Plans: Princeton As president of three clubs, Max’s passion is America, and the Southern California University Known for her indelible smile, team captain for Academic freedom for which it stands. He typewriter-like handwriting, Craig maintains an active, diverse, Brooks is an optimist. Her Decathlon and cross-country, will serve his country through a and dynamic rhetoric, Luci is a and rewarding life. His interests activities include ballet, piano, and avid musician, every day is military career, his ultimate goal self-proclaimed poet, recovering range from wakeboarding and salsa and serving as an offi cer for a delicate balancing act between being the Presidency of the United caff eine addict, and post-it note dancing to fi lm and engineering, community service clubs like my academics, athletics and States. Max is a natural leader and enthusiast. As a student, she enjoys and he takes advantage of every National Honor Society, Tri-Th eta, passion for art. Multitasking has has served his school, church and economics, mathematics, English, opportunity to explore the new and Rock Bridge Reaches Out. encouraged me to test my limits community. Th e Civil Air Patrol computer science, and Spanish. and exciting. Travel has always Th roughout the year, she helps and explore new horizons I never awarded Max the General Eaker As co-president of the Speech been a passion of his; whether he’s award grants for the Nestle Very would have considered otherwise. Award for leadership, presented and Debate team and co-captain braving the Costa Rican rainforest Best in Youth Foundation. To Last summer, I added East Coast to him by Congressman Rick of the Science Olympiad team, or relaxing in a London coff ee her, an apt end to a perfect day swing dance and Lindy hop to Renzi. Max exemplifi es the Air she is simultaneously a part of shop, he loves experiencing new is a dramatic sunset. Whether my to-do list, aced a multivariable Force core values of integrity, that subculture of people who ideas, cultures, and environments. it is a ballet concert, an infi nite calculus class, and visited service and excellence in his daily gesture to walls, and the other Voted “Mr. McIntosh” by his geometric series, or a fi ne art Washington DC where I presented life. For living the “whole person” subculture that pores over Excel fellow seniors, Craig is active museum, she is an aesthetic. She a draft for a resolution to reduce concept of academic, athletic, charts resembling schedules for in school aff airs. As Beta Club loves snow skiing, checking off greenhouse gas emissions. I and moral excellence, Max was competitions. In all kinds of President, he organized McIntosh’s to-do lists, and spending countless continue to volunteer in a local nominated by Senator John weather, she enjoys letting loose 2007 American Cancer Society buggy-eyed hours on the Internet hospital’s emergency department, McCain for an appointment to her powerful strokes, smashing Relay For Life Team; the twice- Movie Database. where I have trained over 20 the Air Force Academy. He will tennis balls into the far corners published author also mentors new volunteers. I spend my free major in aeronautical engineering of the clay courts. And if she at a local elementary school and time trying to fi nish an ever- where he plans to aff ect the could, she would spend years volunteers over the summer at a increasing reading list, learning world’s future through innovative huddled at Borders with a cup four-day retreat for teenage cancer new languages, and cultivating technological research. Th e of hot chocolate and just read patients. Named a McIntosh 2007 vegetables in a self-built garden. America of tomorrow will need –Th e Kite Runner, Anna Karenina, Scholar-Athlete, Craig runs cross- Having studied in six schools in strong leaders of conscience to Shakespeare. Finally, Luci is country and plays basketball. He’s two diff erent countries has kept remain humanity’s greatest bastion also a believer. She fi nds her set his sights on engineering and me excited for new experiences of freedom and democracy. Max strength through God’s love business at USC. and allowed me to make friends all plans to be one of those leaders. and hopes never to lose her over the world. idiosyncratic smile. 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

Kellie Young Caterina Yuan Charles M. Zhu John Allen Zumpetta Honolulu, HI, Iolani School Palo Alto, CA, Palo Alto Tampa, FL, C. Leon King Wellsburg, WV, Brooke College Plans: Massachusetts High School High School High School 43 Institute of Technology College Plans: Harvard University College Plans: Yale University College Plans: Princeton University As a ten year old, reading the I have a sense of adventure. After Charles M. Zhu was born in Animorph series by K.A. Applegate sophomore year, I volunteered Toronto, Canada in 1989. Canada Th roughout my life, it has always consumed my life. I dreamed of for six weeks with “Amigos de was too cold. He moved to Tampa, been important to me to stay one day being able to transform las Americas” in a small village Florida. Unfortunately, Tampa well rounded. Although I value into a ferocious beast, fi ght off in Michoacan, Mexico where is too hot. In the future, he aims academics, I enjoy getting involved parasitic aliens, and save the primary sanitation was a latrine. for the middle, providing global in a myriad of diff erent activities. human race from utter oblivion. I conducted a camp for children, climate change does not make a In athletics, I was captain of the Th ough I no longer aspire to teaching health and hygiene whole mess about it. It would have soccer team and swim team, and morph into a tiger or gorilla, through games and activities. As been nice if climate change had a member of the tennis team. I have found my own niche at president of my school’s Youth made Tampa cooler or Canada When it comes to the arts, I had school where I can utilize my Community Service club for the warmer, but that’s not how it a lead role in my school’s spring diff erent human abilities to past two years, I organized three works. Climate change never musical and am a member of an a give back to my community. food drives that collected 12 works the way you want it to. cappella choir. Furthermore, I am I volunteer at local hospitals tons of food, two benefi t dances Charles M. Zhu is sick and tired a member of student government over the summer, participate in that raised $20,000 for Darfur, of climate change being a real jerk and numerous clubs. In addition, I Key Club, and head the Kokua and a school-wide service day. and wants to change the climate have been a volunteer swim coach, Community Service committee I am intrigued by the science in his own way. To accomplish and I also organized a summer of my high school. In addition, of life; last summer, I studied this goal, Charles M. Zhu has MathCounts program for middle throughout this year I morphed autoimmune disease in mice at engaged in competitive swimming, school students. In general, I see into captain of the math team, a Stanford Medical School. I also math-letics, improvised sweet licks myself as just a laid back guy fi erce varsity water polo player and enjoy reporting for my school on his mandolin, rapped sweet who feels fortunate to have such swimmer, a senior prefect, and an newspaper, running on the track freestyle rhymes with his mouth, great family and friends who have exuberant (though clumsy) Frisbee and cross-country teams, and worked hard at school, founded helped me so much along the way, player. In the upcoming years, playing viola as part of a local a recycling program, and done and I hope that I can do the same I hope to major in chemistry, orchestra. In my free time, I love his best to help others as often as for them and others in the future. become a doctor, and save to bake; it’s my way of showing my possible. Charles M. Zhu is not the world. love. I am always eager to try new sure how all this fi ts into his career activities and explore new ideas. goals, but he is happy about his experiences. Presidential Scholars 07 Alabama Connecticut Illinois Sean W. Sessel Jacqueline L. Nesi Derrick C. Cooper* Lova L. Sun Jeff rey S. Rosen Emily A. Disbrow Ilana B. Goldberg* Alaska Delaware Alexander H. Krey Duncan M. Ariey Rachel A. Burns Phoebe C. Rusch* Hillary A. Walker Neil S. Nayak Mahesh K. Vidula

Americans Abroad District of Columbia Indiana

44 Presidential Gregory F. Billington Susan M. Glass Sara King* Emanne F. Desjardins Arjun V. Landes Miel Sundararajan Scholars Kyle M. McCloskey Robert D. Waaser Florida Iowa By State Arizona Helen M. Johnson *Presidential Scholars in the Arts Alissa M. D’Gama Rebecca Mock* Moriah K. Lutz-Tveite Veronica J. Shi Milton Perez* Oseremen E. Okoruwa Lu Wang Bret A. Voith Maxwell G. Weaver Charles M. Zhu Kansas Natalie M. Como Arkansas Georgia Spencer A. Hill Lana M. Hazel Maia R. Bageant Stuart F. Shirrell Craig M. Western Kentucky Yi Cai California Hawaii David T. Tao Margaret M. Glaspy* Benjamin B. Massenburg Scott A. Levin-Gesundheit Kellie S. Young Louisiana Caterina Yuan Aimee L. Alphonso Idaho Edward M. Dussom Colorado Kyle R. Antonini Patricia Tsai Rebecca M. Russ Sara K. Jaszkowski Qiancheng Sun 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

Maine Montana North Dakota Rhode Island Vermont Lindsey A. Beckett Lindsay S. Johnson Isaiah J. Berg Michael Q. Ding Mark A. Garret Benjamin D. Farrar William T. Taylor Archana Rajender May Min Angela M. Viani

Maryland Nebraska Ohio South Carolina Virginia Christopher G. Bowman* Peter D. Morrissey Michael L. MacCombie Andrew C. Brown Emily C. Howell Vera A. Fomenkov* Ashley R. Paseka Colin S. McSwiggen Amy G. Varallo Mehdi M. Razvi Scott Giblin* Luci Yang Kathleen J. Jee Nevada South Dakota Washington Oklahoma Tudor D. Maican* Monica R. Ceragioli Katherine R. Aurand Jeff rey A. Burkert 45 Andrew A. Parchman Shaan B. Patel Justin L. Cockrell Scott J. Jorgenson Pranoti Hiremath Brooke T. Luo Massachusetts New Hampshire Scott A. Sheppard Tennessee West Virginia Charles C. Bridge Erin M. Jaeger Katherine S. Roddy Sarah J. Dolan Mari K. Oye Richard J. Walsh Oregon Umang J. Shukla John A. Zumpetta Vivek R. Sant Prateek S. Bhide New Jersey Helen L. Helfand Texas Wisconsin Michigan Chetan Narain Jeff R. Picker* Jessica I. Anastasio* Katrina R. Galka* Benjamin R. Beilman* Reema B. Shah Neal C. Pisenti Brittanie A. Brown* Robert A. Marsland David B. Chapel Asher C. Frankfurt* Mallery R. Olsen Subha Perni New Mexico Pennsylvania Jay E. Jackson* Lawrence Z. Cai Brittany M. Hulings Amelia H. Lin Wyoming Minnesota Candice C. Smith Michael J. O’Brien* Michael T. Montoya Jay K. Shah Heidi H. Liu Chelsea L. Shover Shalin S. Patel Elizabeth L. Simpson Nicholas N. Rosenbaum New York Nathaniel C. Th omas Utah Samuel B. Haber Mississippi Puerto Rico Leah A. Libresco Amanda Berbert Reed C. Gilbow Timothy J. Moon Angel O. Saez Kenneth I. Brewer Kathryn R. Stillman Beth E. Schaff er Barbara M. Santisteban Kevin C. Ni Garrett D. Smith* Missouri North Carolina Daniel J. Viox Arnav Tripathy Brooks S. Yang Ashley Tsang Presidential Scholars 07 Characterized by their interest in community issues and compassion for those in need, the Presidential Scholars have actively reached out to others. Service has played a signifi cant role in their development and is prominent in their future plans.

Maia Bageant, Georgia Amanda Berbert, Utah Yi Cai, Kentucky

After seven years, I am still in the Working with pediatric patients Since ninth grade, I have coached library on most Saturday mornings, at a local hospital, I have learned Meyzeek Middle School’s state- tutoring middle school students the importance of caring, winning MathCounts team. 46 Presidential in mathematics. I attend because I communication, and teamwork. Evidently, I had been working love the feeling of creating a positive Some of the children can with advanced math students. As Scholars change. Every morning I sit down verbally talk, some can speak a result, I couldn’t believe that, with a student and ask, “So, what sign language, and some can do according to a national survey, at Work in do you need help with today?” Th e neither. However, as we work 43% of American high and middle student inevitably frowns, after together to create a bracelet, or school students have diffi culty which I launch into the rhythm bake cookies, or shake maracas, understanding the math they are the Community of teaching and making friends. we can each feel a relationship taught—until I started tutoring I relate to them my horror stories building through dedication and some students at my high school — the D on my fourth grade math unity in purpose. Each patient has that couldn’t even add or multiply. I test, or how terrifying I fi rst found a unique background and diff erent suddenly realized that there should vectors, like a swarm of bristling disabilities, but each one has be organizations in schools devoted arrows heading for my heart. Once helped me realize that all humans to helping students like these. I know that they are interested, have disabilities, so we must work After all, math plays a crucial part I teach them how the problem is as a team to accomplish success. in numerous jobs and thus, these solved. I draw pictures; I make For example, while one of the students’ futures. Subsequently, I up stories about Bob and Suzie boys needed my help in shaking applied for and received a $1000 and their money; I show them the a maraca during a music activity, “MathMovesU” grant from the methods that will hopefully make the music would not have been Raytheon Company. I used the math easier as they continue in their the same without the sound of his grant to found a math tutoring education. Th e next week, when I laughter. Th rough giggles, smiles, club at my high school that meets see the face of a child light up to see signs, words, or feelings, we can every week to assist struggling that I am there to explain things, to all communicate with one another math students. Now, students at make sense of the murky world of and sense true friendship. Although my high school have a place to numbers, the response I receive is I originally visited the kids to try come when they wish to improve my greatest reward. I believe to help them, now I go to further their abilities in math. However, I that I have made a diff erence, and friendships, because I learned that have also benefi ted from my service with any luck I have touched they can teach me more than I in forming valuable relationships their futures. could ever teach them, such as that through the tutoring program. true success stems from a team In addition, I also fi nd a personal made up of a diversity of people, satisfaction in knowing that I each contributing a positive attitude have helped clear up long-time and personal best. frustrations or confusions over mathematical concepts. 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

Monica Ceragioli, Nevada Justin Cockrell, Oklahoma Emanne Desjardins, Indonesia Alissa D’Gama, Arizona Michael Ding, Rhode Island

I love being outdoors, whether When I read Matthew 25:31-46, I never used to think about what “Volunteers are people who Volunteering individually, I have camping with my family, hiking, I knew I had to do something. I I threw away. In Virginia, my leave footprints on our hearts.” tutored students, helped out at or swimming in the ocean. Th is talked to my youth pastor about town had an acceptable recycling As a hospital volunteer, my a hospital, played classical piano passion for nature translates into starting up a program that gave program. When I moved to Friday evenings teach me for senior citizens, performed deep concern for environmental away food to anyone. No tax Jakarta, Indonesia, I discovered invaluable lessons: organization, laboratory research, and taught a issues. Last summer, I was able to forms or identifi cation required… that recycling was handled very teamwork, communication, and senior citizen about computers. pursue my passion by becoming just pure love. Northeastern State diff erently. In Jakarta, a certain responsibility. I gain a humble However, my broad experiences an intern for the University University’s Lambda Chi Alpha amount of garbage is sent to the perspective on life, strengthening volunteering with group service of California at Davis Tahoe had just done a community Pancoran Scavengers’ Site, an open my yearning to become a doctor projects have been the most Environmental Research Center, food drive, and my friend Wes landfi ll, where garbage-picking and medical researcher, using eye opening. Elected as a group an organization dedicated to was in charge of it. I told him of families earn money by sorting my talents to give back to my leader by the National Honor 47 preserving the water clarity of my program, and he gave half a through waste to fi nd reusable community. I feel warm and Society, I am responsible for Lake Tahoe. I assisted with both ton of food to us. On Saturday, materials which they clean and happy when I calm a teary-eyed my volunteering team as we lab and fi eld work by going on March 24th, families were at sell. I visited a family’s house, mother, direct a distraught father participate in a series of activities the research boat, performing our distribution point before we though it was less of a house than to his son’s bedside, or cradle a all over the state. Our much- water sample tests, and analyzing even were. Halfway through, a a room, and in many ways less of fragile preemie until he falls asleep planned activity night raised over a data in order to discover ways disheveled, dirty, and tired man a room than an indent in a wall of peacefully. As I tuck in the infant thousand dollars for charities, and to erase the detrimental eff ects came up to us. I greeted him, and garbage. It was built from strips of barely visible in an entangled I was amazed by the support from of urbanization, runoff , and asked if he was alright. He said no, corrugated metal nailed together mesh of tubes, I realize how much the people in the community. climate change. Not only was and proceeded to weep, telling me and precariously braced against I have to be thankful for. “Some We volunteered at a Providence my experience interesting, but it the story of how his wife had been heavy sacks of trash, many of people enter our lives and leave soup kitchen, where I was allowed me to benefi cially impact killed right in front of him and which had ripped, allowing broken quickly…others stay a while and surprised at the number of meals my community. I helped create how hard it was for him to believe glass to protrude through the leave footprints on our hearts… needed to feed the homeless and a science curriculum designed to in God because of it. I embraced fabric. I fi lmed my experiences and and we are never the same.” I hope unemployed. While participating encourage the younger generation him and talked with him for a inspired a group of my classmates the doctors and nurses I help, the in woodland cleanups, I learned of students to become actively while. His name was Dave. Before to improve family life at Pancoran. patients and families I care for, that the biggest environmental involved in saving Lake Tahoe. I he left with a bag of food, he said, It took over a year of intense leave with smiles in their hearts. hazard is an invasive species of was also a part of outreach eff orts “What you’re doing... I can see dedication, but my classmates parasitic vine strangling native and the design of public education love in it.” I shook Dave’s hand and I worked to acquire suitable trees. We also took part in an exhibits. I plan to come back to in true gratitude and told him I’d funding to build a free school ecological conservation project Lake Tahoe in fi fty years and see pray for him. And I still do. for the children at the Site. I am to remove countless beer bottles blue waters that are just as clear as very proud to have given them from the nesting areas of two they are now. I will be proud to education, and the opportunity species of endangered birds at know that I played a small part in to free themselves from a future the beautiful beach in Little preserving a place I love so much. of scavenging. Compton. Involved immensely in these ongoing activities outside the academic fi eld, I gained fi rst- hand understanding of the larger community concerns faced by our society and enjoyed every minute of these projects. AT WORK IN THE COMMUNITY Presidential Scholars 07Reed Gilbow, Mississippi Spencer Hill, Kansas Pranoti Hiremath, Washington Erin Jaeger, New Hampshire Sara Jaszkowski, Idaho Community service has always STARS, which stands for Students Even at a young age, I embraced As President of Interact, my depth In December 2006, I journeyed to been a major part of my life. I Taking Action to Reach Success, the sentiment that a note of thanks of service involvement is almost Ecuador from Idaho, expecting to was fi rst introduced to it in the is an after-school program in has the innate power to brighten never-ending, amounting to eight off er two weeks of service and make Cub Scouts, and I have remained which high school students someone’s day. Yet, after observing hours per week during the school a diff erence in the lives of many. in scouting all the way through tutor elementary students. Th e realities around me, I wanted to year and even more during the Upon my return, I realized that my high school career. At fi rst, older students travel to district help the local community over summer. Sometimes, this time of all those I encountered, it was my parents required me to be a elementary schools to help the fi nancial obstacles that seemed commitment weighs heavily on my life that had been changed the member; now, I choose to give my younger kids with their homework. to hinder progress. I used my me, but I know that the deep most. Selected to travel to Ecuador time and eff orts because it gives Other goals include improving developing passions for art and love of service which Interact has and report back on the status me a sense of accomplishment. I organization, study skills, desire to technology to create and assemble given me more than makes up for of several Rotary International 48 feel a commitment to the many succeed in school, and just being my own greeting cards. I then it. No feeling has ever compared projects, I eagerly anticipated our people who have not shared my a friend. Th is is where the STARS sold these, giving one hundred with seeing the faces of thirty December 2nd departure date. Of opportunities, and I love giving tutors get the chance to really percent of proceeds to nonprofi t El Salvadorans explode with joy the many projects I visited, my back to the community that has connect with the students. Th is is organizations. I am directly after receiving houses, which I favorite was El Pavulario School helped me so much. My favorite my third semester in STARS, and it involved in the organizations helped create. Playing “Pato Pato for special needs children. At this project was the construction of a has enhanced my life immeasurably. and have become a part of their Ganso” (“Duck Duck Goose”) school, I discovered the special wheelchair ramp for an Alzheimer’s Working with these young kids fundraising process. I lead others with a little girl named Maria gift of mentally handicapped disease support group who were has given me a fresh perspective on in each group to sell the cards. at the Immaculado Corazon children. Th eir ability to love and in need as theirs had collapsed. life, but the most rewarding thing My cards have the beauty of Orphanage outside San Salvador, so transparently show their feelings We undertook the project and, as has been watching the progress the broad scope. I make an impact and knowing I was making her is unique and wonderful. Th e a united force, built the ramp in kids make as they realize that they on the lives of people at home day, has remained with me ever children have so much love to give, a record time. Our team was even can succeed in school. Each time as well as in other countries. Th e since. Anonymously delivering four and it was evident everywhere. Th e more gratifi ed because we fi nished their eyes light up because they’ve cards help homeless and runaway cords of wood to a woman with day I spent at El Pavulario School the job ahead of schedule! I feel fi gured out how to do a problem youth, encourage self-suffi ciency no hot water made last Christmas made me realize that the goals I a deep sense of pride every time I they gain confi dence in themselves. of Indian communities, make my most memorable, and I’ll have set for myself to this point, remember that project, and I will When school lets out, I will have instruments available to peers, never forget the sight of wrinkled while ambitious and worthwhile, always give my time to helping to say goodbye to these remarkable and support disaster relief. I know couples dancing to the music I have been entirely self-centered, others because, deep in my soul, kids, some of whom I’ll have that my compassion and eff ort played for them at their nursing impacting upon no one but myself. I know that if I can make even a worked with for nearly 18 months. have the power to contribute home on my soprano saxophone. I realized I needed to set wider- minute diff erence in the world, I will be parting with new friends, to the betterment of the world. In college, I will continue my reaching goals that impact upon then I can be happy with the way I whom I have seen grow into bright, Individuals who receive my cards’ dedication to service by joining the world. Following the have lived. confi dent young people. I only support are more than statistics such groups as the Dartmouth completion of my secondary hope I have enriched their lives — like me, they are people whose Coalition for Global Health, and, education, I plan to spend time in a fraction as much as they have passion for life is great enough to beyond Dartmouth, I want to write the Peace Corps or working for an enriched mine. overcome diffi culty, and triumph. for National Geographic, which will NGO or non-profi t organization. bring awareness of important global events to the masses. 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

Scott Levin-Gesundheit, Amelia Lin, Texas Benjamin Ballard Kyle McCloskey, May Min, Rhode Island California Massenburg V, Hawaii Americans Abroad Fun Bunch Bowlers pairs up Looking for a meaningful way I am a peer tutor for a math volunteers with autistic adults for My “pono.” I enjoy the internal I awoke with a start to the piercing to fulfi ll community service class in my high school designed a night of bowling. My partner, reward that I attain through beep of my alarm clock. It may requirements while utilizing my for English language learners, Scott, a 40-year-old autistic man participating in service activities. I have been summer vacation, but talents and interests, I decided to and each day I interact with 20 still under parental care, has leg call it my pono, which means “to it was certainly no time to be start Th e Young Writers’ Project at students who are very diff erent braces for his turned-in legs, needs do what is right” in Hawaiian. For sleeping. I got ready and headed my church during the summer from me. Th ey come from to lean on my arm to walk to the this very reason, I loved producing to the Polson Elementary School before senior year. In initiating this a diff erent side of the main starting position, and has to use and presenting my Eagle Scout in Montana, where my aunt and 3-week academic camp, I aimed thoroughfare that cuts my area a ball ramp because he can’t hold Project: Bicycle Safety in Hawai’i, uncle would be waiting for me. I to help students in grades 1-8 into halves. Th ey are of a diff erent the heavy ball. I felt very self- the video. When I had completed, began readying the computer lab to become creative and eff ective ethnicity: Hispanic, from Mexico conscious the fi rst time we bowled edited, and produced the fi lm, for the guests we would be getting writers through interactive 49 or El Salvador. Th ey dress together, wobbling so unsteadily. I then distributed it locally and soon. Th e intercom sparked to sessions of expository writing, diff erently. Th ey speak a diff erent Later, I was surprised to learn that statewide. It is now aired through life, announcing the arrival of a persuasive writing, poetry, and language, and their parents have one of Scott’s most passionate Akakū, the local television busload of children. I rushed out story writing. By designing fun very diff erent jobs. For two years interests is horseback riding. I station; through Summer Pals, to greet them, taking one of them and innovative assignments, I prior to becoming a peer tutor, had assumed his legs would make a local summer and after-school by the hand while they led me to hoped to encourage students to I had seen these kids in the such activities nearly impossible, program for kids; and through their classroom. I was tutoring the develop a passion for the language cafeteria and in the halls, but I but he is undaunted and never the Hawai’i State Department of children of migrant workers how arts. Because many students were had never truly known who they discouraged by his disability. Th e Transportation. I subsequently to use the computer and I loved it. recent immigrants from Korea, were. Although I am the tutor, enthusiasm he holds for life has arranged presentations with I was apprehensive at fi rst because I saw fi rsthand the diffi culties I am not the only one who does impressed me deeply, by the time Summer Pals to further encourage my Spanish was rudimentary of overcoming language barriers the teaching. Th ey, too, teach it was our last turn to walk up to safe bicycle practices among the at best, but whether they were and learning the art of literary me. Th ey improve my grammar the bowling lane, I was as proud of children of Hawai’i. I played preschoolers or high school expression. However, despite as I tutor them in Spanish. Th ey Scott on my arm as I have been of the video, performed a few students, I was here to help them. any hardships, all of the children nostalgically share vivid stories any prom date. hands-on activities, and quizzed Soon, the language barrier was were able to produce a sensitive, from their homeland, and they the attendees to assess their torn down and we began having humorous, and well-crafted body give me a window into a culture information retention. My pono great fun working together. Over of poems, essays, and memoirs. that is new to me. On the fi nal proliferated. Th e elementary- the years that I’ve done this, I’ve In teaching and coordinating day of class last year, the students school-aged kids recalled the grown close to the children I’ve this program, I personally gained signed each other’s T-shirts and signals used while biking, what to worked with. Th is experience has useful leadership experience and watched “March of the Penguins” wear and what not to wear while helped me grow as a human being learned to appreciate the work to celebrate a successful year of biking, and the safety checks to and has shown me that we should that professional educators do on math class. Antonia, a student perform before riding a bike. always work to help others. a daily basis. I feel privileged to with whom I had been close the Th is group of children continues have had the opportunity to watch entire year, asked me to sign her to encourage me to aid the these young students explore their shirt. As I signed it, I asked her in community, exposing me to the original styles and grow as writers. Spanish, “Do you want me to put positive results of a caring heart, ‘tutor’ below my name?” Antonia if enough eff ort is poured laughed. Th en she said, “You’re not into service. my tutor. You’re my friend.” AT WORK IN THE COMMUNITY Presidential Scholars 07Rebecca Mock, Florida Chetan Narain, New Jersey Neil Nayak, Delaware Kevin Ni, Utah Subha Perni, Michigan It was summer. And yet here I was, Approximately 137 million For almost a decade, the Emily I volunteer weekly at the Huntsman His fragile smile breaks tentatively painting the wooden puppet show Indian children – almost half Bissell Hospital, a local nursing Cancer Hospital. My task is to into the griminess of the room. He set a lovely shade of green for the the population of the United home for the disabled, has been an bring drinks and snacks to patients introduces himself with a fl ourish, production Last Tuesday, a puppet States – are illiterate. Pratham, an important part of my life. When who are staying at the hospital and his hands creating shadows in the show I helped write, produce, organization I have worked with I was younger, the monthly Bingo waiting for clinical appointments. sharp Indian sunlight on the wall and starred in. Last Tuesday was since 2002, aims to put them all in games that I attended with my Every week, I see more of the of the Family Care Foundation’s not your ordinary puppet show school. Even though I’d read plenty parents as part of my religious patients’ enduring spirit and realize Deaf Outreach Center. Over the — not that I don’t normally of Pratham’s pamphlets quoting community became a staple in how important it is to take on weeks I volunteer with this young create puppet shows for my own impressive statistics and heard all the my life. As I matured, I formed diffi cult situations with a positive man named Sunil, helping him amusement. It was actually created speeches extolling Pratham’s work, relationships with some of the attitude. As I visit new patients and learn to read and write. I vividly 50 to be performed for an audience I never really understood how they residents and found volunteering returning families who know me by remember the day that I helped of handicapped preschoolers. A had even begun to dent this massive to be an extremely rewarding my name, I know it is the feeling him and the other children put on local special-care preschool had wall of illiteracy. To fi nd out, I experience. One of the residents, in that life is out of control, not cancer a silent musical with their hands, requested students from my school decided to spend the summer of particular, stands out. Joe was legally that will truly make someone a their fi ngers moving in a glorious to make a puppet show for their 2006 working directly in part of the blind and needed assistance for victim. Praying for their recovery, sort of mute melody. Ultimately, kids, and my friends and I readily “fi eld” – two slums near New Delhi. even the most routine of activities. I always thank the patients who I recognize myself in him and in agreed, happy to get involved. I I was to teach English to a group His mind, however, was in perfect have taught me the importance of everyone else I have ever worked personally have a long record of of Pratham teachers, some forty working condition and I have spent hope and optimism. I am drawn with. During my time volunteering working with children, and when years older than I was, to explore hours listening to his stories about to a more proactive role in serving with various people, ranging I heard that a group of great kids the introduction into Pratham’s the World War II and Th e Great patients seeking medical care. In from children with neurological might go without a smashing program of an English curriculum, Depression. I would help him out particular, I intend to be a high-risk disabilities to elderly nursing home puppet show, my heart wept. We and to interview children, parents, in whatever small ways that I could. obstetrician and to provide the residents and veterans of foreign produced everything, from the and teachers for a case study of His yearning for learning a new best medical treatment for under- wars, I have felt connected with script to the props to the set, off Pratham’s personal impact in the language resulted in my learning served mothers, especially those each and every person I have met. of the tops of our heads. Th e real slums. As soon as I entered the some of it too, because I had to fi rst who need maternal fetal care from Volunteering with them satisfi es a challenge was creating a story that slums, I found myself impressed by read it into a tape recorder for him. pregnancy complications. Helping yearning within me that seeks basic any child, no matter their disability, Pratham’s system of standardized I fi rmly believe that I got much these women will be the start of my interaction unadulterated by the could enjoy. Our story had to be tests and teacher evaluations. But more out of this friendship than he life-long mission to catalyze positive facile considerations that dominate simple, universal. Not only did I as I began meeting and befriending did because the warmth of the bond change for my community. so many other aspects of our lives. learn a great deal about storytelling, people of all sorts in the slums, I that we have created has taught I was also able to experience the began to understand a more basic me that friendship can transcend wonderful eff ect a good story can reason for Pratham’s success: they diff erences in age, background, race, have on a willing audience. Th e have created an encouraging and or fi nancial circumstances. preschoolers laughed and enjoyed cooperative family of education, a the show, even if they didn’t family I am glad to have joined. understand all of it. I was able to transport them, even for an instant, to another world. 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

Jeffrey Rosen, Connecticut Angel Saez, Puerto Rico Vivek Sant, Massachusetts Jay Shah, Wyoming Chelsea Shover, Pennsylvania

I have played the piano since I During my last Spring Break, I While volunteering at the It is my nature to share my Because I felt the National Honor was six, performing in the usual participated in a Jesuit Service Red Cross as a sophomore, I knowledge to help others. Even Society should make an impact assortment of student recitals. Mission to the impoverished was exposed to some deeply though I have completed several on the community outside of I never once imagined that my community of Lirios, Costa Rica. moving real-life situations in my community service projects, our school, and because pediatric playing would have any real My life would never be the same community, including gas leaks, there is one that sticks out in cancer is a subject scary and importance to anyone outside of after entering Lirios and coming children aff ected by fi re, and my mind. I taught computer close to the hearts of many, I led my family. However, three years face to face with a myriad of local servicemen serving in Iraq. classes for adults at the public the National Honor Society in ago I started to perform at the small houses built out of decaying I immediately resolved to start a library. Nowadays, computers organizing a Dance-a-Th on to raise Avon Health Center, a home for wood and rusty zinc panels Red Cross Club at my school, the play an increasingly important money for the Four Diamonds the infi rm where nearly everyone and separated by a muddy road fi rst of its kind in northeastern role in people’s lives. Th us, it is Fund, which provides care for is in a wheelchair or hospital where several barefooted children Massachusetts. I divided the imperative that a person be able children with cancer and support 51 bed. Many residents cannot even played soccer with a paper ball. 85 members into teams every to use a computer competently. for their families, and funds comprehend what is being said Witnessing the many hardships month, seeking leaders to step However, I noticed that many pediatric cancer research. To get to them. However, music allowed these Costa Ricans faced has fi lled forward for each team. With this people in my community did not the community involved, and me to connect to these people me with a deep determination, approach, we raised $1600 for either have access to computers, to reduce expenses, I contacted in a way that nothing else could. a resolve that has instilled in me victims of Hurricane Katrina and or did not know enough about numerous local businesses, many Each time I go, I play a mixture of the desire to address the social $180 for children burned by fi re. them; therefore, I suggested that I of which were interested in helping classical music, some by the great responsibility of giving a potent We sent care packages and cards teach computer classes. I co-taught with our charitable endeavor. In composers and others of my own voice to the most vulnerable to our troops in Iraq, made 300 an Introduction to the Internet all, we received from businesses, composition. After the concert, I members of our society. After my comfort care packages for disaster class. In this class, I covered the club members, students and walk around the room, thanking Jesuit service mission in Lirios, victims, and packed 420 disaster basics of the Internet and how friends, “four diamonds” (two pair the residents for their time and Costa Rica, my professional goals awareness kits for school children. to use it advantageously. I also of diamond earrings as incentives shaking hands with each one of have drastically changed; I no My goal was not only to motivate independently taught a class on for fundraising), 1000 drinks, them. Some residents tell me that longer seek education to simply students to help the needy but to “HTML – Th e Art of Webpages,” sponsors for the backs of t-shirts, they haven’t had someone play secure my personal success. also give the joy of leadership to a a class covering basic to advanced cheap pizza, a troupe of belly the piano for them in years. Even Instead, I expect education to large number of students. As club HTML topics including webpage dancers and a student band to though some others are unable provide me with an opportunity President, I was able to obtain structure, formatting, colors perform, door prize donations, to speak, I can still tell that they to initiate social change. Most funding from local sponsors, including color code, links, and a DJ. Th e Dance-a-Th on was appreciated the performance. Since importantly, I now fi rmly believe negotiate town and store permits pictures, sounds, movies, basic a fun success, and my countless the day that I fi rst stepped into that my studies, talents, and job and fee waivers, and publicize forms, etc. Th ey learned at a speed hours of preparation were worth the health center, I have come to positions will not be as personally events. In the process, I was able with which they were comfortable, it: we doubled our goal and fully appreciate the transformative fulfi lling if people in need around to create more than 25 leadership and no one was left behind. Th e raised over $10,000. Th e positive power of music. me are unable to benefi t positions. Th e students were not library administrators were so outcomes of this endeavor were from them. only happy to help out locally, pleased with my teaching that not strictly monetary. Th ough we nationally, and internationally, they requested that I teach a helped children and families who but they were also thrilled to similar class for teens and another benefi ted from the fundraiser, be leaders. computer class for children in June we also experienced the joy of and July respectively. doing something positive for the community beyond our school walls. AT WORK IN THE COMMUNITY Presidential Scholars 07Garrett Smith, Utah Lova Sun, Alabama David Tao, Kentucky Will Taylor, Montana Amy Varallo, South Carolina My youngest brother was adopted For the past two years, I have As a middle school student in rural Th is December, I had the During the course of high school, by my parents when he was 20 performed laboratory research Kentucky, I noticed that some opportunity to organize and run I’ve come to realize that no matter months old. He came to our family at Alabama State University of my classmates received free or our school’s annual Holiday Food how grim my life seems at times, with a lot of medical, emotional regarding the eff ectiveness of reduced-priced lunch. Although Drive. Th is is a traditional source I’ve been exceedingly fortunate. and developmental issues. He silver nanoparticles in inhibiting many of the kids from Bardstown’s of school-wide competition — the With this realization came the attended the Children’s Center, infection of Respiratory Syncytial poorer neighborhoods attended classes competing against each overwhelming sense that I needed which helps children ages 3-5 work Virus. Th ough it started as simply my school, the statistics shocked other for bragging rights while to help others who have not through various emotional and a summer volunteer activity in me; over half of the student body simultaneously providing a warm had the same experiences and developmental problems. I have which I shadowed other researchers, relied on the school system’s aid meal for many families in the privileges. I’ve been motivated to tried to be involved in his life and my involvement with virology for meals during the week. Further area. Th is year, I faced a tall task proff er my time in many ways, 52 help out as much as I can. One research soon fostered in me a inquiries directed me to the local to beat last year’s total of over whether I am distributing food at way I was able to gain additional genuine fascination with and food pantry, a necessary program 6,000 pounds of food for even the local soup kitchen or tutoring understanding of my little brother’s desire to investigate new therapies for the area’s needy. Many of more families. While the bulk of at-risk middle school students. issues and provide service to for RSV, the leading cause of the classmates who received free my work was spent talking with My favorite project, however, children in the community with respiratory illnesses in infants. Th e lunch at school depended on the local businesses, going door to incorporated my love for the Harry similar problems was through my summer before my senior year, I pantry’s shelves for meals at home. door in neighborhoods across Potter novels with an interest in Eagle Scout Project. Working with trained other high school students Families in need of food assistance the valley, and hauling foodstuff s foreign languages. I recruited a the leadership and therapists at the new to the lab and started an had to do their best with the few across town, the most rewarding handful of my friends with the center, I was able to provide a plan independent research project for cans of vegetables that the pantry aspect of this task was delivering intent of producing an educational of service in two specifi c ways. Th e which I developed and performed could spare. In 2002, I founded the food to the recipients. After all video designed to help Romanian center constantly needs trained experiments involving human Th e Wagon of Hope Food Drive, of the organizing, tabulating, and students learn English. We parodied volunteer assistance in classroom epithelial cell culture, protein gels, which has collected over 23,000 distributing was accomplished, Harry Potter, with many mishaps and playground settings, and also immunofl uorescence assays, and food and toiletry items for the small groups took the food directly and retakes along the way. After accepts donations for the children viral infections. Th rough my work, I needy of Nelson County. Initially, to the families who would need sending the video to my English to off set budget limitations. I discovered that silver nanoparticles, I used my childhood wagon for the food just to make it through teacher’s Romanian colleague, I received special training so I when coated with a special capping collecting and then delivering the winter. Th e genuine love and received an email articulating that could work with children in the agent, signifi cantly inhibit RSV the donations to the local pantry. compassion that they gave in return the video had been a great success. classroom, and spent many hours infection. I was named a Siemens Eventually, I recruited and trained outweighed the countless hours and Th ough I haven’t (yet!) drastically in that setting working side by side Competition semifi nalist, presented volunteers, who have been vital almost 13,000 pounds of food altered global interactions, I do with the therapists. I developed my fi ndings at the International to the continued success of the (a school record) that the believe that volunteering in the valuable leadership skills by Congress of Nanotechnology in San program, especially when I went experience entailed. community is a way to show organizing a “most needed supplies Francisco, and submitted my paper out of state for boarding school. appreciation for the many chances drive” in my neighborhood. I for publication to the Journal of I still spearhead the program and and opportunities I’ve been given, coordinated the eff orts of my scout Nanobiotechnology. However, in my plan to continue my mission to and I fully intend to continue troop to communicate, collect mind, the most valuable gem I will help the less fortunate citizens of nurturing this idea in the future. and deliver several truckloads of take away from this experience is my community. supplies to Th e Children’s Center. the personal satisfaction of knowing Th is experience enriched my that I am capable of serving the understanding and love for my community by researching possible little brother and other children treatments for a deadly virus. who suff er. 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

Bret Voith, Florida Craig Western, Georgia John Allen Zumpetta, West Virginia My mother exuded care and While volunteer work certainly love for others in all she did, serves as a chance to give back, I had the privilege of establishing especially in her commitment I also see it as an opportunity a summer MathCounts program to our church’s Sunday school to learn about myself and about for middle school students. Th is program. Unfortunately, her others. No event has fi lled both program provided enrichment diagnosis of ovarian cancer roles better than Red Carpet Day to the bright children in our prevented her from continuing her (RCD), a retreat for teenagers with economically suff ering area. I passion and eventually took her cancer. Founded by an 18-year- acquired an interest to organize life. In an eff ort to carry on her old cancer survivor, RCD brings this program because I wanted commitment, I devoted myself to cancer patients from multiple to give middle school students a teaching elementary Sunday school states to Lake Lanier, Georgia, chance to advance their abilities 53 with the same passion and drive where they spend four days and nurture their academic talents. she demonstrated. Th e activity has visiting Atlanta’s top attractions, I also felt that I could make an been more rewarding than I could skipping lines at Six Flags, riding impact on the students by being a have ever imagined. Th e feeling of in limos, and, most importantly, positive role model and showing contributing to the development experiencing freedom from them the importance of giving of young minds is unmatchable. chemotherapy and radiation. back to the community. I tried From helping students with a After seeing my mom undergo to improve my students’ overall diffi cult four-syllable word to treatment, I jumped at the chance outlook on academics and life. I receiving a visit by a much- to volunteer — and I loved every did everything I could to challenge matured student from a previous moment. From carrying Charley them and pushed them to always year, the activity has granted me on my shoulders around Six Flags strive to learn more. I hope that an expanded perspective on giving to dancing on the riverboat cruise pushing these students to work to others. Observing the response with Tenia, I’m honored to have to their utmost potential will in of my students to my classes, I contributed to that unforgettable turn improve the community. realize that each of us can make a event. I often worked behind- Eventually, the community will be direct impact on the lives of those the-scenes — organizing meals, placed in the hands of these young around us. With this in mind, I cleaning up, ironing out details — people. So, my hometown will focus my instruction on teaching and I occasionally found myself greatly benefi t from their thirst for my students the importance of in diffi cult discussions with the knowledge and improved desire helping others. Th rough this patients. Ultimately though, we to succeed. Furthermore, I greatly lesson I hope to further develop aimed to show the participants a benefi ted from teaching these myself, and my students, into good time. I grew close to many of students. Teaching has helped me responsible world citizens. the kids, and RCD allowed me to realize the signifi cance of being grasp what they’ve been through. a positive role model and the Th at feeling of understanding, importance of responsibility. Th is respect, and admiration has been program had a signifi cant impact my greatest reward. on my life and hopefully on my students’ lives. Presidential Scholars

07 Each Presidential Scholar presents the program’s Teacher Recognition Award to the one teacher, counselor, or school administrator who has been his or her greatest infl uence and inspiration. Every day, in classrooms across the country, these educators prove the power of excellent teaching to help guide young lives toward the realization of their true potential and the fulfi llment of their highest aims.

Jaqueline Alden (NH) Janice E. Bear (OK) Dale Brabec (AK)

54 Presidential Mathematics English Physics Manchester High School West Eisenhower Senior High School West Anchorage High School Scholars Erin Ankrum (WV) Laurie Bednarek (IN) Tom Canino (CA) Teacher Math Chemistry English Follansbee Middle School Penn High School Incline High School

Recognition Suzanne Antink (CA) Kevin E. Behne (NE) Robert Carp (NY) Mathematics History History Awardees Palo Alto Senior High School Prague High School George W. Hewlett High School

Peter G. Arthur (MA) Jerilyn Bergdahl (VT) Jeffrey Childs (CA) Social Studies Biology and Chemistry Voice Andover High School Mercy High School William Billington (England) John Barnes (VA) AP Chemistry, Earth and Space Jessica Clark (DC) Mathematics Lakenheath High School Biology Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School Robert Bond (ME) Karon L. Cogdill (TX) History Th eatre Dennis Bates (NY) Gorham High School Booker T. Washington High English School for the Performing & Hobbs High School Sallie Bookman (PA) Visual Arts Gifted Studies Paul Baudendistel (MO) Janet Colbert (TN) Penn Manor High School Physics Latin Saint Louis University Webb School of Knoxville High School 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

Linda S. Conlon (PA) Joseph Cypressi (MD) Diane C. Freeman (GA) Lisa Grabarek (NC) Jane Hester (IL) Secondary Gifted Support Sculpture Math Humanities Humanities (Retired) Coordinator Carver Center for Arts and McIntosh High School Saint Mary’s School Kennedy Junior High School Quaker Valley Senior High School Technology Pamela Fujinaka (HI) Jane Grandusky (FL) Ann Hitchings (CT) Tony Cornforth (OK) Ian Davies (AZ) Chemistry Arts Educator - Magnet United States History Mathematics Mathematics Iolani School Coordinator Convent of the Sacred Heart Oklahoma School of Science and Catalina Foothills High School Dreyfoos School of the Arts Mathematics Jean Gill (LA) Ellen Holzman (NY) Iris Diaz (PR) Beenu Gupta (DE) English English Dan Corr (WA) Social Studies Benjamin Franklin Senior AP Biology Th e Wheatley School 55 Science Academia Menonita High School Charter School of Wilmington Lewis & Clark High School Matthew Hrevnak (NJ) Jack Driscoll (MI) John Gillett (WI) Fred Haase (IN) Mathematics Mary J. Cox (WV) Creative Writing Math Latin John P. Stevens High School Music Interlochen Arts Academy St. Ambrose Academy Th e Culver Academies Scott High School Jon P. Hughes (VT) Peggy G. Dyson (AL) Melissa Gladtke Coultas (MA) Holli Hamner (SC) History Jennie Creer-King (UT) Biology General Studies English Bishop John A. Marshall Middle Ballet Bayside Academy Hunnewell Elementary School School Mark Haynes (NE) Mara Cregan (PA) Ann Eckardt (WY) John Goebel (NC) Latin Linda H. James (TX) Literary Arts English Mathematics Creighton Preparatory School Dance Pittsburgh High School for the Cody High School Th e North Carolina School of Booker T. Washington High Creative and Performing Arts Science & Mathematics Christine Hays (CO) School for the Performing & Andrea D. Eshelman (NH) History Visual Arts Adella Croft (UT) Dennis Gonnerman (IA) English Poudre High School Adam Jenkins, Jr. (IL) Mathematics Keene High School History Skyline High School Des Moines Christian School Anne Heil (TX) English Laurie Frank (OH) Psychology AP Belleville Township High School Robert Crowell (OR) Maria G. Gonzalez (FL) Student Services/Gifted Education Westside High School West Music - Jazz Arts & Sycamore Schools English Communication Cynthia Heller (OR) Kristen Johnson (MA) Magnet Academy Mathematics Biology St. Mary’s Academy Phillips Academy TEACHER RECOGNITION AWARDEES Presidential Scholars 07Lisa Johnson (CO) George Lang (DC) Cynthia McCoy (NV) Patricia Miller (MD) Mary O’Keeffe (NY) Chemistry Science English Biology Math Cherry Creek High School Sidwell Friends School Clark High School Montgomery Blair High School Sheri Owens (IL) Susan Johnson (FL) Niccole Long (HI) Theresa McDaniel (MD) Diane Miller (WY) Music Physics English Language Arts Painting and Drawing Biology Highland Park High School C. Leon King High School King Kekaulike High School Carver Center for Arts and Natrona County High School Technology Cherie Pasley (ID) Alyson Jones (MS) David Longest (IN) Gino Molfi no (MD) Guidance Counselor Laurie McKern (OK) Head Guidance Counselor Drama Photography Bishop Kelly High School 56 Cleveland High School New Albany High School English River Hill High School Warner High School Tallon S. Perkes (TX) Joseph R. Kerner, Jr. (MA) Candace A. Lynch (TN) Steve K. Morgan (AZ) Music Brian McKernan (MT) English English Chemistry Th e Roxbury Latin School Farragut High School Counselor Corona del Sol High School Ron Poplau (KS) Loyola Sacred Heart High School Community Service MaryAnn Klongland (WI) Taira Lynch (IN) Erica Morrison (MO) Shawnee Mission Northwest High Linda Mead (NE) Reading Biology English School Glenn W. Stephens Elementary Batesville High School Oral Communications School Creighton Preparatory School Robert Murphy (AZ) David Quarfoot (CT) Rosalie Mackay (UT) AP Biology Mathematics Richard Kovatch (LA) Susan Mehlhorn (ME) US History Sedona Red Rock High School Choate Rosemary Hall American & British Literature Timpview High School Mathematics Th e Saint Paul’s School Berwick Academy Jeanne Neupert (England) Eileen Quinones (PR) Robert Marley (MA) English Spanish Edward Kramer (OH) Gene Menton (MI) Mathematics Lakenheath High School Colegio San Ignacio de Loyola English Barrington High School Science Solon High School Detroit Country Day School Robert J. Noel (MN) Michelle Radio (KS) Beth Mazanec (MT) Spanish/History Gifted Education Megan Lambert (NC) Kurt Meyer (CA) Orchestra Oak Grove Lutheran High School Blue Valley North High School English Helena High School Mathematics East Chapel Hill High School Th acher School Jane Occhiogrosso (NJ) James Randolph (FL) English Acting Madison High School New World School of the Arts 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

Bill Rawlins (UT) Jeffrey Schaetzke (WI) Jeannette Spain (TX) JoAnn Wadkins (OR) Shana Williams (IL) Mathematics Th eater Gifted and Talented Mentorship Physics Social Studies Viewmont High School Dominican High School Fort Bend Independent School Lincoln High School Wheaton-Warrenville South High District School Patti Raynock (PA) Nancy Schick (VA) Dora Wagener (AZ) Sally Stevens (OH) Michael V. Woodward (TN) Biology US History, European History Japanese Palisades High School Los Alamos High School Economics Mesquite High School History University School Th e McCallie School William Richardson (AR) Gregory Schweers (TX) Janeth P. Waggoner (TX) Lisa G. Stillman (MS) Patricia Worsham (VA) U.S. History English/World Literature Gifted Ed./Curriculum Design Conway High School East Cistercian Preparatory School Advanced Mathematics Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD English 57 Home School E. C. Glass High School Keren Robertson (CA) Jason Sebern (SD) Lily Weiss (TX) Janice Strickland (AK) Peter Wozniak (NY) English US History Modern Dance Los Altos High School Brookings High School English Booker T. Washington High History East Anchorage High School School for the Performing & Manlius-Pebble Hill School John W. Rogers (MI) Eric Severson (MN) Visual Arts Linda J. Strojan (SC) Glenn Zwanzig (KY) American History Drama Thomas Wermuth (IL) Western High School St. Paul Academy and Summit Guidance Counselor Biology School Aiken High School Violin duPont Manual Magnet Pamela Rush (DE) High School Ronald Shinn (AL) Ira Taxin (NY) George West (AR) Chemistry Charter School of Wilmington Music Composition Economics/Civics Th e Juilliard School Central High School Kjell Rye (WA) Will Shotwell (RI) Tatia Totorica (ID) David Wilkinson (OR) Technology English James A. Garfi eld High School Lincoln School AP Calculus English (AP Language) Boise High School Westview High School Frank Sachs (MN) Bill Shulz (SD) Leyda Vakarelov (Indonesia) Allyson Williams (GA) Academic Teams/Advisor English Th e Blake School Stevens Senior High School History English British International School Roswell High School - Jakarta Presidential Scholars

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

Jaqueline Alden, New Hampshire Suzanne B. Antink, California Dennis Bates, New York

58 Teacher I love being around enthusiastic Mathematics unlocks the I teach because I love the lights students, whether it’s in the math breathtaking view of the order of - the lights of understanding lit in Recognition classroom, taking them to a math our minds as well as its astounding pupils’ eyes. Furthermore, students meet, or having them visit after chaos. It’s the human language are generators keeping my lights being in college. I get tremendous of poetic communication that on: a true teacher instructs, but also Awardees satisfaction when a student tells me describes our world and dreams. shares and continually learns. No that all the hard work in my class Math, the backbone of thought, matter what subject I focus on: art, helped them be successful in their embodies the principles of language, or literature, humanity is Refl ect college math class. demanding work and giddying always the underlying theme. successes. In mathematics, students on Teaching Erin Ankrum, West Virginia and teachers share pure joy. Paul Baudendistel, Missouri Th e moment my students’ faces To paraphrase a recent benediction, Peter G. Arthur, Massachusetts show a math concept has become “Th ank God for the gift of learning - In Memoriam crystal clear – the “aha!” moment and the privilege of teaching.” My – makes this the only profession I Peter was an incredible teacher and philosophy of education is that could imagine being in. Th anks to coach who dedicated so much of his students live up to what is expected Ms. Geraldine Dail, who refused time and love to his students. He of them. Dare to challenge! to let me keep my math anxieties, shared his strong values and deep I have the privilege of challenging level of commitment with both Laurie Bednarek, Indiana and being challenged by his students and his colleagues. After twenty-two years in this phenomenal students like Scholar He continually challenged his noble profession, I am still moved John Zumpetta. students to reach beyond their own by a student’s “aha” moment expectations and to fi nd strength of understanding, overjoyed at within themselves. “Find your path, a student’s academic success, give back, make good choices.” challenged by a student’s “what if” questions, and inspired by a John Barnes, Virginia student’s willingness to meet and Th e most gratifying aspect of exceed the high expectations set teaching for me is to witness forth. Oh, what blessings! my students’ accomplishments, realizing that I was able to off er my support along the way. In ways they do not realize, I learn as much from my students as they learn from me. 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

Kevin E. Behne, Nebraska Robert C. Bond, Maine Thomas Canino, Nevada Karon L. Cogdill, Texas Tony Cornforth, Oklahoma I was inspired to join the teaching Teaching, at its best, is the art of “Th e horror, the horror.” Th at was As a teacher, nothing is more As a math teacher, I cannot resist profession by my parents (both encouraging passion for learning. the class valedictorian’s speech inspiring than the moment a the urge to express my thoughts teachers) and several of my high It is thrilling because I get to share at the end of my fi rst year of connection is made and the on teaching in theorem form. school instructors. I still enjoy that which I love with young teaching... about me! She returned light goes on for my students. If POE = my philosophy of the daily challenges, which are people who are passionate about from MIT the following year Creativity. A whole new magical education, P1 = a passion for many, and especially hope that educating themselves. When I see grateful that we had had English world opens up. I am able to see math, P2 = a passion for teaching, my students appreciate their role a student develop a new found class together. I am inspired by the results of that moment as and P3 = a passion for developing as citizens of the United States. interest in history, economics or every student that comes back the students move from pupils relationships with interesting Teaching is an adventure in Model United Nations because valuing our time together. to Artists. young people, then POE = P1 + learning – both for the student of my work the satisfaction P2 + P3! and the teacher. is immense. Robert Carp, New York Janet G. Colbert, Tennessee 59 Dan Corr, Washington It has occurred to me that A student may not necessarily use Jerilyn Bergdahl, Vermont Sallie Bookman, Pennsylvania teaching and gardening have the actual information he learns in I strive daily to demonstrate my A student hurried into honors Th e honor of working with much in common. To be a teacher a high school classroom every day passion for science and to instill chemistry class, exclaiming in highly motivated, goal-oriented, (gardener) you need careful for the rest of his life, but he will that passion in students. My mock indignation, “Mrs. Bergdahl, and focused students who have selection of material, patience, use the thought process obtained goal is to motivate and challenge what did you do? I see chemistry established a lifelong quest an ability to adapt, and hard by learning the material. I know simultaneously. Th e greatest everywhere now!” Th e classroom for knowledge is a genuinely work. It can produce spectacular I have done my job when my rewards occur when average, buzzed with conversation rewarding experience. I am results; you see growth, maturity students know how to think. hardworking students in my about chemistry relevance and truly inspired by their creativity, and success and know you helped Honors Science class ultimately connections. For a student, there is tenacity and drive. Th eir make it possible. Linda Shaw Conlon, become top students in my AP no greater stimulation to continue competitive nature holds them to Pennsylvania Biology class. Jessica Clark, District making connections; for a teacher, high academic standards, yet they She said in her essay, “If it wasn’t of Columbia Mary Jewell Cox, West Virginia no greater satisfaction. retain that ever-important love of for Mrs. Conlon…” Nearly learning. I feel very lucky to be in My father, a teacher of thirty everyone who has ever attended As an instrumental music director, William Billington, England their midst! years, told me to always ask my school can remember that one I spend additional time with the As a teacher and a coach, on the students about their games and special teacher, from among many great majority of my students. Dale Brabec, Alaska pitch and in the classroom, the performances. He understood, who cared, the one who made a My most rewarding experiences goal is to prepare my charges to Teaching is one of the most as I do now, that each student diff erence. Decades later, I can have been observing young people achieve more than they believed rewarding professions, and it’s the brings into class a unique set of still remember mine. To be that grow in character. Often, teachers possible. It is an honor and an one to which I want to dedicate experiences. Discovering what teacher for one of my students is are the only role models young inspiration to work with and learn my life. Seeing a student who has motivates and inspires my students the ultimate legacy. I love my job, people have. When I dwell on from students who constantly a confused facial expression change has made teaching endlessly my calling. my responsibilities as a music challenge themselves and to comprehension when they exciting for me. educator, I am most interested in tenaciously strive for excellence. internalize concepts and get my students’ becoming people the big picture – that is of integrity. my motivation.

TEACHER RECOGNITION AWARDEES REFLECT ON TEACHING Presidential Scholars 07Jennie Creer-King, Utah Ian Davies, Indonesia Ann Eckardt, Wyoming Pamela Fujinaka, Hawaii John Goebel, North Carolina I teach because every day I am able Javanese say: “We are a blank Teaching is greeting my students Teaching is a chance to make a I have always loved learning to see my students excel and reach canvas and everyone we meet leaves each day by name; knowing their diff erence. It might happen in a mathematics. My teachers inspired their goals. Th eir success is my a brush stroke upon us.” Teaching dreams, fears, tragedies, and favorite moment of discovery after a well- me to become a teacher. I was success. I have seen brilliance in my adds that touch of humanity, sports team; and then interweaving executed demonstration, or more kept inspired by students who students. passion, curiosity and hope that reading, writing, and thinking into likely in the spirited discussion of demonstrated the same passion for makes “just another painting, their lives. It is a pain in the neck, the one that failed. But with each learning mathematics. Th at is the Mara Cregan, Pennsylvania a masterpiece.” As my students the ultimate high, and always a new day and each student there is greatest compliment any student Th e most satisfying moments in become world citizens, “making surprise to be paid to do what always that one more chance. can give to a teacher. teaching are when students decide a real diff erence,” I am inspired I love. Jean Gill, Louisiana Dennis Gonnerman, Iowa that they are engaged in their and made a better person. It is my Andrea D. Eshelman, 60 own learning and become vested honor to know them. Th e best teacher deals with life Th e Bible says: “A plan in the New Hampshire stakeholders in their future. I relish in its highest complexity. I teach heart of man is like deep water, Iris Diaz Davila, Puerto Rico these moments – knowing that I I teach because it fosters my own the purely aesthetic in literature but a man of understanding draws have been a positive infl uence in As an educator, one of my greatest intellectual, spiritual, and artistic and creative writing, but with the it out.” (Proverbs 20:5) To give their development as artists, writers, joys is seeing a student strive to growth while contributing toward absolute principle of: “don’t write students the means to draw from and individuals. reach his or her full potential. the repair of the world. I’m inspired a lie; don’t read a writer who lies to that well of understanding is why History is my passion and to inspire by Allen Ginsberg’s words, “Th e you.” Th e fi nest student writing, I thank God for all the gifts of Adella Serrin Croft, Utah my students with the same passion only thing that can save the world no less than a master’s, is grounded teaching He has given me. Th is Mathematical knowledge is is a wonderful challenge. I truly is the reclaiming of the awareness of in truth. award truly goes to Him, not me. powerful: the more you know, the enjoy being able to help and guide the world. Th at’s what poetry does.” John Gillett, Wisconsin Maria G. Gonzalez, Florida more opportunities will present them as they achieve knowledge, Laurel Frank, Ohio themselves. I believe that dialogue, wisdom, and fi nd their place I teach mathematics to strengthen My passion for teaching is fueled exploration, writing, and a well- in history. More than the teaching of subject students’ ability to reason correctly. by my love for children and by my developed sense of humor are matter, the true joy in being an I teach about Jesus to share my faith unconditional belief in the promises Peggy Dyson, Alabama essential for an eff ective math class. educator is derived from the in our loving creator and redeemer. they hold. Being recognized by Bret I measure my success, not by my Th e joy of teaching and the joy of opportunity to guide and inspire I teach about his Catholic Church Voith – an admirable human being pass rate, but by my retention rate! learning are inseparable; teachers students to take ownership of their because in it faith and reason unite and a newly-minted Presidential share both with our students as we learning, to take risks, to challenge in the truth that sets us free Scholar – as his most inspiring Joe Cypressi, Maryland learn from them and with them, themselves, to experience the joy of for happiness. teacher is both an honor and the Being able to give kids the skills and they learn from us. Nowhere real learning, and to develop a sense highlight of my career. Melissa Gladtke, Massachusetts they won’t get anywhere else at the is this more true than in biology, of self. Lisa Grabarek, North Carolina high school level. Seeing their faces where new discoveries seem to Th ere is no better reward than to Diane C. Freeman, Georgia when they understand and when come at an ever-accelerating pace. see light bulbs go on in students’ Studying the Humanities tests our they are successful with those skills. Each year I attempt to abide by minds and to watch them ask courage to change our minds about Having a student say “thank you” three main themes in my classroom. questions, make connections and what it means to be human. I love for helping them fi nd success. I want my students to have fun come to new understandings about to see one of my students realize Th ese are the most rewarding learning math. I intend that they their world. It is a gift to be a part her freedom to think, hold herself things about teaching. will work harder than they had of opening up my students’ hearts responsible for her thinking, and planned to, and when the year and minds. then do the diffi cult and satisfying is over, they will say: she cared work of thinking for herself. about me. 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

Jane J. Grandusky, California Mark Haynes, Nebraska Ann P. Hitchings, Connecticut Jon P. Hughes, Vermont Kristen C. Johnson, Massachusetts I feel most satisfi ed when students What motivates me as a teacher is In our mission statement, we Seeing a smile on a face where one are genuinely engaged in creating the opportunity to draw students commit to educate to “personal is not usually found, or drawing Since I began as an educator, I something they feel is important. outside of themselves and persuade growth in an atmosphere of wise out that “Wow, I really understand have been engaged in teaching I value the work of each of my them to see the world thorough freedom.” Dedication to that goal this!” look on a student’s face is students at all levels of Andover’s students and hope they see this the eyes of individuals from opens the world both to students what makes it all worth while. biology curriculum. I take greatest as confi dence in their choices and diff erent backgrounds, cultures, and teachers. Scholar Jackie Nesi If I can make all my students pleasure in those “ah-hah!” and support of their learning. and time periods. I want them to embraces and is empowered smile before I head home I can “that’s so cool!” moments of grow in their respect and concern by challenges, and I value the sleep well. realization in my interactive Beenu Gupta, Delaware for every person on our planet. opportunities I have had to share classroom. Seeing students excited Linda H. James, Texas Teaching Biology is rewarding. I in her journey. about science makes my “job” Christine Hays, Colorado enjoy teaching students concepts I live for the moment when the all worthwhile! 61 Ellen Solow Holzman, New York of life, such as why constant stress I’ve guided students in historical studio crackles with excitement Lisa A. Johnson, Colorado increases blood glucose levels study for 32 years; however, this is I tell students I will never ask of as students and teachers share that can lead to many potential not my primary responsibility. If I them or myself more – or less their talent, creativeness and Th e “newness” of every single problems. My passion, enthusiasm, can help develop critical analytical – than their best. Once, while passion for the arts. Four years in day in the classroom is one of the and persistence brought many skills, my students gain remarkable I was teaching a heterogeneous a high school student’s life fl y by reasons I enjoy teaching so much. students to their full potential. Th e tools for their future. If I help ninth grade class, a bright boy so quickly. Th ankfully, the cycle Carefully thought-out lesson enjoyable moments are seeing their mentor kindness, compassion and complained that he hadn’t gotten renews itself with each incoming plans may need to be abandoned radiant faces when they succeed. camaraderie, they will give the an A on an essay that was the best class of promising young artists. or quickly refi ned if a lesson world a gift. in the class. “Yes,” I replied, “that’s And, the “ahas” begin again. just isn’t clicking or if at some Fred Haase, Indiana true. But is it your best?” Th e next critical moment I decide there is Jane Hester, Illinois Adam Jenkins, Illinois Th ere is a Latin aphorism “Dum paper was. a better and more creative way to doceo, disco,” which translated It has been my privilege and good My greatest feeling of teaching a topic. I am creative and Matthew Hrevnak, New Jersey means “While I teach, I learn.” I fortune to work with the most accomplishment comes in seeing innovative and teaching off ers me have learned much over the years amazing students, supportive My motivation as a mathematics the shy sophomores who begin my the stage to bring the numerous from my teachers and colleagues, parents and congenial teachers teacher is the question, “When am class present confi dent speeches topics of Chemistry alive to my but especially have learned from over the course of my 32-year I going to use this?” Having my by semester’s end. Th is ability to students. I simply love what I do. my students. To interact with career. Students who work to students understand the derivation communicate eff ectively is the key Alyson B. Jones, Mississippi them and my subject makes each their potentials and make positive and practical application of each that will unlock any door they will day a new and exciting experience. personal choices motivate me to concept is my ultimate goal, not later wish to open. For Scholar Knowing I have made a diff erence do my best work. Pure joy results! just the process of solving the Derrick Cooper, the doors to in even just one student’s life is Holli Hamner, South Carolina problem. I believe in making success are already open wide! enough. It’s the moment when I Life in my classroom is about mathematics enjoyable and see a former student and he thanks relationships… interpersonal meaningful. “Carpe Diem.” me for not giving up on him and relationships and curricular for helping him to see and reach relationships. A credible his full potential for success. relationship with students is essential to listening and being heard as we explore ideas together. I am honored to gain my students’ trust. Seeing former students continue on with enthusiasm and purpose is the greatest reward. TEACHER RECOGNITION AWARDEES REFLECT ON TEACHING Presidential Scholars 07Joseph Kerner, Massachusetts Edward Kramer, Ohio David Longest, Indiana Rosalie Mackay, Utah Laurie J. McKern, Oklahoma After almost 50 years as an English My passion has been the In “As You Like It”, Shakespeare After 40 years of teaching, I still Dr. Th omas Fuller once said, teacher, I can imagine no more opportunity – both inside and wrote: “All the world’s a stage…” get excited teaching subjects that I “Education begins a gentleman, rewarding way to spend a lifetime outside the classroom – to guide As a theater teacher, my twist on love – history and government – to conversation completes him.” or invest a life: inspiring young young minds on a path to the the Bard’s line is “Th e stage is the students that I come to love each Education is an ongoing people to love literature and future. I believe the goal of teachers world.” In this world, we study year. What better job could I have? conversation between myself language, to think and feel deeply, is to provide the compasses with history, literature, drama, science, Teaching a gifted, self-motivated and my students, who need a to imagine and dream – and to do which students will set a course to art, technology, psychology, music, student like Scholar Kenneth safe environment in which to something genuine and generous their horizons and ultimately realize design… we do it all! I am blessed. Brewer is like icing on the cake. test their thoughts and ideas with their lives. their life’s potential. before unleashing them on the Allyson Lynch, Tennessee Robert Marley, Rhode Island unforgiving public. MaryAnn Klongland, Wisconsin Megan Lambert, North Carolina 62 Students might recognize Hamlet’s I stress to my students that Brian McKernan, Montana My proudest moment as an I teach to refute Mark Twain’s claim famous soliloquy from Billy education is the key to freedom educator was when Scholar Mallery that “Classics are books that people Madison, but in my class they truly and opportunity. A well-rounded As a counselor, the most important Olsen chose me to receive this praise and do not read.” I want my grapple with “to be or not to be.” education gives students choices (and rewarding) part of my job is honor. I taught Mallery her fi rst students to see that great literature We discover literature’s truths: some and allows them to discover their forming strong relationships with 2 years in public education, that is not dull, and that our classroom assuring, others challenging. Such gifts. I am grateful to have had great my students. Having the honor of being Kindergarten and First community provides a place for us experiences confi rm education’s teachers that provided me with an really getting to know every student Grade. I currently teach Reading to bring these works to life through value, but for me, cultivating excellent education. I am motivated in my school not only gives my Recovery to struggling fi rst graders. our shared inquiry. positive, personal relationships with to give that same gift of education days meaning, but also allows me to My passion/motivation/drive is “if students yields the greatest reward. to my students. have a true impact on their lives. I can’t get these children reading, George Lang, District who will?” Relying on next year’s of Columbia Taira Renee Lynch, Indiana Cynthia McCoy, Nevada Linda Mead, Nebraska teacher is not an option for me. I I have enjoyed teaching physics I became a teacher because I love I teach 20% English and 80% how People have asked why I’ve have one chance with these kids and math for the past 40 years. science and wanted to share my to be a human being. My greatest remained in teaching for 39 and this chance is life-altering. To While much remains the same in enthusiasm for the subject. I joy is seeing my Presidential Scholar years. My response: because give kids the best start in education an introductory physics class, there still share that enthusiasm with and a student from Clark Challenge of the great “get it” factor. In is what inspires me. is still a great deal of change. For my students; however, it is the (a program that places students classroom speeches and in forensic example, next year I am using a cd acts of kindness, the model of competition, it has been seeing Br. Richard Kovatch, Louisiana who have never had honors classes for the text – no book! Th e best responsibility, integrity, and passion into an honors program) working the joy on a student’s face when My motivation and style come part pf teaching for me has been the for life that I hope to pass on to together, each contributing in his he knows that he can speak with from St. John Baptist de La Salle: kids – they keep me young and add my students. area of expertise. eloquence and confi dence. He We teachers “carry out a work a lot to my life. “gets it!” that requires us to touch hearts, but we cannot do this except by the Spirit of God”; therefore, we must remember that “the main conversion [of our students] is of the heart; without it, the conversion of the mind is quite sterile.” 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

Susan (Zan) Mehlhorn, Maine Diane Lynn Miller, Wyoming Steve Morgan, Arizona Jane Occhiogrosso, New Jersey Tallon S. Perkes, Texas My elementary school’s motto “Find out what you like doing best Th e thing I enjoy most I have spent 33 years teaching My motivation is to preserve was “Learning is fun!” Th at was and get someone to pay you for it.” about teaching is the sense of high school English – hopefully the traditions of classical music. my experience and is one of – Anonymous Th is sums up how I accomplishment that students challenging and inspiring my However, the students fuel my my primary classroom goals. I feel about teaching. It is the most leave my class with. I am so proud students through academic rigor enthusiasm for teaching. I fi nd dedicate this recognition to those challenging career I could ever to watch them move confi dently coupled with kindness, and satisfaction in showing them who inspired and motivated me: imagine. Th e very best aspect of through the lab. I hope that I certainly being challenged and their potential to formulate a Ted Wuerfel at Lotspeich, Dennis teaching is my students; they are can inspire them as much as they stimulated by them. My reward goal and work towards it, develop Reichelderfer, George Luthringer, intelligent, funny, creative, and inspire me. comes when these students succeed technique, observe analytically and Neil Smith at Seven Hills, highly entertaining. and return to thank me for the and intuitively, defi ne a concept, and Gary Rosen, Steve Fisk, Dick Erica Morrison, Missouri role I played in their success. then communicate it expressively Patricia Ann Miller, Maryland Chitham, and Jon Goldstein Albert Einstein said: “Th e most through their instrument. 63 Mary O’Keeffe, New York at Bowdoin. Th ey proved that Training a new generation of important thing is not to stop Ronald Poplau, Kansas learning is even more fun when it scientists is both a daunting questioning.” As an English Knowledge is a wonderful thing: challenges you to extend beyond challenge and an incredible teacher, my most important the more you give away, the more Indeed, I would rather teach what you believe yourself capable privilege. From the enthusiasm charge is to teach adolescents to you have for yourself. Sharing than work! Doctors save lives, of accomplishing. expressed at the fi rst sighting of think independently and critically what you know with others but teachers change lives. What a microscopic organism to that about the world around them deepens your own understanding. an honor to be a vital part of a Gene Menton, Michigan moment when comprehension and to express these ideas clearly Students who share my joy in student’s life and aff ect him or her American science education is dawns, students off er their and passionately. Th e questions teaching others inspire me and forever. Education lasts an entire highly regimented. We teach from appreciation for my teaching. my students raise are much more bring me great happiness. lifetime. Sacred Scripture said it a uniform set of textbooks; we Best of all, though, is the laughter intriguing than their answers! best: “Th ose who teach shall shine cover a standard, often state- we share. Sheri Owens, Illinois like the stars forever!” Jeanne Neupert, England mandated syllabus; and we teach I can’t imagine a profession that’s Gino Molfi no, Maryland David Quarfoot, Connecticut toward the end goal of student Teaching is both a vocation and more rewarding than teaching. achievement on a standardized My job as an educator of art and a privilege. Teaching is both As a choir director, I’m fortunate I love teaching because, at its test. What is important to photography is to make students frustrating and fulfi lling. When a to teach my students for four most basic and revealing level, me is that students do science uncomfortable: shake up what student confi des that she enjoys years. It’s a tremendous gift to education is the purest of pursuits. beyond the classroom. I facilitate they know, consider the possibility studying Shakespeare, or a former share in their journeys through Each day I have the opportunity involvement in student research of a diff erent point of view, and student writes to tell me that I the struggles and triumphs of to share the humbling truth of that gets them involved in the get them to ask why – all while have prepared him for college adolescence. My students’ energy, the universe, and in doing so, actual process of science. addressing the challenge of writing, I feel that I am helping creativity, spontaneity, and carry the awesome responsibility critically discovering the beautiful prepare my students for life. eagerness to learn make each day a of presenting it as honestly and Kurt R. Meyer, California in the seemingly ordinary. A refreshing experience. eff ectively as I know how. Students are teachers as well student once informed me that I as learners, so they are the ruined her life. She declared that true motivational force in the she had trouble making it through classroom. It is they who stimulate brushing her teeth without the honing of my teaching, and as analyzing the many decisions and I learn so do they. What they give actions that it took to complete to me creates what they gain the daily activity. I smiled and for themselves. said, “You’re welcome.” TEACHER RECOGNITION AWARDEES REFLECT ON TEACHING Presidential Scholars 0 Eileen Quiñones- William Richardson, Arkansas Kjell-Jon Rye, Washington Nancy Schick, New Mexico Ronald Shinn, Alabama 7Diaz, Puerto Rico I enjoy teaching history and the Th e experience in the Global When I retired, my students made It is fundamental to believe in the Each day a challenge, each day social sciences, however, I most Technology Academy at Garfi eld t-shirts featuring my favorite enormous capabilities of young a reward. Being able to teach enjoy seeing my students excel in High School transforms young quotation, “A little rebellion now people and provide the atmosphere language and literature for the last the classroom. I feel that if I am lives through practical leadership and then is a good thing.” Th irty- and thought processes that can 22 years has been an unparalleled not putting forth my best eff ort, development and inclusive, seven years in the classroom shaped nourish their spirits. As a classical gift. Energy, dreams, inquiries, then my students will not succeed. I immersive cultural exchanges me into an occasional rebel. I tried pianist, it is wonderful to fi nd discoveries, progress in a magical believe a teacher must be willing to to help underserved people to teach my students that to stand young people who, inspired by space- the classroom. Educating is go the “extra fi ve miles.” throughout the world achieve up, speak out, and eff ect change is challenges to mind, body and soul, a life long journey that transforms digital literacy and self-suffi ciency. indeed healthy. rise to unbelievable levels. my students and me. It is indeed Keren Robertson, California Our student teams travel the world Fr. Gregory Schweers, Texas Bill Schulz, South Dakota 64 a joy. Th ursday evening. I start the stack to install refurbished computers of freshman sonnets on my desk. into networked school labs. Literature presents the imaginative Th ree minutes before class, I looked Michelle Radio, Kansas A love poem from Jinjoo to her world of ideas and values in up from my desk into an unfamiliar Frank Sachs, Minnesota Th e world is a wondrous place opposable thumbs. An ode by Kelly confl ict. Teaching Dante’s face. “Mr. Schulz, I was a student requiring complexity of thought to the monsters under her bed. Even before I began my career as an “Inferno” or the stories of Flannery in your class fi fteen years ago. My and courage of action. At the Th en, a perfect sonnet. Dennis’ fi rst educator, I possessed a strong desire O’Connor is such a challenge family and I are on our way to highest level, teachers inspire their fi nished work in weeks. And I’m to make a diff erence in the lives of because I get to lead my students Colorado, and I wanted to stop and students to live deliberate lives reminded (again) of how much I students while being respectful of vicariously through it all, and come thank you.” Th e bell rang. He left. balancing knowledge, justice, and love this job. each individual’s gifts. I believe in out on the other side – enriched by Class began. compassion; fi nding their own best the infi nite possibilities of every the words and wisdom of masters! selves within. At the point students John Rogers, Michigan individual’s ability to succeed if Jeannette Spain, Texas Jason Sebern, South Dakota pick up the gauntlet and exercise In a time period that seems to their gifts are properly nurtured Building positive relationships their faith responsibly through bring a terrifi c push to raise test and guided. Teaching is an opportunity to make with students is the foundation gratitude, respect, and service, our scores, I have always felt education a positive diff erence in the lives of education. Teachers provide Jeffrey Schaetzke, Wisconsin reward is revealed. was a human endeavor, and that of young people. It is also a great students with the skills, concepts, my primary role was to create I truly believe that no matter responsibility, and I cannot think and attitudes to become life- Patti Peterson Raynock, lifelong learners. Using the energy what challenges are put in front of of a profession more signifi cant or long learners and successful Pennsylvania the kids bring to the classroom, students, they can and most likely more rewarding. professionals. I am satisfi ed and I believe in my science teaching that I hope to make learning interesting will always exceed them. I love pleased when my students no by mentoring students I can not for them. Th en the goal of higher working in a fi eld where young Eric Severson, Minnesota longer need me as their teacher, but only promote scientifi c literacy, but achievement can be more men and women are encouraged I believe learning is still count me among their friends. also engage students in exploring easily attained. to share their talents, share their kaleidoscopic; the best learning is the wonders and mysteries of the passions, and share their lives with multidisciplinary, and perhaps that natural world. each other. is why I am drawn to literature and theatre: for their intersections through various disciplines – philosophy, history, music, art, psychology and the symbiosis created from such crossings. 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

Lisa Stillman, Mississippi Ira Taxin, New York Janeth P. Waggoner, Texas Thomas Wermuth, Illinois Patricia Worsham, Virginia Teaching at home has been a I have the good fortune to teach Both teaching and learning have Every student who walks through I have the best job in the world. delightful blessing. Our family talented and gifted children at Th e always been my passions. As an the door is an opportunity to Each day I do what I love – share swam with dolphins while Juilliard School. It is wonderfully educator, I perceive challenging, fi ll each page of their lives with my passion for language and studying about the ocean, packed rewarding to be a vital part of their nourishing, and enriching students wonderment, excitement, and literature with young people. our books and spent fi ve months musical development, and for as a privilege. I share with students challenge. I can imagine nothing From the simplest haiku to the in Europe, learned more about some, their professional careers. that learning is fun, valuable, more gratifying to which to devote most challenging novel or sestina, God, camped in the Grand Each day is fi lled with challenge, and a life-long experience. I my life’s work. I am honored to I believe in the beauty and power Canyon in the fall, completed promise, and the joy and love love teaching and supporting be of service in this capacity in of words to inform, inspire, and the textbooks, and produced two of music. others as they learn, as well as this lifetime. transform lives. National Merit Finalists. learning myself. Tatia Totorica, Idaho David A. Wilkinson, Oregon Peter Wozniak, New York 65 Janice C. Strickland, Alaska Lily Cabatu Weiss, Texas I cannot imagine anything more I strive to prepare students for It takes three things to make a “Be an opener of doors for such gratifying than helping students I consider recognition by a meaningful participation in good teacher: love of subject, love as come after thee.” Using the understand, appreciate, and apply student as the highest honor in civic discourse, and I believe of teaching, and love of kids. I am words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, complex mathematical concepts. teaching. When our building political activism is an integral blessed in that I have been able Hillary Walker, my Scholar, Providing clarity, instilling a sense was demolished last year to part of teaching. I’m honored to to have a career in which each of captures the essence of teaching. of confi dence, watching students’ make room for a new state-of- be entrusted with helping shape these three loves is fulfi lled. In ascribing to me the “power to excitement when meeting with the-art facility, leaving only the young minds, and I believe that it open doors, whether they are success, and witnessing the original 1922 building standing, is not my job to tell students what Glenn Zwanzig, Kentucky the doors of literature or the doors evolution of their attitudes toward my students (past and present) to think, but to teach them how I am in love with teaching. My of a Parisian café,” Hillary defi nes mathematics is the most satisfying became my teachers by renewing to think. students inspire me. I love being my mission: to challenge labor of love I can undertake. in me something that I instilled in the classroom and watching Michael V. Woodward, intellectually and to empathize in them long ago - that the magic the excitement when the students JoAnn Wadkins, Oregon Tennessee with the human condition. of art, creativity, and learning is learn new things. I believe that When a student asks a thoughtful imbedded within the students and Teaching is more an avocation students can be pushed to high Linda Jewell Strojan, question, when they tell me the faculty, not in the building. than a vocation, and good levels. Each student has their own South Carolina about their day, when they join When one of my students chose pedagogy represents a potpourri plateau and I strive to help each of As a Guidance Counselor, I try to me for a good laugh, when they the rubble of the old building as of talents: acting, preaching, them reach it. teach responsibility, self-reliance accomplish something they never the site for a photo shoot and said, lecturing, listening, warning, and and problem solving, and yet, each thought possible, when they learn “...for those in pursuit of the arts, discussing. After thirty-six years, day I benefi t from the sheer talent, something new in my class, I there are (spiritual) things here teaching young people remains a the decency, the wonder and the am enriched. that a physical change can’t take lively and invigorating challenge, away,” I knew my teaching had enthusiasm of those with whom fi lled with real opportunities I work, and I have hope. What Dora J. Wagener, Arizona come full circle. to share the confusion and other profession lends itself to I fi rst entered teaching with a complexity, the excitement and such reward? “short term” attitude: this would the tragedy of our nation’s past. not last a lifetime. After only One incident: A former student, one year, I was addicted. I love an outstanding football player teaching students about Japan and here at McCallie, emailed me its language, but what motivates his excitement on debating his me, what addicted me in the fi rst professor on certain notions place, is the interaction I have with and ideas of Plato and Aristotle! my students. Sometimes it sticks.

07Presidential Scholars

Th e Commission is a group of private citizens appointed by the President to select

and honor the Presidential Scholars. Commissioners are selected from across the

country, representing the fi elds of education, medicine, law, social services, business, The Commission On 66 and other professions. Th e Commissioners make the diffi cult choices of selecting Presidential Scholars Scholars from an initial pool of approximately 2,600 candidates who demonstrate and its Partners exceptional accomplishments in academics and the arts, and an outstanding commitment to public service.

Th e Commission invites the Presidential Scholars and their Teachers to Washington,

DC for National Recognition Week. Activities are funded through a public-

private partnership of the Presidential Scholars Foundation and private corporate

and philanthropic sources. As guests of the Commission, the Scholars meet

with government offi cials, educators, authors, musicians, scientists, and other

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

their honor and visit museums and monuments of the nation’s capital. 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

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 Bundgaard served Legislative Hattie Daniels-Rush is a licensed 67 As Vice President for Metropolitan Management Group, Inc., a Little Valley, California, elected in District 19 in the Arizona State marriage and family therapist in Relations at George Mason Rock Southern strategy and grass November of 1998. Currently a Legislature for eight years. First the state of Wisconsin. She is a University (GMU), Mr. Taylor roots-based political consulting Public Aff airs Region Manager for elected at age 25 to the Arizona former secondary school English is involved with federal and local fi rm. State Director of the Bush the Southern California Edison House of Representatives, Scott teacher, and has worked in the governments, private and non- for President Committee-Arkansas; Company. Former Legislative Aide was elected two years later as the Milwaukee Public School District profi t companies, organizations Chief of Staff to Congressman to Assemblyman James L. Brulte, youngest member of the State as a social worker, case manager, and associations that will benefi t Jay Dickey (R-AR4) from 1993- responsible for legislation dealing Senate, serving as Chairman of and program coordinator for HR the university and support and 1995; Executive Director of the with California’s utility industry the Senate Finance Committee Academy. Mrs. Daniels-Rush is enhance interaction and goals for Republican Party of Arkansas and the State Allocation Board, for six years. He also served on extremely active in her church and all. He works with GMU central from 1990-1992 and 1996-1999. which fi nances the renovation and the Appropriations, Judiciary, community. She is a weekly radio administration and academic units Managing Partner, Capital Resource construction of public schools. Commerce, Natural Resources & talk show host, and, in 2001, was to develop and/or address their Management from 1999-2000. Former Deputy Director for Environment, and Joint Legislative appointed by Milwaukee’s Mayor mission and goals for support from One of Arkansas Business Magazine’s the Offi ce of External Aff airs in Budget Committees. Scott coaches John Norquist to serve as the city’s the private sector, non-profi ts, “40 most infl uential businessmen.” the Administration of Governor basketball for the Boys & Girls Faith-Based Liaison. She serves and local and federal government Board member of Th e Little Rock Wilson, overseeing the operation Club, the City of Glendale, and on numerous boards, including agencies, to support academic goals, Club from 1996-1999; Board of the Governor’s fi eld offi ces and Arizona Youth Sports. He is an the Salvation Army Advisory internships, partnership and research member and legislative committee serving as liaison for constituent active board member and a mentor Board, COGIC Social Services, initiatives; and to promote initiatives chairman, Professional Counseling groups. He is an active community with MatchPoint, a faith-based Christian Business & Professional with international governments. Associates from 1995-2001. member, serving on the Simi Valley one-on-one mentoring program Alliances, Hysop Diagnostic and He also works with University Currently serving on President Education Foundation and Boys for at-risk youth, affi liated with Treatment Center, and V&J Foods Relations to identify media Bush’s Commission on White & Girls Club Board of Directors Prison Fellowship Ministries. (a franchise of Burger King and organizations to cover and publish House Fellowships. Served as an and participating in the Economic Scott is a partner in a New York Pizza Hut). She is the recipient media items. Professional, business instructor on Building Democracy Development Collaborative of City private equity fi rm, resides in of many honors, including the and civic roles include service on for the International Republican Ventura County. Council Member Phoenix with his wife Anne, and 2003 Outstanding Community the boards of Alexandria Chamber Institution in Washington, DC. Becerra and his wife Sally have two holds an MBA from Th underbird Involvement and the 2003 of Commerce, Arlington Chamber children, Elizabeth and Nicholas. Graduate School for International Planters of Positive Seed awards, of Commerce, Leadership Greater Management. and has been named the African Washington, BB&T Bank, for the American Chairperson of the Washington Metropolitan Regions, Wisconsin Republican Party. Washington Region for Justice and Inclusion, and the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Undergraduate Scholarship Review Board. THE COMMISSION ON PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS AND ITS PARTNERS 07Presidential Scholars

Jeanne Ferst, Georgia Michael A. Galiazzo, Maryland Robert A. Gleason Jr., Marcia A. Jackson, Virginia Elizabeth K. Johnson, Virginia Pennsylvania 68 Mrs. Ferst has been deeply Dr. Michael Galiazzo is Marcia Jackson, a graduate of the Practicing Landscape Architect, involved international, public, president of Get Results, a Mr. Gleason, a leading insurance University of Missouri-St. Louis, private practice, A.S.L.A. Former and civic aff airs for over 30 project management company broker, has served in his family’s holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Board Member of the Virginia years. She has served as a that specializes in collaborative business since 1965, after 4 years Science and a Bachelor of Science Board for Architects, Professional participant in many international workforce development eff orts as a Captain in the US Air Force. in Business Administration- Engineers, Land Surveyors, conferences, including the involving business, labor, Rob led Gleason, Inc., as President Accounting. Mrs. Jackson is experi- Certifi ed Interior Designers, and Ditchley Conference of 1996 government and education. from 1970-1994, and next as enced in the marketing and business Landscape Architects. Active & 1999, the German-American He has served in a variety of Chairman/CEO. In 1985, he held development area, specializing in campaign and political volunteer. Economic Relations Conference leadership roles in community- a 2-year term as Secretary of the growth strategies for small and mid- in 1997, and was a member based organizations, and worked Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. size fi rms. Her work has focused of the President’s Commission in higher education. Dr. Galiazzo Returning to Gleason, he also kept on coordinating and developing Hostage Compensation in 1981. has earned a Doctor of Philosophy, active in national, state and county HIV/Aids projects, corporate social She studied at the University of Education Administration, politics: in 1996 he was elected responsibility projects in Africa, Chicago and then began working Community College Leadership Chair, Cambria County Republican and agri-industrial development. with the United Nations. Since Program, Th e University of Committee, winning re-election in She is a board trustee of Meridian then, she was a member of the Texas at Austin; Leadership 1998. From 1993-1997, Governor International, a regional board President’s Panel on South Asian Certifi cate, Center for Creative Casey named him to the State member of Th e National Women’s Relief Assistance, the Acting Leadership, Greensboro, North Turnpike Commission; in 1997, Museum of the Arts and sits on Chairman of the Cultural and Carolina; Master of Science, Governor Ridge tapped him for the Executive Committee of the Civic Aff airs Committee in Applied Behavioral Science, the Transportation Commission. Links Incorporated, Metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, and a member Th e Johns Hopkins University; A graduate of the University of Chapter of Washington, DC. In of the Advisory Committee on Hopkins Fellow, Community Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, 1995, then-Governor George W. Voluntary Foreign Aid with and Organizational Systems, Rob is a University Trustee, and Bush appointed Mrs. Jackson to the the Agency for International Th e Johns Hopkins University; served St. Francis College for Governor’s Commission for Women; Development/US State Bachelor of Arts, Human 10 years as Trustee, and for two in 2001, President Bush appointed Department. She is a board Services Administration, Antioch years as Vice Chair. In 1999, her to serve on the Commission member of several international University, 1978. Th e Council of Insurance Agents for Presidential Scholars and the organizations, including the and Brokers named him Chair. President’s Commission for White Southern Center for International Rob is also director/secretary for House Fellowships. She is married Studies, and is a Trustee of the the Roman Catholic Diocese of and has two daughters. Morris Brown College. Altoona-Johnstown’s Foundation; trustee/ former Chair of Memorial Medical Center; trustee of Conemaugh Health System; and chairs his Parish Finance Council. 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

Richard R. Kilgust, Texas Robert L. King, Arizona Manuel Lujan, Jr., New Mexico Modesto A. Maidique, Florida Fernando A. Mateo, New York

Dick Kilgust is Managing In 2006, Robert King became Mr. Lujan currently owns his Dr. Maidique is the fourth Entrepreneur and self-made 69 Partner, Global Public President and CEO of the own consulting fi rm, Manuel President of Florida International millionaire Fernando Mateo is Policy and Regulatory for Arizona Community Foundation, Lujan Associates. He also sits University (FIU), a public research President and CEO of Hispanics PricewaterhouseCoopers. He is a statewide philanthropy, after on the Boards of numerous university with an enrollment Across America, a not-for-profi t a Member of the fi rm’s Global serving for over fi ve years as companies, including the banking, of 32,000 students. Appointed organization promoting fi nancial Leadership Team. He develops Chancellor of America’s largest construction, electric, gas, and in 1986, Dr. Maidique is the independence and homeownership and helps implement PwC policies public university system, the State telecommunications industries. He longest serving public university for all Hispanics throughout the and positions relating to legislative University of New York (SUNY). was the United States Secretary of president in Florida. He holds a country. Mr. Mateo originated and regulatory changes impacting During his tenure SUNY increased the Interior from 1989 to 1993 Ph.D. in Solid State Physics from Operation “Toys for Guns”, the accounting profession. Dick and diversifi ed enrollment, and a Member of the United States MIT and is a graduate of the a popular anti-gun program, meets frequently with lawmakers, expanded research and enhanced Congress from 1969 to 1989. PMD Program at the Harvard founded Carpet Fashions, and other policy-makers, investors academic quality. Immediately As a Representative from New Business School. He has served currently serves as President of the and regulators to address matters before joining the Foundation, Mexico’s 1st District, he was on as a member of the faculty at New York State Federation of Taxi aff ecting the accounting profession King was named a University the Interior and Insular Aff airs MIT, Harvard, and Stanford. Drivers. Recognized by the New and its role in capital markets. Professor, the institution’s highest Committee, the Science, Space He was appointed by former York Chamber of Commerce & Dick is a former member of academic rank by SUNY’s Trustees, and Technology Committee, and President George H. W. Bush to Industry for business excellence PricewaterhouseCoopers Global and served as interim President the Joint Committee on Atomic his Education Policy Advisory and commitment to New Oversight Board and U.S. Board of SUNY Potsdam. He served on Energy. Mr. Lujan is the Organizer Committee, and was appointed York City’s growth, Mr. Mateo of Partners and Principals. He President Bush’s 2000 education and Chairman of the Endowment by President George W. Bush’s has been lauded by the state’s has served as the lead partner on transition team, and since 2004, on for Excellence in Education, Education Transition Panel. He entrepreneurial community audit clients of all sizes, including UNESCO’s Education Committee. which provides college serves on the Board of Directors of for his work refl ecting social some of the fi rm’s largest. Dick In 1998-1999, King was New scholarships for students in National Semiconductor and the responsibility. Mr. Mateo has joined Price Waterhouse in York’s budget director, and prior to New Mexico universities. Carnival Corporation and he is a lectured in the university, college, 1973 after graduating from the that led Governor Pataki’s Offi ce member of the Secretary of Energy school and corrections circuits, University of Wisconsin with an of Regulatory Reform. He served Advisory Board. and has conducted workshops MBA degree. He was named as as Monroe County Executive, and on the dangers of drug abuse the 1995 Distinguished Alumnus for four years was Rochester’s State and criminality. Born in the of the University of Wisconsin Assemblyman. King holds a law Dominican Republic and raised Department of Accounting and degree from Vanderbilt University on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, Information Systems. He is a board and a bachelor’s degree from Trinity Mr. Mateo is married with member of Big Brothers and Big College, and worked for 13 years three children. Sisters of North Texas. as a prosecutor in California and New York. THE COMMISSION ON PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS AND ITS PARTNERS 07Presidential Scholars

Charlotte Mohr, Iowa Robert E. Moss, John F. Mueller, Wyoming Laura E. Owens, Kentucky Andrea Peterson, Washington Washington, DC Charlotte Mohr is a lifelong Jack Mueller is a native of 70 In 2006, Governor Fletcher Ms. Peterson, a music teacher at resident of Iowa, Registered Nurse, Robert Moss has worked in many Cheyenne Wyoming and a tapped Laura Emberton Owens as Monte Cristo Elementary School mother of four, and farming capacities, but his primary role has graduate with a Bachelor of Arts Kentucky’s Secretary of Education. in Granite Falls, was named 2007 partner with Jim, her late husband been as a public policy strategist. and a Master of Education from She previously served in the National Teacher of the Year by of 42 years. Her career has From 1993-1998, Bob served as the University of Wyoming. He Education Cabinet as Deputy President Bush. Born in British included a 13-year appointment Vice President for Government taught in public high schools in Secretary, and prior to that, as Columbia and the child of a by then-Governor Branstad as the Aff airs for the American Texas and Wyoming before joining Commissioner of Workforce veteran teacher, she moved to the fi rst chair of Iowa’s Job Training Automobile Manufacturers the Wyoming Department of Investment, and holds further U.S. at age 8, graduating in 1991 Partnership Act Commission, Association. He spent ten years as Education. His assignments during appointments to the Education from Washington’s Onalaska High and 18 years’ service on the Vice President of Federal Aff airs his 30-year career included school Commission of the States and School. Despite winning a pre-med Environmental Commission. for the Coastal Corporation and accreditation, school evaluation, the Southern Regional Education scholarship, she followed her heart During her 32-year involvement served as deputy and then chief program evaluation and teacher Board (SREB). Before joining to earn bachelor’s degrees in vocal with the Scott County Library, legislative and intergovernmental certifi cation. He currently state government, she focused and instrumental music and music the system grew from one aff airs offi cer for the Department serves as Chairman of the State on education, workforce training education from the University of library to ten, culminating in a of the Treasury. He also acted Library Board of Wyoming and and local government issues. Washington in 1996. Peterson was 2002 fundraising eff ort for the as Treasury’s Congressional and is Chairman of the Wyoming She taught on the secondary the State’s fi rst teacher in early and newest structure, in which she White House liaison. Mr. Moss Board of Geographic Names. and post secondary levels for middle childhood music certifi ed by was instrumental. She served spent eight years in top staff He was appointed by Secretary some 20 years, and then became the National Board for Professional for 15 years as Chairman of the positions on Capitol Hill and as of Education William Bennett a curriculum coordinator and Teaching Standards, and has Scott County Board of Health, a member of the Federal Election to serve on the Commission on instructional specialist for the taught in Granite Falls throughout and continues as Chairman of Commission, and served as chief Accreditation and Institutional Barren County School District. She her 10-year career. Th anks to her the Board of Directors of Valley legal counsel for the U.S. House Eligibility, where he served also provided leadership training leadership in creating a music Bank-- in 1993, the fi rst bank to of Representatives. He received his for six years. Currently he is as a communications consultant. program despite scarce resources, be chartered in Iowa in 25 years. Juris Doctor from the University semi-retired and is involved in In 2003-2004, Owens served as nearly every 5th grader can read She was the state’s delegate to the of California at Berkeley (Boalt volunteer activities. an elected city council member music and understand music theory Associated Country Women of the Hall) and a Bachelor of Arts in Glasgow. She is a graduate of and history. She introduced a cross- World, traveling to Kenya in degree from the University of the Western Kentucky University with curriculum program incorporating 1977 and Germany in 1980. Pacifi c in Stockton, California. bachelors’ degrees in English and lessons taught in classes like English In 2003, Charlotte was elected communication and a master’s and math and expanding on them Trustee of the Herbert Hoover degree in communication. Secretary in 8-week units. Peterson, the Presidential Library. Owens and her husband, Donnie, 57th National Teacher honoree, reside in Frankfort, where he is serves for a year as full-time Principal of Elkhorn Elementary national and international School. Th ey have a daughter, a son, education spokesperson. and two grandchildren. 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

Bryan Pickens, Texas Jean Potter, West Virginia Robert Ray, Iowa Renee Russell, North Carolina Harvey W. Schiller, New York

Bryan Pickens is President Jean Potter began her career as a Robert Ray, named “Most Mrs. Russell is Director of Dr. Schiller, Board Chairman for 71 of Pickens Capital, LLC, an teacher for the Norwin School Infl uential Iowan,” served an Telecommunications for GlobalOptions Group, previously entrepreneurial investment District in Irwin, Pennsylvania. unprecedented fi ve terms as Mission-St. Joseph’s Health served as Chairman of Assante US company focused on natural She was later asked to join the Governor of his native state, System. In addition she has a and Chairman/CEO of YankeeNets, resource exploration and real West Virginia State Department of and has been Republican State telecommunications consulting a sports media company that estate development. He manages Education to implement the Early Chairman, Chairman of the fi rm. Her career has concentrated owns the NY Yankees, NJ Nets, a diversifi ed mix of companies, Childhood Education Program, Republican State Chairmen, and primarily in the private sector with and NJ Devils. From 1994- providing seed consulting and and, during her tenure there, also member of the Republican National the ROLM and IBM companies. 1999, he was vice president of capital structure experience to taught graduate and undergradu- Committee. He chaired the As well as her professional sports programming for Turner emerging businesses with proven ate courses for several colleges and National Governors’ Association, obligations, she is also very active Broadcasting, president of Turner potential for aggressive, prudent universities. During the Reagan ad- Republican Governors’ Association, in the community as Vice Chair Sports, and president of the NHL’s revenue growth. He also co-owns ministration, Mrs. Potter served in Midwestern Governors’ for Eblen Charities, Special Events Atlanta Th rashers. Earlier he was Collectors Covey, Texas’ premier the U.S. Department of Education Association, and Educational Chair for the Mission St. Joseph’s Executive Director/Secretary wildlife and sporting art gallery and as Deputy Assistant Secretary Commission of the States, and was Foundation Board, and Vice General of the US Olympic print publisher, representing the for Elementary and Secondary President of the Council of State President for Legislative Aff airs Committee (USOC), earning fi nest wildlife artists and off ering Education, and later, as that Offi ce’s Governments. An army veteran, his for the North Carolina Medical the Olympic Order. From 1986- original works, conservation art, Acting Assistant Secretary. She left career includes U.S. Representative Society Alliance. She is politically 1990, he was Commissioner of and specialty merchandise for the this position to become Deputy to the United Nations, law partner, active on the local and state level. the Southeastern Conference and sportsman. An active political to the Chief of Staff in the U.S. President and CEO of two life Renee lives in Candler, North member of the NCAA Executive fundraiser, he is the founding Environmental Protection Agency. insurance companies, President of Carolina with her husband, Don Committee. His service as USAF Chairman of Maverick PAC USA, She is a professional speaker on Drake University, and Trustee of and her two children, Hailey pilot from 1962-1986 included an organization for next-generation the subject of early childhood the Hoover Presidential Library. and Allie. combat in Vietnam, and he attained political leaders under age 45. His education, and is an award-winning He is on the Board of Directors the rank of Brigadier General. In strong community ties include author of seven children’s books of various corporations and health 1980, the President named him serving on the boards of trustees that deal with educational subjects, care organizations, as well as on Permanent Professor at the USAF of the Texas Parks & Wildlife and a developer of educational ma- national commissions and advisory Academy. He holds a B.S. from Th e Foundation and the Circle Ten terials for pre-school. Mrs. Potter boards, and has received countless Citadel, and master’s and doctorate Council of Boy Scouts of America. and her husband, Th omas E. Potter, professional, educational, and civic degrees from the University of He holds an MBA from Southern are the parents of seven-year-old honors. He and his wife live in Des Michigan. Schiller was Vice Chair Methodist University, and a BA triplets, Christopher, Alexandria Moines, and have three children of the Host Committee of the 2004 from Vanderbilt University. Bryan and Victoria. and eight grandchildren. Republican National convention, and his wife Jennifer reside in and was named to the USOC’s Dallas with their daughter. Independent Commission by the Senate. He and wife Marcia live in New York City. THE COMMISSION ON PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS AND ITS PARTNERS 07Presidential Scholars

Linda O. Shaw, North Carolina Flo N. Traywick, Virginia Mary K. Turner, Virginia Paul G. Vallas, Pennsylvania Fidel Vargas, California

72 Linda O. Shaw was elected Guilford Republican National Mary Kay Turner recently retired Mr. Vallas, CEO of the School Fidel Vargas is Vice President of County Commissioner in 1998 and Committeewoman; Vice Chair, from teaching World Religion and District of Philadelphia, is Business Development at Reliant is presently running for her third Southern Region, Republican Ethics at Bishop O’Connell High charged with improving student Equity Partners. Previously he term. She has served as Republican National Committee; Executive School in Arlington, Virginia. After achievement and leading the largest served as Mayor of Baldwin Park, National Committeewoman Committee, Republican National teaching on an Indian Reservation school reform eff ort in public California, where his innovative since 1992. She was elected to Committee; Republican Party in Montana, Mrs. Turner pursued education’s history. As CEO of approaches to city government the Offi ce of the Secretary for the of Virginia, elected in 1984. her graduate studies in Humanities Chicago Public Schools from 1995- earned praise as “best practices” by Republican National Committee Chief Deputy Commissioner, with a focus on Indian education 2002, he is credited with improving the U.S. Conference of Mayors. and served six years. At the request Department of Aging. Member of and later researched alternative edu- student test scores by virtually every Mr. Vargas is a founding member of of then-Governor George W. Bush, the Executive Committees of both cation programs, helping to found academic indicator, eliminating the Cesar Chavez Foundation, and Republican Presidential nominee, she the Republican Party of Virginia Western Wyoming Alternative waste, streamlining operations, has served on two Presidentially- served as Secretary of the Republican and the Virginia Federation of High School and Th e Learning implementing large-scale school appointed national Social Security National Convention in 2000. She Republican Women. Trustee of Center, a program for develop- construction and renovation, commissions, including President serves on the Board of Directors the Lynchburg Academy of Music. mentally disabled young children ending social promotion, George W. Bush’s bi-partisan Social for the American Red Cross, the Member of the White House in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. As partnering with national, corporate Security Study Commission. His Metro YMCA, the Greensboro Commission on Presidential Chairman of Western Wyoming and civic groups, and establishing career has also included posts as Economic Development Partnership, Scholars from 1991 to 1993. Mental Association, Mrs. Turner the largest after-school and summer senior policy analyst to Los Angeles the Heart of the Triad (Economic Worked extensively on the worked to bring services to rural reading programs in the country. Mayor Richard Riordan, and Vice Development) and the Greensboro Republican National Convention areas in the state. More recently He previously served for six years President of Phillips Brooks House, Regional Committee on Economic from 1976 to the present. A she completed an appointment to as Chicago’s Director of Budget the community service organization Development. She is a former member of President Reagan’s the Defense Advisory Committee and Revenue, and for fi ve years as of Harvard College. Mr. Vargas member of the NC Museum of Art’s Virginia Steering Committee and on Women in the Services the Executive Director of Illinois’ holds a Masters in Business Board of Trustees, the Greensboro a Founding Board Member of the (DACOWITS) and is presently Economic and Fiscal Commission. Administration from Harvard Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Virginia School of Arts. Candidate on the board of the Alliance for Mr. Vallas began his career as a Business School. He resides in Greensboro Library Board and the for Congress in 1986 and House National Defense. teacher in elementary school and Baldwin Park with his wife and Guilford County Board of Health. of Delegates in 1977. higher education. He served in the three children. Linda and husband Bob (former NC Illinois Army National Guard for State Senator) are in the restaurant twelve years, earning the rank of business. She has two children and Captain, and was a senior instructor two grandsons. at the Illinois Military Academy. He holds undergraduate and master’s degrees from Western Illinois University. He and his wife Sharon have three sons. 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

The Presidential Scholars Foundation

Th e Presidential Scholars Foundation, a nonpartisan, nonprofi t in need in our Nation’s Capital; access to important national and organization, is the sole entity authorized by the Commission on international fi gures; and the opportunity to wrestle with issues that 73 Presidential Scholars to expand and enhance the public-private concern America and the world. Speakers, seminars and organized partnership that makes the Presidential Scholars Program possible. Th e community service are essential components of this program. Th rough Foundation seeks to provide fi nancial support for the program; develop the years, Scholars have had the opportunity to meet with many and maintain an alumni society, the “Presidential Scholars Association”; distinguished individuals, including Justices of the Supreme Court, and ensure the future ability of the Commission to recognize the Senators and Congressmen, members of the President’s Cabinet and outstanding young adults who are selected each year. In reaching out staff as well as the First Family, astronauts, poets, scientists, athletes, to individual donors as well as corporate and philanthropic America, experts in international aff airs, journalists, political strategists, and the Foundation emphasizes the value of excellence in education and artists in a variety of disciplines. Th e generosity of the program’s the national interest in encouraging high attainment by students in supporters will help continue this great tradition, and connect secondary school and after graduation. Th e members of this Foundation successive classes of Scholars with each other and the program as feel the Presidential Scholars Program is the highest national means mentors, peers, and colleagues. to encourage new generations of students to reach for the stars. Th e Th ose interested in further information about the Foundation’s Foundation continues to seek additional active members of its alumni activities or charitable giving may visit the Foundation’s website society, its Board of Directors, and its various committees, in order to at www.presidentialscholars.org. ensure future of this special program. Each year the Foundation raises funds from public and private sources to provide housing, transportation, meals and above all, education and enrichment activities for the Scholars during the program’s annual recognition events in Washington, D.C. Each year’s agenda aims to provide Scholars with structured ways to make a diff erence for those THE COMMISSION ON PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS AND ITS PARTNERS 07Presidential Scholars

Members of the Foundation’s Board of Directors 74 James E. Farmer, President Matt Anestis, Vice President for Alumni Relations (1991 Scholar, CT) Sanford C. Nemitz, Treasurer Stanley E. Taylor, Commission Chair Scott A. Bundgaard Michael A. Galiazzo Susan J. Ganz Avery W. Gardiner (1993 Scholar, ME) 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

The Presidential Scholars Alumni Society

Th e year 2004 marked the Presidential Scholars Program’s 40th Th e Committee has joined the Foundation’s Board of Directors in anniversary. With great pride in the past and great enthusiasm for the adopting an ambitious ten-year growth plan in anticipation of the 75 future, that same year the Foundation’s Alumni Relations Committee program’s 50th anniversary, in 2014. Already this outreach has resulted turned its attention to growing the Presidential Scholars Association, in successful Scholar reunions in Boston and Chicago; ongoing eff orts with the goal of engaging our distinguished alumni community in to identify Class Chairs for the years 1964-present; development enhancing and sustaining this singular recognition program. Th e of distinguished alumni profi les and other enhancements to the Association’s mission is to “improve benefi ts for Scholars during Foundation’s website; substantial fundraising among the parent and National Recognition Week and beyond, to increase the public stature Scholar community in support of the program’s continued growth and of the program and to encourage and celebrate true excellence in success; and increased participation and presentations by Alumni during scholarship, public service, and artistic pursuits.” our annual recognition events. We warmly invite the 2007 Scholars to join this eff ort. To contact us, to learn more or to become involved, visit the Scholars section of the Foundation’s website, or send a message to our Vice President for Alumni Relations, Matt Anestis (1991 Scholar, CT), at [email protected]. THE COMMISSION ON PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS AND ITS PARTNERS 07Presidential Scholars

The National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts Th e National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts (NFAA) was NFAA also supports professional and emerging artists through career established in 1981 to identify emerging artists and assist them at development programs including its Fellowships in the Visual Arts 76 critical junctures in their educational and professional development; program, the NFAA Astral Career Grants and the ARTS Alumni and to raise the appreciation for, and support of, the arts in Awards for Achievement in the visual arts. Th e Foundation off ers its American society. ARTS Alumni additional opportunities to serve as summer interns YoungArts® is NFAA’s core program. Th rough YoungArts, NFAA at the Sundance Th eatre Laboratory and the Utah Shakespearean annually grants award packages totaling up to $900,000 and makes Festival. NFAA continuously explores other internships and career available $3 million in scholarship opportunities to America’s most entry programs. outstanding high school senior artists through its Scholarship List NFAA is a publicly supported nonprofi t, nongovernmental 501(c)(3) Service (SLS). Each year up to 125 ARTS applicants are invited organization with headquarters in Miami, Florida. Corporations, to ARTS Week – a full schedule of performances, master foundations, individuals and public agencies support NFAA’s programs classes, exhibitions, readings, interdisciplinary activities and and operating costs through contributions and underwriting. enrichment programs. By participating in ARTS Week, these artists also have the chance to be named Presidential Scholars in the Arts. NFAA exclusively, and at the request of the Commission on Presidential Scholars, nominates up to 50 artists to be considered as Presidential Scholars in the Arts. 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

77 STAFF AND ADVISORS 07Presidential Scholars

Melissa Apostolides Simone Miranda Olson Hannah Baker Abdullahi (Abdi) Farah Executive Director Program Manager Executive Advisor, 2005 Scholar Executive Advisor, 2005 Scholar 78 (ID) Junior, Williams College. (MD) Junior, University of Major: Chinese. Pennsylvania. Major: Fine Arts major; Religious Studies minor.

Nicholas Beck Cindy Cheng Advisor, 2003 Scholar (MT) Advisor, 2006 Scholar (LA) Graduate, Montana State Sophomore, Harvard College. University. Major: Chemical Major: Economics and Computer Engineering. Science.

Joel Englander Nicholas Golinvaux Advisor, 2003 Scholar (CO) Advisor, 2006 Scholar (CO) Graduate, Stanford University. Sophomore, University of Major: Symbolic Systems. Michigan. Major: Undeclared. 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

Ke Ji Christine Levy Amanda Rose Long Aman Prasad Advisor, 2004 Scholar (MS) Advisor, 2006 Scholar (CO) Advisor, 2006 Scholar (AL) Advisor, 2006 Scholar (ID) Senior, Furman University. Dual Sophomore, Yale University. Sophomore, University of Sophomore, Cornell University. Major: Political Science & Asian Major: Undeclared. Alabama/Huntsville. Major: Major: Undeclared. 79 Studies. Business Administration.

Uma Tadepalli Alexandra Villasante Linda Yao Faye Zhao Advisor, 2003 Scholar (NC) Advisor, 2006 Scholar (FL) Advisor, 2006 Scholar (WV) Advisor, 2006 Scholar (AR) Graduate, Princeton University. Sophomore, Duke Unviersity. Sophomore, Harvard College. Sophomore, Yale University. Major: Music. Major: Undeclared. Major: Undeclared. Major: Undeclared. AUTOGRAPHS 07Presidential Scholars

80 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

81 AUTOGRAPHS 07Presidential Scholars

82 43 Years of Presidential Scholars

83