Kansas
Records 16 through 30 out of 35

	Year: 2001 James M. Quigley Shawnee Mission, KS, Shawnee Mission Northwest High School College Plans: Stanford University   Graduated from Stanford in June 2006. Currently live and work in San Francisco.
	Year: 2002 Arthur B. Magnuson Lawrence, KS, Lawrence High School College Plans: Harvard University   I have been involved in an activist club called the Alliance for Social Awareness at my high school for a few years now. Somewhatof a social misfit myself, I found a warm welcome from these student activists who are, next to theatre people, the mostaccepting people I know. I have learned a lot from my participation in ASA-about leadership, about friendship, about self-confidence.I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to work with my fellow ASAers who are, bar none, the most passionate peopleI've ever met. Of everything I'm leaving behind as I graduate from my high school, I regret most that I won't be there nextyear to see all the amazing things the ASA has planned. But I'm comforted knowing that I'm going to see all those ASAers in thefuture as they work for social justice and bring the world a little closer to paradise.
	Year: 2002 Whitney P. Seibel McPherson, KS, McPherson High School College Plans: Yale University   As a girl who stands almost six feet tall, I have never been able to blend in with my peers. Since I receive a lot of attention formy height, I am not afraid to be in the spotlight. For that reason, I was involved in debate and speech throughout high school, where I enjoyed the interesting people, places, and ideas that I encountered. My towering stature has also allowed me to model part-time. In stark contrast to the atmosphere of debate, it provides a fresh perspective as well as tall comrades. I attribute much of my success to my family who gives me endless support. They help me realize that being unique is my greatest asset and that I need to capitalize on my most distinctive characteristics.
	Year: 2002 Anna F. Wang Shawnee Mission, KS, Shawnee Mission East High School College Plans: Princeton University   As the little sister of two brothers, Anna is independent and headstrong. Even though commercialized family packages advertise the perfect four-member American family, she never lets herself believe that she is simply the "fifth wheel" or the "spare tire."Instead, through hard work and perseverance, she recognizes that the fifth wheel may very well be the steering wheel. In her spare time, she enjoys music, scientific research, table tennis, and writing humorous essays for the teen division of the Kansas City Star newspaper. Anna is blessed with the support of so many teachers, mentors, friends, and family members who have inspired and encouraged her to exceed her potential.
	Year: 2003 Allen B. Chao Wichita, KS, Wichita High School East College Plans: Harvard College   “Aim for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” This quote provides not only a literal reflection of my explorations – from studying astronomy in seventh grade to interning at NASA – but a metaphorical one as well. Particularly brilliant “stars” of mine include being named a National Semifinalist in both Intel and Siemens-Westinghouse, qualifying for the USAMO, working at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center to design a satellite, and conducting an independent project at MIT. In addition to my mathematical and scientific endeavors, my personal interests are as diverse as the cosmic bodies. I play percussion in our citywide symphony, volunteer at a local retirement home for the tenth year, run cross-country and track, and tutor students in math at an inner-city middle school. Although my explorations are from the ground right now, my eyes and mind are turned towards the sky, the stars, and the moon.
	Year: 2003 Parmita P. Dalal Lenexa, KS, Shawnee Mission Northwest High School   Stanford University Parmita lives in a typical suburban town in the heart of America where, much to the surprise (and possibly the disappointment) of others, cow tipping is not a common pastime. To the contrary, Parmita spends a great deal of her time competing in math and science competitions, conducting biochemistry research, running cross-country, playing in her school's band and orchestra, and participating in a variety of other school activities. Outside of school Parmita plays the piano, enjoys ultimate Frisbee, and loves to spend time with friends. Parmita's passion for science has inspired her to become a mentor to elementary and middle school students who wish to pursue their own research projects. Upon entering college, Parmita plans to pursue an undergraduate degree in biochemistry and a minor in Spanish. She hopes to one day become either a professor or a medical doctor.
	Year: 2004 Kristen L. Chopra Wichita, KS, Independent High School College Plans: Washington University in St. Louis   After jumping from eighth grade to freshman year in October of 2000, Kristen quickly proved herself the embodiment of her school’s independent spirit. She founded and presided over the Lincoln-Douglas debate team and the National Forensic League chapter, and also co-founded the Latin Club and AP Latin program. She coached all of her debaters to the state tournament all four years. In 2003, she went undefeated to finals, becoming state runner-up as well as an alternate to NFL nationals. She also captained the speech, policy debate, student congress, quiz bowl, Science Olympiad, and math teams, earning many medals and state qualifications. Meanwhile, she managed to independently study four AP courses, earning 4s and 5s on the exams—without a teacher. At seventeen, she looks forwards to continuing leading herself and others as she pursues both a BA and a BFA, with majors in international relations, philosophy, and design.
	Year: 2004 Spencer S. Chu Overland Park, KS, Blue Valley North High School College Plans: Princeton University   As a Chinese-born, Egyptian-raised American, Spencer strives to be a multicultural citizen of the world. Raised overseas in Cairo, Egypt, Spencer developed a love for global cultures, from their unique languages, customs, and tastes, and hopes someday to have the opportunity to travel or study abroad. Among his other interests are mathematics, music, and sarcasm. Spencer juggles his time between playing in a string quartet nicknamed “The Indecisives” and the Kansas City Youth Symphony’s Symphony Orchestra, plowing through homework while trying to resist the temptations of online chatter, bantering with friends over ice cream, and napping. At times, Spencer may be a violinist, a procrastinator, an engineer, or a sleeping log, but he will always be a little brother - the youngest of “The 4 Chu Brothers.”
	Year: 2005 Kaitlin Beam Wichita, KS, Wichita High School East College Plans: University of Tulsa   When I reflect on my life, I am reminded one of my favorite quotes, penned by Robert Louis Stevenson: “The world is so full of a number of things, I’m sure we should all be as happy as kings.” To me, the world is exciting and I love exploring the “number of things” it has to offer. Science and math are two of my favorite fields and I am planning on majoring in chemical engineering before heading to medical school. Music is another passion of mine; I have played both piano and guitar for years and currently teach piano lessons. Other interests of mine include reading, cooking, sewing, and hanging out my sisters. I also enjoy drawing and making pottery. I am confident that wherever life takes me, my zeal for it will help me to continue to be “as happy as a king.”
	Year: 2005 Michael Camacho Lenexa, KS, Rockhurst High School College Plans: Boston College   Michael is an artist, leader, and scholar. His art was displayed in the Kansas City art museum at age four. He earned his Tae Kwon Do black belt at eight. He won an Amelia Earhart poetry contest at 12. He earned his Eagle Scout rank at 15. He earned a scholarship to Northwestern University's Music Institute for classical guitar at 16. He's a contributor and editor of his school's literary magazine, and has appeared on stage with a string ensemble and as an actor. He won the "Best Actor" award his freshman year. He's played soccer since age four; captain of two teams, he went to the state championship competition at 17. His faith and commitment to service motivated him to lead a senior Kairos Retreat and co-chair the Freshman Retreat. He was awarded a four-year Presidential Scholar scholarship to Boston College, and was recognized as one of the top 100 scholars in the State of Missouri.
	Year: 2006 Tianxiang (Sandy) Lu Overland Park, KS, Blue Valley North High School College Plans: University of Pennsylvania   I can’t say that I have any earthshattering hobbies, and I’d prefer not to list accomplishments. After all, I’m still a teenager - I like to socialize, play most kinds of sports (even if with little aptitude), and of course, eat and sleep – and this won’t last much longer. Tactical games of all sorts interest me, whether board, such as chess, or computerized, such as Starcraft. I’m involved in all sorts of activities, be it poker, pingpong, or swing dancing. Certainly, I have set plans and hope to make outstanding contributions to society, but right now there’s nothing I enjoy more than laughing, even if it’s a slightly dry sense of humor.
	Year: 2006 Erin L. Risch Topeka, KS, Shawnee Heights High School College Plans: Hillsdale College   I'm double majoring in French and English and hope to go into either teaching or editing.
	Year: 2007 Natalie Como Leawood, KS, Blue Valley North High School College Plans: Duke University   Mountains, running, outerwear, meeting new people, sunshine, challenges, and family are all things that make me happy. Whether it’s testing my own physical limits in a cross-country race or challenging the little girls gymnastics team I coach, I’m passionate about pushing the limits of myself and those around me. Academically, I am most interested in science and recently completed a research project in which I engineered a low-tech water purification system for use in third world countries. I’ve also been lucky to involve myself in activities outside the classroom such as student council, track, triathlons, community service, and math competitions. I’m so excited to attend Duke next fall with hopes of participating in research, studying abroad, and taking in all the new knowledge my brain can hold. Eventually, I would like to go on to graduate school, work in the medical field, live in Colorado, and snowboard every weekend.
	Year: 2007 Spencer A. Hill Shawnee, KS, Shawnee Mission Northwest High School College Plans: UCLA   I'm pursuing a B.S. in Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Environmental Science at UCLA. Go Bruins!!
	Year: 2008 Douglas D. Dellinger Overland Park, KS, Blue Valley North High School College Plans: Duke University   I like to think of myself as a demonstrative leader; not the person on a stage speaking, but the one who leads through action and example, whether in the classroom or in social situations. I also like to think I have a myriad of characteristics that define who I am. I enjoy running and playing ultimate Frisbee to stay in shape during the off seasons of Cross Country and Track. I plan on majoring in biomedical engineering and taking a minor in business. My perfect day consists of playing Frisbee and spending time at a pool followed by a sushi dinner. In my free time I enjoy teaching myself bass guitar and spending time with family and friends. I brainstorm with my friends to find creative ways of entertaining ourselves without substances. I am a classical cellist, a coach for my brother’s middle school Science Olympiad team, a scuba diver, a mountain climber, and a good friend. Making a difference in my community through service is important to me.

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