Presidential Scholars  2000

Records 101 through 141 out of 141

	Amber L. Reed Flushing, MI Flushing Senior High School   Amber Reed, an alumna of Flushing Senior High School, graduated summa cum laude from Columbia University in 2002 with a BA in English and Comparative Literature. She is currently studying for her MFA in Playwriting with Mac Wellman at Brooklyn College and has worked in publishing and finance.
	Darci Rhoades Payson, UT Murray High School   I currently attend school in Singapore on a scholarship to study abroad. I've had opportunities to travel and give service in both India and Cambodia. My academic achievements include a National Merit Scholarship, A.P. Scholar, 1600 SAT, and 4.0 GPA. However, there is more to my life than school. I love sports, producing "movies" (of Oscar caliber I'm sure), swing dancing, and just having fun. Above all I love to laugh and brighten up even the dullest circumstances (provided daily by my school) with a creative wit. My friends all agree there is never a dull moment with me around.
	Richard L. Rivero Staten Island, NY Regis High School   I am currently a Senior at Regis High School in Manhattan and will be attending Harvard University in the Fall. My objective is to pursue a joint concentration in physics and mathematics. I am a nationally-recognized member of Regis' Speech and Debate Team, as well as the founder of Regis' Culinary Club. I coordinate the school's monthly dances for the student government, and tutor in Regis' mentoring program. My hobbies include cooking, reading (mostly books about math, in addition to some gothic novels), listening to various types of music, going to the theatre, and traveling.
	Heather S. Robbins South China, ME Winslow High School   High school life was fabulous. I played basketball and soccer for four years; my senior year I was co-captain of both teams and the Most Valuable Player in soccer. Yearbook also took up much of my time as I was the sports editor, then the editor-in-chief during my junior and senior years, respectively. In eleventh grade I was inducted into NHS and elected vice-president. Outside of school I like to ski, play tennis, go running, and do anything else that is fun. Next year I will attend Princeton University and will most likely major in molecular biology.
	Charles A. Robinson Louisville, KY De Sales High School   I like just about everything; writing and playing music, basketball, reading, debating and just hanging out. I've been involved in a variety of extracurricular activities, including quick recall, pep band, class and student council presidencies, volunteering, etc, and worked part time. I've been fortunate to participate in various programs including, University of KY's SMASH Program, KY Governor's Scholars, United State Senate Youth Program, and Coca-Cola Scholars. I believe that while academic excellence is important, becoming a well-rounded person who adapts to any social/business situation while respecting all you meet is truly the greatest accomplishment in life.
	Sarah A. Rogers Jeffersonville, IN Jeffersonville High School   Sarah's academic career officially began when she learned to read at the age of three and was featured on a local television news segment as a "superbaby." When not devouring one of the hundreds of books on her reading lists, Sarah is an officer in such community service-oriented organizations as the National Honor Society and the Interact Club and a threeyear captain of the Hoosier Academic Bowl team. She is also heavily involved in the local and national activities of the United Church of God youth group.
	Ross I. Runnion Big Sandy, MT Big Sandy High School   Ross Ian Runnion was born on March 16, 1982, and grew up in the Bear Paw Mountains, east of the town of Big Sandy, Montana. Throughout his education he has participated in a multitude of activities, including Little League Baseball, Odyssey of the Mind, Science Olympiad, Varsity Track, Speech & Drama, Band & Choir, National Honor Society, MT Honor Band, MT Boys State, and Thespian Club. This National Merit Scholar is active in his community, and in his free time enjoys reading, humor, writing, etymology, music, and the great outdoors. Beginning in September 2000, he will attend MIT to pursue a career in engineering.
	Chaim D. Sacks Merritt Island, FL Pine Crest School   I feel most "at peace," most satisfied with who I've become when overcome by sadness - faced with the suffering of millions around the world. The sentiments of sadness provide absolution, to a degree, for the gnawing guilt I cannot shake for being a wealthy, prep-school, opportunity laden boy in a world that too contains genocide. In my activities thus far and in the future I have sought and will seek this somewhat absolving but completely unifying sadness of human suffering and try to bridge the gap between the antipoles of humanity.
	Uma B. Samant (Now Samant Sasso) Centerville, OH Centerville High School   Uma Samant is currently working as a camp counselor and will be a freshman at Ohio State University this fall. Uma is a National Merit Scholar, Toyota Community Scholar, a member of the International Thespian Society, a National Honor Society member, a French National Honor Society member, a member of the National Forensics League, and a black belt in Taekwondo. She enjoys reading, spending time with friends, and writing short biographies of herself in the third person. Her goals include pursuing a degree in Chemistry and being able to eat an entire "Vermonster" at Ben and Jerry's.
	LeAnne M. Schweitzer Bozeman, MT Bozeman High School   I've participated in speech for four years and have been a state champion and national qualifier in original oratory. I've been a member of Science Olympiad for four years, during which time I attended nationals and have been secretary, vice president, and president. I've been active in Youth Legislature and volunteering at the local hospital. I started a fly-tying business with my brothers that has grown for six years. I've been flute section leader in marching band and I've marched in the Tournament of Roses Parade. I've had six years of flute lessons and ten years of piano lessons.
	Colette J. Shen Houston, TX Saint John's School   Interested in math and science from a very young age, Colette was a co-founder and president of her school's Science and Math club, as well as president of her school's Junior Engineering and Technical Society. She conducted research on using the enzyme adenosine deaminase to affect RNA editing and protein construction, which led to her selection as a semifinalist in the Siemena-Westinghouse Science and Technology competition. Colette was named to the 2000 All-USA High School Academic Second Team. In 1998, she represented the U.S. at the 1st Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Youth Science Festival in Korea. An avid golfer, Colette was on her school's varsity golf team and made All-Conference (top 10) in the Southwest Preparatory Conference in 1998.
	Clara C. Shih Arlington Heights, IL Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy   Clara Shih joined Salesforce.com in 2006 and is currently the product line director for AppExchange, an online marketplace for software-as-a-service business applications. In this role, Clara oversees product marketing, product management, and product strategy functions for the site, described by Forbes Magazine as the "iTunes of business software" and one of the top innovations of 2006. Independently, Clara is the creator of Faceforce, the first enterprise social networking application built on Facebook which integrates Salesforce CRM and Facebook. Previously, Clara worked in strategy and business operations at Google and as a software developer at Microsoft. She is the founder and serves on the board of directors of Camp Amelia Technology Literacy Group, an East Palo Alto, California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that develops and distributes technology education software and curriculum. Clara holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in computer science from Stanford University, as well as a Master's Degree in Internet studies from the University of Oxford, where she studied as a Marshall Scholar.
	Wayne Shyy Ames, IA Ames High School   According to the numbers, I appear to be an impressive student. Attaining 1580 on the SATs...that does not denote an impressive human being. Driving out to the hospital every weekend to spend hours upon hours with post-surgical patients...that denotes an impressive human being. Attending Princeton next fall...that does not denote an impressive human being. Spending one period a day at school with a mentally challenged child...that denotes an impressive human being. The real honor in being named a Presidential Scholar is that it denotes not only an impressive students, but also an impressive human being as well.
	David B. Silver Vienna, VA Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology   My family moved to Reston, Virginia, three years after my birth in Juneau, Alaska. My mother, who stayed home to raise my brothers and me, has shown me a lot about how to live. Most of our success is a tribute to her and my father. Since entering high school, I have had a distinguished career as a distance runner. I have earned All-Met and All-State honors in cross country and hold my school's record for the 3200 m run. My parents supported my work to become an Eagle Scout. Academically, I have a strong interest in organic chemistry and Spanish.
	David N. Simmons Geneva, AL Geneva High School   David scored 1590 on the SAT and was valedictorian of his class. He is a National Merit Finalist, an AP Scholar, a Coca- Cola Scholar and a National Beta Club Scholar. He is a Wendy's High School Heisman Scholar-Athlete and was named the state overall winner in the Bryant-Jordan Scholar Athlete Awards. He is president of the Student Government Association. His Science Olympiad team won the state championship and represented Alabama at the national finals. He is defensive captain of the football team, and a member of the baseball and basketball teams. He represented Alabama at the national tournament on the Junior National Basketball team.
	Lauren E. Sirois Salem, NH Phillips Academy   Lauren Sirois currently resides in Salem, NH. She attended Phillips Academy in Andover, MA as a commuting student. There she was highly involved in musical ensembles, playing the violin. She also played interscholastic squash for her school's JV II and JV teams, as well as participated in several community service programs. Her favorite area of study is natural science, especially chemistry: she won several departmental awards in the subject at Andover. Next year Lauren will attend Harvard College, where she hopes to major in biochemistry and build a career in medical research. She credits her family and friends for their constant support.
	Brent S. Smith New Orleans, LA Saint Martin's Episcopal School   High School Heisman National Finalist, Cum Laude Society, First Place in the Louisiana State Literary Competition for Spanish, Second in the Nation on the Level IV National Spanish Exam 1999, Third in the Nation on the Level V National Spanish Exam 2000, Captain of the Swim Team, Cross Country Team and Track Team, "Most Improved Player" for Swimming and Cross Country, "Most Valuable Player" for Track. USC BOUND-FIGHT ON TROJANS! I don't believe in circumstances. Rather than blaming their circumstances, the people who get on in this world create their own. George Bernard Shaw
	Justin L. Smith Spartanburg, SC Spartanburg High School   Justin was born in Spartanburg, SC, the son of John Leslie and Septima Hearon Smith. In 1995 he started what would become JustinSmith.com, an Internet company serving small businesses and brokering domain names. Academically, Justin is primarily interested in calculus, economics, computer science, physics, and history and would like to seek a career in either the field of technology entrepreneurship or international nuclear arms and waste negotiations. Later in life, he wants to seek elected office. Justin never wants to retire; rather, he would like to find ways to offer opportunities to children without those that he found himself with as a child.
	Marcus P. Smith Washington, DC Saint Albans School   In my 9 years as a student at St. Albans school in NWWashington, DC I have been fortunate enough to be elected sophomore and senior class vice-president, to be the editor of our yearbook and our literary magazine, a member of the crosscountry team, and co-captain of the basketball team. In the fall I will be attending Stanford University.
	Michelle J. Smith Brooklyn, NY LaGuardia High School of Music, Art, and Performing Arts   Michelle J. Smith is a senior at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School in NYC. Michelle is also enrolled at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center where she is a fellowship student. She has also trained at Ballet Hispanico and American Ballet Theatre. She has performed with Ballet Hispanico, Creative Outlet, Subtle Changes, and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Michelle also teaches dance at Edge School of the Arts. Recently Michelle was awarded a scholarship from the National Foundation for the Advancement in the Arts. In the fall Ms. Smith will be attending The Julliard School to pursue a B.F.A. in dance.
	Christopher J. Steinke Lincoln, NE Lincoln Southeast High School   Jazz saxophonist Christopher Joseph Steinke from Lincoln, Nebraska, is a recent graduate of Lincoln Southeast High School. Besides playing and listening to jazz, his interests include history, ecology, literature and writing. He was a National Merit Finalist and a winner of an Earthwatch Student Challenge Award. He received a Level I award in Music/Jazz from the NFAAARTS, as well as an Honorable Mention in Writing/Short Story, and he has been named Outstanding Musician at the Kansas University Workshop from 1997 through 1999. Mr. Steinke plans to study history or English at Harvard University in the fall.
	Jennifer L. Sternad Lakewood, CO Lakewood Senior High School   I was one of eighteen students internationally who received a scholarship from the Telluride Association to study at Cornell University in the seminar "Poets, Historians, and Other Liars." I am the female student recipient of Colorado's 2000 Hispanic Annu
	Kate M. Swearengen Columbia, MO David H. Hickman High School   As a recipient of the Maureen O'Donnell Memorial Award for five years of gold medals on the Naional Latin Exam, Kate shows proficiency in a language which is rarely spoken outside Vatican City. She is also a French student, and was president of her senior class: her linguistic and leadership skills will be tested in July when she travels to Paris in order to secure a top-secret and lucrative trade deal with a prominent group of French businessmen. Kate is a National Merit Finalist and an avid Knicks fan. She will attend Princeton University next year, join the crew team, and major in political science or Near-Eastern Studies.
	Abraham L. Tarapani St. Thomas, VI Antilles School   I have lived in the United States Virgin Islands since I was five years old. I take part in scuba diving, fishing, boating, and all the other opportunities that "American Paradise" has to offer. In school, I am senior class president, NHS treasurer, captain of the quiz bowl and science bowl teams and co-valedictorian of the class of 2000. I am a varsity soccer player and also act in the high school drama productions. I am a National Merit Scholar and a recipient of the Martin Luther King Award for leadership and service. I will be matriculating at Yale University.
	Ryan D. Taylor Beaverton, OR Beaverton High School   At Beaverton High School, I have tried to involve myself in a wide range of activities by playing Varsity soccer and track, being president of Interact community service club, being co-president of National Honor Society, founding the Political Club, being Front Page editor of the school newspaper, and being a national chairperson for the Model Presidential Nominating Convention. Though I am proud of achievements such as being Valedictorian and being accepted to Stanford University, it is the sense of community, participation, and direction I attain by seeking to challenge and involve myself that I find most rewarding.
	Emily D. Throop Albany, OR West Albany High School   I live in Albany, Oregon, a town characterized by the smelly paper mill on the freeway and millionaire grass-seed farmers. Unfortunately, I have no connection with either industry, but as my dad raises deer and I ride horses, I am not at complete odds with my surroundings. If you ever visit Albany, I recommend the pool hall or a movie at our quite modern theatre. Remember to bring a raincoat; the constant drizzle is not a myth.
	Geoffrey H. Tison Santa Ana, CA Foothill High School   Geoffrey's activities include serving as co-managing editor of the Knightlife, his high school newspaper, serving two years as president of the California Scholarship Federation, as well as being actively involved with the Junior Statesmen of America and the National Honors Society. His interests also include music (he plays violin) and medicine (he has worked as a Harvard Medical School research intern seeks a career in medicine). When not involved in a plethora of scholarly pursuits, Geoffrey enjoys reading and hanging out with friends, as well as his frequent adventures in nature, be they on foot or on a bicycle.
	Jessica C.Y. Tzou Lexington, KY Paul Laurence Dunbar High School   Graduating at the top of my class from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School's Math, Science, and Technology (MSTC magnet) Center, Jessica Tzou is a diligent and assiduous student. She recently completed an independent research project concerning the sequence specific recognition of DNA by bis-intercalators at the University Kentucky's Markey Cancer Center in the Chandler Medical Facility. Having extensive violin training since age four, this dedicated and accomplished violinist has also won many local and national concerto competitions. She is also actively involved in several youth leadership positions and community service activities. Jessica will attend Stanford University in the fall of 2000, in pursuit of a career in the medical field.
	Tobias W. Uecker Madison, SD Madison High School   Tobias Williams Uecker, is son of Rev. Warren and Carol Uecker, has played an active role in Madison High School, having been educated in the Lake Central School District since first grade. Throughout high school, he has taken part in debate, oral interpretation, school newspaper, and the gifted program. Tobias also participated in high school theater productions and the yearbook for three years. A recent addition to his activities was the band program, where Tobias played piano and percussion. Outside of School, he was active in crossing guard and church activities. Tobias plans to attend South Dakota State University next fall.
	James M. Valpiani Las Vegas, NV Bishop Gorman High School   James Valpiani graduated as valedictorian of his class with a 4.0 GPA. His highest achievements include the Eagle Scout rank, Sons of Italy Foundation National Leadership Grant, Boys' State, HOBYWorld Leadership Conference Ambassador, and National Merit Finalist. He has served as president of Forensics twice and as treasurer of National Honor Society. He has participated in track & field, campus ministry, Senior Leaders, newspaper and a number of other groups, most notably in drama, where he recently played Vince Fontaine in "Grease." James will be attending the U.S. Air Force Academy next year. He aspires to become an astronaut.
	Johannes M. VanDerBeek Baltimore, MD Baltimore School for the Arts   With no traveling partner, I wandered all around the United States, self financing my fun outside through heartland prairies.
	Maryann Vellanikaran Peachtree City, GA Woodward Academy   Maryann Vellanikaran, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. George and Alice Vellanikaran, is the valedictorian of this year's graduating class at Woodward Academy, located in College Park, GA. A National Merit Scholar, she was Vice President of the National Honor Society, a member of the discipline board, Honor Council, Senior Philosophy Seminar, and captain of the math team. During high school, she received awards for science, history, math, and computer science, as well as the Harvard Book Award. Maryann was also a member of the Varsity Tennis Team, Chorus, and the Interact Service Club. She is ranked in the state and in the south in tennis. In the fall, she will attend Harvard University.
	Macey M. Webb Stilwell, KS Blue Valley High School   Besides being a Presidential Scholar, Macey's biggest achievement has been to spend six months in Argentina, learning the language and culture in the province of Corrientes. Along with her membership in National Honor Society (NHS) and National Art Honor Society (NAHS), Macey was recently inducted into the Spanish National Foriegn Language Honor Society. She is also the treasurer of her school's International Club and follows her interests in languages and cultures through volunteer work as a translator for Early Head Start and a small group leader for American Filed Service (AFS).
	Rachel L. Wellhausen Mesa, AZ Dobson High School College/College Plans: University of Arizona   University of Arizona
	Kathryn B. Whalen Casper, WY Natrona County High School   Kathryn is the youngest of four children and has spent all eighteen years of her life hiking around the mountains of Wyoming. She was named a National Merit Scholar, and has been awarded a number of state, regional, and national journalism awards. She also received her high school's most outstanding English and French student awards and the Principal's trophy. In the fall she will be attending Yale, and at least this week she is planning to study English and Film. Following school, she plans to travel, following her love of writing and photography.
	Katharine S. Widland Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque Academy   Student body vice president, winner of the President's Environmental Youth Award, graduated first in class, captain of the softball team and All-District pitcher, Habitat for Humanity, director of School's Peer Tutoring Program, captain of the cross country team, Cum Laude Honor Society, Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce Blue Ribbon, student of the month, president of the Environmental Club, chair of the Environmental Youth Network, Girls State, certified scuba diver, National Merit Scholarship winner, Thespian, HOBY, won Kuswa Memorial Award for Community Service and leadrship, won Doc Harrington Award for Science, enjoys long walks on the beach and candlelight dinners.
	Elizabeth K. Williams Palos Verdes Estates, CA Palos Verdes Peninsula High School   Graduated in 2004 with my BS in Physics
	Grace W. Wu Las Vegas, NV Edward W. Clark High School   Bumblebee. An industrious little organism that, according to the laws of aerodynamics, shouldn't be able to fly. Still, it does. My goal in life is to embody the "can-do" spirit of the bumblebee. I am a National Merit Finalist and AP Scholar with Honors. I served as President of NHS, Senior Class VP, Treasurer of Mu Alpha Theta, and Section Leader of Orchestra. I have over 250 hours of community service, volunteering at the hospital and the community school youth council. I have won cash prizes in math and honors in Forensics. This fall, I will test my wings at Stanford.
	Joshua S. Yardley Bangor, ME Bangor High School   Joshua Yardley graduated valedictorian of Bangor High School's Class of 2000. During his tenure at Bangor High, Josh was a significant contributor to the school's math team; he finished fourth in the state this past year. He also enjoys debate; he was named the junior varsity state champion his sophomore year. Josh is the captain of his varsity tennis team which is currently ranked first in the state. He is an active member of his church and has just finished serving his second term as a representative on the Maine Catholic Youth Board. Josh plans to attend MIT in the fall.
	Devren A. Yener North Logan, UT Logan High School   Devren Yener has won numerous awards and honors in mathematics and other areas, including Debate, Mock Trial, Academic Decathlon, and Academic Olympiad. For two years, he has been the only qualifier in Utah for the USA Mathematical Olympiad. Devren has followed an accelerated course schedule while maintaining a 4.0 average, and is a valedictorian. He is one of 24 recipients of a Siemens Award for Advanced Placement, and has received National Merit and Robert Byrd Scholarships. Devren will attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, majoring in physics and mathematics. He enjoys computer programming, studying math and science, reading, and skiing.
	Mary R. Ziegler Butte, MT Phillips Academy   Mary Ziegler was born in Butte, Montana, and calls it home. She graduated with honors in June 2000 from Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. She has won awards for her fiction as well as for her work in French and Chemistry. The past Editor-in-Chief of Phillips Academy's literary magazine The Courant, she looks forwards to the first professional publication of one of her stories, "The Season to Come." Her stories have been used by Phillips Academy as a part of the creative writing curriculum. She hopes to continue her studies in English, creative writing, French and Chemistry, and will continue her writing when she attends Harvard as a member of the class of 2004.

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