Presidential Scholars  2002

Records 1 through 50 out of 141

	Jason T. Abaluck Huntingdon Valley, PA Lower Moreland High School College/College Plans: Harvard University   I gain insight by reading books about theoretical physics and watching stations like CNN, PBS, and C-SPAN 2. I also learn by watching Seinfeld, playing Risk, ping-pong, tennis, and frisbee, and reading science fiction and hand-me-down books. Reading an SAT prep book my brother left lying around when I was in 6th grade improved my vocabulary but also introduced me to a writing style which would eventually help me become a guest author of the same book. Making a mathematical model of the South African HIV epidemic helped me better understand how even complex social interactions can be understood with mathematics. I love quoting Abraham Lincoln and believe, "If we could first know where we are, and whither we are tending, we could betterjudge what to do, and how to do it."
	Darren R. Baker West Jordan, UT Jordan High School College/College Plans: Harvard University   If I had to pick one word to describe my interests, it would have to be variety. My scholastic interests range from chemistry and computer science to the study of history and foreign languages. As I move through college, I hope to gain exposure to a broad spectrum of academic topics while pursuing a focus in electrical and computer engineering. Outside of school, my interests are just as varied. I enjoy reading, working with computers, and playing basketball with my friends. I love the outdoors, and I get away whenever I can to go camping and mountain biking. Music is also an integral part of my life, and I have been heavily involved in choral programs in the school and community for many years. Most of all, I love to learn new things, and I look forward to the many educational opportunities that I will encounter in the future.
	Matthew M. Boelig Londonderry, NH The Derryfield School College/College Plans: Yale University   I have been a New Hampshire resident for all eighteen years of my life. The extent to which this state is permeated by natural beauty has created in me affection for nature and a passion for being outdoors. Despite my propensity for using the adjective "wicked" far too frequently, one can tell that I am a typical New Hampsherite because I have been skiing for as long as I can remember. I am a member of my high school's varsity alpine racing, soccer, and baseball teams. My friends would describe me as amicable, funny, compassionate, and diligent in my studies. Some of my hobbies include reading, writing, watching Red Soxbaseball, and playing the alto saxophone. I live my life by the principle that our time in this world is finite, and that one must strive to invest energy and heart in every action and endeavor that is undertaken.
	Paula C. Brady Riverside, CT Greenwich Academy College/College Plans: Yale University   I am an only child, which is the direct cause for much of what describes me. Creative energies are always brimming in me aspart of my personality, and being an only child governs how I feed them. The energy once spent on one-person plays, dancingand creative projects is now funneled into writing. I write for myself, and to capture the random moments that have come todefine the microcosm of my room, my home, Riverside, Connecticut, and that of the greater world. I have found myself duallyoutgoing while contented in spending time alone, cultivating my other interests. I have found companionship for myself in writing,but my only-childness also translates into a need for other personal connections. These I have found in my family, through communityservice, involvement in the school community, and in a host of amazing friends.
	Karen R. Brigman Reno, NV Robert McQueen High School College/College Plans: University of Nevada, Reno   I am not your typical quiet, studious type. I would much rather be - and usually am - enjoying myself out of doors on any given day, rain or shine. I thrive on a challenge, and I wouldn't be caught dead backing down on one. I am a head-to-head, go-get-'em, don't-mess-with-me kind of girl who's always on the fast track. Don't ask me how I manage to succeed - I just do anything and go anywhere my heart calls me to.
	Antonio G. Campos New York, NY The Dwight School College/College Plans: New York University, Tisch School ofthe Arts   Antonio Campos started making films at the age of thirteen when, despite his age, he was accepted at the New York Film Academy. There he made his first short film, "Puberty," which won second place in the National High School Film Festival. He has made subsequent films, his last being "First Kiss," which won him the NFAA award. He will begin his next project, "Pandora's Box," this summer and enter NYU's Tisch School of the Arts this fall. In his spare time, he has become a headliner on New York's comedy circuit as a stand-up comedian. He is thankful to Stanley Kubrick and his supportive family for his inspiration.
	Elizabeth W. Carlisle Missoula, MT Hellgate High School College/College Plans: Harvard University   Elizabeth Carlisle is Class President and Vice President of her National Honor Society chapter. In addition, Elizabeth volunteers extensively with the Hellgate Key Club. She is an avid musician - drumset player for jazz band, soprano in choir, percussionist in wind ensemble and pep band. She also enjoys playing acoustic guitar and writing her own country music. She recently produced her first CD, "Thief in the Night," released December 2001. In addition to writing the music, Elizabeth sang and played drumsetand piano on the album. When not involved in school and community activities, Elizabeth enjoys hiking in the Montana mountains with parents Lynne and Ray (and older brother Andy when he visits). Passionate about education, Elizabeth envisions a future career as a college professor.
	Lauren S. Carpenter Great Neck, NY John L. Miller-Great Neck North High School College/College Plans: Princeton University   A native New Yorker, Lauren began her violin studies at the age of three, and at the age of twelve expanded her musical horizon to include singing, conducting, the viola, chamber music, and theory. Although she spends much of her time involved in music at the Manhattan School of Music Preparatory Division, she remains committed to her academics and community service. As the President of her TRI-M Chapter in school, she makes it a personal goal to heighten musical awareness in her community through performances at nursing homes and musical education for young people. While she intends on pursuing economics and finance at Princeton University, Lauren will continue her musical training in violin and conducting. She is inspired by and eternally grateful for the support and encouragement of her mother and two brothers, who have taught her what love and responsibility really mean.
	Fernando J. Castro-Caratini Guaynabo, PR Colegio San Ignacio de Loyola College/College Plans: Washington University in St.Louis   Heat, humidity, and hurricanes have shaped my life. The archipelago of Puerto Rico has been my stomping ground for the pasteighteen years (i.e. all my life). It has provided me with the diversity of three cultures that have joined to create one. Every dayis a new day so I do not believe in routines. Best word to describe me? Spontaneous.
	Lynne A. Chang Cupertino, CA Cupertino High School College/College Plans: Harvard University   As a little girl, I shunned Barbie's frilly dresses and Skipper's make-up kits. Instead of filling my wish lists with dreams of pretty dolls and matching dollhouses, all I wanted was Legos. I enjoyed making things, tearing things apart and creating designs that could ultimately do things. Being exposed to puzzles and problem-solving built my patience and perseverance and showed me how rewarding it was to make things work, and tackle things that I would have otherwise deemed 'impossible.' I learned to think outside of the box and utilize ultimate resourcefulness, but more importantly, I acquired the drive and confidence to seek other projects, lead other causes, realize other dreams. For the past four years I have dedicated myself to Key Club, marching band, field hockey, leadership in my school and school district, my family, my friends, and my car.
	Michael C. Chen Albuquerque, NM La Cueva High School College/College Plans: Yale University   Michael C. Chen was born in Xiamen, China, and immigrated to the United States at age four. Since then, Michael has livedaround the country, most recently in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he spent his high school years. He enjoys reading, writing, piano, and a little racquetball on the side. Michael sincerely believes that the most important thing in life is the understanding of others, and he has tried his best to sample the perspectives of other peoples and cultures. Through all this, Michael has tried to keep a sense of humor in own view of life and is adamant about the notion that laughter is the best medicine.
	Grace Chuang Bloomfield Hills, MI Lahser High School College/College Plans: California Institute of Technology
	Viktor Cicvara Fairfield, CT Fairfield High School College/College Plans: Columbia University   I graduated from Columbia in 2006 with a B.A. in Economics. I currently work as a management consultant in New York or wherever my next project takes me, from Boston to Manila. Outside of work, I enjoy travel and writing. Stay in touch: viktor.cicvara@gmail.com.
	Gerald W. Clayton Altadena, CA Los Angeles County High School for theArts College/College Plans: University of Southern California   Gerald was born in Utrecht, The Netherlands, and moved to California when he was one year old. He entered the Los AngelesHigh School for the Arts in 1999 and graduated in June 2002. Gerald's passion has always been music. In the third grade, afterplaying in a school talent show, Gerald knew that he would make music a life-long career. His father, a professional bassist, hasalways given Gerald guidance and support. Along with playing music, Gerald enjoys dancing, skateboarding, and just hangingout. Gerald believes in hard work and focus, but thinks having fun is a necessary ingredient in living a healthy life.
	Bart A. Coffman Hinton, IA Hinton Community High School College/College Plans: University of Nebraska, Lincoln   I grew up on a farm in Western Iowa. As a child, I was always interested in how things work, and I have carried this interest intomy college studies. I began my college career before my freshman year with a chemistry class. I have since completed the training for the CISCO Certified Networking Associate (CCNA). I also enjoy piano and vocal music, woodworking, and reading.
	Megan E. Corrarino Portland, OR Sunset High School College/College Plans: University of Chicago   I've always known that my greatest weakness is also my greatest strength: I want to experience, explore, and learn as much aspossible (which, more than occasionally, has led to over-commitment). I'm not content to be a "dabbler:" I don't want to do a little of everything. I want to know the reasons, how one corner of life impacts another. I love seeing connections, drawing lines. My class notes are spider webs of concepts tied together by the associations I've picked out. I'm fascinated by cause-and-effect, and consequently I love history, full of the perpetually debatable questions and the complex chains of events that lead from one pointto the next. I'm enchanted by the poetry of words, and I love to write. More than anything, though, I love finding the things I've learned pop up in the world around me, invariably enriching my life.
	Joseph A. Cotruvo Washington, DC Saint Anselm's Abbey School College/College Plans: Princeton University   There are two major tendencies of my personality-the serious, rational side, and the creative, less rational side-the trouble ishow to integrate them. For example, I have many diverse interests, but I especially enjoy chemistry and music. The reason that I love chemistry more than the other sciences is that I feel it is the most creative: it requires the ability to visualize abstractions and complex interactions, in the effort to explain the processes fundamental to nature. I love music, however, simply because it is beautiful: it has the capability to transport me into another world. I particularly enjoy playing piano as well as composing; although these involve different sorts of creativity, reason, and discovery than chemistry, I believe I have reconciled my two tendencies in both of these subjects, yet there is still room for improvement.
	Michelina A. Cox Lander, WY Wyoming Indian High School College/College Plans: Georgetown University   I was born in Wyoming and moved to Tokyo, Japan where I attended Seisen International School from kindergarten before returning to Wyoming and completing high school on the Wind River Indian Reservation. I enjoy volleyball, basketball, ballet and violin. Being both American and Japanese grants me the privilege of appreciating the attributes of both cultures-the meticulousness and assiduousness of the Japanese, and the freedoms and opportunities provided by America. I have learned from many cultures through my travels around the world. Experience has taught me that there are intangible things that are constant in all humankind. Family and faith are such things, and I am blessed with the best. My grandmother's motto, which I have adopted, says it all: "With belief and diligence, dreams are realized."
	Hanna H. Craig Anchorage, AK East Anchorage High School College/College Plans: Smith College   I love to be adventurous and have fun. As a little kid, I announced that when I grew up I wanted to be a carpenter, clown, inventor, and ice-cream lady. I have done them all. At age eight I saved up my money, bought a unicycle, and taught myself to ride around my neighborhood. Two summers ago I helped my grandpa build a house for Habitat for Humanity. Last summer I earned money driving an ice-cream truck. One summer my sister and I built a treehouse; we also built small gadgets and robotics projects,eventually leading up to a rescue robot that we are patenting. In my free time I play. I love to eat ice cream, dance, rollerblade, and take pictures. My eighteen years in Alaska have taught me to love the outdoors while reminding me that a whole world is waiting for me just around the corner.
	Heather H. Craig Anchorage, AK East Anchorage High School College/College Plans: Wesleyan University   Since I was a little girl I have been passionate about the sciences, but I enjoy the humanities and arts as well. In my free time, Ilove to take black and white photographs and print them in my home darkroom. I also love to travel. In recent years, I havedelved into several scientific and engineering projects, including the design and construction of a robot that rescues people whohave fallen through frozen lakes. Although my main academic endeavors are scientific, my interests are never limited by the traditional classroom setting. Ultimately, I pursue all my interests with fervor.
	Michael A. Crayton Anchorage, AK Robert Service High School College/College Plans: Olin College of Engineering   Michael was born in 1984 and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. While waiting for the school bus during the dark, cold, winter mornings, he became fascinated with the astronomical wonders that surrounded him in the clear Alaska sky, especially the Aurora Borealis. He knew at an early age that he wanted to be an aerospace engineer. The following words describe Michael's personality: passion, comedy, motivated, fantasy, love, logic, honor, politics, and truth. A lot of his traits were acquired while in Boy Scouts, where also earned his Eagle Scout rank.
	Robert N. Crider Bellevue, NE Bellevue East High School College/College Plans: Rice University   My family has always been the greatest motivating force in my life regardless of the activities I have pursued. In addition to the compassion and love that have typified my family life, my family has given me the tools for success-a powerful work ethic, an unending appreciation of the value of a good education, and religious faith. When my scholastic endeavors give me the opportunity, I enjoy debate and recreational reading. Religion is not the backdrop to, but the framework for my life.
	Ian C. Crouch Poland, ME Edward Little High School College/College Plans: Duke University   Ian discusses Kierkegaard or Tommy Boy with equal ease and near equal enthusiasm, though Tommy Boy is funnier than existentialism.Ian has lived in Poland, Maine for all of his 18 years, and has spent the time enjoying bottled water and, well, that'sabout it in Poland. The Red Sox haunt his dreams. Nevertheless, love of a failing team has built character, though Ian secretlythinks he would have similar character if the Red Sox were more successful. Ian plays tennis fairly well, runs daily with averagespeed and skill, and reads (as well as anyone he assumes) each night before sleeping, something that seems to require no talentat all. Ian is humbled and flattered to receive this honor.
	Lindsay E. Crouse Wakefield, RI South Kingstown High School College/College Plans: Harvard University   I live in a small Rhode Island town, but have traveled throughout much of the US, Canada, England, and Morocco, and have lived in Spain as an exchange student for two summers. Experiencing the lifestyles of regions other than my own has sparked atremendous interest within me for learning about and understanding international issues and cultures. My other passion is long-distance running. Competing for my track and cross-country teams has continuously challenged me throughout my four years of high school.
	Carl D'Apolito-Dworkin Providence, RI Moses Brown School College/College Plans: Yale University   The seeds of the person I am and the person I hope to become can be found in my formative visual experiences. As a child, I first learned the power of visual images by watching animated films like The Lion King. I was awed by the intensity of many scenes and the way the films resonated with beauty and positive human qualities. I found that in even a single frame, like Quasimodo calling for sanctuary from the cathedral steps in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, could be electrifying. As I grew, art became my passion. Art helps me feel connected to something more important than myself. I believe that tender, evocative pictures can convey compassion and that thoughtful, creative illustrations can capture important values and emotions. I hope someday to be an artist and create beautiful images that sustain and inspire people.
	Alexander J. Dahlen Princeton, NJ Princeton High School College/College Plans: Harvard University   Born and bred in Princeton, New Jersey, I am the product of my environment. Princeton is a college town full of people engaged in various scholarly pursuits and I couldn't help being influenced. I am interested in everything: music, literature, art, mathematics and physics. In my spare time I play bridge, ski and struggle to finish the Sunday New York Times crossword.
	Christine M. DeLucia Manchester, NH Manchester Central High School College/College Plans: Harvard University   Daughter of Michael and Alice DeLucia, Christine is a graduate of Manchester High School Central. She worked on The Little Green student newspaper for four years, serving as Editor-in-Chief her senior year, and is most proud of an award she receivedfor feature reporting. Christine has played the violin since third grade, and has performed in local pit orchestras, the Greater ManchesterYouth Symphony, and the NH All-State Orchestra. She studied literature and journalism in summer programs at Phillips Exeter Academy and Cornell University, and is a National Council of Teachers of English writing award winner and National Merit Scholar. Christine is also an avid art student and a Sunday School teacher at her church. She plans to study English and the humanities at Harvard, and eventually hopes to pursue a career in journalism.
	Eric L. Dowdle Stevensville, MT Home School College/College Plans: Brigham Young University   I was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. After moving three or four times, my family settled in Montana and started home schooling mysister and I. I have participated in Boy Scouts since the age of eight, graduating from Cub Scouts and attaining the rank of Eagle at fifteen. I have taken piano lessons for ten years and more recently taken organ lessons, along with teaching myself how to play the guitar. I like playing sports, especially basketball and soccer. I have always been interested in building and repairing computers and am planning on studying physics and computer science in college. I will be attending Brigham Young University starting fall 2002.
	Jessica L. Ehinger Phoenix, AZ Greenway High School College/College Plans: University of Chicago   To me, there is nothing more powerful in life than writing. Through writing, we record our history, explain our beliefs, and defineour existence. There is no war that was not ended by the written word, no scientific discovery that wasn't discussed through it,nor any love that wasn't developed with it. For me, writing has been a way to define myself, not only as a character within myworks, but also as a social critic and observer through them.
	Matthew A. Elkins Owings, MD Northern High School College/College Plans: University of Maryland, College Park   Matthew has lived in rural Calvert County, Maryland, for all of his life and has fallen in love with the pastoral lifestyle. Nevertheless,he is looking forward to enjoying his college days in an urban environment, and is eager to taste something of city life.Matthew has been involved in many theatrical productions, enjoys soccer competitively and recreationally, and has recentlybegun studying the fighting styles of Chinese Kenpo, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, and American Shootfighting. Matthew is an avid chessplayer and computer programmer, and is active in his church as a Lector and Lead Altar Server. He thanks his parents and fivesisters for all they have been to him throughout his life, and his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for His sacrifice. Matthew is proudto be named a Presidential Scholar for 2002.
	Kathryn M. Elsbury Peck, ID Orofino High School College/College Plans: Stanford University   Katy is a National Merit Scholar with a 4.0 GPA who made the final valedictory address at her graduation ceremony and a hammer-thrower ranked among the top five high-school women in the country. She is also a free spirit who accepted her diploma with red nail polish on her bare feet and ribbon roses made by her little brother on her cap, a 6-foot 190-pound Amazon who won the limbo contest at her graduation party, and the only member of our local quilt guild under the age of 40. Her talent demonstration in the Junior Miss competition was "How to Field-Dress a Deer;" yes, she hunts, and she's never wasted a bullet. Despite all this, she believes that her most important accomplishments are the relationships she maintains with family, friends, and neighbors: she is as beloved by the quilt ladies as by her teachers, peers, and little brothers.
	Andrew C. Elson Sioux Falls, SD O'Gorman High School College/College Plans: University of Notre Dame   I am from Sioux Falls, the biggest city in South Dakota, which is still pretty small. I am proud to be from the Midwest because the people here are kind, straightforward, and exhibit strong family and religious values- and strangers always say "hello!" Through the past eighteen years here I have learned to enjoy learning, which I feel is the key to success in school and beyond. I am interested in music, and hope to play Tuba for the Band of the Fighting Irish. Foreign cultures also fascinate me, and I am a huge fan of Spanish, which is not easily encountered in Dakota del Sur. My family, friends, teachers, and church have significantly influenced me, and I owe them a great deal. I consider myself lucky to be a South Dakotan and an American.
	John R. Engelman Bismarck, ND Saint Mary's Central High School College/College Plans: University of Minnesota   My main interests are in trying to make myself as diverse and as well rounded as possible. I try to participate in any club, group,or sport that captures my slightest interest. I love trying to figure out how things work. Ever since I was a young child, I've dismantled and tried to reassemble any piece of technology I could. Although academics have been the core of my schooling years, I've always chosen to participate in other activities including football, track, student council, Spanish club, and volunteer activities like Habitat for Humanity and as a Jr. High tutor. The most important thing in my life is family. My parents, two brothers, and sister have always supported my endeavors and I'm eternally grateful to them. I plan on studying Computer Engineering at the University of Minnesota next year and hope to eventually earn a Ph.D. in that field.
	William S. Fithian Poquoson, VA Poquoson High School College/College Plans: Harvard University   I was born in New York City and moved before I was a year old to Southeastern Virginia, where I have lived ever since. I consider myself an easygoing, relaxed kind of guy, and my interests are primarily in singing, mathematics, and science. I will attend Harvard this fall and most likely study computer science and eventually pursue a career in scientific research. In my free time I enjoy watching movies, reading newspapers, magazines, and books, singing along with CDs and the radio, and catching an occasional catnap.
	Kermin Elliott Fleming Lexington, KY Paul Laurence Dunbar High School College/College Plans: Carnegie Mellon University   Elliott was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky. He graduated first in his class from the prestigious Math, Science, and TechnologyCenter at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, having completed a 400+ hour research project and paper in artificial intelligence.Elliott's parents are Ike and Debbie Fleming who are, in his opinion, the best parents he could have possibly had. Heenjoys reading, fine scale modeling, raising fresh and saltwater fish, and is an avid baseball fan. Elliott thanks God, his parents,sister Kimberly, mentors, teachers and friends for helping him achieve and without whom he would not be here today.
	David C. Foster Normal, IL University High School College/College Plans: Harvard University   In many ways, I am a product of the places in which I have lived. I lived in Baltimore, and then the Washington, DC, area, until Iwas ten; from this experience, I took my interest in politics and love for cities. After living in DC, I spent five years in the conservativecommunity of Lubbock, Texas. Having come out of that alive, I concluded that, like Cher and cockroaches, I could survive anuclear holocaust. Finally, I ended up in my current home of Normal, Illinois, a small but more tolerant community that has givenme the opportunity to be involved in everything from theater to HIV/AIDS peer education, a capella groups to local politics.Although I would not have chosen all of my various homes, in retrospect, I am grateful for the perspective they have given me.
	Amy L. Franciscovich Frederick, MD Governor Thomas Johnson High School College/College Plans: Emory University   Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail-Ralph Waldo Emerson. And I have endeavored to do so. I enjoy a myriad of extracurricular activities - from soccer to Chemathon to drama. I strive to achieve in all aspects of life with energy and enthusiasm; this is best accomplished with a smile! An anonymous source once said, "Dance like no one is watching, love like it will never hurt, and live like heaven is here on earth." A four-year varsity soccer starter, I was named the 2001 National Soccer Coaches Association of America's Scholar Athlete of the Year and was selected to partake in the inaugural Powerade/McDonald's All-American Soccer Game. I also intern with the National Cancer Institute's Laboratory of Experimental Immunology.
	Sheel C. Ganatra Newark, DE Charter School of Wilmington College/College Plans: Harvard University   Although my true passion lies in mathematics at this point, I continue to enjoy the pursuit of knowledge in general. It's just fun to learn new ideas and meet new people, and I hope to do plenty of that during my next four years at Harvard. I have several hobbies: "doing math," programming, reading, ultimate frisbee, and weight lifting. And this is no static list: I hope to form plenty of new hobbies in college, and greatly look forward to the excitement that college will bring. At this point, I can see myself becoming a researcher in mathematics, be it in academia or industry. However, my interests extend to physics and computer science as well,so I will keep my options open in college.
	Xin Gao Morgantown, WV Morgantown High School College/College Plans: Stanford University   I was born in China and moved to the United States when I was seven years old. As a child, I saw Dad spend extra hours at the laboratory during nights and weekends to finish his Ph.D. I saw Mom work the long night shifts at local Chinese restaurants to help support the family. Like many new immigrant parents, mine, too, possessed the determination and work ethic to become successful in America. As I look around today at our beautiful house, our two cars, and all the wonderful amenities we now possess, I am amazed by the difference that a decade of hard work can produce. Through the observations and experiences of the past ten years, I truly believe in the powers of determination and hard work.
	Max W. Gladstone Sewanee, TN Saint Andrew's-Sewanee School College/College Plans: Yale University   Max Gladstone would really like to write that he's a wild and crazy guy from Sewanee, Tennessee, but in reality he's pretty squared-away, although he has been known to cut loose on occasion. He loves writing, and does it whenever he can, although sometimes school and extracurricular commitments get in the way of the completion of the Great American Novel, although the "great" part is, he supposes, debatable. He practices Martial Arts, where he has demonstrated some skill in breaking things with his forehead, and Fencing, where his main skill seems to lie in the "accidentally putting one's foot through the gym wall" category. He is possessed of a (sometimes unfortunately) boundless enthusiasm for life, the universe, and everything. He thinks that Shakespeare is the king of literature, and believes in truth, in justice, in honor, and above all else, in Love.
	Esinam D. Glakpe New Orleans, LA Benjamin Franklin Senior High School College/College Plans: Georgia Institute of Technology   Esinam means "the Lord has heard my prayers" in Ewe, the native language of my father's birthplace in Ghana, Africa. At firstsight, my name appears difficult to pronounce, so most people call me "Essie," a name common in my mother's birthplace, thestate of Louisiana. My name is unique, but it is fitting of my unique personality. I was born in Maryland but the "tides" of lifebrought me to Louisiana. I have interests in almost everything - mathematics, science, athletics, music, traveling, and creativeexpression - and I believe that only I set the limit on what I can and cannot accomplish. Someone once told me that "tomorrow isnot promised to anyone," so my priorities are set to live life to the fullest extent and make a positive difference in the world. Ivalue friendship and the beauty of humanity, but most of all, the steadfast support of my family.
	Mary E. Griffith Saint Albans, WV Home School College/College Plans: Smith College   I love to perform music almost as much as I love to write it. Music is not only my main academic interest; it is also how I express myself and how I relax. I am a violinist, and perform in an orchestra and in the pit bands of many musical theater productions. Composing music, though, is my passion. To date I have written several chamber works, collaborated on an opera, and am hard at work at writing a song cycle (or maybe another opera) based on the poetry of George MacDonald. Being a homeschooled student gives me a lot of free time to pursue these interests. When I am not being musical or being studious, I enjoy reading poetry, studying mythology, playing with my dog and experimenting with hair dye.
	Melissa J. Hanson Turtle Lake, ND Turtle Lake-Mercer High School College/College Plans: Tulane University Alum 06   Tulane University
	Joseph M. Hanzich Trabuco Canyon, CA Mission Viejo High School College/College Plans: Harvard University   IN MEMORIAM: Joseph "Joey" Hanzich (Yale University Law School, Class of 2010) passed away on September 13, 2007. Hanzich graduated as a U.S. Presidential Scholar and valedictorian from Mission Viejo High School in Southern California, earning a spot on the 2002 All-USA High School Academic Team. As an undergraduate at Harvard, Hanzich received recognition as a John Harvard Scholar, a member of Phi Beta Kappa and the recipient of the Detur Book Price. Outside of the classroom, Hanzich was involved in Democratic causes, serving as vice president of the Harvard College Democrats and working on John Kerry's presidential campaign. Last year, Hanzich studied one of his passions, health care policy, at the University of Cambridge on the Governor William Shirley Scholarship. He had previously travelled to Santiago, Chile to work for the Chilean National Health Care Fund, and "he used his fluency in Spanish to provide translation services to the poor in Harvard Law School's legal services clinic, and he volunteered in nursing homes, providing music and entertainment to the elderly," Yale Law School Dean Harold Koh wrote. "Joey Hanzich did so much with his life; he would have done so much more. He was a gifted and wonderful young man. How privileged we were to have him with us, even for such a short time."
	Kimberley L. Heard Chapel Hill, NC North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics College/College Plans: Williams College   Having lived in a metropolitan area, home to three major universities, as well as an extremely small rural town, I have seen differentaspects of life in North Carolina. My junior and senior years, I attended a residential high school drawing students from allover the state. Through my varied experiences I developed a better understanding of people from all backgrounds. I learned the importance of being tolerant and accepting of the ideas of others, while holding true to my own values. This variety, present in both academic and personal aspects of my life, has given me a passion to gain knowledge without limitations and a desire to experience more of the world. Though my future is uncertain, these experiences and my family background have given me confidence that I will be able to enjoy whatever life throws my way.
	Grace C. Hou Poquoson, VA Poquoson High School College/College Plans: Harvard University   I was born and raised in the small city of Poquoson, VA, where I enjoy the many perks of a close-knit community. However, I have also had many opportunities to travel to places all around the world. For example, I love Taiwan where I can ride around on my cousin's moped! And I loved my stay in Paris for the French Piano Institute where I unwittingly fell prey to salesmen. For the past six years I have also been active in piano performances and competitions that have given me a broader perspective and a greater appreciation for music. One of my other favorite experiences has been my mentorship at NASA Langley where the greatest lesson I have learned is problem solving because nothing ever goes as planned! Wherever I am, I always enjoy eating, sleeping, shopping, looking on the bright side, and spending time with my wonderful family.
	Stephanie R. Hurder Western Springs, IL Lyons Township High School College/College Plans: Harvard University   My life is quite nomadic. Although most of my friends trace their acquaintances back to grammar school, I will remember high school as the first stage of my education where I entered and graduated from the same school district. Moving frequently has not only introduced me to a variety of people but also taught me to appreciate my rather uneventful life. I have an insatiable desire for music, whether playing the bassoon, drowning out my thoughts with a recording, or even appreciating a moment of magic in a GE commercial. Having spent most of my high school career juggling youth orchestras and practicing with mathematics and homework, I'm not sure what direction my life will take. I have discovered, however, that a healthy dose of Ultimate Frisbee will eliminate any worries I might have - at least temporarily.
	Hilary C. Jacks Miami, FL New World School of the Arts College/College Plans: School of the Museum of Fine Arts,Boston   Art has always given the artist a good chase. I've never been able to pinpoint my interests exactly: to say I like to dwell in poetry is to say I like legal sized paper brimming with one math problem. The bus ride to the beach tends to be as vivid as even the screaming sea itself. Perhaps being born and raised in Miami has gotten to me. Both Miami and I cannot be still and will inevitably be involved in creating some sort of daily crisis. We will always be constantly interested and try to prod at the continuum of things. For that reason, I've always enjoyed the chase, questioned the chase, and repeated the chase. I tend to like a good run.
	Stephanie Y. Jo Seoul, Korea Shady Side Academy College/College Plans: Northwestern University   I am going through a major transition in my life, a transition which started when I moved to the United States from the Republic ofKorea three years ago. Leaving home and building a new identity has not been easy, and never will be, but I believe I havematured more during the last three years than I could possibly have otherwise. Now with the transition from high school to collegeawaiting me, I look forward to finding out undiscovered parts of myself. I hope not only to pursue my long-loved interest inhuman biology, math and art, but also to seek out other fields that will broaden my views. Embarking upon this journey, I especiallywish to thank my parents who have been so supportive throughout my most trying times.23
	Katherine M. Kaiser Jericho, VT Mount Mansfield Union High School College/College Plans: Georgetown University   Growing up in Vermont, I have benefited from the unique support and security of a small, rural community. I have also experienced the world through travel. This gives me a balance that I think few possess. I value family and community, yet I have the tolerance and understanding that comes from experiencing many different lifestyles. Balance is significant to me in every aspect of my life. In school, extra-curricular activities matter just as much as academics because I believe one is empty without the other.

next