Presidential Scholars  2003

Records 1 through 50 out of 137

	Hana Lucia Adaniya Westerville, OH Westerville North High School College/College Plans: Massachusetts Institute of Technology   When I was born, my parents and my South American relatives hailed me as the reincarnation of my grandfather, who had passed away nine months earlier. Life as an 80-year old Peruvian man has been interesting to say the least, and despite the differences in our upbringings, I have carried the part pretty well. We share many traits from a love of learning, to an involvement in sports, and a dedication to community service. I have enjoyed my school work and summers spent researching at the Ohio Supercomputer Center or taking advanced classes at MIT, as much as I have enjoyed my participation in cross country, swimming, and track with my high school's team, and my work with refugees from war-torn countries. As I am about to begin a new life as a college student, I intend to derive as much pleasure from future pursuits, as I continue to honor, in my own personal way, my grandfather's legacy.
	Timothy H. Andres Washington, CT Home School College/College Plans: Yale University or Harvard College   When I'm asked if I consider myself more a pianist or composer, I say I'm a pianist-composer. I love being both, following in the tradition of pianist-composers that goes back to the beginning of classical music. I began piano lessons at age seven and have performed at churches, schools, old-age homes, regional recitals, and concert halls. I've won awards as a soloist and chamber musician, and will be playing with tbe New York Pops at Carnegie Hall in May. I started composing when I was seven and have studied at Julliard Pre-college, Boston University Taglewood Insitute, and Aspen Music Center. My works have received numerous awards and been performed by the Norwalk Symphny and the Julliard Pre-college Orchestra. I am interested in the confluence of music, art, literature, and philosophy, especially in an historical context, and have spent the last year studying Ives's Concord sonata and the Transcendentalists who inspired Ives to write it.
	Matthew Pittman Austin Montgomery, AL The Montgomery Academy College/College Plans: The Rhode Island School of Design   You can find me, in bright orange pants climbing a tree, throwing Frisbee in the park with my friends, running around my backyard with my younger brother and sister, or in my studio working on art. It certainly has been an interesting journey getting to this stage in my life. Jobs in construction and telemarketing mixed with the typical teenager anguish left me confused and in search of myself. The summer after my junior year I attended a five-week program at the Savannah College of Art and Design. This experience forever changed my life. It was as though someone had pulled open a curtain onto a whole new world. I uncovered a passion and love for art, and found peace being surrounded by many others very much like myself. I left there driven to take life for its fullest and pave my future.
	Daniel C. Bach Versailles, KY Woodford County High School College/College Plans: Duke University   I enjoy math, soccer, and juggling. I have competed in many academic competitions, both through my school's academic team and by participating in individual math competitions. Through these competitions, I have developed a strong interest in mathematics. I plan to major in math in college and eventually obtain a doctorate in mathematics. This past summer, as a Kentucky Governor's Scholar, I studied cryptology and exposed various pseudosciences. Also as a Governor's Scholar, I juggled three flaming torches-and suffered no major injuries.
	Nicholas A. Beck Baker, MT Baker High School College/College Plans: Carroll College   In order to evade the ever-present threat of small-town boredom, I've found myself in constant search of activities and events. However, living in Baker, Montana has made this challenging at times. Therefore, by being involved in school clubs, athletics, volunteer programs, and community activities I have evaded the tedium. Within the school, I am currently President of the Student Body and Student Union, as well as Vice President of our Business Club. As an athlete, I have competed in four years of football, basketball, and track, lettering in each for three years and receiving All-Conference recognition in football and track. While volunteering, I've helped build a home through Habitat for Humanity and raised money for research with the Walk for Diabetes. Also, I've participated in mentoring program affiliated with my high school. In the community, I've coached youth basketball, flag football, and soccer. Through these activities, I've learned more about my school, my community, and most of all, myself.
	Anthony J. Bendinelli Columbus, OH St. Charles Preparatory School College/College Plans: University of Notre Dame or Vanderbilt University   It has been a very long time since I have had the luxury of what I call "leisure time." I have already begun the petition for a twenty-seven hour day, in case anyone else is in the same position. School itself is time consuming, but I have not helped matters by playing football in the fall, In The Know in the winter, and track in the spring. In The Know is an academic quiz competition for high schools, and tournaments are held on weekends throughout the year. Despite my focus on sports, I still found time to play trumpet in the band and jazz band, which held its practices after school. With my commitment to Scouting, tutoring, and other volunteer activities, it is amazing that I have time to sleep some nights! However, I love to have fun with my friends; this is by far my favorite leisure-time activity.
	Andrew S. Berg Fargo, ND North High School College/College Plans: Georgetown University   I have drawn a lot of inspiration from my favorite movie, Rounders. This 1998 poker film originally caught my attention for its interesting subject and outstanding cast. After watching the movie once, I was completely fixated on its content. The main character, Mike McDermott, loses all of his money on a bad bet, but gains it back with several carefully calculated risks. Although I do not aspire to be a professional gambler, I recognize the necessity of taking risks. I carry this attitude into debate, where my style is progressive, but usually successful. Similarly, I'm willing to try any activity that sounds interesting, including jazz band, journalism, basketball, a part-time restaurant job, Key Club, and a summer as a U.S. Senate Page. I know that the only way to be successful and happy is to play the odds rather than sitting idly.
	Jason R. Borschow San Juan, PR Saint John's School College/College Plans: Harvard College   I am an optimistic, open-minded person who craves challenges. One of my greatest accomplishments was a second place finish in the National Geography Bee, a competition sponsored by the National Geographic Society that draws approximately five million participants. Later that year I was appointed, along with two other students, to the United States Team for the 1999 International Geography Olympiad at Toronto, Canada, where we won the gold medal. I plan to focus on the social sciences in college, as my interests range from business to economics and from international relations to political science. In my free time I can be found anywhere from giving my classmates a helping hand on Chemistry homework, to the Hogar Nuestra Señora de la Providencia nursing home, visiting with nonagenarians. I love team sports as well as debate, and I have spent a great deal of time playing basketball and participating in Junior State of America and Model Organization of American States throughout high school.
	Carl H. Brinton Mesa, AZ Mountain View High School College/College Plans: Brigham Young University   One day as a kindergartener in Manhattan, I met a boy named Myung who spoke a different language. Since both my dad and my doorman (two of the most important people in the world) spoke Spanish, I figured so did Myung, but as a blow to my seemingly flawless 6-year-old logic, my parents informed me that Myung was Korean. Though misguided in the beginning, my interest in lands and peoples has continued and developed. Instead of sports posters, maps cover my walls; instead of reading comics, I read the Yomiuri Shimbun. I have been blessed to be able to assist teaching economics and international relations courses, to work diplomatically with people from over 40 different countries, and to write scores of pages on various current political topics. Through my opportunities, I have become more than a citizen of Mesa, Arizona. I have become a citizen of the world.
	Stephanie N. Brockman Grand Forks, ND Red River High School Currently studying at the United World College of the Atlantic, Wales College/College Plans: Undecided   Being a student at Atlantic College has forced me to question my beliefs and to see the other side of issues that I always believed to be one-sided. I had never considered myself to be a biased person, but I was. We all are-- at least, until we have the chance to view the world through the eyes of another. My year at AC has led me to take on many active roles, such as being a peer listener, writing orders and maintaining the school bookshop, participating in speech competitions, and heading a global initiative aimed at raising money and awareness within the college and local community to address an outside issue. Still, my fellow students are the ones who have literally placed the world at my feet.
	Paul A. Broyles Princeton, WV Princeton Senior High School College/College Plans: Harvard College   As a child, I loved to hear my parents read aloud. I still happily devour all kinds of books, from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy to Les Miserables. Naturally, writing is close behind. I've written since I was old enough to hold the pencil-- poems, short stories, newspaper articles. Also, though it's risky to say so right now, j'aime bien parler français. I enjoy Model U.N. debate and the excitement of state and national math and computer competitions. My major passion may be music. Clarinet is my marching and Town Band instrument; for concert, it's oboe, with its distinctive, haunting sound. Some day soon, I hope you can go to the Internet to see Madness of the Gods, the movie I'm making about John Brown's 1859 raid on Harper's Ferry. When I start college at Harvard this fall, I'll bring a bit of Wild, Wonderful West Virginia with me.
	Stephen C. Cabell Owensboro, KY Interlochen Arts Academy College/College Plans: Curtis Institute of Music   A musical composer, Stephen is a recent graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, Michigan. Recently he received a commission from the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra to write an orchestral piece for their 2003-2004 season. His awards and honors include winning the 2002 Illinois Wesleyan University High School Composer Competition, receiving a Morton Gould Young Composers Award from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) in 2002, and a Neil Rabaut Memorial Scholarship from Interlochen Arts Academy in 2002. His music has been performed by the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra, Imani Winds, Interlochen Horn Quartet and Octet, and the students of Interlochen Arts Academy. Stephen plans to study composition at Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
	Jennifer Xiaojin Cai Ann Arbor, MI Ann Arbor-Huron High School College/College Plans: Harvard College   Besides being a student, I enjoy many extracurricular interests that have made me a musician, a scientist, an engineer, a journalist, and a teacher. I have been first chair alto saxophone for three years and serve as a director on the board of the community orchestra as well as teaching saxophone to students in my area. In 2001, I won top awards at the regional science fair for my research on the application of airplane wings to Bernoulli's principle. Last summer, I worked in a Columbia University biomedical engineering lab to study the effects of stimulation on cartilage-producing cells. I also served as cover editor of the newspaper, handling issues ranging from the war in Iraq to a secret "dungeon" in the basement of my high school. Recently, I began tutoring students in chemistry and biology, two subjects that I love and hope to combine for study in the future.
	Caroline L. Camic Madison, WI James Madison Memorial High School College/College Plans: Yale University   Caroline’s range of interests has led her to fill a variety of roles, from Editor-in-Chief of her school’s newspaper to violinist in several orchestras, singer in musicals to mathematician on a state-champion math team, scientist doing independent research in a chemistry lab to government Commissioner. In the field of community service, Caroline founded a volunteer organization called SeniorLink, through which high school students mentor senior citizens in computer use. Caroline has served as President of her school’s Youth Service Team and has volunteered in numerous other capacities, from coaching a middle school math team to serving on various civic boards (including as President of her school district’s Student Senate), working at a community center in a low-income neighborhood to volunteering for numerous political campaigns. Caroline’s awards for her work have included the top honor in the ThinkQuest International Internet Challenge and a national Tribute Award Scholarship from Discover Card.
	George H. Capps St. Louis, MO St. Louis Priory School College/College Plans: Stanford University   George is the oldest of eight children. He is a serious student, and he spends much of his free time researching nineteenth century Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Flathead history. In fact, he recently completed a 124-page paper on the somewhat obscure topic of "The Identification of the Cheyennes in the 1863 Southern Plains Delegation Photographs." Nevertheless, he also finds time to play the piano and to pursue his passion for painting. He particularly enjoys being able to combine scholarship and creativity; for example, as his Senior Thesis he produced a historically accurate Civil War battle scene. George has also run Varsity Cross Country, played Varsity Tennis, appeared in six plays, been the president of his school's Respect Life Club, and committed some 180 hours of community service to the Aim High Program. He would like to thank his friends and family for their constant love and support.
	Catherine A. Carter Jackson, MS Jackson Preparatory School College/College Plans: Princeton University   Catherine is a student involved in many aspects of school and community. She is active in her church as President of the Cornerstone Choir and a member of several musical ensembles. She enjoys various community service activities: building houses with Habitat for Humanity, assisting with horseback riding for handicapped children, and working with the Mississippi School for the Deaf. She rides and shows Palomino Quarter Horses and has won both state and regional awards. Catherine also enjoys leadership roles as President of both the Student Senate at her school and the Mississippi Junior Classical League. Catherine's favorite hobbies include singing and entertaining, reading, and being outside.
	Joseph M. Chan Aurora, CO Kent Denver School College/College Plans: Stanford or Yale University   I have always lived my life by Miguel de Unamuno's words: "To begin to fall into habit is to begin to cease to be." I first fell in love with writing when I became a reporter for the local newspaper's kids' section in second grade. Since then, I have become a writer and the World and Nations Editor for the school newspaper, and won state journalism awards. I possess an equal passion for math and science. I have won many state math competitions, invented an alarm clock for the deaf, and published a research paper on the application of neural networking to proteomics. I have also played the violin as a soloist and as part of the Denver Young Artists Orchestra. In addition, I have served as a hospital volunteer and as a tutor for underprivileged children. In my spare time, I love to paint, read, play tennis, and lift weights.
	Ravi Chanderraj Las Vegas, NV The Meadows School College/College Plans: Harvard College   I was born in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 2, 1985 to Raj and Radha Chanderraj. I have an older brother named Rishi and younger brother named Rajeev. I went to elementary and middle school at The Meadows, a private day school in Las Vegas. After attending Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire for my freshman year of high school, I decided to return home to Las Vegas. I reenrolled in The Meadows School for my sophomore year. Since then I have had numerous enriching experiences. I have enjoyed being a three year member of the varsity football team, which won an unprecedented 41 straight games. Also, I was a member of the debate team, the wrestling team, and student council. I have also received academic recognition as student of the year in AP Calculus, Physics, Spanish, and Human Anatomy.
	Allen B. Chao Wichita, KS Wichita High School East College/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.
	Jonathan D. Charlesworth Richmond, VA Walker Governor's School for Government & International Studies College/College Plans: Princeton University   My passion for challenges has pervaded every aspect of my life. Throughout high school, I have participated in international applied mathematics competitions against teams of college students. Through these annual competitions, my teams have determined optimal evacuation strategies, election strategies, and airline overbooking percentages. My teams' successes have led to a published article in a professional math journal and to presentations of our research papers at professional math conferences. In athletics, I captained my high school's defending State Championship cross-country team this past fall, and continued to compete in both Indoor and Outdoor Track. On my personal trail to Eagle Scout, I served in leadership positions in my home troop, while also providing leadership for a new troop. I was honored to be elected to the Order of the Arrow, Scouting's National Honor Society. Finding challenges, solving problems, and serving my community will always be a part of my life.
	Bryan G. Chen Centerville, OH Centerville High School College/College Plans: Harvard College   I am a curious and intense person who loves to learn. I have played violin and piano for the majority of my life, and enjoy both playing and listening to all sorts of music. I spend a lot of time with science activities, particularly the Science Olympiad team, of which I am a captain. I also am captain of the Science Bowl team, and I competed in Washington DC with my friends in 2002 and 2003. I've been honored with being a member of the 2002 and 2003 US Physics Team. In all of my free time, I play tennis and frisbee for fun. In the summers, I work at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base with the Air Force Research Lab.
	Geng Chen Ashburn, VA Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology College/College Plans: Undecided   More than anything else, Geng is a person trying to find her way through life. She spends a lot of time thinking, writing, and engaging in discussions with her family and friends. More concretely; her major academic interest is chemistry, although as she’s always loved to read, she enjoys English as well. (Her favorite book is Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, although her favorite author is Madeleine L’Engle.) Art is also important to her; she enjoys both its creation and its appreciation in museums, particularly the National Gallery. One of her most rewarding experiences was completing a finely detailed drawing that recently won an award at the National Scholastics Art Awards. In recent years, she has served as captain of her school’s Lincoln-Douglas Debate team and worked on behalf of the Student Library Advisory Board and National Honor Society. Geng’s favorite comic strip is Calvin & Hobbes, her favorite food is eggplant, and in music, she conceives a bizarre passion for both musicals and Finnish metal.
	Grace A. Chen Solon, OH Solon High School College/College Plans: University of Michigan or Duke University   My name is Grace. Grace like the Greek goddesses, but I am not Greek and I am not a goddess. I do believe that smiles are divine, next to sunshine. I think if it rains it has to rain hard; none of that flimsy drizzle stuff. Work hard, play hard, rain hard; life's more fulfilling that way. I have played with the All-State Orchestra and our school varsity tennis team, and won a first place medal at Science Olympiad Nationals. A National Merit Finalist and perpetual dreamer, I am an avid tutor, an officer of Tzu-Chi Foundation's Cleveland Youth Group, and ranked 5th nationally on the Grand Concours French Test. I dream of conversing with Prince Charming in six languages, and of sharing my linguistic skills with students and clients worldwide, working with equally interested colleagues to facilitate international business and communication.
	Ron Ron Cheng Greenville, MS Washington School College/College Plans: Massachusetts Institute of Technology   I never knew my country of birth. I traveled by car, train, boat, and plane before my first birthday. My diet shifted from rice porridge and tofu to Gerber's and government eggs before I could walk. I made the transition from communism to capitalism and didn't even know it. In short, I came to America. Since then, I've aged and done many, many deeds; but you can always accomplish more and better things, so I'll focus here on who I am instead of what I've done. I'm a left-handed Chinese person in the Mississippi Delta-- that's a triple whammy in terms of minorities. I have a passion for eating; I don't know where it all goes, but I enjoy it all the same. I like rice. I also have a passion for life. I love my little sister Christina dearly. And most importantly, through Christ I can do all things.
	Sakura M. Christmas Chapel Hill, NC Chapel Hill High School College/College Plans: Harvard College   Horoscopes: September 23rd - October 23rd. Venus is unusually bright entering the Libra constellation this month. Expect explosive results in the realm of love, perhaps an illicit affair with the books of Garcia-Marquez or the art of Klimt. Avoid procrastination and scary French teachers. As Jupiter crosses the stars, be prepared for a stormy struggle -- particularly with your evil twin. Do put your charms to work on the situation, and with them, you will obtain some surprising results. New funds will miraculously appear for your projects; contemplate cartooning for magazines. Aggressive Mars will force you to make a difficult decision -- go with your left kidney. Thanks to this introspection, your carpe-diem attitude will end the month with "Why not?" And, finally, a word of caution: never follow the horoscopes, they cannot forecast your destiny.
	Allan Chu Saratoga, CA Saratoga High School College/College Plans: CalTech, Harvard College, or Massachusetts Institute of Technology   While Allan grew up playing little league baseball, soccer, and basketball, his idols were Einstein, Newton, and Archimedes. Allan’s achievements include winning the Siemens Westinghouse Math, Science, and Technology Competition $40,000 scholarship, first place grand award at the International Science and Engineering Fair, and third place at the National MathCounts Competition. Allan has been honored by the Davidson Institute for Talent Development as a Davidson Fellow Laureate, selected by USA Today for the All-USA High School Academic First Team, chosen by the College Board as a Siemens AP winner for top scores in seven AP math and science exams, and inducted into the National Gallery for America’s Young Inventors. He is the president of his school’s math club and cofounder of the Internet Technology and Computer Club. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball and the piano. His goal is to use science and technology to improve human life.
	Cristina B. Colon Guaynabo, PR Academia San José High School College/College Plans: University of Pennsylvania   The quickest way to describe myself is probably by saying that I am never bored, which leads me to explain that I always find something to do, even if it is simply sharing time with friends. In school, I participate actively in several clubs, my favorite being Model United Nations. Outside of school, my favorite extracurricular activity is ballet. I have been a student in that art since I was four, and became a teacher in September of 2002. My lifelong vocation has been to protect the environment, and presently I am planning to study both Business and Engineering so that I am well prepared to play my part in helping to integrate green technology into the lifestyles of many Americans.
	Jessica L. Cook Burns, WY Burns High School College/College Plans: Colorado State University   I now attend Colorado State University and am planning to major in Animal Science, to become a veterinarian or pursue a career in the field of animal breeding and genetics. My main hobby is rodeo - I'm a bull rider - and I ride for the CSU rodeo team and in local competitions.
	Chanda L. Cooper Bishopville, SC Camden High School College/College Plans: University of South Carolina   Honors College When the sun's first rays spill over the horizon and caress the oak leaves around me, Tramp and I have already taken our morning stroll through my 4-H wildlife plot, startled two deer, and completed a new chapter in my story-in-progress. Tramp now lolls in the shade beneath me, his puppy antics having worn him out, and I sit silently in my tree house, scrawling in my notebook. My passions lie in the areas of nature, science, history, and the written word; one day I hope to combine these interests in an exciting career. I have participated in 4-H programs for many years and have been able to enhance my own and my community's awareness of local wildlife through the FACE project. I also devote much of my time to helping the elderly in my community by volunteering at the Council on Aging and visiting residents in local nursing homes.
	Janine A. D'Agati Towson, MD Towson High School   Barnard College Photography is my primary interest. I focus on color photographs, and for the past few years my photographs have mostly depicted ordinary objects and aspects of urban landscapes/urban decay. I am also continually building on a series of diptychs that features portraits juxtaposed with unrelated objects, the intent being to provoke a viewer to derive a unique, invented idea of the connection between the two images. Aside from all that, I enjoy diners, old books, and small, family operated businesses.
	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.
	Helen L. Eckinger Birmingham, AL Indian Springs School College/College Plans: Yale University   Academics have occupied much of Helen's time during high school. Her primary academic interest is writing, and she plans to work this summer for a local arts newspaper. She has been in several school and community theater productions, including Gypsy and Anything Goes!, and has spent the past three summers as a counselor and director at a day camp for underprivileged children. In her free time she enjoys yoga and rock-climbing. She currently works in an Italian restaurant.
	Brigitte L. Eichner Claymont, DE Archmere Academy College/College Plans: Brown University   Brigitte is a self-proclaimed idealist who strives to do her best in each of the myriad projects she undertakes. As the Vice President of Communications for her school's Community Service Club, Brigitte has been active in volunteer projects such as neighborhood revitalizations, clothing and food drives, bike-a-thons to benefit the American Diabetes Association, peer tutoring, campus ministry, and retreat work. This past summer, Brigitte worked 40 hours a week as a volunteer press intern for U.S. Senator Thomas R. Carper in Wilmington. In addition to the 690 hours of volunteering she has accrued in the last three years, Britt is also a member of Archmere's Concert Band, Model UN, mock trial, TEAMS, and math league teams, and she is the editor- in-chief of the school newspaper. Brigitte plans to major in Public Policy with the hope of eventually becoming a trial lawyer or judge.
	Joel I. Englander Englewood, CO Denver Academy High School College/College Plans: Stanford University   A hard worker? Perhaps. An Olympic Gold Medallist? Hardly. Curious? Always. A natural curiosity has been the crux of Joel's academic life. Trust me, I know. Joel is unafraid to question...and question...and question. Yet Joel's career, both as a student and as a human, has not been a walk in the park. At an early age, Joel was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). These disorders have made Joel's social and scholastic life a challenge. Nevertheless, Joel has not, and will not, allow these challenges to keep him from success; he will continue to strive to improve himself. Currently, Joel is president of his school's senate and his youth group's local chapter. In addition to these activities, Joel enjoys "tinkering" with the computer.
	Nathaniel L. Erb-Satullo Lanesborough, MA Concord Academy College/College Plans: Swarthmore College or Carleton College   When I find an interest, I become deeply engrossed and almost obsessed by it. Each holiday picture my family sends out shows me holding an artifact of my newest interest. Over the years, I have held a toy dinosaur (a Tyrannosaurus Rex), model ships (more than once), or my dog (Angus) for the camera. My passions have taken me from smoky early-morning Civil War reenactments to mountain peaks to old coin shops. I became interested in the Civil War when my dad gave me a board game, sparking an interest that continues seven years later. I developed a love of hiking and the wilderness at a trip camp in northern Maine. In the past couple of years, I have devoted myself to running, which gives me a chance to relax outdoors while also satisfying my desire for competition.
	Jeannette H. Fang Bridgewater, NJ Bridgewater-Raritan High School College/College Plans: The Juilliard School   Who is this Jeannette Fang, who gets weak-kneed from Rachmaninoff and plays Bach with an embarrassingly raw ecstasy? We heard that she was lucky enough to win the Nordman Competition at the Juilliard Preparatory, that she performed the Rachmaninoff Paganini Variations with their orchestra, and that she's gotten top awards at the Oberlin International High School Competition. We wondered if she was a diva, but discovered that she loves working with others and playing chamber music at such venues as Alice Tully Hall and the Juilliard Theater. Someone told us that she loves writing and drawing, has won awards for fiction and visual art, and enjoys voraciously reading and baking. Why does she pursue music so avidly? She's been quoted as saying that she "feels music strikes emotions deep within ourselves; its persistence in making us listen to our own stirrings is what leads to our own individuality."
	Jody M. Gay Broadus, MT Powder River County District High School   Colorado State University Jody's activities and endeavors over the past few years have been varied and diverse. She has been a football manager and statistician for the past four years, has helped produce the yearbook for three years, and has regularly participated in the Academic Olympics, Math Contest and Academic Challenge. She has held a part-time job for three years at Seabeck Pizza and Subs in her hometown of Broadus, Montana, which has a population of 650 residents. She is active in student government, executing the office of Class President for two years and Student Council Secretary-Treasurer for one. Jody was a founding member of Youth In Action in her community, and has been responsible for the implementation of a Literacy First After School program in Broadus. In her free time, she quilts, hikes, and spends time with friends.
	William T. Gaybrick Washington, DC St. Albans School College/College Plans: Harvard College   Always, I am willingly drawn in every direction by myriad interests. I play piano, guitar, but also baseball and basketball. Lessons and rehearsals at my music school often interfere with athletic practices and games. I am on athletic teams, but I am also on a math team. I've played in rock bands, but also orchestras. I love to write, and I published a paper on Thomas Jefferson and the Barbary Pirates. I write poems and stories in my free time, and I love to draw and paint. Last summer, I worked in a Department of Defense laboratory researching and developing temperature-resistant Sphingolipids. I am an informal tutor to my peers, who often come to me with questions about math or English, and a formal tutor at various camps, schools, and day-care centers in the DC area.
	Roderick R. George Houston, TX High School for the Performing and Visual Arts College/College Plans: North Carolina School of the Arts   Dance was something that caught me by surprise. Being involved with sports and growing up with gymnastics was something that I wanted to continue. After being recognized in gymnastics, I was introduced to dance at the age of nine. Always thinking that dance was just for girls hindered my involvement, but I started dancing at a small studio. In 1994, I began training at the Houston Ballet Academy. I pursued my training at HSPVA, and I have also had the opportunity to study with the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre in New York and many other dance companies within the city of Houston. Also for three years, I have held the title of the National Gold winner of the NAACP-ACT-SO competition. As I continue to do what I love, I wish to better my future by dancing with a company in Europe or the United States.
	Wesley H. Greenblatt Kearney, MO Kearney R-1 Senior High School College/College Plans: Yale University   Wes can't settle on just a few interests, so he pursues many. He has state awards in government, science, math, business, piano, trumpet, writing, and oratory in addition to regional awards in volunteering, foreign language, chess, and forensics. Wes is also a leader, serving as president of three clubs and student body vice president. He founded the intramural Quiz Bowl Competition and Sounds for Seniors, a volunteer program that brings musicians to nursing homes to play and sing for the residents. Other avenues where Wes volunteers include a nature sanctuary, Habitat for Humanity, and tutoring. His most meaningful endeavor, however, has been two summers spent performing cancer research on human herpesvirus-8 at the Kansas University Medical Center. This has cemented his desire to major in molecular biology and economics before pursuing a Ph.D. in molecular biology.
	Colin J. Hall Minneapolis, MN Southwest High School College/College Plans: University of Wisconsin-Madison   Always, I am willingly drawn in every direction by myriad interests. I play piano, guitar, but also baseball and basketball. Lessons and rehearsals at my music school often interfere with athletic practices and games. I am on athletic teams, but I am also on a math team. I’ve played in rock bands, but also orchestras. I love to write, and I published a paper on Thomas Jefferson and the Barbary Pirates. I write poems and stories in my free time, and I love to draw and paint. Last summer, I worked in a Department of Defense laboratory researching and developing temperature-resistant Sphingolipids. I am an informal tutor to my peers, who often come to me with questions about math or English, and a formal tutor at various camps, schools, and day-care centers in the DC area.
	William G. Hamilton Russellville, AR Russellville High School College/College Plans: Savannah College of Art and Design   Will became interested and involved in video in junior high school. At the summer Rising Star program 2002 at Savannah College of Art and Design, Will received the highest award possible for his work in video/film. He w
	Anne E. Harsch East Greenwich, RI Rocky Hill School College/College Plans: Dartmouth College   When someone asks me where I'm from, I always have to stop and think. As a member of a family that has moved somewhat frequently, I've learned to respond, "I'm from all over." Born in Washington DC, I've lived in Maryland, Ohio, Colorado, and Rhode Island. My migratory existence has instilled in me an unquenchable curiosity, a strong sense of independence, and a thirst to explore the unknown. My curious side has unveiled the mystery behind a cereal's sogginess in my award-winning science project "Snap, Crackle, Sog." My independent self has volunteered as an assistant director and starred in a touring theatre company. Finally, my explorative persona has granted me a deep love and affinity for language and earned me a perfect score on the National Latin Exam. As I look ahead I know I will never cease to seek and conquer the vast unknown.
	Jessica E. Harvey Maryville, TN Maryville High School College/College Plans: Peabody College at Vanderbilt   I have grown to understand that life is not about successes, failures, recognition, or placement, but rather about passions. By following my passions as they have evolved, my life has abounded in joy and fulfillment. I have a passion for the outdoors, for hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains while the clouds float beneath. While standing upon a mountain, life focuses and stresses melt away. I find in myself a passion for challenge. I spent two years attempting to master pole vaulting. Though I didn't reach my goal, the challenge was rewarding in itself. My passion for music runs throughout my life. Clarinet and piano have opened doors in the band, community orchestras, and competitions. The central passion of my life, though, would be life itself -- enjoying every moment to the fullest, whether investing in myself, my family, or my community.
	Chandler A. Hatch LaGrange, IL Lyons Township High School College/College Plans: Brigham Young University   I'm dabbling in everything trying to decide how I can change the world.
	Andrea J. Hawksley Grosse Pointe Woods, MI Grosse Pointe North High School College/College Plans: Undecided   I have been fascinated with math and science ever since I was little and pursued them with passion all through my high school career. I strive to encourage and foster interests in science among my fellow students as the founder and president of a biology club at my school. My enthusiasm in science also led me to seek out and participate in science related activities and science research. These endeavors garnered me honors such as being one of the two delegates from Michigan to the National Youth Science Camp and a semifinalist in the Siemens-Westinghouse Science Competition. My other honors include being an AP Scholar with Distinction, a National Merit Finalist, a USA Biology Olympiad Semifinalist, the Captain of my school's Quiz Bowl Team, and the Co-captain of Science Olympiad team. On the non-academic side, my favorite pastimes include running cross-country, racing sailboats, drawing, writing poetry, and playing classical piano. For a closer look, visit my website at www.geocities.com/ahawksley/.
	Kelly W. Heuer Miller Place, NY Miller Place High School College/College Plans: Harvard College   Kelly gets a big kick out of community service. She is a four-year veteran candy-striper at St. Charles Hospital, as well as a volunteer with the Miller Place-Mount Sinai Historical Society. Kelly has tutored classmates in everything from Spanish to AP Calculus, and recently worked as an unpaid intern at a local doctor's office. While serving as president of her school's chapter of the National Honor Society and Spanish Club, as well as Service Coordinator for her school's chapter of the New York State Science Honor Society, she still makes time to run Varsity Track and Cross Country, as well as performing as both an actress and a member of the pit orchestra (not simultaneously, of course) in the Drama Club. Kelly plays the cello in the school orchestra, is a senior Girl Scout and an active member of SADD. In her free time (what free time?) she enjoys reading, writing, painting, dancing, and spending time with her wonderful family.
	Dave C. Hicks Meridian, MS Lamar Foundation High School College/College Plans: Texas A&M University   I am devoting my life to the service of others. Whether I am volunteering as a summer missionary for ten weeks in South Carolina or spending hours every day preparing to lead a weekly multi-faceted Bible study for up to forty-five area high school students, I consider service my top priority. Apart from attending school, I play guitar and piano, sing, run cross country and track, play soccer, mountain bike, adventure race, backpack, and enjoy the outdoors. My goal is to let service permeate my life, rather than squeeze it in. With this attitude, personal accomplishments and honors are mere byproducts of placing others first. As captain of the soccer and cross country teams, President of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and an All-State athlete multiple years in three varsity sports, I strive to lead by example and use my influence to positively impact the lives of others.
	Matthew W. Hollar Atlanta, GA South Forsyth High School College/College Plans: Vanderbilt University   From medicine to French to music to calculus to economics – my interests as a high school student are as varied and as numerous as they come. In school, I have been fortunate to hold leadership positions on the academic bowl team, math team, French Honors Society, and Student Government Association. In my free time, I lead an organization called the “Senior Surfer’s Group” which seeks to educate senior citizens in my community about computers. I love to travel. Three summers ago, I studied medical science on scholarship at Cambridge University. Last summer, I worked for several months to pay for a self-led backpacking trip through France and Spain. Apart from my academic studies, however, I have always tried to place my family first and to reserve time for myself. When times get rough, I play the saxophone to relax or take my little brothers out to a movie.
	Sarah K. Howard Piscataway, NJ Piscataway High School College/College Plans: Harvard College   I enjoy communicating with people and challenging them to think. As a musician, journalist, activist, and student, I try to convey my love of beauty while at the same time working for social justice and environmental well-being. For as long as I can remember, I have spent my free time outside. For me, relaxation means gardening, hiking, swimming, jogging, or just strolling through my suburban neighborhood. During this time outside, I have developed a deep appreciation for the environment and a commitment to working for positive change within my community. In the past two years, I united these two passions in the creation of a Stream Clean-Up Project, which a friend and I initiated to restore a degraded stream on our high school campus. During college and beyond, I look forward to years of constructive activism and public policy work.

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