Presidential Scholars  2005

Records 1 through 50 out of 141

	Emily Ames-Ledbetter Towson, MD Towson High School College/College Plans: Wheaton College
	Joel Atella Fort Collins, CO Rocky Mountain High School College/College Plans: Eastman School of Music   Joel Atella is a musician and a performer. He has been actively involved for over eight years in community theatre in shows such as “Peter Pan,” “Pinocchio,” and “The Music Man.” Joel began playing the piano when he was six, has played flute for a year, and French horn for six. In high school he decided he wanted to pursue vocal performance and hopes to make a career on the operatic stage. This year Joel was named a Level I Winner for the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts, has served as president of Rocky Mountain Singers, and treasurer of Rocky’s Upstage Players Society. Joel would like to thank his parents, friends, and teachers for always being there for him and pushing him to work towards his dreams.
	Benjamin S. Baker Cedar Rapids, IA Linn-Mar High School College/College Plans: St. Olaf College   I love the quiet solitude of an empty church sanctuary. I am fascinated by the simple elegance of a complex mathematical proof. I cherish the moments I spend at the piano, letting my feelings flow through my fingers into the music I write. I love tennis, family, and Coke with grenadine. Truth be told, I love many things. In addition to being a serious student, I have an insatiable passion for music, and have earned state and national recognition for my singing, composing, and jazz piano playing. I've also served as a leader of my high school's varsity show choir and jazz band. Outside of music, I've played competitive tennis, mentored middle-school students, performed community service, qualified for state math and French contests, and instituted a new worship service at my church. In the future, I look forward to further exploring my interests and using my gifts to serve others.
	Hannah Baker Careywood, ID St. Paul’s School College/College Plans: Williams College   I have always loved learning, and my very first classroom was the land surrounding my house. Little did I know, I was learning physics when sledding or riding my bike, math when I tried to estimate how tall the trees were, history when I discovered an old cabin in the woods, and language arts when I went back inside and wrote a poem about it all. My enthusiasm for learning brought me to boarding school in New Hampshire in ninth grade. Over the past four years, I have thrived at St. Paul’s, dividing my time between attending classes; assisting in my dorm; being a member of the soccer, track, and alpine ski teams; performing in an improvisation group; playing the violin in the orchestra; being a radio DJ; and partaking in various community service projects. What’s next?
	Kanya Balakrishna Memphis, TN Lausanne Collegiate School College/College Plans: Yale University   My goal has always been to be able to describe myself as well rounded, to be capable of striking an appropriate balance between academics and extracurricular activities and life outside of school. I am quite scientifically inclined and have been doing tuberculosis research for the past two years. My work has been honored in both the Intel Science Talent Searches and Siemens Westinghouse Competition. As president of the International Club, editor of my school newspaper, president of the Beta Club, and captain of the varsity tennis team, I have tried to contribute to my school community in other ways as well. I have been working at the Kumon Math and Reading Center for five years, teaching children the fundamentals of math and reading, which is an extremely rewarding activity. In my spare time, which can be virtually nonexistent, I like to play tennis, read, and spend time with my friends and family.
	Adrienne M. Barnes Polson, MT Polson High School College/College Plans: Harding University   Reading, music, church, volunteer work, Japanese anime, and academic challenges are some of the primary activities that occupy my time. I am a fun-loving, determined individual who sets high goals and gives my best effort to achieve them. I pursue excellence in everything I do, earning a number of awards in music, volunteer work, leadership, and academic ability. Some of the organizations in which I have participated include Key Club, National Honor Society, the local Brain Busters Academic Bowl, Knowledge Master Open, the Freshmen Advisory Program, choir, and a school theatrical production, among many other service projects. I also work part-time at Polson City Hall. The most important part of my life is my relationship with God as I strive to follow His plan. Hence, my next step entails attending a Christian university, preparing to serve God and other people as best as possible.
	Kaitlin Beam Wichita, KS Wichita High School East College/College Plans: University of Tulsa   When I reflect on my life, I am reminded one of my favorite quotes, penned by Robert Louis Stevenson: “The world is so full of a number of things, I’m sure we should all be as happy as kings.” To me, the world is exciting and I love exploring the “number of things” it has to offer. Science and math are two of my favorite fields and I am planning on majoring in chemical engineering before heading to medical school. Music is another passion of mine; I have played both piano and guitar for years and currently teach piano lessons. Other interests of mine include reading, cooking, sewing, and hanging out my sisters. I also enjoy drawing and making pottery. I am confident that wherever life takes me, my zeal for it will help me to continue to be “as happy as a king.”
	Austin D. Beerwinkle Hydro, OK Hydro-Eakly High School College/College Plans: Oklahoma State University   From implementing conservation plans and advancing crop production on the family farm, to improving the team’s skills as baseball team captain, Austin is one who enjoys many forms of problem solving. Even though Austin is committed to his education, earning Academic All-State honors, he is involved in many other activities. He has been the Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter president, a varsity baseball and basketball player, Fellowship of Christian Athletes leader, student council officer, and National Honor Society president. He has earned the State FFA Degree with his farming enterprise. Austin likes to balance his responsibilities with hunting, fishing, playing the piano, and teaching himself to play the guitar. He plans to continue solving problems in college, double majoring in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. In the future, he plans to use both his rural background and college education to find alternative agricultural revenues and energy sources through research and development in the area of wind energy.
	Zachary W. Bernstein Seabeck, WA Interlochen Arts Academy College/College Plans: The Juilliard School   Zachary’s life has been surrounded, guided, and inspired by music. He began studying piano when he was five years old and started composing soon after. A steady increase in his musical interest led him to study at Interlochen Arts Academy for four years. He has won several national awards in composition, including those given by the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers; the Music Teachers National Association, Collage New Music, and several other organizations. This summer his musical interests will bring him to study composition in Berlin. Outside of music, Zachary is an awarded science and math student and a lover of classic literature and American history. He is also an athlete: a swimmer, skier, soccer player for the Interlochen Fighting Blueberries, an avid unicyclist, and a backpacker who is going to complete the John Muir Trail this summer.
	Stephen T. Biederman Hockessin, DE Wilmington Christian High School College/College Plans: Virginia Tech   “Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship” – Romans 12:1. In all aspects of my life, whether it be striving to excel in academics, competing in basketball or soccer, volunteering for inner-city youth, or just having fun with my friends, I have sought to please God through working hard in everything I do. I’ve been blessed with unique opportunities, such as living in Switzerland for two years, an experience that has broadened my cultural view and given me a desire to travel more. As I move on to college, I hope to continue to use all of my talents and abilities to accomplish God’s will.
	David E. Biery New Orleans, LA Home School & New Orleans Center for Science and Math College/College Plans: Harvard College   I enjoy an ever-widening range of subjects from math and science to writing and art history. I look forward to exploring many of these topics in greater depth in college. From the time I was eight years old, I have been focused on becoming a neurosurgeon, but now I think I may want to explore biomedical research and theoretical mathematics for my future career. In my spare time at home, I enjoy drawing and writing. I also love athletic outdoor activities. Every day I do something: tennis (my favorite), swimming, running, weightlifting, sailing, and hiking.
	Gregory J. Bittle Fallston, MD Calvert Hall College High School College/College Plans: University of Pennsylvania   I have always had a strange pride in being able to count the foods I do not like on one hand. With all the possibilities and choices available to me, it seems reasonable to enjoy them all. I now find I have approached my life in much the same way. My plate has been filled with a rigorous curriculum, piano and organ studies, water polo, jazz combo, and Boy Scouts. For my efforts, I have earned awards in Spanish and chemistry, as well as being named a Maryland Distinguished Scholar and National Merit Scholar Finalist. I am also a recipient of the Rennselaer Medal, am a McMullen Scholar, and a member of Benjamin Franklin Scholars Program. To add spice to the meal, I enjoy scuba diving and boating in the summer, as well as flying and backpacking year round, with my career as a church organist helping to support these pursuits.
	Caitlin R. Blackburn Cody, WY Cody High School College/College Plans: University of Wyoming   Growing up in a small town at the edge of Yellowstone National Park has taught me to enjoy the outdoors. I love to ride horses, cross-country and downhill ski, rock climb, and go rafting. I also enjoy being with animals, which forwarded my pursuit of veterinary medicine. My own home has always had more pets than people, so I know I will be quite at home as a veterinarian. Although I am planning a science major, I love foreign language. I studied both Spanish and French in high school, and hope to study more in the future. In addition to that, I plan on taking a trip to Europe in the summer of 2006. My mother, father, and younger brother have all played important parts in my success.
	Anne T. Blazejack Miami, FL New World School of the Arts College/College Plans: Undecided   Anne’s childhood brimmed with half-built paper-mache monsters, burned ladyfingers and unfinished upside-down cakes. At Southwood Middle School, an arts magnet program, she grudgingly learned to follow through on her creative beginnings. Her polished and painfully complete middle school portfolio earned her a spot at New World, where she learned that every part of the production of a piece could be done with energy. She now enjoys the creating process as much as the initial blaze of conceiving ideas. She painted in Aix-en-Provence, France, through a summer course offered by the Maryland Institute College of Art, and participated in the Marie Walsh Sharpe Foundation’s summer seminar. Her work was displayed in the Art Basel exhibition in the New World School of the Arts gallery. She also received a scholarship from the 2005 First Lady's Arts Recognition Program.
	Evan Brand Antrim, NH ConVal High School College/College Plans: Dartmouth College   I have three brothers. My oldest brother says that he will buy me a car when I graduate from college. If he could afford to, he really would buy me a car. He was never much of a student, nor has he ever been recognized in some national competition, but he deserves praise as much as I do. Anything that I have accomplished is due mostly to the support of my family, and if I could I would pass this award on to them. My greatest hope in life is that I can be as great of a blessing to my brothers and my parents as they have been to me. Thank you Mom, Dad, Nathan, Philip, and Peter.
	Isaak Brown Berkeley, CA Idyllwild Arts Academy College/College Plans: Hampshire College   Isaak Brown is a two-year senior at Idyllwild Arts where he has been dedicated to his work in the creative writing department, as well as being an outspoken member of the community. At his home in Berkeley, he worked as an outreach worker for a youth phone service, was a peer health educator at Berkeley High School, and worked in the East Bay Regional Parks district as a Junior Ranger. He plans to attend Hampshire College as a merit award-winning Johnson Scholar.
	Michael Camacho Lenexa, KS Rockhurst High School College/College Plans: Boston College   Michael is an artist, leader, and scholar. His art was displayed in the Kansas City art museum at age four. He earned his Tae Kwon Do black belt at eight. He won an Amelia Earhart poetry contest at 12. He earned his Eagle Scout rank at 15. He earned a scholarship to Northwestern University's Music Institute for classical guitar at 16. He's a contributor and editor of his school's literary magazine, and has appeared on stage with a string ensemble and as an actor. He won the "Best Actor" award his freshman year. He's played soccer since age four; captain of two teams, he went to the state championship competition at 17. His faith and commitment to service motivated him to lead a senior Kairos Retreat and co-chair the Freshman Retreat. He was awarded a four-year Presidential Scholar scholarship to Boston College, and was recognized as one of the top 100 scholars in the State of Missouri.
	Sandra Cameron Poolesville, MD Poolesville High School College/College Plans: Harvard College and the New England Conservatory of Music   Violinist Sandra Wolf-Meei Cameron, a graduate of Maryland's Poolesville Senior High School, made her European debut at age 12 with The State Orchestra in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. At 14 Sandra performed Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No. 1 at The White Nights Festival in St. Petersburg, Russia and two concerts at the Salzburg Festival with conductor Valery Gergiev. She has performed extensively as a soloist and recitalist throughout North America and Europe, including performances at the famed Verbier Festival and a North American tour with the Kirov Orchestra. Sandra recently made her Korean debut with the Daejeon Symphony Orchestra. In October 2004, she performed the Sibelius Violin Concerto at Lincoln Center in a benefit concert for The Juilliard School's Pre-College Division Endowed Scholarship Fund. In the fall, Sandra will simultaneously attend Harvard University and the New England Conservatory.
	Marcella Capron Chicago, IL Loyola Academy College/College Plans: SVA and Northwestern University   SVA and Northwestern University
	Marissa Cevallos Charleston, WV George Washington High School College/College Plans: California Institute of Technology   Marissa Cevallos is a quirky student from the hills of Appalachia who plans to pursue degrees in Mathematics, Physics, and Ultimate Frisbee at a small technical school in Pasadena. Marissa is president of the Newspaper-Beta-Science-Math-Quiz Bowl Club. She also plays guitar in Jazz Band. Marissa enjoys long walks on the beach, Douglas Adams novels, and piZa coladas.
	Anuraag A. Chigurupati Hunting Valley, OH University School College/College Plans: Stanford University   I believe strongly in the value of Socratic questioning. I subject my actions to self-examination in the hopes that I will catch myself in error, or when I’m right, deepen my understanding of why I’m right. This central belief guides much of what I do. I carry on the Socratic dialogue through rebuttals in Lincoln-Douglas debate, in which I have competed for four years, placing second in Ohio and qualifying to nationals. Extending personal questioning to broader social questions has fostered an interest in journalism, enticing me to work for my school newspaper for all four years of high school, writing, serving as op-ed and front page editors, and leading as editor-inchief. The Socratic ideal has also carried me towards an interest in politics, leading me to serve as a Senate intern in 2004. To take a break from questioning, I enjoy playing tennis, reading, and watching Hindi movies.
	Sabrina Chou Oak Park, CA La Reina High School College/College Plans: Harvard College   From a young age, I have loved to look beneath the surface to find out more. I took apart quite a few alarm clocks (to the horror of my older sisters) and figured out how to piece together and sew common things like a chicken drumstick, banana, and snail. My interest has led me to explore every possibility to find out about me, what makes me tick. Two summers ago, I researched the dehydration of onions using infrared radiation, taking apart layers of onions and the layers in scientific research. Last summer I learned about industrial design and what is behind every single product we use. Discovering myself has allowed me to enjoy various activities; I serve as Student Body President, Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper and the literary magazine, and captain of the debate team. I have also discovered my love for cooking, sewing, piano, tennis, golf, and art.
	Jake Cohen Portland, OR U.S. Grant High School College/College Plans: Harvard College   Improvisation has been a powerful force throughout my intellectual development. A wide variety of scholastic pursuits have allowed me to pursue my passion for spontaneous creation, and these include Mock Trials, my school’s constitutional debate team, and, most rewardingly, jazz. As a saxophonist, I’ve played music in a wide variety of groups, including the Portland Youth Jazz Orchestra, the All-State Jazz Band, and several combos that have performed at the Portland Jazz Festival. Although it will be difficult to leave behind my hometown Portland, where I’ve worked to enrich the community through service organizations such as the National Honor Society and Hands-on-Portland, I look forward to studying on the east coast, where I plan to major in English. Beyond that, I can only hope to pursue a career that will fulfill my desire to create.
	Lance J. Collins Birmingham, AL Alabama School of Fine Arts College/College Plans: Massachusetts Institute of Technology   Lance Collins, son of Larry and Cynthia Collins, developed a love for learning and self-improvement at an early age. Continually confronting challenges, he strives to excel in every aspect of his life. His deep love for music, namely piano, is completed by a keen intellect in science and mathematics. Lance enrolled in the Math/Science Department of the Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA) where he has been challenged to reach his full potential in his major through critical thinking and creativity. During his time at ASFA, Lance was exposed to the field of engineering through NASA SHARP and University of Alabama summer internships. His experience during these internships and his problem-solving acumen lead him to enter engineering, a field that will not only challenge his skills in science and mathematics, but will also engage his creative side.
	Jeanmarie (Gigi) Combe Berwyn, PA The Shipley School College/College Plans: Princeton University   In applying for a job as an SAT tutor, my employer asked me to describe myself in a nutshell. I unloaded my backpack in my bedroom for inspiration, staring at symbols of my passions: the Oxford Classical Text of Virgil's Aeneid, a regulation Dunlop squash ball, a harp tuner, an application for a political internship, a Philadelphia Flower Show blue ribbon for Narcissus 'Jetfire,' a waitress apron, and my favorite photo of my red-haired Granny ensconced in a green go-kart. Recalling the spirit, love, and ambition I've invested in the experiences these mementos represent, I appreciate the breadth of my still-youthful existence. Captivated by countless opportunities, and the many imperfections awaiting revision, I will exult in life's gifts by participating in Shakespearean plays, starting a family, becoming the first female President, or perhaps all three! When I return to reality and my bedroom brimming with keepsakes, I recognize the extent of my world. I shake my head and pencil a note to my employer: I couldn't fit myself in there. May I please have a larger nutshell?
	Sarah Cooper Cedar Crest, NM Albuquerque Academy College/College Plans: Georgetown University   Although Sarah doesn’t think of herself as someone who focuses on academia to the exclusion of all other pursuits, she loves nothing better than an idea that genuinely forces her to think. For the past five years, she competed in policy and Lincoln-Douglas debate tournaments across the country. She also published a research paper on American foreign policy in the Congo during the 1960s. For several summers, Sarah volunteered with Cloudancers of the Southwest: a therapeutic horseback riding program for handicapped children and adults. For the past four years, she worked as a teaching assistant, teaching English and literature to students enrolled in summer school. In her free time, she’s likely to be spending time perusing a wide range of activities: from reading French literature or foreign policy journals, to sampling food from obscure restaurants with friends, to hosting improvisational poetry contests, to rock climbing.
	Mathew Crichton Worland, WY Worland High School College/College Plans: Stanford University   Mathew is truly a renaissance man. He is interested not only in the scholarly aspects of school, such as mathematics and literature, but as well in the extracurricular opportunities that his community offers. He has been actively involved in his area’s theatre program, chess club, philosophy discussions, debate team, and numerous other groups throughout his high school career. Not only has he been instrumental in creating numerous activities in his town, he has also held leadership positions in almost every organization he has joined. His tenacity, abilities, and optimism have helped him to achieve wonderful things for his community, such as strengthening the local youth mentoring program, performing cleanup projects around the city, and donating computer technical support to non-profit centers. Mathew genuinely wants to change the world for the betterment of all humankind.
	Angela Dastrup Orem, UT Mountain View High School College/College Plans: Brigham Young University   A harpist since age four, Angela has performed in concert throughout Western Europe and America. Honors include grand prize in the Senior Division of the 4th International Lily Laskine Competition (Deauville, France, 2002); laureate of the 6th USA International Harp Competition (2004); first place in the Intermediate II Division of the American Harp Society National Competition (2001); a Level I Award in NFAA's Arts Recognition and Talent Search; and first prize in the 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Utah State Fair Music Competitions. She soloed with the Utah Symphony Orchestra in their 2000 and 2003 "Salute to Youth" concerts; was featured in Harp Column magazine; and performed at the 8th World Harp Congress in Geneva, Switzerland. A lifetime student of ShruDeLi Ownbey of Salt Lake City, Angela has also studied with Catherine Michel, principal harpist of the Paris Opera Orchestra. In addition to her love of music, Angela enjoys history and English, and is an avid scrapbook maker.
	Brenna E. Decker Clinton, IA Prince of Peace College Preparatory High School College/College Plans: Notre Dame or Iowa State University   Brenna, known to many as “the girl with the really long hair,” keeps herself extremely busy through involvement in drama, speech, band, tennis, chorus, Student Council, National Honor Society, yearbook, Quiz Bowl, piano, and a part-time job, and even manages to eat and sleep occasionally! She loves all of her performance experiences, including local professional theatre productions, All-State speech honors, regional honor bands, and vocal duets with her sister at choir concerts. She has developed her leadership skills by serving as secretary of Student Council, editor of the school yearbook, and vice president of National Honor Society. She has received numerous academic awards and was proud to be named a National Merit Finalist. She also participates in service projects such as church choir. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, traveling, skiing, and, of course, sleeping.
	Barbara J. Dewey Highgate, VT Missisquoi Valley Union High School College/College Plans: University of Vermont   I am a down-to-earth, very approachable, small-town girl. I am actively involved in my community, both at school and in my parish, with a special love for academics and school activities. I enjoy role-playing in the Model United Nations club, acting as treasurer for the National Honor Society, and serving as vice president of my church’s youth group. I dream of becoming a professional student, but the realistic side of me asks how I plan to finance this dream. Until I find a way to fill this financial black hole, I plan to be an audiologist or a math professor, or perhaps a psychomatrician or statistician, or maybe even a speech-language pathologist or an otolarnygologist. As it stands, I am currently undecided about my future, but I am very excited about having seemingly unlimited possibilities open to me. The future of my creation lies just beyond the horizon.
	Caitlin M. Drake Wethersfield, CT Wethersfield High School College/College Plans: Yale University   Caitlin has a wide group of friends that she has been able to maintain even under the time constraints of many activities. She loves to run and is a four-year varsity athlete on the cross-country and track teams. In addition to athletics, Caitlin enjoys being on stage and has performed in a show choir and in many plays over the years. Her leadership positions include captain of the cross-country and track teams, vice president of her school’s chapter of the National Honor Society, and president of the Spanish National Honor Society. She is involved in her church and community, as she teaches a three- and four-year-olds Sunday school class and was appointed to her town’s Youth Advisory Board.
	John T. Elias Idaho Falls, ID Idaho Falls High School College/College Plans: Rice University   I’m curious. When I was young, I wondered about simple things like how leaves change color and how birds fly. As I grew older, seeking and finding answers to these and many other questions contributed to my passion for learning about my world. I have been involved in numerous science and math-related activities such as Science Olympiad, Science Bowl, Chemistry Olympiad, MathCounts, and science fairs. I am active in non-academic activities as well. I taught myself how to play the guitar and drums, and my friends and I started a band for which I sing and play the drums. Painting and sketching also keep me occupied in my spare time. In addition, I volunteer at the local hospital, my church, and a recycling program I started at my school. In the future, I plan to continue my interest in science and arts by serving others as a medical doctor.
	Cristina Esteves-Wolff San Juan, PR Saint John's School College/College Plans: Yale University   Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Cristina (Tina to her family and friends) has attended the same college-preparatory school from kindergarten to high school and has been an active participant in her community. Throughout the years, she has developed a passion for literature and philosophy, and during her high school years she has had leadership roles in student government, debate teams, and theatre groups. Enthusiastic about languages, Tina is tri-lingual, speaking English, Spanish, and French fluently, and she is planning on learning German and Russian during her upcoming years at Yale University. Tina hopes to develop her talent with words into a writing career that will positively impact the society that has made her who she is today.
	Abdullahi M. Farah Owings Mills, MD Carver Center for the Arts and Technology College/College Plans: University of Pennsylvania   Abdullahi (Abdi) Farah has been drawing since he was two years old. Since his sophomore year, Abdi has been winning national art competitions. Most recently Abdi was awarded one of five Scholastic Art and Writing Portfolio Gold Awards, and he is also a 2005 National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts Finalist. In 2003 and 2004, Abdi won the National NAACP ACT-SO Gold Medal in Painting. Abdi is also a Maryland Distinguished Scholar, and his artwork has been exhibited at the Corcoran Gallery and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Furthermore, Abdi currently ranks seventh in his class, where he has earned varsity letters for basketball and cross-country. Abdi believes that his art teachers’ support, his family’s love, and especially his mother’s unwavering encouragement for his art have been immeasurably important.
	Kelley Frances Fenelon Jackson, MS Jackson Preparatory School College/College Plans: Princeton University   A self-acknowledged over-achiever, I have made the most of my high school "career." From class president and vice president, to lieutenant governor and senate floor leader of YMCA Youth Legislature, to Mock Trial team captain, to school newspaper editor, I have comfortably accepted many leadership roles. I delight in learning, and can often be found buried in a book. Raised in the Deep South with an extensive Irish heritage, I have a great appreciation for culture. Blessed with numerous opportunities to travel, I am passionate about discovering and respecting the views of those around the world as I strive to become a "global citizen." My home away from home, however, remains nearby: Galloway Memorial United Methodist Church, where I have grown up attending church and youth group, and now lead a youth Bible study. Other passions include music--from singing in the Mississippi Girls Choir to playing bass and guitar--as well as cooking, exercising, and community service.
	Jason M. Ferguson Dallas, TX Ferguson Home School College/College Plans: Duke University or Massachusetts Institute of Technology   Jason is a 17-year-old homeschooler who attends classes at Southern Methodist University and the Education Program for Gifted Youth (Stanford University’s online distance learning program.) Though he is fond of all facets of science, Jason’s favorite subjects in school are mathematics and Japanese studies. Jason is an Eagle Scout and actively participates in his Boy Scout troop. He is also a founding member of Southern Methodist University’s Japan Club and tutors elementary school students in mathematics after school. He enjoys hiking and camping with his Scout troop as well as solving logic puzzles. Jason plans to major in theoretical mathematics.
	Nickolas F. Fretes Lincoln, NE Lincoln East High School College/College Plans: Harvard College   Nicko is incredibly involved both at school and throughout his community. Besides excelling in academics, he plays bass for the school and city orchestras, captains his varsity soccer and speech teams, and leads community service efforts as president of his school’s National Honor Society chapter. In addition to these school-related activities, Nicko volunteers weekly at a local soccer club coaching children with disabilities. Outside of Lincoln, Nicko recently spent the summer of 2004 in Urubamba, Peru, volunteering at a rural high school. His achievements range from qualifying for national competitions in speech, history, and government, to participating in the Olympic Development Program in soccer. In his free time, Nicko enjoys traveling and learning new languages. To date, he is fluent in three.
	Kevin Friede Edina, MN Edina High School College/College Plans: St. Olaf College   Kevin excels in the three “A’s:” academics, athletics, and the arts. He attended French immersion elementary and middle schools and speaks the language fluently. Kevin played on the varsity soccer team for four years, winning a state championship and captaining the squad his senior season. He was a section leader in his school’s orchestra, and in the concert, jazz, and marching bands. Over spring break, one band toured Beijing, China, playing a concert in the Forbidden City Concert Hall. Kevin also serves the community as a member of committees on substance abuse prevention and school athletic policy. In his free time, Kevin is a 9th grade confirmation leader and a team leader at a biannual high school retreat through St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. In the winter, he manages to get in an icy game of broomball here and there.
	Alexander A. Gaidarski Dallas, TX Saint Mark's School of Texas College/College Plans: Stanford University   At age two, I came to United States without knowing a single word of English. Today, I would be reluctant to call myself anything but American. Understanding the opportunity with which my parents have provided me, I have always poured myself into everything I have done. Fortunately, my school offers all that I need: strong academics, competitive athletics, dedicated community service, and most importantly, the chance to delve into these pursuits. In the scholastic arena, I have become a Renaissance man with deep-rooted interests in every subject. After satisfying my intellectual side, I run, whether chasing a soccer ball down the field or hammering lap after lap on the track in hopes of defending my conference title. But it is only in serving my community that I come to embrace and enjoy the citizenship I received not too long ago.
	Sherri Geng Rockville, MD Montgomery Blair High School College/College Plans: Harvard College   Sherri is a person who is excited by life. She enjoys asking questions and finding the answers in unexpected places; this, she believes, is life’s ultimate goal. She hopes to leave behind a legacy of laughter, and to experience as much as possible before moving on to another, better place. Sherri is co-editor-in-chief of her beloved awardwinning school newspaper, Silver Chips, to which she devotes most of her time. She also enjoys science; an Intel Science Talent Search finalist, she worked in a laboratory for two summers researching seizure detection, and she hopes to be a doctor. In her spare time, Sherri sings, runs, and feeds her grossly overweight dog. She has tried every sport known to man, including skydiving and bungee jumping in Australia (they spell it “bungy” down there). She is a proud and avid fan of table tennis and would like to say that yes, it really is an Olympic sport.
	Amy C. Gilpin Omaha, NE Westside High School College/College Plans: Massachusetts Institute of Technology   At the age of three, I watched with fascination as my dad gutted catfish. Though I cannot say any desire to see dead fish has prevailed (I am a vegetarian), my love for medicine and science has lasted. My ultimate goal is to become a neonatologist in an urban setting. In the meantime, I keep myself quite busy with school, activities, and work. I have played tenor sax from the age of ten and now enjoy playing in the varsity concert band. I was also involved in fall marching band, spring pep band, and a sax quartet. Throughout high school, speech and policy debate tournaments occupied my weekends. Outside of the school day, I waitress at a local restaurant and tutor middle school students. During any spare time, I love to read (mainly fiction), and spend time with my friends and family.
	Saul Udwin Gorman Newton, MA Noble & Greenough School College/College Plans: Harvard College   Saul has always been proactive in serving his community. At school, he represented his class for several years on the Student Life Council and on the Disciplinary Committee, eventually rising to the position of Editor-in-Chief for the student newspaper. Saul has also served the larger community, tutoring inner-city students and doing construction work both with Habitat for Humanity and on an Indian reservation in Montana. When he is not competing with his varsity wrestling team, Saul has delved into theatre, acting in and directing student productions. He has also grown as an artist through his photography, guitar playing, and writing; Saul is a prolific poet.
	Spencer Gray Great Falls, MT Great Falls High School College/College Plans: Yale University   I am more than 150 words, but I’m less than I want to be, and that explains me. To fulfill the request for biography, my summary: the loving family (mine), the competitive streak (tennis and debate), the creative force (writing and journalism), the artistic endeavor (piano), the favorite subject (history), the local interest (Montana outdoors). Yet that’s not quite me. I like people and paradox and palindromes, and I dislike a mind content with itself. I try not to be deceived by others, nor, more importantly, to deceive myself in anything. But I also like the benefit of the doubt: to give and to take. I like understanding and then describing for others, but not when the subject is myself. After 18 years, I don’t know much about most things, and there is my motivation.
	Natalie Greene North Little Rock, AR North Little Rock High School West Campus College/College Plans: American University   Natalie intends to pursue a career in politics, and plans on overhauling the current government system. If that doesn’t pan out, she wants to work for a candidate who reflects her socially liberal, economically conservative viewpoint. She’s also interested in traveling. When she was growing up, her family would take epic car trips. Her favorite destination included the Paul Bunyan Museum in Minnesota. After graduation, she and her brother are going to backpack through Europe for a month. Natalie also participates in many extracurricular activities in her free time. She is president of National Honor Society and vice president of Beta Club. She’s also the director of her school’s daily television program. The best way to sum up Natalie is to look at her rubber duck collection—quirky and endearing: a potent combination.
	Blair Greenwald Rancho Mirage, CA Palm Springs High School College/College Plans: Palm Springs High School   The middle child in a family of three sisters, I was thrown into everything a little early. Because my parents insisted upon keeping us busy (a likely excuse for kicking us out of the house), all three of us were sent to ballet, tennis, swimming, ice skating, soccer, softball, karate, and even golf. Competing with older kids simply prepared me for the next step: Catholic school. After eight years as the sole Jew—and attending Jewish Sunday school for seven years to prevent conversion—I entered the public high school. One of my first classes freshman year was Emerging Literature for Spanish Speakers, and my peers, all native speakers, marveled at the Spanish coming from the only white kid, yet the differences are what make life interesting!
	Kyle Haddad-Fonda Bellevue, WA Lakeside School College/College Plans: Harvard College or Yale University   Kyle has always been passionate about the subject of geography. He was the 2001 National Geographic Bee champion and captain of the gold medal-winning United States team at the 2001 International Geographic Olympiad. In high school, Kyle volunteered to teach an after-school geography curriculum he designed to kindergarteners and first graders at his former elementary school. He has taught for the last four years. His geography accomplishments have led to a wide range of activities, including his appearance (by voice) as the youngest lifeline in the history of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire.” He also enjoys playing the classical harp, which he has studied for ten years. For two years, he was the captain of his high school’s state championship Knowledge Bowl team. In his spare time, he can be found running cross-country, swimming, and orienteering.
	Kristina Hanna West Bloomfield, MI Interlochen Arts Academy College/College Plans: The Juilliard School   Kristina Hanna, from West Bloomfield, Michigan, is a senior dance major at Interlochen Arts Academy. In the fall she will attend The Juilliard School to earn her B.F.A. in dance. She began dancing at the age of four and immediately fell in love. Since then she has studied a wide variety of the dance idioms including ballet, modern, jazz, and tap, and has won numerous awards on both the regional and national level in competitions across the country. Currently she is concluding a wonderful four years spent studying at Interlochen, where she has danced in several contemporary dance concerts and in full-length ballets such as Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker. Most recently, she danced the role of Swanhilda in Coppelia. She would like to express her appreciation and gratitude to all who have made it possible for her to pursue her passion.
	Lydia C. Hardee Beatrice, AL Monroe Academy College/College Plans: Harvard College   If there exists such a person as a neo-Renaissance woman, then Caroleene Hardee is one. Growing up in a small south Alabama town, she appreciates every opportunity to take risks and broaden her horizons. At school, she serves as president for the senior class, the Student Government Association, the Key Club, and the Anchor Club, and plays for the tennis team as well. An avid horsewoman, she competed in the 2003 National High School Finals Rodeo and was chosen 2004 Junior Miss Rodeo Alabama. Another love of hers is music; she has played the piano for ten years and was an Alabama Music Teachers Association state finalist. Always ready to take on a challenge, she plans to attend Harvard College this fall and eventually pursue a career as an environmental lawyer protecting Alabama’s natural beauty.
	Irina D. Hardesty Black Hawk, CO Gilpin County High School College/College Plans: Colorado School of Mines   From a very young age, engineering concepts always fascinated me, and by the time I entered high school, I knew that I wanted to be an engineer. I enjoyed developing personal innovations on previous designs or creating something unusual, yet useful, out of seemingly unconnected pieces. My entire preschool class built a “Sneetch” machine under my direction, after we read Dr. Seuss’ famous story. When I was little, these creations occurred most often with simple children’s toys like Lincoln Logs or Tinker Toys, but by high school, these innovations began to enter my schoolwork, especially my science fair projects. Putting my heart into everything that I do, I also enjoy partaking in such activities as working as a county election judge in 2004, repairing buildings/camps on church mission trips, and aiding children to learn and grow by mentoring elementary students and leading groups at a local vacation bible school.
	John W. Hinkle Shelbyville, KY Shelby County High School College/College Plans: Yale University   John has grown up on a horse farm in Kentucky, and has helped his family raise thoroughbred horses from foals to yearlings. Running and soccer have been major interests for John throughout high school, and he plans on continuing running in college. While no standout, he has also dabbled in musical theatre and student government. John has no concrete plans for the future, although if he had to choose now, he would go into animal science and return to his hometown as a veterinarian.

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