Presidential Scholars  2005

Records 116 through 141 out of 141

	Josiah Schwab Fort Wayne, IN R. Nelson Snider High School College/College Plans: Massachusetts Institute of Technology   I am a highly motivated person who loves to read and loves to learn. I am interested in mathematics and physics. I have been heavily involved in math and science activities since my early years of elementary school. During the summer of 2004, I participated in the NASA Summer High School Apprentice Research Program. I worked at the Center for High Technology Materials in Albuquerque, New Mexico, performing research in the area of semiconductor physics. I have been a part of my school’s Academic Super Bowl and Academic Decathlon teams. I have also been a member of my school’s National Honor Society. Outside of academics, I play the trombone in my high school wind ensemble, orchestra, marching band, jazz band, and pep band. I was a member of the 2004 Indiana All-State Jazz Band, and I plan to continue playing jazz throughout college.
	Dana M. Scott Cranston, RI Moses Brown School College/College Plans: Brown University   Whenever someone asks me about my plans for the future, I say that I am going into Brown’s eight-year medical program, and though I am not sure what I want to major in, I want to study classics, marine biology, Italian, and math. Usually, the person who asked says something along the lines of, "Wow, those are some pretty different fields!" I am not necessarily indecisive about what I want to do and study, but I just want to do and experience so many things at once that it can seem that way. That desire for learning and experiencing is the essence of who I am. I am a learner, a coral reef explorer, a runner, a musician, a squash player, a skier, an outdoorsman, and a loyal shopping buddy. I find interest in just about anything, and am constantly amazed and intrigued by the many facets of our world.
	Peter Severson Sioux Falls, SD Lincoln High School College/College Plans: Princeton University   I’ve been heavily involved in music for as long as I can remember. Playing the piano and the euphonium has been a release for me from the anxieties of daily life. I was a drum major for my marching band during my senior year, the same year that we marched in the Tournament of Roses Parade. My instruments have led me to be a part of the symphonic band, the symphony orchestra, and the jazz bands. Aside from music, I’ve enjoyed many activities at my Lutheran church, including the brass group, hand bells, and 12 consecutive years in the choirs. I accompanied the children’s choir for four years as well. My involvement with our outstanding and mission-oriented youth group has taken me around the nation and around the world, from New York City; Atlanta; Washington, DC; and Montana; to Nicaragua, Peru, Norway, and Denmark.
	Carol W. Shih New Orleans, LA Benjamin Franklin High School College/College Plans: Princeton University   I view my life as a giant sheet of blank manuscript paper. With every experience that I have encountered, whether it was garnering academic prizes, winning piano competitions, playing with renowned orchestras, serving as student council president for three years, teaching Sunday school and playing piano at my church, working as a lab assistant researcher at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, or volunteering at local hospitals, I consider each experience a new melody composed on my paper. My ambitious drive to succeed is tempered by a mature perspective on the priorities of my life. I want to be a pediatrician and travel to less fortunate countries to help save the lives of suffering children. As I grow older, this manuscript will evolve into a grand composition that sums up my dual purpose in life: to be of service to others and to enrich lives through caring and a spirit of goodwill.
	Michelle Siao Belmont, MA Buckingham Browne and Nichols School College/College Plans: Harvard College   A big sister, pianist, violinist, newly baptized Red Sox fan, amateur tennis and soccer player, video gamer, stargazer, giggle box, film fanatic, and Hobbit head, Michelle enjoys eating fluffy pancakes before a day of classes and chamber rehearsals with friends. She will mention the all-school music festival and Simply Music club that she founded, her editorship of the literary magazine, school awards for history and profile papers, Scholastic Gold Award for writing, tours with the New England Conservatory’s Youth Symphony and Youth Philharmonic orchestras, time served as concertmistress of the Youth Symphony, state piano competition prizes, national French awards, and ALS research she has conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital. But more importantly, Michelle expresses her gratitude to the family, friends, and teachers who have supported her along the way. She aspires to be among those who make humanity beautiful despite all its flaws.
	Stephanie Simon Weston, FL University School of NSU College/College Plans: University of Pennsylvania   I pride myself on being a well-rounded person. I have a multitude of pursuits, only one of which is academic success. I love sports, and I was a two-sport (soccer and softball) varsity athlete in high school. Journalism is one of my interests: I participated in both the student newspaper and political newsletter as a staff writer and editor. Community service is important to me, and I helped to raise over $600,000 for the Tourette Syndrome Association. Politics is my passion: I was president of my class for two years and I plan to become more seriously involved with politics on a national level. I plan to study philosophy, politics, and economics in college with hopes of later earning a law degree.
	Tara R. Skebba Cedarburg, WI University School of Milwaukee College/College Plans: Undecided   At age 16, I am seen as a: top academician (valedictorian, Cum Laude Society, National Merit Finalist, Advance Placement Scholar, quadruple National Latin Exam Gold Medalist, honor roll, Bausch & Lomb Science Award, National Society of High School Scholars); avid Science Fair competitor; swim team captain and MVP; and forensics guru (2005 State First Place Demonstration). While I have earned all of these achievements by always trying to do my best, they do not define who I am. I spend weeks every summer in central Wisconsin—learning to drive my aunt’s old pickup on the farm, volunteering, completing art projects, and adoring country music. I am currently completing a three-piece wall-size mosaic entitled “True Beauty” for Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, as well as finishing my Girl Scout Gold Award. Because “time really does fly” when you’re having fun, this country girl at heart plans to enjoy the opportunities of every future minute!
	Joseph R. Sofranko Cincinnati, OH Walnut Hills High School College/College Plans: The Juilliard School or Carnegie Mellon University   Actor Joe Sofranko graduated as one of seven valedictorians at Walnut Hills High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. His professional theater credits include Inherit the Wind and A Christmas Carol with Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park; Ordinary People, Romeo and Juliet, and The Return of the King with Clear Stage Cincinnati; The Two Towers and Fellowship of the Ring with Ovation Theater Company as well as five productions with Cincinnati Children's Theatre. Joe was the winner of the 2004 English Speaking Union National Shakespeare Competition at Lincoln Center, was awarded a full scholarship to attend the British American Drama Academy in London last summer and also won the Cincinnati Arts Association Overture Award for Theater in 2003 and 2005. He has studied acting in the Certificate Program at the University of Cincinnati, College Conservatory of Music and in a summer program in Paris with New York University, Tisch School of the Arts.
	Alexander M. Solomon Las Vegas, NV The Meadows School College/College Plans: Harvard College   have been described as eclectic in my tastes and abilities. This is because I do not hesitate to try all fields. Although my teachers applaud my 800 score on the Math SAT and science awards, I also excel in English and History. My interest in history has led me to participate in several archaeological digs and to volunteer for Preserve Nevada, the state’s preservation organization. I have been a member of the varsity swim team and Key Club for several years. As vice president of Key Club, I have helped to arrange a student “Walk to Cure Diabetes” and a teddy bear drive to support the local metropolitan police organization. In my free time, I enjoy bicycling, science fiction novels, camping, music, and spending time with my family and friends.
	Colin J. Stranahan Parker, CO Denver School of the Arts College/College Plans: The Brubeck Institute, University of the Pacific   Colin has had a passion for music since he was very young. The son of a jazz music educator, he has always been immersed in music. His interest developed when he was able to play a drum set at age eight. From that time forward, music has been his life focus and passion. He currently participates in many school-based and professional groups. He has led many of his own groups, which perform in Denver and at many jazz festivals winning multiple awards. He has recently released his first album, Dreams Untold, on Capri Records. “I always try to stay open to what I’m doing musically and find different ways to express my ideas and thoughts. This music is about expression, being in the moment, and I always try to capture that.”
	Lauren Swallow Sandy, UT Alta High School College/College Plans: Brigham Young University   My true love has always been learning. I have memories of crossing the school parking lot as a child with my nose buried in a book. I was always so eager to finishing reading that I could not put books down. I have tried every subject that is within my power to try, and I have found that I love each one. I love to soak in everything— things as diverse as playing the clarinet, drawing portraits, writing poetry, making pottery, drafting, making model rockets, ballroom dancing, and solving differential equations. My drive to know everything has been my greatest blessing as well as a frustrating curse: a blessing, because I find complete joy in my studies, and a curse, because there is never enough time to complete them all! My hope for the future is that I will always be able to share my knowledge and zeal with everyone I meet.
	Quincy Sweeney Sparks, NV Edward C. Reed High School College/College Plans: Columbia University   I want to be a tiger trainer. No, I am not joining the circus; I want to work in tiger conservation. My fascination with tigers began when I visited the Shanghai Zoo in Shanghai, China. I was in China living with a host family through American Field Service. One weekend they took me to visit the zoo’s tiger conservation program. The visit was one of the highlights of my trip and when I returned to the states I was determined to work with animals, particularly large cats. Upon my return I began volunteering at Sierra Safari Zoo. I spend every Sunday at the zoo, cleaning cages, preparing food, and interacting with the animals. Sierra Safari Zoo is home to nine large cats including lions, tigers, and a liger. My experiences at the zoo have increased my determination to save these beautiful and unique animals for future generations.
	Spenser Theberge Vancouver, WA Vancouver School of Arts and Academics College/College Plans: The Juilliard School   I’ve found myself dancing through life for the past ten years, skimming the surface and letting the momentum guide me. It’s interesting how much my dance training reflects my outside experiences. In both scenarios I’ve achieved more success by riding the wave, discovering that forcing too much control, gripping too hard, blinds me from an experience’s true lesson. With this mindset, I’ve been lucky enough to travel the country dancing, earning many honors and scholarships for my artistry and original choreography. There are so many aspirations I have for my career, but ultimately I wish to give back to the community that nurtured me so well for eighteen years. I’m thrilled to be at this stage in my life—it’s time to close my eyes, leap, and dance through life.
	Veena Venkatachalam Berkeley Heights, NJ Governor Livingston Regional High School College/College Plans: Massachusetts Institute of Technology   Life is too short to spend it doing things that bore you, so I simply spend it exploring ideas and activities that interest me. Thus far, I think this philosophy has served me well. Indeed, very little of what I do seems like work because I approach things with a sincere desire to pursue them. Music is one such interest that has caught my attention and drawn me in; I enjoy performing my favorite piano pieces at nursing homes, serving as section leader in my marching band, and giving trumpet lessons. Science research has also captured a piece of my heart; my experiences conducting nanotechnology, biochemistry, and neuroscience research have allowed me to realize the thrill of discovery. At school, I have run varsity track and served on student council for four years, and am currently a National Honor Society officer and treasurer of the computer club. I love movies and chocolate, and hope to run a marathon someday.
	Vivek Viswanathan Manhasset Hills, NY Herricks High School College/College Plans: Harvard College   Vivek Viswanathan has lived on Long Island, New York, for his entire life. At Herricks High School, he served as General Chair of the World Affairs Club; as co-editor-in-chief of Highlander, the school newspaper; and as vice president of his class. He was also a member of the varsity basketball team and a trombonist in the school jazz band. Vivek participated in the National History Day research program for six years and has interviewed former Secretary of State George Shultz and former Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger. He was the 2004 winner of the National Peace Essay Contest. Vivek has attended American Legion Boys State and Boys Nation; the United States Senate Youth Program; and the Hugh O’Brian Youth NY-Metro Leadership seminar. For the past two summers, he volunteered at a soup kitchen on Long Island. Vivek hopes to study history and government in college and eventually pursue a career in law.
	Christina R. Wagner Alexandria, MN Jefferson High School College/College Plans: Grinnell College   After returning home from the library, I would wait until my family had disappeared inside before ringing my own doorbell and introducing myself as Little Red Riding Hood, their new next door neighbor. My mom would then give me a detailed tour of my home, a new perspective on the familiar. This sort of re-evaluation has remained, apparent in my life now. Instead of letting the monotony of routine bore me, I’ve constantly reentered from a new angle, joining activities such as orchestra, swimming, speech, math league, and, within the past two years, Key Club, the school newspaper, Student Match, peer tutoring, and marching band—after learning to play the clarinet just three months earlier. Needless to say, I’m not often bored. And if I am, I just ring the doorbell again.
	Xinchen Wang Houston, TX Bellaire Senior High School College/College Plans: Yale University   I want to be forever remembered as an optimist who brought smiles to others' faces. I love trying new things and taking risks. Reading and running are two of my favorite activities. I donate lots of time toward community service; currently, I am the corresponding secretary of Bellaire's National Honor Society. The summer that I spent working in a research lab was one of the most enriching summers of my life. I am extremely proud of my close relationship with my family; without them, I would not be the same person that I am today. Among other things, I'm a musician, an avid stamp-collector, and a photographer. I have played the violin since the age of eight. Academically, I have always had a special interest in math and I plan to major in economics in college.
	Shannon Watanabe Bellevue, WA Newport High School College/College Plans: University of Washington   It has always been difficult for me to stay focused on a single task; there are so many subjects and activities that interest me. My parents were disgruntled with the perpetually cluttered state of my room. I blamed the mess of papers, toys, and projects on intellectual curiosity. When I was a kid I knew I would one day be the President, a firewoman, a teacher, a musician, and a thousand other things; I have the list whittled down to about 50 options. I love math and physics, but I also enjoy creative writing and foreign languages. Music is a big part of my life. I play the drums, guitar, flute, and piano, but I also love visual arts like pottery and oil painting. I like playing volleyball and tennis, too. My room may still be messy, but hey, no one can mess with my intellectual curiosity!
	Jacob H. Weaver Raleigh, NC Needham B. Broughton High School College/College Plans: Columbia University, John Jay Scholar   From piano playing to scuba diving, Jacob’s many diverse interests and accomplishments reflect his inquisitive intellect and enthusiastic personality. He plans to continue his wide-ranging pursuits in college, with possible majors in economics, physics, and German. Jacob hopes to pursue a career in international finance and diplomacy. He holds a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo, volunteers actively in the community as an Eagle Scout, and speaks German fluently. An accomplished trumpet player, he has performed with the North Carolina State University Jazz Ensemble and the All-State Honors Symphonic Orchestra, in addition to playing various professional and volunteer gigs. Jacob co captained the Quiz Bowl team, lettered in cross-country, graduated as valedictorian with an International Baccalaureate diploma, and is a John Jay Scholar. In his spare time, he runs a small web design and consulting business.
	William Austin Webb Custer City, OK Prairieview Academy Homeschool College/College Plans: California Institute of Technology   In an increasingly urban, standardized world, I’m a bit of an anachronism. Most of my life has been spent living and working on an isolated farm in western Oklahoma. I have also been educated after the manner of my pioneer ancestors, primarily by reading and discussing books in between farm labors. As a result, I’m much like my family has been for generations: contemplative, tenacious, unafraid of work, and just a little bit inclined to do things my own way. Though my identity was forged in a rather unusual environment, the skills I have learned have served me well on the many roads I have traveled. I’ve been a writer, political activist, outdoorsman, teacher, mathematician, neurogeneticist, historian, debater, publicist, and student of the human psyche, and through it all the lessons of the land have stood me in good stead.
	Alexander R. White Denver, CO Kent Denver High School College/College Plans: Yale University   Xan has a wide range of interests, including government, international relations, math, science, and law. In addition to playing varsity soccer and running track, he was a four-year member of Kent’s state finalist mock trial team, and has been an active participant in peer mentoring and tutoring programs at school and in the community. Xan was an intern in Ken Salazar’s successful U.S. Senate campaign, and was an officer in the school credit union, one of the few student-run financial institutions in the country. Although he no longer plays competitively, Xan twice won Colorado’s scholastic chess championship. Previous summers have found him working on environmental projects in Costa Rica or at an archeological dig in Guatemala, but this summer he plans to work in the Colorado Mountains as a camp counselor.
	Eleanor R. Wilking Fargo, ND South High School College/College Plans: Harvard College   If I were a vegetable, I’d be a tomato. “Tomatoes are fruits!” you might say, but that’s beside the point; I still want to be one. This conversation extends beyond botany and serves as a metaphor for how I view the world. Often people are placed into categories that don’t describe who they truly are. I love people; society’s expectations and trends shouldn’t dictate what they do or think. This curiosity to see beyond the labels of individuals has influenced many of my long-term goals. I want to travel to Nairobi and Alaska. I’m interested in theoretical physics, but also should learn how to cook chicken. Ultimately, I want to work to increase the quality of life for others around the globe, particularly in the third world. I believe that a phenomenal resume isn’t necessary to make a difference; a smile is often sufficient. If I can grin at someone I don’t know, society’s perception of him or her as a pineapple or potato notwithstanding, it’s a good day.
	Edgar P. Woznica Oak Park, IL Fenwick High School College/College Plans: Brown University   Following the local tradition, my umbilical cord is buried in the jagged mountains of my birthplace, Oaxaca, Mexico. Although I now live in Illinois, I go back to Mexico every year as a part of a service project to build homes for the needy. In this work, I have discovered a natural proclivity towards service that is manifested in my numerous service projects. From repairing homes in Appalachia and Mexico, volunteering as a counselor at a Muscular Dystrophy Association Camp, to running a local retreat, I keep my days quite busy. Beyond service, I have a great interest in sports. I played soccer, basketball, and track before finding my true love in ultimate frisbee. At Brown University, I plan to study medicine and experience the world beyond Oak Park, Illinois.
	Jason Wu Pepper Pike, OH Orange High School College/College Plans: Princeton University   Jason dislikes writing in the third person and finds writing about himself difficult. Both weaknesses make it terribly difficult for him to write this biography, mainly because he feels somewhat arrogant when doing such things. Jason, like most of the other Presidential Scholars, goes to school. He has a passion for what he calls “mind games” and what most other people refer to as intellectual pursuits, and his interests range from abstract mathematics to English literature (T.S. Eliot in particular). He hasn’t done much useful work in his life, probably as a result of the theoretical nature of his mind, and sometimes this makes him question the worth of his other accomplishments. In his free time, Jason enjoys reading, writing, and trying to win his fantasy baseball league.
	Kelly Zalocusky Belleville, IL Belleville East High School College/College Plans: Hendrix College   I have always loved too many activities to settle on any single one. Currently, I am involved with the school newspaper, math team, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Concert Jazz Ensemble, Life Adventures, and the YMCA. My most defining passion, however, is my love for the outdoors. My outdoor experiences have not only made me stronger, but have also humbled and awed me. I have seen the first light of dawn through frost covered eyelashes, and I have seen fiery sunsets smolder into smoky wisps of northern lights. I have sat sheltered under the protective arms of a 200-foot pine tree, and I have known that my existence is insignificant in the vastness of the wilderness. These moments have taught me that there are very few things that are truly important in life, but that those few things are truly very important.
	Lauren Zletz New York, NY Hunter College High School College/College Plans: Harvard College   I have always tried to be the Vasco de Gamma of students. I want to explore all that school and life have to offer, while simultaneously discovering more about myself and my place in the world. As a result, I have a wide array of interests. I work as an intern at the American Museum of Natural History, genetically cataloguing the Earth’s species, and I participate in the Columbia University Science Honors Program. I intern at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in a program designed to stimulate children's interest in art. My favorite subjects range from social studies and philosophy, to genetics, as well as Spanish. I am on the track, chess, and debate teams and am treasurer of my class. I enjoy reading, wheel pottery, white-water rafting, and camping. Although my aquatic travels do not rival those of Vasco de Gamma, I had the opportunity to canoe 109 miles on the Allagash River in Maine. I would like to live a purposeful life and have a positive impact on the world and the people around me.

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