Presidential Scholars  2007

Records 1 through 50 out of 141

	Aimee Alphonso Slidell, LA St. Mary’s Dominican College/College Plans: Yale University   My favorite pastime is getting lost: lost in books, lost in my own thoughts, and lost on the endlessly changing roads of New Orleans. As my car bumps through pothole after pothole, I find myself thinking about where these roads have taken me before. They have taken me to countless days of high school, where I am president of the varsity quiz bowl team and an avid member of National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. Last year after Hurricane Katrina, I followed the road to Houston, TX, where I thrived as both a UIL Chemistry and Best of Texas Chemistry winner. Next year, I will again follow my beloved roads to Yale University with the hope of majoring in cognitive science and possibly English literature.
	Jessica Anastasio San Antonio, TX St. Mary’s Hall College/College Plans: Princeton University   Jessica has played the flute since the age of seven. In addition to winning state and local music competitions, she is a prizewinner of the National Flute Association High School Soloist Competition, a finalist of the International Kingsville Music Competition, and a Silver Award winner of the National Foundation for the Advancement of the Arts youngARTS program. She enjoys studying Latin and the long-term impacts of ancient literature. Having spent two of her most memorable summers at the Boston University Tanglewood Institute Young Artist Orchestra program, Jessica will be a Tanglewood Music Center Fellow this summer. She is a substitute flutist for the San Antonio Symphony and has performed with the Olmos Ensemble and the Victoria Bach Festival. Jessica also plays the cello and enjoys English-style horseback riding. In the future, she looks forward to studying both music and the classics.
	Kyle Antonini Boise, ID Boise High School College/College Plans: University of Michigan   When I was nine, I announced to everyone that I wanted to design roller coasters when I grew up. It was the only way I could think of keeping myself in touch with these incredibly intense and enjoyable machines that I had recently become obsessed with. Consequently, this dream pushed me into mechanical engineering, which I found myself striving intensely to be great at, eating up all the math and science available to me. From there, I became involved in research, which opened up a continually expansive world of engineering to me, beyond roller coasters, which I continue to explore. Aside from that, I play the piano whenever I can, wherever I can, performing, accompanying, teaching, and at nursing homes. I also enjoy being active in my school and community, volunteering often. I am also physically active, whether it be running, biking, hiking, climbing, skiing, or salsa dancing.
	Duncan M. Ariey Anchorage, AK West Anchorage High School College/College Plans: Undecided   Duncan Ariey was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. He recently graduated from West High School, and at writing is deciding between Brown University and Pomona College. Duncan has loved acting since he was cast in a local performance of “The Little Mermaid” when he was nine. He has appeared in numerous local performances; won several improv competitions; captained his school’s acting, speech, and debate team; and starred in an independent film. After college, he hopes to work as an advertiser, psychologist, or doctor, although lion tamer, racecar driver, and rock star are still possibilities. When Duncan isn’t in class, doing homework, or in another “structured activity,” he can be found wasting time with his friends. He enjoys playing and listening to music, and has taught himself both guitar and drums. Duncan still enjoys comic books, although AP Literature has forced him to see Foxtrot as a juxtaposition of familial archetypes.
	Katherine Aurand Rapid City, SD Stevens High School College/College Plans: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology   Born and raised in the Black Hills, I spend oodles of time hiking, biking, snowshoeing, bouldering, snowboarding, etc. When I’m not frolicking in the Hills, I’m starting new groups (like crochet club) or leading existing activities (like debate). I love nonmainstream sports like Ultimate Frisbee and floorball. I find government fascinating, especially the legislative branch. I spend heaps of time reading, and I love curling up with a coloring book and popsicles. I was “that crazily busy person who does everything” until I read John Ruskin’s quote, “The highest reward for man’s toil is not what he gets for it, but what he becomes by it.” I realized I was wearing myself out for a high school resume that will mean nothing in 5 years. Now I thoroughly enjoy life and do things I love with people I love, which is ridiculously more rewarding than a padded resume trust me.
	Maia Bageant Roswell, GA Roswell High School College/College Plans: Massachusetts Institute of Technology   When she was young, Maia was always trying to make things. She built submarines, clocks, and castles out of Lego bricks; she would set “robber traps” by making webs of string laced with hidden bells. Now, Maia is still interested in making a difference by tackling the impending energy crisis through the development of new technologies. She is President of her school’s National Honor Society, as well as Captain of the Academic Bowl Team. In addition to being an AP Scholar with Distinction, ranked first in Georgia and fourth in the nation on the National Spanish Exam, and a National Merit Finalist, she is the valedictorian of her senior class. For nine years she has played the violin and has been an All-State participant twice; she is also a member of a string quartet. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing baseball with her friends, biking, and writing poetry.
	Lindsey Beckett Arundel, ME Berwick Academy College/College Plans: Dartmouth College   Lindsey is a fun and hardworking individual who loves to be involved with many different aspects of her community. In addition to being a diligent student, Lindsey is a leader of her school’s community service organization. She spends a good deal of time visiting the elderly, organizing service projects, and working to preserve the environment. She is also a dedicated member of the Berwick math team, and has represented her school at the Maine State Math Meet the past two years. Another of Lindsey’s interests is the violin, an instrument whose study she has been pursuing for the past twelve years. Outside of school, Lindsey is an avid equestrian who spends many weekends every spring, summer, and fall competing in horse shows. Last September, she competed in the American Saddlebred Hunter Classic National Championship in St. Louis and finished sixth.
	Benjamin Beilman Ann Arbor, MI Community High School College/College Plans: The Curtis Institute of Music   Violinist Benjamin Beilman discovered his life’s passion at age thirteen when he stepped on stage for his first solo performance with orchestra. Since then, he has had the opportunity to appear as guest soloist with orchestras throughout the United States and Europe. The recipient of a Gold award in Music from NFAA’s youngARTS program, Benjamin is also the Gold medal winner of the 2007 Stulberg International String Competition. As the Grand Prize winner of the 2007 American String Teachers’ Association National Solo Competition, he will perform with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra during their upcoming season. Benjamin is Concertmaster of the Michigan Youth Symphony Orchestra and has appeared on National Public Radio’s “From the Top” program featuring outstanding young classical musicians. He has performed in recital at the Juilliard School’s Starling-DeLay Symposium, the Skokie Library’s Young Steinway concert series, and the Verbier Academy in Switzerland.
	Amanda Berbert Centerville, UT Viewmont High School College/College Plans: Brigham Young University   I grew up in a multigenerational Japanese household in Hawaii, where I loved surfing, but I currently reside in Utah, where I enjoy skiing. I love finding solutions and solving riddles. As a child, I was so inquisitive that my mom set a limit on how many questions I could ask her in one day. I now enjoy the sciences, especially physics, because it explains how so many things work. I plan to use my curiosity and creativity to explore biomedical engineering. I also love serving at a local hospital and serving in leadership positions, such as high school activities chief and National Honor Society President. I have a passion for cross country, piano, reading, writing, soccer, and luge – who doesn’t love a sport where one can receive an ice burn at seventy miles per hour?
	Isaiah Berg Starkweather, ND Oak Grove Lutheran High School College/College Plans: Dartmouth College   I am many things. I am a farm kid with a penchant for debates ranging from theology to economic globalization. I am a musician in the sense that I love music and sing, play trumpet, and play guitar, though I will not comment as to whether or not the resulting sound is pleasing. I am an optimist, an evangelical, a loyal friend, politically undefined (or confused, if you will), a conversationalist, and a lover of public speaking. I am incredibly blessed with a loving network of friends, family, teachers, and mentors, who have supported me in my darkest and brightest times and are the true recipients of this honor. As Isaac Newton said, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.”
	Prateek Bhide Beaverton, OR Westview High School College/College Plans: Jerome Fisher Program in Management & Technology, University of Pennsylvania   My hero Ben Franklin wrote, “Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that’s the stuff life is made of.” I take his words to heart. Over the past four years, I have taken 12 AP classes, won five local piano competitions, won a state championship and placed 10th at the national tournament in speech, placed 5th at the state tournament for doubles tennis, served on the boards of three school clubs, served on the Beaverton Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board, and invented an automatic sheet-music page turner. Through it all, I’ve found time to be a kid and hang out with friends on weekends. After completing my double degree through the Jerome Fisher program, I hope to matriculate into an MD/MBA program in order to pursue medical entrepreneurship, perhaps in the field of neuroengineering. I’m excited to grab the world by the horns and live a meaningful life.
	Greg F. Billington Lakenheath, GBR Lakenheath High School College/College Plans: Wake Forest University   I have seen the pyramids, hiked the great wall, cruised down the Nile, scuba dived on the Great Barrier Reef, and experienced a total solar eclipse in India. At the age of three, I wanted to study biology and protect bats, and at eight, I wanted to be an Olympic swimmer. Now, I’m going to major in sports science, minor in math and in Latin, and run. I dreamed of achieving A’s in high school and maybe becoming a National Swimming Champion – this year, I’ll graduate valedictorian and last year I won the World Junior Swim/Run Championships. I dance salsa, play jazz piano, am a member of the USA Triathlon Team, hold a black belt in Karate, have eaten and enjoyed rocky mountain oysters, and I can sometimes see the floor of my room beneath the piles of clothes and important paperwork. I hope I do something important with my life.
	Chris G. Bowman Ellicott City, MD River Hill High School College/College Plans: Cooper Union School of Art   Chris Bowman is a gentleman, photographer, and a pretty good dancer. He has spent most of his formative years living modestly in assorted suburban environments, observing and participating within their cultural framework. This is where he learned to be a gentleman, which he quickly found out can be a very boring thing to be. To cope with his boredom, he began to pursue other activities such as skateboarding, photography, and gallivanting. Enthralled with his newfound hobbies, Chris began to live faster and found himself on an exciting path through foreign countries, classrooms of eclectic teachers, and other such inspirational environments. He utilizes photography to help bring his sometimes-extraneous life into focus and dances because sometimes you just need to “boogey down”. Chris still considers himself a gentleman, as kindness will always be useful in gaining friendships and improving even the most dismal of situations.
	Kenneth I. Brewer Provo, UT Timpview High School College/College Plans: Harvard   Kenneth I. Brewer is from Provo, Utah and is the oldest of six brothers. A graduate of Timpview High School, he was a Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholar (2004-2007) and completed honors college courses through high school concurrent enrollment, completed math and chemistry minors, lived on campus in the foreign language houses, and researched the creation of Resveratrol synthetic derivates with Dr. Merritt Andrus. As a graduating high school senior, he was one of 20 students across the nation named to USA Today's 2007 All-USA High School Academic Team. He has studied abroad in Austria, Germany, Mexico, France, China and Costa Rica, and is fluent in English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese and reads Latin. He has studied tropical medicine through Duke's TIP program in Costa Rica as well as linear algebra at the University of Vienna. Brewer participated in the Intel Science Talent Search and attended the Research Science Institute at MIT.
	Charles Bridge Belmont, MA The Roxbury Latin School College/College Plans: Harvard College   Throughout my life, I have been captivated by books. (All-time favorite – at least so far – would have to be: The Catcher in the Rye.) Fortunately for me, my family and my school have always encouraged and nurtured this passion. During high school, my academic interests have broadened and include everything from Chemistry to Virgil. Outside the classroom, I remain very busy. I have always been involved in music, having played the piano and sung in choirs for many years, and I now sing at school in the Glee Club, in musical shows, and with a small a cappella group, the Latonics. Every fall, I have played goalie for one of my school’s soccer teams. In addition, I enjoy Model UN and serving as editor of the school newspaper. When not in school, I contribute to my church community and spend time with my family and friends. This summer, like last summer, I will teach middle-school students – a challenging, yet rewarding experience.
	Andrew Brown Simpsonville, SC Phillips Exeter Academy College/College Plans: Duke University   I love to learn about new people, places, and ideas. As a little kid, I would spend hours curled up reading good books, fascinated by the characters’ adventures. When I got a little older, I started reading about quantum mechanics and general relativity, which seemed to lie in a realm somewhere between fantasy and reality. Participating in Boy Scouts, achieving the Eagle Scout rank, I learned to appreciate the natural world. Over spring break, I explored the Amazon Rainforest with two biology teachers. Phillips Exeter has introduced me to people from all over the world. In my dorm, I have lived with guys from Afghanistan, Japan, Estonia, Chile, Korea, Panama, and the UK. At Exeter, I have also served as co-head of Christian Fellowship. To relax, I love to play the trumpet and the piano. I don’t know where life will take me, but it will certainly be an adventure.
	Brittanie Brown Dallas, TX Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts College/College Plans: The Juilliard School   Brittanie lives in Dallas, Texas and is currently a senior at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts where she is a member and assistant rehearsal director of Repertory 1 Dance Company. Brittanie did not begin her formal dance training until the age of 12 at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Brittanie is now a Silver Award 2007 youngArts winner in modern dance and a Texas Young Master recognized by the Texas Commission on the Arts. In previous years, she was accepted on scholarship to summer programs such as the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Debbie Allen Dance Academy and Alonzo King Line’s Ballet. Attending an Arts school, Brittanie has been able to explore other forms of arts besides dance. Given this, she plans to incorporate artistically visual arts and music into her dancing as she continues to grow as a contemporary ballet dancer, choreographer, and actress.
	Jeffrey Burkert Spokane, WA Lewis and Clark High School College/College Plans: Harvey Mudd College or Caltech   I am a person with a wide variety of interests and passions. They include playing on my high school varsity tennis team, solving my Rubik’s cube, playing the French horn in the school band and an orchestra, and serving as captain of my school Knowledge Bowl team. I’m also an Eagle Scout, which has given me a love of the outdoors. I have done a variety of community service projects through scouting as well. In addition to my scouting activities, I also serve my community by running afterschool math and chess programs at Holmes Elementary School, which is in the poorest neighborhood in Washington State. I’m looking forward to pursuing a degree in a technical field wherever I choose to go to school.
	Rachel Burns Hockessin, DE Charter School of Wilmington College/College Plans: University of Virginia   My life is a pointillist painting: from afar I appear blended and uniform. Upon closer examination, however, I reveal an infinite amount of textures and shades that reflect my miscellany of pursuits. One such activity is one of my utmost obsessions and passions: running. Since fifth grade, I have competed in cross-country and track and field, and have run for all twelve seasons of my high school career. In addition to athletics, I devote my time to Model United Nations, the high school equivalent of my dream to become a United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. I am also a Buddy mentor for learning-disabled children, which has taught me the importance of patience, tolerance, and unconditional acceptance. Meanwhile, as an environmental and social activist, I hope to serve in the Peace Corps following graduation from college. Collectively, these interests coalesce to create the unique portrait of my personality.
	Lawrence Cai Los Alamos, NM Los Alamos High School College/College Plans: Yale University   “I’ve got the liquid nitrogen, but it’s leaking! What should I do?” These were the words I heard upon my arrival at my internship at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. Before walking into that lab, I figured that two years of high school chemistry would be enough to perform the organic synthesis required of me, only to quickly discover how much there was to learn. Yet, since that day last summer, I’ve learned an incredible amount, not only about organic chemistry but also in the ability to apply knowledge. My time in the lab has taught me how to take a fundamental understanding of a subject and transform it into something that can be applied practically. Knowledge cannot simply sit and gather dust; it must be used, reshaped, and reused. I find myself asking “why” over and over again. It is a simple, one-word question, but within it lies truth.
	Yi Cai Louisville, KY DuPont Manual High School College/College Plans: Harvard College   Yi constantly dabbles in two worlds – the sciences and music. Her research projects with medical applications have been recognized in the Siemens, Intel STS, and Intel ISEF competitions. She has also received several other academic honors, including the Siemens State AP Award, All-State Academic Team member, Raytheon’s MathMovesU Scholarship, and FBLA Nationals First Place in ‘Business Calculations. Yi is also a violinist of 12 years and has served as the concertmistress of several different orchestras. Currently, she travels to Cincinnati each Saturday for the international Starling Program. With Starling, she has performed at the Aspen Music Festival, Kennedy Center, and on “From the Top.” As a soloist, Yi has soloed with the Louisville Orchestra, Starling, and many other ensembles. She has also assumed leadership roles in and outside of school, such as Science Olympiad President, Amnesty International Group co-founder and co-chair, and student coach of Kentucky’s first place MathCounts team.
	Monica Ceragioli Incline Village, NV Incline High School College/College Plans: Yale University   Monica is a successful student, athlete, musician, and artist who loves challenging herself. She is a National Merit Scholar and is her class valedictorian. She is a dedicated soccer player who helped lead her team to victory in the 2006 Nevada State Championships. Monica is also an avid runner. In addition to competing in track, she recently trained for and completed the 26.2 mile San Francisco Marathon. She has also managed to exercise the right side of her brain; she plays the tenor saxophone in her school band and loves painting. Monica plans to have a career in the sciences and is contemplating becoming a doctor. In the future, she would like to follow her passion for traveling by living abroad and exploring Europe and South America. Although she has loved growing up in Lake Tahoe, Monica is excited to experience life on the East Coast beginning next fall.
	David B. Chapel Parma, MI Western High School College/College Plans: University of Michigan   David is one of those comprehensive students who refuse to let learning die at the classroom door. Whether acting on the local stage, mowing the lawn at the Chapel Cemetery, engaging in political debate with his conservative friends, participating in youth Bible study, trying with great frustration to organize a platoon of head-strong student councilors, or playing French horn in the pit orchestra for a local musical, David is constantly trying to learn something new. His idea of a day well spent includes discussing historical gaffes and baling hay with his Accelerated American History teacher. These sundry intellectual preferences do a great deal to explain why his only allstate qualification resulted from the state quiz bowl tournament. His grandmother puts it well: David’s a m’academia nut.
	Justin Cockrell Warner, OK Warner High School College/College Plans: Oklahoma Christian University   Kindergarten: air conditioner repairman. Middle school: video game designer. Junior year: artificial intelligence field. These were Justin’s career plans… until he went to Harvard Summer School. While his roommate was out all night, Justin stayed in his room and read two books outside of the assigned homework: James Dobson’s Life on the Edge, and the Bible. He visited MIT… and returned home with a new plan. “I’m going to be a Christian psychologist,” he would tell you now. “I don’t care about the money anymore… I care about people.” And that’s why he helped give away over 1000 pounds of food to those in need in March, and plans to do it every month afterward. Of course… Justin’s first passion will always be drumming, so catch him on the road this summer with his band Texhoma. They’re coming for you.
	Natalie Como Leawood, KS Blue Valley North High School College/College Plans: Duke University   Mountains, running, outerwear, meeting new people, sunshine, challenges, and family are all things that make me happy. Whether it’s testing my own physical limits in a cross-country race or challenging the little girls gymnastics team I coach, I’m passionate about pushing the limits of myself and those around me. Academically, I am most interested in science and recently completed a research project in which I engineered a low-tech water purification system for use in third world countries. I’ve also been lucky to involve myself in activities outside the classroom such as student council, track, triathlons, community service, and math competitions. I’m so excited to attend Duke next fall with hopes of participating in research, studying abroad, and taking in all the new knowledge my brain can hold. Eventually, I would like to go on to graduate school, work in the medical field, live in Colorado, and snowboard every weekend.
	Derrick C. Cooper, Jr. Belleville, IL Belleville Township High School West College/College Plans: DePaul University School of Drama   There is nothing that I enjoy in life more than being active in my church and spending time with my family. I have four little sisters that I love dearly. I’ve noticed that they watch me like a hawk so I try to be a positive role model. I live in a small town in Illinois. I’ve lived in the town my entire life and have become accustomed to the environment. I love to spend my free time reading drama, playing basketball, and relaxing with close friends. I also enjoy spending time with older people. This may seem strange. However, I have learned to value the wisdom of the elder generations. I am very excited to attend college and experience a new living location. I am very grateful for the support of my family and I am eternally grateful for God’s many blessings.
	Alissa M. D’Gama Tucson, AZ Catalina Foothills High School College/College Plans: Harvard College   “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Whether I am falling down the stairs engrossed in a book, leading my school’s National Honor Society, Calculus club, or Science Olympiad team to unprecedented victories, eating pani-puri with Coca Cola, studying convection cell patterns at my Biophysics lab, performing Air on the G String on steel drums, or wearing scrubs over my hoodie at the Neonatal ICU where I volunteer, I have tried to follow Emerson’s advice. Although at times, when I blaze my own trail into a saguaro cactus here in sunny Arizona, this may be painful, I hope to become a neonatal surgeon, travel to third world countries and help children who do not have the opportunities that America has given me. With the help of God, my family, and my friends, my future is infinity and beyond!
	Emanne Desjardins Jakarta, IDN British International School College/College Plans: Swarthmore College   Daughter of an American Foreign Service Officer, Emanne was immersed in foreign cultures throughout her life, having lived in Virginia, North Africa, the Middle East, and Indonesia. Despite being one of the only Americans at her high school, Emanne has thrived. She led the school Debate Team to victory, acted in studentdirected plays, and performed for the President of Indonesia as part of the school Choir. Having experienced the dangers of terrorism and natural disasters first-hand in Jakarta, Emanne devotes her time to humanitarian causes. She has provided relief for Tsunami and Earthquake-affected regions in Indonesia, and taught underprivileged children English. Additionally, she organized the building of a free school for street children in Jakarta and made an award-winning film about the project, which won the Mondialogo School Contest and garnered prestigious funding from UNESCO. Emanne aspires to use her education to promote positive change in society.
	Michael Ding Barrington, RI Barrington High School College/College Plans: Harvard College   Michael is a multi-faceted student with talents in many areas. He is a musician, researcher, leader in extracurricular and volunteering activities, and athlete. He has played the piano for over eleven years and performs at the Rhode Island Musicians Chopin Club and at a senior center. For his Senior Project, he investigated the effects of trace elements on the growth of tumor cells in a lab at Brown University. He is captain and top scorer of the math, computer science, and LifeSmarts teams at his school. In addition to helping out a senior citizen, he currently volunteers as a team leader at community fund raising, at a Providence soup kitchen, and at environmental cleanups on state beaches and land trusts. He runs cross-country and track, and enjoys reading and listening to music. With his goal to excel in college and beyond, he will try his best.
	Emily Disbrow Wheaton, IL Wheaton Warrenville South High School College/College Plans: Michigan State University in a combined B.S./M.D. program   Academics, music, athletics, volunteering – Emily does it all, with a little international flair. Emily’s experiences living in England gave her a great foundation for her high school achievements. She participated in marching band for four years(playing mellophone for three years and serving as drum major her senior year), as well as concert band (French horn), pep band, and jazz band. Additionally, Emily is a member of National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Math Team, and Youth & Government. Outside of school, she volunteers at Central DuPage Hospital, accompanies the children’s choirs at her church, plays softball, and works as an umpire for her community’s youth baseball leagues. Emily spends her spare time (which is rare yet appreciated) following Chicago sports teams or listening to music.
	Sarah Dolan Madison, WV Scott High School College/College Plans: West Virginia University   I am a very determined person. Once I set my mind to something, there is no stopping me. I work hard at everything I do and I’m not afraid to jump into something that I’ve never tried before. This year was my first year in band, and I chose to play the trumpet. Over the course of six months, I went from knowing very little about music and having no previous instrumental experience, to being first trumpet in my school band. I also jumped into acting this year, and I landed the role of Frenchy in the county production of Grease. I love music, and I spend a lot of my spare time just dancing and singing in my room, or around my house. I love to laugh and to make other people laugh. You will usually find me in a large group of people engaging in some ridiculous story or activity to entertain them. My childhood dream is to go to Japan. I love the culture and the language, and was given a great opportunity to learn about them with my participation in the West Virginia Governor’s Honors Academy. I am determined to achieve my dreams, and I won’t let anything stand in my way.
	Edward Michael Dussom Covington, LA The Saint Paul’s School College/College Plans: Harvard College   My scholarly passions include international politics, economics, public health, and medicine. In each, I find a potential contribution to the welfare of the world we share. With future training in both world economics and medicine, I hope to address in any way possible the issues of third-world health care. My other interests include more varied pursuits: I enjoy reading Oriental literature, researching topics endlessly on the Internet, and not getting up until I’ve solved the math problem that was so endlessly frustrating me. I play the piano for my own enjoyment and relaxation, and occasionally for performance. I love to cook(French and Northern Italian, mainly) and to go out to dinner with friends. I relish a chance to make people laugh, debate a dinner table topic heatedly, or get myself intentionally lost. I eat chocolate compulsively, watch children’s movies, and listen to the works of Romantic composers.
	Ben D. Farrar Gorham, ME Gorham High School College/College Plans: Dartmouth College   I try in most of my spare time to be as far removed from the cookie-cutter mold of a normal overachieving high school student as possible. Certainly, I play musical instruments (trumpet, guitar, tenor sax), I participate in some school sports (skiing, golf ), and I am an active member of my school’s academic teams (math team, model United Nations). However, I do some less ordinary things as well. I play Guitar Hero competitively, and was (somewhat unofficially) ranked seventh in the world at one time. I design and code web pages for fun, and I’ve been commissioned to create a page for a local business. I write creatively as part of an online fiction project. I even host a radio talk show on a local college station about current issues and their effects on youth.
	Vera Fomenkov Owings Mills, MD Carver Center for Arts and Technology College/College Plans: Mount Holyoke College   Vera, born in Pushino, Russia, immigrated to the United States when she was two and a half, but has kept in touch with her roots through regular visits to her grandparents during the summer. She has been painting, sculpting and drawing intensively for four years now in addition to balancing her rigorous academic workload. Throughout her high school career, she has been recognized both regionally and nationally for her representational, figurative body of work by the Maryland Artists Equity Foundation, Maryland Distinguished Scholars Program, Marie Walsh Sharpe Art Foundation, Scholastics Art and Writing Awards and Young Arts. She has also had a piece displayed in the “Art is for Everyone” exhibit at the Baltimore Museum of Art. Vera wishes to pursue her passion for studio art in the context of a liberal arts education.
	Asher Frankfurt Dallas, TX Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts College/College Plans: University of Southern California   Playwriting began for me during my sophomore year of high school, when my one-act play Broken But Not Torn was produced at Booker T. Washington’s annual New Plays Festival in 2005. Broken went on to be workshopped that summer at the International Thespians Playworks Competition, and soon after, Dramatics magazine printed Broken in their September 2005 issue. Later that fall, Playscripts, Inc. picked up Broken for publication. In 2006, a second one-act of mine, Gale, was produced at the annual New Plays Festival. That spring, I was given a screenwriting assignment in my Advanced Playwriting class and was immediately drawn to the world of cinema. I began to write my full-length screenplay, Fallout, and in the following summer, I spent six weeks at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts studying film production. I cannot wait to return to USC!
	Katrina Galka Whitefish Bay, WI Dominican High School College/College Plans: Southern Methodist University   Belting out emotional melodies is what Katrina enjoys doing most, but she delights in any aspect of the stage, whether dancing, acting, or watching others perform. When the curtain falls, Katrina keeps herself busy with school, having recently graduated as the Valedictorian of her class. Katrina also has loved playing Varsity tennis, singing for her church, and working as secretary of her school’s student council and editor of the literary magazine. Whether riding through the streets of Germany in a wheelbarrow or simply enjoying a refreshing banana popsicle, Katrina finds time for fun too. Finally, Katrina extends her love and thanks to her brother, Frobo, and her parents for enduring her hours of singing around the house and for all of their support.
	Mark Garret Stowe, VT Rice Memorial High School College/College Plans: Stanford University   An avid interest in science led me to participate in research through the University of Vermont’s Helix program, studying organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), and in Medquest, a program for future healthcare professionals. I plan to pursue my interests in science with a career in surgery or medical research. A jazz aficionado, I play the alto and tenor saxophones in my high school jazz band, as well as the Bb and bass clarinets for wind ensemble and music festivals. As president of a youth community service group, I have helped raise money for local, national, and international charities, including a school where I volunteered in Chile. I play varsity tennis and ski as often as possible in Vermont’s Green Mountains. With my mixed American, French and Swiss heritage, I enjoy baseball, Moliere, and a delicious fondue.
	Scott Giblin Towson, MD Carver Center for Arts and Technology College/College Plans: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts   Not one to limit himself to a single endeavor, Scott’s many interests are littered along the spectrum of topics. Designer vinyl toys, 8-bit chiptunes, fashion, philosophy, consciousness studies, t-shirt design, independent music and film are all among Scott’s interests and doings. Notably, Scott has had three t-shirt designs printed at the popular t-shirt website Threadless.com. However, Scott’s truest love and desires belong to the visual arts, molded by all Scott’s thoughts, actions, and experiences. Scott is a representational realist painter/sculptor guided and inspired by the works of artists including Lucian Freud, Ron Mueck, and Marc Quinn. Scott also must give credit to the teachings of painting teacher Teresa Shovlin and sculpture teacher Joe Cypressi, and the support of his friends and family.
	Reed Gilbow Cleveland, MS Cleveland High School College/College Plans: University of Mississippi   I believe in working hard to achieve my goals. I am committed to becoming a physician so that I may have a beneficial effect on the world. I study diligently in school and attempt to learn as much as possible every day. I love operating a variety of volunteer activities through the Boy Scouts and my church; I revel in seeing the faces of others when I have made a positive impact in their lives. I also enjoy my free time. I play several sports including tennis, soccer, running, and ultimate Frisbee. My favorite pastime, however, is photography. I love capturing images, forever frozen in time. I actually recently began creating my first photographic study! My motto has always been to seize life, and I will always live by that philosophy.
	Margaret Glaspy Red Bluff, CA Mercy High School College/College Plans: Undecided   Music has been the light in each day. It has kept me up ‘til morning, brought me to tears, wrapped me in its arms, and kissed my forehead goodnight. My mother and father have created a monster in bending over backwards to allow me to jump on every musical opportunity possible and in letting me think up wild dreams and then encouraging me to achieve them. My brother is a musical genius and understands my every thought, while my sister is the most beautiful and openminded creature there is. I wish my family was a song for everyone to hear. It seems as though every day is a new work of art and while life may bring you a lonely heart and teary eyes, the world is far too beautiful to let either one last. Love and music are the deep purples and amazing greens that make life worth living.
	Susan M. Glass Washington, DC National Cathedral School College/College Plans: Stanford University   When I was little I wanted to be an apple tree and a school bus. My sister got really mad at me and kept telling it wasn’t possible, but I insisted that I could. I’ve since altered my life plans, but I haven’t altered my way of thinking. I like to do things my own way. I run my own race in cross-country and track, I use my own style when I play the piano, and I have my own “organization” system for studying. My favorite class in high school was biology, and I’m thinking about going to medical school.
	Ilana Goldberg Highland Park, IL Highland Park High School College/College Plans: Manhattan School of Music   Ilana is a passionate spirit who loves to relish in as many facets of life as possible. She has embraced many leadership roles ranging from Class President, during which she helped to arrange a Senior Citizen Prom in her community, to President of Choral Board and French Honor Society. In the area of Fine Arts, Ilana has been Vocal Director of the student run musical “STUNTS”, committee head, host and performer in the arts festival “FOCUS” and served as section leader in the Madrigals, Swing Choir and Chorale performing groups. One experience closest to her heart was participating in Panim el Panim: a program combining moral and religious tenants with US policy and activism. Fulfilling her desire to contribute to her community, Ilana has used her talents to perform for a recorded concert, distributed to local Senior Citizen’s homes. She hopes to use her music to contribute to societies everywhere.
	Samuel Haber Woodmere, NY George W. Hewlett High School College/College Plans: The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania   Since I’ve entered high school, I’ve been certain I wanted to pursue a career in business. I joined an investment club at the beginning of 8th grade, which I would later parlay into three summers at the New York Mercantile Exchange, giving me the opportunity to manage a futures portfolio at a time when the price of crude oil was peaking. I have also pursued my interest in economics through my Intel Social Science Talent Search competition, where I created a model for Social Security reform that used equity portfolios for a source of retirement funds. I look forward to furthering my business knowledge and experience during my college years and beyond.
	Lana Hazel Conway, AR Conway High School West College/College Plans: University of Arkansas   Lana is known for her ability to be involved in many different things, all of which she does well, and still have time for her family and friends. She takes school seriously, loves learning, and enjoys challenges. She has always taken as rigorous of a schedule as possible, and it has paid off as she is ranked first in her class. She is selfmotivated and persistent, taking commitments seriously and being a natural leader. Helping others is important to Lana, and she has a compassionate, servant’s heart. Her activities include playing the saxophone in band, being captain of the flagline, and taking her eleventh year of piano lessons. She likes to get up early, enjoys reading, and often scrapbooks in her spare time. She is attending the University of Arkansas with an Honors College Fellowship, and plans to major in biomedical engineering and minor in Spanish and music.
	Helen Helfand Portland, OR St. Mary’s Academy College/College Plans: Stanford University   I go to a very liberal all-girls Catholic high school in downtown Portland, Oregon. Given that I previously attended large public schools and am, in fact, Jewish, this has been a very interesting experience. I have learned, above all, that one can never own too many pairs of Birkenstocks. I love running cross-country, and was team captain this year. My favorite activities outside of school include concert-going, exploring, road tripping, baking, and sleeping. Last summer I worked in a lab at Oregon Health and Sciences University studying the enervation of the cornea. This summer I shall be working at a wonderful establishment called Baskin Robbins. They serve ice cream. I plan on studying some combination of biology, physics, and European history in college, and eventually becoming either a scientific researcher or a physician.
	Spencer A. Hill Shawnee, KS Shawnee Mission Northwest High School College/College Plans: UCLA   I'm pursuing a B.S. in Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Environmental Science at UCLA. Go Bruins!!
	Pranoti Hiremath Seattle, WA James A. Garfield High School College/College Plans: University of Washington   As the daughter of an artist and an engineer, I combine expression with logic. My artistic persona reveals itself through Kathak (Indian Classical) dancing, solo and orchestral violin performances, creation of greeting cards, Dhrupad singing, photography, and leadership of my school’s literary magazine. My scientific interests have led me to computer refurbishing and internships at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and NOAA Fisheries. Passions draw me toward travels from Ghana to Japan, involvement in local and international communities, and house remodeling. I believe in seeing the good in people and finding the best in situations. Although I look forward to future aspirations, I am enjoying every moment to the fullest.
	Emily Howell Lynchburg, VA E.C. Glass High School College/College Plans: Yale University   Outside school, you would probably find Emily curled up in a rocking chair with a book, dancing and singing onstage, or performing a piece of music. She is very involved in theatre at her high school, where she most recently played Anita in West Side Story – her favorite role to date has been Demeter in the nation’s first amateur production of Cats. Emily is very involved in music, both singing and playing the keyboard, and sings in church and community choirs. For the past two years she has worked as an organist at a small local church. Last summer she traveled to El Salvador with a church youth group; it was an amazing experience. In school, she is copresident of Latin Club and an anchor on the morning news. Her favorite subject is English – she’s always hoped to be a writer and is a voracious and omnivorous reader.
	Brittany M. Hulings Sewickley, PA Quaker Valley High School College/College Plans: Michigan State University, Alumni Distinguished Scholar   I am a sixteen year old high school senior, slightly sensitive about being younger than my classmates. I have always stood out as a great student and many have recognized me for my intellect. In fact, I sometimes refer to myself as a “science geek.” But there is quite a different side to me. I love to perform; whether on the stage during musical productions, on the tennis court as a starting member of the varsity state finalist team, on the golf course as part of the boy’s team or on the football field waving flags. I also volunteer. I serve as a Junior Advisor to The First Tee of Pittsburgh, a World Golf Foundation initiative aimed at providing children of all backgrounds an opportunity to develop life skills through golf. For my efforts, I was designated as a First Tee Scholar and was awarded the Pritchett Young Leadership Scholarship.
	Jay E. Jackson Carrollton, TX Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts College/College Plans: California Institute of the Arts   Jay will complete his freshman year as a dance/choreography major in May 2008. During the summer of 2007, he attended the American Dance Festival (on scholarship), and during the summer of 2008, he will attend the Glenda Brown Choreography Project (on scholarship). He is continuing to perform and choreograph at CalArts and is the only freshman selected to perform in the December Dance Concert at the RedCat in Los Angeles. He is currently in rehearsal for 5 pieces that will be performed in the Spring Dance Concert at the RedCat.

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