Presidential Scholars  2008

Records 101 through 139 out of 139

	Grant N. Remmen Detroit Lakes, MN Detroit Lakes High School College/College Plans: University of Minnesota – Institute of Technology Honors Program   Grant is very committed to excellence and academic achievement, but is also involved in music activities and his community. Grant, a National Merit Finalist, represented his state at the American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest. A member of the Student Council and National Honor Society, and the top student in his class, Grant is a leader at his high school. Grant is passionate about mathematics and has earned awards at various regional mathematics competitions. Grant loves music and performing, whether singing or playing the trumpet or piano! He participates in several bands and choirs. Grant enjoys theatrical productions and has performed in numerous high school plays and musicals, including roles as the French candlestick Lumiere, a Chinese henchman, a pirate, and a Nubian slave. Grant serves his community through participation in many volunteer organizations; he is especially fond of helping the literacy outreach program in local elementary schools.
	Anastasia N. Roda Lancaster, PA Lancaster Catholic High School College/College Plans: Harvard College   Anastasia is a scholar athlete. She will be playing field hockey for the Harvard Crimson in the fall and played field hockey and soccer in high school. In high school, one of her passions was scientific research. Her research involves water and water quality, including three years studying the impact of the country’s oldest operating nuclear reactor on the waters and sediment surrounding the reactor. Her research was recognized when she was named a 2008 Intel STS Finalist and a winner of the American Museum of Natural History contest. She is active in Mock Trial competition, Quiz Bowl and student government. She is an active outdoorswoman, and last summer summited Mt. Rysy, in the Tatra Mountains, (2499 meters), the highest peak in Poland. She was recognized as a 2007 Nestles Best in Youth winner for her environmental work.
	Michael B. Sagan Reston, VA Herndon High School College/College Plans: University of Virginia   As a toddler in Los Angeles, Michael dreamt of becoming a “car wash guy.” Although he has resigned himself to a more pedestrian desk job, Michael still possess the same sense of adventure as he did as a threeyear- old hunting garibaldi in the Redondo Beech marina. Michael enjoys the outdoors and looks forward to attending school in Charlottesville, Virginia, in close proximity to his favorite hiking trail on Old Rag in Shenandoah National Park. Additionally, Michael is a competitive swimmer who, in his time as a coach and elementary school tutor has come to love to share his enthusiasm for his activities and academics with those younger than him. Michael is also a lifeguard and was an active member of his high school’s marching band, having served as a horn line captain in his senior year.
	Kathryn N. Salkowski Summerville, SC Fort Dorchester High School College/College Plans: University of Pennsylvania   Kate Salkowski has spent a good portion of her life attempting to balance diverse interests. She refers to her 35 mm camera with terms of endearment, yet has been known to proclaim, “It’s a good day – I have calculus homework!” She knits while she listens to NPR’s Science Friday. In love with languages, business ventures, and mathematical thought, she will be merging these interests next year in Penn’s program in Management and Technology. Throughout high school, Kate has been in theatrical productions, served as the prosecuting attorney for the mock trial team, swum on the varsity team, and enjoyed many early Saturday mornings digging foundations as the President of Habitat for Humanity. Kate loves to laugh, drink coffee, read anything found in print, discuss politics, and eat, all of which she accomplishes with exorbitant zeal.
	Ravi N. Sankar Oviedo, FL Trinity Preparatory School of Florida College/College Plans: Stanford University   Ravi grew up with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Scooby Doo, Frodo, and Ender, seeing no difference between the fantasy worlds of animation and the literature he loved. His brother also forced him to read a science textbook in the third grade, noting that Ravi became a nuisance with excessive free time. Ravi excelled across creative/literary and mathematical/scientific disciplines from an early age. By tenth grade he would be taking math classes at a local university. He has also won class awards in English, Latin, history, and science. Ravi is one of the top-ranked Lincoln-Douglas debaters in the country and has placed well at tournaments at Harvard, Yale, the Glenbrooks schools in Chicago, and the Tournament of Champions. He has been recognized at the White House for his volunteer work teaching SAT math. Ravi loves sunshine but not humidity.
	Richard J. Saunders Simsbury, CT Simsbury High School College/College Plans: New England Conservatory   I have had experiences that allowed me to delve into various forms of music, and I intend to piece it all together. My mother taught me to sing harmony to songs on the radio ever since I can remember. Through high school I enjoyed operatic, choral, and eventually jazz and contemporary singing. Jazz was one form of singing that simply worked for me, because it fit my voice and I was able to use what I learned by singing harmony with my mother to create a good performance. Jazz voice allowed me to travel to the GRAMMYs, sing at the North Sea and Monterey Jazz Festivals with the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, and of course, perform at the Kennedy Center. All of this has given me a taste of the mountain I must climb when I enter the music industry on my own. On my free time, I enjoy bringing together what I have learned musically and academically in the preceding few months, and writing and recording my own songs or albums.
	Benjamin M. Schenkel Allentown, PA Moravian Academy College/College Plans: Yale University   My legal name may be Benjamin Moses Schenkel, but I will usually respond to my portmanteau of a nickname, Benkel, or anything else that friends have creatively dubbed me over the years. While my extracurricular activities are invariably standard fare—newspaper, quiz bowl, debate, XC—some of my noteworthy accomplishments, which I should resist rattling off here, include spending five weeks in Israel as a Bronfman Youth Fellow, squandering what was perhaps the biggest lead ever on Jeopardy!, and once being awarded “Great Team Hero” at the Target where I have worked part-time for nearly three years. Apart from those pursuits, I enjoy playing bridge with the elderly, reading for pleasure whenever I get the chance, coming up with corny puns, and then giggling at said puns about an octave higher than I should. Finally, I credit my successes thus far to a doting mother, supportive school, and the forty milligrams of caffeine found in each can of Sunkist orange soda.
	Michael H. Schulson Chattanooga, TN Baylor School College/College Plans: Yale University   Self-evaluation can be unreliable, so I’ll introduce myself through the perceptions of others: my grandmother says I think too much. My sister thinks I’m a bit strange. My physics teacher noted that I danced well at prom. My father calls me a perfectionist. My college applications say I spend time hiking, rock climbing, serving the community, acting as president of the literary society and environmental club, and reading. My mother claims I’m cute, but she is biased. My friends observe that I like to spend a lot of time alone. A personality survey determined that I’m an analytical yet intuitive person. They are probably right, those sources. Personally, I see myself as a thinker, a writer, and a hiker who, although interested in pretty much everything, finds nothing more fascinating than religion, humanity, and nature.
	Devany A. Schulz Fargo, ND Shanley High School College/College Plans: Princeton University   Devany is a student who is recognized as a distinguished student by the North Dakota High School Activities Association. She was recently named the YWCA Young Woman of Tomorrow (15-18). She participated in Girls State and Girls Nation, the 2008 U.S. Senate Youth Program, and student council. She was chair of Cass County Youth Commission, a member of the American Cancer Society Youth Development Committee and participant in the National Federation of High Schools’ Leadership Conference. These experiences allowed her to learn how to participate in diversifying society. Devany lives with her mom and dad on the farm where her dad grew up. She has two older brothers: Luke, 23, and Justin, 21. Luke resides in Lake Placid, NY and Justin currently attends school at the United States Naval Academy. She has a goldendoodle named Ike.
	Travis J. Serebin Germantown, WI Germantown High School College/College Plans: University of Wisconsin-Madison   If there is one way I hope to be remembered by my peers and community, it is for the ways I have become involved and the relationships that I have built instead of simply GPA and test scores. I have spent countless hours at practices for cross country, marching band, and Destination Imagination. The highlight of my time in high school, however, was helping to organize a Global Slavery Awareness Week that culminated with a 24-hour fast and influenced the entire student body. I found an outlet for my love of service as NHS President and treasurer of my church youth group. In my spare time, I like to stay up on politics and world events through either reputable news sources or The Daily Show. I jump at any opportunity to travel and experience other cultures, including an exchange program last summer in Munich, Germany.
	Stephen R. Serene Washington, DC The Potomac School College/College Plans: Massachusetts Institute of Technology   In addition to his studies, Stephen plays the cello, writes, and runs track and cross-country. Stephen has spent summers at Interlochen Arts Camp in Michigan and the Aspen Music Festival in Colorado. During the year, he is co-principal cellist of the American Youth Philharmonic and a Youth Fellow of the National Symphony Orchestra, and he has performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, and at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall in New York. Stephen also plays chamber music with friends whenever he can. Stephen writes for and edits an independent opinion newspaper at his school, and has been published in The New York Times and on TIME.com. Stephen has run throughout high school, winning multiple All-League and All-State awards. He recently ran at the Nike Indoor National Championships.
	Daniel P. Sexton Reno, NV Damonte Ranch High School College/College Plans: California Institute of Technology   My passion for physics came to life when I was just ten years old, as a little grade-schooler, with a glint in my eye and a skip in my step. My teacher showed my class a video on black holes, and I still remember hearing about the singularity, that point where all time stops. I was awestruck, fascinated, enthralled. From that day forward I pushed myself to achieve what I have achieved today. Whether it is classical piano or mountain unicycling, baseball or mathematics, I always dive headfirst into my goals and passions. As I step across the threshold, into a whole new world, I am thankful for my experiences, and my life in Nevada, yet can’t wait to live in a place where it is seventy degrees year round.
	Ruchir F. Shah Barrington, RI Barrington High School College/College Plans: Rice University   Ruchir Shah is a motivated and energetic student at Barrington High School in Barrington, RI. Next year, he plans to attend Rice University and has absolutely no idea what he wants to major in. In addition to his scholarly work, he is also known for significant procrastination. He has been very involved in numerous activities throughout his school and community, particularly as FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) State President and Interact Club President. He loves politics and proudly supports Barack Obama (or Ron Paul) for the 2008 Presidential Election. In his free time, Ruchir enjoys reading a good book, hanging out with friends, or playing tennis.
	Ishna A. Sharma Roswell, GA Roswell High School College/College Plans: University of Miami   As a child, Ishna always strived to help others, whether through working with her neighbors to raise money for the local fire department, coordinating an annual summer-time library in her living room for her friends, or starting an American Red Cross chapter at her high school. She aspires to combine this desire to help with her dedication to education to make a positive impact on the world. She has accepted a spot in the Honors Program in Medicine at the University of Miami to facilitate her goal of ultimately working with Doctors without Borders. Ishna is also an avid pianist, violinist, vocalist, and martial artist, and hopes to continue honing her diverse talents.
	Alison M. Sheppard Whitman, MA Whitman-Hanson Regional High School College/College Plans: Massachusetts Institute of Technology   As a kid, I was always shy and reserved, choosing to keep to myself and preferring to read books than to play with the kids in the neighborhood. Growing up, I have realized that I could be spontaneous, fun, and even entertaining, so long as I stepped outside of my comfort level and was not afraid to just be myself. As I have grown, I have become one of the most outgoing people I know, and can easily relate to the majority of the people I encounter. This revelation was surely a result of the experiences I have had throughout my life, and the people who I have encountered as a result. Ranging from my involvement with SADD, to musical performances, and even my parttime job, the people I have met and worked with have truly shaped the person I have become.
	Brooke E. Sheppard Lawton, OK Eisenhower Senior High School College/College Plans: University of Oklahoma   Brooke Sheppard is the daughter of Ernest and Cindy Sheppard of Lawton, Oklahoma. She attends Eisenhower High School in Lawton, and will be attending the University of Oklahoma in the fall, where she will major in International Business and Spanish. Brooke is a National Merit Finalist and Academic All-State Finalist. She is an active member of several clubs in her high school, including Key Club, Spanish Club, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Student Congress. She participates in 2 Varsity sports—swimming and track and field, and has competed in the State Championships in both sports. She is actively involved in First Baptist Church Lawton, and works during the summers as a lifeguard and swim instructor. She lives in Lawton with her parents, two brothers, and one pet dog. Brooke’s goals include going to medical school, traveling the world, and becoming fluent in Spanish.
	Maria J. Skorey Yankton, SD Yankton Senior High School College/College Plans: Loyola University, Chicago   My plans have definitely changed over the years. At four I decided to become an opera singer. At eight I was determined to become a nun. By ten I yearned to become a veterinarian, a teacher, and a scientist at NASA. My evolution of career choices reflects my varying passions. I enjoy the creativity of art, the beauty of literature, the conciseness of math, the lessons of history, and the curiosity of science. I adore playing my flute; music is a vital passion in my life. I also spend hours directing and accompanying the Spanish choir at church; service is also my passion. Finally, those countless nights studying for tests and completing assignments and projects cannot be forgotten. Academics — the pursuit of further understanding and appreciating the world — is one of my greatest passions which I plan to continue for the rest of my life.
	Alec J. Slatky Massapequa Park, NY Massapequa High School College/College Plans: Princeton University   I feel I am a well-rounded person. Academically, I am especially interested in political science, math, and science, and combined those three fields into my science research project about how complex statistical techniques can be used to analyze voters for a more accurate representation of the electorate. The project has won awards at both the local and state levels, and though I never reached the national level, I felt a great deal of personal satisfaction in my work. Outside of the classroom, I captain my school’s tennis team and play the saxophone in the marching band, wind ensemble, and jazz band. A steady job was deemed less important than achieving good grades, but I still have worked as a tutor and as a camp counselor, both of which are rewarding because I see kids blossom before my very eyes. It’s no coincidence that I want to become a pediatric doctor.
	Kellyn N. Smith Kansas City, MO Saint Teresa's Academy College/College Plans: University of Tulsa   After four years at St. Teresa’s Academy, Kellyn plans to study engineering at the University of Tulsa. Kellyn began running competitively at age 6 and has continued to do so ever since, earning multiple varsity letters for cross-country and track during high school. Kellyn is a four-year math team member and was the 2005-2006 Catholic Schools Algebra II national champion. As a member of the yearbook staff, Kellyn has enjoyed exploring her artistic side through photography and page design. She received an honorable mention from National Scholastic Press Association for the 2007 Yearbook Feature Picture of the Year. Kellyn served as a junior and senior class officer and was involved in Peer Helpers. She volunteers at St. Luke’s Hospital and St. Joseph’s Institute for the Deaf, an oral-auditory school that serves grade school children who use cochlear implants and/or hearing aids.
	John J. Squiers Dallas, TX Cistercian Preparatory School College/College Plans: Princeton University   John is happiest when he is busy. Aside from his studies, John participated in three varsity sports: football, baseball, and swimming. He served as Vice President of the student council and captained both the football and baseball teams. John keeps busy during the summer by interning at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and is a contributing author of a paper on dysfunction in hypertension which was recently published in a medical journal. John gives back to his community by volunteering as an assistant coach in the MathCounts program at Prince of Peace School. He received the St. Bernard Gold Award, the highest honor that can be bestowed by Cistercian upon a student. John was also recently honored by the Davey O’Brien Foundation as the winner of its 2007 High School Scholarship Award. John plans to study engineering in college and hopes to attend medical school in the future.
	Andrew J. Stein Oxford, MI Oxford High School College/College Plans: Harvard College   I am a diverse and inquisitive individual and my innate curiosity has led me to pursue a wide variety of activities. Whether it is through academics, the arts or athletics, I have found challenges that have caused me to stretch my limits and set new goals for myself. I have been active as captain of Cross-Country, Robotics, and Quiz Bowl teams as well as an officer in the National Honor Society. Activities such as playing my trombone in our school jazz band, performing as the lead in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and forming a rock band for the school talent show have nurtured my creativity. While I am extremely involved with extracurricular activities, I truly enjoy everything I do, whether it involves a leisurely game of baseball with old friends or the gut-wrenching thrill of the final seconds of an impossibly close Quiz Bowl match.
	Julie M. Swenson Idaho Falls, ID Hillcrest High School College/College Plans: Brigham Young University   I love life’s simple pleasures. My pastimes include hiking, jogging, and spending an afternoon reading a novel under the warm sun. Of course, that can only happen the few times Idaho gets a warm summer sun. The fickle weather has granted me the pleasure of celebrating a second place finish in the State High School Soccer Tournament while watching the snow fall. Indoors, I have a thirst for learning and take every chance I get to expand my understanding of literature, physics, and mathematics. I thoroughly enjoyed a recent project studying the aerodynamic capabilities of various rockets. I love music and volunteer my time as a church choir pianist. I enjoy debate and received a Jefferson Cup at the National Forensic League’s National Tournament. Most of all, I enjoy teaching and tutoring others, the simple pleasure of knowing that I have helped them to increase their knowledge and grow.
	Kenric Tam Los Altos, CA Henry M. Gunn High School College/College Plans: Harvard College/New England Conservatory Double Degree Program   Kenric made his debut with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in 2006. He was the first prizewinner of the 2007 Schimmel International Piano Competition, the 2006 “Individualis” International Music Competition, the 2005 Lennox International Young Artists Competition, the 2003 Stravinsky Awards International Piano Competition, and the second prizewinner of the 2006 Eastman International Piano Competition. Kenric has performed extensively with such symphonies as the Symphony of the Southwest, the Richardson Symphony, the Fremont Symphony, the Peninsula Symphony, and other San Francisco Bay Area orchestras. In 2007, he was the featured soloist touring Eastern Europe with the San Jose Youth Symphony. He has been invited to give solo recitals for the Braunschweig Classix Festival in Germany, the Steinway Society, and the World Piano Pedagogy Conference. Kenric studies piano with Hans Boepple, and plans to pursue degrees in biology and piano.
	Catherine M. Tang East Lyme, CT East Lyme High School College/College Plans: University of Pennsylvania   Catherine has always been interested in... well, everything. From academics to music to video games, she finds vast enjoyment in developing an expertise in almost all activities. She has taken advanced level courses in almost every subject area offered in her school and sought out others that weren’t offered. First a pianist at a young age, then a violinist, she now serves as the bass section leader for her school and was a member of the 2008 Connecticut All-State Orchestra. She is a National Merit Scholar and an AP Scholar with Distinction. However, her friends and family think less of various recognitions than for her genuine love of living and learning.
	Bryce D. Tellmann New Salem, ND New Salem High School College/College Plans: Concordia University   Bryce Tellmann was born and raised on a dairy farm north of the rural community of New Salem, where he has lived all his life. Bryce is actively involved in his school, community, and church. He has a flair for the musical, and plays alto saxophone in the Concert Band, sings tenor in the Concert Choir, is a member of his church’s choir and bell choir. He has assumed a leading role in the student body, and is the President of both Student Council and National Honor Society. Bryce strives to center his life around Christ and to this end is deeply involved in Lutheran Youth Fellowship and the District Youth Council, on which he is the Christian Growth officer. Bryce writes a weekly column for the local newspaper in which he offers his opinions and views on various topics ranging from the humorous to the very serious.
	Anthony J. Testa Wilmington, DE Charter School of Wilmington College/College Plans: Columbia University   Anthony enjoys pursuing diverse interests, achieving distinction in many facets of his life. He complements his goal to excel in his endeavors with his strong commitment to community service. Anthony plans to major in chemistry and minor in music to blend his strong interest in the sciences with his passion for playing the horn. Throughout high school, he was selected for the Delaware All-State Band and All-State Orchestra and performed with the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, with whom he toured Brazil in 2007. He was a semifinalist in the USA Biology Olympiad and earned first place on the National French Exam. Anthony was captain of the swim team, recently competing at the state championships in which they placed second statewide. He volunteers his time in the community through the Key Club, as well as mentors cognitive and learning-disabled children at a local elementary school and with the Blue-Gold All Star organization.
	Jennifer E. Triplett Ridgeland, MS Saint Andrew's Episcopal School College/College Plans: Tulane University   I am Italy. The azure waves, the craggy beaches, the museums filled with priceless masterpieces, the diverse cultures, the breathtaking romance, and the rich history all weave effortlessly together to fabricate the Mediterranean paradise, Italy. From the citrus orchards and Pompeian ruins in the south to the majestic, strikingly pristine Alps in the north, the Italian geography and range of cultures correlate to the diverse experiences and interests of my life. I, like the Italians embody a vast collection of interests, opinions, and beliefs, and embrace my willingness to explore new views and experiences: volleyball, Girlchoir, classics, ice cream, Law & Order, religious studies, New Zealand, family, environmental conservation, high school rock bands, scorching summers, constellations, kitschy décor, Seinfeld, U2, dream catchers, ancient rituals, snow that sticks, and 1989 Volvo station wagons.
	Corinne Tu Pleasanton, CA Amador Valley High School College/College Plans: Harvard College   Born in Paris and fluent in French, Chinese, and English, Corinne is a creative scholar with diverse interests. Due to outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements, she is a National Merit Scholar, a National AP Scholar, and an Elks Most Valuable Student. As School Site Council representative, Corinne has helped implement after-school tutoring to close the achievement gap at her high school. Her extensive marketing research and internship experiences won her 1st and 2nd place for three consecutive years at California State business competitions. As captain of her school’s Varsity Dance Team, Corinne has helped bring her community artistic expression. Her many talents and public speaking crowned her Miss Teen San Francisco 2007, which she has used to expand her community service with low-income seniors to the San Francisco Bay Area. Rotary International of Pleasanton named her a 2007 “Outstanding Student with Community Involvement and Academic Achievement.”
	Matthew G. Tung Sharon, MA Sharon High School College/College Plans: Harvard College   Matthew is a modern-day Renaissance man who takes pleasure in achieving balance among diverse passions. Academically he pursues biology by working in a research lab at the Harvard School of Public Health. He also enjoys history, philosophy and mathematics. An Olympiad finalist, his love for math is nurtured as captain of his school math team. A musician, he has sung at Boston Symphony Hall twice and enjoys accompanying himself on the piano. Captain of his high school baseball team, he is a pitcher and infielder for an American Legion team each summer. After traveling with the Boston Red Sox to Dominican Republic, which sends used baseball equipment to the D.R. each year, he initiated a baseball glove drive. He is president of the National Honor Society and enjoys playing cards and Ultimate Frisbee. With the support of his loving family and friends he anticipates a future teeming with opportunities.
	Jacob S. Vandermeer Dallas, TX Saint Mark's School of Texas College/College Plans: Stanford University   I am a senior at St. Mark’s School of Texas interested in the physical sciences. I play tennis and volleyball on my varsity teams, and I also compete in each sport outside of school. Last year, my club tennis team won the state championship, and this year we are vying for a spot in the national competition. Musically, I am involved in orchestra and choir; I am a member of the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra and the Youth Chorus of Greater Dallas. One of my most memorable experiences has been performing in the Dallas Opera as a member of the children’s chorus, but by far my favorite musical activity is composition. Last summer, I volunteered as a Spanish/English translator at North Dallas Shared Ministries, a local agency that provides emergency aid for needy families. In the future, I hope to attend medical school and perhaps conduct research in my field.
	Jerry S. Wang Morgantown, WV Morgantown High School College/College Plans: Massachusetts Institute of Techonology   I have always prided myself on being a hard worker. Since I was little, I have watched my parents work to improve our lives from living in a tiny apartment in China to living in a comfortable house in West Virginia. Their efforts inspired me to push myself and try my best at everything I do. I have always been good at academics, however, throughout my life, I have tried to stay wellrounded. I am very active in my community, volunteering as a tutor and assistant MathCounts coach for the local middle school kids and as a group leader for the summer National Youth Sports Program. I played on the Varsity football team, lacrosse team, and on a community league basketball team. I can play violin, piano, and I was on the school drumline for many years. Overall, I feel very fortunate to be in the position I am today. I was very lucky to have a family and community that supported me and look forward to continuing my success.
	Bianca A. Williams Irondale, AL Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School College/College Plans: Auburn University   My experience as an IB student has been very interesting and challenging as well. I have participated in many extracurricular activities and earned many honors, including being named as an Honor Graduate for the class of 2008. Throughout the many sleepless nights I have endured, I have learned to persevere and see my task through to the end no matter how difficult or impossible my task may seem (like writing a 4000 word essay) or how late at night/early in the morning) it is. An opportunity that I particularly enjoyed was working in a materials engineering lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham through a program at my school. Outside of school I enjoy volunteering at my church’s daycare. As for my free time, I haven’t had any since the 9th grade.
	Raymond H. Xi West Chester, OH Lakota West High School College/College Plans: Yale University   F. Scott Fitzgerald once wrote, “Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that’s no matter — tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther.” Like Gatsby’s hopes, my goals have not come easily. I did not begin a great soccer player; I was not born a natural leader. But in spite of these difficulties, I continued to dream and to endlessly pursue those dreams. I regarded my setbacks not as failures, but as opportunities to do better, to improve upon myself. And today, I proudly stand a State Team soccer player and the president of several extracurricular clubs and teams. Like Gatsby, I “believed in the green light” and chased it. As I look towards the future, it is this principle, more than any other, that will guide my upcoming pursuits.
	Victor W. Yang Lexington, KY Paul Laurence Dunbar High School College/College Plans: Harvard College   I’m a kid at heart. A kid who enjoys Harry Potter, cheeseburgers, stargazing, board games, laughing, and friends — a kid who never loses that childhood fascination with the world. When I was younger, I believed that anyone could do anything: become a president, travel the globe, or save the planet. And yes, I’m still following that life mantra, albeit more realistically. Throughout high school, I’ve spent weekends at quiz bowl competitions, led volunteer music gigs in nursing homes, conducted research on treating nicotine addiction, and learned a nice number of things along the way. My interests range from neuroscience to English to music to having a good time, and I plan on all of that in college. Ultimately, whatever I end up doing with my life will involve service to people — helping others find the kid inspiration in themselves.
	Anne Z. Ye Little Rock, AR Little Rock Central High School College/College Plans: Massachusetts Institute of Technology   “Learn to solve a Rubik’s cube. Learn to spin a pencil. Compose alternate soundtracks for the Harry Potter movies. Learn Java. Start domino toppling. Do lots and lots of math.” This is only a short excerpt from my things-to-do list for this summer. I have the fortunate, albeit sometimes frustrating, tendency to find practically everything fascinating. Whether I am tutoring freshmen, explaining my science fair project to judges, volunteering as a church pianist, or teaching myself calculus, it is my passion for my interests that motivates me to strive to improve. Skeptics remind me of the brevity of summer, but even as I acknowledge the reality check, I am already looking forward to everything I have planned for my years at college and beyond. This is only a bright beginning to an entire life, a life where I can explore more possibilities and dream more dreams. And start a button collection along the way.
	Conghua (“Martin”) Ye Jenks, OK Jenks High School College/College Plans: Harvard College   Conghua and Martin Ye are really two different people. Conghua, thanks to China’s One Child Policy, was a spoiled “Little Emperor” before a transatlantic flight, during which he learned to share crayons with equally-bored plane-mates, transformed him into Martin, who is now an amusing and laidback guy and a proud senior at Jenks High School. At Jenks, Martin involved himself with perhaps too many activities. At times, the student, musician, and athlete within sparred violently as math contests, violin performances, and tennis duels all tried to fit themselves into the boy’s schedule. Having excelled in many of his interests, Martin is very thankful to Jenks and gives his appreciation as a mentor to the middle school’s MathCounts team. In fact, he is so pro-Jenks that he bleeds maroon, the school’s color. Luckily, Martin won’t have to dye his blood too drastically as he will become a Harvard Crimson next fall.
	Angela M. Zeng Menomonee Falls, WI Hamilton High School College/College Plans: University of Pennsylvania   Angela’s laughter can be heard throughout the halls of Hamilton. Not lacking in strength or abundance, her laughter acts as her personal radar system, allowing any student or faculty member to locate her within moments. Her sense of humor enables her to connect well with the younger students she teaches through Teen Health Crew. This organization allows her to help instruct children in the Milwaukee region on the importance of healthy decisions. Involved in her community and her school, Angela is an avid participant in various activities, including pioneering an Asian Program at her school, which helps increase appreciation of diversity. Incorporating aspects of Hmong and Chinese traditions into an engaging, but educational, script and performing it in front of the whole school presented her with an intimidating, yet rewarding experience. However, in her free time, Angela relaxes by reading books, playing Super Mario Galaxy, and cooking food.
	Julie J. Zhu Silver Spring, MD Montgomery Blair High School College/College Plans: Yale University   Pause. Pause because that “great” violinist in the subway station might be undiscovered, or a prodigy in disguise. Pause because opportunities drift along every so often like cool breezes on hot summer’s days, and they’re useless if you don’t notice them. I pause, but not as often as I should. I paused after I ran my first Southern Blot as an intern at the National Institutes of Health. I paused after I explained the relationship between wavelength and color to one of my fifth-grade students. I didn’t need to; he understood. I paused today when I was painting Michelle. One more stroke would have ruined the painting. I pause when I cartoon weekly for the Washington Post, when I edit articles as co-editor-inchief of Silver Quest, when I play volleyball, when I think through a math team problem, and when I play piano, badly. I am pausing now, and enjoying it.
	Christina Zou Potomac, MD Montgomery Blair High School College/College Plans: Harvard College   I would like to pursue a concentration in mathematics followed by medical school.

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