Presidential Scholars  2009

Records 1 through 50 out of 141

	Priscilla Aleman Miami, FL Design and Architecture Senior High College/College Plans: The Cooper Union   I like dissecting the human mind and thought process, anything that involves research and critical thinking; expanding and exploring the endless possibilities of everyday life and applying that to my art. It is one thing to be a “successful” artist, but another to question the process and continue practicing the true essence of art and the mind. My ultimate goal is to use my artistic ability to bring awareness to social conflicts locally and worldwide. It is an injustice to sit and watch strife, starvation, and genocides happening in other countries and not see that it is relevant to us or feel a need to take action. As stated by Martin Luther King Jr. in the Letter from Birmingham Jail, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly...”
	V. Kenji Alexander Nashville, TN Ensworth High School College/College Plans: Duke University   I am always looking for new people to meet and new ways to have fun. Schoolwork comes first, most of the time, but I try to be pretty well-rounded. I definitely enjoy sports; I’ve played most of them, and I can tell you much more than you want to know about my beloved Tennessee Volunteers. Photography has also become a recent interest of mine, and the Natchez Trace Parkway, which begins (or, I guess, ends) close to my house, provides a great opportunity for beautiful snapshots and contemplation. Finally, no description of me would be complete without mentioning my love of music. I am not someone who wins awards for my musical skills, or plays piano for hours every day, but I do enjoy playing popular songs on the guitar. I have everything on my iPod from the Beatles to Lil’ Wayne. Nashville is Music City, after all.
	Aparna Ananthasubramaniam Troy, MI The Roeper School College/College Plans: Stanford University   There once was a girl Who dreamed, in this world, She’d be a professor and help others too ***** Linguistics, the brain Not studied in vain To model with math, pathways and molecules ***** Then maybe one day She’ll go far away Teach others less fortunate in their own homes ***** And then after that She will bring some back To study what they could not otherwise do ***** How she loves to dance Build robots, perchance To research in science, and read all day long ***** Service, singing, the flute Five languages (plus two?) Three R’s, running distance, and also much more ***** A learner at heart Loves teaching and art But clearly she is not a poet at all
	Thomas Ankenbauer Portage, MI Hackett Catholic Central High School College/College Plans: United States Military Academy   I am a motivated, hard-working American who is fascinated by science, math, and history. In addition to being a dedicated scholar, I am an entrepreneur, a musician, an artist, and a leader. I am also committed to improving my physical fitness by participating in competitive Cross Country and swimming. Through hard-work and perseverance, I created an extensive yard work business that became very successful. I place great value in community service, and have worked for many organizations, ranging from Habitat for Humanity to my local parish. My commitment to service and my appreciation for our God-given freedoms has led me to pursue a career as an officer in the United States Army.
	Bonnie Antosh Spartanburg, SC Spartanburg High School College/College Plans: Yale University   Bonnie Antosh, at one time or another, has been a fairy godmother, a flying boy, a flapper, and a dancing cat. Over the past four years, she has juggled her dual loves of academia and art, directing and acting in numerous productions. She also studies vocal performance and plans to pursue a major in Music. Off stage, Bonnie serves as the Editor-in-Chief of her school’s newspaper and the President of the Spartanburg Youth Theatre’s Junior Advisory Board. She also volunteers with women’s and children’s organizations throughout her community. In the future, Bonnie hopes to travel extensively, perform Shakespeare, and live every day as a beautiful adventure.
	Joshua A. Arky Brooklyn, NY Saint Ann’s School College/College Plans: Columbia University   Josh began singing about two or three years ago. At school, he sings under the direction of Peter Clark, to whom he owes many thanks. But it is his private teacher, Fredrick Martell, who has guided him to where he is now. Mr. Martell, over the past years, has provided Josh with the most incredible component of his life, and for this, Fred deserves the highest honor, praise, and thanks. Josh participates annually in solo voice concerts, a chamber group, and his school’s chorus. He has also been selected as a finalist for the Classical Singer high school competition to be held in May 2009. Apart from singing, Josh loves to cook for his family and friends, hoping to tantalize all palettes. In school, he writes science articles for the newspaper and conducts independent science research.
	Mary Awadallah Syosset, NY Syosset High School College/College Plans: Yale University   I am ebullient, savoring the bustle of academics, extracurricular activities, service, and church involvement, pursuing everything wholeheartedly. The several academic awards I have received, including Salutatorian of my graduating class, reflect my passion for learning. I enjoy leadership and service. I am President of my school’s chapter of the National Art Honor Society, Executive Board member of our chapter of the National Honor Society, and have held leadership roles in church. Engaged in my community, I have served at a hospital, elementary school, and library, and in a tutoring program. Yet with all this, my church involvement has been the most important aspect of my life. From my enthusiastic service in the children’s summer camp and tutoring programs, to membership in the youth group, I have cherished every minute spent in the company of my church family. I am also an avid artist and knitter.
	Matthew Baglini Cumberland, RI Cumberland High School College/College Plans: United States Naval Academy   I am a youth activist and top student from Cumberland High School. I have starred in several shows put on by the local Drama Club, am on the varsity Debate team, and play intramurals obsessively. I am currently serving as a Commissioner on the Cumberland Youth Commission, a youth advocacy initiative, through which I have helped start and run a heating-oil voucher distribution program. After college, I hope to become a pilot for the US Navy, and make a career in the Navy. In the future, I hope to enter politics and become a national leader.
	Jacob Bailey Independence, KY Simon Kenton High School College/College Plans: Massachusetts Institute of Technology   My main goals in life have always been these three things: To learn as much as possible, to apply that knowledge for the betterment of the world, and to have fun doing it. Though to most of the people who know me I’m simply ‘that smart guy,’ there are many things that make me who I am. I make short films with my friends, I play the drums professionally, I’m a trivia junkie, and I’m a dedicated big brother. My dream is to someday make a contribution toward making nuclear fusion a viable energy source, providing cheap, clean energy to the world. In this way I hope to make the world a better place – of course a Nobel Prize wouldn’t be too bad either.
	Ernest Baker, II Opa Locka, FL Miami Carol City Senior High School College/College Plans: Eugene Lang College-New School for Liberal Arts   “Our work is never over,” Ernest Felton Baker II once said. His glorifying hard work and devotion to the Arts has lured an intense drive for his divined present and far most, his future. He started with Martial Arts receiving a black belt in both Jujitsu and Go Ju Ru. He then began to entertain audiences from around the globe and help less fortunate communities. As for the many endeavors and accomplishments Ernest obtained, his hometown Opa Locka, Florida granted him with a Proclamation and bestowed January 23rd in his honor as ‘Ernest Felton Baker II Day’. Practicing for a karate tournament, sketching proposed designs for his portfolio, or rehearsing for a performance are daily tasks for Ernest. Either way it goes, effort is definitely an unequivocal thought in Ernest’s mind. For Ernest, dance isn’t just something he does for happiness; it’s something he can’t imagine himself living without.
	Jane A. Ball Metarie, LA St. Martin’s Episcopal School College/College Plans: Tulane University   People look up to me…but, it’s okay. I’m 6’3”; 6-6 in heels. I stand tall and have set the bar high for myself in academics, athletics and community activities. Sure, I have many hard-earned school, scientific, and sports competition awards and honors, and am very proud of all those achievements. Yet, as a ninth-generation Creole New Orleanian, I’m no slouch at rebuilding my own and others’ lives since Hurricane Katrina. Aside from refurbishing homes, I am constructing better opportunities for children and teens through tutoring, sports activities, and peer mentoring. Volunteering changes you forever; for the better. My dream is to shoot one-on-one with the President and bring back my autographed basketball to use an “Inspirational Rock” for the success of all the physically, mentally, and economically children that I work with. My plan is to become a sports medicine/orthopedic surgeon, and I’m height you can believe in.
	Alyssa Bilinski Easton, CT Joel Barlow High School College/College Plans: Yale University   I have always loved to argue, and throughout high school, this affinity has served me well. As three-year captain of my school’s debate team, I have earned 40 debate awards, including two Connecticut Debate Association State Championships and two Yale Osterweis Tournaments. And the skills I cultivated in debate also served me in other activities: giving closing statements in mock trial, fighting for the rights of Ugandans through Invisible Children, and performing in the improvisational comedy group, Troupe du Jour, raising money for Hurricane Katrina victims. Due to all of the debates in my life, I have also learned to appreciate the peaceful argument-free moments. Giggling over dinner with friends, enjoying a movie with the debate team after a tournament, or jogging around my murderously hilly neighborhood is the perfect way to rejuvenate for the next cause.
	Kristina Bohl San Diego, CA Francis Parker High School College/College Plans: Stanford University   Kristina is a Renaissance woman of the twenty-first century. Her passions are academic, artistic and athletic, and she throws herself whole-heartedly into everything she does. When she’s not rehearsing classical guitar, you may find her sailing alongside sea lions in Monterey Bay, solving multivariate integrals, or speaking Swedish with her cousins in Västerås. Kristina is the proud Varsity Captain of Parker’s undefeated Academic League team, as well as the president of the Science Olympiad Club and the French Honor Society. Kristina is a National Merit Scholarship winner and a recipient of the 2009-2010 Kyoto Scholarship. At Stanford, Kristina plans to study Materials Engineering while pursuing her interests in economics and languages. Kristina enjoys working as a sailing instructor and volunteering in her community. In her free time, Kristina loves to read, travel, and ski.
	Holden Brown Mandeville, LA Fontainebleau High School College/College Plans: Maryland Institute College of Art   Holden attends the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) for Media Arts, as a Level III student. He works primarily in video, creating short, narrative films, and has won numerous awards for his work in the cinematic arts, including 1st place in the student division of the Louisiana Film Festival, 1st place at the Nunez Film Festival, and Best Student Filmmaker at the Ozone Film Festival, for his short film, The Starmaker. He was also named a youngARTS gold award winner 2009. Holden has taken part in the Talented Art and Talented Drama programs at his school, both of which have played an important role in his work as a filmmaker.
	Alexander Bruce Weston, MA Weston High School College/College Plans: Harvard College   Ever since I was a young child, I loved explaining things to others. As I grew older I never lost this love of teaching, and over the years this has become one of my defining traits. Some of my most rewarding experiences include tutoring students at the Boys and Girls Club, and volunteering at the Cape Cod National Seashore where I helped rangers present information about the vibrant seashore. At my school I am captain of the math team and the science team. In addition I am a writer and editor for the school newspaper. The school newspaper is a fairly serious publication, but I have always had an irreverent side that I try to express whenever I can. To this end I founded a humor magazine which publishes satirical articles written by students. I am looking forward to continuing teaching and learning in the years ahead.
	Andrew Carmedelle Saint Augustine, FL Saint Joseph Academy College/College Plans: Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering   Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering
	Andrew Chael Albuquerque, NM Manzano High School College/College Plans: Carleton College   I am a dedicated learner who aspires to know as much about the world as possible; one of my favorite pursuits is scouring Wikipedia to pick up interesting bits of trivia. I am passionate about multiple academic disciplines, a fact that makes choosing a college major daunting. I love delving into history, especially that of the R.M.S Titanic, the Islamic Caliphate, and the era of disco fever. In the analytic sphere, I am a state champion in the MESA program and the inaugural president of Math Nerds Anonymous, a club dedicated to the celebration of the common nerd. I also rock out on the French Horn in my school band and city youth orchestra, sing in my school choir, hike up and ski down tall mountains, read a lot of cheap paperbacks, and watch CNN excessively. I give back to the community by tutoring local elementary school students in after-school programs.
	Grace F. Chao Manhasset, NY St. Mary’s High School College/College Plans: Washington University in St. Louis, University Scholars Program in Medicine   At age five I declared I would be “The Pretender” when I grew up. If there was a need for a firefighter, pilot, lawyer or any other hero in a situation, the Pretender effortlessly became just that. Although I unfortunately came to realize I could not be everything at once, I have always kept that fire, that hunger to explore the variety in the world, seeking knowledge and truly living life. I am a mentor for inner-city youth and a future doctor, the scientist who is fascinated by European history, the classical violinist who enjoys her friend’s hip-hop mixes, and the extrovert who loves to read novels on rainy days. This year I was accepted to three medical schools, a feat for the daughter of a pastor and teacher. My secret? A supportive family and belief in myself because “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
	Kevin Chaung Kokomo, IN Kokomo High School College/College Plans: Indiana University   Kevin is a student who actively seeks out new experiences both inside and outside of school. He is a member of the Environmental Club, which helps clean up the Wildcat Creek every year; the Diversity Group, which aims to bring attention to minorities; and the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board, which allows students to observe and participate in local government. He is also the treasurer of the Boys Legion, a group that is involved in many school functions, including prom and fundraisers. As captain of the Math and Science Academic Teams, he seeks to learn as much as he can and guide others who wish to do the same. He also makes sure to give some of his time to the community: he has volunteered at St. Joseph Hospital as an ER receptionist and currently tutors 3rd graders at Boulevard Elementary.
	Brian Chen Morgantown, WV University High School College/College Plans: Princeton University   My name is Brian Chen. I was born and raised in Morgantown, West Virginia, home of the WVU Mountaineers. I am an avid swimmer and captain of my high school swim team. I also enjoy playing varsity tennis and partaking in various outdoor activities. At school, I participate in Math Club, National Honor Society, Science Bowl, Geography Bowl, Student Council and Model UN. I am continually engaged in community service programs through my church, such as playing violin in the orchestra and assisting young children at Vacation Bible School. Next year, I hope to continue these passions, even as I discover new interests at Princeton University.
	Sally Chu Lynnwood, WA Edmonds-Woodway High School College/College Plans: University of Pennsylvania   Sally is an avid reader who often multitasks and enjoys helping others. Ever since she was a child, she devoured books endlessly – even going so far to read through textbooks during her summer break so that she was able to take college level mathematics as a sophomore in high school. Through her pursuit of knowledge and the International Baccalaureate Program, she discovered her passion for the medical field and decided to become a surgeon because it would allow her to help put people back together. In addition to being a student, she is a musician, a scientist, a leader, and a servant of the community. She has played in the Chamber Orchestra for four years, and been chosen as Student of the Year four times. She is president of Math Club, Book and Movie Club, and Model United Nations, and treasurer for National Honor Society. In two years, she has dedicated over 766 hours of service to her community. Now she volunteers on a patient floor at Stevens Hospital and helps people fight cancer.
	Rachel Clausen Moorhead, MN Moorhead High School College/College Plans: Muhlenberg College   Rachel was born into a family of artists. A conducting father, musical mother, composing brother, and writing sister provided the prime kind of kin for an actress. She started out young in musical theater, and went with it all the way to the AHST Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland the summer of her Junior year. Rachel is also a member of the National Forensic League, for which she has had the honor of advancing to the State tournament all four years of her high school speech career. She was also awarded second place in humorous interpretation at the NFL tournament the past two years, thus placing her in the top 24 humorous speakers in the nation. Her creativity is cultivated daily by her love of painting, sculpture, reading, and frankly any other art she can get her hands on.
	Julian Cook Chicago, IL Jones College Preparatory High school College/College Plans: Houghton College   Julian Armand Cook, who is 18 years old, was born in Chicago, Illinois. He resides on the south side of Chicago with his mother Kimberly and his sister Nina. Julian attends Jones College Preparatory High School, where he is Student Council President, Concert Choir President, a member of the Christian Club, and a private voice student of Mrs. Gaye Klopack. Knowing the deep value of the faith community, Julian attends True Believers Baptist Church. There he serves as a Sunday school and Youth Bible Study leader as well as a minister. Always looking to broaden his horizons, Julian has competed and won in a plethora of competitions, including the prestigious Classical Singer Chicago competition and National Association for Teachers of Singing competition, on both the regional and local levels. He was also recognized as a Level I Winner at NFAA YoungARTS week 2009. In the very near future, Julian plans to pursue a collegiate education in pastoral ministry/theology, and musical performance. Julian’s career goals include a fruitful career in opera music, as well as entering into full time ministry as a church pastor. In his spare time, Julian enjoys being involved in his faith community, spending time with friends, reading, studying the bible, listening to various Christian music artist, and cooking. Julian is extremely thankful for those to which he owes his success: his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, mother Kimberly Cook, private voice teacher Gaye Klopack, and very supportive family and friends.
	Chris Copeland Wilmington, DE Sanford School College/College Plans: Stanford University   Chris has had an interest in science and computers from a young age. His father bought the family a now not-so-aptly-named PowerMac G3 in 1995, and Chris never looked back. During the summer, Chris works as a software developer for EM Photonics, Inc. in Newark, DE, a small business born out of University of Delaware’s electrical engineering department. There he has contributed to projects including an advanced long-range image processing application for NASA and an automated software-testing framework for use within the company. This year, he volunteered his web development expertise to improve and create more content for a Delaware anti-bullying advocacy group’s website. His school activities include: writing for, organizing, and publishing his school’s newspaper and competing on the math league, academic bowl, science olympiad, and varsity tennis teams. At Stanford, he plans to study electrical engineering and German language, hopefully studying abroad in Berlin.
	Benjamin D. Crosby Carol Stream, IL Glenbard North High School College/College Plans: Yale University   About half-way through a stack of old photos, a picture catches my attention: a grinning, bespectacled, eight-year-old me, bedecked with a blue reproduction kepi and flanked by two bearded Civil War re-enactors. This photograph seems somehow emblematic to me of the insatiable intellectual curiosity which has so defined my life, resulting in countless library fines and late-night philosophical discussions, and even a summer spent studying human rights at Cornell University. Beyond learning for its own sake, I have sought to apply my passion in service to others, whether through leading a world hunger awareness event with my church youth group or spending hours on the phone explaining a math problem or history concept. In my free time, it’s not uncommon to see me making music, whether improvising on the piano or singing in the choir, tossing a Frisbee around with friends, or just curling up with a good book.
	Kate Davis West Linn, OR West Linn High School College/College Plans: Manhattan School of Music   Growing up as a classical violinist, Kate has been involved with a variety of musical styles since the age of five. However, when relocated to the Pacific Northwest eight years ago, she developed two new passions, coffee and jazz. From then on, the upright bass became her primary musical outlet. Nurtured by the supportive music community in Portland OR, she was able to satisfy her hunger to learn and perform. Over the past few years, Kate has gained some acclaim with her jazz bass and vocals. She was named a ”youngARTS” silver winner, Downbeat Student Award winner, and was selected to participate in the Brubeck Summer Jazz Colony, and the Grammy Jazz Ensemble. Besides music, Kate enjoys other forms of the arts, reading, espresso, shopping, and spending time with friends.
	Sameer Kirtikumar Deshpande Carrollton, TX Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science College/College Plans: Massachusetts Institute of Technology   From an early age, I have been fascinated with numbers and mathematics. In recent years, I have been participating in such contests as the United States of America Mathematics Olympiad and American Regional Mathematics League, and lately, pursuing research in biostatistics. Although a good deal of my time is now devoted to my school studies and work, I still love to watch movies and T.V., listen to music, or go out and play. I swim, play Ultimate Frisbee, and have recently picked up racquetball. At school, I am the president of our Mu Alpha Theta chapter and am involved with the Junior Engineering Technical Society chapter. I tutor local high school and middle school students in mathematics.
	Joseph Dexter Chester, VT Green Mountain Union High School College/College Plans: Princeton University   Joseph relishes intellectual diversity and prides himself on tackling multifaceted issues. Inspired by a burgeoning interest in Classical literature, he began studying Latin in the seventh grade and Attic Greek the following summer. Living close to Dartmouth College proved helpful to Joseph’s study of the Classics, and his initial encounters with the second declension have led to wide study in the field, from Plautus to Plato to Phanocles. Eager to merge his diverse interests, Joseph has prepared original translations of Euler’s Latin mathematical papers. His scientific research has focused on microfluidics, a fantastically multidisciplinary field that seeks to apply engineering and materials science to solving fundamental problems in the life sciences. His microfluidics research led to his designation as a Research Science Institute Scholar and a Semifinalist in the Intel Science Talent Search. Joseph plans to pursue a Ph.D. in the physical sciences and a career in academic research.
	Carolyn Douglas Derry, NH Pinkerton Academy College/College Plans: Wellesley College   Carolyn is captain of the math team, treasurer of the German club, and secretary of the Asian Explorations Club. Learning new languages is one of her passions, and in addition to German and Japanese, she hopes to dabble in Latin and Russian in college. She plans to pursue premedical studies in addition to majoring in German, but these plans are not set in stone whatsoever. In her free time, she reads fantasy novels, listens to foreign pop music, and donates blood.
	Celia Dovell Bell Baltimore, MD The Bryn Mawr School College/College Plans: Columbia University   I grew up in a house full of writers, and from an early age (before I had considered that maybe, having a poet for a mother and a novelist for a father, I should become an engineer in the interest of rebellion), it was clear that I was one of them. My first published essay appeared in the New York Times Magazine when I was seventeen, and since then I’ve had work appear in Five Points Magazine, and been selected as a Portfolio Gold Medalist in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, and a finalist for the youngARTS program run by the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts.
	Edmund “Ned” Downie Washington, DC St. Albans School College/College Plans: Yale University   I enjoy learning about math and logic, ethics and European history, but I especially like historical linguistics. This semester, I worked with my teacher Mr. Wallace Ragan on an Independent Study in Romance Linguistics. Outside of school, I read widely; among my favorite books are Ideas by Peter Watson and Anthony Powell’s A Dance to the Music of Time. I like to stay on top of current events, especially foreign affairs. And, whenever I have the chance, you’ll find me outdoors. I’m a committed environmentalist; one summer, I dug trenches and cleared trails in the C&O Canal National Historic Park. One of my greatest loves is soccer. I played striker for my school’s varsity team, and I follow the European leagues closely. I saved for four years to earn money to travel to Germany for the 2006 World Cup. Because of that trip, I want to travel the globe and explore its cultures and languages.
	Kyle Doyle Missoula, MT Loyola Sacred Heart High School College/College Plans: University of Montana   I love to learn new things, a trait which has served me well over the years. This love of thinking has led me to discover many different fields that I enjoy studying. However, I love learning about computers in particular—the field I want to enter—and many is the time I’ve looked up a new type of technology, not because I plan on using it, but just to know about it. In my free time, I play music and do a great deal of volunteer work as part of my 4-H club and various other organizations. I am an avid reader, singer, trumpet player, gamer, and pretty much anything else you can think of.
	Shelby Dvorak Dickinson, ND Dickinson High School College/College Plans: University of North Dakota   I consider myself to be a hardworking person who loves keeping busy. In my high school, I serve as the treasurer of the Friends of Rachel Club, the president of the Spanish Club, the vice president of Medical Explorers, and the vice president of National Honor Society. I am also a member of Close Up. During my high school years, I have volunteered at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Health Center and with the Best Friends Mentoring Program. I have also spent time volunteering on two Students Today Leaders Forever Pay It Forward Tours. In my free time I enjoy playing piano, shopping, reading, biking, and cooking. In college, I plan to major in dietetics and Spanish with a pre-medicine focus. After college, I plan to attend medical school to become a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Following my medical school residency, I would love to volunteer abroad with World Medical Mission, an organization that provides medical care to people in places where medical services are unavailable.
	Leia M. Dwyer Providence, RI Classical High School College/College Plans: Undecided   My parents, sister and I once spent an entire summer camping across the nation in a cramped pop-up tent trailer. We visited National Parks and museums, all while experiencing the diverse faces of America. Facets of this invaluable trip are seen in most everything I do. I have a deep love of the outdoors and physical activity; I frequently camp, hike, and canoe and have been an avid Irish dancer for 12 years. My family and I are extremely close and I always enjoy spending time with them. I have a natural curiosity which has lent itself to success in academics as I seek to learn all that I can. The beauty of nature has inspired me as an artist, fulfilling an innate need for creativity. Lastly, I strive to give back to others in service as a Girl Scout, having seen the vast spectrum of people’s circumstances in America.
	Lauren Faraino Vestavia Hills, AL Vestavia Hills High School College/College Plans: Harvard College   Lauren’s definition of a perfect day might surprise you. Most of her time is devoted to academic endeavors, extracurricular pursuits, and volunteer activities, all of which provide the foundation for her outward successes. However, nothing brings a smile to her face like a quiet weekend that provides the opportunity for her to express herself on a canvas. When painting, Lauren abandons the analytical eye that usually dictates her thoughts and simply allows imagination to lead her. Lauren plans to practice law someday, and she will do so with passion and dedication. But her legal career will not define her. To truly know Lauren, you need only to study the products of her most creative moments: her paintings.
	Peter Ferguson Fairfield, PA Delone Catholic High School College/College Plans: Maryland Institute College of Art   I have been fortunate to have lived in a variety of places where art and artists were almost non-existent. Growing up in these surroundings has shaped me into a person who feels almost obligated to insert creativity and purpose into everything he encounters. As I have grown artistically, mentally, and physically, I have had many opportunities to share my artistic insight on life with those around me, which has led to many amazing experiences and memorable moments. I have sacrificed a lot to get to the point where I am artistically, but when I observe the abilities I have acquired from hard work and determination, I would have chosen no other way to live my life. I constantly remind myself that my abilities are not only for personal gain, but to help others. I look forward to seeing what I am capable of accomplishing, not only for myself, but for the world.
	Linyi Gao Moscow, ID Moscow High School College/College Plans: Princeton University or Stanford University   Living on the Idaho Palouse has been a blessing. On the Palouse, nature harmonizes with community. When I look at the smooth curve that separates the cloudless blue sky and the verdant rolling wheat hills, I see an abundant poetic beauty – not because one plant is particularly tall or vigorous but because of the richness of life of the entire wheat field. In this spirit of the Palouse, I have done a few small things, one of which was applying for two MathMovesU grants to found a school math club, which has helped contribute to an atmosphere of learning and enthusiasm in our school. I have also volunteering regularly at our local hospital, tutoring elementary school students, enhancing my creativity through Future Problem Solving, and captaining our Knowledge/Science Bowl teams. In my spare time, I like fishing, distance running, table tennis, personal writing, piano, browsing scientific journals, and attending church activities regularly. One of my greatest delights is being in the woods, and I am excited to have the opportunity to explore a variety of topics at the National Youth Science Camp in the forests of West Virginia this summer.
	Emmett Gilles West Hartford, CT Conard High School College/College Plans: University of North Carolina   I believe that what I have done is little compared to what I will do – that I am small compared to who I will be. I have done a great deal of doing and growing to be where I am, and I am comfortable with my accomplishments to the present. But I not satisfied that these achievements are the measure of my mettle. It seems that every time one learns something, it only makes him aware of a thousand other things to learn before he truly understands. Every time one makes a positive difference, it only makes him aware of how much more needs to be done before the world changes for the better. I want to become wise enough to bring new life into this world with the help of someone wiser than me, to teach our children to be even better than we have been.
	Michael Girouard Lewiston, ME St. Dominic Regional High School College/College Plans: Williams College   Michael’s primary focus has been on his family, schoolwork, and community for the past four years of his high school career. He is the eldest of three and enjoys spending time with his family and acting as a role model for his younger brother and sister. Both in and outside of school, Michael is truly an academic. He enjoys almost all of his classes, and has taken chemistry and French courses at the local university and at Bates College, respectively. Last summer, he spent five weeks in Paris for a study abroad program, improving his French skills. He enjoys being the cantor at school masses, participating in math team, dancing, and acting. Michael is an active volunteer for EqualityMaine, a political activist group that ensures the rights of LGBT citizens. He plans to obtain a degree in biology and continue on to medical school or a Ph.D. program.
	Nikhil Goel Huntsville, AL Virgil I. Grissom High School College/College Plans: Vanderbilt University   Nikhil is a scholar who is both well-rounded and has no shortage of things to do. He excels not only as a student, but also as a musician, an entrepreneur, an athlete, an innovative scientist, a writer, and a leader in his community. As a musician, he plays both the piano and the guitar, and as an entrepreneur, he has started two successful businesses in academic tutoring and website design. Additionally, he is a Director of the Rocket City Math League, the only international student-run online math competition in the world. Nikhil was a member of his school’s Track & Cross Country teams and plays basketball in his free time, and he is an award-winning senior sports writer for the school newspaper. He naturally fills his leadership roles as a captain of his school’s Math Team, Science Bowl Team, Science Olympiad Team, and the All-City Academic Team leading him to a competitive engineering internship at NASA last summer. He is also Co-President of Politos, his school’s premier political organization, and in his free time, he is an active volunteer with the Junior Civitan Society, the Red Cross Youth Committee, and the Hindu Cultural Center of North Alabama.
	Abhinav Golla Austin, TX Westlake High School College/College Plans: Stanford University   The common thread uniting my diverse interests is my love of a challenge. As an enthusiastic outdoorsman, I challenge myself through whitewater rafting and hiking. I credit my interest in the outdoors, as well as my leadership abilities, to my time spent in Boy Scouts, an integral part of my life that culminated in my Eagle Scout Award. I love music, and for seven years, I have played the viola in orchestra. Last summer, I spent several weeks researching the total synthesis of natural products in organic chemistry with the Welch Summer Scholar Research Program. I also enjoy studying as well as tutoring students in Latin, and I have won Summa Cum Laude and gold medals at Regional, State and National Latin conventions. My greatest, most satisfying challenges have come from helping my community as president of Austin’s Medical Explorer Post and as a hospital volunteer, experiences that have led to my decision to pursue a career in medicine.
	Allen Granzberg Brooklyn, NY Stuyvesant High School College/College Plans: Yale University   Allen loves music, the arts, international politics, business, and law. He currently attends Stuyvesant High School in New York City. Allen is Club/Pub Director in the student government, Blood Drive Coordinator, and a Varsity member of the Lincoln Douglas Debate Team. Allen currently interns at the Securities and Exchange Commission and truly enjoys learning about economics and the United States’s financial system. In his free time, he does ballroom dance and competes professionally in competitions around the nation. He finds it extremely relaxing and it is definitely something he wants to continue to do in college. Allen has loved challenging himself and has always enjoyed giving back to his community. Allen would like to thank his family, friends, teachers, and everyone else that has allowed for him to get this far. He hopes to study economics and international studies in college.
	Suvai Gunasekaran Madison, WI James Madison Memorial High School College/College Plans: Harvard College   I like to be busy. I am very active in several school clubs and community organizations. I am President of Spartan Youth Service, Editor-in-Chief of our school paper, Captain of Science Olympiad, and President of Spanish club. I also played varsity tennis for three years. I have served as a Director of the International JOOI Board and a Member of National Youth Advisory Committee of DoSomething.Org. I am an Intel Science Talent Search Finalist, National AP Scholar, and Siemens Scholar for Science and Math. I enjoy spending time with my friends and going to movies. I love cooking, doing wheel pottery, and riding roller coasters – the scarier the better. Pizza is still my favorite food and Prison Break, my favorite TV show. I believe that the world will be a better place if each of us gives back something to improve the lives of others around us.
	Elise Gurney Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque High School College/College Plans: Carleton College   New Mexico is a strange sort of place – barren and beautiful – and my hometown Albuquerque has a unique culture somewhere between backwater hippy and laidback quirky. It is this exceptional environment that has allowed me to engage in the breadth of activities I have undertaken. I have played soccer and tennis, volunteered for the Animal Humane Association and the Adaptive Ski Program, and taken art classes since I was young. At school, I am intrigued with science as a way to better understand the world, but my academic interests range from history to English. My appreciation for the interdisciplinary aspects of education has led me to Carleton College, where I intend to take advantage of the liberal arts curriculum it offers. In college I plan to become involved in the newspaper, as I was in high school, and to study abroad for at least one trimester. My career plans are still uncertain, but I hope to travel extensively and to someday open my own bakery.
	Charles Gyer Houma, LA Vandebilt Catholic High School College/College Plans: Yale University   As a student from south Louisiana, I have had the opportunity to be surrounded by the greatest people on earth throughout my life. Living in such a culturally, artistically, and aesthetically rich and beautiful part of the world has caused me to take interest in activities ranging from student council to theater to sailing and journalism. My concern for my home inspired me to start a website examining the geopolitical and socioeconomic impacts and implications of energy policy in Louisiana and around the world. Most importantly, I cherish the people whom I know and love and anticipate meeting new people from whom I might learn every day. I consider time a gift, and my tendencies to act a little crazy and somewhat silly are only aimed at living life to the fullest. I also enjoy fulfilling one hundred fifty word writing assignments one word short of the word limit.
	Booyeon Han Phoenix, AZ Desert Vista High School College/College Plans: Princeton University   The most important lesson I have learned until now: take advantage of new opportunities because they can always open doors to unexpected experiences. As a young violinist, I never knew that I would become a part of the most talented orchestras in the nation. The highlights of my music career include the performance as concertmaster with Van Cliburn, and the trip to Paris and Nice, France to perform in different venues, including the gothic cathedrals. At school, I have served as president of the science club and orchestra council and played on the varsity tennis team. I have also volunteered at the hospital, tutored students in math, and performed in nursing homes. When I am not involved in music or the community, I love to watch movies, listen to music, and make pazookie (half-baked cookie with ice cream!).
	Sejal Hathi Fremont, CA Notre Dame High School College/College Plans: Harvard, Stanford, or Yale University   I am passionate, vibrant, yet sometimes insecure—an intricate arabesque of interests and ideas, dreams and disappointments that is still seeking its unique color. As a person of eclectic leanings, I love to express myself through writing, to embody music with dance, to discover new worlds on Wikipedia, to create sustainable social change, to challenge science’s frontiers. In recent years, among other endeavors, I have focused particularly on growing the international nonprofit I founded to empower girls; writing my second book; performing intense scientific research on the immunology of mast cells; and building a website on peace. I have aspired to everything from a policymaker to a neurosurgeon, but hope withal, in whatever I do, to transform the world.
	Andrew Henderson Spartanburg, SC Spartanburg High School College/College Plans: Yale University   Since my earliest years, I have loved opportunities to observe and study others – their personalities, motivations, and behaviors. I plan to continue this interest by studying economics in college and also by taking many opportunities to study abroad and travel throughout the world. Outside of academics, I have participated in student government, model congressional debate, and the youth group at my synagogue throughout high school, and I look forward to enjoying these activities in college as well. I have always loved the outdoors and worked the past summer at an environmental education camp in North Carolina. Therefore, I am incredibly excited about immersing myself in the New England outdoors next year, and one day, I dream of hiking the Appalachian Trail.
	Garnet Henderson Jackson, WY Jackson Hole High School College/College Plans: Columbia University   Garnet is a student who strives to balance her many extracurricular passions with academic success. She has been dancing since she was three years old, and is the president of the Dancers’ Workshop Junior Repertory Company. Garnet is also an intern in the offices of Dancers’ Workshop and teaches dance classes to students ranging in age from nine to seventy years old. She has presented original choreography in student concerts and choreographed commercially. Garnet has a passion for writing, frequently writes poetry and prose, and was awarded the Wellesley College Book Award in 2008. She attended the Wyoming High School State Drama Festival in 2006 and 2007, earning an all-state award for her performance of a dramatic monologue and an honorable mention for her performance in a group piece. Garnet enjoys outdoor activities in beautiful Jackson Hole, but is looking forward to moving to New York City in the fall.
	Stephen Henrich Mason City, IA Newman Catholic High School College/College Plans: Simpson College   Stephen enjoys challenging himself to be as versatile as possible. He lives for intellectual pursuits while thriving in extracurricular activities as well. His parents often poke fun at his undying desire to be involved in everything. Stephen plays the trumpet and violin and participates in varsity athletics in cross country, baseball, track, and tennis. He serves in many leadership roles such as class president, Math Club vice president, and team captain of the cross country team. He also takes advantage of opportunities to serve his community through Youth Ministry, National Honor Society, and voluntary tutoring. Although most people consider his academic successes to be his most significant, he also takes pride in his masterful ping pong skills and his exceptional abilities in Guitar Hero. In the future, Stephen intends to double major in biology and mathematics while completing much undergraduate research, and later plans to attend a school of medicine.

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