2009 SILVER WINNERS

Patricia Armstrong
Waurika High School
Waurika, Oklahoma

Patricia sees herself as a normal teenager who works hard to achieve her goals. While, she does work hard, her achievements surpass “normal” by a landslide.

Patricia is ranked first in her class, with the maximum GPA of 4.0. She takes AP classes when she can and has received top-of-her-class awards in algebra, Oklahoma history, pre-AP physical science, English I, Computers I and II, child development, pre-AP biology and American history.

Beyond her academics, Patricia looks to enrich her high school experience by being highly involved in many different activities. She has participated in mock trial, softball, academic team, FCCLA, science club, drama club and National Honor Society. She notes that acting in school plays and playing softball are activities that are particularly special to her.

In the community, Patricia is a member of the Addington Baptist Church youth group, in which she works hard to give back to the community by aiding disadvantaged youth. She has logged over 145 hours with this group.

Patricia achieves all of the above while holding down a job. She has worked at the Jefferson County Animal Hospital for the last two summers; she has also been a waitress at the Court House Grill and is now employed at the Waurika Tire Shop.

Patricia cites her parents’ hard work as her main motivation for success. “I want to go to college,” said Patricia. “My parents can’t do it all, and that is all the motivation I need to try to achieve my goal.”    

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Steve Barillas
John Marshall High School
Los Angeles, California

Steve Barillas is a superior student, leader and volunteer, and has overcome many obstacles to get there. As a boy, Steve struggled to fit in, but always kept his head high in an effort to be a better person. “I always respected myself enough to know that nothing anyone else had to say was as important as learning and becoming successful one day,” Steve says.

Steve ranks in the top 3% of his class of 500 students. He is taking five AP courses and has still achieved a high GPA. Steve has been given the chance to learn and study with his school’s Academic Decathlon team, helping them win various competitions. He is also involved with a mentor program, where he was trained to help sophomore students do well in school. Steve is most proud of his role as chief of staff for the Habitat for Humanity club at his school, helping the club set goals and find ways to achieve them.

Community service has also become a priority for Steve. He has participated in the AIDS fundraising walk, as well as helping in his church’s homeless lunch program for two years. Another community service organization that benefits from Steve’s participation is Maya Mobile, an organization dedicated to educating children on Mayan culture. Although the youngest volunteer in the organization, he was able to plan a variety of activities and teaching lessons to help the cause.

Steve credits his motivation to do well in school to his family, who continually remind him to take advantage of opportunities. Steve believes he has come a long way since his childhood and is now proud that he is not only an American citizen, but will be the first person in his family to go to college and earn a higher education. His ability to stay strong, and accomplish what many thought he wouldn’t, is Steve’s greatest achievement yet.

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Samantha Belabin
Stoneman Douglas High School
Parkland, Florida

“I love helping others,” says Samantha about her passion for community service. Samantha is a high achiever in many areas, but her accomplishments in the area of community service are especially outstanding.

At school Samantha involves herself in Key Club, Model United Nations, Student Government, National Honor Society and English Honor Society. She has been treasurer of the Key Club and is excited to be incoming co-president. She is also a senator in the Student Government Association and treasurer-elect of Model United Nations. Even with all her school involvement, Samantha has maintained a high GPA and excels in her AP classes.

When Samantha isn’t at school she is always giving a helping hand in her community. She is currently involved with Kids in Distress, interacting with children on a weekly basis. In past summers she has volunteered at a local camp and she baby-sits for a family at last once a week.

During her freshman year, Samantha and a friend started a non-profit organization called A.C.T.N.O.W. (All Children in Trouble Needing Our Welfare), whose mission is to raise awareness and funds for orphaned children. She was instrumental in organizing “Brieannas Birthday Bash,” a fundraiser for a local girl who needed a double lung transplant. Since September 2007, Samantha has logged over 275 service hours.

Although Samantha classifies herself as an average teenager, her ability to bounce back from an illness proves she is not a typical 17-year-old. Despite missing some school, Samantha has stayed motivated. “With the help of my friends and family I am always encouraged to do my best. They are what motivate me to succeed,” Samantha says.

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Myeshia Bryant
Eastern Wayne High School
Goldsboro, North Carolina

“I work hard and I am very motivated. There is no room to slack for me,” says Myeshia. 

Myeshia is a high-ranking student at her school, maintaining a high GPA as well as managing college courses alongside her regular schedule. She is an active member of the National Honor Society and a new member of the Career Technical Honor Society.  She sees school as a chance to get involved. She is a member of Key Club, the Student Body Association and Health Occupation Students of America, and acts as an ambassador for the Student Ambassador Program at her school. Myeshia also enjoys participating in marching band, is president of the color guard, and takes part in the county dance troupe.

Community service is also important to Myeshia. As a member of the Goldsboro Mayor’s Youth Council, she has volunteered over 100 hours for organizations that help the homeless, senior citizens, and youth. She is also active in the Teen Court program, serving on jury duty, and has recently started volunteering with Habitat for Humanity.

Myeshia describes her perfect future as having her dream home, becoming a physician’s assistant and earning her license as a real-estate agent. She credits her motivation to her mother, who she says taught her to always keep faith and believe that miracles can happen in your life. With her hard work and dedication, Myeshia is on track to achieve the future of her dreams.  “I will teach my children the same morals and values that I have been taught. Most importantly, I will teach them to give back,” says Myeshia.

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Rachael Copeland
East Coweta High School
Sharpsburg, Georgia

Rachael is an upbeat, fun-loving student who knows how to work hard and get things done. In every aspect of her life she has energy, drive and works to strive for perfection. When asked what motivates her she said “[I know] I have to work extra hard to enjoy my future to the fullest,” Rachel said.

Rachael strives to be a well-rounded high school student. She works very hard in school and even with a challenging load of AP courses she is able to maintain top grades.  She is also very involved in extra curricular activities at school. She is secretary of the Junior Class, vice president of the Math Club, treasurer of Youth Leadership Coweta, captain of her schools varsity lacrosse team and Secretary of Students Against Destructive Decisions. In addition, she has worked on her school’s award winning newspaper, received honorable mention in an AT&T essay contest, and she has received the Kiwani’s Award for science and art.

Outside of school, Rachael is also striving to make a difference. She helped organize a blood drive, worked at an arts fair, volunteered as a poll worker and was a child supervisor for the YMCA. Her proudest achievement in the area of community service was founding the Prom Dress Swap Shop. She worked to collect prom dresses from folks in the community so that girls who cannot afford prom dresses can come borrow a dress for their big night.

“I love being me!” said Rachael. This is a girl who appreciates what she has and is willing to work hard to get where she is going.

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Kristie Dash
Seneca Valley High School
Harmony, Pennsylvania

“I live moment by moment and I am always thinking about my future,” Kristie says. These words define Kristie’s zest for life. She is an intelligent, confident and hardworking student who sees potential in herself and therefore potential in her future.

One of Kristie’s most prized achievements was starting an entertainment and party-planning business, “A Dancer’s Day.” This enterprise gives parents the chance to relax and have fun with their children while Kristie runs their girls’ birthday parties or events. She is also proud of having organized “Pinkapalooza,” a performance which raised funds for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization combating breast cancer.

At school, Kristie display’s her drive through her continued academic success. She holds a high 4.2 GPA and continually challenges herself to take AP classes so that she can get ahead. Involved in Student Council since 8th grade, she currently serves as a senator.. Kristie has a passion for singing and has also taken a leadership role in this area, serving as president of the school chorus for two years.

Kristie believes the best way to learn about yourself is by helping others. “When you help others, you help yourself,” she says. Outside of school she enjoys working with children, senior citizens, and others in need. Along with singing, she has a love for dancing and enjoys being an assistant teacher for toddler classes. She also used her performance skills for an event in which she helped raise more than $8,000 for the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Haiti.

Kristie’s parents are her biggest supporters and role models. She sees how hard they work for her family and she tries to do the same. In order to help her family, Kristie works part-time at a restaurant so she can help pay for her college and have independence when it comes to buying things for herself. When looking at all of Kristie’s activities, it is easy to see that she has a passion for life and all it has to offer her. “So many things motivate me in life. Every day, I think of my goals...and work towards them,” Kristie said.

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Britney Davidson
Nampa Senior High School
Nampa, Idaho

Britney is an accomplished musician whose desire to succeed permeates every aspect of her life. Whether in academics, community service or music, she strives to achieve the best results possible.

In school, Britney earns superior grades in very challenging courses. In addition to taking AP courses, she also takes classes such as jazz band, marching band and wind ensemble. She finds the time requirements and intellectual scope of these classes are equal to some of the more academic courses she is enrolled in.

Through band, Britney has received many honors and awards. She has earned superior ratings for eight consecutive years at the Nampa Junior Music Festival, and has received the Band Director’s Award. This year she was selected to participate in the Boise State Honor Band. In addition, the Nampa High marching band, of which she is drum major, placed first in the Division III Idaho State Band Competition.

As president of her youth group, Britney has organized and implemented many service activities such as picking fruit for the hungry, raking leaves for elderly folks in her community, and mentoring young girls. She has also served as a Youth Camp Leader at her church’s youth camp and frequently provides musical entertainment for her church. To save for college expenses, Britney teaches piano lessons and also works at a resort lodge during the summer.

Overall, Britney is a committed young person who desires to go to college and make a difference in the world. “I am a hard worker and I am very persistent. I have high moral standards and my desire to be a good and accomplished person helps to motivate me.”

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Ronna Fisher
Mustang High School
Mustang, Oklahoma

Ronna is an intrinsically motivated young person who has had to use that motivation in order to succeed in her schooling and other activities. She has spent a lot of time moving around and gone back and forth between public school and home school. “I have had to be disciplined enough to sit down and get the coursework done...I have worked very hard to get where I am in the last year and a half and am even now doubling Texas Tech classes and public school in order to graduate on time.”

At this rate, Ronna will do much more than just graduate on time. In addition to catching up in school, Ronna also takes many AP classes and is in the top 10% of her class.

Outside of academics, Ronna is very involved in her extra curricular activities. She has been very involved in band, and even achieved a I rating during competition. She also spends a lot of her time in drama. She is a member of the Drama Club and was cast in the spring musical. Other clubs and groups she participates in include: National Honor Society, Key Club and Relay for Life.

On her free time, Ronna spends time serving her community. In the past two years, Ronna has managed to log over 203 hours of community service, mostly through hours at her church as part of the youth group leadership team.

Ronna is not only motivated by learning, she is motivated by the actual books and the act of reading. “I feel passionately about books and reading” Ronna said. She hopes to gain her Masters Degree in Library and Information Sciences so that she can share her passion for reading with the people in her community.

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Lindsey Foley
New Albany High School
New Albany, Mississippi

Lindsey’s motivation to be the best at academics and be involved in all the community work she can, sets her apart from most students her age. She describes herself as well-rounded and having a great personality. The high expectations she sets for herself have brought her to the amazing achievements and will take her to a bright future that lies ahead.

At Lindsey’s school she ranks 15 in her class of 157 and has maintained a 4.0 GPA. Her strong academics in taking AP courses and being a member of the Honor Society and Science Honor Society have landed her on the honor roll her entire high school career. Along with academics, Lindsey enjoys being involved in school activities. She is a flute player and has served as the drum major for the New Albany High School Band. She has been a Student Council representative since her 9th grade year and her school’s Spanish Club. She is also a proud member of both Future Educators of America and Future Business Leaders of America.
 
Lindsey has helped her community in more way than one. She served as the Assistant Director for New Albany’s Annual Tallahatchie Riverfest and is a member of the New Albany Youth Main Street, a youth group that volunteers in their community. Lindsey is also a member of her community’s Youth Red Cross Board, where she works at local blood drives and acts as an educator as community events. Altogether, Lindsey has gained more than 500 hours working in her community.

Along with school and service, Lindsey works to support herself. She credits her motivation to the other inspired people she surrounds herself with. With all her achievements, it can be said that Lindsey‘s work comes pretty close to perfect. “I want everything I do to be the best and perfect,” she said.

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Nathanael Franks
Sam Barlow High School
Gresham, Oregon

Nathanael is the type of student who actively seeks out opportunities to do things that few students in his area have done. Living in a small town has presented its challenges to Nathanael; he rarely hears about graduates of his high school studying in different states or setting entrepreneurial goals, but that only motivates him to be different and seek more.
Nathanael’s most notable effort to learn and gain more experience was his exciting time with the Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange Program, through which a scholarship allowed him to live with a family and attend school in Germany. While there, he joined handball and tennis teams, ran numerous half-marathons around the country, and even fulfilled an ambition to learn to play the fabled Swiss alphorn.

Ranked first in his class, Nathanael has challenged himself by taking AP classes, as well as additional college courses at the community college. Nathanael is so committed to academics that he started his school’s Academic Decathlon team, which not only vies in academic competitions but also raises funds for study materials. He is president of the Science Alliance Club and a team captain for the BPA Science Bowl team. In addition to academic pursuits, Nathanael is a strong varsity team member in football, basketball and track and field.

Outside of school Nathanael serves in the emergency volunteer department at the Legacy Mt. Hood Medical Center. He has spent time interning in the Oregon State Capitol, as well as working as a counselor and lifeguard at German and Swiss language and cultural immersion camps. He enjoys teaching Sunday school classes at the Good Shepherd Community Church, and dedicates time to Northwest Family Services as a peer mentor, helping eighth-graders deal with problems regarding peer pressure, drugs, sex, alcohol and school.

Nathanael’s drive to get more out of life makes him stand out among his peers. From studying abroad to serving his local community, Nathanael is a motivated student who is willing to step out of the box to create learning opportunities for himself that goes beyond the traditional avenues of education.
    

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Samantha Harwood
Brentwood High School Sonderling Center
Brentwood, New York

Samantha lives with a passion for science and music and one day hopes to reach her dreams. Each day she goes above and beyond what is expected of her, and puts time and energy into enriching her life through new ways of thinking, particularly in health science studies and music.

Samantha is a stellar student and an active member of her school. She manages to balance a tough schedule of AP classes and extracurricular activities, such as National Honor Society, National Society for High School Scholars, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Medical Society, Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, and Student Government. She is a leader amongst her peers, and has received countless awards for her performances on the piano and flute, including high grades in NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) and All State.

In order to feed her love for science, Samantha is involved in outside health science organizations. She has participated in the Howard Hughes Medical Institute High School Scholar Program and the Health Occupations Partnership for Excellence program at Stony Brook University Medical Center.

Samantha’s leadership qualities shine through in the many awards she has received. To name a few, she was nominated and accepted to the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine, she won the Rotary Your Leadership Award and was recently voted President of the Tri M music Honor Society at Brentwood High School

What may be the most amazing is that in addition to all of her hard work in school, she is extremely committed to serving her community. Since September 2007, Samantha has accumulated in excess of 800 hours of community service.

“Giving back to my community…is something I hold very close to my heart. Community service is, for me, basically a predecessor to my dream of becoming a doctor because being a doctor is a profession where I will be able to help people every day”.

Samantha is determined to achieve her dream of becoming a doctor and she is confident that with hard work and determination, she will achieve her dream. “I know it will take many more years of extensive schooling and learning, but I am willing and determined to go the extra five miles to make my dream come true.”
                                                                 

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Thomas Hepner
AC Davis High School
Yakima, Washington

Thomas is the embodiment of a scholar-athlete. As a student who takes all International Baccalaureate classes and has competed on varsity tennis and swim teams, he works hard whether in the classroom, on the court or in the pool.

Thomas, ranked 10th in his class of 425 students, was recently recognized by the Masonic Education Counsel for superior academic achievement. He was inducted this spring into the National Honor Society, and was nominated by his high school’s faculty as a participant in this summer’s Evergreen Boys State.

Thomas goes beyond academics and works to be part of his school’s community and the local community as well. He is co-captain of Davis High School’s Relay for Life team, he participated in the Yakima-Yamate Foreign Exchange Program by hosting a Japanese student as well as traveling to Japan himself, he is involved in freshman orientation and is an active member of DECA, placing third at regionals and moving on to the state competition. He has also worked the past two summers as a lifeguard at the local pool.

“While accomplishing my goals, I also want to be selfless and altruistic,” says Thomas. On his own time he does just that, spending a significant amount of time volunteering for organizations such as Children’s Village, a youth soccer organization, high school sports teams, and blood donation drives for the American Red Cross.

Thomas has been inspired to succeed through the love of his heroes, both fictional and real. “Ever since I was little I have dreamt of the stories of generals, revolutionaries and presidents, to name a few. I have always wanted to be like one of the heroes I have read about…I am inspired by the strength, moral virtue, and ambition of these characters,” Thomas says.

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Yanting Jiang
Troy High School
Troy, Michigan 

In his three years of high school, Yanting has passionately committed himself to school and what it stands for.  With his challenging course work and numerous scholastic endeavors, Yanting has achieved nothing short of academic excellence. His motivation to be a well-rounded individual shines through his numerous achievements in and outside of school.

Yanting has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA his entire high school career. He has pursued a varied yet stratified curriculum of AP courses, while dabbling in other areas. Enamored by history and mesmerized by the beauty and simplicity of chemistry and physics, Yanting strives toward perfection in all subjects. In order to further his learning beyond high school Yanting also takes extra courses at Northwestern University.

“The mark of any competent leader is not merely personal ability, but having the clairvoyance to accurately assess the ability of individual members and give them power accordingly,” Yanting said about leadership. Yanting has organized a PSAT Cram Session and takes pride in delegating and raising well over $500 in three short hours for the BuildOn program. Other leadership positions Yanting has filled at Troy High School include: Chairperson of Events for Project LEAD, Vice President of Sponsorship for BuildOn, and President and Varsity Captain of the Debate team. On top of his leadership positions, Yanting is also a committed member of The National Honor Society, Physics Club, and National Art Honor Society.

When Yanting isn’t focusing on his studies or involved with school activities he is volunteering in his community. He has been an active volunteer for the Alterra Nursing Home, Sunrise Nursing Home, Cranbook Institute of Science and Troy Boys and Girls Club. Yanting is also a youth representative for the Troy Traffic Council, helping determine the safety of streets and traffic regulations. Combined Yanting has logged over 200 hours with these organizations.

Leading two lives is how Yanting describes the versatility of his passions. Although he has achieved many awards for being a science wiz, he is also an accomplished artist, winning the Scholastic Gold Key Award for his art and “Best in Show” twice at the Troy Days Art Show. Being fluent in three languages, Spanish, English, and Chinese,and playing soccer for his school also shows Yanting’s unique side.

Yanting states that he is never satisfied with competency and he is always pushing himself and those around him to reach new heights and aspire to be something greater. His high standards and persistent dedication to all his endeavors prove Yanting isn’t like any other student. “To me, nothing is more important than a holistic approach to life,” Yanting said.

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Kean McDermott
Morse High School
Bath, Maine

Kean is a naturally goal oriented person. “Goals are what really motivate me to succeed. I set goals that I believe I can achieve, and with each success and failure I empower myself to set new goals, goals that are harder to reach,” Kean said. So far, Kean has met many of the goals he has set, and it is clear that he is headed for an even more impressive future.

Kean likes to tailor his academic schedule to best suit his personality and ambitions. From Cultural History to AP Human Geography, his education has a strong grounding in the subjects that interest him most.

School leadership activities take up much of Kean’s time and make up some of his greatest achievements. During his freshman and sophomore year, when he held the offices of treasurer and president respectively, he was responsible for directing an effort that raised between $9,000 and $10,000 to benefit his class. Other leadership activities include: History Team (co-founder), Amnesty International (co-leadership), and Model United Nations.

Kean tries very hard to be well rounded and when all of his achievements are put together, it creates a very impressive resume. He is a bassoon player, a staff member of the Rotary Youth Leadership Award Conference, a varsity cross country runner, a varsity tennis player, and a swimmer with the Long Reach Swim Club. In addition, he works on weekends and during the summer at a children’s day camp in order to save for college.

Outside of school, Kean spends much of his time volunteering for political campaigns. “A long-term goal of mine is to add to my understanding of local politics.”  That said, Kean became a junior representative of the city planning board and the school board. He finds these positions interesting and he knows they will help him achieve his goals in the future.        

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Caitlin Ogren
Stillwater Area High School
Stillwater, Minnesota

Caitlin aspires to be the type of person who brightens the lives of those around her. With her constant involvement in school activities and her passion to help others, Caitlin is becoming the individual she has always wanted to be.

Above all, Caitlin wants to be known as a leader who positively influences those around her. In addition to maintaining a strong academic record, she was recently chosen to attend the National Student Leadership Conference and her various leadership positions in school have included secretary of Students Against Destructive Decisions and junior class representative for the National Honor Society. As a senior she will be president of the Student Council.

Along with school involvement, Caitlin makes a point of being involved in her community. She volunteers at church events, acts as a peer tutor, has raised money for needy local community programs, and has taken part in the “Minnesota’s Greatest Generation” project, where she spent time with a senior citizen and captured his life story in writing for generations to come.

Caitlin is especially proud of an organization she and her sister created two years ago. They began Lidz for Kidz in order to donate hats (which they knit themselves) to kids undergoing radiation and chemotherapy treatments resulting in hair loss. With her sister now in college, Caitlin runs the organization mostly on her own. Since September 2007 she has accumulated more than 400 hours of service to Lidz for Kidz.

Caitlin's biggest achievement has been balancing it all. She has found time to devote herself to the important things: her friends, family, academics, extracurricular activities, piano and community service. With two successful siblings ahead of her, Caitlin is motivated not only to accomplish great things, but also to carve out an identity of her own. “As I look to the future, I see myself at a university far away from home, traveling and experiencing new things, in hope of finding the answer to what truly makes me different, that is, what makes me simply me,” Caitlin said.

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Taryn Reed
Dobson High School
Mesa, Arizona

Taryn is an accomplished actor, a successful scholar, a motivated leader and an engaged citizen in her community. “I love the spotlight, but I also love helping others shine,” Taryn said. It is clear that while Taryn has a particular passion for the arts, that passion extends throughout all aspects of her life.

As a hard working student, Taryn takes a difficult load of AP courses and has even received a few departmental awards for academic excellence.

In the area of the arts, Taryn has won the lead role in shows including: Annie, Back to the 80’s, Footloose, and Wicked. She also placed 5th in state in the duo acting speech and debate event. She is also very active in her choir, taking on the roles of president, vice president and secretary at various times.

Beyond acting, Taryn is very involved in school leadership and community service. In school she has held a variety of leadership positions and been an active participant of many others. Some of these clubs include: National Junior Honor Society (Vice President), the school dance program (Student Leader), Link Crew, drama club and speech and debate. Outside of school, Taryn donates her time to the Randolf Center for the Mentally and Physically Challenged and to Twin Toners, a retirement home. In addition, she has choreographed and directed a variety of shows and performances for various organizations in her community including her church.

“I am definitely a student who thrives on excellence. I will never let down and I continue to put all of my best efforts towards being the best person I can be,” Taryn said. With all her experience, it is clear that Taryn will have no problem reaching her many goals!

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Meredith Roberts
Sequim High School
Sequim, Washington

Meredith has big dreams and knows that she needs to work hard to get there. She realizes that life has its ups and downs and that circumstances can change, but she also knows that she can overcome a lot. “One thing has stayed the same through everything, my dream,” says Meredith.

In school, Meredith is leads her class, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA while taking a difficult load of honors and AP classes.
Meredith’s favorite extracurricular activity is student government, in which she has been class secretary and class senator. Meredith describes her student government experience as one of her proudest achievements, noting that “only a few years ago I was too shy to talk to a stranger, and now I am addressing the entire school.” During her tenure with SGA she has planned and executed fundraisers including dances, a run-a-thon, concessions and many others. Other school organizations that Meredith is involved in include Link Crew, Year Book, National Honor Society, Interact and Random Acts of Kindness Club. She has found that school is what you make of it and for her, getting involved is a blast.

She participates in varsity track and field, and has competed at the state level in cross country. On the artistic side, Meredith has already won multiple prizes for her poetry and one day hopes to be a published author.

Meredith also does her best to contribute to her community. She offers her time as a volunteer at a variety of special-event fundraisers including Santa’s Breakfast, Haunted Hallway and Helen Haller Family Fun Night. However, her favorite community service activity is tutoring elementary school students who struggle in school.

Meredith is the type of person who sees a problem and wants to do everything she can to help fix it.. She has seen people around her struggle through their teenage years and yearns to be the person who can help them. “I want to attend a good college and become a psychologist or psychiatrist,” says Meredith. “As a therapist, I want to work with teens to help them get through the tough times in their life.”

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Macy Terrebonne
Destrehan High School
Destrehan, Louisiana

“I am a hard worker who cares about my grades,” Macy says. Macy makes sure she is always striving for the best. Whether in school or in her community, she is making the most of her days, so that she can secure a good future.

Macy’s proudest achievement has been her three years as one of The Learning Center’s (TLC) peer tutors at her school, helping other students learn and achieve in mathematics.
 
Macy has managed to keep a 4.0 GPA while taking all honors courses, and is excited to be a student graduating with an honors diploma next year. She enjoys being involved with groups such as Mu Alpha Theta for math scholars, the Destrehan Honors Scholars, Prom Committee, National Honor Society, Interact, BETA, and Student Council. As a sophomore she took on the role of vice president for the Student Council. During her senior year she will be president of her school’s student body, as well as treasurer of the Destrehan Honors Scholars and vice president of the National Honor Society.

Community service is another of Macy’s passions. She has been co-captain and captain of her Relay for Life team and is a dedicated volunteer in organizations such as the Al Copeland Foundation, March of Dimes, and for an environmental group called Wetland Watchers.

Macy’s involvement and strong achievements show her motivation to go far in life. She takes on challenges with a positive mindset and finds that helping others motivates her to continue to do her best. “It is the most amazing feeling knowing you helped someone using your strengths,” Macy says.

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Jordan Tieman
Gillespie High School
Gillespie, Illinois

“I would rather be a hard worker who has to strive for excellence, than a lazy student who doesn’t try,” Jordan said. Jordan is a dedicated student who believes that hard work and following her passion will lead her to success.

Jordan is ranked first in her class and maintains a perfect 4.0 GPA and she has enrolled herself in College Prep courses in order to take advantage of the classes her school offers. Jordan admits school doesn’t always come easy to her, but her constant hours of studying and focus on homework has lead her to the prestigious title of valedictorian of her class.

At school, Jordan takes advantage of participating in all the activities she can. She has been a dedicated member of Student Council for three years; she has taken on leadership in her schools choirs; worked for the Yearbook Staff and as an office aide. Jordan is most proud of her work with the student run club MPACTD, Minors Preparing and Caring for Teen Driving, which helps promote safe driving. Recently, because of her involvement with NYLSC and Who’s Who Among American High School Students she was invited to attend the 2008 Inauguration in Washington D.C.

When Jordan isn’t involving herself in school projects, she is always ready and willing to help out in her community. She has been an active volunteer for various organizations and events including: Salvation Army, Community Days, Harvest Fest, Red Cross, Meals on Wheels and Heritage Manor Nursing Home. Jordon also loves acting as a mentor and assistant at Benld Elementary School.

Jordan cites her GPA as her biggest motivation. She is always striving to keep it high because of the impact it can have on her future. “I am motivated by all the opportunities my education can open up to me,” Jordan said. At the end of the day Jordan believes she is just a normal student, but admits that she is a normal student who wants to make a difference in the world.

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Eileen Ung
Long Beach Polytechnic High School
Long Beach, California

Eileen does everything she can to make the most of her high school career. Whether that be taking the most demanding classes possible, learning Chinese during her free time or taking 0 period symphonic winds, she is always striving to expand her horizons and challenge herself in every way.

“Challenging” seems like an understatement when you look at Eileen’s academic schedule. Not only is she in the top 1% of almost 1000 students in her high school class, but she is also a member of the PACE (Program of Additional Curricular Experiences) program, the most rigorous magnet program.

Another passion for Eileen is the Chinese language and culture. Not only does she attend extracurricular classes, she also participates enthusiastically in all the Chinese cultural activities offered to her, including calligraphy competitions, school fairs and more. Her favorite activity is the Chinese History and Culture Club; she loves learning about her heritage and has won first place in the Chinese History and Culture Competition three times.

Notable among the many school activities Eileen pursues are cross country, speech and debate, mock trial, California Scholarship Federation and National Honor Society.

Eileen also puts a lot of effort into helping her community. The Alphabet Soup Club, which she founded, hosts “activity” days at the local library where members read to kids and do arts and crafts with them. Eileen has also logged over 200 hours of community service with the Long Beach Aquarium’s VolunTEEN program, receiving the Sea Star Award for excellent volunteer service.

Eileen is motivated by her own drive to reach her goals, but also by the hard work and determination of her parents. “My goal in life is to become someone my parents can be proud of…I want to be successful when I grow up, I want to make a difference in this world, I want to impact society,” Eileen says.

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Alexis Ungerer
Kokomo High School
Kokomo, Indiana

“I want the best for me and those around me,” Alexis says. Alexis is an outstanding student leader with a positive mindset to reach her goals. With every activity she participates in, every course she excels in and every organization she helps, she is closer to achieving the future she has always dreamed about.

Alexis chooses classes that will challenge and push her to work hard. She currently takes a full load of honors courses and plans to go farther by taking two AP courses as a senior. Being involved at school is also important to Alexis. She is incoming vice president of the National Honor Society and is a member of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board, yearbook staff, speech and debate teams, Script K Club, drama club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Alexis enjoys sports as well, taking part in the varsity soccer team, swim team and junior varsity softball team.

Alexis is also committed to serving her community. Through her church, she has volunteered for various service opportunities, including serving meals at the Kokomo Rescue Mission and a mission trip to Guatemala to clean, cook and perform needed tasks at an orphanage.

Her hopes of pursuing college and becoming a neonatal nurse aren’t far from Alexis’s reach as she continues to stretch her capabilities and her ways of making a difference. “I want to look back and be proud of the life I have lived and made for myself,” Alexis says.

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Gabrielle Walti
Liberty High School
Hillsboro, Oregon

 “‘Unique’ is a very important word for me,” says Gabrielle. “I actually don’t like being ‘normal’ or doing whatever is considered popular, so I always think outside the box and try to go against the flow.” Gabrielle works very hard, not only to be unique, but to learn and grow in a way that will help her live out her dreams.

Gabrielle leads her class academically and devotes much effort to AP classes that challenge her to learn more. In addition, she seeks opportunities beyond what is offered in high school to expand her knowledge. This summer she will participate in an intensive biology course at Harvard University, a Web-based political science course offered through Clemson University, and the Oregon Girls State program.

Aside from academics, Gabrielle divides her time between school service and the arts. Her performance skills have led to multiple awards, including first place for group musical at the drama club regional competition, competition at the state level with her concert choir, and first place at the school’s first “dancing with the staff” fundraiser. Her peers have voted her Academy Idol, homecoming princess, and junior class president.

Gabrielle, who will be student body president in her senior year, knows it is her duty to give back and she spends much of her time raising funds for charitable organizations. For the past three years, she has co-chaired the Mr. Liberty Pageant at her school, helping to raise over $25,000 for Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. She has also volunteered with the Hillsboro Canned Food Drive.

Gabrielle understands that being a leader is not just about taking control. “I have a constant desire to learn, which makes me a good listener as well as an avid reader,” Gabrielle says. She credits her calm and driven nature, as well as the support and expectations of her parents, as reasons for her success.

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Mackenzie Welch
Chadron High School
Chadron, Nebraska

Mackenzie is a unique young woman with a very mature perspective on life. She embraces the uncertainty of being a teenager, but works very hard to experience life in a way that will help her find her path. “I am the idealistic, sixteen-year-old girl trying to determine the meaning of life. So far, I have established that one cannot go wrong when working for the good of others,” says Mackenzie.

Mackenzie goes unusually far to challenge herself academically and feed her intellectual curiosity. Recently, she realized that not all the classes at her small high school matched her interests and desire for academic challenge. This prompted her to enroll in some courses at Chadron State College, where she has maintained a perfect 4.0 despite being the youngest in her class.

Beyond academics, Mackenzie is involved in a variety of school clubs and activities. She has been participating in Mock Trial since 2006 and helped her team to win the state championship last year. In addition, she competed at the district level for Speech and Debate and qualified for the national competition in Future Business Leaders of America. Her other school involvements include Math Club, Art Club, Cross Country, Swim Team and the Dance Boutique.

Making the community a better place is a top priority for Mackenzie. She is always sure to put energy into a variety of community service ventures. Mackenzie has racked up almost 200 hours volunteering at organizations such as the Chadron Youth Council, Friends of Pets, Family Rescue Services, the Chadron Natural Food Co-Op, and Earth Day. In 2008, she helped to organize a community event which attracted over 1,000 people, a substantial number for a town of 6,000.

Mackenzie credits her parents for much of her intellectual curiosity, adventurous spirit, and motivation to help her community. “They are active citizens in the community,” says Mackenzie. “With the experiences they have given me and the role models they provide, I can do nothing but succeed.”

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Zachary Zlatev
Atlantic Community High School
Delray Beach, Florida

The list of Zachary’s achievements in academic and leadership activities can only be described as long and impressive. “I am a driven, goal-oriented, socially conscious person,” says Zachary.

Zachary is in the top 1% of his class and is currently the salutorian. In addition, to the eleven AP classes he has taken, he is also an International Baccalaureate candidate and has received all A’s in the six classes he has taken on a local college campus. As a junior, he has already taken six AP exams and, based on his high scores in those classes, has been named an AP Scholar with Distinction.

In the leadership realm, Zachary is a graduate of the Lou Frey Civic Leadership Academy. Last year the Junior National Youth Leadership Conference flew him to Washington D.C. to give its keynote address. On top of these distinctions, Zachary is also a Safe School Ambassador, captain of his school’s Speech and Debate Team, was past-president of a campus political group, and has been fundraising co-chair for Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society.

Community service is very central in Zachary’s life. Zachary has volunteered 100 hours as an intern for Summer Youth College, a camp for 8-14 year olds, and has given over 100 hours to various state and national political campaigns. Beyond those commitments, he also spent 180 hours working on environmental issues. He organized a concert to raise awareness about global warming, and volunteered to teach 3rd to 5th graders about the environment and help them design their own environmental service projects.

What may be even more amazing is that, on top of all his other activities, Zachary baby-sits and has worked for Publix Supermarkets to help support himself and save for his college education.

Zachary cites the persecution of his mom’s family in Nazi Germany and his dad’s experience with Communism in Bulgaria as part of his strong motivation to succeed. “I am very politically charged,” says Zachary. “Government nearly entirely broke up my family and I have a commitment to make sure that it doesn’t happen to any others.”

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