JENNY AN
Northwestern University
Last Updated 10/09

Jenny is a junior studying journalism and history at Northwestern University. She co-founded and worked as designer and editor of North by Northwestern Magazine which placed second at the Society of Professional Journalist's Mark of Excellence Awards for overall magazine for her region. She's fiercely pursuing a career in journalism and has written for both college, regional and national publications regarding issues ranging from Patti Smith to her hometown of Ann Arbor, Mich. She has interned with Venus Zine, Chicago Social, Time Out Chicago, and Pitchforkmedia.com.  She has often contributed writing to these publications.

In her spare time, Jenny leads tours at the historic Grosse Pointe Lighthouse in Evanston, IL where she indulges her inner "history nerd." She is currently studying history and comparative literature at Queen Mary, University of London.

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SHRUTI BALA
University of Arizona
Last Updated 10/09

“Service is my way of life.” Shruti strives to live up to this quote on a daily basis. Shruti is an undergraduate honors senior and 2007 Flinn Scholar at the University of Arizona. She is planning to finish college in three years, and will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology.

Shruti is an avid traveler. She has studied, researched and volunteered across Central Europe, Southeast Asia, and Central America. She is currently working on her honors thesis regarding the experiences of forced labor migration of Bangladeshi construction workers and Filipina domestic workers in Singapore society.

In her spare time, Shruti serves as a commissioner on the Arizona Governor’s Commission for Service and Volunteerism. She also volunteers as an English language teacher with the refugee community in Tucson and is an officer for the Social Justice League on her campus.  Shruti also enjoys playing tennis and is an avid Phoenix Suns fan.

Shruti plans to pursue graduate studies in public health and medicine. She hopes to initiate and advocate change in international public health research in order to enhance the quality of life for individuals and the communities in which we live. She wants to be a seed for change in the fight to eradicate health disparities. Shruti is motivated by the ideals of service.  “I strongly believe that one person has the ability to create positive change in a community.”

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JEMALYN CHAVEZ
San Diego State University
Last Updated 5/06

Jemalyn sees herself as an advocate for children and children's issues, and aspires to a career in public health after college. "I hope to work with teens who may be suffering from drug or alcoholic substances as my own father unfortunately experienced," she says. "I want to make a difference not only in my own family's life but in others as well." Jemalyn is a first generation Filipino-American who is grateful for the opportunity to grow up in America and has an extraordinary list of accomplishments. She has maintained a near perfect grade point average while working to support her family and has still found time to participate in a wide variety of school and community activities. At the community level she has participated in Invisible Children, a movie and movement dedicated to calling attention to the plight of Africa's children; in Think Local, Act Global, an international environmental awareness program, and in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in the Greater San Diego area.

At her school, Jemalyn has organized everything from spring dances and proms to diversity school assemblies to special teen relationship programs for parents. She plays on the school softball team, has participated on Red Cross blood drive committees, and is president of two school advocacy organizations, Mix It Up and Speak Up. Jemalyn is the associated student body human relations commissioner for 2006; and is a member of National Honor Roll and the National Honor Society.

Jemalyn is very close to her mother, who is an inspiration to her. Ten years ago her mother, who has lupus, left an abusive relationship and life has been difficult. Jemalyn works to help support her mother, her younger brother and two elderly grandparents. She also credits a strong faith and an incredible guidance counselor for her attitude and successes. Her advisor, Ms. Sharon Chrisman, "has proven to me that with my mind set, I can pursue anything despite others' opinions."

At school Melissa is active in women's choir, the school chamber orchestra - she is a serious violin student, participates in the high school dance team, and maintains National Honor Society standards. She works part time, and lives with her single mom, two younger brothers and a younger sister.

CHARLOTTE CIPPARONE
Dartmouth University
Last Updated 5/06

A while back, Charlotte thought her suburban home needed a rural feel to it. So she started raising poultry. Starting with three chicks, she now has a flock of Rhode Island Red bantams and a flock of White Call ducks. She calls her establishment Melody Hill Farm. She has a thriving egg route, breeds award-winning chicks and ducklings, and sells to others wanting to start their own flocks. Charlotte has learned how to budget, control costs, and practice exacting quality-control standards. Charlotte has entered many poultry shows winning Best of Breed at the Northeastern Poultry Congress and Best in Show at the Southern New England Poultry Show. Charlotte was the reserve Premier Showman at the Southern New England Poultry Show.

Charlotte chose Melody Hill as the name of her project because of her love of music. "Music brings me great joy," she says. She plays piano, oboe, saxophone and English horn, and is a member of the Eastern Regional High School Orchestra. Charlotte played oboe in the All-state Orchestra at Interlochen (Michigan) Center for the Arts in summer, 2005, and will do so again in summer, 2006. She is also a member of the Thames Valley Youth Orchestra and played English horn in the spring, 2006 in a performance of Respighi's Pini di Roma. At her school she sang the role of Gavroche in Les Miserables.

At school Charlotte is a top student who takes challenging classes and recently was a winner in the 24th Annual Shoreline Writing Contest. She is a student leader with the Student Leaders Program, is the sophomore class treasurer, is a member of the principal's student advisory board, and was chosen to participate in the Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership Conference.

Her community service work is broad and impressive. She helped build a house with Habitat for Humanity, spearheaded several clothing and food drives to aid the homeless, and is an active member of Green Crew. Green Crew clears trails and prunes invasive plants on local Nature Conservancy lands. Last summer she traveled to Ecuador to assist with the construction of homes and a community center and, after Katrina, helped rebuild a house in Gautier, Mississippi. She found the conditions along the Gulf Coast shocking. Last winter Charlotte participated in a "Midnight Run" to New York City. Her group drove five carloads of clothes, food and toiletries to New York in the middle of the night and distributed them to the homeless of New York.

Charlotte's source of inspiration is her grandmother, Virginia, who only recently retired from her work as a physician with the New York prison system. Says Charlotte, "She has a terrific interest in people no matter what their circumstances."

NADVIA DAVIS
Gustavus Adolphus College
Last Updated 10/09

Nadvia is very optimistic and pro-active in the life she leads. She realizes that in this world, you have to make of it what you want. Before college, she aimed for high grades and was highly involved with athletics. When she wasn't studying, practicing for a sport or at a meeting for student council, she could be found sleeping. Today, Nadvia has continued being involved with her college community and striving to become a well-rounded person.

Nadvia is a Communications Studies major with a double minor in English and Geography.  In her first year at Gustavus Adolphus, she was on the Women's Basketball team committing to long practices, learning studying habits and gaining great life long friendships with her teammates. She participated in OLAS (Orgulla Latino Association) for a semester. She values diversity and learning about other cultures.

Throughout her sophomore and junior years she participated in a social justice theater group called "I AM WE ARE” (IAWA). The group tackled tough issues such as sexual assault, depression, homosexuality and body image. Other shows included Take Back the Night, to recognize those that had been sexually assaulted and E-Plurbis Gustavus, a show for the incoming freshman class at Gustavus. "My  participation in organizations in college has given me the opportunity to better myself, my faith and my community," Nadvia says.

Nadvia serves as the Vice-President External for Zeta Chi Phi Multicultural Sorority Incorporated. The foundations of the sorority stand on six pillars which include: Multiculturalism, Education, Democracy, Loveliness, Integrity and Community Service. She devotes many hours to this sorority in hopes of expanding new chapters across the US. 

Nadvia also works on-campus as an Admissions Phoner, calling prospective students about attending Gustavus Adolphus. She also exercises between her classes, realizing the importance of a healthy body and mind. "Not playing basketball has been tough, so I push myself to stay physically active and healthy.”

With a Communications Studies degree, Nadvia would like to work for a non-profit organization for a few years, while attending graduate school to become a future college president. To prepare for this final goal, she has obtained internships with the New York Historical Society and Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. During her senior year of college she hopes to obtain a paid internship in a college president's office. "By setting the bar high for myself and working in an educational setting, I will help others figure out how to make their life count in this world.  Living in such a diverse yet complex society, it is important to be an example and agent of change. I felt privileged and honored voting for the first time for the first African-American president.  Barack Obama has been an agent of change for the American people and I hope to be one too.”

Nadvia is motivated by herself and other active and engaged citizens. "When I see people that are passionate and open to the issues facing our world, it excites me and makes my life seem worthwhile."  A natural leader, she wants to study abroad. "I always want to live life to the fullest, but along the way I want to give back to those that have given to me. Without the support of teachers, family and mentors, I wouldn't be the the woman I am today. I encourage everyone to reach out and take advantage of resources and opportunities that come your way."

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RACHEL LYNN FOWLER
Southern Arkansas University Magnolia
Last Updated 5/06

Rachel is from Friendship, Arkansas, and is very appreciative of her mom who "…is willing to take me to school in Little Rock, so I can get the best education in Arkansas...(and)...haul me all over the state to pursue my rodeo."

"Her rodeo" is barrel racing, and she is very accomplished at it because of her relentless dedication to her sport. She works as a horse trainer to make money for rodeo entry fees and 4H trips. Rachel is currently one of the top five Junior Barrel Racers and Pole Benders in Arkansas.

Rachel is active in the Arkansas Barrel Racing Association, Mid-State Horse Show Association, 4H, Happy Trails Saddle and Wagon Club, and the Malvern Round Up Club. She is president of her local 4H Club -- Golden Horseshoe 4H -- and is a 4H Teen Star. In addition she is the only youth officer in her local riding club.

At school Rachel ranks high scholastically, is on the student council, and is a member of Beta Club, the National Honor Society, Campus Leadership Team, Teenage Republicans, Odyssey of the Mind and Writeous. Last year Rachel was the sophomore representative to Junior Civitans and started an equestrian team at Central High School. This year she is president of Junior Civitans.

RAQUEL ILANA GOYA
Stanford University
Last Updated 10/09

There's an old adage:  "If you want to get something done, ask a busy person." Whoever first said that must have had someone like Raquel Goya in mind. Her personal and community service achievements are many and multifaceted. She is a “Smilemaker”, a tutor, a mentor, a sorority sister and a model! For the past six years Raquel has served as a literacy tutor to underprivileged youth and she currently volunteers through Stanford's Barrio Assistance Tutoring Program.  She enjoys motivating students and encouraging them to dream big. 

Raquel's fund-raising efforts have ranged from the sweeping to the ingenious. For the Make-A-Wish Foundation, she personally raised over $20,000 through raffles, letter-writing campaigns selling "awareness bracelets." Her passion for this organization led to her election to the Kids for Wish Kids Executive Board. Raquel has remained committed to Make-A-Wish by serving as a "Smilemaker," dressing in Mickey Mouse and Hello Kitty costumes and bringing balloons to kids in hospitals. Her creative leadership skills were recognized by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, naming Raquel the 2008 National Youth Awardee for Education. 

Through the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, Raquel became a member of LOFT (Latinos on the Fast Track) and in October of 2008, she traveled to the National Archives in Washington D.C. in  order to participate as a panelist at a presentation on the Mendez vs. Westminster educational opportunity case.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her sorority sisters at Pi Beta Phi and she models for Stanford's Charity Fashion Show, which promotes ethnic diversity and raises funds for Doctors Without Borders.

Raquel wants to become an elementary school teacher; a vocation she feels will combine her talent for teaching and her love for kids. She credits supportive and hard-working parents who know how to listen and offer encouragement and guidance, and a little sister whom she "can always count on…to lend a hand or to make me laugh."
 
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MARTHA HARRIS
Bloomsburg University
Last Updated 5/06

Martha's passion is writing, and she is good at it.  She is also an editor and serves on the staff of the school newspaper, yearbook, and literary magazine.  As copy editor of the yearbook, Martha supervises more than 25 students. Says Martha, as copy editor, "I help (students) correct mistakes dealing with spelling, punctuation, and grammar, and I help them write effective lead-ins and good stories."  She teaches the Associated Press style to her staff on the yearbook, which she calls "very different from the style used to write essays for English."  She is a poet, a student journalist, and plans to go to college to study journalism.

Martha, totally blind, was born in Paraguay, and she came to the United States as a six-month-old infant.  Her American mother is also blind.  Martha speaks frequently to parents of blind children and the sighted public concerning the need for Braille texts and blindness awareness.  She is active in Young Life and helps read scriptures for services at her church.

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HANNAH GLENN HENSEL
Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Last Updated 10/09

Hannah definitely branched out from only being an athlete at Union High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  While she was an active member of the varsity track and cross country teams, she became a member of the advanced theater program. She participated in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Hamlet”.  She even tried singing a duet and a solo in one of the shows!  During high school, Hannah took several AP level courses (her favorites being Literature and Psychology) and was also enrolled in classes at Tulsa Community College. 

Hannah worked a variety of jobs, from a birthday place for little girls to a local pharmacy, where she is still currently employed.  She was active in her church youth group and enjoyed teaching a 4th and 5th grade Bible class.  She traveled to Pucallpa, Peru, on a mission-trip in the summer 2007, and would love to either return or travel to other countries for missionary work.   

Hannah is currently a freshman at Oklahoma Wesleyan University in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.  Hannah has received track/cross-country athletic scholarships, academic scholarships, and Christian leadership scholarships. 

She has also received two scholarships for her success in managing her Cystic Fibrosis (CF).  She is a first level recipient of the SolvayCares scholarship, and is currently competing to win at the second level.  Hannah won the Boomer Esiason Exercise for Life scholarship, requiring  her to run a timed one and a half mile race and to write about the importance of exercise in her life.  She ran this time-trial only two months after having had major surgery, which included a fifteen day hospital stay.  One of Hannah’s main goals is to show others with CF that with determination and faith, a normal life is possible.  “I’m not any weaker or less capable of anything just because I have CF.  If anything it has made me a stronger person.  I have overcome things that most people wouldn’t think of going through.  And, through God’s power, I have come out stronger than ever.”

Hannah is majoring in elementary education and plans on getting her master’s degree in education.  She also hopes to become a track and cross-country coach .  She  enjoys being at school with her older brother James, running, and reaching her goals. 

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DONALD CHARLES MUNRO IV
Millsaps College
Last Updated 5/06

“Chase” Munro will serve as president of the student body of Biloxi High School next year, a position that seems altogether fitting to cap the secondary school career of this amazing Mississippian. He is a stellar scholar, scoring a perfect 500 on the state’s biology test. He is a member of the school’s state championship swim team; has performed in or served as technical director in school plays ranging from Les Miserables to Grease; and performed with the Biloxi High School Chamber Choir in a Carnegie Hall presentation of John Rutter’s Requiem this past Memorial Day. A member of the National Honor Society and  the Junior Civitan club, Chase is also a mentor with the Boys and Girls Club and president of his school’s chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America. He will be a delegate at the National Student Council Convention in summer, 2006.

Chase is as active within the community as he is at school. He holds numerous positions of leadership in community organizations, such as having been recognized as “Mayor for the Day” in nearby Gulfport; serving on the Teen Board of the local paper, the Sun Herald; working as a page at the Mississippi House of Representatives; and holding an officer position at his church, the United Methodist Youth Fellowship. He served on a Honduras Dental-Medical Mission last year, volunteered at a local homeless shelter, worked with other Sierra Club volunteers to help save the Barrier Islands and participated in campaigns of both political parties. He also served as keynote speaker for Michel Middle School’s African-American history program.

But perhaps Chase’s two most important projects occurred last year. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Chase produced a video titled “Hurricane Katrina Memorial Video,” complete with edited music, video clips, photos, and statistics.

The other project was developed in conjunction with completion of his Eagle Scout requirements. He coordinated with Biloxi city officials on plans to establish the Historic Biloxi Bike Path, which was to showcase thirty historic sites along the path, in order to enhance tourism and educate the public. When Hurricane Katrina destroyed all but a few of the sites, Chase moved from a development to a recovery mode with his project, and coordinated an effort with Rotary Clubs in Virginia and other Mississippi communities to collect and distribute 200,000 books to libraries devastated in the wake of Katrina.

Chase lives with his single mother and younger sister. His father instills in him strong “people skills,” while his mother helps him be patient but also determined and ambitious.

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LESLIE ANN RODRIGUEZ
Lehman College
Last Updated 5/06

Leslie expresses herself through art and poetry, but aspires to be a nurse specializing in neonatal and pediatric care. She maintains a high grade point average, and enjoys volunteering at Jacobi Hospital near her home. In addition, Leslie tutors children at a local public school (PS 89) who have reading disabilities. "I teach them how to sound out words [and help with their] reading comprehension," she says. She has also served as a counselor with local public school summer programs, and joined the Albert Einstein Enrichment Program. This was a medical community outreach program involving volunteers, doctors and other medical professionals.

"When I look at my reflection," writes Leslie, "I see someone who is still young and old at the same time. That someone has eyes that reflect the color of the earth -- eyes that hold knowledge, youthful wisdom, and innocence. These eyes have seen much and nothing at the same time...." Leslie lives with her mother, whom she describes as "always my biggest support and comfort."

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AIME ANYI TANGU
University of Texas
Last Updated 5/06

Aime is a strong student who, with her family, is involved with a new business venture called McCare, a daily living center for the mentally challenged in the Houston area. Like most people involved in a start-up enterprise, Aime does it all! She cooks, cleans, and acts as a personal tutor to the children the organization cares for. The children are her passion. Says Aime, "Although they are with us only a short period of time, I try to teach them things that will have a lasting impact on their lives." She and her family also take care of area foster children associated with Catholic Charities.

At school Aime is active in speech and debate, and excels at both. She recently won district level and state-wide debate competitions, and was eleventh at a national event. She was captain of the debate team last year and is president-elect for next year. Aime is also a distinguished member of the National Forensic League, a speech and debate education honor society and educational resource for teachers, students, administrators, and parents. She was secretary and is now vice president-elect of her local chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America. She is part of the principal's breakfast club, an administration/student group that addresses school problems and other issues such as school spirit. Aime's other school activities include: the National Honor Society, Cultural Club, and Book Club. As a native of Cameroon, Aime has a strong interest in cultural issues and is active in her school's annual cultural fashion show.

Aime's community service is a direct extension of her talents and interests. She sees herself as a communicator with a strong respect, imbedded in her cultural roots, for elders. She volunteers considerable time in Houston-area nursing homes to "talk, play, and keep them company." She is involved with the YMCA, Catholic Charities and the Rotary Club, and uses her experience at McCare, business acumen, and debating skills to communicate the needs of those for whom she advocates.

Aime credits her successes to supportive parents, both Cameroon natives. "My mother has high blood pressure and my father suffers from Type II Diabetes. It was only after my father had a near-death experience that I truly dedicated myself to the idea of making an impact... any day could be your last." Aime lives that philosophy every day of her life.

TIMOTHY JAMES WALANT
Bentley University
Last Updated 10/09

Timothy is always up for trying something new: new cultures, new experiences, new ideas, and new friends.  He likes to be active, to be outdoors and to help others - activities which he tries to involve himself in regularly.
 
At Bentley University, he is majoring in Mathematical Sciences with a concentration in Actuarial Sciences, and is also studying for a double minor in Economics and Computer Sciences.  He has passed Exam P and Exam FM offered by the Society of Actuaries.  Timothy works at Bentley's Writing Center, helping students improve their writing.  During his Junior year, Timothy chose to study abroad at the University of Hong Kong, and says, "Studying in Hong Kong is a great experience. I'm learning about the world and experiencing a different culture. While some things, like language, customs, and pace of life may be very different, there is a lot that stays the same in every culture."

Timothy spent a week in Florida this past spring, building houses for Habitat for Humanity.  "I was really glad I had the opportunity to participate in Habitat for Humanity's build in Florida," Timothy says.  "While some may think that spending your spring break waking up at 6 am every day to build houses might not be fun, it was an ideal situation for me.  I got to work with a lot of great people and really felt like I was doing something worthwhile."

Timothy also likes to spend his time running track for Bentley University, where he recently achieved a personal best of 15.68 in the 110 meter high hurdles.  He also plays soccer, basketball, volleyball, racquetball, and ultimate frisbee.

After graduation, Timothy plans to work as an actuary.  He also wants to continue to be involved in his community and to be active in sports. He says, "I want to be doing something that is intellectually stimulating and still have the opportunity to do other things that I love."

Timothy loves his family and friends and gains motivation by being around them and seeing what they do.  "I look at them, look at their lives and what they mean to me, and I become motivated," he says of them. "I feel good about who they are and what they do, and that gives me motivation to go out and do the things that I want to do."

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VICTORIA L. WILBURN
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Last Updated 5/06

Victoria not only has high expectations for herself - she aspires to be a surgeon - but she has balanced work, school and the spiritual in a way that can be described as truly extraordinary. A list of her activities and accomplishments attests to this assertion. She is a member of: the Huntington High School honors program, Beta Club President, Student Council Historian, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, MU Alpha Theta, Key Club, Ebony Club, Young Democrats, and Relay for Life. She is also group leader of her school's National Honor Society and the student council vice president. She has been nominated for a Prudential Spirit Award, won a Marshall University outstanding black student award, is listed in Who's Who Among America's High School Students and is on the National Honor Roll of Key Club International. She is one of her school's top basketball players, has attended Rhododendron Girls State where she was elected Girls State Governor, and has been accepted into the State of West Virginia Honors Academy. She is also West Virginia's representative to the World Scholar Athlete Games, a member of her church dance team and participates in recreational crew.

Community service is broad-based and a major part of Victoria's life. She has volunteered for the Jerry Lewis Telethon and the Ronald McDonald House - the latter for eight years! Says Victoria of her work with the Ronald McDonald House: "I've been able to raise lots of money for the families who have children with life-threatening illnesses at nearby hospitals through many annual fundraisers including Chili Fests, Marshall Hall of Fame golf charity events, radio station broadcasts" and various other events. She hones her business instincts by being part of a local mall's fashion advisory board. "We do fashion shows for the mall, (and) help promote events for the mall." Victoria also works at a local restaurant to help support herself and her mother.

Victoria is a person of strong faith. "My church family humbles me and helps me keep my life in perspective by reinforcing what's really important [and my] family is a unified, conversational, supportive group of people. It's all for one and one for all when it comes to my family."

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SARAH M. WOERNER
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Last Updated 5/06

Sarah recently organized a totally student-run project in the Dayton area called BAGS 4 ALL.  She became acquainted with the project while attending the 2004 Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership World Leadership Congress in Washington, D.C., and decided to bring the program back to Dayton.  The project collects bookbags, suitcases, duffelbags – any kind of bag – for area homeless people. 

Through her efforts it was a local media event, and over 350 bags were collected during November’s National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness week. She has already begun the planning process to further expand the project next fall. Her intention is to sustain the program through the work of younger students in future years.

In addition to BAGS 4 ALL, Sarah has worked as a volunteer for Special Olympics, The Outreach Program (TOP) Soccer, her parish’s Early Childhood Program, and at Vacation Bible School.  She has been volunteer of the year for two year’s running at TOP, has been included in Who’s Who Among American High School Students for three years in a row, and was recently elected Secretary of the National Honor Society. Sarah was President of her class for the first two years, was Vice President of her Junior class this year, and was elected Student Body President for the 2005-2006 academic year in May, 2005.  She has been on the student council for each of her four years of high school, and has attended the 2005 Youth Leadership Conference, and the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Conference in addition to the Hugh O’Brian conference previously mentioned.  Remarkably, Sarah was captain of the Junior Varsity Women’s Soccer team for two years, a member of the varsity swim team for three years, and maintains a GPA in excess of 4.0!

Sarah lives at home with her parents.  Her father is a manager with Waste Management, Inc. and her mother is very involved with a group called Terrific Women in Giving, or TWIGS.  She has a 22-year-old sister, and describes her family as very close.

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DANIKA YOUNG
Northwestern College
Last Updated 10/09

Danika possesses a fervent desire to serve others. Whether she is helping her friends, her family, her community, or third-world citizens, Danika strives to make the world a better place. Before her college career, Danika was actively involved in multiple leadership roles. As she begins her college experience, she continues to find opportunities to reach out and be a leader among her peers.

Danika is currently a freshman at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, pursuing a Biology/ Health-Professions degree.  "I look forward to college being an opportunity for unmatched growth and development in my life," Danika states. "I hope through learning about a variety of different academic subjects, I will expand my horizons, allowing me to better serve the people of the world."  

Danika is the owner of a web-design business that serves businesses and non-profit organizations in her home town and state. She has won many state and national awards, including Hostway's Youngest Web Wizard Award and the Golden Globe's Web Design Award.  She was named Nebraska's Educators and Technology web design champion and also received the title of Nebraska's Gifted Student. She also co-founded her area's first and only teen center. She has served local, state, and national boards aimed to improve relations between youth and adult community members. In 2009, Danika also served as an intern for the Alexander Hamilton Friends Association.  

At Northwestern, Danika is involved as a member of the dance team, Future Physicians Club, Discipleship groups, RUSH and other service-oriented organizations. She hopes to partake in a summer of service missions project through her college and to serve as a student tutor and ambassador.  

Danika would like to attend medical school after completing her degree in Biology/ Health-Professions, becoming a Doctor of Osteopathic medicine. With her knowledge and willingness to serve others, Danika dreams of practicing medicine in a third-world nation, where basic medical care is severely lacking.  

"After participating in the Guatemala Leader Week through Hamilton Friends, my eyes were opened to the opportunities available to serve others with the blessings that I have been granted," Danika explains. "I hope to take the medical expertise that I gain from some of the most intelligent men and women in the world, and use it to save lives world-wide. I can think of no finer mission in life than to help others live the lives that they deserve."  

Danika's motivation stems from her desire to improve the lives of others. She cites her relationship with God, and her battle with a chronic sickness as the inspiration for her innate longing to serve others through medicine.  

"I have been blessed with so much: a loving family, an outstanding education, and citizenship of nation where I am free to learn and express my feelings openly. I just yearn to take these blessings and somehow share them with those who have been given so little," Danika says. "I see very little to gain in life if I don't use the opportunities that I've been given to leave this world a better place than when I entered it."

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ZHEN-YING JEANY ZHANG,
University of Michigan
Last Updated 5/06

Jeany is passionate about community service, academics and music. Her grade point average is nearly perfect, and she has supplemented her academic work with mathematics courses at Eastern Michigan University. She tutors and works in school as a math teacher assistant and is a member of the National Honor Society.

When Jeany realized that her school - the largest in Michigan - did not have an organization dedicated to developing civic activism, she decided to start one. The result was Young Americans for Liberty (YAL). YAL is dedicated to spreading civic engagement and awareness within the student body. Their first project was to address issues of poverty in her community. Members volunteer at the local soup kitchen, collect needed items for the homeless and publicize general information at school. Jeany, as president of Interact, a community service club sponsored by Rotary International, began another important program. This program, called PBBUDS (Peers Building Bridges to Unite Diverse Students), provides academic support and friendship to middle school students.

In addition to these service programs, Jeany is a board member of Helpsource (a nonprofit organization in the Ann Arbor area providing services to families in need) and volunteers at the University of Michigan's Mott's Children's Hospital. She has also participated in voter registration drives as part of the Youth Empowerment Project, another Ann Arbor nonprofit organization.

An accomplished and experienced musician, Jeany plays both piano and viola. She is a member of her school's symphony - an orchestra that won a National Grammy Award this year. She frequently performs piano concerts as part of her community service work and is often heard entertaining the residents of Alterra Assisted Living Senior Home for Alzheimer Patients.