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2006 Silver Winners 
CYRUS FERAYDOON BAHRASSA,
LITTLE ROCK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL | LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS To say that Cyrus is an academic high achiever would be an understatement. He ranks at the top of his class academically, has won numerous science fair competitions, has participated in nine Quiz Bowl tournaments and recently qualified for the American Invitational Math Exam (AIME). He has science awards from both the U. S. Army and the U. S. Air Force, and received an honorable mention in a contest sponsored by the Arkansas Council of Teachers of Mathematics. During summers Cyrus has worked as a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) intern for the Environmental and Spatial Technology Initiative (EAST Initiative). His work at EAST included demographic and emergency planning analyses of school districts throughout Arkansas. At school Cyrus is a member of Beta Club, "Mathletes," Young Democrats and the National Honor Society. He was recently elected to Central High's Student Council in a school-wide election. Community service activities include work at the Little Rock Compassion Center, a local homeless shelter and adult rehabilitation center. Says Cyrus, "I am not sure if I helped the Compassion Center as much as it helped me."
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BRENDAN COLIN BENEDICT,
ALLENTOWN HIGH SCHOOL | ALLENTOWN, NEW JERSEY Brendan has learned how to balance school, work, and extracurricular activities. A top student at Allentown High, he is involved in music, journalism, creative writing, theater, scholastic and band activities at school. After several years of working at a local fast food restaurant, he earned a recent promotion and feels his experiences there has "taught me valuable lessons in work ethic and leadership." While he plans to continue in his job, Brendan also gives trumpet lessons to supplement his income. Band and music play an important part in his life: he plays piano, trumpet, cornet and trombone. He plays in the school symphonic and marching bands and in the jazz ensemble. He is drum major-in-training and band manager for the school marching band. Brendan writes for his school newspaper and has had leading roles as an actor in Guys and Dolls and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He is also vice president of the Lifesaver Club and REBEL, both dedicated to the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse. Brendan has participated in a variety of other organizations and has been public relations chair of the Redbird robotics team. And to top it off he is a member of the French Honor Society and an at-large member of the student council. Brendan is grateful for the support of his parents, who are active in many of his organizations. His father is a mentor with the Robotics Club and his mother works with the band program. He also feels indebted to his French teacher, Mrs. Barbara Albu Lehman.
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MATT DREXEL BIGGERS,
PAGE HIGH SCHOOL | GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA One of only four freshmen at his school to be enrolled in honors physics, Matt maintains an exceptionally high grade point average, is a member of the National Honor Society and served as treasurer of his school's National Junior Honor Society. He also participates in sports - a lot of sports! He has played in community or school soccer, lacrosse, football and track teams. In track Matt is undefeated in the 400 meters and high jump competition. His middle school soccer team was also undefeated! In addition to athletics Matt plays violin and double bass, and is learning to play the guitar. As a member of his school's Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Matt helped raise money for a local homeless shelter. He also participated in a summer volunteer program at Greensboro's Moses Cone Hospital and "volunteered at several shelters run by Urban Ministries," adds Matt. At the shelter he served meals, played with the children living there and helped teach them soccer skills. "I have always enjoyed helping other people. [This is] one of the reasons I want to study medicine and become a doctor." Six years ago Matt was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes. "It has been very difficult and cumbersome [but] I have also been positively affected by it," says Matt. "It has taught me to become more responsible and how important it is to take care of your health." Matt feels fortunate to have a wide support system that includes not only his immediate family, but his extended family as well - grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.
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KYLE JOSEPH BROWN
DOVER HIGH SCHOOL | DOVER, DELAWARE In addition to being a top student at Dover High, Kyle was the highest-ranking sophomore in the school's Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) during the 2005-2006 academic year. Kyle has also attended the Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership (HOBY) program. Both AFJROTC and HOBY encourage and promote community service. With AFJROTC he has visited nursing homes, worked on adopt-a-highway projects, presented the colors as part of an ROTC color guard detail at many events, and assisted in Special Olympics. HOBY participants pledge 100 hours of community service. Kyle has volunteered at a local library and will umpire little league games in the summer of 2006. "Before I begin my junior year," he says, "I plan to have my 100 hours completed." He is also involved in the school's Math League, plans on being initiated into the National Honor Society in his junior year and expects to participate in the Speech and Debate club. Kyle lives with his parents near the Dover Downs International Speedway, and operates a parking service during events. "It's a good situation," he says. "I get payment [and)] the fans get to park." Several years ago, he and his mother made hospital uniforms to raise enough money to buy his first computer.
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WHITNEY LYNN BROWN,
SKYLINE HIGH SCHOOL | MESA, ARIZONA Whitney takes accelerated classes at her school in Mesa and is a top student there -- number one in her class for the past two years. She plays on the junior varsity badminton and varsity track teams. Whitney also plays violin with the school symphony and in 2005 was a member of the Metropolitan Youth Symphony. She was elected to the National Junior Honor Society in her freshman year and previously served as vice president of the Orchestra Council and is currently a member of the National Honor Society. Her work with the National Junior Honor Society involved math tutoring. Whitney is a member of her school ambassadors, the Coyote Connection Leaders, and is a volunteer librarian. Whitley's community service work is heavily concentrated in a nonprofit organization called Therapy Zone. "Therapy Zone provides different types of therapy for disabled individuals," according to Whitney. Her particular skill is focused on equestrian arts at a local ranch that gives therapeutic riding classes. By dealing with the challenges of horseback riding, the riders learn how to deal better with the challenges of their disabilities. Whitney also trains new volunteers. "I teach new volunteers how to tack, groom, use correct body language with the horses, and how to deal with the different disabilities the riders have," states Whitney. Whitney is motivated to excel at everything she attempts. "I want to leave high school knowing I tried everything I could and excelled at it," she says.
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MELODY PEI-SHIEN CHUNG
LYNBROOK HIGH SCHOOL | SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA Melody has a perfect grade point average and has won numerous scholastic awards. These include a National Gold Award for writing, top honors in a Society of Plastic Engineers essay contest, and an "excellent" rating two years running by the Journalism Education Association. She writes for her high school newspaper, was the paper's content editor during her junior year and will be editor-in-chief during her senior year. She is activities coordinator for Interact Club, an organization promoting multi-cultural understanding. At Interact she sets up monthly community service activities for members and participates in the club's annual "International Night," a cultural talent show to raise money for charitable causes. "This year I performed wushu [a Chinese martial art] at International Night," states Melody. Wushu plays a major role in Melody's life. "Contemporary wushu," explains Melody, "does not consist of combat. [Instead, it] encompasses taolu, or routines with martial arts weapons. Through wushu I have met many inspirational role models." Melody plans on continuing her passion for wushu beyond high school and college. In addition to her other activities, Melody tutors pre-calculus, and volunteers at a local hospital on a monthly basis.
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ALEXANDRA BETH COSSACK
CURTIS HIGH SCHOOL | STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK "I have participated in a number of community service activities," says Alexandra Cossack modestly. The "number" includes: the Staten Island Children's Museum, an activity center where children learn through play; Red Cross water safety and other educational programs for young children; and Mt. Loretto, a home for mentally challenged adults. She has also participated in walks supporting AIDS research, the March of Dimes and breast cancer research. "I believe that one person ...walking in these can do a great deal [to help] find a cure," states Alexandra. Alexandra is an A student at Curtis High who has considerable artistic talent. She is heavily involved in her school's journalism program and was co-editor for the teachers' section of the 2006 yearbook. She also participates in Women's Awareness, the Japanese Language Club, and Key Club, the national community service program. Outside of school she works as a freelance photographer for the Multiple Listing Service of Staten Island, and baby sits for families in her neighborhood. She thinks of herself as an "artistic person [[who sees] everything in many different ways." She loves colors and finds people, particularly children, very interesting. "Children represent color," she says, "because they're so innocent and bright." Alexandra lives with and has great respect for her mother. "She works so hard to support me, I can tell it's hard being a single mother."
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KIRBY RHYA GIBSON
GWENDOLYN BROOKS COLLEGE PREP | CHICAGO, ILLINOIS Kirby Gibson is one of the top student-scholars at Brooks College Prep and was recently awarded a new computer from the Chicago Urban League for her outstanding academic performance. She has participated in school, regional and Chicago city-wide science fairs, and calls herself, tongue in cheek, "a full-fledged science nerd." Kirby's interest in science reaches beyond the school to her involvement in Science Minors, a volunteer program where students undergo a ten-week training process at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry. After the program's conclusion, students present their findings in a public forum. She is captain of her school's golf team, vice president of Brooks' chapter of the National Beta Club, a member of Mayor Daley's Book Club and of Intrinsic Females, an all-female organization dedicated to improving school and community. She also works with Special Friends, a club helping disabled and mentally challenged students at Brooks College Prep. Kirby has a supportive family and is, among other things, professional, creative, motivated, positive and patient. "Most importantly, I love to work with people," she says.
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CAITLIN ELIZABETH KLINE,
SKYLINE HIGH SCHOOL | MESA, ARIZONA Caitlin maintains a grade point average in excess of 4.0. Since the seventh grade she has earned all A's except for a single B. This is truly an outstanding achievement, especially when one considers her other activities. She works part time at a local sandwich shop and is the captain of her school's varsity soccer team. Says Caitlin, "I want to coach little league teams so that I can share this wonderful sport with young kids." Outside of class, Caitlin is a member of the Skyline Student Government, serving in the capacity of Spirit Commissioner. In this role she helps plan most school activities. Caitlin is a member of the National Honor Society and is a "Coyote Connection Leader" student ambassador. Her volunteer activities include visiting residents at local nursing homes and participating in Relay for Life, which raises funds for cancer research. "Cancer has affected some of my relatives and I understand the importance of cancer research," she says. She was also chosen 2006 HOBY Leadership (Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership) representative from her school. Caitlin is a hard worker who credits her parents and "a strong support system" for her successes. "I am very driven. I have goals and high expectations," says Caitlin. She adds that when she gets a project it will be "done and done well."
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AMANDA LEIGH LAZARO
HUNTINGTON HIGH SCHOOL | HUNTINGTON, WEST VIRGINIA Amanda is active in the National Beta Club, National Honor Society, SOUL (Supporting Others Understanding Life), Key Club, Raze, and Spanish Honorary. She takes honors and advanced placement (AP) classes, and is one of the top students in her class. Amanda is heavily involved in volleyball both at her school and outside. "I have been playing volleyball since seventh grade. I love the sport and I love the team bonding," she says. During the off season she played for River Cities Thunder, a traveling volleyball team sponsored by Marshall University. Her team played in seven tournaments in Ohio. Recently Amanda helped organize a traveling team through the Northern Wayne Volleyball Club. "As a leader of the club, I have found it very challenging to juggle practice times, tournaments, schedules and school work," she says. Her work experience includes being everything from babysitter to housekeeper to gardener. She has worked at the Ronald McDonald House, and is a teacher's helper at her church's vacation Bible school. Amanda is blessed with a strong family capable of helping her "find my way in life," she says.
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LONDON-YUKI DUNNING NAGAI,
LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL | BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA London works extensively at his parents' restaurant, where he is one of the chefs as well as waiter and busboy. "It is strenuous work, but happy customers can relieve the stress," he says. He also works part-time at other area businesses when he is needed. Despite the demands on his time, he has a nearly perfect grade point average, was vice president of his junior class and will serve as president of his senior class. "I am also treasurer of my school senate," he says. This position helps him "run the whole school rather than just one grade." London is active with significant charitable events both in and out of school. He is involved in charity basketball games, Special Olympics and United Way, and worked on a campaign to collect and donate thousands of books to local elementary schools. Through his family's restaurant he has helped raise over $50,000 to support the local fire and police departments. He helped organize a local charity golf event, and raised $1,300 in a local AIDS walk. London professes great admiration for his mother, who "... started our restaurant from nothing," he says. "She continues to succeed." London's father immigrated from Japan 20 years ago, is London's role model and the motivation for his career goal: to become a politician and get elected to the United States Senate. "Politicians can be great contributors to humanity if they do it correctly," he states. Certainly Alexander Hamilton would agree.
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MARIAN DIONISIO PADILLA,
SQUALICUM HIGH SCHOOL | BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON "The range of my interests is eclectic," says Marian Padilla. She is secretary of the Squalicum National Honor Society, tutors freshmen through the school's Ignite Program, and is the bookkeeper-accountant of Squalicum's student store. She also has tutored Hispanic students who struggled at school because of limited understanding of English. Marian's dance team helped raise funds for Red Cross relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina, netting over a thousand dollars. In addition, Marian choreographed a dance called "Make a Difference with Dance" and taught it to children at a local Boys and Girls Club to support Hurricane Katrina relief. Marian believes that "life is about experimentation. It's about getting out of one's shell and exploring new hobbies, new activities and meeting new people." She believes that one should never settle for mediocrity when the extraordinary is possible, and gives great credit to her parents for her ambition and zeal. "The intelligence, integrity, discipline, courage, self-sufficiency and confidence I view as critical to any success have descended upon me courtesy of my parents' influence."
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LESLIE ANN RODRIGUEZ,
HARRY S. TRUMAN HIGH SCHOOL | BRONX, NEW YORK 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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LOGAN MITCHELL STAFFORD,
LOCKHART HIGH SCHOOL | LOCKHART, TEXAS Logan is tall, strong, dedicated and focused on scouting. "For several years I played soccer, basketball and baseball...But I love scouting and had to make a decision about what is most important to me. Now my focus is scouting," he says. As part of earning his Eagle Scout award, Logan conceived of a project to plant and care for trees around the school playground. Other attempts had failed due to insufficient water. Logan designed and installed a watering system taking into account the existing electrical and gas lines in the area. Today the trees are flourishing. Logan serves on the staff of his church's vacation Bible school program, and presents puppet shows to the children who attend. Logan works on his grandparents' ranch tending goats, horses and cattle, and is responsible "for getting the job done and solving problems." His grandfather has asthma and arthritis, and can't work the ranch as he would like. As a result, much is left to Logan. "I was a victim of child abuse and have been raised by my grandparents," says Logan. "My grandfather has given me strong values and taught me to set goals and attain them. My grandmother is loving and always there for me." Logan plans on studying marine biology in college.
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EDEN TERESA SUTLEY
LAFAYETTE HIGH SCHOOL | LAFEYETTE, LOUISIANA Eden is a top student with a nearly perfect grade point average who thrives at high school. "When most people are asked where their support comes from," says Eden, "the answer is often their parents or people they live with. My answer is not too different, except for the fact that I 'live' at school." In particular, she feels herself" inspired and moved beyond words by two of the greatest English teachers in the world. Diane Touchet and Laurie Godshall have left ... (me)... itching to learn and devour every ounce of knowledge I can consume." When good teaching and a desire to learn come together, as is the case with Eden, good things can happen. Eden is a member of the National Honor Society and participates in several scholastic oriented clubs, such as the Science Club and Latin Club. She is a member of the executive board of the Student Council, vice president of In the Right Conservative Club, President of the Patriotism Club and a member of Students Against Destructive Decisions. Outside of school she works at a local cinema complex to help her "appreciate the value of money." In the past Eden played volleyball, ran track and participated in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
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NICHOLAS P. TOTARO
LAFAYETTE HIGH SCHOOL | LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA At Lafayette High, Nicholas participates in no less than thirteen extracurricular clubs: Key Club, Beta Club, Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD), National Honor Society, Patriotism Club, Spanish Club, Boys' Service Club and others. An all-star baseball and basketball player, he throws the javelin on the Lafayette High track team. Scholastically, he is one of the school's top students, takes advanced placement courses and is enrolled in the Lafayette High School Academy of Health Careers. Nicholas has worked outside of school since he was twelve, operating a lawn care business and on occasion working at a local cinema. While he doesn't have to work for basic support, he is pleased to pay much of his own way because it represents money his parents don't have to come up with. While preparing for a career in a medical field, Nicholas volunteers with the Acadian Ambulance Post 108 Explorers, serving as second vice president. "We volunteer for many community health functions," he says. The Post maintains a first aid station at community events and also has an educational component. At one event Nicholas helped in training approximately 2,000 people in basic CPR techniques. He also has an opportunity to assist on ambulance missions. "I actually helped Acadian paramedics save someone's life," he says with pride. Nicholas' father is coach and mentor, and his mother has a talent for teaching. "I feel having them as role models has shaped me," he says.
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HOLLIE RENEE WILLIAMS
PEACH COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL | BYRON, GEORGIA Hollie, a member of the National Honor Society at her school, turns in solid and consistent academic performances and also works on the school yearbook staff. She is a counselor at summer camp and a certified life guard. Hollie also works at her church's after-school program for elementary school children. But her real passion is raising awareness about cancer. She is very involved in the American Cancer Society and its Relay for Life, acting as captain of a relay team at her church. As a member of the planning committee for Relay for Life, Hollie serves as its youth advisor and youth team recruiter. Hollie and her mother recently conceived of a cookbook dedicated to people who have had cancer or who currently have it. Called "Recipes and Remembrances," the cookbook contains 200 recipes submitted by local children, cancer survivors and residents of the community. Proceeds from book sales will go to Relay for Life. Says Hollie, "I've volunteered my time to help fund cancer research and truly believe that one day my efforts will be used with the efforts of others to find a cure for this disease. Relay for Life is my biggest passion and it drives me more than anything else to succeed.
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ANDREW MICHAEL ZABACK,
DOVER HIGH SCHOOL | DOVER, DELAWARE Andrew is one of Dover High School's top students, and has a special penchant for computers. "My main area of expertise is the hardware itself. I successfully converted, on my own, an old computer from Windows 98 to a working version of personal computer from the ground up." Recently, Andrew was inducted into the Boy Scout honor society Order of the Arrow and also earned his Eagle Scout badge. He is now a troop guide, a leadership position which gives Andrew the authority to train younger scouts. He also participates in many activities at his school. He was the chief lighting engineer for two school plays and head sound engineer for his school's production of the musical Fame. He is active with the Dover High School Band as a member of the Rolling Thunder Drum Line, a percussion ensemble that has achieved both local and national recognition. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the school's Interact Club. Andrew has solid backing from his parents. "Without their support," he says, "I would not have excelled in Boy Scouts or establish my core beliefs." Confident and secure, Andrew says, "I know I will make a difference in the world."
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