KAYLA MARIE ALDRIDGE Moberly Area Community College Last Updated 5/07
At an early age, Kayla was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, which limits her ability to do many physical activities. But, writes Kayla, "I am very proud of myself for the achievements I have made and for not allowing a physical limitation to prohibit my academic and community achievements."
Kayla is a solid student, is a member of the National Honor Society and has excellent math and accounting acumen. But what really distinguishes this remarkable young American is how involved she is in her school, community and church. She served an internship at a church-sponsored teen hangout, where she worked the snack bar, and she volunteered at Hannah's Closet, an organization which provides free clothing to the needy in her area.
She is involved with Family Community Career Leaders of America (FCCLA), and served as its treasurer during her sophomore year. Currently, Kayla is treasurer of her school's chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), and through SADD mentors elementary school children in Moberly. She is also active in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). Kayla was included in Who's Who Among American High School Students and was a People to People Student Ambassador.
"I will be the first in my immediate family to graduate from high school,” says Kayla. "Going on to college is my primary motivation (even though) college will be very difficult financially."
Kayla lives with her mother and has two married older siblings living nearby. "The person who has influenced me the most…is my sister Amanda. While circumstances kept her from being able to stay in high school, she later went back and received her GED even while raising a family. She is someone I look up to and can always count on."
DANYA POMPEYA ANOUTI Arizona State University Last Updated 10/09
Danya is a first generation American with a multicultural heritage and strong aspirations. "My father is Lebanese and my mother is Mexican-German. I am stuck between my parents' ideals and those shown to me by this amazing country. The product of this mix is quite beautiful because I get the best of all worlds,” says Danya. “I am also a feminist. Women are still oppressed in many ways all over the world, and I want to fight for the equality that is justly theirs."
Danya is an outstanding student and community servant. She is currently a sophomore in the Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University. She plans to double major in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Animal Physiology and Behavior and Global Studies on the Global Governance Track.
Danya works in a behavioral neuroscience laboratory through the School of Life Sciences Undergraduate Research Program funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. She has presented work from her team's lab results at international and national conferences.
She is currently the secretary of the Arab Student Association and is involved in other student organizations on campus: STEP(Students Towards Educational Progress), HBSA (Hispanic Business Students Association), and FACES (Fostering and Achieving Cultural Equity and Sensitivity in Health Professions). She is a mentor for freshmen in the Barrett Honors College, and mentors students in the Barack Obama Scholars Program.
She balances this academic life by playing on an intramural tennis singles league, and spreads cultural understanding by performing bellydance choreography. Danya already speaks Spanish and English, and hopes to become trilingual by learning Arabic by the end of college. Danya also volunteers with the Arizona Humane Society in their cat and dog adoption centers.
Danya wants to travel the world in hopes of spreading Hamiltonian principles. She might go to graduate school, earn her MBA, or become a medical doctor. She is interested in public health as well as the study of globalization, human rights, and national government organizations.
Danya credits her parents and mentors from her university for her successes and sees herself as a citizen of the world. “Because of my diverse background and cultural awareness, I am not just an American but a world citizen. I feel it is my duty to try my best to help those who do not have the opportunities that have been available to me.”
KYLE FENTON BALDWIN Bryant University Last Updated 10/09
Kyle, is currently a student at Bryant University in Rhode Island.He created, organized and heads his own non-profit organization called My Own Book (www.myownbook.net).This organization is devoted to spreading the joy of reading by distributing books for needy children and students across the United States. Kyle, and his brother Brady (also a recent Hammie Winner), along with teens from across the nation, have read and distributed over 25,000 brand new books to less fortunate children and students.
Kyle is also active in the Student Alumni Association and Legal Studies Clubs at Bryant University. In the summer of 2009, as part of the Alexander Hamilton Friends Association, Kyle helped restore the Alexander Hamilton Grange National Memorial in New York City.
MARIELA LIZET CASTILLO Worcester Polytechnic Institute Last Updated 10/09
Academic achievement has always been Mariela’s priority and her determination and hard work have been her best driving forces. Mariela was born in Washington, D. C. but lived in El Salvador until she was twelve. When she returned to the US, she had no knowledge of English. At Benjamin Banneker Academic High School, in the D.C. area, an ESL (English as a Second Language) program was not offered to students. She was enrolled in regular classes when she wasn't fully prepared for them, but this didn’t stop her. In high school, she took International Baccalaureate courses and graduated as one of the top ten students of her class. Mariela is an inventor. She participated in two science programs at her high school, FIRST Robotics Competition, and InvenTeams; where she designed, built and applied for a patent on a Compact Electronic Security Locker System for cell phones. She has discussed her invention at the Air and Space Museum, the Smithsonian Museum of American History, the Old City Museum and at other engineering and technology conferences. The proceeds from these presentations was donated to her team so that students from her school could continue to participate in these programs. During her senior year of high school, Mariela volunteered as an administrative assistant at the US Department of Energy in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. As a result, she was able to learn about the important role that mechanical engineers play in making the world more energy efficient. Today, Mariela is a top student at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in fluid mechanics engineering. During her first year in college, Mariela had the opportunity to work for the Worcester Clean Energy Campaign, confirming her passion to help make the US and the world more energy-efficient. After she gets her bachelor’s degree, Mariela plans to spend a year or two in Sweden, working on research projects and earning her master’s degree at one of their technical universities.
KEM CHATFIELD, JR. University of Florida Last Updated 10/09
Kem is a man who is not easily deterred from his goals. If he wants something, he will go out and make it happen! In high school, Kem was the Founder and President of his school's Social Studies Honor Society and he also revived two organizations which had become inactive: his school's Key Club and the Boys' Mentor Group, which works to guide and tutor at-risk, inner city boys.
As vice president of his church's youth group, Kem organized fundraisers and community service activities. He also participated in an organization called My Backyard, through which he tutored and mentored middle school students.
Not only a skilled leader, Kem is also an excellent student who ranked in the top 5% of his high school class and was a member of SECME, a technology-oriented program through which he was able to broaden and expand his science and math skills.
Kem is currently attending the University of Florida where he plans to major in political science. Kem continues to involve himself heavily in his community and participates in organizations such as: the Freshman Leadership Council, Black Student Union, the University of Florida Speech and Debate team, College Democrats, and Student Government’s Disability Affairs Department.
Kem is also active in the Hamilton Leaders Academy program. In addition to attending the 2009 service-learning Leader Week in Guatemala, Kem was one of the few Hamilton Scholars selected to participate in the Experience New York Internship Program sponsored Alexander Hamilton Friends Association. Through this program Kem spent eight weeks as an intern in the education department of the New-York Historical Society. Kem cites his mother as his motivation to succeed. “My mother, first and foremost, gives me more support and comfort than anyone else. She encourages me through all of life’s trials and tribulations.”
JOHN CHEN Vanderbilt University Last Updated 10/09
John Chen is currently a sophomore majoring in Ecologic, Evolutionary, and Organismal Biology at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. He attended Troy High School in Ohio. His family, including one younger sister, currently live in South Carolina.
John was born in Shanghai, China, and lived with his grandmother for five years while his parents went to America to start a new life. When John was five years old, his parents brought him to Ohio, where he stayed until graduation from high school.
John can remember being in ESL (English as a second language) classes in elementary school; but by the end of high school, John received a perfect SAT Reading score. He also remembers being an extremely shy child; by his senior year however, he had assumed leadership in many extra-curricular activities, including Key Club, Science Club, Student Government, Chess Club, and more. John also volunteered for the Special Olympics, tutored elementary school children, and worked at the local hospital. John received recognition for his writing, won piano awards, attended leadership conferences, and participated in a national math competition. John graduated as valedictorian of his high school and decided to go to Vanderbilt University, attending on a full tuition academic scholarship.
John has been passionately involved in biological research. In South Carolina, he interned at an oncology lab studying breast cancer. In college, he works in a lab that deals with Wolbachia bacteria in insects. Wolbachia is thought to be one of the greatest pandemic infections in history.
John has also been involved in college student organizations. Last year, John was a representative for his class on the Student Alumni Board. This year, he has planned service events for the Vanderbilt Chapter of the Global Health Council. He was recently elected public relations chair for Impulse, a national neuroscience journal. However, his favorite activity is being Features Editor of Orbis, one of the student newspapers on campus.
John aspires to go on to medical school and pursue a career in medicine. John is driven by the desire to meet new people, have new experiences, and to have a positive impact on the world.
Shen believes in the power of individuals. He believes each individual has the ability to be active agents of change. In high school, Shen spent much of his time as a volunteer and as a leader for various organizations in his school and community.
Shen attends McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He plans to major in Psychology with a minor in Economics. He intends on studying abroad in Europe next year.
On campus, Shen has been an active member of a variety of organizations including: Freshman Undergraduate Science Society, BRefuge (an organization that helps integrate refuges into society), McGill’s Habitat for Humanity Chapter, and the Snowboarding Club. This summer, Shen plans to volunteer for Bike and Build, an affordable housing non-profit organization. During his time at Bike and Build he will bike across the country, stopping frequently to build houses.
Aside from his academic demands, Shen finds time to hone his basketball and soccer skills on intramural teams. He is also taking salsa classes, an interest that he acquired while in Guatemala with the Hammies!
After finishing university, Shen plans to volunteer and travel around the world for a year. He hopes to get a glimpse into the many fascinating cultures that he has read about and explore some of the world’s biggest metropolitan areas. With a multidisciplinary degree, Shen wants to utilize and forge his academic interest in whichever field he ventures into, ideally one that involves plenty of traveling and working abroad.
Shen’s internal drive is rooted from a simple premise (also found on a poster in his dorm room): “The greatest waste in the world is the difference between what we are and what we could become.” He encourages you all to make the most out of your own opportunities and be the agent of change!
MARGARET CHIU California Institute of Technology Last Updated 5/07
“I see violence as a pebble dropped in a pond whose ripples have far-reaching effects,” writes Margaret, who has a passion for eliminating youth violence. She had seen violence in her own school and wanted to send positive messages encouraging nonviolent behavior. As a result she designed a media campaign promoting nonviolence, which featured a contest to select the best posters and public service announcements submitted by students at her school. Margaret is vice chair of the Columbus Youth Commission and has worked on various projects addressing youth violence. She chaired the In School Nonviolence Project, which was given a $10,000 budget by the Columbus City Council. “I am proud that I am able to serve my city and society and potentially make our world a better place.”
At school she is ranked first among 650 students and has exceptionally high SAT scores. However, she sees grades and class rank not in competitive terms but as an indication of her excitement at the process of learning. “Because I love what I do -- learning -- I am able to perform well in my classes,” she writes.
Margaret participates in the National Honor Society, the student council, the Superintendent's Advisory Council, and the School Climate Committee, an organization devoted to reducing student violence. She plays golf on the varsity girls' golf team, captains the speech and debate team, and is an accomplished violinist who serves as concertmistress of her school's orchestra. Selected to be part of the All-State Orchestra, Margaret uses her musical skills to give back to her community by teaching violin and performing for charitable events and nursing homes. She has also been a key member of the GenerAsian NeXt Youth Leadership Conference planning committee, an annual event designed to help Asian youth bridge the cultural divide.
With a love of science and exploration, Margaret has spent her summers working in a science laboratory. Through the Clark Scholars Program, Margaret received a science work-study fellowship to perform research at Texas Tech University during summer 2007.
“I am an optimist, a zealous liberal who is rarely satisfied with the status quo. I do not mean in a political sense, but only that I am a strong believer in the necessity for improvement, which must begin with change.” She has been inspired by her parents and her violin teacher, a “humorous, eccentric, balding man [who has] taught me so much more than how to saw away musically on metal wires.”
CRAIG FLATH University of California Irvine Last Updated 5/07
Craig is a leader both inside and outside of the classroom at La Quinta High School. He is ranked second in his class, and has maintained straight As throughout his tough International Baccalaureate schedule while also taking on the responsibilities of ASB junior class president.
In addition to his record in school, Craig has also been successful as an athlete. He achieved a black belt in the martial art style moo duk kwan, and was inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame and the Filipino Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
Craig's artistic achievements are also notable. He is passionate about photography, and his work was recently chosen “best of show” at the Riverside County Date Festival. He is currently taking International Baccalaureate photography and hopes to display in more art shows next year.
Community is very important to Craig and he enjoys putting that into practice by volunteering. He helped to organize a silent auction fundraiser for a mission trip at his church, and he was the designated photographer for an event held by the Girls Scouts of America. Because of his interest in medicine, he will volunteer at Eisenhower Medical Center this summer.
Craig plans to pursue a career in medicine and has already chosen radiology as his specialty. He attributes many of his successes to his parents, and feels that their involvement in his life has helped him receive the best education possible.
RYAN GRANT FLOREK Tulane University Last Updated 5/07
“I am motivated by a burning desire to find the kind of success that comes with helping people make their lives better…the next generation must work together to ensure that the promises of our forefathers will be extended into the future,” writes Ryan. Ryan's desires have pushed him to overcome many obstacles in order to achieve the very dream our forefathers had in mind.
“I learned that I had Tourette's Syndrome when I was in sixth grade…Physical and vocal tics and OCD are challenges I face daily.” Despite these challenges Ryan has become a leader at his school. He was chosen to be the Idaho representative to the Hugh O'Brian Youth World Leadership Congress, he hosted a weekly news segment called Eye on Idaho, where he informed his school of the political happenings in the state, and he took first place in the Veterans of Foreign Wars' “Voice of Democracy” essay competition. His winning essay focused on the rule of law and on maintaining liberty even during trying times. Ryan also went to State as a member of the Post Falls High School Quiz Bowl team.
Ryan doesn't let financial obstacles stop him from getting the experience he needs to become a young leader. Not only does he work at the Kootenai Animal Hospital to make some extra money, he has single handedly raised over $1,000 in order to take part in his eighth grade trip to the East Coast, and in the Hugh O'Brian Youth World Leadership Congress in Washington D.C.
Ryan is an active participant in Post Falls High School activities. He is a junior class representative in the Associated Student Body, a member of the National Honor Society, and a member of the cross-country team. In addition, he is a talented musician and has played the piano for over five years. He was featured in the 2007 spring recital hosted by his piano teacher.
“My mother and my brother are my biggest fans. They congratulate me with every success and console me when things do not go well,” says Ryan. With support from his family and support from his teachers, Ryan is sure to realize his quest to “better the world in any way I can.”
Jordan seeks to do his best in whatever he may pursue, and has a heart for the needs of others. In the summer of 2009 he returned from a three month math program at the prestigious University of Bonn, where he learned to live in a foreign environment and passed an advanced Analysis and a second-year Linear Algebra course, with initially only a marginal knowledge of the German language.
Right now, Jordan is a mathematics and physics major at Rice University. His current faculty mentor is Professor Frank Jones, who was the 2007 Texas Professor of the Year. Besides math and physics, Jordan is also interested in philosophy, Latin, Greek, Chinese, music and music theory, and opera.
Jordan hopes to become a mathematician; his dream is to enroll for the Tripos Part III at the University of Cambridge.
Jordan finds motivation in the idea that America, now as before, needs excellent citizens.
FARIHAH KHAN University of Florida Last Updated 10/09
In high school, Farihah participated in many community service activities and excelled in school. In college, her interests in school and community service have only grown.
Farihah loves to tutor fellow students in science and math. She loves the feeling of helping students fully understand the material they are studying. “When students come to me for answers I tell them, ‘If I give you the answer, you will only get it right once. If I give you understanding, you will get it right always’,” says Farihah.
Farihah attends the University of Florida. She plans to major in Biology, while also completing the Pre-Pharmacy track. “It is a very rigorous curriculum, but I love a challenge,” says Farihah.
Currently, Farihah is a member of Phi Eta Sigma (National Honor Society) and the National Society of Colligate Scholars. She enjoys participating in these clubs because they allow her to actively participate in community service. In order to achieve balance in her life, Farihah also hopes to join a health club in the near future.
“With a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Pharmacy Degree, I hope to provide extraordinary service to people who are in need of medicine,” says Farihah. She cites her family as her motivational force because they have given up so much to further her education. Her goal is to provide an easier life for them and for her own future family.
MEGHAN LACOVARA Binghamton University Last Updated 5/07
Meghan is a three-sport varsity athlete at her school, and says that her most memorable and important successes have been in field hockey, which she's been playing for the past five years. She's captain of her team and has been selected to play in a national tournament next fall. Although she loves sports, she says "education is one of my top priorities," and she has the grades to prove it: her GPA is 97 out of 100! She challenges herself with a rigorous course load that includes honors, college, and International Baccalaureate (IB) classes and is ranked 19th among her 500-member class. Recently, she won the 2007 Leadership Award from the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Although swamped with school and sports, Meghan still finds time to babysit, participate in Girl Scouts, and provide leadership as treasurer in her school's student government. Since she's a certified lifeguard, she works summers as a swim instructor for young children through her school's continuing education program. She also puts her sports skills to use by teaching basketball to elementary school girls. She works hard at home too: as the eldest of five children, she is "the leader and role model."
Currently, she is working on her Gold Award through the Girl Scouts program, and is designing a project that extends beyond her local community: she is creating a library for a hometown soldier and his unit in Iraq by collecting books from schools, churches, and local businesses, and adding a personal touch by enlisting elementary school students to make bookmarks and write letters.
TAYLOR YEAGER MATALONE University of Washington Last Updated 10/09
“I live a life full of passion,” writes Taylor. “My life is made up of a huge patchwork of dreams, hobbies, ambitions. My music, my family, my writing, my friends, my tennis, and my aspirations are all pieces of the puzzle that make up the ‘big picture’ of me.”
Taylor’s “patchwork” of activities come together to make a pretty impressive resume! Graduating as the Valedictorian of her high school, Taylor maintained a 4.00 GPA while taking a full load of AP courses. Taylor served as captain of the varsity tennis team for all four years of high school, she received 1st place team and second place over-all speaker award at the Metro Novice Policy Debate Championship, she was selected as a top student in her class by faculty, and she participated in the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra as a classically trained clarinet player. As a graduating senior, Taylor was selected as one of the top 10 students in the state of Washington by the Washington Masonic Lodge. She was also awarded the title of Language Arts Departmental scholar, and received an award from her high school's alumni foundation as the most promising future female science major.
Beyond her academic achievements, Taylor works hard to give back to her community. She spearheaded the creation, organization, and production of an awareness assembly for the Darfur Genocide in Sudan. For two years, Taylor served as the Executive Board Member for the West Seattle National Honors Society and through that position organized large service projects: she created a senior merit-based scholarship fund, she restructured the budget, and helped to construct the bi-laws of the Society. She has also initiated an annual food drive that still takes place today at her high school, and started a partnership with her high school and local grocery stores to gather food for local homeless shelters for Thanksgiving. Taylor was a volunteer for the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop, she lead the organization of a school-wide Red Cross Refugee Welcome Kit Drive and is a member of the Greenwood Concert Band, a group of 60 musicians that provide free outdoor summer concerts across the greater Seattle Area.
Today, Taylor attends the University of Washington studying Engineering maintaining placement on the Engineering Dean's List. She volunteers with the American Cancer Society and plays for the Husky Tennis Club, competing in matches around campus with other university club teams. Taylor also serves as a member of the Fundraising Board for the UW chapter of Engineers Without Borders and is a member of various Engineering Society's on campus. She has also picked up a love of sailing, taking time on the weekends to enjoy the beauty of being out on the water and spending time with friends.
JILLIAN MARIE OGREN Marquette University Last Updated 11/09
Jillian believes in the power of a positive attitude. She trusts that optimism can improve almost any situation. “Never underestimate the power of a smile,” Jillian said. “Not only will it help brighten your own day, but it might inspire others, as well.”
Jillian is currently an undergraduate at Marquette University. She is double majoring in Secondary Education and Spanish Literature & Language with a minor in Sociology, and she is enjoying every second of it. “Marquette is a gem in the middle of Milwaukee. It is has the feel of a small school, even though it is located in the heart of downtown,” Jillian said. “In my mind, it is the best of both worlds.” In her first year at Marquette, Jillian was involved in Students Taking Active Roles (STAR). STAR is a leadership development program through which students sharpen their qualities as leaders and increase their involvement on campus. She was also active in her residence hall as secretary of the Hall Council and a hall tour guide.
Jillian is an active participant in the service learning program at Marquette, a program that pairs academic learning with service to the greater Milwaukee community. Through this program, she is working with English Language Learners (ELL). She is also an active member of Campus Ministry.
In addition, Jillian is a campus resident assistant (RA). In this position, she works to foster community on her floor, in her residence hall and throughout whole population of students that live on campus. “Being an RA has been the most rewarding job,” Jillian said. “Not only has it helped me further develop crucial life skills, but it has also allowed me to meet and form relationships with wonderful people.”
With a degree in Education and Spanish, Jillian plans to teach abroad. She hopes to teach English in a Spanish-speaking country because she knows that the experience would allow her to both broaden her own horizons and follow her passion of helping students learn and grow.
“Learning motivates me,” Jillian said. She firmly believes that she can learn something from every person she meets and every situation she encounters. “Life has so many amazing opportunities, and I want to take advantage of them all.”
DONNA QUACH University of Washington Last Updated 10/09
Donna prides herself on her commitment towards social change and helping those in need of assistance. In high school, Donna was involved in serveral activities inside and outside of school including volunteering most of her high school time at her local community center. Teens around her neighborhood had no designated place to keep them productive and away from trouble. For her senior project, Donna and her classmates turned a once storage/sewing room located in the community center's basement into a teen room. Teens now have a safe room specifically for them to finish homework and to hang out after school.
Donna is currently a sophomore at the University of Washington, majoring in Social Welfare. She is very interested in immigrant stories and is considering minoring in history. During her freshman year of college, Donna joined Dream Project, an outreach program that partners University of Washington students with first-generation Americans and low-income students. Dream Project volunteers partner with Seattle area high school students to assist in the college admissions process. The first to attend a university in her family, Donna understands the difficulties of completing college applications, and applying for financial aid. She hopes that she will be able to help students like her get into college successfully; they, in turn, can help other college-bound students with their applications.
Donna plans to study and volunteer abroad to gain first-hand experience of other cultures. During her trip to Guatemala this past summer, Donna learned a lot about herself, her biases, and what truly inspires her: people less fortunate than she is, and to be a better version of herself so that she can help others. She strongly believes in diversity and acknowledges that other cultures and beliefs exists. Donna is aware of her cultural background and takes pride in understanding and speaking another language. She embraces her culture's traditions and plans to pass them down to her children.
AMELIA KATHLEEN RAPP University of Pittsburgh Last Updated 5/07
Amelia is in the Honors Program, was secretary of the Student Council, vice president of Key Club, vice president of the National Honor Society, treasurer of the Beta Club, president of the Latin Club, was on her school tennis team and is registered in Who's Who Among American High School Students. She is on the National Honor Roll for exceptional performance, will attend West Virginia Girls' State in summer 2007; was chosen to attend the WV Governor's Honors Academy and also the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) seminar program. She recently earned the Girl Scout Gold Award – the highest award conferred by the Girl Scouts of America. Most recently Amelia received the Harvard Book Prize and the President's Volunteer Service Award, and was elected senior class president. And, if one couldn't guess, Amelia is one of the top students in her school, taking honors and advanced placement classes.
“The achievement I am most proud of is my ability to speak in public,” says Amelia. As captain of her school's speech and debate team she has committed to working daily with other team members. As a result, this spring her team placed third in the state.
Outside of school, Amelia volunteers at St. Mary's Medical Center and has participated in fundraising efforts to help area homeless people. Many of her community service efforts have been in conjunction with the Girl Scouts. These include: Operation Shoebox, neighborhood cleanup efforts, participation in multi-cultural fairs, nursing home projects and helping younger scouts get a good grounding in scouting activities. Her Gold Award project involved assisting county middle school students' transition to high school. She did this by conducting a club fair and by designing a brochure about life in high school from a student's point of view.
Amelia lives with her parents, both of which are teachers, and a younger brother. Her grandparents live next door. “When I was younger they helped take care of me. Now that they are older and have health problems, I help take care of them.”
KYLA JEAN SOMMERS George Washington University Last Updated 5/07
“I am a sixteen-year-old redhead bursting with energy, motivation, and passion,” Kyla writes. Kyla is the very definition of “well-rounded.” She is an academic, athletic and musical success and works to give back to her community.
Achieving a 4.0 average, Kyla is a member of the National Honor Society and always takes the most rigorous schedule possible. She is also a talented athlete who captains both the cross-country and track team. “The challenge and work I've put forward to overcome asthma has given me a great sense of achievement and pride,” says Kyla. She never let her battle with asthma slow her down and was the first Oak Park girl in ten years to qualify for the state cross-country competition!
Kyla is also an accomplished musician. She is a top student at her piano studio and has received high honors from the Mid America Music Association and the Piano Guild.
In addition to her athletic and artistic achievements, Kyla is dedicated to her school and her community. Competing on her school's speech and debate team, she has gained a passion for politics and public policy, and worked hard to establish a political club at her school.
Through her church and through her schools Student Service club, Kyla works hard to give back to her community. She volunteers weekly at her church and has participated in fundraisers that brought in over $20,000 to support her missions trip. Through the Student Service Club, she has volunteered with a variety of organizations including Synergy, Della Lamb Community Services, soup kitchens, Special Olympics, ReStart, and Relay for Life. In addition, Kyla serves as one of 12 young women on the Girls' Grant Project, whose task is to review grant applications and choose how money donated by the Women's Foundation of Greater Kansas City will be used.
Kyla is a driven and focused young woman. She attributes much of her success to her close knit family and to her coach, who taught her the importance of goal-setting, personal fitness, and a mind-over-matter philosophy.
EMMA ANNETTE STOCKDALE Rice University Last Updated 10/09
Emma enjoys basking in the beauty of life’s moments and is thankful for the opportunities she has been blessed with. In high school, Emma found joy in being involved in student organizations and volunteering, giving her a sense of community within her school and her home town.
Emma is currently a sophomore at Rice University in Houston, Texas. Emma is a proud member of Martel College, one of the eleven residential colleges on campus. She is majoring in Mathematical Economic Analysis with a minor in Business. She is enchanted with Rice for its unconventional wisdom, residential college system, and diverse student body. In her first year at Rice, Emma acted as an overnight host to prospective students through the Student Admission Council. “I am in love with Rice University and Martel College and could not imagine myself at any other school. Being an overnight host was a perfect way for me to give back to the University what it gives to me everyday, by showing potential students how wonderful Rice is.”
At Martel College, Emma is on the College Court as Elections Justice, responsible for organizing and holding all elections for the college. She is co-chair of the Spirit Committee, which holds holiday parties, cookouts, S’mores Nights, and and makes monthly birthday signs to hang in her college’s commons. Emma plays defensive tackle for the Martel Violent Femmes Powderpuff football team, which won the championship her freshman year. Emma also enjoys playing soccer and tennis.
On a campus-wide level, Emma is a Professional Development Ambassador for the Center for Student Professional Development and, as such, holds weekly meetings to edit and give advice on students’ resumes and cover letters. As treasurer of World Aid Organization, Emma enjoys handling the financial accounts of a club that is dedicated to improving education and medicine abroad. She is also a teaching assistant for an Introduction to Computing and Information Systems class, which is taught by her freshman year computer science professor.
Outside of her activities at Rice University, Emma enjoys exploring all the hidden treasures of Houston, especially coffeeshops and restaurants. Emma considers herself a thorough Texan, as evidenced by her staple cowboy boots. She also enjoys photography and taking road trips with her friends around Texas.
With a degree in Mathematical Economic Analysis, Emma plans on working in finance or to volunteer abroad, before pursuing a Masters of Business Administration. Emma hopes to become an established business professional, using her interests in accounting, finance, and marketing and her love of people as assets in excelling in her career.
Above all, Emma absolutely loves and is inspired by the people she is lucky enough to have in her life. “I work hard to be a better person for them. I enjoy pausing every now and then to just take in the glory of how wonderful things are in life and to put things in perspective. I take on each day with refreshed confidence about what life can hold and what impact I can make in the world.
ASHLEY BLAINE TATE Virginia Tech Last Updated 5/07
“The single most important thing that motivates me is my desire to help others; when I get discouraged, I have to remind myself of who/what I am out there for,” says Ashley. In the last few years, true to her word, she has been instrumental in raising more than $120,000 for organizations such as the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association and the March of Dimes. In the last year alone, she has volunteered over 800 hours in order to raise the money dollar by dollar.
The fundraisers that Ashley manages are large in scale and creative. For the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, she has organized an entire girl's softball tournament every summer for the past seven years. She spends approximately 400 hours each summer on the tournament alone, making it almost a full time job!
In addition to her softball tournament, Ashley was named the 2007 American Heart Association “Queen of Hearts.” During this campaign, Ashley organized and managed a photo fundraiser, a beauty pageant, a pizza fundraiser and two fashion shows; ran an American Heart Association Sweetheart campaign, and started a small business selling candy arrangements. In two short months Ashley was able to raise $30,000!
On top of all her fundraising, Ashley also has an impressive lineup of personal achievements. She was named a WTFM Hometown Hero and selected for Who's Who Among American High School Students, Washington County Community Scholars and All-District Band. A recipient of the Virginia Attorney General/Troutman Sanders “YOUTH” award, she has completed requirements for the Congressional Award Gold Medal, and was chosen to represent the Tri-City area as a student ambassador with the People to People International Student Ambassador program.
“I live with both my parents…without their support both emotionally and financially, I couldn't accomplish the things I do,” says Ashley. She is most influenced by her mother who has “done everything she could to help me and always tries to keep my spirits up.”
TIFFANY MICHELE TAYLOR University of Chicago Last Updated 5/07
Tiffany has had a staggering amount of turbulence to overcome in her young life. Family members struggled with marital woes, abandonment, unemployment and drug dependence. “Everyone I knew around me was giving up,” wrote Tiffany, but instead of giving up as well, Tiffany used her experiences as motivation to stay positive.
Tiffany is now a star student at West Point High School. She was first in a statewide mock trial journalism competition and first at a statewide science fair in the category of environmental science. From a field of 350 eligible students, she was one of two chosen from the State of Mississippi as a distinguished United States Senate Youth Program delegate. In this role she traveled to Washington, DC, where she was recognized by the President, the Chief Justice, and the entire Mississippi Congressional delegation She is the West Point High School DECA (Develop Economic Competencies for All students) representative and was a national finalist at the International Career Development Conference in Orlando, FL. She has been chosen first chair of the symphonic band, Anchor Club president and president of the Future Educators of America.
Such achievement takes extraordinary character and perseverance. A few years ago Tiffany wanted to join the high school color guard, but the band director “was not keen to the idea of having another color guard due to how awful the color guard had turned out the past year.” However, Tiffany convinced the band director to allow the color guard to continue and she went to work. She recruited and organized, and within two years had captained her team to victory in a regional competition.
After Hurricane Katrina -- which coincidentally destroyed her grandmother's home and everything in it -- Tiffany rallied her school through the student council and organized a book donation program. To date 5000 books have been donated. Her goal for 2007 and 2008 is to collect 7,000 donated books and send them to those still in need of help.
Tiffany is guided by something “… a very wise woman (once said to her quoting Marian Wright Edelman), ‘Service is the rent we pay for living.'” Adds Tiffany, “Even though I have been through a lot, I have still been able to pull myself up. I have been able to meet the president and share with him my experiences. I have been able to talk (to those) who are finding cures for diseases…I have experienced so many things simply from my hard work and by never giving up and by never settling for anything less than the best.”
ALYSSA LYNN WILSON Pennsylvania State University Last Updated 10/09
Alyssa Wilson is from Altoona, Pennsylvania and is a 2006 graduate of the Altoona Area School District. Alyssa is currently a senior at Pennsylvania State University where she is majoring in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education
She is serving a year-long internship with the Professional Development School, a student teaching collaboration between State College Area School District and Pennsylvania State University. She is also a 6th grade intern at Mount Nittany Middle School, in State College, Pennsylvania.
Alyssa received the Hamilton Award during her sophomore year of high school. She then became the Student Council president of her high school, member of the National Honor Society, and musician in the advanced jazz band. She was also the president of the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils District VI Conference. In all of these leadership roles, she has had the opportunity to complete many service-learning experiences.
During Alyssa’s college years, she was a resident assistant of a special living option, Discover House, an on-campus living and learning environment geared towards first year students. Alyssa worked closely with the residence staff, program assistant, and faculty advisor to build community with the residents while providing programs in which the students could find careers best suited for them.
In addition to her time as an resident assistant, Alyssa was also President of the Student Pennsylvania State Education Association. The Education Association aims to provide information about the College of Education to underclassman students, organize community service involving children, and provide professional development seminars for education majors. Alyssa has also served as a FreshSTART team leader in which she led groups of first year students to complete a community service experience. She has worked closely with Second Mile, a non profit organization for students who are underprivileged or are struggling with an area in their life, as a camp counselor, and as a college friend through the FRIEND program. Additionally, Alyssa served on the EDUCATE advisory board for the College of Education. On this board, Alyssa helped introduce the technology initiative to students majoring in education.
LESLYE WOMACK Texas A&M University Last Updated 5/07
Leslye is a born leader. Not only is she Junior Class President at Sharyland High School, she is also the State Vice President of community for FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America, and she was the only student at her school selected to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. Her position of FCCLA State Vice-President its one of her greatest accomplishments, especially considering that she competed with over 100 top students for the position. From this position Leslye is able to use her leadership skills to
On top of those two prestigious positions, Leslye is also an active member of the National Honors Society, Future Farmers of America, National Society of High School Scholars, was chosen for Who's Who Among America's High School Students; and participates in Destination Imagination, an organization where Leslye can participate in engineering competitions. In Future Farmers of America Competitions, Leslye one first place in the grass identification competition, and has raised both lambs and rabbits for six years. At her Destination Imagination regional competition, her team one second place for constructing a launching mechanism using just pulleys, motors, a conveyor belt, PVC pipe, and wood.
In the classroom, Leslye always strives for the best. She maintains a 5.7 grade point average and is ranked number five out of 700 students. She has been on honor roll for the past three years, and has the top PSAT ranking in her class. As if that isn't enough Leslye is also a National Merit Scholar!
Outside of school, Leslye works hard on her family's farm. “Every weekend I eagerly lend a helping hand by carrying out chores such as pulling weeds, watering trees, cleaning feed lots, sweeping shop floors, as well as various other undertakings.” She takes the money she earns through her chores, babysitting, and livestocks show earnings, Leslye invests it in a college savings fund. “I believe that my entrepreneurial efforts have provided me with the experience and monetary support essential for a quality college education.”
Leslye is thankful for the life her parents have given her. “I have chosen to [participate] in an extensive amount of activities to better myself as a person and as a student. Without the support I receive from my parents, I would not be able to be the leader and the intellectual I am today,” says Leslye.
“I have never been able to resist the allure of a lightly closed book,” writes Li Xu. Her devotion to the printed word drives many of her achievements. She aided in the creation of a pre-literacy program, which she calls Tell-a-Tale Theatre. The program incorporates reading, crafts, and volunteer/child interaction to promote literacy in children at the early elementary and pre-school level. Li has given over 480 hours as a volunteer at both the Carnegie and the Northland Libraries. At Northland Li works at the Children’s Summer Reading Tale and at Carnegie she is a member of the Teen Advisory Council and the Teen Advocacy Group.
Li is an outstanding student at North Allegheny Senior High School. She maintains a 4.425 grade point average, balances numerous AP classes, and is ranked sixth in her class of 661 students. With that kind of scholastic acumen, it is no surprise she has qualified for her school’s honor roll every year!
In addition to her commitment to the libraries, Li dedicates her time to other community service activities. For the past two years she organized the North Allegheny Charity Dance Marathon. The dance marathon involves months planning in which her and her committee budget, publicize, fundraise, plan decoration, and file paper work, but they pull it off and each year have raised an average of $6000 for the Autism Foundation and other charities. In addition, Li is vice president of the local Z-Club, a community service organization, and chairs the major emphasis committee in the Key Club.
“I live because of my family,” says Li. “Whatever I achieve scholastically, monetarily, altruistically is because of their support and kindness.” Li was born in China, and her family’s journey from China has made them all the closer. “I tell my parents everything: my successes, my failures, my embarrassments…We are not perfect, but we are perfectly together,” writes Li.
"I had an amazing time in Quetzaltenango. This trip affected me more than any other experience I have ever had in my life... I gained an entirely new perspective on life and I thank Hamilton Friends for providing me with the opportunity to do so."
-Jillian Ogren, '07 Hamilton Scholar and Guatemala Leader Week attendee
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Seattle Leader Week SLIDESHOW!
CLICK HEREto see a slideshow of the 2009 Seattle Leader Week.
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