Hena is the daughter of immigrant parents and her family has moved many times during her youth. As a result she has been enrolled in eight different schools, including three high schools. This would hinder the progress of most, but not Hena: she is a straight-A student who currently ranks first in a class of 939. And Hena's scholastic achievements are matched by a deep commitment to service. Hena is vice president and incoming president of Lifelines, an anti-drug and alcohol organization that promotes good choices among youth. Hena has volunteered in the pediatric emergency room at St. Vincent's Hospital, participates in food drives for the needy, and is also secretary of Link, a philanthropic youth board that aids local community organizations through grants.

Hena has a good sense of business as well. She is advertising editor of her high school yearbook and is responsible for over 125 personal advertisements. In addition, she tutors students in regular and advanced algebra plus pre-calculus, both at school and at her local library.

Her achievements go well beyond the scholastic. She has won awards for portrait painting and has designed promotional items for her work at Lifelines. She was a student host at the 2006 Indiana High School Summit and in this capacity introduced speakers on the program. The Summit was attended by teachers from all over Indiana.

Hena says she has "learned to adapt to change, work with a wide variety of people, and present myself to any group with eloquence and sophistication." She is grateful for the opportunities America offers her and her parents. "The stories and sacrifices of my parents are my greatest motivation, and their insightful advice about the invaluable importance of education has convinced me that hard work will always bring success."
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KAYLA MARIE ALDRIDGE
Moberly Senior High School| Moberly, Missouri 

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."
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DANYA POMPEYA ANOUTI
Barry Goldwater International Baccalaureate High School | Phoenix, Arizona

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, but the product of this mix is quite beautiful, because I get the best of all worlds. I am 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 also an outstanding student and community servant. She has a perfect 5.0 at one of Arizona's top high schools. She takes a full slate of advanced placement courses and plans to take AP and international baccalaureate exams in a variety of subjects.

She has won three state swimming championships and, as captain of her swim team, enjoys giving teammates a "motivational note and snack" before each meet. A two-time recipient of the Scholar Athlete Award at her school, Danya has also twice received the Pride, Hustle and Desire Award for her outstanding drive. Her coach has presented her the Coach's Award, and her team received the All American Team Award.

At school, Danya is vice president of the National Honor Society and participates in several other organizations such as her school's fashion club, the International Club and the knitting club. "I joined the knitting club in hopes of learning a new skill (but) most of the organizations I participate in focus on community service,” says Danya.

Outside of school Danya volunteers with the Arizona Humane Society in the cat adoption center. She also works as a trapper, capturing stray cats so they can be spayed and neutered by the AZ Cats organization. Danya also volunteers at a local hospital, running errands for the staff and assisting in the patient discharge process.

Danya has had part-time and full-time jobs, where her rapid learning style and skills have attracted notice. The national chain bookstore where she currently works, recognizing her customer service talent and competence, took the unusual step of sending her to advanced training so she could help train new staff members at the store. Such training is normally reserved for seasoned full-time employees.

Danya credits her elementary SAGE teacher and her parents for her successes and sees herself as a citizen of the world. “Because of my diverse background, I am not just an American but a world citizen, and I feel it is my duty to try my best to help those who can not help themselves.”
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KYLE FENTON BALDWIN
Armijo High School | Fairfield, California

If the achievements of individual Boy Scouts were reported on the sporting pages like baseball statistics, Kyle's records would not only be making daily news but would one day land for him an honored place in the Hall of Fame. To say that he is an Eagle Scout is not enough. To say that he has earned all 121 merit badges offered by the Boy Scout program is still not enough. Both Kyle and his brother have been awarded the Hornaday Medal by the Boy Scouts. To receive this incredible award the recipient must undertake and complete four major conservation projects, each of which is the equivalent of an individual Eagle Scout Project. The Hornaday Medal has been awarded only seventy times in the past 100 years! "My brother and I are the most successful scouts in the country – no other brothers have earned every merit badge and the Hornaday Medal," writes Kyle.

Kyle, active in 4-H, is currently vice president of his local chapter and serves as a teen leader and member of the Incentives and Recognition Committee for the county 4-H program.

Through his scouting and 4-H activities Kyle has a monumental community service record. He has collected thousands of pairs of used eyeglasses for the Lions Club; built bat boxes and trail signs at a local park; developed a solar energy program for high school students; organized and conducted a "Clean Up Green Valley Creek" litter removal and prevention program at a local elementary school; and has engaged in a myriad of other service projects.

Kyle and his brother started a non-profit organization called "My Own Book,” devoted to collecting and distributing books for needy kids in his area. They have distributed over 5600 books; have spoken to Rotary and Lion's Club luncheons about the program; have enlisted the assistance of Fairfield's mayor and fire chief in the effort; and recently received a Youth Literacy Grant from the National Education Association and the Dale Earnhardt Legend Leadership Award in conjunction with the program. "The children who receive books are delighted,” says Kyle. The brothers have also begun a business called Baldwin Farms, which sells holiday wreaths, eggs, and produce during the summer.

Kyle, a top student in his class, is a candidate for the International Baccalaureate Diploma. He tutors math and captains of the varsity tennis team. He is treasurer of Junior State at his school, president of the National Honor Society and a member of the school Academic Decathlon team. "I competed on our school's Scholar Bowl team at the National Honor Society Conference and we won fifth place overall in the nation," he reports.

Kyle has learned that “you don't have to be the smartest but you do need to work hard and have integrity. It is also important to like what you do: I love playing tennis, running 'My Own Book,‘ and being in 4-H." Winning the Hornaday Medal “took hard work and persistence, and I am delighted [my brother and I] did it, especially together.”
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MARIELA LIZET CASTILLO
Benjamin Banneker Academic High School | Washington, D. C.

Mariela was born in Washington, D. C. but lived in El Salvador until she was twelve. When she returned she had no knowledge of English. Banneker is a top school in the D.C. area, but it doesn't have an ESL (English as a second language) program. "I had to take regular classes when I wasn't fully prepared for them," says Mariela.

But today, just five years later, Mariela is a top student at her high school, takes International Baccalaureate courses and is also an inventor. As a participant in two science programs at her school, FIRST Robotics Competition and InvenTeams, she has designed, built and applied for a patent on a security device for cell phones. She has discussed her invention before groups at the Air and Space Museum, the Smithsonian Museum of American History, the Old City Museum and at various other engineering and technology conferences. "By giving presentations," she says, "money is donated to the team."

Last summer she worked at the Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs as an administrative assistant and performed community outreach functions such as voter registration. She has volunteered at the Bead Museum operated by The Bead Society of Greater Washington. As a volunteer, she translated brochures into Spanish, gave Spanish-language tours and helped teach children bead work.

Mariela dreams of becoming a doctor and hopes one day to invent something “that will help cure certain diseases."
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JOHN HANQING CHEN
Troy High School | Troy, Ohio

John ranks first in his class of 335, has set a goal of taking every honors and advanced placement class offered at his school, and has nearly perfect SAT scores. He has won various school and state-level math contests. Recently he was selected to be a member of the Ohio team to participate in the annual American Regions Math League (ARML) contest – an event that features the nation's top secondary school mathematics students.

But academics are not John's only passion: he writes, draws and plays piano. "I began my life-long love affair with the piano a decade ago," he writes, and has achieved concert-level skill as a pianist. John has performed at the Dayton Art Institute Young Artist Recital and competed in the Buckeye State Piano Competition. As a writer, John has had work published in the Ohio Association of Gifted Children (OAGC) Review and won first place in a regional writing contest called “Imagine If.” One of his pointillist paintings was selected for display at the Hayner Cultural Center and the local Board of Education displayed one of his chalk pastel works.

John is vice president of the math club, and a member of the speech and debate club, Rhetoric Society, Key Club, National Honor Society, Junior State of America and Young Democrats. He also founded and serves as president of the school chess club.

John has a strong record of community service. He helped plan a fund raiser to help a student at his school who was involved in a serious automobile accident, organized efforts for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts and worked to support the House of Bread Homeless Shelter in his community. He has played piano for residents of a local nursing home and at a local church – not to mention the fact that he is the accompanist for the school choir.

"I remember taking a brain-hemisphere test and scoring zero, which meant I was balanced exactly between logical left-brained thinking and right-brained creativity. I am addicted to (the mathematics game) Sudoku, but writing poetry and short stories is also a hobby." John lives with both parents and credits them and his teachers for the success he has achieved.
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SHEN CHEN
East Chapel Hill High School | Chapel Hill, North Carolina

“After watching a documentary during the World Cup on the poverty level in one of Ecuador's national players' hometown, I was moved and inspired to act” says Shen. And act he did. The documentary brought a face to the poverty levels in that area of the world, but as a soccer player he felt a connection. As a result he co-founded SweatSpots, an organization that donates soccer equipment to needy places around the world. So far, Shen's group has organized soccer equipment drives, collecting shoes, shin guards, balls and other items. “The hope is that by the end of the year, we will have ten boxes full of donated soccer equipment.” In addition to the soccer organization, last year Shen organized and implemented a food drive for AIDS patients living in his region, with the cooperation of local food stores such as Whole Foods. He has served as a Special Olympics soccer coach and YMCA basketball coach, and has received the Hard Corps Volunteer Award and Rotary International Youth Leadership Award.

While Shen takes advanced placement courses in a number of subjects, it is his “strong interest” in social studies and geography that have resulted in his greatest honors. He placed in the top five at the AAA Travel Challenge and took honorable mention in a contest sponsored by the UNA-USA West Triangle. He also received the Frederick Douglass and Susan Anthony Award in Humanities and Social Studies. His interest in geography is partly a practical one. “I have been quite the world traveler…constantly on the move. To date, I have lived in three different continents and six different cities.”

Shen is both an athlete and a musician. As an athlete, he played soccer for his school, contributing to a conference championship, and for the Durham-Chapel Hill Strikers soccer club. He was also a member of the varsity track team. As a musician he has earned the Royal Conservatory of Music Piano Grade 9 with Honors certificate. At his school he founded Quiz Bowl, helped recruit 20 members and currently serves as its captain. He is co-president of his school's Habitat for Humanity chapter, spearheading fundraising drives at college football games and helping to build houses in his community. During summers he volunteers at the Durham VA Hospital. For his services he received an outstanding community service award by the mayor of Durham. This in turn led him to be named to the Student Action Board of Durham, a committee involved in helping the community through volunteering and creating service projects.

Shen Chen lives with his parents and older sister, and particularly thanks his sister for her support through the years. And even though his athleticism is devoted to soccer and track and he lives in North Carolina, he is a devoted fan of the Vancouver Canucks hockey team!
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MARGARET CHIU
Gahanna Lincoln High School | Gahanna, Ohio

“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.”
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EMILY JOLEE DREYER
Lakewood High School | Stanwood, Washington

“I love to give back in any way I can,” writes Emily. For the past four years she has devoted her weekends and summers to Equifriends, a therapeutic riding program which helps develop self-confidence and self-esteem in physically challenged children and adults. “The inner satisfaction that comes with helping a child or adult with disabilities is absolutely priceless,” writes Emily.

Recently, Emily has been campaigning to win a television “extreme home makeover” for an Equifriends family impacted by disabilities. She has been in contact with ABC executives, filled out forms and documents required by the show and its producers, and made two promotional videos on behalf of the family, whom she helped to select. While at this moment it is not known whether Emily's work will result in the family being chosen, her dogged determination and entrepreneurial passion have earned her accolades and attention all over western Washington.

At her school Emily has a solid academic record. She works hard, takes advanced courses and has a penchant for detail. She is a “master note taker,” whose class notes are made available to students who must miss classes – one more way Emily gives back in any way she can. She also plays on the school tennis team.

Emily's family consists of a 13-year-old brother and her parents. She gets emotional support from her mom, and her “go get-um” attitude from her dad.
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ASHLEY ERIKA FEUCHS
John Jay High School | Cross River, New York

Ashley is a top student at John Jay High School, and takes advanced placement courses in English and United States History. She also has been working on a three-year research project for a humanities research class. Ashley's topic is concerned with corruption in both third-world and wealthier nations. She also composes essays concerned with issues such as heritage and the elimination of world poverty.

She is captain of her high school's varsity swim and dive team; captain of a local swim club called the Saw Mill Ace Aquatics; and active in Habitat for Humanity, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), the Student World Awareness Program, and the school's environmental club. In addition, Ashley is a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society and her school's main community service program, which goes by the name “Reach Out John Jay.”

Ashley volunteers most Saturdays at the Katonah Community Center, where she runs a clothing boutique. Annually, she is involved in the AIDS Walk, the Breast Cancer Walk, the Tikvah Mitzvah Walk, which raises money for children's hospitals, and numerous other fundraising efforts. She helped organize a school car wash to raise money for Hurricane Katrina victims, participated in fund raising benefits for the school's environmental club and helped collect gifts for her school through the Reach Out John Jay holiday gift drive. “My personal best,” writes Ashley, “is the fundraising I have been doing this year for my volunteer trip to Brazil.” In summer 2007 she will work in a Brazilian orphanage and teach underprivileged children as part of a program sponsored by Cross-Cultural Solutions, a non-profit world leader in international volunteering.

Ashley calls herself “incredibly hardworking, determined, brave, adventurous and free-spirited.” She is a self-starter who brings passion and joy to the fabric of community service. Her parents are divorced. “I live with them at separate times,” she says, and credits them both for her strong work ethic. She also relies on close friends for support and comfort.
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MELANIA ASHLEY FITZGERALD
Newtown High School | Newtown, Connecticut

Melania, a top student at Newtown High School, is a member of the National Honor Society who was recently also inducted into the La Societe Honoraire de Francais and Societa Onoraria Italia for achieving academic excellence in French and Italian, respectively.

Melania had the opportunity to seize the moment. Having never competed in a beauty pageant, she heard about a contest for “Miss Italy USA” and decided to enter it. It required her to learn everything about the process of pageant competition in just a few weeks, but she not only learned how to compete, she won the title against a field of over 500 entrants! As a result, Melania will be competing in Venice this June for the title of “Miss Italy of the World” – an event that will be televised worldwide.

Through her school Melania competes in poetry recitation contests, such as COLT, a literary recitation contest held each year in a different high school in Connecticut. Readings are in different languages. Melania has a special passion for horseback riding. She owns her own horse, Seeka, and to help with the costs of feed, healthcare and upkeep she babysits children in her neighborhood and helps others care for horses they own.

Melania volunteers weekly at Head O' Meadow Elementary School. She tutors kids who have trouble with reading and math, and has taught other children Italian. She also volunteers with the Newtown Road Race, an annual event that raises money for Newtown Youth Services, a local charity. Last year's event raised over $25,000.

Melania lives with her parents and two younger siblings. “My dad inspires me because of his hard work ethic, whereas my mother inspires me to travel and discover other cultures and languages.”
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RYAN GRANT FLOREK
Post Falls High School | Post Falls, Idaho

“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.”
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JORDAN FRANKS
Sam Barlow High School | Gresham, Oregon

Jordan is an exceptional student with a 4.0 grade point average who likes to go beyond his many high grades to seek extra knowledge. Not only is he taking all the AP classes offered at his school, he also takes independent Latin and travels to the local community college to take chemistry. “Chemistry has been a love of mine since I picked up and read my father's college textbook,” says Jordan.

His interest in science goes beyond his courses. Jordan is president of the Science Alliance Club at his school, organizing and leading science experiments with other students. As captain of the Science Bowl team, Jordan has also made school announcements, constructed and administered a selection test, and led team meetings.

School and science are not the only areas in which Jordan excels. He is also a talented musician. He was selected to be saxophonist for the Mt. Hood Jazz Festival All-Star Band and the All-Northwest Honor Band, where he was one of only two baritone saxophone players selected from seven Northwest states. He is vice president for bands at the high school and was a member of a saxophone quartet that played at the Oregon Symphony. In addition to his music, Jordan has found time to be a member of the high school football, soccer, basketball, and track teams.

During his free time Jordan works as both a tutor and a saxophone teacher giving private lessons, and also volunteers in his community. In 2006 his band ran a fundraising campaign in which cookie dough was sold. Jordan was uncomfortable with encouraging people to buy food containing hydrogenated oils and preservatives, so he made a deal with a local fruit grocer and sold boxes of fruit instead. In the end he raised almost $300 for his band without compromising his core values!

“I am a person motivated by family,” says Jordan. Jordan's family is central in his life. He cherishes the time he spends with his parents and his grandmother on their hobby farm in Western Oregon.
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EMILY JOANN GEE
Mira Costa High School | Manhattan Beach, California

Emily tries to live every day with “passion and vigor.” As evidenced by the many clubs and activities she is involved in, she certainly lives up to her goal. Emily is president of the Interact club, secretary of the Ceramics Club, a member of Model United Nations, editor of her school's Reflections Magazine, a California Girl's State Representative, and president of the Youth Advisory Committee!

“I feel I am a person with [the] drive and determination to continually make the world a better place,” says Emily. Through her various leadership positions, Emily has helped to fund and support community organizations. She planned and executed a fundraising effort to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Late Night Sports, a program helping teens live a healthy and drug-free life; she spearheaded a community-wide effort to raise funds for the Wheelchair Foundation; she has organized safe and sober dances and beach cleanups; and she helped develop a video that teaches students important lessons about finances. Emily also serves the community through her role as a Girl Scout. She recently received a Girl Scout Gold Award after planning and organizing a booth at the Los Angeles Braille Institute that offered information regarding Macular Degeneration.

In addition to her school and community activities, Emily is also a standout student. She takes challenging course loads and is a member of both the National Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation. Furthermore, she is a top competitor in the Model United Nations Program. She received first place at the competition at Georgetown University and second place at the competition at UC Berkley. Emily's success with Model United Nations led to her selection as vice-chair of the Los Angeles Invitational Model UN!

The more Emily does, the more she is inspired to do even more. “Building houses for the homeless in Tecate, Mexico, was truly a life-changing experience for me, as I was able to witness the hardships people live through,” writes Emily. With an eye toward the future, Emily is sure to use every experience she has today to make herself more successful tomorrow!
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SOPHIA CLARISSA LIEM
Pittsburg High School | Pittsburg, California

Sophia is persistent and never gives up. Her hard work is evidenced by her successes both in and outside of the classroom. As junior and senior class vice president, president of the California Scholarship Federation (CSF) at her school, captain of the tennis team, treasurer of the mathematics honor society Mu Alpha Theta and future president of the Key Club, Sophia has shown that she knows how to take charge and get things done.

Sophia knows that it takes “good study habits, discipline, and effort” to succeed in the classroom. She is currently ranked second class, takes a challenging course load and has received a variety of awards for academic excellence such as student of EAOP (Early Academic Outreach Program) and the ELC award, which guarantees her acceptance into a University of California School upon her graduation. She is also a member of the Academic Decathlon.

Sophia is a leader at her school. As junior class vice president she has organized a variety of school events while still fulfilling her commitment to activities such as Mu Alpha Theta, California Scholarship Federation, Academic Decathlon, Student Board of Directors, and Key Club. As an officer of the Key Club, she has worked to organize numerous community fundraisers including Pennies for Patience, which supports research on leukemia and lymphoma, and the March of Dimes Walk America campaign. She also volunteers at the library.

“Tennis is extremely important to me, it allows me to relax [and] release all the stress from schoolwork into a physical and healthy activity,” says Sophia. She is truly devoted to the game and has been chosen to captain the 2007-8 team.

“My mom plays a vital role in my life,” writes Sophia. “Every night, after a 12-hour shift…she comes home and still has the energy to cook the family dinner, help with our homework, and best of all give advice.” Sophia is thankful for all this support, and finds inspiration in her mother's dedication.
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TAYLOR YEAGER MATALONE
West Seattle High School | Seattle, Washington

“I live a life full of passion,” writes Taylor. “My life is made up of a huge patchwork of dreams, hobbies, [and] ambitions. My music, my family, my writing, my friends, my tennis, and my aspiration are all pieces of the puzzle that make up the ‘big picture' of me.”

Taylor's “patchwork” of activities makes for a pretty impressive resume! She is currently ranked number one in her high school class and is a two year member of the National Honor Society. She takes the heaviest class load available, including upper-level science, math, and language.

Taylor is captain of the girls' tennis team; she received the first-place team and second-place overall speaker award at the Metro Novice Policy Debate Championship; she was selected as a top student in her class by faculty, and she participates in the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra as a classically trained clarinet player.

Beyond her personal achievements, Taylor works hard to give back to her community. She spearheaded the organization, production, and creation of an awareness assembly for the Darfur Genocide in Sudan. As a two-year board member of the West Seattle National Honor Society, she has organized large service projects, created a merit-based senior scholarship fund, oversees the budget and helps to construct the bylaws of the Society. In addition, Taylor volunteers at the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop and has led a school-wide Red Cross Refugee Welcome Kit Drive. She is also a member of the Greenwood Concert Band, a group of 60 musicians who give their time to provide free outdoor summer concerts across the greater Seattle area.

“The gift of music is something that is beyond price. I will always have my music, and so, I will always have myself,” writes Taylor. Fortunately for everyone around her, Taylor shows that same dedication and passion for everything she does.
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ASHLEE RENE NOBLIN
Marble Falls High School | Marble Falls, Texas

Look at Ashlee and you will see a burgeoning young business woman! On top of working to help her mother support the family, she co-founded a campus-based business.“Recently I attended Camp Enterprise which was... amazing [and] allowed me to experience business firsthand,” says Ashlee. Whether running her new business, organizing concession sales at softball games, or working her job, Ashlee's entrepreneurial spirit shines through!

Ashlee is a leader among her peers. She is junior class president, a position that requires her to “lead a great number of people to help our school.” The duties of this position are challenging and time-consuming, but as any entrepreneur would, Ashlee finds creative ways to solve the problems facing her class.

Ashlee loves softball and loves helping her community. She regularly donates time to the local youth softball organization, helping the girls with their fundamental softball skills and helping them to run their concession stands. In addition to softball, Ashlee works to raise funds for Invisible Children, an organization that helps save children form being forced into the military.

With all her work, it would be easy for Kayla to let her grades slack, but she is a dedicated student who goes above and beyond to take advanced placement classes and work with her peers to gain a complete understanding of the subjects she is taking. “My main influence is my friends,” writes Ashlee. “[We] help tutor each other in all subjects…we push each other along when we start to slack.”

Ashlee's drive is contagious. She is dedicated and knows that she is going to do something great with her life. “I live with my mother and two sisters,” says Ashlee. “They do not have a lot of education [and] although they lead alright lives, I want a life better than theirs, better than living paycheck to paycheck.”
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JILLIAN MARIE OGREN
Stillwater Area High School | Stillwater, Minnesota

Jillian has a perfect grade-point average, takes advanced placement and honors courses and is first-ranked in her class of over 700 students. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), secretary of the student council, and captain of the school's speech team.

“My biggest personal achievement centers on me being part of the speech team,” states Jillian. At an early age, she had a speech impediment which required therapy. However, she overcame the difficulty and has gone on to become a confident public speaker. She has won many ribbons, medals and trophies for her speaking engagements and made it to the finals of a regional tournament last year.

She is a member of the Spirit of Christian Youth (SCY), and participates in a number of community activities through SCY and on her own. She volunteers at her town's annual Lumberjack Days festival, at a local hospital during summers, and is incoming president of the St. Croix Area Youth United Way. In this role she will also serve on the adult board of the regional United Way chapter, and will be in charge of numerous fundraising efforts in support of local youth charities during her senior year. In addition, Jillian is starting a nonprofit organization, Lidz for Kidz Made by Kidz, whose purpose is to make hats for children who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment.

Jillian stands up for what she believes and is not afraid of going against the grain – character is central to her. “It (character) is the one thing I will always have control over in my life.” Her character is deep-rooted in her family. She lives with both parents and two younger siblings; has an older brother away at college; and warmly remembers a strong-willed grandmother (recently deceased) who lived across the street, never had a bad word to say about anyone and “always wore red lipstick when she left the house.”
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ANUSHA PAMULA
South Brunswick High School | Monmouth Junction, New Jersey

Anusha recently completed an 8-year program to graduate from Indianica Academy as a scholar in Kathak -- classical Indian dance – which she teaches to others. She also teaches beginning karate as holder of a black belt. A member of the United States Air Force Civil Air Patrol Auxiliary, Anusha was chosen Civil Air Patrol Cadet of the Year in 2005 and recently received the Billy Mitchell Award plus promotion to cadet lieutenant. This summer she will make her first solo flight.

Anusha is a top scholar, who has won the principal's award for academic excellence and has taken many advanced placement courses. At school she participates in the Red Cross Club, Junior Statesmen of America (JSA), Model United Nations, Habitat for Humanity and Military Education club. She is active in both the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society.

Outside of school Anusha is involved with SOFKIN (Support Organization for Kids in Need), a nonprofit organization with no religious affiliation which supports underprivileged children around the globe. Through SOFKIN, Anusha worked as a volunteer at an orphanage in Pune, India, and has helped to organize fundraising efforts to support the organization's work. Her involvement with the Civil Air Patrol gives her the opportunity to participate in ground search and rescue exercises and various community service projects.

“I would like to be a diplomat and work in international relations. Eventually, I want to end up in the United Nations because I believe in what it does,” says Anusha. “I am extremely fortunate and have a very supportive family.” She lives with both her parents, but feels her mother has influenced her the most. “At a young age, she lost both her parents, and yet, through her hard work and determination, she was able to succeed.” Today her mother is an executive at Bristol Myers Squibb.
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AMELIA KATHLEEN RAPP
Huntington High School | Huntington, West Virginia

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.”
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KYLA JEAN SOMMERS
Oak Park High School | Kansas City, Missouri

“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.
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EMMA ANNETTE STOCKDALE
Farragut High School | Knoxville, Tennessee

“I am a hard worker, and I know how to separate work from play,” says Emma. “I am diligent, thoughtful, tactful, analytical, optimistic, and persistent.” This seems to be the perfect description of Emma as it would take all those traits to succeed in the way that she has. Her achievements are many and multifaceted. She maintains a 4.2 GPA while participating in just about every club one can imagine, from Student Government to Spanish Club. She is president of the National Honor Society, secretary of the Student Government Association, senior class treasurer and secretary of the Spanish Club.

Among her many interests, Emma has a special passion for technology. As the CEO of her group at the Governor's School for Information Technology Leadership Competition, her team took second place for its business plan. Her interest in science and technology is further developed through her work experience. During the summer, when many students are taking a break, Emma works hard at her full-time job at the Knoxville Eye Surgery Center. There she acquires both medical and administrative experience. “I do not work to support my family,” writes Emma, “[but] I work for experience, self-satisfaction, and to build up my savings account for the future.”

Emma believes that community service is an important way to give back and make a difference. She is the president and founder of a Lions service club called The Westside Leos. With this group, Emma plans and participates in fundraisers for a variety of causes including cystic fibrosis, cancer, and children's organizations. As a part of Student Government, Emma is very much involved in raising money for the community. In the spring of 2007, she and her classmates organized a game night to support the National Breast Cancer Foundation in memory of a recently departed member.

Family and friends are everything to Emma. “[My family] gives me my motivation and strength when I want to give up. My friends give me fun times free of stress and responsibility.” She is thankful for all the opportunities her community has given her and is excited to make the most of them!
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ASHLEY BLAINE TATE
Abingdon High School | Abingdon, Virginia

“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.”
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TIFFANY MICHELE TAYLOR
West Point High School | West Point, Mississippi

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.”
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RAMON VERNON WILLIAMS III
Spencer High School | Columbus, Georgia

“I will not back down from any challenge and I will be the best at everything I do,” says Ramon. In both his personal achievements and his desire to help others, Ramon's determination shines through.

Ramon is very involved in JROTC where he received various promotions to First Squad Leader, Company Platoon Leader, and Battalion S5 and received the rank of Cadet Staff Sergeant. He now presides as the Battalion Commander and Cadet Lieutenant Colonel of the 7th Greenwave Battalion in Williams H. Spencer High School.  Outside of JROTC, Ramon also displays his leadership abilities and commitment to excellence. He was the President of his local SADD chapter, he is the Current Vice-President if his schools Future Business Leaders of America Chapter, he is a Junior Class Representative, and is President of Peer Helpers.

Scholastically, Ramon has been very successful. He is ranked in the top 10% of his class, he strived to take the most rigorous course load possible, and has made honor roll every year.

Ramon is committed to helping kids “overcome their heart aches and obstacles.” Staying true to his word, Ramon has become a motivational speaker. He was requested to be the Opening Keynote Speaker at the National Urban League Youth Leadership Conference and received the United States Achievement Award for Speech and Drama.

In addition to his work with children, Ramon has over 300 hours of community service at the county sheriff's office. There he helps law enforcement officials with public relations and helps the Sheriff to organize his employees.

In the spring of 2007 Ramon helped with the Celebrity Classic 5K-10K 2007 River Run. His group nominated him to run the Public Affairs and relations portion of the event and nominated him as Team Captain. The proceeds of their efforts went to the John B. Amos Cancer Center.

“I grew up a young man that was told that he wasn't going to be anything great…[since then] my life was turned 360 degrees to mark my path to success, says Ramon. His accomplishments are truly commendable. Currently Ramon lives with his mother and his grandparents.  It is them who give him inspiration and who have helped him make it through tough times. Because of them he “knows what he wants and how he is going to get it accomplished.”
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LESLYE WOMACK
Sharyland High School | Mission Texas

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.
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