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2009 Hamilton Scholars 
Abhiraj Chowdhury
Foothill High School
Pleasanton, California
Abhiraj’s involvement in his high school and community might best be described as superlative. He strives for the best in academics, service and extracurricular activities, and consistently comes out on top.
Not many students can point to an academic record such as that compiled by Abhiraj. He is in the top 3% of students in his class of 549, with a perfect 4.0 GPA, which has earned him a school letter in academics. Abhiraj has taken six AP courses at once and never missed being on the honor roll since entering high school. He is also proud of being named to the National Society of High School Scholars, the French Honor Society, the National Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation. Not surprisingly, Abhiraj has placed highly in various academic competitions including: the State of California Robotics Competition, YES Epidemiology, the Fleet Reserve Association Americanism Essay Contest, the Voice of Democracy Essay Contest and the Optimist Essay Contest.
Abhiraj stands out not only as a strong student, but also as a strong leader. He is founder and president of both the Public Speaking Club and the Cricket Club at Foothill High School, and participates in many sports as well. But what really distinguishes Abhiraj is his passion to help those who are disadvantaged. He has served 311 hours of community service with organizations such as: Dublin & Livermore City Senior Centers, Open Hearts Kitchen, Special Olympics, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, and The March of Dimes. Abhiraj is proud of his role as a defense advocate with Tri-Valley Youth Court for troubled youth, and as a volunteer for Bay Area Prabasi, an East Indian non-profit. Because of his dedication to helping others, Abhiraj was nominated for the Prudential Spirit of Community Service Award for the 2008-2009 year.
Abhiraj maintains his skills in both piano and trombone, instruments he has played for years. He also makes sure to take time for his family. Abhiraj’s father came to America from India with six dollars in his pocket, overcoming many hardships to create a good life for Abhiraj and his family. Abhiraj attributes much of his diligence and positive attitude to his parents, and hopes to make them proud. “I am a versatile person with two strong passions: to serve the disadvantaged and explore biomedical research,” Abhiraj says. 
Arthur Burkart
Marshfield High School
Marshfield, Wisconsin
Arthur is an independent, creative, curious and adventurous teen. “Competition drives me and knowledge excites me,” says Arthur when describing himself. His pursuit of wide-ranging knowledge and experience is apparent in the variety of activities he participates in. From a 43-mile hike in the mountains to starting his own newspaper, Arthur lives life to learn and knows the value of trying new things.
In school, Arthur is an excellent student. He takes one of the most challenging schedules available, while keeping his grades very high. In addition, he works hard to ensure that his courses satisfy his varied interests in politics, programming and linguistics.
Outside of the classroom, Arthur splits his time between sports and athletic pursuits, school and community service, and work. He has been a runner on the varsity track team since his freshman year, and competed at sectionals as a sophomore. He was also captain of the junior varsity soccer team for two years in a row.
As a student leader, Arthur has shown that he is dedicated to his school. As, president of his junior class and 2009-2010 Student Council President-Elect, he has been instrumental in advocating for student rights. He has logged nearly 100 hours with the National Honor Society, he edits the school newspaper, and is also active in the yearbook club, drama club and Spanish Honor Society.
Outside of school, in addition to delivering newspapers and working as a dishwasher to help support himself and his family, Arthur has volunteered a significant amount of his time. He has been an altar boy at his church since fourth grade, has volunteered at the Marshfield Area Respite Care Center for Alzheimer’s patients over the summer, donates time to the Salvation Army, and during the holiday season installs lighting for a Rotary Club fundraiser.
Arthur attributes much of his success to his government teacher, his brother and his father. Without his government teacher he would have never entered student government or participated in the Laird Youth Leadership Conference and his brother and his father have helped him learn to be determined and to be confident that, even though life can be difficult, hard work will help most things turn out well in the end. With these lessons learned, he is proud that he has managed to excel academically, participate in sports, work, be a school leader and act in drama; sometimes all within the same week. 
Avni Patel
Salem High School
Canton, Michigan
Avni dreams big. Her goal in life is to embrace those dreams and do what she can to reach them. “Everyone tells me...that my dreams are too big,” says Avni. “Whenever I am told this, it motivates me even more to prove them wrong. I want to succeed and make my dreams come true, so that I can be a role model to someone else and show them to dream big and they too will succeed.”
As a junior in high school, Avni has already achieved big things. Ranked first in her class, she takes the most rigorous course schedule available. In addition to her academic achievements, Avni is deeply involved in her school and community. President of her class for the past three years, she is a member of the Salem Student Congress, she is a Plymouth Canton Educational Park Key Club board member, winner of Discovery’s Citizenship Award, secretary of the Kiwanis Salem High School Key Club, a member of the debate team, a member of the In the Lines Art and Theatre Club, and a member of the National Honor Society.
Outside of school, Avni is committed to volunteering her time to her community. Since September of 2007, she has logged over 450 hours of community service by working at the Annapolis Hospital, tutoring elementary school students, helping at the Hindu Temple of Canton Health Fair, and volunteering with the Salvation Army.
Of all her school and community service achievements, Avni is proudest of founding and nurturing a club called Women of the World, which works to help girls and women develop their self-esteem, confidence, independence and strength. This cause is particularly meaningful for Avni because, as a young girl, she never had anyone to help her discover these qualities in herself. Now that she has done so on her own, she wants to help other women and girls find the strengths they have within themselves.
Avni has already achieved an incredible amount in her high school career and with all of her motivation and entrepreneurial drive, there is no doubt that Avni will reach her big dreams and be the role model she hopes to become! 
Bea Dela Cruz
Jefferson High School
Daly City, California
Bea is a true exemplary citizen. She works hard on developing herself to become a good role model who gives back. She believes in using the knowledge gained in the classroom to help her succeed in daily life, and feels that her experiences outside the classroom contribute just as much to her learning as those inside the classroom.
In addition to taking extremely challenging courses, Bea dedicates much of her time to school organizations. She was class president as a freshman and sophomore, ASB class secretary as a junior and will be school president next year. She is a student trustee for the Jefferson Union High School District, president of the FilAm Club (Filipino American Club), and also secretary, company lawyer, and civil engagement commissioner of Jefferson High’s SAGE Team. Her other involvements include the California Scholarship Federation, the Anime Club, the Drama Club and The Junior State of America.
Community service outside of school is also very important to Bea. She has volunteered for the Renew the Zoo project, the Sterling Park Community Center, Pennies for Patients, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, AIDS Emergency Funds, One Warm Coat Foundation, the Parent Teacher Student Association, election polls and Bert’s Children Foundation.
Her many activities and clubs have led Bea to become an expert fundraiser. “I’ve tried almost anything possible to fundraise,” says Bea. “Every event I have planned has made a successful outcome.” While she has organized every kind of fundraiser from car washes to candy sales, Bea’s most notable accomplishment in this field was the $1,560 that she raised for Bert’s Children Foundation, a shelter for abused homeless children. The funds made it possible for her to start an art class for the kids!
Bea’s motivation comes from within. She longs to lead a happy and productive life, and has found that volunteering and working hard in school help her reach that goal. “I love to volunteer...simple gestures like that brighten my day and I feel great, I feel like ME.” 
Bradley Shane
Chaparral High School
Scottsdale, Arizona
When Bradley moved to the United States from Johannesburg, South Africa eight years ago, he knew he would have the opportunity to have a promising future. Now, at the age of 17, Bradley has accomplished more than he ever thought possible.
As a student, Bradley is always challenging himself to learn more and take advantage of any opportunity involving learning about a different culture. He has taken honors academic courses along with AP World History and AP United States History. Because of his passionate goal to speak the Spanish language he takes Spanish Honors courses and is currently a member of the Spanish Honor Society. He is also a proud member of the National Honor Society.
Getting involved is what school is all about for Bradley. His biggest school achievement has been acting as vice president for Interact, the largest community service club at Chaparral High School. He is most proud of the $2,000.00 Interact was able to fundraise last year for the March of Dimes. School clubs aren’t the only thing Bradley is involved with. He is an outstanding participant on the junior varsity cross country team and was given the Student Athlete Award for being able to balance both academics and athletics. Art is another passion Bradley pursues. He has won awards for his art during his earlier years in high school.
When Bradley isn’t focusing on school or running half marathons, he is giving back to his community. “By enriching the lives of others, I feel a sense of fulfillment and my life is equally enriched,” says Bradley. For two years, he has been a member of the March of Dimes Chain Reaction Youth Leadership Council, which focuses on improving the lives of babies. As the education committee chair, he helps educate the public at March of Dimes events. Bradley also works with the Scottsdale Mayors Council and the Teen Advisory Board. During the summers, he takes advantage of volunteering as a camp counselor for underprivileged children at Camp Swift.
Overall, Bradley works hard, has a passion for learning, and helps the less fortunate. Bradley has faced hardships in his life, but has overcome them with the comfort and motivation in his strong relationship with his mother and sister. Bradley states that his South African community is always in his thoughts, and that leader Nelson Mandela has especially motivated him to never lose sight of his goals, regardless of obstacles that may lie ahead. “In my journey through life I strive to live each day to the fullest, taking a positive path in the direction of my aspirations,” Bradley said.
 Brady Baldwin
Armijo High School
Fairfield, California
“I have never let my schooling interfere with my education,” said American humorist Mark Twain. Brady Baldwin lives by these famous words, stating that he values learning and being challenged over just getting the best grades. His dedication to learning both inside and outside the classroom proves that he is doing just that.
At Armijo High School, Brady is enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program and takes classes at the local community college. To amplify his academic experience, Brady also takes time to read The New York Times or The Wall Street Journal so he can stay up-to-date on the news, and his recent interest in the legal profession has inspired him to intern for his county’s superior court.
Brady has been an entrepreneur from an early age. He and his brother Kyle gained their gardening merit badge for Boy Scouts when they grew a half-acre plot of produce that became their business, “Baldwin Farms.” Today, they still sell eggs to their neighbors. In addition to their farm, Brady and Kyle began their own non-profit organization, My Own Book, which helps less fortunate kids enjoy reading. Brady sets up teams of teens to visit K-3rd grade classrooms with the charge of performing and giving away children’s stories. Today, My Own Book has distributed over 20,000 books and has been nationally recognized by the Elks Club, Daughters of the American Revolution and Service Nation. His community service tally is well above 500 hours.
In addition to his entrepreneurial activities, Brady takes a leadership role in his school and community. He is historian for the National Honor Society, vice chairman for the Fairfield Youth Commission, a National Youth Venture Ambassador and an Eagle Scout. Brady has received the Hornaday Medal, the Boy Scouts’ highest conservation award, which has been given fewer than 80 times in its 125 years. Somehow, between academics and community service, Brady has also found time to be captain of the varsity tennis team, a published poet/author and an aspiring filmmaker.
Success has not always come easily to Brady; at a young age he faced the challenge of overcoming a speech disability. Early on, he made the decision that he wouldn’t let his disability prevent him from succeeding. Brady’s involvement in Boy Scouts, public speaking groups, and his recent achievements with the local community college’s speech and debate team have shown that his determination has paid off. He is motivated by his challenges, new experiences, and helping others. “I want to work on giving others a chance to succeed by giving them a helping hand (or book!), and encourage them that they can do whatever they set their mind to,” Brady says.  Brittne Lunniss
Thomas Jefferson High School
Auburn, Washington
Brittne Lunniss is a strong young woman who has beaten the odds and used her experiences to help others. “To make a difference, you must become the difference. I am the difference, and I believe it is my mission to lead,” says Brittne.
Music is one of Brittne’s greatest passions and she spends most of her time at Thomas Jefferson High School involved in the arts. She has been a member of the chamber choir, jazz choir and concert band, and also enjoys musical theatre. Brittne worked to organize a benefit concert for music education in public schools and, as president of the Music Honor Society, has become a musical mentor and tutor for middle school students.
While music is Brittne’s chief passion, she doesn’t let her scholastic goals fall to the wayside. This will be Brittne’s third year as a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. Her forensic talents have led her to become president of her school’s speech and debate team, and to be selected to attend the national competition in Alabama. She also takes pride in her leadership roles as former ASB class secretary and a choir officer. She was named to receive the 2009 Outstanding Junior Award.
Outside of school, Brittne finds time to help her church and community. She is a state representative for the Conference Council of Youth Ministries, as well as former president of United Methodist Youth. She has taken roles on the worship team and church praise band as well. Since 2007, Brittne has logged over 300 hours of service with her community and church by planning retreats, organizing fundraisers and helping with clean-up projects, including a mission serving at an orphanage in Ensenada, Mexico.
Brittne has been fortunate enough to overcome a rare heart disease, tuberous sclerosis, as well as the hardships stemming from her father’s absence from her life. Her struggles to fit in and feel “normal” led her on a long journey of fighting to survive. Today she can say she has defied all the odds by working to make a difference in her school, community, church, family, and state. “I want to lead others, share my story, and help anyone who feels different or [feels] the need to give up,” Brittne says.
 Caitlin Ogren
Stillwater Area High School
Stillwater, Minnesota Caitlin aspires to be the type of person who brightens the lives of those around her. With her constant involvement in school activities and her passion to help others, Caitlin is becoming the individual she has always wanted to be. Above all, Caitlin wants to be known as a leader who positively influences those around her. In addition to maintaining a strong academic record, she was recently chosen to attend the National Student Leadership Conference and her various leadership positions in school have included secretary of Students Against Destructive Decisions and junior class representative for the National Honor Society. As a senior she will be president of the Student Council. Along with school involvement, Caitlin makes a point of being involved in her community. She volunteers at church events, acts as a peer tutor, has raised money for needy local community programs, and has taken part in the “Minnesota’s Greatest Generation” project, where she spent time with a senior citizen and captured his life story in writing for generations to come. Caitlin is especially proud of an organization she and her sister created two years ago. They began Lidz for Kidz in order to donate hats (which they knit themselves) to kids undergoing radiation and chemotherapy treatments resulting in hair loss. With her sister now in college, Caitlin runs the organization mostly on her own. Since September 2007 she has accumulated more than 400 hours of service to Lidz for Kidz. Caitlin's biggest achievement has been balancing it all. She has found time to devote herself to the important things: her friends, family, academics, extracurricular activities, piano and community service. With two successful siblings ahead of her, Caitlin is motivated not only to accomplish great things, but also to carve out an identity of her own. “As I look to the future, I see myself at a university far away from home, traveling and experiencing new things, in hope of finding the answer to what truly makes me different, that is, what makes me simply me,” Caitlin said. 
Carter-Thaxton Smith
University High School
Tucson, Arizona
Carter is a driven and committed person who loves learning and discovery. Every activity he undertakes, whether a school course, astronomy research or his Eagle Scout project, he completes with the utmost care and precision.
Carter has several accomplishments of which he feels especially proud. Foremost is his Eagle Scout project. He earned the coveted rank at the early age of 12 by organizing an astronomy star party with a wide range of accommodations for children residing at the Arizona Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. Second, is his ability to have a positive impact on his community; as recognized by several honors including the Jack Horkheimer Service Award from the National Astronomical League. Third, he is proud of his research on light pollution, and related work in creating awareness of light pollution, as part of the International Year of Astronomy.
Outside of Boy Scouts and his astronomical studies, Carter dedicates himself to his school and community. He serves as a student representative on the school site council, participated in the Science Olympiad and finds other ways to contribute such as fundraising and serving as a teacher’s assistant. Carter also volunteers at his church and takes part in several committees for the Order of the Arrow, a service association of the Boy Scouts.
Such success could not always have been predicted for Carter. In middle school, he was warned by many people that, due to learning disabilities, he would need five years to complete high school. Now, as a junior, not only is he on track to graduate, but his grades are outstanding, he takes AP courses, and, as seen above, he spends an enormous amount of time studying outside of school and working to improve his community. This is a young man who knows where he wants to go and won’t let anything stop him from getting there! 
Chris McAuley
Fairborn High School
Fairborn, Ohio
Chris describes himself as friendly, always busy, interested in sports, and fond of pizza, and Stephen King books. This may make him sound like an average high school student, but a careful observer would see a diligent student, leader, and mentor. “I’m not sure if world peace is possible, but I try to put my best foot forward and try to instill a more peaceful community,” Chris says.
When it comes to scholastic achievements, Chris is decidedly not average. He ranks first in a class of 318 students and maintains the highest possible GPA at his school at 4.35. He jumps at the opportunity to challenge himself through honors classes plus one college course per quarter at Wright State University, where he can further his interest in mathematics. He is proudest of winning various math competitions in the last few years and being one of the 20 students selected to participate in the Super Computer Institute at Ohio State University in the summer of 2008.
Chris believes school isn’t just about getting the grades; it’s about getting involved. He has been elected treasurer of Student Congress, taken on various roles with the Spanish Club, and served on the prom committee. He shows enormous potential as a participant in the Academic Challenge Varsity Team, which consists of competitions involving history, math, literature, government and science. Chris is also proud to be a member of the National Honor Society.
Outside of school, Chris likes to involve himself in his community. He has gained over 178 hours of service with Boy Scouts of America, where he has taken on the roles of troop guide and scribe, as well as attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. He has spent 80 hours with his youth ministry, and some 50 hours with other organizations that help youth, the elderly, the homeless and families in need.
With all of Chris’s achievements, it might be hard to believe that he has struggled at one time in his life. When he was younger he experienced speech problems, but was able to overcome them, move forward, and participate in a program for gifted students. Chris is motivated by his earlier difficulties and says he now appreciates all that he is able to do. “I strive to improve myself every day, and improve the lives of others around me,” Chris said. 
Cindy Hsu
Carlsbad High School
Carlsbad, California
Artist, entrepreneur, and high-achieving student are just a few roles that describe Cindy Hsu. “I am artistic and very ambitious. I really enjoy working and interacting with children and my peers,” Cindy says.
Cindy is a diligent student with a perfect GPA and takes a full load of AP courses. She has become an entrepreneur at her school, launching two highly active community service clubs. Cindy and her friends started The Children’s Relief Coalition to raise money for underprivileged children. As president of the Red Cross Club, she helps educate her peers and community on how to prepare for, and respond to, disasters and other emergencies. She is currently vice president of both the Interact Club and the Art Club, and has recently taken on the position of treasurer for the 2010 Class Student Council. Cindy has also been involved in the Peer Leaders program, Amnesty International and the Environmental Club for more than two years.
Art is one of Cindy’s greatest passions and she spends a lot of her time outside of school working on her pieces. She has received numerous awards for her creativity, including being recognized by her school’s art show, the Carlsbad-Oceanside Art League, The Women’s Club and the Palomar District No. 24 Arts Festival.
Cindy enjoys giving back to her community. For the past few summers, she has volunteered with the Summer Reading Program at her community library. Last year, Cindy enjoyed using her artistic talents to teach young children art at the Creative Arts Camp in Carlsbad. Volunteering at the Boy and Girls Club and tutoring middle school kids have also been ways in which Cindy contributes to her community.
Cindy’s goal of going to a four-year college has motivated her to do well in school. Her parents want her to achieve the education they didn’t receive, so that she can have many options for her life. The many contributions she has made to her school and her community have fulfilled her main aspiration of becoming a leader. “My capability as a leader shows that I am able to take charge and be innovative,” she says.  Connie Lim
Newport High School
Bellevue, Washington
Connie Lim is an extraordinary student, musician and entrepreneur. “I actively participate in all that I can and am eager to learn new things at every opportunity,” Connie says. She constantly strives to do more and do it better, and cites her strong spirituality as her motivation to do so.
Connie is a high-ranking student at her school, always taking AP courses and keeping a high GPA. In order to gain more educational experiences, she is in the Running Start program, allowing her to take demanding college courses at Bellevue College.
Academics may seem to be Connie’s strong suit, but what really distinguishes her is the dedication she shows to help others in need. Connie is currently developing a program called the Bellevue Global Health Alliance, in partnership with the Washington Global Health Alliance. She wants to raise awareness in teens about global health issues and to educate them on how they can help. Her goal is to raise funds to purchase needed health-care items and send them to struggling nations, as well as to train other students to spread the word on global health. Connie also takes time to be on the junior volunteer board at Overlake Hospital and to advocate for youth programs with the Bellevue 24-Hour Relay.
At school, Connie is a member and president-elect of Key Club International. She is also a leader with Link Crew, which helps incoming freshman ease into the high school environment. Connie has also devoted time to the Invisible Children’s Club, Junior Statesmen of America and Teens Against Tobacco Use.
Connie’s spare time is filled with music: she plays both harp and piano, and loves to sing. In recent years, her family has worked to overcome challenges brought about by her father’s struggle with multiple sclerosis.
Connie finds that her deep spirituality provides the motivation to get through difficulties and succeed. “I may not be the coolest person in the world, or have tons of money to spend, but I have compassion and love because God showed me that first,” Connie says.  Eileen Ung
Long Beach Polytechnic High School
Long Beach, California Eileen does everything she can to make the most of her high school career. Whether that be taking the most demanding classes possible, learning Chinese during her free time or taking 0 period symphonic winds, she is always striving to expand her horizons and challenge herself in every way. “Challenging” seems like an understatement when you look at Eileen’s academic schedule. Not only is she in the top 1% of almost 1000 students in her high school class, but she is also a member of the PACE (Program of Additional Curricular Experiences) program, the most rigorous magnet program. Another passion for Eileen is the Chinese language and culture. Not only does she attend extracurricular classes, she also participates enthusiastically in all the Chinese cultural activities offered to her, including calligraphy competitions, school fairs and more. Her favorite activity is the Chinese History and Culture Club; she loves learning about her heritage and has won first place in the Chinese History and Culture Competition three times. Notable among the many school activities Eileen pursues are cross country, speech and debate, mock trial, California Scholarship Federation and National Honor Society. Eileen also puts a lot of effort into helping her community. The Alphabet Soup Club, which she founded, hosts “activity” days at the local library where members read to kids and do arts and crafts with them. Eileen has also logged over 200 hours of community service with the Long Beach Aquarium’s VolunTEEN program, receiving the Sea Star Award for excellent volunteer service. Eileen is motivated by her own drive to reach her goals, but also by the hard work and determination of her parents. “My goal in life is to become someone my parents can be proud of…I want to be successful when I grow up, I want to make a difference in this world, I want to impact society,” Eileen says. 
Elena De Jesus Hernandez
Liberty High School
Hillsboro, Oregon
Student, provider, leader, and mentor are just a few of the roles Elena De Jesus Hernandez takes on in her everyday life. As a responsible young woman, she makes time to take advantage of any opportunities that will better herself and her family. “Doors open up daily and I believe it’s up to me to enter through them before they are closed,” says Elena.
Elena is a high achiever at her school, ranking in the top 3% of her class of 314. She has challenged herself by taking AP Language and Composition, as well as AP Spanish. Along with academics, Elena is involved in many ways at her school. As secretary of MECHA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan), she is in charge of the club’s meetings and fundraisers. Elena also has become a teen leader with Students Today Aren’t Ready for Sex (STARS), a school group educating 7th graders in ways to stand up to peer pressure when it comes to sexual involvement.
In her community, Elena has volunteered as a choir director for children and has involved herself in a local performance group called Encuentros. Group members present dramas, in both English and Spanish, about refraining from drugs, alcohol, gangs and sexual involvement.
When Elena isn’t concentrating on academics and service, she finds time for herself through running. She was proud to run in the 2007 Helvetia Half Marathon, crossing the finish line in 2 hours and 13 minutes. Elena also enjoys writing. An essay she submitted to the Upward Bound Program resulted in her being selected to go to Washington, DC, to attend various college preparation workshops.
Since her mother passed away, Elena has taken on many new responsibilities: she helps her father with paying bills and preparing meals, and helps her younger siblings with homework. After moving to the US from Oaxaca, Mexico, Elena took on the challenge of learning English and continues to translate for her father and other siblings who need it.
Every night before Elena goes to bed she takes a moment to think about who she is. She reminds herself where she came from and is thankful for all the opportunities and privileges she has living in the United States. She feels her family and friends have been her biggest support and motivation, but said, “above all, though, it is up to me to motivate myself every day.” 
Erika So
Pittsburg High School
Pittsburg, California
Erika takes each day as an opportunity to learn something new and does her best to reflect what she has learned on others. She makes the most out of every day, cramming in anything that involves helping her school and community. “I’ve learned that I can make a difference and I try to help out wherever there is need, so that I can brighten someone else’s day,” Erika says.
The Girl Scouts of America organization is where Erika has found herself and her passion to serve those in need. Her membership is at the Ambassador Level, as a result of volunteering over 1,500 hours of community service with the Girl Scouts since September 2007. One of her greatest Scouting experiences has been volunteering for three years in the Golden Gate Bridging, a program which welcomes Junior Girl Scouts to the Cadette level. In 2008, she also had the pleasure of traveling to Costa Rica to take part in three service projects: painting for a youth community center, constructing a recycling center and building a community garden with soil from the rain forest.
Erika applies herself with equal diligence when it comes to academics. Along with being fourth in her glass and achieving a high GPA, she takes extra courses at Los Medanos College so she can make the most out of her school day. Her top priorities also include student leadership: she has been class president for two years, and vice president for one. Music is another important area in her life. She has been active in the school’s jazz ensemble, and as drill instructor for the Pirates Marching Show Band, she is recognized throughout her community as a skilled performer. Key Club, Mu Alpha Theta and California Scholarship Federation are other clubs in which she is an active member. Erika was named Most Valuable Player on her school’s women’s varsity golf team.
Beyond school, Erika has accomplished some amazing achievements. Along with her Silver Award in Girl Scouts, Erika has been inducted into the Cookie Hall of Fame for selling over 1,200 boxes of cookies in three consecutive years. In 2008, Erika, holding the title of Miss Teen Pittsburg, won the Leadership Award at the 2008 Miss Teenage California pageant. Also, at the F.I.R.S.T. Robotics UC Davis Regional competition, Erika’s team received the Rookie Inspiration Award.
As in the Girl Scout promise, Erika vows to make the world a better place. Her family’s hard work to get by has made her thankful for all that she has gained, and for all the opportunities she has been given. “Each adventure presented to me has given me the tools to improve myself,” Erika says. Her outstanding spectrum of service and educational achievements proves that Erika takes nothing for granted. 
Hanna Wilson
Mid-Prairie High School
Wellman, Iowa
“Being a leader inspires those around you to do the same; be leaders,” says Hanna. Hanna Wilson’s achievements mirror her impassioned words. It seems that almost every day she finds a way to better the lives of others. Whether with a smile or a project, Hanna believes that if teens do more, our world will advance in new and positive ways.
Hanna sees being a mentor as one of her greatest achievements. She has taken the lead as a mentor for girls in a 4-H program and volunteers at her local recreation center, planning activities for the youth. At Mid-Prairie High School, Hanna takes time away from her studies to be involved with the Student to Student Mentoring Program, mentoring a high school student with disabilities. Each and every day Hanna is inspired by the dedication and passion of those around her and continually works to help younger students become just as dedicated and passionate.
A recent National Honor Society inductee, Hanna believes academics should be every student’s top priority in high school. At her school, Hanna has been involved in various organizations, holding offices in the FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America) and FFA (Future Farmers of America), excelling in the Choir and Theater Departments, and managing the girls’ basketball team.
While she spends a great deal of her time on school and mentoring, Hanna also involves herself in her community. She has spent over 100 hours assisting teachers at various elementary schools and learning about what she hopes will one day be her career; teaching. Hanna has also spent time with organizations at her school visiting local nursing homes, teaching children about farm safety, planning a teen pregnancy prevention dance, and many other community service projects.
Hanna cites her challenges in life as her main motivation to succeed and help others. When she was in eighth grade Hanna’s family faced difficulties after her father was in a serious car accident leading to a very long hospital stay. Hanna’s family has had to adapt to her father’s disabilities, which present many challenges, but she believes the experience brought them closer together. Further, Hanna has had to miss numerous school days due to a pineal gland lesion in her brain, diagnosed last year. While her life has not been easy, Hanna believes these struggles have made her the person she has always wanted to be; someone her peers can look up to. “I see my achievements through the inspiration that I instill in others,” Hanna says. “The best way to describe a person is to look at their passion and commitment. My passion lies with my leadership and my commitment lies within the peers that strive to become leaders themselves.” 
Hannah Smythe
Anacortes Senior High School
Anacortes, Washington
“I’ve always been determined and independent, and my characteristic perseverance has motivated me to always try my hardest to succeed in everything I do,” said Hannah, and her record certainly proves this all to be true. Whether it is school, work, or extracurricular activities, Hannah quietly achieves excellence in everything she does
In school, Hannah strives to always succeed. She is ranked number one in her class, maintains an unweighted 4.0 GPA and has won a total of six school departmental awards in Spanish, Science, English and Social Studies. She scored a 2200 on her SAT and has achieved National Merit recognition for her PSAT scores.
Hannah is also very committed to serving her school. She devotes much of her school service time to Schools for Schools, an organization dedicated to helping kids in civil war-torn Uganda receive an education. Serving as president since sophomore year, she has conceived of, organized and executed many fundraisers. The most exceptional examples of fundraisers she has led include a four month long intra-city book drive that collected 15,541 books for students in Uganda and two highly successful New Year’s Eve benefit concerts. Beyond her work with Schools for Schools, Hannah is also president of the International Club, captain of the Sailing Team, president of Students Against Destructive Decisions, and an active member of National Honor Society, Link Crew, Spanish Travel Club and French Travel Club.
Outside of school, Hannah spends much of her time volunteering and working to save for college. Since September of 2007, Hannah has logged over 250 hours of community service by tutoring struggling middle school and high school students and volunteering for various organizations around her community. During the school year, Hannah works a few days a week after school at a hardware store, and during the summer she spends 11 hours a day, five days a week working at the hardware store and teaching sailing. Beyond work and volunteer commitments, Hannah finds time to participate on the varsity sailing team, which she has been on since freshman year.
Hannah’s fierce independence drives her to succeed. She makes it very clear that she doesn’t want to have to rely on someone else to support her. “More than anything, I want to be able to go to college and get a fantastic education so that I can support myself.” 
Jenelle Yee
Edward C. Reed High School
Sparks, Nevada
Jenelle sees her high school career as an opportunity to get involved in the community “Caring for the community goes hand in hand with volunteering, which is very close to my heart,” says Jenelle.
So far, Jenelle’s high school experience has been most influenced by her service to the community. Of all her service activities, Jenelle cites her positions as Key Club district secretary and Key Club lieutenant governor as her most influential. During her term, Jenelle presided over a board of liaisons consisting of students from over 600 schools throughout California, Nevada and Hawaii, and led 13 district high schools in a fundraiser to support pediatric trauma programs.
Other organizations benefiting from Jenelle’s involvement have included the March of Dimes, March for Babies, Special Olympics and many more. She has accumulated over 200 service hours in such efforts since September 2007.
In school, Jenelle is an outstanding student who maintains a strong GPA, takes honors and AP courses and is heavily involved in school activities. Some of the organizations she participates in include Nevada Youth Legislative Issues Forum, varsity tennis, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), National Honor Society, Giving Circle; Youth Philanthropist, Diverse Student Union, Rock Climbing Club and the Newspaper Club.
Many of Jenelle’s outstanding achievements have been recognized by prestigious honors. She was chosen as a Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference Ambassador, took third place in parliamentary procedure at the FBLA state competition and received the Hope of America award from the Cal-Nev-Ha Foundation. She has also placed in regional competition as a doubles tennis player.
Jenelle names the opportunity to participate in Key Club as the reason for much of her personal growth. “Key Club has been my motivating factor in high school,” she says, “since it is the one organization that allows its member the opportunities to build character, develop leadership skills, be inclusive and perform service in the home, school and community.” 
Kelly Gagnon
Hickory Ridge High School
Harrisburg, North Carolina
Kelly Gagnon is a high achiever who is focused on being successful, but she is also dedicated to her community and always finds a way to put helping people first. “The feeling received when you help someone can be so self-satisfying that it pushes you to do better in everything and all that you do,” says Kelly. To many students, balancing a busy schedule like hers seems impossible, but Kelly finds a way to do it all without compromising success in any area of her life.
Kelly says that academics are a high priority in her life. She ranks 13th in her class of 325 and has challenged herself with honors classes plus AP Statistics and Environmental Science. She is a member of the National Honor Society, and takes pride in her role as lieutenant governor for all Key Clubs in her district. Kelly’s active involvement in National Honor Society, Key Club, Beta Club and Mu Alpha Theta has resulted in her running fundraisers, tutoring peers and helping to develop a program to inform her fellow students of the tragedies that are happening in Uganda.
While Kelly takes on many school related activities, she always makes time for community service. She is an active volunteer at her local hospital, accumulating 60 hours of service so far. Kelly particularly enjoyed her experience with Wings of Eagles Therapeutic Ranch for handicapped children. Most recently, Kelly is excited about her role on the committee for Youth United, an arm of Habitat for Humanity.
Kelly credits much of her determination to her strong, secure family and the strength she finds in herself to succeed. “With an optimistic attitude, determination and an open heart anything is possible,” Kelly said. “I have come to realize that it isn’t enough to think positively; in order to truly be successful you must put those thoughts into actions.” Kelly’s ambitious mentality is what has allowed her to balance everything in her life well and to become the leader she always wanted to be.  Mackenzie Welch
Chadron High School
Chadron, Nebraska Mackenzie is a unique young woman with a very mature perspective on life. She embraces the uncertainty of being a teenager, but works very hard to experience life in a way that will help her find her path. “I am the idealistic, sixteen-year-old girl trying to determine the meaning of life. So far, I have established that one cannot go wrong when working for the good of others,” says Mackenzie. Mackenzie goes unusually far to challenge herself academically and feed her intellectual curiosity. Recently, she realized that not all the classes at her small high school matched her interests and desire for academic challenge. This prompted her to enroll in some courses at Chadron State College, where she has maintained a perfect 4.0 despite being the youngest in her class. Beyond academics, Mackenzie is involved in a variety of school clubs and activities. She has been participating in Mock Trial since 2006 and helped her team to win the state championship last year. In addition, she competed at the district level for Speech and Debate and qualified for the national competition in Future Business Leaders of America. Her other school involvements include Math Club, Art Club, Cross Country, Swim Team and the Dance Boutique. Making the community a better place is a top priority for Mackenzie. She is always sure to put energy into a variety of community service ventures. Mackenzie has racked up almost 200 hours volunteering at organizations such as the Chadron Youth Council, Friends of Pets, Family Rescue Services, the Chadron Natural Food Co-Op, and Earth Day. In 2008, she helped to organize a community event which attracted over 1,000 people, a substantial number for a town of 6,000. Mackenzie credits her parents for much of her intellectual curiosity, adventurous spirit, and motivation to help her community. “They are active citizens in the community,” says Mackenzie. “With the experiences they have given me and the role models they provide, I can do nothing but succeed.” 
Meredith Roberts
Sequim High School
Sequim, Washington Meredith has big dreams and knows that she needs to work hard to get there. She realizes that life has its ups and downs and that circumstances can change, but she also knows that she can overcome a lot. “One thing has stayed the same through everything, my dream,” says Meredith. In school, Meredith is leads her class, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA while taking a difficult load of honors and AP classes.
Meredith’s favorite extracurricular activity is student government, in which she has been class secretary and class senator. Meredith describes her student government experience as one of her proudest achievements, noting that “only a few years ago I was too shy to talk to a stranger, and now I am addressing the entire school.” During her tenure with SGA she has planned and executed fundraisers including dances, a run-a-thon, concessions and many others. Other school organizations that Meredith is involved in include Link Crew, Year Book, National Honor Society, Interact and Random Acts of Kindness Club. She has found that school is what you make of it and for her, getting involved is a blast. She participates in varsity track and field, and has competed at the state level in cross country. On the artistic side, Meredith has already won multiple prizes for her poetry and one day hopes to be a published author. Meredith also does her best to contribute to her community. She offers her time as a volunteer at a variety of special-event fundraisers including Santa’s Breakfast, Haunted Hallway and Helen Haller Family Fun Night. However, her favorite community service activity is tutoring elementary school students who struggle in school. Meredith is the type of person who sees a problem and wants to do everything she can to help fix it.. She has seen people around her struggle through their teenage years and yearns to be the person who can help them. “I want to attend a good college and become a psychologist or psychiatrist,” says Meredith. “As a therapist, I want to work with teens to help them get through the tough times in their life.” 
Mitchell Sauve
Gladwin High School
Gladwin, Michigan
At the age of 12 Mitchell Sauve was adopted from a Russian orphanage, immersed in the United States culture, and faced with the challenge of learning English. In three months, Mitchell learned English and became a straight A student. With such a significant change in lifestyle, Mitchell is the epitome of what it means to take advantage of new opportunities.
Mitchell is ranked third in his class of 154 students and has a 3.9 GPA. Along with his quick advancement in the English Language, Mitchell excels in challenging math and science classes. He is involved in the National Honor Society, he volunteers at a variety of schools functions and has also been a member of the 4-H club for five years, acting as Treasurer and taking the lead on service projects.
When Mitchell isn’t at school, he is involving himself in his community. He has spent many hours as a Boy Scout and Eagle Scout, running canned food drives, helping with trail maintenance, and sharing his passion for soccer with youth. As a scout, he has taken on various leadership roles for his troop, acting as patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader and senior patrol leader. Mitchell also works hard to save money for college by working every summer. He has spent the last few summers he worked at an ice cream shop and weeded and planted at a community garden.
Mitchell’s motivation to learn English in 3 months is the same kind of motivation that has helped him achieve greatness in school and his community. “I am mostly self-motivated; if I feel something is very important and needs to be done, I do it,” Mitchell said. 
Nathanael Franks
Sam Barlow High School
Gresham, Oregon Nathanael is the type of student who actively seeks out opportunities to do things that few students in his area have done. Living in a small town has presented its challenges to Nathanael; he rarely hears about graduates of his high school studying in different states or setting entrepreneurial goals, but that only motivates him to be different and seek more.
Nathanael’s most notable effort to learn and gain more experience was his exciting time with the Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange Program, through which a scholarship allowed him to live with a family and attend school in Germany. While there, he joined handball and tennis teams, ran numerous half-marathons around the country, and even fulfilled an ambition to learn to play the fabled Swiss alphorn. Ranked first in his class, Nathanael has challenged himself by taking AP classes, as well as additional college courses at the community college. Nathanael is so committed to academics that he started his school’s Academic Decathlon team, which not only vies in academic competitions but also raises funds for study materials. He is president of the Science Alliance Club and a team captain for the BPA Science Bowl team. In addition to academic pursuits, Nathanael is a strong varsity team member in football, basketball and track and field. Outside of school Nathanael serves in the emergency volunteer department at the Legacy Mt. Hood Medical Center. He has spent time interning in the Oregon State Capitol, as well as working as a counselor and lifeguard at German and Swiss language and cultural immersion camps. He enjoys teaching Sunday school classes at the Good Shepherd Community Church, and dedicates time to Northwest Family Services as a peer mentor, helping eighth-graders deal with problems regarding peer pressure, drugs, sex, alcohol and school. Nathanael’s drive to get more out of life makes him stand out among his peers. From studying abroad to serving his local community, Nathanael is a motivated student who is willing to step out of the box to create learning opportunities for himself that goes beyond the traditional avenues of education.
Steve Barillas
John Marshall High School
Los Angeles, California Steve Barillas is a superior student, leader and volunteer, and has overcome many obstacles to get there. As a boy, Steve struggled to fit in, but always kept his head high in an effort to be a better person. “I always respected myself enough to know that nothing anyone else had to say was as important as learning and becoming successful one day,” Steve says. Steve ranks in the top 3% of his class of 500 students. He is taking five AP courses and has still achieved a high GPA. Steve has been given the chance to learn and study with his school’s Academic Decathlon team, helping them win various competitions. He is also involved with a mentor program, where he was trained to help sophomore students do well in school. Steve is most proud of his role as chief of staff for the Habitat for Humanity club at his school, helping the club set goals and find ways to achieve them. Community service has also become a priority for Steve. He has participated in the AIDS fundraising walk, as well as helping in his church’s homeless lunch program for two years. Another community service organization that benefits from Steve’s participation is Maya Mobile, an organization dedicated to educating children on Mayan culture. Although the youngest volunteer in the organization, he was able to plan a variety of activities and teaching lessons to help the cause. Steve credits his motivation to do well in school to his family, who continually remind him to take advantage of opportunities. Steve believes he has come a long way since his childhood and is now proud that he is not only an American citizen, but will be the first person in his family to go to college and earn a higher education. His ability to stay strong, and accomplish what many thought he wouldn’t, is Steve’s greatest achievement yet. 
Zachary Zlatev
Atlantic Community High School
Delray Beach, Florida The list of Zachary’s achievements in academic and leadership activities can only be described as long and impressive. “I am a driven, goal-oriented, socially conscious person,” says Zachary. Zachary is in the top 1% of his class and is currently the salutorian. In addition, to the eleven AP classes he has taken, he is also an International Baccalaureate candidate and has received all A’s in the six classes he has taken on a local college campus. As a junior, he has already taken six AP exams and, based on his high scores in those classes, has been named an AP Scholar with Distinction. In the leadership realm, Zachary is a graduate of the Lou Frey Civic Leadership Academy. Last year the Junior National Youth Leadership Conference flew him to Washington D.C. to give its keynote address. On top of these distinctions, Zachary is also a Safe School Ambassador, captain of his school’s Speech and Debate Team, was past-president of a campus political group, and has been fundraising co-chair for Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society. Community service is very central in Zachary’s life. Zachary has volunteered 100 hours as an intern for Summer Youth College, a camp for 8-14 year olds, and has given over 100 hours to various state and national political campaigns. Beyond those commitments, he also spent 180 hours working on environmental issues. He organized a concert to raise awareness about global warming, and volunteered to teach 3rd to 5th graders about the environment and help them design their own environmental service projects. What may be even more amazing is that, on top of all his other activities, Zachary baby-sits and has worked for Publix Supermarkets to help support himself and save for his college education. Zachary cites the persecution of his mom’s family in Nazi Germany and his dad’s experience with Communism in Bulgaria as part of his strong motivation to succeed. “I am very politically charged,” says Zachary. “Government nearly entirely broke up my family and I have a commitment to make sure that it doesn’t happen to any others.”  GEORGIA STASINOPOULOS
Harvard University
Last Updated 5/08 Georgia describes herself as having an “overwhelming desire to master my surroundings and affect them in a positive way. This desire,” says Georgia, “transformed into a natural sense of leadership.” In school, Georgia works hard to master all the subjects she pursues in school--her dedication is reflected in her 4.0 GPA. Her commitment to schoolwork relates directly to her character, she explains. “My personality is very easy to define, through the words of Abraham Lincoln: 'By all means, do not say ”If I can”—say ”I will.”'” In addition to succeeding in her everyday classes, Georgia has received numerous recognitions for her writing, including a first place poetry award and a second place nonfiction award from the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards in New York. In 2008, she was ranked one of the top 12 teenage poets in New York City by the Alan G. Ross Memorial Project. Since seventh grade, she has participated each year in National Novel Writing Month.
Debate is another passion for Georgia. She is assistant captain for the Lincoln Douglas Debate Team at her school, placing well at many local and national competitions. Her efforts culminated this year in qualifying for National Championships, where she had the opportunity to represent her school at a national level. The final outcome found her ranked eleventh in the nation overall as a junior. “I have always had the tendency to dedicate myself to a variety of projects and activities because of my unchecked curiosity and desire to learn,” says Georgia. Among other activities, Georgia founded National Novel Writing Month Writers Club, is a staff member of the school newspaper, is a member of the National Honor Society, and participates actively in such cultural activities as the Stuyvesant Chamber Choir, the Hellenic Dancers at her church, and her community center's annual oratorical festival.
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