Meet Your Princeton '14 Classmates (news stories)

PtonGrad2000 · June 21, 2010, 11:53am

“National Merit Scholar Davis to Attend Princeton” (Alabama)

[Montgomery</a> Academy’s Davis to play baseball at Princeton | montgomeryadvertiser.com | Montgomery Advertiser](<a href=“http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20100619/SPORTS0304/6190345/Montgomery-Academy-s-Davis-to-play-baseball-at-Princeton]Montgomery”>http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20100619/SPORTS0304/6190345/Montgomery-Academy-s-Davis-to-play-baseball-at-Princeton)

"Montgomery Academy’s Will Davis has always had the proper perspective on what it means to be a student-athlete.

While many aspiring college athletes place more emphasis on their on-field accomplishments as their ticket to stardom, Davis’ success in the classroom has secured his opportunity to continue his baseball career.

Davis, a 6-foot-2, 205-pound, left-handed-hitting first baseman, has chosen Princeton University after turning down offers from The Citadel and Furman.

Princeton is a member of Division I, but as a member of the Ivy League, does not offer athletic scholarships. However, Davis’ academic accomplishments made him a strong candidate. He won a National Merit Scholarship and was one of four boys in Alabama to be named a U.S. Presidential Scholars semifinalist.

“I applied to Princeton as my dream school. I knew I had good grades and a good SAT score, but I knew the competition would be tough,” Davis said. “I was kind of shocked when I got accepted. . . . (continued)”

PtonGrad2000 · June 21, 2010, 11:55am

Valedictorian Katherine Skinner Headed to Princeton (New York)

[Riverhead</a> Central Schools](<a href=“http://www.riverhead.net/HTML/RHS04/News0910/RHSvaledictorian10.html]Riverhead”>http://www.riverhead.net/HTML/RHS04/News0910/RHSvaledictorian10.html)

"RHS senior Katherine Skinner is Valedictorian for the class of 2010.
Katie has been accepted at Princeton and plans to major in mathematics.

Katie Skinner is finishing her four-year academic career at Riverhead High School in a blaze of glory. Her skeletal resume of achievements is five pages long, and much more could be said about this outstanding scholar and athlete. She is #1 in her class of 333. She has taken almost every AP and college level course offered at RHS, and was named an AP Scholar with Distinction (the highest group ranking granted to students who receive an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams, and grades of 3 or higher on four more of these exams). Katie has received all 4s and 5s so far on her AP exams. She is also an outstanding Latin scholar (a past captain of the Certamen team) and will receive college credits in Latin through the Albany University-sponsored UHS Elementary Latin II and UHS Introduction to Latin Literature I and college credits through Syracuse University Project Advance courses in Forensics, Psychology, Public Affairs and Economics–all courses offered at RHS. . . .

Katie was one of 25 winners nationwide of the 13th annual Scholar Athlete Moustache of the Year (SAMMY) Award issued by the Milk Processor Education Program and USA Today. In total, more than 41,000 students applied nationwide. She received a $7,500 college scholarship, an invitation to a weekend at Disney World in Orlando and a chance to appear in national milk ads. Winners, picked by celebrity judges, were chosen on the basis of academic performance, athletic excellence, leadership, community service and a 75-word essay describing how milk is part of their everyday life and training regimen. (continued)"

PtonGrad2000 · June 23, 2010, 2:46pm

“Midwoods Oliver enjoys state titles, eyes 2012 Olympics” (Jamaica & New York)

[Midwood’s</a> Oliver enjoys state titles, eyes 2012 Olympics](<a href=“http://www.yournabe.com/articles/2010/06/22/brooklyn_graphic/high_school/courier-yn_brooklyn_graphic-sp_midwoodoliver_2010_06_25_bk.txt]Midwood’s”>http://www.yournabe.com/articles/2010/06/22/brooklyn_graphic/high_school/courier-yn_brooklyn_graphic-sp_midwoodoliver_2010_06_25_bk.txt)

"Three years ago Imani Oliver was really just learning the triple jump. Now she has aspirations of competing in it on the worlds greatest stage.

I keep telling my coach, Im going to the 2012 Olympics, the Midwood senior said. Now I can actually see it happening.

Oliver, who Hornets coach Walter Cohen called an extremely hard worker who strives to excel, received the PSAL girls indoor track Wingate Award, given to the leagues most outstanding senior in each sport, at St. Francis College last Monday.

It wasnt the only hardware she picked up in the last few days. She won her second straight triple jump state title this year when she won the event with a leap of 40 feet 2.25 inches at the state outdoor championships at Vestal HS this weekend. It completes a perfect sweep of championships for the Princeton-bound Oliver. She won the Brooklyn, city and state crowns during both the indoor and outdoor seasons.

I said if I dont repeat this performance I would be very disappointed, she said of completing the sweep.

It is her career best jump of 41-09 at the PSAL outdoor city championships that has Oliver believing she can compete for a spot on the United States or Jamaican Olympic team down the road. At the time it was believed she had topped A.P. Randolphs Michelle Hickmans 1996 PSAL record of 43-3.75 with that leap, but without proper wind instruments at Icahn Stadium it could not be determined if it was wind aided or not. . . .

She chose Princeton because it was the best combination of academics and athletics and she wanted to work with Tigers jump coach Ed Roskiewicz. Oliver believes she needs to work on extending more during her final phase, the jump, if her distances are going to improve. So far that process couldnt have gone any better.

I have always been wondering and waiting for this to happen, Oliver said. Now its happening.

PtonGrad2000 · June 23, 2010, 2:52pm

“Local teens Take Second in International Computing Competition” (Rhode Island)

[Teens</a> Take Second in International Computing Competition](<a href=“http://www.eastbayri.com/detail/136622.html]Teens”>http://www.eastbayri.com/detail/136622.html)

Mario Correia knew he had a strong team when he drove three members of Barrington High School’s computer club to Pennsylvania on Memorial Day weekend for an international competition.

Abhimat Gautam, Pierre Karashchuk and Diana Chin [Princeton '14] traveled with Mr. Correia, the club advisor, to compete in the American Computer Science League All-Stars Finals at Conrad Weiser High School. The three students won top marks in previous competitions, earning them a spot in the finals where they came in second.

“I was really thrilled for these young people. I felt going in they had a great chance to win. They are such a talented team and they work well together,” Mr. Correia said.

The three member Barrington team was beat out by a team from Romania, a squad that is reportedly a consistent top contender in youth computer competitions. . . .

Club members met weekly to study a variety of topics related to math and computer programming, and participated in several smaller competitions prior to the finals in Pennsylvania.

Abhimat, Diana and Pierre have been part of the computer club each year they have been at the high school. . . .

Diana — the only female member of the club — added, “They give you the specific input and then your program has to be able to use that input and put out a specific output.” . . .

Diana and Abhimat plan to study math or computer related subjects at a higher level. Diana will attend Princeton to study engineering. Abihmat will attend the University of California, Berkeley, to study astrophysics.

PtonGrad2000 · June 23, 2010, 2:55pm

Salutatorian Justin Perez: Reaching Out To Help Others (New Jersey)

[All</a> for one UCHS graduates prepare for first commencement ceremony together](<a href=“Home - Hudson Reporter”>Home - Hudson Reporter)

"Salutatorian Justin Perez has been an active member of the arts community at UCHS, participating in school musicals, the school band, and even his own band. For his own band, he writes songs, sings, and plays guitar.

Perez said that although combining with a former rival school was a rough transition at first, eventually everyone came together.

He said it was a beautiful sight to see.

People are coming together and new bonds and friendships are being made that will last forever, said Perez. This experience was not only enjoyable but also helped prepare me for what I am sure to face in college.

Perez plans to attend Princeton University to prepare for law school. Although law school was only a recent thought for Perez, he said the idea of becoming a lawyer is interesting because he wants to be able to defend people who cant defend themselves.

PtonGrad2000 · June 23, 2010, 3:01pm

“Catholic Memorial’s Bray takes game to a whole new level as senior” (Wisconsin)

[Catholic</a> Memorial’s Bray takes game to a whole new level as senior](<a href=“http://wissports.net/sports/hoopsb/blog/message.aspx?f=123&id=1134801]Catholic”>http://wissports.net/sports/hoopsb/blog/message.aspx?f=123&id=1134801)

"Ever since he first stepped onto the court as a skinny freshman in November of 2006, much has been expected of Catholic Memorial senior T.J. Bray.

After building a reputation as an outstanding player at Holy Apostles Grade School in New Berlin, Bray wasted little time cementing his reputation as an outstanding high school player.

At the 2006 Wisconsin Basketball Yearbook Shootout at the Al McGuire Center, Bray came off the bench just nine games into his prep career to score eight huge points in helping Catholic Memorial shock a loaded Indianapolis Franklin Central team that included four future NCAA Division I players, including current Purdue star JaJuan Johnson.

And the gifted 6-foot-4 guard has delivered ever since, helping the Crusaders win 73 of 92 games over the past four seasons.

He has taken his game to a whole new level as a senior, not an easy thing to do when you consider he was already pegged as an elite level player.

Currently ranked No. 11 among players in the class of 2010 in Wisconsin by WisSports.net, Bray is headed to Princeton University to play basketball for the Tigers next season.

Some have speculated Bray could have earned a scholarship to a higher-level Division I school had he waited until after his senior season. For his part, Bray doesnt second-guess his decision to attend Princeton for a single second.

I am very comfortable with my decision to attend Princeton, he said. I just fell in love with the place during my visit. It is a great fit for me.

While Bray has obviously played a huge role in Catholic Memorials current 17-game winning streak, he is quick to pass along some of the praise to his talented teammates. " (continued)

PtonGrad2000 · June 23, 2010, 3:18pm

“Broadwater Academy’s Bloxom wins News Leadership Award” (Delaware)

[Broadwater</a> Academy’s Bloxom wins News Leadership Award](<a href=“http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20100605/NEWS01/100605011]Broadwater”>http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20100605/NEWS01/100605011)

"Blaire Bloxom of Broadwater Academy was presented the Eastern Shore News Leadership Award Friday night at graduation exercises. The award is presented annually to a senior of one of the Shores high schools and includes a plaque and a $1,000 check.

Broadwater Academy headmaster Jeremy McLean said of Bloxom, Of all the young men and women with whom I have been involved over the past 30 years, Blaire stands out as one of the very best.

John T. Williams said, Blaire continues the tradition of her family of service to the community as well as those abroad. Bloxom is the daughter of Rob and Lou Bloxom of Mappsville and the granddaughter of former delegate and Secretary of Agriculture Robert Bloxom and his wife, Pat.

Bloxom has been an exceptional scholar, earning straight As each semester in all of her classes.

Throughout her high school career, Bloxom has been highly involved with school activities. She served as class president in her freshman year and as vice president her junior year. This year she served as president of the Student Council Association and as co-president for the Hi-Y Club. She is an active member of the Recycling Club, Red Cross Club, National Beta Club and the Battle of the Brains team.

Bloxom has earned a number of achievements including the William and Mary Leadership Award, the Virginian Pilot Scholastic Achievement Award and a school nomination for the Princeton Book Award. For three consecutive years, she has received the highest GPA for her class. Her junior year she also attended a leadership seminar for the talent identification program held at Duke University.

Bloxoms most notable volunteer activity was creating the Peace for Precious Children organization after she attended a mission trip to an Indian orphanage her junior year. Through this organization, she was able to raise more than $7,500 in T-shirt sales; this money was used for clothes, clean water and a new dormitory in the orphanage. She also has been an active volunteer in the local community, participating with the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity roofing team and the American Red Cross.

Bloxom will be attending Princeton University in the fall, where she plans to study history, political science and Spanish. She also plans to continue her education in graduate school, pursuing a career in international relations. . . . (continued)"

PtonGrad2000 · June 25, 2010, 10:10am

“Timothy Keyes Follows Brother as Valedictorian” (New Jersey)

[Keyes</a> Second Valedictorian in his Family in the Past Two Years](<a href=“http://www.nj.com/gloucester/index.ssf?/base/news-5/1277357113275600.xml&coll=8]Keyes”>http://www.nj.com/gloucester/index.ssf?/base/news-5/1277357113275600.xml&coll=8)

"WOOLWICH TWP. “Each and every one of us is only responsible for himself or herself,” Kingsway’s valedictorian Timothy Keyes told his classmates at their graduation ceremony Wednesday evening.

Keyes has a special distinction in the school’s history as the second valedictorian in his family in just the past two years.

Keyes’ brother was the head of last year’s graduating class, and he will also join his brother as an Ivy League student when he attends Princeton University in the fall.

“It’s just a coincidence really,” he said, stating that there was never any competition in the family. “We both valued a quality education because our parents never went to college,” he said. . . .

Both Keyes and the salutatorian, Brittni Morganstein, addressed their class and gave them advice to seek happiness in whatever endeavors they attempt and that they have the ability to do whatever they please in the coming years.

“We are responsible for what kind of people we want to be,” Keyes said." (continued)

PtonGrad2000 · June 25, 2010, 10:13am

Shwetha Raghuraman Heads For Princeton: Wilton High (Connecticut)

[Wilton</a> High holds 52nd annual graduation - Norwalk News - The Hour - Norwalk’s Newspaper](<a href=“http://www.thehour.com/story/487983]Wilton”>http://www.thehour.com/story/487983)

"Some members of the Wilton High School graduating class of 2010 voiced enthusiasm as they marched in Saturday’s processional, others were a little in awe. . . .

During the 52nd annual ceremony, Robert O’Donnell, associate principal, announced that two classmates shared the honor of being named co-valedictorians of the graduating class. “Sarah Gustafson and Shwetha Raghuraman both achieved perfect 4.0 grade point averages,” he told the audience. . . .

“Shwetha is scholar, a musician and a volunteer,” he continued. “She is admired and respected by her peers, and was president of the French Honor Society and a member of the National Honor Society. As a violinist, she is a concert mistress and has earned a varsity letter playing field hockey.” . . .

Shirking advice that she avoid the use of clich

PtonGrad2000 · June 25, 2010, 10:16am

“Seniors Led a Campus Exploration of Hunger as a Social Issue” (California)

[Two</a> Bellarmine seniors led a campus exploration of hunger as a social issue - San Jose Mercury News](<a href=“Two Bellarmine seniors led a campus exploration of hunger as a social issue – The Mercury News”>Two Bellarmine seniors led a campus exploration of hunger as a social issue – The Mercury News)

"High school studentsparticularly boysoften seem to be perennial eating machines. The typical senior can make three cheeseburgers, a large order of fries and a super-sized drink vanish in seconds.

But what’s it like when there is little or no food to eat? Back in March, students at Bellarmine College Preparatory got a firsthand glimpse at the brutal realities of world hunger. Coordinated by ASB president Jeff Stapleton and Shayne Petkiewicz, both from the Class of 2010, the “Hungry for Justice” program helped acquaint Bellarmine students with this grim situation that affects nearly 30 percent of the planet’s population.

Bellarmine faculty conceived of focusing on a specific social justice issue each school year. For the 2010-11 term, students turned the spotlight on hunger.

“This was a really new thing for the school,” says Estelle Hayes, director of public relations at the school. “Many of our students are already highly involved in social justice issues, but this program will provide all students with a lot of personal insights and experiences to share.”

Stapleton and Petkiewicz managed different aspects of the Hunger Summit. Petkiewicz’s oversight included the coordination of four days of on-campus speakers and a keynote presenter, all of whom shared their personal experiences with hunger. . . .

Stapleton, who will be attending Princeton in the fall, was scheduled for action as a member of Bellarmine’s volleyball team the night of the hunger strike. Thus, he paid a dollar for lunch; in return he received a small noodle bowl. “I kind of had to eat because of the game,” he notes. “Even just giving up food for the morning really helped put it into perspective; what it’s like to be hungry vs. just hearing facts about hunger.” (continued)

PtonGrad2000 · June 25, 2010, 10:19am

“Kishan Shah, Valedictorian, Headed to Princeton” (New Jersey)

[Cranford</a> Patch, NJ - Kishan Shah is 2010 CHS Valedictorian](<a href=“http://cranford.patch.com/articles/kishan-shan-is-2010-chs-valedictorian]Cranford”>Kishan Shah is 2010 CHS Valedictorian | Cranford, NJ Patch)

"Finishing at the very top of his class, Cranford High School senior Kishan Shah said being valedictorian is something he has strived for over the past four years. Patch had the opportunity to ask a few questions of the Princeton-bound Shah about what it took and what it means to be the 2010 valedictorian.

Patch: What did it take, for you, to become valedictorian?

Shah: Hard work. Never accepting anything less than your best. But, you can balance it. Keep your eye on the prize. . . .

Patch: Where are you attending college? What will your major be?

Shah: Princeton University. I don’t have to declare until I’m a junior, but I’m thinking of going into International Affairs.

Patch: Where else did you get accepted?

Shah: Yale, Brown, University of Pennsylvania, Amherst, Swarthmore and Rutgers.

Patch: What made you choose Princeton?

Shah: Well, number one, they have a great international affairs program - The Woodrow Wilson School of Public International Affairs. The campus and the town are gorgeous. I mean, it’s amazing there. It was also the best economic choice, they gave me quite a bit of money, and their undergraduate program is really, really good. They really focus on the undergraduate program, unlike other schools that tend to focus on their graduate programs. Off-campus there are also amazing restaurants, so definitely take a look at those if you visit. . . . (continued)"

PtonGrad2000 · June 25, 2010, 10:22am

“Three Seniors Take a Curtain Call” (Connecticut)

[Ridgefield</a> Patch, CT - Three Seniors Take a Curtain Call](<a href=“http://ridgefield.patch.com/articles/three-seniors-take-a-curtain-call]Ridgefield”>http://ridgefield.patch.com/articles/three-seniors-take-a-curtain-call)

A senior project performance featuring a small cast held a large crowd’s attention at Ridgefield High School on Friday night.

Inhibitions: A Musical Review was reminiscent of the Broadway show Rent, complete with the friendships, minimal costumes and sets and an uplifting message.

The three-act show-tune revue, with songs linked by monologues, was the brainchild of seniors Ryan Duncan, Stephen Mark and Elizabeth Smith. Mark taught the 10-student cast the music and choreography, Smith produced the show and Duncan and Mark co-directed the revue. The trio came up with the idea when discussing possible ideas for their senior internships.

“A very applicable theme to where we are in life right now is really finding our purpose and the whole story behind achieving a goal,” said Smith, explaining the show’s theme.

“The first section of our show really focuses on the positive influence people can have on our lives and how they can motivate us,” Smith continued. Taking turns sharing their feelings about crushes, bromances and lost love, the actors elicited laughter as they shared witty observations on life.

Act two focused on the negative pressures people can exert on one another, and the last act was “really more of a call to action, really doing what you love for yourself,” Smith said.

The students said their biggest challenge was selecting songs that went along with their theme as well as with performers’ vocal ranges, but in the end it all came together. . . .

“We are very experienced theater geeks. Ryan is going to school for theater at Northwestern,” Mark said.

“And Steve is going to NYU,” said Duncan.

“And I’m going to Princeton not to have anything to do with theater,” said Smith.

“Maybe one day our paths will cross again, and we’ll throw together another musical revue, who knows?” Mark said.

PtonGrad2000 · June 25, 2010, 10:24am

“Senior Standouts – Adam Esquer” (California)

[Senior</a> Standouts: Santa Susana High School | <a href=“http://www.simivalleyacorn.com”>www.simivalleyacorn.com</a> | Simi Valley Acorn](<a href=“http://www.simivalleyacorn.com/news/2010-06-18/Schools/Senior_Standouts_Santa_Susana_High_School.html]Senior”>http://www.simivalleyacorn.com/news/2010-06-18/Schools/Senior_Standouts_Santa_Susana_High_School.html)

"A huge sports fan, Adam Esquer was the founder and the president of the Santa Susana High School Sports Club. He was also a part of the Santa Susana Drill Team.

A gifted student, Adam worked for two years after school as a tutor.

For his academic achievements, the 17-year-old was included into the National Society of High School Scholars and the United States Achievement Academy. He was honored by the National Hispanic Recognition Program.

The son of William and Cindy Esquer, Adam was recently invited to Washington, D.C. to attend the Global Young Leaders Conference. He earned Renaissance Awards for academic excellence, yearbook, mathematics and foreign language.

Adam said his favorite class in school was math, because Theres only one correct answer.

He will attend Princeton University and plans to major in operations research and financial engineering.

In 10 years he sees himself working within the Los Angeles Dodgers organization."

PtonGrad2000 · June 27, 2010, 12:08pm

“Recipient of Van Doren Scholarship to Attend Princeton” (New Jersey)

[Recipient</a> of Van Doren Scholarship to attend Princeton - NJ.com](<a href=“http://www.nj.com/news/times/regional/index.ssf?/base/news-20/127683995375331.xml&coll=5]Recipient”>http://www.nj.com/news/times/regional/index.ssf?/base/news-20/127683995375331.xml&coll=5)

"Montgomery High School valedictorian Jane Wang is a Dr. Edward J. Bloustein Distinguished Scholar and a National Merit Finalist. Wang won a first place Caltech Signature Award in the Science Olympiad National competition in meteorology and oceanography. She also achieved the gold level in the USA Mathematical Talent Search Central Jersey Math League. At Montgomery High School she has earned academic excellence awards in math, physics and chemistry.

Wang is a four-year member of the Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra and she volunteers for the EMT squad and the Montgomery Park Watershed as part of the Chemical Action Team.

Wang is a 2010 recipient of the Van Doren Scholarship and will be attending Princeton University in the fall." (continued)

PtonGrad2000 · June 27, 2010, 12:10pm

“Inspired by Her Father, Carroll Mount’s Valedictorian
Princeton-bound 17-year-old blossoms socially, thrives in classroom” (New Jersey)

[Caldwells</a> Patch, NJ - Inspired by Her Father, Carroll Mount’s Valedictorian](<a href=“http://caldwells.patch.com/articles/inspired-by-her-father-carroll-mounts-valedictorian]Caldwells”>Inspired by Her Father, Carroll Mount's Valedictorian | Caldwells, NJ Patch)

Pete Carroll always encouraged his daughter to be more outgoing, right up until the day he died in 2003.

Colleen Carroll will thank her father on Sunday morning when she dons her white graduation gown, stands in front of all her classmates and their families, and gives a speech as this year’s Mount St. Dominic valedictorian.

“I think he would’ve been really proud of me,” she said. “He was always really proud of me, no matter what I did.”

Pride would come easy to anyone related to a 17-year-old like Carroll. In addition to earning the best academic record in her class, she is a volleyball player, the yearbook editor and leader of her school’s social justice committee. Next fall, she will be a Princeton undergrad.

PtonGrad2000 · June 27, 2010, 12:12pm

Bryana Walker: La Quinta softball (California)

[Bryana</a> Walker, La Quinta softball | mydesert.com | The Desert Sun](<a href=“The Desert Sun | Palm Springs and Coachella Valley news”>The Desert Sun | Palm Springs and Coachella Valley news)

What she did: Walker and her La Quinta teammates enjoyed a storybook season, finishing 22-3, with a fourth DVL title that included 14 shutouts in 15 league games. Walker graduated among the top of her class and was accepted at Princeton. Walker led the team with her .493 batting average. She pitched 126.2 innings, finishing with 21 shutouts, five no-hitters and a miniscule 0.06 ERA.

Coach DeDe Grutz: Bryana’s record speaks for itself. To me, the most impressive thing this season is along with being a great pitcher she became a great teammate. She brought the team into her successes. She wanted to share it with everybody. (continued)

silverturtle · June 27, 2010, 12:17pm

Thanks for posting these.

PtonGrad2000 · June 27, 2010, 12:29pm

“Princeton-Bound Ashley Vandolah: Third in National Junior Olympics” (Montana)

[Princeton</a> signs Choteau athlete](<a href=“http://billingsgazette.com/sports/college/article_2c477332-4f6b-11df-afac-001cc4c002e0.html]Princeton”>http://billingsgazette.com/sports/college/article_2c477332-4f6b-11df-afac-001cc4c002e0.html)

"PRINCETON, N.J. Princeton womens track and field coach Ed Roskiewicz has announced the addition of Choteau javelin thrower Ashley Vandolah.

Vandolah has a personal best of 138-10 in the javelin. At last years State B track meet, she finished second in the javelin, second in the triple jump and third in the long jump to score 22 of Choteaus 45 points.

Vandolah won the javelin at the 2009 AAU West Coast Championship meet and went on to finish in third place in the 2009 AAU National Junior Olympics. She has earned a total of 10 letters in basketball, volleyball and track in her high school career." (continued)

PtonGrad2000 · June 27, 2010, 12:32pm

“Two Plant volleyball players earn academic all-american honors” (Florida)

[Two</a> Plant volleyball players earn academic all-american honors | Home Team | Tampabay.com](<a href=“http://hometeam.tampabay.com/blog/2010/mar/02/two-plant-volleyball-players-earn-academic-all-american-honors/]Two”>http://hometeam.tampabay.com/blog/2010/mar/02/two-plant-volleyball-players-earn-academic-all-american-honors/)

"Plant middle blocker Leah Jordan and Panthers defensive specialist Katie Daorai, both members of the programs state championship team last fall, have been named as 2009 Prepvolleyball.com High School Volleyball Academic All-Americans.

Of Jordan, a third-team selection,.Prepvolleyball.com wrote:

Leah Jordan, 6-0 MB, Plant: A three-year starter and First Team All County performer, Jordan contributed 187 kills and 53 solo blocks for the Panthers, who won state for the fourth consecutive year in 2009. Bound for Princeton, Jordans 3.9 GPA rises to 5.9 when her 12 AP classes are taken into account.

Jordan received a National Merit Commendation and is a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Honor Society, Social Studies Honor Society and Science Honor Society." (continued)

PtonGrad2000 · June 27, 2010, 12:36pm

“High Marks For SHS Valedictorian and Salutatorian” (New York)

[Port</a> Washington Patch, NY - High Marks For SHS Valedictorian and Salutorian](<a href=“http://portwashington.patch.com/articles/high-marks-for-shs-valedictorian-and-salutorian]Port”>High Marks For SHS Valedictorian and Salutatorian | Port Washington, NY Patch)

Every year, a new group of students graduate from high school and head on to college to pursue their dreams. Two students are typically chosen from each class as valedictorian and salutatorian. At Schreiber High School, the students with these distinctions for the Class of 2010 are Richard “Eddie” Grove as valedictorian and Nicole Meyers as salutatorian.

“It feels great to have the highest GPA at Schreiber as I have worked really hard over the years and it’s good to know that it has paid off,” Grove said of being named valedictorian. “It feels great to be among a group of such talented kids at Schreiber as I know that several of my classmates could have been valedictorian at many of the other schools on Long Island.”

To achieve their high marks, one would think that both students simply sat in their bedrooms and only kept their heads down in their books. However, somehow the two students were able to balance their studies along with a variety of extensive clubs, activities and hobbies.

“I love to ski, hike, bike and run,” Grove said. “I am also a four-year varsity member of the cross country team and a three-year varsity member of the spring track team. Track has been amazing, largely due to the efforts of my coaches, Mr. [Jeremy] Klaff and Coach [Christopher] Baker. Cross Country was particularly great this year because our team made it to States and Federations.” . . .

The two Port Washington natives won’t be going too far from home to attend the schools of their choice. Grove will be attending Princeton to pursue a degree in international affairs, while Meyers is going to Cornell for applied economics and business management. . . . (continued)

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