Meet Your Princeton '14 Classmates (news stories)

Colleges & Universities Princeton University
61

<p>“Phillip Dorsey Named National Achievement Scholar” (Pennsylvania)</p>

<p>[PhillyBurbs.com:</a> MFS student receives national recognition](<a href=“http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/news_details/article/2465/2010/april/12/mfs-student-receives-national-recognition.html]PhillyBurbs.com:”>http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/news_details/article/2465/2010/april/12/mfs-student-receives-national-recognition.html) </p>

<p>"Moorestown Friends High School senior Phillip Dorsey of Westampton has been designated a National Achievement Scholarship winner. </p>

<p>He is one of 800 scholarship recipients out of more than 160,000 African-American students who enter the National Achievement Scholarship program. Dorsey will attend Princeton University in the fall. . . . </p>

<p>Last year, Dorsey was inducted into the Cum Laude Society, a national honor society for academically challenging independent schools, and the National Spanish Honor Society. He is a member of the boy’s basketball team and also involved in the robotics program."</p>

62

<p>“Tejas Sathe, Taking a Gap Year, Founding a Company” (Ohio)</p>

<p>[Taking</a> a Gap Year, Founding a Company](<a href=“http://aircollegia.com/?page_id=50]Taking”>http://aircollegia.com/?page_id=50)</p>

<p>Tejas S. Sathe [Princeton '14 after having taken a gap year] graduated from Solon High School in 2009 at the top of his class. Throughout high school, Tejas maintained a straight A grade-point average. Tejas participated in several extra-curricular activities in his high school years, most notable of which was Science Olympiad. Tejas’s interests lie in the natural sciences of biology and chemistry, and he hopes to study molecular biology at Princeton University, which he will be attending this fall. Tejas received a score of 12 on the writing samples on both the SAT and ACT standardized tests. </p>

<p>Tejas has written a variety of essays both for school and applications, and his writing led to acceptances at schools such as Princeton, Yale, The University of Pennsylvania, and Cornell.</p>

<p>Tejas has elected to attend Princeton University due to its strong foundations in both liberal arts and sciences, as well as a mandatory emphasis on research, something Tejas has participated in actively as a research student at the Cleveland Clinic for three years.</p>

63

<p>Alina Jennings, Cooke Scholar and National Merit Scholar (Tennessee)</p>

<p>[Jack</a> Kent Cooke Foundation - Alina Jennings](<a href=“http://www.jkcf.org/our-scholars/current/1818-Alina-Jennings]Jack”>http://www.jkcf.org/our-scholars/current/1818-Alina-Jennings)</p>

<p>Profile: Alina’s love of learning and her wide variety of passions were inspired early in her childhood. A standout student and leader at her high school, she always gave her best in all her endeavors, including an incredible number of extracurricular activities. In addition to her course work and afterschool activities, Alina has a special interest in science and sought and obtained a research internship at Vanderbilt University. The young Ivy League-bound Tennessean also loves to read just about anything and everything. Books are the ultimate gift and she said she challenges herself to learn as much as she possibly can about every subject. She is most proud of founding and leading the Academic Quiz Bowl Club at Ensworth High School. “I always expend my best effort in doing the things that I do”. . . .</p>

<p>Aspiration: Alina plans to start her career in the sciences at Princeton University. Her “passions lay in the research sciences” and she loves the day-to-day investigative work taking place in labs.</p>

<p>Making a Difference: Alina has always been interested in exploring science through experiments and research and was thrilled when she landed an internship in a pharmacology lab at Vanderbilt University. The independent research she performed there was the basis for a research paper which she submitted to the Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology. “I was proud to learn that I was one of five semifinalists from Tennessee and that my work had been recognized by such a prestigious organization.” (continued)</p>

64

<p>“Being Diana Liu, Presidential Scholar Semifinalist and Master Pencil Twirler” (Illinois)</p>

<p>[Online</a> Gargoyle](<a href=“http://www.uni.illinois.edu/og/comment/reply/7498]Online”>http://www.uni.illinois.edu/og/comment/reply/7498)</p>

<p>[Presidential</a> Scholars update: Liu chosen as semifinalist | Online Gargoyle](<a href=“http://www.uni.illinois.edu/og/news/2010/04/presidential-scholars-update-liu-chos]Presidential”>http://www.uni.illinois.edu/og/news/2010/04/presidential-scholars-update-liu-chos)</p>

<p>[Audio</a> slideshow: Hooked on pencil twirling | Online Gargoyle](<a href=“http://www.uni.illinois.edu/og/features/2008/10/audio-slideshow-hooked-pencil-twi]Audio”>http://www.uni.illinois.edu/og/features/2008/10/audio-slideshow-hooked-pencil-twi)</p>

<p>"AFTER A LONG day of drudgery in school, senior Diana Liu is ready to relax with a quick coffee break at Starbucks. </p>

<p>Granted, Diana isn’t usually one who would go out for an after-school treat. She needs some special impetus. Luckily for her, Starbucks is having a happy hour, featuring half-priced frappuccinos. </p>

<p>Half-priced? Impetus granted. . . . </p>

<p>Quirky. That’s one of the first words that come to everyone’s mind when describing Diana Liu. Diana herself even admits to this. . . </p>

<p>While Diana does know that she is interested in both humanities and sciences, she hasn’t yet figured out what she wants to do for a living, or what major to pick in college (she’s leaning toward chemical and biological engineering).</p>

<p>This fall, she will be attending Princeton University with an open mind and quirky disposition. . . . (continued)</p>

65

<p>“Chadwick siblings are a dream to coach” (California)</p>

<p>[Palos</a> Verdes Peninsula News](<a href=“Palos Verdes Peninsula News – Daily Breeze”>Palos Verdes Peninsula News – Daily Breeze)</p>

<p>"Being a coach is challenging, regardless of the level at which one coaches. But for the those at Chadwick School who were privileged to coach siblings Jaye and Kurt Buchbinder, their jobs were made that much easier.</p>

<p>“[Kurt] never missed a practice. If he had to, I knew it was for something really important,” Chadwick swim coach Diane Gallas said. “He challenged you, though. You had to be ready to walk in there and coach him every day, but he was the kind of kid that any coach would be blessed to have.”</p>

<p>“[Jaye] knows what athletics and hard work are all about,” Chadwick cross-country coach George Ramos said. “She has both a serious focus and a fun-loving, light-hearted side."</p>

<p>Kurt, a recent Chadwick graduate, will attend Princeton University in the fall, while Jaye will finish up her final year at Chadwick.</p>

<p>Both Jaye and Kurt were named Prep League MVPs; Jaye earned the honor in both track and cross-country, while Kurt earned the honor in water polo, as well as co-MVP in swimming.</p>

<p>Jaye competed in every event in track and field except for discus, shot put and the pole vault competitions, while Kurt was more of a freestyle swimmer. But Gallas noted that he was in a league of his own in the 50- and 200-meter freestyle sprints." (continued)</p>

66

<p>“Princeton-bound Kelsey Janke: ’09-’10 Girls ‘Athlete Of The Year’” (Arizona)</p>

<p>[Sports</a> & School News / June 23, 2010 / Sonoran News](<a href=“http://www.sonorannews.com/archives/2010/100623/Sport-kelsey.html]Sports”>Sports & School News / June 23, 2010 / Sonoran News)</p>

<p>CSHS – About the midpoint of her junior season, I settled into what became sort of a postgame congratulatory ritual with volleyball defensive specialist and “libero” (a “super” defensive specialist) Kelsey Janke. After she and her teammates had finished taking down the net and supporting poles, I would greet her, “Don’t hit it to #5!” She would smile, almost sheepishly, then quietly respond, “Thanks, Pete.” </p>

<p>Almost a year-and-a-half later, three nights prior to her May 20 Cactus Shadows graduation, I offered different congratulations: this time on her outstanding academic achievements (#2-ranked senior, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society) that named her Salutatorian for the Class of 2010. Her acknowledgment was equally modest. (It should be noted her classmates honored her to be a senior attendant in Homecoming’s 2009 Court.)</p>

<p>As both co-captain (with junior Summer Anderson) of 2009 Girls Volleyball, which lost in the State 4A-I finals to superpower Sunnyslope (unbeaten for the second consecutive season), and Class Salutatorian, Kelsey Janke exhibited the same commitment, effort and tenacity. Sonoran News is pleased to announce her as 2009-2010 “Girls Athlete of the Year.” . . . (continued)</p>

67

<p>“Ross Johnson, Valedictorian and National Merit Scholar, to Attend Princeton” (New Hampshire)</p>

<p>[Meet</a> Merrimack’s top graduates - Cabinet.com](<a href=“http://www.cabinet.com/merrimackjournal/merrimacknews/769676-308/meet-merrimacks-top-graduates.html]Meet”>http://www.cabinet.com/merrimackjournal/merrimacknews/769676-308/meet-merrimacks-top-graduates.html)</p>

<p>ROSS JOHNSON</p>

<p>Valedictorian</p>

<p>Parents: Brian and Kimberly Johnson, of Merrimack.</p>

<p>Clubs/activities: Student council; class president; captain of Science Olympiad team; National Honor Society; avid violinist outside of school.</p>

<p>Achievements: Won National Merit Scholarship for excellence and commitment to his studies; winner of the Rensselaer Medal, Social Studies department award and all-around top finisher award at the N.H. Academic Decathlon competition for two straight years.
Plans for the future: Johnson plan to attend Princeton University in the fall, hoping to major in aerospace engineering. At Princeton, he will continue to pursue a well-rounded education with an ample distribution of liberal arts courses in order to keep his career options open for the future.</p>

68

<p>“Top Scholars: Kathleen McGunagle to Attend Princeton” (Montana) </p>

<p>[Whitefish</a> High School](<a href=“http://missoulian.com/article_5f82b2c0-7009-11df-9d5e-001cc4c03286.html]Whitefish”>http://missoulian.com/article_5f82b2c0-7009-11df-9d5e-001cc4c03286.html)</p>

<p>Kathleen McGunagle</p>

<p>Parents: Timothy and Glenda McGunagle</p>

<p>GPA: 4.0</p>

<p>Activities: Drama Club; Student Council; America Reads; Youth Alive; National Honor Society; Lunch Pail Buddies/Big Brothers Big Sisters of America; varsity band; cross country; track; FREEFLOW (Flathead River Educational Effort for Focused Learning in Our Watershed).</p>

<p>Scholarships, awards: Plum Creek Community Scholarship; Flathead County Republican Women Award; National Council of Teachers of English Achievement Award in Writing; National Merit semifinalist and finalist; National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar; seven academic letters; Norman Mailer High School Writing Award for Creative Nonfiction national semifinalist; three Drama Club letters; Honor Thespian; National Honor Thespian; 2010 State Thespian Festival Outstanding Performance Award; varsity band section leader; three superior ratings at district and state music festivals; All-State alternate; 2010 Junior Federal Duck Stamp Competition, “Best of Show” in Montana and fifth place nationally.</p>

<p>Future: Major in English at Princeton University; become a college professor</p>

69

<p>“Six Complete Service Projects to get the Gold” (New Jersey)</p>

<p>[Six</a> complete service projects to get the Gold | ebs.gmnews.com | East Brunswick Sentinel](<a href=“http://ebs.gmnews.com/news/2010-06-24/Front_Page/Six_complete_service_projects_to_get_the_Gold.html]Six”>http://ebs.gmnews.com/news/2010-06-24/Front_Page/Six_complete_service_projects_to_get_the_Gold.html)</p>

<p>EAST BRUNSWICK — Township officials recently honored six local Girl Scouts who received their Gold Awards, the highest award possible in the Girl Scouts organization. </p>

<p>The girls, who are with the East Brunswick Service Unit, part of the Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey, each completed unique service projects. </p>

<p>Nicole Bornkamp of Troop 80894 completed “Fun Ways to Stay Active and Healthy.” As an active teen with the goal of studying pediatrics, Nicole was alarmed by news of high levels of childhood obesity across the county. She decided to encourage children to develop better eating habits and taught them fun and simple ways to be active outside. </p>

<p>Nicole organized and led a team of volunteers in a day of outdoor games. She taught backyard-style games to almost 35 children. To make the experience easy to repeat at home, she selected games that did not require any equipment. She also discussed the need for hydration while exercising and got feedback about everyone’s favorite games. The second part of her project was to present healthy and fun snack workshops to middle and high school students, showing that healthy choices are a realistic snack option. </p>

<p>Nicole will attend Princeton University in the fall.</p>

70

<p>“Adam Krop: Wrestler and Mentor” (Maryland)</p>

<p>[Adam</a> Krop, Urbana](<a href=“http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/05/AR2010060500496.html]Adam”>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/05/AR2010060500496.html)</p>

<p>"The young wrestlers head to Urbana High three times a week in the winter. Grapplers ranging in age from 6 to 14, who compete as part of Linganore Urbana Youth Athletic Association teams, attend practices ready to learn the intricacies of the sport and, if they’re lucky, get a lesson from their favorite local wrestler. </p>

<p>For four years, Urbana senior Adam Krop routinely stayed in the wrestling room after his own three-hour practice to demonstrate drills and instruct the young athletes, who quickly began to view the charismatic three-time Maryland state champion as a role model. </p>

<p>So much so that when some of his classmates brought yearbooks home that bore his well wishes and signature, their younger brothers whom Krop mentored would carry the books around with his “autograph” in it and proclaim how they want to be like him. </p>

<p>“I didn’t set out and say, ‘I’m going to be a role model’ one day,” said Krop, who
graduated with a 4.6 grade point average. "I just wanted to help share what I know with some of the younger kids, but it motivates me to keep doing the right things and keep being involved in my community. The little guys see everything, good or bad, and it’s important that they have people to look up to. I’m glad I’ve been able to spend time with so many of them. . . .</p>

<p>He will attend Princeton where he plans to major in economics and is also considering a career in law, which would allow him to combine his mathematical skills and affinity for helping others. In addition to coaching the LUYAA teams, the four-time Maryland Sate Wrestling Association academic first-team member served as a volunteer and coach at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Power Camp the past five years. (continued)</p>

71

<p>“Trinity Academy Of Raleigh Announces 2010 Valedictorian And Salutatorian” (North Carolina)</p>

<p>[Trinity</a> Academy Of Raleigh Announces 2010 Valedictorian And Salutatorian](<a href=“Trinity Academy Of Raleigh Announces 2010 Valedictorian And Salutatorian -- MMI Public Relations | PRLog”>Trinity Academy Of Raleigh Announces 2010 Valedictorian And Salutatorian -- MMI Public Relations | PRLog)</p>

<p>PR Log (Press Release) – Jun 03, 2010 – RALEIGH, N.C. – Dr. Robert Littlejohn, head of school at Trinity Academy of Raleigh, a preK-12 college preparatory school community located in north Raleigh, has announced the valedictorian and salutatorian for the academy’s graduating class of 2010. Nathaniel Jones has been named valedictorian and Stephen West has been named salutatorian. </p>

<p>QUOTES: </p>

<p>“I am proud to honor Nathaniel Jones and Stephen West as Trinity Academy of Raleigh’s Class of 2010 valedictorian and salutatorian,” said Littlejohn. “Both are remarkable young men who have been active and committed in their studies. Accomplishing the highest grade point averages in our senior class is no small feat, and I look forward to witnessing what their futures hold.” </p>

<p>DETAILS: </p>

<ul>
<li>Jones will attend Princeton University in fall 2010. His course of study will include engineering, language and philosophy. Jones hopes to study abroad, and has a goal to work on improving technologies in medicine, housing, food supply, water systems or sustainable energy. While at Trinity Academy of Raleigh, his extracurricular activities included Beta Club, Prefect Committee, Newspaper Staff and Yearbook Staff. Jones also was involved in the theatre department and played tennis.</li>
</ul>

72

<p>“David Katz, Cartoonist, Writer, Valedictorian” (Virginia)</p>

<p>[Fredericksburg.com</a> - MASSAPONAX’S TOP SENIORS](<a href=“http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2010/072010/07012010/557981]Fredericksburg.com”>http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2010/072010/07012010/557981)</p>

<p>David Katz and Derek Oesterheld are Massaponax High School’s valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, for 2010.</p>

<p>David Katz is the son of Edward and Rosalia Katz. He was a member of the Commonwealth Governor’s School. David attended several summer programs, including Chesapeake Bay Preservation and the Residential Governor’s School for Math, Science and Technology. </p>

<p>David is a prolific writer. His works cover numerous genres, including historical analysis, poetry and political treatises. His current projects include essays on early American history and completing his first children’s book. He is also a cartoonist and has published a collection of his favorite cartons, titled Nit Pix Gallery II, which can be found on Amazon. He founded DaveyThunder.com, a website devoted to his cartoons and other interests. </p>

<p>David will attend Princeton University and plans on majoring in engineering and economics.</p>

73

<p>“Dorothy Niedo Charles, Valedictorian” (Oregon)</p>

<p>[High</a> School Valedictorians / Class of 2010 | MailTribune.com](<a href=“http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100606/NEWS/6060331/-1/COMM17]High”>http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100606/NEWS/6060331/-1/COMM17) </p>

<p>"Dorothy Niedo Charles</p>

<p>GPA: 4.0.</p>

<p>Honors/awards: Oregon Invitational Mathematics Tournament, second place Algebra 2 Team Event (2008) and first place Calculus Team Event (2010); National Ventures scholar; ACSI Distinguished Christian High School Student Award in Academics; National Achievement Scholarship Program finalist; Kiwanis Academic Excellence Award; U.S. Achievement Academy — National English Merit Award; all-American scholar; Who’s Who in Leadership and Service, Among All-American Scholars, in Foreign Language, in Mathematics, in English; National Language Arts Award, National Mathematics Award, International World Languages Award.</p>

<p>College plans: Princeton University as a pre-medical student majoring in molecular biology.</p>

<p>Career plans: My goal is to become a pediatrician."</p>

74

<p>“Taylor Breaks Through” (California)</p>

<p>[High</a> School Track and Field: Taylor breaks through - Daily Pilot](<a href=“http://www.dailypilot.com/sports/dpt-spciftrack060510,0,3375674.story]High”>High School Track and Field: Taylor breaks through)</p>

<p>CLOVIS — Jake Taylor recorded a foul on his first attempt of the shot put in the preliminaries of the CIF State Track and Field Championships Friday.</p>

<p>He tried not to fall in a funk. All around him, it seemed as if most of the highly touted competitors started to crumble under the pressure of competing against the state’s elite. Yet Taylor found a way to stay calm and eventually broke through.</p>

<p>The Newport Harbor High senior took the ninth spot, the final seed into today’s finals with a shot of 54 feet, 9 1/4 inches.</p>

<p>Taylor went out for a steak dinner in Fresno with coaches Tony Ciarelli and Eric Tweit.</p>

<p>“I couldn’t believe it,” Taylor said during a phone interview at Fleming’s restaurant. "I was ecstatic. I thought for sure I was going to be out. I needed three guys to choke in the flight. I thought there was no way that was going to happen.</p>

<p>“I was able to stay calm and just not self destruct, with all these people around me who are such great athletes.”</p>

<p>Taylor, bound for Princeton, finished fifth at the CIF Southern Section Masters Meet last week at Cerritos College. He recorded a personal-best mark, 56-7.</p>

75

<p>“Quarterback Connor Kelley Commits to Princeton” (Indiana)</p>

<p>[Scout.com:</a> Connor Kelley Commits to FCS Princeton](<a href=“http://hsindiana.scout.com/2/934969.html]Scout.com:”>http://hsindiana.scout.com/2/934969.html)
[Kelley</a> off to Princeton after tearing up Indiana : “Get-2-0”](<a href=“http://www.get-2-0.com/connor-kelley-off-to-princeton-after-tearing-up-indiana/]Kelley”>http://www.get-2-0.com/connor-kelley-off-to-princeton-after-tearing-up-indiana/)</p>

<p>Connor Kelley is living his dream and will be taking his football ability and his intellect to Princeton in the Ivy League in 2010. If there was a stereotype for an Ivy League player it might be Connor Kelley. Kelley is a "Renaissance Man,” but on the football field he wreaked havoc as a dual threat quarterback for his Batesville Bulldogs.</p>

<p>Success in the classroom and on the football field are expected from IVY players.</p>

<p>Indian Varsity Scout has watched Connor play the last 2 seasons. He told IVS that his goal was to lead is Batesville teammates to a championship and he led them to two in 2009. Batesville beat East Central HS to win a coveted Eastern Indiana Conference championship. The Bulldogs then went on in the IHSAA tournament to win a sectional championship before falling to Indianapolis Chatard in the regional. </p>

<p>Kelley’s quarterbacking stats for the 2009 season saw him throw for a school record 1,634 yards. He passed for 19 touchdowns, also a school record for a season. He rushed for 800 yards and his only regret is he didn’t lead his teams further in the playoffs. </p>

<p>According to US News and World Report, Princeton is America’s #1 undergraduate academic institution (tied with Harvard). But when it came to football, Connor said Princeton was his number 1 choice. In true form, he chose Princeton because of academics. Princeton is losing their head coach, but that didn’t affect Connor’s decision as it was based on 4 years of academic opportunity. Kelley looks forward to playing football for the Tigers in the fall of 2010. (continued)</p>

76

<p>“Torin Rudeen, Presidential Scholar, to Study Renewable Energy at Princeton” (Oregon)</p>

<p>[Presidential</a> Scholar to Study Renewable Energy at Princeton](<a href=“http://www.registerguard.com/csp/cms/sites/web/news/cityregion/24795300-41/eugene-scholarship-selected-south-students.csp]Presidential”>http://www.registerguard.com/csp/cms/sites/web/news/cityregion/24795300-41/eugene-scholarship-selected-south-students.csp)</p>

<p>Torin Rudeen, a South Eugene and Eugene International High School senior, has been selected as one of 141 outstanding high school seniors in the 2010 U.S. Presidential Scholars program. </p>

<p>He and other scholars will be honored in June in Washington D.C. </p>

<p>Students get to select a teacher who has been a positive influence to accompany them; Rudeen chose Marilyn Curtis from Eugene Inter¬national High School. </p>

<p>Rudeen plans to study mechanical engineering, renewable energy and public policy at Princeton in the fall.</p>

77

<p>“Time in India gives [Bridge Year] student a chance to learn lessons.” (North Carolina)</p>

<p>[Time</a> in India gives student a chance to learn lessons](<a href=“http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2010/jul/05/time-in-india-gives-student-a-chance-to-learn-less/news-regional/]Time”>http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2010/jul/05/time-in-india-gives-student-a-chance-to-learn-less/news-regional/)</p>

<p>"Doing service work in India at a center for young people dealing with the physical consequences of diseases such as polio, cerebral palsy and rickets, Lizzie Martin was given a crocheting class to teach.</p>

<p>When the person introducing members of the class came to a young woman named Usha who cannot use her right hand, the person said, “She will watch.”</p>

<p>When the class started, Usha had no interest in just watching, though. Holding a crochet hook between the toes of her right foot and working with her left hand, she learned to crochet along with everyone else.</p>

<p>As Martin saw it, Usha’s actions said, “I can do this with what I have.”</p>

<p>“That was inspiring to me,” Martin said.</p>

<p>Martin, who graduated from Forsyth Country Day School in 2009, has the sense that, in India, people are more likely to say, “This is what I have and this is good enough” than they are the United States. And, here, we sometimes confuse wanting something with needing something. In India, they understand the difference.</p>

<p>“I think I learned a lot about the difference between the things I need and the things I want,” she said.</p>

<p>At 4 p.m. on Thursday, Martin, 19, will talk at the Lewisville Library about the nine months she spent in India through Princeton University’s Bridge Year Program. At Princeton, Martin plans to major in public policy and minor in creative writing. She wants to use her writing in part to provide a voice for people who might not otherwise have a voice." (continued)</p>

<hr>

<p>Lizzie is now a member of the Class of '14, having spent a year in India through Princeton’s Bridge Year Program. More information can be learned about the Bridge Year Program at the following site:</p>

<p>[Princeton</a> University | Bridge Year Program](<a href=“http://www.princeton.edu/admission/whatsdistinctive/bridgeyear/]Princeton”>http://www.princeton.edu/admission/whatsdistinctive/bridgeyear/)</p>

78

<p>“An Interview with Max Siegel, John Jay Valedictorian: Siegel came close to missing his own graduation.” (New York)</p>

<p>[Bedford-Katonah</a> Patch, NY - An Interview with Max Siegel, John Jay Valedictorian](<a href=“http://bedford.patch.com/articles/an-interview-with-max-siegel-john-jay-valedictorian]Bedford-Katonah”>An Interview with Max Siegel, John Jay Valedictorian | Bedford, NY Patch)</p>

<p>John Jay High School valedictorian Max Siegel almost didn’t make it to graduation. After 20 hours of surgery and a grueling two-week hospital stay, he wasn’t sure until just days before the ceremony that he’d march across the stage.</p>

<p>But Siegel—who remembers being told by a first grade teacher that good enough is not good enough—had the will and found a way.</p>

<p>“I was so glad to be there—it was a proud moment. I tried not to drone on, but to convey some of the lessons that I thought were livable,” he said of his graduation speech, which was videotaped in the event he couldn’t attend. “But to be there and interact with audience was special.”</p>

<p>His accomplishments while at John Jay include 15 academic awards and recognitions, leadership positions in school activities including serving as editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, speaker of the campus congress, and co-president of both the debate and mock trial teams. He was also selected to serve on such prestigious committees as the board of education task force on the 21st Century Education. . . .</p>

<p>Siegel is headed to Princeton this fall, where he plans to pursue a major in the undergraduate program at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, with added certificates in urban studies and finance. He sees himself in an academic career, carving out opportunities to weigh in on public issues, possibly as a consultant on legal cases or in government.</p>

<p>“I was drawn to Princeton for its academic strengths—I felt such a connection to the culture of the school because of the emphasis on the undergraduate experience,” he said.</p>

<p>His interest in melding academics and politics took hold over two summers in the Yale Ivy Scholars program, where he studied leadership, advocacy and grand strategy, focusing on China’s relations with rogue states. He authored the paper “China as a Safety Net: its Development, its Threat, and Implications for U.S. Grand Strategy,” currently under peer review for publication in the Journal of International Relations." (continued)</p>

79

<p>I’m in love. :D</p>

80

<p>“Dina Sharon, Chemistry Olympian” (New Jersey)</p>

<p>[S.B&lt;/a&gt;. students score high in chemistry competition | nbs.gmnews.com | North South Brunswick Sentinel](<a href=“http://nbs.gmnews.com/news/2010-07-08/Schools/SB_students_score_high_in_chemistry_competition.html]S.B”>http://nbs.gmnews.com/news/2010-07-08/Schools/SB_students_score_high_in_chemistry_competition.html)</p>

<p>SOUTH BRUNSWICK — Two township teens outscored some 10,000 high school students this year in a prestigious science competition that landed them a trip to an intensive study camp and a shot at the U.S. national Olympiad team. . . .</p>

<p>Dina Sharon, 18, a recent graduate of the Princeton Day School, and Utsarga Sikder, 16, an 11th-grader at South Brunswick High School, were two of the 20 top-scorers in this year’s national U.S. Olympiad Competition. </p>

<p>The achievement, which won them a trip to the Olympiad’s two-week study camp last month at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado and a shot at the four-person U.S. team, was no easy feat. </p>

<p>The Olympiad, which kicks off annually in March, begins when a high school selects a few students to take a chemistry test administered by the American Chemical Society, which sponsors the competition. </p>

<p>Sharon and Sikder had to pass through two rounds of tests, the first against 10,000 students and the second against 936, in order to qualify as two of the top 20 scorers for the camp. All campers received collegelevel organic chemistry training, and the top four were invited to join the U.S. team to compete against more than 60 countries in Tokyo in late July. . . .</p>

<p>Though Sharon, who resides in Kendall Park, didn’t make the four-person national team, the talented young lady, who will attend Princeton University in the fall, said she had a great experience, nevertheless. She went on to wish Sikder [a 16 year old high school junior who is on the national team] and the rest of the team the best of luck in Tokyo. </p>

<p>“I am so grateful to the American Chemical Society for this incredible, once-in-alifetime opportunity,” said Sharon, who missed her high school graduation in order to participate in the top-20 study camp.</p>