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<p>Smith-Kaprosy loves the business environment </p>
<p>By Paul Brinkmann
<a href="mailto:pbrinkma@greenbaypressgazette.com">pbrinkma@greenbaypressgazette.com</a> </p>
<p>There’s a thoughtful look on Nolan Smith-Kaprosy’s face as he explains why he chose Yale over Harvard. </p>
<p>“I just got back from Harvard, and I just decided it wasn’t for me,” he says. “Both have extremely good academics, but I like how Yale sets up their communities, something they call a residential college system.” </p>
<p>Smith-Kaprosy set his sights on admission to Harvard after his first year in high school. He did the research to understand what would be required for admission. Then he set about achieving it. </p>
<p>That drive to set goals and meet them is what makes Smith-Kaprosy, a senior at Green Bay West High School, stand out, according to chemistry teacher Dean Cherry. Besides his commitment to academics, Smith-Kaprosy is also captain of his tennis team and participates in local Native American activities in recognition of his heritage from Michigan’s Bay Mills Chippewa tribe. </p>
<p>Smith-Kaprosy, 18, is one of the 10 high school seniors named to the Green-Bay Press-Gazette’s 2006 Academic Team. </p>
<p>“It’s the thought he can accomplish whatever he wants to that sets him apart,” Cherry said. “He works his tail off.” </p>
<p>With near-perfect grades and high scores on entrance exams, Smith-Kaprosy’s sights are set on a career in international business. He’s already had three courses in Japanese, which he plans to pursue at Yale along with economics and international studies. </p>
<p>Like any other college-bound student, he’s been busy the last couple weeks. He took a break on a recent weekday afternoon for an interview before tennis practice. </p>
<p>“I really love the business atmosphere, giving presentations, developing business plans,” he said. “That’s where I want to be.” </p>
<p>He’s already developed business plans as part of the student marketing competition group called DECA (formerly called Distributive Education Clubs of America). On the last weekend in April, he traveled to a club competition. </p>
<p>Other hands-on experience came in with his volunteering for the local Intra-City Student Council, where he serves as president. </p>
<p>The group tries to raise dialogue about such issues as including minorities and under-represented students in more activities. </p>
<p>The council is where Smith-Kaprosy interacted with school Superintendent Daniel Nerad. Smith-Kaprosy wrote about Nerad when asked to profile a person he admires. </p>
<p>“I think what I like the most about Mr. Nerad is his willingness to listen to all points of view. He views that as a strength,” Smith-Kaprosy said. </p>
<p>As one-quarter Native American, Smith-Kaprosy has tried to maintain a connection to the local Oneida Tribe of Indians. He’s volunteered a couple hours a week with residents at Anna John Nursing Home, where his mother Jane Smith is administrator…</p>