2011-2012 State-level Winners' Biographies
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Alabama
Austin Owen | Vestavia Hills High School | Vestavia Hills, Alabama
Coordinator: Ms. Amy Owen
Austin Owen is a sophomore at Vestavia Hills High School. He plays trumpet in the Wind Ensemble and marching band. Austin's interests in history, public policy, and international affairs first arose during middle school, where he was successful on academic teams and in a mock United Nations program. These activities led to his current involvement in debate. In his freshman year he won several tournaments and was state runner-up in Novice Lincoln Douglas debate. Austin also participates in Math team and Latin club. He is active in the Dawson Memorial Baptist Church youth group, singing in the Chapel Choir and Ensemble. Participating in his church's Boy Scout troop has given him the opportunity to enjoy many outdoor activities such as canoeing the Canadian Boundary Waters, hiking the mountains of New Mexico, and sailing in the Florida Keys. He feels very honored to be selected as a state winner.
Alaska
Dylan Hardenbergh | South Anchorage High School | Anchorage, Alaska
Coordinator: Ms. Debbie Neil
Dylan Hardenbergh was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, and currently attends South Anchorage High School. He plans to study neurobiology at Harvard University next year and would like to pursue a career in medicine. Dylan's primary extracurricular activity throughout high school has been competitive speech and debate. He is the president of his school's program and is a two time Alaska state champion in Policy Debate. Dylan has also been involved in several volunteer organizations, including serving as the President of his school's National Honor Society chapter. Dylan loves to travel with his family, and has visited all fifty states in the United States and all seven continents.
Arizona
Gabe Salmon | Sonoran Preparatory Academy | Scottsdale, Arizona
Coordinator: Ms. Ann Salmon
Gabe Salmon is a sophomore in Phoenix, Arizona, where he enjoys exploring mountain paths and taking photographs. Gabe finds quantum physics and evolutionary biology fascinating, and hopes to pursue science as a career. He organizes a Science Circle seminar series to connect high school students with seasoned research professionals across Arizona. He is captivated by the economic dimensions of international relations, and looks forward to learning more about these factors in the future. Gabe's favorite author is George Orwell, but also he greatly respects Thomas Kuhn.
Arkansas
Lauren Jackson | Pulaski Academy | Little Rock, Arkansas
Coordinator: Mr. William Topich
Lauren Jackson is a junior in high school at Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas. She is active in her church, academic, athletic, and club responsibilities. Lauren is photo editor and assistant editor of the Bruin yearbook, and was recently named Photojournalist and Designer of the Year for the state of Arkansas at the Arkansas Scholastic Press Association conference in Rogers, Arkansas. As a passionate photographer, designer, videographer, and writer, Lauren has won national acclaim in numerous contests and scholarships for her photos, documentaries, and essays. She is a member of the National Honors Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Interact Club, and an officer in the French Club at PA. Lauren runs track and cross country and finished fourth in state in the 4A girls 800 meter race as a sophomore. She has volunteered at Camp Aldersgate, a camp for disabled children in Little Rock, and this summer will be going to Corozal, Belize for three weeks to build a school for impoverished children. Lauren wants to balance her love for creative expression and international affairs by going into marketing and advertising to become an Art Director and work for non-profit groups to create advertisements and public relations campaigns for their causes.
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Madeline Chen | Cupertino High School | Cupertino, California
Coordinator: Ms. Kelly Heuschkel
I was born and raised in the Silicon Valley in California. I am currently a freshman at Cupertino High School. My favorite class is biology, and I am looking forward to taking more science classes in the coming years. I am also looking forward to taking history and economic classes, as I find these subjects very interesting. When I am not busy with activities for the United Nations Club and the Leo Club, I enjoy playing the oboe with a local youth wind orchestra and my school band. I am also a passionate volleyball player and play for both my school Varsity team and a local club team. I greatly enjoyed writing my essay for NPEC and am thrilled to have won this award.
Colorado
Zachary Kayal | Cherry Creek High School | Greenwood Village, Colorado
Coordinator: Ms. Karen Waples
Zachary Kayal is a junior at Cherry Creek High School in Greenwood Village, Colorado. Zak grew up outside of Philadelphia and moved to Colorado when he was 13 years old. After graduating high school in 2013, he plans to take a gap year before enrolling in college in the fall of 2014. Zachary is heavily involved in his school's French Honor Society, National Honor Society, Youth Advisory Board, and Harry Potter Club. His other activities include playing saxophone, scouting and frisbee. Zachary's academic interests include political science, history, and foreign languages.
Connecticut
Hughbo Shim | The Hotchkiss School | Lakeville, Connecticut
Coordinator: Mr. Jae J. Shim
My name is Hughbo Shim, and I am currently a Junior at the Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Connecticut. My principal academic interests include English, History, and Economics, the latter of which I hope to pursue in college as a major. During my free time, I enjoy working the the school newspaper, the global awareness, and the investment clubs at my school. However, besides these commitments, most of my time is taken up as a member of the Hotchkiss Varsity Water Polo and Swimming & Diving teams, for which I will serve as captain next year; I also hope to swim in college as well. I chose to participate in this contest because the Social Media Revolutions "had always been of interest to me and I thought that the experience could broaden my horizons."
Delaware 
Emily Freilich| Wilmington Friends School | Wilmington, Delaware
Coordinator: Ms. Jessica Smith
Emily Freilich is a sophomore at Wilmington Friends School. She is a member of the Peace and Ecology Club and is passionate about the environment and helping to protect it by volunteering with the local nature centers. She enjoys spending time in nature and hiking, especially in national parks across the country. Emily is a member of the school cross-country team. She spends much of her free time riding horses. Her other hobbies include reading, knitting, and gardening.
District of Colombia 
Emily Fox-Penner | Maret School | Washington, DC
Coordinator: Ms. Susan Vitka
I am an all around nerd who loves to think. I believe that equality and dignity are universal human values and I'm passionate about promoting them in my own life. I am a junior at Maret School and hope to weave my interests in languages, classics, the sciences, and development into studies at the university and graduate level. It is impossible to grow up in my community in Northwest DC without developing an interest in politics, but my main interests are in education, gender equity, and conservation. I have been able to capitalize upon a love of baking to fundraise for organizations including the Angus Gillis Foundation that on rural education and development in South Africa and most recently was overjoyed to be able to pay scholarships for two young women to attend high school in South Sudan through the Valentino Achak Deng Foundation. At the moment I am enormously excited to get involved in the Color My World Project, a student-led initiative that recycles crayons from restaurants to programs for underprivileged youth to build support for arts education among local communities. I thank the Institute of Peace for this chance to engage so directly with the nature of peacebuilding and examine my own well-meaning convictions in the light of real-world challenge and victory.
Florida
Lauren Wittine | Home School| St. Petersburg, Florida
Coordinator: Ms. Maya Inspektor
Lauren Wittine resides in St. Petersburg Florida where she was born. She will be a junior in the fall. As a homeschooler who takes many classes online, she enjoys opportunities to meet people all around the nation and discover their differing perspectives. Lauren spends a great deal of time at her church, be it helping organize Christmas presents for needy children or singing and playing in the music ministry. Music is her passion; she has been taking piano lessons for twelve years, and began organ lessons in highschool. Lauren is currently considering a career in either liturgical music or writing--another subject she loves.
Georgia
Sophia Chen | Chattahoochee High School | Johns Creek, Georgia
Coordinator: Ms. Yaqiong Zhang
Sophia is involved in the academic team, math team, and service clubs at her school. She enjoys volunteering for Relay for Life, as a VBS camp counselor, and in her community.
Hawaii
Matthew Beattie-Callahan | 'Iolani High School | Honolulu, Hawaii
Coordinator: Mr. John Bickel
Matthew Callahan lives in beautiful Kailua, Hawaii and enjoys hiking and surfing in his spare time. He is on his school's kayaking and paddling teams. Currently a sophomore at 'Iolani School he is interested in pursuing a degree in political science or international relations. Matthew plans to serve in the military and then pursue a career in government or international relations. Matthew's school activities include History Bowl and Science Olympiad, and he will be attending the National Championships in both events this year. Matthew also placed 3rd this year in his event at the State Debate tournament and loves being an editor on the school newspaper.
Idaho
Savannah Dunn | Bishop Kelly High School | Boise, Idaho
Coordinator: Mr. Chuck Tacke
I am a senior at Bishop Kelly High School in Boise, Idaho. I owe much of my world view and writing technique to the wonderful people who teach at my school. My favorite subjects are creative writing, biology, chemistry, and social justice. As much as I love writing I am also a ballet dancer and hope to dance professionally some day. I began dancing when I was five and since then have been to summer intensives at The Nutmeg Conservatory and Boston Ballet and performed with various schools in the North West. I will most likely be attending Butler University next year to pursue majors in ballet and biology. I am not sure where my love of the arts and sciences will take me, but I would eventually like to earn my masters in a medical field involving disease control.
Illinois
Erin Downs | Belleville East High School | Belleville, Illinois
Coordinator: Ms. Sheila Misselhorn
Erin Downs is a senior at Belleville East High School in Belleville, Illinois, about thirty minutes from St. Louis, Missouri. Erin loves figure skating and has been a competitive figure skater for over eleven years. Working two part time jobs as a waitress and figure skating coach, Erin also balances an AP schedule and participates in National Honors Society, Science Honors Society, and school politics. An active member in her church, Erin sings in the youth praise band and attends many servant events as well. Selected as a Martin Luther King, Jr. scholar, Erin will be attending Saint Louis University next fall majoring in business entrepreneurship/marketing. She looks forward to conquering new challenges and enjoying new experiences in her future years.
Indiana
Melinda Song | Carmel HighSchool | Carmel, Indiana
Coordinator: Ms. Sherry Jin
Melinda Song is a junior at Carmel High School in Carmel, Indiana. Thriving amongst 4,500 other students, she was appointed to the Carmel Mayor's Youth Council in 2011 and inducted into the National Honor Society in 2012. Furthermore, Melinda received the 2011 AAA Leadership Scholarship for her outstanding leadership and enthusiasm for community service. Recently, she was recognized for her intellectual talents as a Semifinalist in the Siemens Science and Technology Competition and as a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist. Melinda has passion as a violinist at her school's top orchestra and is dedicated to her school's newspaper as a managing editor. As one of her future plans, Melinda envisions herself as a compassionate and gifted physician. Easygoing and gregarious, she enjoys cooking, traveling, reading, and spending time with friends and family. Finally, she would like to express sincere gratitude to her parents and teachers for their unending encouragement and support.
Iowa
Mary Maher | Home School | Ankeny, Iowa
Coordinator: Ms.Sarah Opheim
Mary Maher is a Junior in high school, and has been homeschooled all her life. She has a few decisions to make before she heads off to college and is still considering her future but is excited all the same! She enjoys doing anything fun, and loves hanging out with friends, participating in multiple choirs, and watching her younger siblings and 2 nephews.
Kansas
Brae Miner | Wichita High School East | Wichita, Kansas
Coordinator: Ms. G. Harden
Brae Miner is an International Baccalaureate candidate at Wichita High School East in Wichita, KS. She is a three-year reporter and current editor of her school newspaper and works at Old Chicago after school and on the weekends. She attends weekly Alateen meetings and last summer she held a garage sale for the Semper Fi Fund, raising nearly $1,000 in two days. Brae recently finished training for a half-marathon through her local YMCA and enjoys attending baseball games as well as country music concerts. She plans to attend Wichita State University where she will major in International Business.
Kentucky
Catriona Shaughnessy | Notre Dame Academy | Park Hills, Kentucky
Coordinator: Ms. Emily Sampson
Catriona lives in Edgewood, Kentucky and is a junior at Notre Dame Academy. She is involved in several clubs including Life Club, National Honor Society, and Student Council. She also has special in issues involving the dignity of women and founded the Society for Mulieris Dignitatem at her high school. Catriona enjoys athletics and has participated in volleyball, tennis, and cross country.
Louisiana
Jonathan Vogel | Saint Louis Catholic High School | Lake Charles, Louisiana
Coordinator: Ms. Kim Vogel
Jonathan Vogel is a Senior at St. Louis Catholic High School in Lake Charles, LA. He will attend Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana in the fall and major in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Political Science. His leadership roles include Student Council Senator, Swim Team Captain, and Mu Alpha Theta President. He has been involved in the Boy Scouts of America, earning the rank of Eagle Scout. At St. Louis he has been a member of the Baseball and Swim Teams, Key Club, National Honor Society, Library Society, Quiz Bowl Team and St. Louis Ambassador. His volunteer efforts include Habitat for Humanity, Catholic Charities and Special Olympics. During his Senior year he was selected as Student of the Year by the faculty. In his life, he is constantly reminded of a current politician's inspiring words, "Liberty built civilization; it can rebuild civilization."
Maine
Matthew Gilman | Cape Elizabeth High School | Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Coordinator: Ms.Barbee Gilman
Matt's academic interests are as diverse as his extracurricular endeavors. A junior at Cape Elizabeth High School, he has received recognition for his efforts on the math team as well as at various Model UNs. Matt is a starter for his school's varsity tennis and golf teams, and has been a first-team All-State tennis player since his freshman year, in addition to competing in tournaments around New England. A staunch believer in universal education, Matt mentors at the local elementary school, tutors at his high school, and helps immigrants and refugees with their homework, and has traveled to Guatemala to help teach children English. He enjoys hip-hop and house music, and plays the alto and baritone saxophones for his school's wind symphony and jazz band. His favorite authors are F. Scott Fitzgerald, W. Somerset Maugham, and Fyodor Dostoevsky. After high school, he plans to enter college and study international relations or economics.
Maryland
Nicole Riemer | Walt Whitman High School | Bethesda, Maryland
Coordinator: Mr. Ricardo Riemer
Nicole Riemer is a sophomore at Walt Whitman High School in Maryland. During the year she works for MSI Soccer as a PDP clinician. She has been an avid dancer for the majority of her life and takes part in her school's break dance club. She is heavily involved in the arts program at her school, taking both commercial art and photography in hopes of pursuing a degree in graphic design after she graduates.
Massachusetts
Bianca Capone | Pingree School | South Hamilton, Massachusetts
Coordinator: Ms. Trina Gary
I am a senior at Pingree School in South Hamilton, Massachusetts. I am very passionate about issues of diversity and equity, and am involved in different social justice clubs at my school. I am an active member of our Multicultural Coalition and Women's Group, and lead our Gay-Straight Alliance. I am also very interested in international relations and peace and conflict studies. I take pleasure in captaining Pingree's Model UN Delegation. In addition, I was the two-time New England Regional Figure Skating Champion at my age division and twice competed at the Junior National Championships. I currently enjoy working as a figure skating coach in my community. This spring I will graduate Cum Laude and in the fall matriculate to Columbia University in New York City. At Columbia, I would like to study History and Mandarin Chinese. I hope someday for my career to impact issues of social justice, be it through diplomacy, law, or public policy.
Michigan
Shirley Wu | Detroit Country Day School | Beverly Hills, Michigan
Coordinator: Mr. Donald Corwin
Shirley Wu is a senior at Detroit Country Day School in Michigan. After high school she plans to continue her education at Yale, where she wants to major in biology and participate in the Pre-med program. Her extracurricular interests include volleyball, drawing, and writing. She also participates in Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels, a community program that sends food to the door steps of patients in the U of M health system that are unable to obtain food themselves. Furthermore, she helps out with various school events. Shirley has also won numerous awards in the science field. This past year she became a Siemens Semi-finalist, a Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist, and a Grand-Award Winner at the Science and Engineering Fair of Metropolitan Detroit with invitation to the International Science and Engineering Fair.
Minnesota
Renee Holzknecht | Elk River High School | Elk River, Minnesota
Coordinator: Ms. Denise Eidem
Renee Holzknecht, a junior at Elk River High School in Minnesota, is a member of the National Honor Society (NHS) and former member of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). With NHS and NJHS, she has participated in community service such as helping with fundraisers and public sporting events. She has also worked at Feed My Starving Children with NHS, the Girl Scouts of America, and Central Lutheran Church. After high school, she plans to major in biology and minor in both philosophy and religion, though plans may change. She has participated in the Just For Kix dance program since the age of four, and her current high kick team is undefeated in competition. Her interests include science, history, and biblical studies, and she enjoys writing stories, reading, and biking. Her peace essay won second place on the local level, and she has thus far earned two Distinguished Academic Achievement Awards at Elk River High School.
Mississippi
Taylor Smith | St. Patrick High School | Biloxi, Mississippi
Coordinator: Ms. Elizabeth Wilkinson
Taylor is a senior at St. Patrick Catholic High School. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and Science Club. Taylor has received numerous academic awards, including the Rochester Institute of Technology Bausch and Lomb Science Award. As a resident of a region devastated by Hurricane Katrina, Taylor witnessed the problems created by a shortage of health care services. This was a defining time as it was instrumental in her decision to become a physician. She is a member of the Candy Striper Junior Medic Student Volunteer Program at Ocean Springs Hospital and serves as president for the 2011-2012 term. Upon graduation, Taylor will attend the University of South Alabama as a Whiddon Honors Scholar and a Freshman Leadership Scholar. She has been accepted into the College of Medicine Early Acceptance Program at the University of South Alabama and plans to major in Biomedical Sciences.
Missouri
Stephen Turban | Rock Bridge High School | Columbia, Missouri
Coordinator: Mr. Matt Webel
Stephen Turban currently lives in Columbia, Missouri where he will be a senior at Rock Bridge High School for the 2012-2013 school year. Last year,he lived in Taipei, Taiwan where he was a Rotary exchange student at Jianguo High School. At Rock Bridge High School he was elected president of the sophomore and of the junior class; founded the Young Moderates, a club that facilitates political discussion and debate, and was the founder and leader of a daily volunteer project at The Intersection. He speaks Spanish and Chinese, and is considered in some circles as a "pretty great guy." He is interested in politics, international relations, public speaking, and puns. He hopes to be able to combine these interests in college and beyond.
Nebraska
Alison Dudek | Dutchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart | Omaha, Nebraska
Coordinator: Mr. Chad Krier
Alison Dudek is a senior at Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart in Omaha, Nebraska. She is going to College of Saint Benedict in Minnesota and plans to major in Nursing. She loves children and works at a Montessori school, which will help prepare her for a possible pediatrics nursing profession. She has achieved highest honors for grades in all four years of high school. Alison is a member of National Honors Society and Math Club. She wants others to succeed, which is evident when she helps classmates with homework as well as when she volunteers at many different places within her community. Alison loves to read, watch and play sports, hang out with friends, and visit family.
Nevada
Wen Jay Tan | Coronado High School | Henderson, Nevada
Coordinator: Mr. Matthew Aberman
Wen Jay is a junior at Coronado High School in Henderson, Nevada. He is an active member of his school's National Honor Society, Robotics, and Varsity Quiz Team. In addition, he is the Vice-President for Mu Alpha Theta. He loves to go bowling in his spare time and is the Captain of the Coronado Varsity Bowling Team. Outside of school, he volunteers his time at the local Paseo Verde Library and is the president of the library's Teen Advisory Group. Following graduation, Wen Jay hopes to major in Computer Science.
New Hampshire
Cheyenne Tessier | Alvirne High School | Hudson, New Hampshire
Coordinator: Mr. M. Jeffrey DiPrizito
Cheyenne currently attends Alvirne High School in Hudson, NH and is a graduate of the Saint Paul's School Advanced Studies Program in Concord, NH. She is a regular history buff with a passion for international affairs and politics, leading her school's Model United Nations Club and National History Club. Her other hobbies include creative writing, listening to indie wok, and spending time outdoors. She will attend The George Washington University this fall for International Affairs.
New Jersey
Mark Gorenstein | Leonia High School | Moultonborough, New Jersey
Coordinator: Mr. Timothy Cullen
Mark Gorenstein is a senior at Leonia High School in Leonia, New Jersey. He is the president of Leonia's DECA chapter and is the state's Northern Region Vice President. Mark is the vice president of both Leonia's chapter of the National Honor Society and his school's quiz bowl team. Additionally, he is an active member of the debate team, LHS Science Association, Science Honor Society, and French Honor Society. This past summer, Mark attended NJ Boy's State and NJ Scholars, a five-week program at the Lawrenceville School. He enjoys F. Scott Fitzgerald's novels, existentialism, and The Doors. Mark will study at Columbia University next fall, where he plans to major in Philosophy.
New Mexico
Maisa Cook | Del Norte High School | Albuquerque, New Mexico
Coordinator: Ms. Nancy Traylor
Born in Arizona and having lived in multiple states, Maisa Cook currently resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Maisa serves Del Norte High School to the best of her abilities. She is an active member in the DECA program, serving in the position of the Public Relations Specialist and taing first place in her division at the State Deca Competition. This young lady, also, affiliates with National Honors Society, acting as the Treasurer for her chapter. Maisa is the Vice President of the Native Knights, a school-based club for the betterment of Native American students. Through these organizations, Maisa has become involved with the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. She enjoys writing, painting, and any other creative activities. Following graduation, she intends to go to a four year university with a dual major program in order to receive a bachelors in Environmental Science and a Masters in Business.
New York
Esther Keiderling | The Mount School | Walden, New York
Coordinator: Ms. Dorie Rhodes
Esther lives in a christian community called the Bruderhof in New York State. The Bruderhof has been a strong advocate for peace since it was founded in Germany in 1920. In fact, her great-grandfather, an early member, was imprisoned under Hitler for his refusal to serve in the German military. The entire community fled Germany to escape the Nazi regime and now is centered in the United States. Esther attends the community's private highschool--the Mount Acadamy. She hopes to move to a spanish-speaking country and do some form of social work with children after she graduates. At the moment, Esther is active in the high school journalism club. She loves writing, childcare, and socializing with her peers.
North Carolina
Kelly Hughes | Home School | Mooresville, North Carolina
Coordinator: Ms. Maya Inspektor
Kelly is a homeschooled junior from Mooresville, NC. Her interests include watersports, photography and writing. She has competed in rowing and spends most of her summer volunteering with the local community rowing and sailing center. One of her favorite volunteer experiences is crewing a sailboat during a semi-annual Sailing with Disabilities event, which introduces children with disabilities to the sport. Kelly enjoys taking online AP course through PA Homeschoolers and getting to know homeschooled teenagers from around the country. After high school, she plans to attend college to study economics or political science with a main focus in writing and research.
Ohio
Jisoo Hong | Dublin Jerome High School | Dublin, Ohio
Coordinator: Ms. Clara Choi
Jisoo Hong is currently a sophomore at Dublin Jerome High School in Dublin, Ohio. She was born in Daejeon, South Korea, and grew up in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Jisoo loves music; she has played violin for seven years, is currently a member of the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestra, and likes to listen to music in her spare time. She is also an avid debater, and is a member of the National Forensics League with a degree of Excellence. Jisoo is an active member of the Mock Trial program, math team, and cross country team. She tutors over the summer, and is currently a student advisor for a middle school Power of the Pen team. Although Jisoo is undecided about her future plans, her interests vary from chemistry to economics to international relations.
Oklahoma
Blake Larsen | Jenks High School | Jenks, Oklahoma
Coordinator: Mr. Eric Fox
Blake Larsen is a sophomore at Jenks High School, and lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is a quadruplet and has three sisters who are also sophomores, and an older brother who is a freshman in college. When he graduates from high school, he plans on going to college and serving his country, perhaps through one of the military academies. He is involved in his church youth group, and at school he is involved in Student Council, Drug Free Youth, Spanish Club, and Key Club. He also plays soccer for Jenks High School and for a club team. As an active member in his community, Blake has participated in many service projects such as natural disaster cleanup, and he serves as an assistant teacher for the 4th grade Sunday school class at his church. In addition, Blake started his own lawn care business 3 years ago to earn money for college.
Oregon
Katherine Massinger | Clackamas High School | Clackamas, Oregon
Coordinator: Ms. Laura Pridmore-Brown
Kate Massinger lives in Happy Valley, Oregon with her parents and younger brother. In the past year, she has been designated as a National Merit Scholar Finalist, as well as an AP Scholar. Within her high school, she is an active member of the National Honor Society, and also serves as the senior class president. Kate loves to sing, performing with multiple choirs inside and outside of school, and competing in district competitions. She also enjoys acting, running, reading, playing the piano, leading an all-girls Bible study, and spending time with family and friends. She plans to attend Harvard College next fall, concentrating in English composition.
Overseas School
Rubin Kataki | Merivale High School | Nepean, Ontario Canada
Coordinator: Ms. Toni Agraniotis-House
Rubin is a grade 11 student at Merivale High School (MHS) in Ottawa, Canada. As a member of MHS swim, cross country, track and field, and badminton team, Rubin competed in several city and provincial (OFSAA) championships and received MHS Athlete of the Year award for two consecutive years, MHS Most Valuable Player awards, OFSAA Character award, and the Rogers Sports Development Fund award. He is also a member of MHS Creative Writing Club and the student head of the Athletic Council and Environmental and Social Justice Club. He enjoys volunteering in community events and participating in student leadership programs. Traveling to Shillong, India, to volunteer at Providence School (a school for underprivileged children) was a rewarding experience for Rubin. His hobbies include art and photography and he is currently exploring the possibility of a future career in Architecture.
Pennsylvania
Amber Emerson | Home School | Lewisberry, Pennsylvania
Coordinator: Ms. Maya Inspektor
Amber Anne Emerson is a homeschooled sophomore living in Lewisberry, PA. She is passionate about singing, theatre, and dance. A competitive Irish Step dancer for five years, Amber now studies musical theatre dance styles, and she also adores swing dancing. Some of her favorite past credits are Peter Pan, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, 13! The Musical, and Appointment with Death. Amber plans to pursue vocal performance and musical theatre, as well as continue her writing. A couple of her favorite quotes are: "We are all in the gutter but some of us are looking at the stars" (Oscar Wilde) and "I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it but because by it I see everything else" (C.S. Lewis). She would like to thank Mrs. Inspektor, AP Lang. friends, and family (including her nephew) for all their support!
Rhode Island
Omar Zaki | South Kingstown High School | Hartsville, Rhode Island
Coordinator: Ms. Hanan Mogawer
Omar Zaki is a sophomore at South Kingstown High School in Wakefield, Rhode Island. After he finishes high school, he will hopefully study biology, and pursue a medical degree to become a doctor. He volunteers at different places, for example, at the local hospital and nursing home. Omar is the founder and President of the Global Health Club, which has helped to raise multiple funds for different charities. He is the president of Students for Social Justice, an inductee of the National Honor Society, a top scorer on the Math and Academic Decathlon Teams, a peer leader in Varsity Athletes Against Substance Abuse, and a member of the Student Council. Omar is on the school's varsity swimming team and is a bassoonist, and has received All-State honors for both. He has received awards like the Presidential Volunteer's Award, and the Youth Environmentalist award from the Narrow River Preservation Association.
South Carolina
Amy Chang | South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics | Hartsville, South Carolina
Coordinator: Ms. VaDonna Hall
Amy Chang lives in Summerville, SC and is a senior at the South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics. In her spare time, Amy enjoys squandering time with friends and reading in coffee shops. Having trouble choosing one area of particular interest, Amy participates in a broad spectrum of extracurricular activities. This past year, Amy led her school's Student Council, Model United Nations, Mock Trial, and National Honor Society. She has played piano for 11 years, volunteers at the hospital, tutors local students, and is a member of the varsity volleyball and soccer teams at her school. In the fall, she plans to attend Yale University with an undeclared major. Though inclined towards medicine and the sciences, Amy has been toying with the notion of exploring international relations. In the future, Amy sees herself remaining active in the community and participating in global health initiatives, perhaps working abroad with programs like Doctors Without Borders.
South Dakota
Kevin Hilt | St. Thomas More High School | Rapid City, South Dakota
Coordinator: Ms. Ann Trucano
Kevin Hilt is a senior at St. Thomas More High School in Rapid City, South Dakota, where he has lived for the last 13 years. He enjoys writing and recording music, two activities he will be pursuing in his college education at IUPUI in Indianapolis this fall. In addition to his music degree, he also hopes to dabble in the fields of video editing, animation, and web design. When not doing something music-related, you will usually find him doing an assignment, watching anime, or engaging in some other activity that involves starting at the computer for extended periods of time. Kevin will be quite tickled once summer rolls around and he can abscond from high school and its aggrieving fetters that have beleaguered him these four years past. He is honored to have been chosen as South Dakota's nominee and hopes to represent them with the utmost poise and grace.
Tennessee
Monica Justo | Girl Preparatory School | Chattanooga, Tennessee
Coordinator: Ms. Kathleen Berotti
Monica Justo is a Junior at Girls Preparatory School in Chattanooga, TN. Growing up in America with her Filipino heritage is something that made this Peace Essay significant as she was able to actually think about what could help the impoverished country of the Philippines. Although she has always loved discussing literature and honing her writing skills, her true academic interests are in science in mathematics, and she has recently developed a new interest in physics. She continues to feed her interests by participating Science Olympiad and JETS. She is also a member of her school’s Key Club, Beta Club, and National Honor Society. She looks forward to a future in which she will hopefully pursue her passion in STEM courses by taking up engineering courses in college.
Texas
Kamia Rathore | Seven Lakes High School | Katy, Texas
Coordinator: Ms. Chandre Rathore
Kamia lives in Katy, Texas where she attends Seven Lakes High School. She is a proud member of her school's newspaper staff, the debate team, the UIL Academic team, and Model United Nations, as well as various volunteering organizations. When she graduates, she aspires to double major in the fields of Biochemistry and English.
U.S. Territories
Sara Cardona | Academia del Perpetuo Socorro | San Juan, Puerto Rico
Coordinator: Ms. Marie Gillette
Sara Cardona was raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and is a senior at la Academia del Perpetuo Socorro. She is a student who excels in creative endeavors, and will be pursuing a degree in Computer Animation at Ringling College of Art and Design. She plays tennis on her spare time, and has many varied interests including all manner of art, photography, music, literature, and writing. Throughout high school, she has written numerous publications for her school literary magazines, has been involved in crafting set-designs for her school's drama club, and is president of Pepertuo's Photography Club. She appreciates strong opinions, a sharp wit, and a good cup of coffee.
Utah
Ha Lee | West High School | Salt Lake City, Utah
Coordinator: Ms. Catherine Miles
Ha Le is a junior at West High School in Salt Lake City. Currently studying in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program, she is interested in the sciences and literature - all reflecting her love for observation and discovery and her belief that writing is a powerful form of communication. She is a member of HOSA and National Honor Society. She also works for The Red & Black, the school newspaper, as a reporter, page editor, and soon-to-be editor-in-chief. Her interests include playing contemporary music on the piano, volunteering at the public library, and writing novels. Out of her achievements, she has qualified for HOSA Nationals twice and has also received honors at the Salt Lake Valley Science and Engineering Fair. After high school, her dream is to major in engineering and enter a career in the medical field.
Vermont
Matthew Grimo | Windsor High School | Windsor, Vermont
Coordinator: Mr. Stanley Spencer
My name is Matthew Grimo and I am currently a junior at Windsor High School. I'm from the small town of Windsor, VT. After high school, I'm interested in pursuing political science and international relations. I'm one of those people that prefers to keep busy, so I take part in a fair amount of things, including being on my school's Track team, participating in community theater productions, being an active student council member, working part time at a local grocery store, volunteering at a nursing home, being a member of my school's jazz band and chorus, and being a member of the National Honors Society.
Virginia
Melody Wang | Maggie L. Walker Governor's School | Williamsburg, Virginia
Coordinator: Ms. Rachel Loving
Melody Wang is a senior at Maggie L. Walker Governor's School, where she is highly involved in activities ranging from the school newspaper to the debate team. She was born in China and moved to the United States when she was four. Speaking fluent Chinese, Melody participates in Model United Nations, and she served as the Director-General of an area Model UN conference. As a passionate scholar of the classics, Melody thoroughly enjoys reading the Aeneid and serves as the President of the Latin Honor Society at her school. Besides academic activities, she enjoys playing the piano, doing ballet, and learning how to drive--albeit rather poorly. In her free time, she likes to sample various cuisines, catch up on British television, and muster up enough motivation to exercise. Melody plans on attending Princeton University in the fall to study economics and international affairs.
Washington
Micah Allred | Home School | Normandy Park, Washington
Coordinator: Ms. Deborah Carson
Micah Allred was homeschooled through 10th grade and now does "Running Start" a dual credit program for motivated high school students. He attends Highline Community College along with students hailing everywhere from Azerbaijan to Moldova. An Eagle Scout and the Senior Patrol Leader of his Boy Scout troop, Micah serves his community both in and out of scouting. He also served as Vice President, Education of his Toastmasters Gavel Club. Having studied piano for eight years, Micah performs in competitions teaches piano lessons and plays in his church. After high school, Micah would like to study law. He has served as a page in the Washington State Senate and he participates annually in the Washington State YMCA Youth Legislature. Micah climbed Mt. Hood in Oregon at age 13 and enjoys hiking among the Cascade Mountains. He lives south of Seattle with his parents three younger brothers and one sister.
Wisconsin
Genevieve Dornemann | Milwaukee High School of the Arts | Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Coordinator: Ms. Katherine Katter
Genevieve Dornemann is from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and is a junior and a Theatre Production Major at Milwaukee High School of the Arts. She loves theatre and has been on crew and onstage in many school productions, has been a magician's assistant for master magician David Seebach, and has been dancing since she was four. Needless to say, Genevieve cannot get enough of the stage. In addition to theatre and performance, Genevieve is an active member of her school's National Honors Society and her church's youth group. Previous awards she has won include city-wide competitions such as The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Writing Contest, and University of Wisconsin Milwaukee's 2012 Wisconsin Women Making History Essay Writing Contest. After high school, Genevieve plans to go to college to double major in Theatre and Youth Ministry. She thanks God so much for this amazing opportunity!
Wyoming
Kristen Kennedy | Worland High School | Worland, Wisconsin
Coordinator: Mr. Tim McGee
Kristen Kennedy is a Junior attending Worland High School in Worland, Wyoming. After high school she plans to attend college and pursue a career in Law. Kristen is currently an officer in her local Key Club. She is also involved in student government. Kristen is class secretary for the class of 2013 and will be a candidate for student body president. She is involved in her local National Honors Society and the W-club, the Anti drug and alcohol program. Kristen is part of her school's Drumline in Marching Band and is a Percussionist in Concert Band. She is also part of the Wyoming All State Marching Band. Kristen has marched in the Rose Parade and is planning to march in the next Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. Kristen is on the Worland Girl's Swim Team and holds the school record in the one hundred yard breaststroke. She is on the Worland High School Speech and Debate Team. Kristen is a national qualifier in the event of Policy Debate. Policy debate has sparked Kristen's interest in international conflicts. She has learned that there are a million potential scenarios for Global Nuclear War.
Explore Further
- See full list of NPEC honorable mentions and state winners
- Learn more about National Peace Essay Contest (NPEC)
- Participate in the 2012-2013 NPEC