Alabama

Savannah Rigby | PA Homeschoolers AP Online Classes | Titus, Alabama

Coordinator: Maya Inspektor

​Savannah Rigby is a homeschooled sophomore from Titus, Alabama. Over the past two years, Savannah has been actively involved in competitive speech and debate through NCFCA. Her most recent accomplishments were placing third in Lincoln-Douglas debate, third in Extemporaneous speaking, and first in Open Interpretation at a regional tournament. She also has served as a student coach and camp counselor for novice debaters through her NCFCA club. Outside of forensics, Savannah is a member of her local Honor Society chapter. She also regularly volunteers at her local theater--the Wetumpka Depot Players--through acting, running media, and counseling at summer camps. Over the summer, Savannah is looking forward to participating in the National Rifle Association's Youth Education Summit in Washington DC and attending the Foundation for Economic Education's economics conference. In her future, she is interested in pursuing a career in law or politics. Savannah would like to thank her teacher, Mrs. Inspektor, and her classmates.

Alaska

Brendan Gerdts | Bartlett High School | Anchorage, Alaska

Coordinator: Simona Gerdts

I have been blessed to spend the past four years of my life living in the beautiful state of Alaska. Although my father's commitment to the United States Air Force will soon take my family to a new destination, Alaska will always hold a special place in my heart! The essence of my core is my extreme patriotism. My patriotism is not just for America, but for the idea of a more united people. My wish is for the world to give up its political boundaries and become a single state. This wish may seem far-fetched, I know, but many of the things we now call normal were far-fetched wishes long ago. While this wish will probably not happen in my lifetime, or ever, it is still my wish and no one will ever change that! The wish for a more unified people will always be mine; one in a million, lost to the tides of history.

Arizona

Justin Hunsaker | Skyline High School | Mesa, Arizona

Coordinator: Jennifer Medlock

Justin Hunsaker lives in Mesa, Arizona, a bustling suburb of Phoenix with beautiful mountain vistas and scorching summertime weather. A participant of many clubs and extracurricular programs at school, Justin would declare that We The People - in which he gained a reputation for being a Constitutional-know-it-all and buoyant and dramatic speaker - has been his favorite above all. Besides the National Peace Essay Contest, Justin has also won recognition writing for the Kennedy Foundation's Profiles in Courage Essay Contest, FIRE's Freedom in Academia Essay Contest, and the Ayn Rand Foundation's Anthem Essay Contest. With a deep and abiding passion for politics, current affairs, and the written and spoken word, Justin hopes to become involved in politics and one day run for office, with the aim of fighting a rising tide of partisanship and standing up for moderation and mutual respect. As a college student, Justin hopes to become more involved in community service, volunteer for a political campaign, and participate in speech and debate. Above all, he would like to thank his parents and his essay coordinator, Mrs. Medlock, without the support of whom he would never have gained the confidence and capability to pursue his goals.

Arkansas

Hanya Qureshi | Pulaski Academy | Little Rock, Arkansas

Coordinator: Bill Topich

Hanya Qureshi is a junior at Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas. She is Vice-President of both the Model UN and Science Clubs, and a Junior Officer in the French Club at her school. She is an AP Scholar, member of National Honor Society, French Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and the Interact club. She is active in her community and has received the Gold Level Presidential Volunteer Service Award for her work at local hospitals. Additionally, she is a member of her school's golf team and has played piano since the third grade. Her hobbies include photography and recreational tennis. She has won several state recognition awards for science and engineering research, as well as National History Day projects. In college, Hanya wants to pursue studies in both science and international relations, hoping to merge her interests by developing international policies for scientific and medical purposes.

California

Emily Armbruster | Homeschool (PA Homeschoolers AP Online Classes) | Simi Valley , California

Coordinator: Maya Inspektor

Emily Armbruster is a homeschooled junior from Simi Valley, California. She enjoys serving as a student intern for a local theater program that brings the plays of William Shakespeare to young people in her community. She loves to spend her free time drawing, writing fantasy fiction, and discussing politics and philosophy. She played soccer for Grace Brethren Middle School and High School for three years, receiving the MVP award for two consecutive years. When she graduates high school, she is considering majoring in immunology, international relations, or English literature. She would like to thank her teacher, Mrs. Maya Inspektor, and fellow classmates for their inspiration and support throughout this past year.

Colorado

Anna Cole | | Homeschool (PA Homeschoolers AP Online Classes) | Colorado Springs, Colorado

Coordinator: Maya Inspektor

Anna Cole has been homeschooled since 8th grade and is now a sophomore at The Classical Academy College Pathways, a hybrid school. Her passion is violin, which she has played for almost ten years. She enjoys playing in chamber groups, with her siblings, and in youth orchestra. If she's not practicing, you will most likely find Anna curled up with a book, spending time with family and friends, singing loudly at inopportune moments, dancing, skiing, journaling about anything and everything, jogging on the trails in her neighborhood, or hiking in the absolutely gorgeous forests and mountains around Colorado Springs. Anna has three younger siblings and they enjoy doing music classes for children at the Salvation Army homeless shelter, as well as traveling as a family and sampling exotic foods.

Connecticut

Jaewook Kwak | Avon Old Farms School | Avon, Connecticut

Coordinator: Sue Park

Jaewook(Joey) Kwak is a Sophomore at Avon Old Farms School in Avon, Connecticut. He is from South Korea and this is his first year back in the States. He is planning to study international relations in college, so this Peace essay was important for him, as most ideal international relations direct toward peace. He is an active member of the Nimrod Club, which serves an important role in preserving the forest of the local community. He also works in the International club, which raises funds to help out a boy in Indonesia. He enjoys playing soccer, and he is also in the wrestling team. He always works hard to make the best of things.

Delaware

Jiaxuan Liu | Sanford School | Hockessin, Delaware

Coordinator: Staci Stocklos

Jiaxuan Liu is a senior at Sanford School, Delaware. Arrived in America three years ago, she is fascinated by American culture and the wealth of opportunities. In school, she is involved in the journalism team as the News and Features editor. Devoting herself in community service, she founded a non-profit organization called Pink and Blue Foundation, fundraising for children with cancer. At the same time, she is the treasurer of the service club. She is also a member of the Cum Laude Society. She likes wheel throwing, music and photography. After graduating from High School, she will pursue majors in business and finance.

District of Columbia

Tiancheng Sun | Georgetown Day School | Washington, District of Columbia

Coordinator: Ran Zhou

I am Tiancheng Sun, a junior in Georgetown Day School in Washington, DC. I have broad interests in both social and natural sciences. I read widely on various social and environmental issues. I love nature and outdoor sports. I enjoy writing about my outdoor experiences, and have won award from the Outdoor Writers Association of America. I am also an award-winning pianist competing at the international level. I devote significant time to meaningful community services. I am the President of the Hoppers Music Club, a club I founded to provide free social justice and music lessons to the young kids and deliver quality music performances to the seniors in our community. I am also part of my school's environmental club, active in promoting environmental awareness. I appreciate the experiences of participating in this peace essay contest, and value the opportunity to contribute my point of view to this important issue.

Florida

Stephen Paolini | Winter Park High School | Winter Park, Florida

Coordinator: Herdley Paolini

Stephen Paolini is an incoming Freshman at the University of Florida Honors College in Gainesville, Florida. He is passionate about community building and the democratic process. He created and led Meeting of the Minds, a Winter Park High School civic engagement club focused on developing driven and informed participants in the democratic process. He led community summits with the Mayor of Winter Park, awareness retreats aimed at developing a more interconnected understanding of community with local business professionals, religious leaders, and educators, and weekly civic engagement meetings with students at Winter Park High School. Stephen first became interested in community through the 'Be the Difference' Program, a local project to bridge the gap between Winter Park, one of the nicest cities in the greater Orlando area, and Parramore, one of the poorest areas in Central Florida. The program included personal, educational, and relational tutoring using children of Doctors in Florida Hospitals as interpersonal models for at-risk children in some of the poorest and most dysfunctional homes in Florida. Stephen participated in 'Be the Difference' throughout his high school career as a student teacher for four years and as a project leader for two years.

Georgia

Kyle Lucas | Mount de Sales Academy | Macon, Georgia

Coordinator: Nash Mayfield

Kyle is a senior at Mount De Sales Academy in Macon, Georgia. He is a member of the Cum Laude Society and the National Honor society. He played tennis his first two years of high school, and he won the Doubles Region Championship and Doubles State Championship his sophomore year. He joined the Varsity Soccer team his junior year and is now a captain of the team. He enjoys reading, playing video games, and listening to music. His two favorite bands are Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin, and his favorite television show is Seinfeld. In the Fall, he plans to attend Georgia Institute of Technology with an undecided major.

Hawaii

Matthew McArthur | 'Iolani High School | Honolulu, Hawaii

Coordinator: John Bickel

Matt McArthur resides in Honolulu, Hawaii. The current junior spends most of his extra-curricular time training or practicing for sports. He participates in football, wrestling, and judo at the varsity level, which keeps him busy through the entire year. Matt also enjoys playing guitar and performs with the school jazz band. Although he usually fails to take advantage of his prime location in paradise, he does like to go fishing occasionally. He hopes to attend college on the East Coast, acknowledging that the many eleven-hour plane rides will be a necessary sacrifice. Matt would like to thank his family and teachers for their support, and especially Mr. Bickel for encouraging him to enter the competition.

Idaho

Sean Nelson | Mountain View High School | Meridian, Idaho

Coordinator: William Driscoll

Sean Nelson is currently a senior at Mountain View High School anticipating graduation and his last summer before college. He plans to attend Boise State University pursuing a degree in a field of math or engineering. He will also continue studying Spanish. Sean loves spending time with his family. They have all been an integral part to his life and he is very grateful for them. Much of his time is spent doing school work or working at a local coffee shop. In his free time Sean spends time with God, friends, and family. He loves camping, trampolines, hunting, fishing, and just being outside. Sean is the Fellowship of Christian Athletes huddle leader at his high school. He is excited to see what God has planned for his future. It will be awesome he is sure.

Illinois

Emily Furlow | Belleville East High School | Belleville, Illinois

Coordinator: Sheila Misselhorn

Emily Furlow resides in Fairview Heights, Illinois where she attends Belleville East High School. Emily is ranked number one in a senior class of 625 students. Miss Furlow has memberships in the Math, English, Science, French, and National Honor Societies, as well as being an Illinois State Scholar and a Commended National Merit Scholar. Emily is also active in numerous clubs and activities in her community and church. She is member of HOPE Club, which works with special needs students. Emily also founded the History Club at Belleville East where she serves as president. In sports, she was Captain and a First Team All-Conference and Academic All-Conference golfer for the Lady Lancers. At St. Teresa Catholic Church, she is a cantor and president of the youth group that performs mission work in the community. Next fall, Emily will attend Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, to major in Actuarial Science.

Indiana

Meghan Poff | Floyd Central High School | Floyds Knobs, Indiana

Coordinator: Suzanne Moss

Meghan Poff lives in Floyds Knobs, Indiana, and is finishing her senior year at Floyd Central High School. She will attend Indiana University this fall as a public policy major and recipient of the prestigious Cox Scholarship. Currently, Meghan is a peer tutor, National Honor Society member, and editor-in-chief of the student newspaper. While she retains an interest in journalism and writing, she plans on pursuing legal development in emerging nations. Although Meghan does not have aspirations in politics, she is inspired by the social programs of Woodrow Wilson, Birch Bayh, Lyndon Johnson, and the post-Presidential peace work of Jimmy Carter. Her other areas of interest include Chinese language and culture, civic education advocacy, and American culture of the 1960s.

Iowa

Mackenzie Cross | CAM High School | Anita, Iowa

Coordinator: Ksenia Zhbanova

Mackenzie Cross is a sophomore at CAM High School in Anita, Iowa. Although her school is really small--about 110 people in the entire high school!--she enjoys all of the great opportunities that come with attending a small school! She has participated in a wide range of activities and has learned that anything involving math, science, or agriculture is not for her but, as a result, she uncovered her passion for politics, writing, speech, and learning about other cultures. Currently she enjoys writing papers and giving speeches that express her opinions, as well as trying to have a healthy lifestyle by playing volleyball, running track, and waking up at 6:00 each morning before school to workout with her friends. After high school she plans to double major in International Relations as well as a critical language such as Russian--although, who knows? Anything can happen!

Kansas

Sheridan Koster | Beloit Jr.-Sr. High School | Beloit, Kansas

Coordinator: Jo Dean

Sheridan lives in Jewell, Kansas and attends Beloit High School. During high school Sheridan has participated in volleyball, softball, basketball, track, Student Council, National Honor Society, History Club, Science Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and has been involved in the Catholic Youth Organization at her local parish. After high school, Sheridan will attend Kansas State University and major in accounting. She plans on getting a Master's degree and becoming a certified public accountant. After she finishes her education she would like to move back to the area she lives in now.

Kentucky

Hannah Good | Notre Dame Academy | Park Hills, Kentucky

Coordinator: Emily Sampson

Hannah Good is a high school junior from Northern Kentucky. She is currently a proud member of the National English Honors Society at her school, as well as the academic team and the cross country, bowling, and lacrosse teams. She volunteers weekly at a local organization that provides food and other services to low-income families in her area. After high school, she plans to study theology and creative writing and hopes to work in social justice, particularly focusing on women's issues. She has also won a national Silver Key in the Scholastic Competition for her writing as well as numerous regional Gold and Silver Keys.

Louisiana

Anna Nesterova | Baton Rouge Magnet High School | Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Coordinator: Irina Nesterova

Anna Nesterova is currently a senior at Baton Rouge Magnet High School. After high school she plans to study at Georgetown University's Walsh School of Foreign Service and eventually pursue a career revolving around international affairs. In particular, she's interested in working with the Middle East, with a concentration on Israel, Palestine, and Iran. In high school she stays active through her mock trial team, French Club, and Key Club. On the side, she's a self-proclaimed Hemingway fanatic and is further brought to life by the literary/cinematic works of Romain Gary, Andrei Tarkovsky, and Yuri Norstein. The National Peace Essay Contest served as a medium through which to identify and research various dimensions to the security sector question, and Anna recognizes that these skills will prove to be critical as she prepares to navigate the "world" of foreign affairs.

Maine

Laura Henny | Scarborough High School | Scarborough, Maine

Coordinator: Mary Wheeler

Laura Henny is a junior at Scarborough High School in Scarborough, Maine. She is president of her school's Academic Decathlon team, and she has been the top-scoring AD student in Maine for the last two years, winning numerous awards at both the state and national levels. She serves as secretary of Scarborough High's Civil Rights Team, and is a member of National Honor Society. Laura also plays singles on the varsity tennis team, and plays flute in the school band. In addition to the National Peace Essay Contest, Laura recently won second place in Maine for the VFW Voice of Democracy essay contest. Laura is passionate about current events, international relations, and public policy, and hopes to pursue these interests in college.

Maryland

Edward Benjamin Fineran | Montgomery Blair High School | Silver Spring, Maryland

Coordinator: Paul Moose

Edward "Benjamin" Fineran is a junior in the selective Science, Mathematics, Computer Science Magnet Program at Montgomery Blair High School. In addition to his interests in math and computer science, Benjamin is also interested in government and global issues. He is Co-President of his school's Model United Nations club and is also a member of the National Honor Society, Rubik's Cube team and Computer team. Outside of his academic studies, Benjamin loves playing baseball with his high school team. He enjoys all types of music, especially country and rap and plays the piano, cello and bass guitar. For the past few years, Benjamin has volunteered at a summer camp for children. This year Benjamin has been selected to participate in the Office of Naval Research Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program. Benjamin hopes to pursue a career that will enable him to combine his interests in computer science, business and government.

Massachusetts

Chris Champa | Belmont Hill School | Belmont, Massachusetts

Coordinator: Juliette Zener

Chris Champa is a senior at Belmont Hill school in Belmont, Massachusetts. He is the President of Belmont Hill's Orbis, a group focused on bringing global issues into the school environment. The club discusses current events on a weekly basis and raises money for global charities. He is also heavily involved in his school's music program, serving as President of the Jazz Ensemble, playing alto saxophone and guitar. He has captained the varsity sailing team for the past two years. Chris has been named to the Belmont Hill chapter of the Cum Laude society and will attend Yale College in the fall, where he hopes to pursue political science.

Michigan

Brian Kuang | Canton High School | Canton , Michigan

Coordinator: Patrick Ignagni

Brian Kuang is a junior attending Salem High School. Since receiving an odd gift of an American History Encyclopedia on his seventh Christmas and young-summer binges of the History Channel, Brian has been enamored by history and its associated disciplines. When he is not busy in the classroom or referring to himself in the third-person, Brian can often be found in the pool, where he has qualified for state-level competitions and is currently the captain of his high school team, or in the library, where he is evidently one of the last humans who reads for fun. In addition, he may also be found as an avid participant of the lively debates of his school's Model United Nations or serving his community as a member of the National Honor Society. With college applications almost looming, Brian hopes to continue onto the future with an open mind and sense of humor.

Minnesota

Emma Crane | Elk River High School | Elk River, Minnesota

Coordinator: Denise Green

Emma is a cross country runner, Nordic skier, singer and actress at Elk River High School. She is the youngest of four children, and enjoys spending time with her family, especially when her three older brothers are home. Emma is a very busy young woman, and yet she still makes time to have fun and volunteer at her church, where she is a youth choir member, accompanist and peer minister. Emma enjoys playing piano and is a state piano contest winner. She is a state ExCEL award winner for excellence in leadership, community service and education, and has sung the national anthem in numerous venues, including state high school tournaments and at Hockey Day Minnesota. She hopes to attend the University of St. Thomas and plans to major in music education.

Missouri

Ashwin Govindan | Ladue Horton Watkins High School | Ladue, Missouri

Coordinator: Eric Hahn

Ashwin Govindan is a sophomore at Ladue Horton Watkins High School in Ladue, Missouri. He is interested in chemistry and history. At school, he participates in Speech and Debate, Quiz Bowl, and HOP. He enjoys swimming, playing basketball, and tennis. He plays tennis for the school team. He enjoys watching sports, including supporting his local St. Louis Blues and Cardinals. He also enjoys playing violin, especially in the school orchestra.

Nebraska

Jennifer Peterson | Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart | Omaha, Nebraska

Coordinator: Donna Harrison

Jennifer Peterson is a senior at Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart in Omaha, Nebraska. She is an editor for her school literary magazine, as well as a national literary magazine based in her city. Last summer, Jennifer wrote and taught a six-week curriculum on creative writing to underprivileged middle-school girls at Girls Incorporated. She is a barista, the secretary of National Honor Society, and a National Merit Finalist. She is a four year varsity golfer and was captain of JV Tennis her junior year. Jennifer was the state winner in the 2013 Colonial Dames National Congressional Essay Contest. Also in 2013, her research paper placed 2nd at district History Day, and finished 3rd at state. This year she placed 1st at district History Day and won the Nebraska State Historical Society Award at state. In the fall, Jennifer plans to study History or English at Stanford University.

Nevada

Evan Gong | Homeschool | Henderson, Nevada

Coordinator: Carol Turner

Evan Gong is a junior at Nevada Virtual Academy in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is interested in political science and business and aspires to pursue a career in diplomacy or finance. In high school, Evan serves as a Head Delegate for the Model United Nations team, President of the Business Club, and Editor-in-Chief of the student newspaper. He has led the Model UN team to several international conferences, and was recently named as a Distinguished Finalist for the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Outside of school, he enjoys volunteering for UNLV TRiO, a federal program assisting low-income students, as well as practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in his leisure time.

New Hampshire

Sun Woo Lee | St. Paul's School | Concord, New Hampshire

Coordinator: Sharon Kim

Sun Woo Lee is a sophomore at St. Paul's School in Concord, NH. Although her parents live in Seoul, South Korea, she identifies herself with the Concord community. She is the head of the John G. Winant Society, a bipartisan politics club founded by John Kerry during his time at St. Paul's School in the honor of legendary ambassador and NH governor, John Winant. Sun Woo works closely with the NH state government in a fundraising campaign for Concord's 250th anniversary. She is also an avid squash player, proudly playing for the St. Paul's Girl's Varsity Squash Team that placed 11th in the nation this year. After school, she enjoys teaching math to African refugees in a local church. To see them progress is one of the greatest joys of her life. She looks forward to interning for NH congresswoman Ann Kuster this summer.

New Jersey

Jackson Min | Homeschool (PA Homeschoolers AP Online Classes) | Wyckoff, New Jersey

Coordinator: Maya Inspektor

Jackson Min, a sophomore, was born in New York City, lived in London, England and now resides in New Jersey. He is the third of four boys and has been homeschooled his entire life. He is a nationally ranked debater in the National Christian Forensics and Communications Association (NCFCA), and loves researching policy topics. Recently, he and his partner won first place in Team Policy debate at the NCFCA Regional Invitational Championship and will be competing at the National Championship in Virginia in June. When he is not researching or studying, Jackson enjoys competitive saber fencing. His favorite subjects include physics, history, English, and government. Some of his other interests include tennis, skiing, Rubik's cubing, singing, playing the djembe drum and reading. At this point, Jackson is unsure of what career he will be pursuing. Although he loves public policy, he is also considering law or engineering.

New Mexico

Joshua Valdez | Digital Arts and Technology Academy | Albuquerque, New Mexico

Coordinator: Edward Gonzalez

Josh lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico and attends Digital Arts and Technology Academy. After he graduates, he plans to attend the University of New Mexico and study journalism. He enjoys a variety of hobbies, from sports to video games, so long as its time spent with friends. Josh spends much of his time involved in his ministry as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Josh looks forward to continuing to use his abilities to help others.

New York

Aaron Smithson | Trinity School | New York City, New York

Coordinator: Susan Kang

Aaron Smithson is a junior at Manhattan's Trinity School. International relations and development have always been interests of his. He loves to read literature on subjects relevant to foreign affairs and poverty when time permits. In addition to this interest of his, Aaron is also passionate about the arts, especially architecture. This year, he was a national finalist in the National Geographic Student Photo Contest and has won 3 National Gold Medals as well as 31 regional awards from the Scholastic Art Awards since freshman year. As president of a student organization called Baja Bound, Aaron must raise $17,000 and organize a trip for twenty students to northwestern Mexico. There, the volunteers build a house for an impoverished and disenfranchised Mixteca family. The organization provides a rare opportunity to combine Aaron's love of development, Spanish, and architecture. He hopes to study in these three areas when he attends university.

North Carolina

Thomas Kennedy | Chapel Hill High School | Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Coordinator: Joseph Kennedy

My name is Thomas Kennedy. I am currently a junior at Chapel Hill High School in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. During my freshman year I attended Chinese public school in Xi'an, China. I was able to do so because I have been fortunate enough to participate in a Mandarin dual language immersion program in our local public schools since kindergarten. As a result of my experiences living in China and learning about Chinese language and culture, I have developed strong interests in international relations and public policy. I have pursued these interests in high school through Model United Nations, Ethics Bowl, and Economics Challenge (our team won the state championship this year). In my spare time I like to read and play sports. I play tennis on our school's varsity team and participate in community service through my church.

Ohio

Richard Hwang | Homeschool (Hwang Academy) | Athens, Ohio

Coordinator: Binming Hwang

Richard Hwang is a sophomore in high school. He plays varsity tennis and serves as the Treasurer of student council. He is the Business Manager of both the school newspaper and the school literary journal. Richard is also the President of Chess Club. He likes Cormac McCarthy, Hello Kitty, and Douglas Adams. Richard also likes listening to foreign music, watching Tom Hanks movies, and sleeping whenever possible. Richard would like to write a book.

Oklahoma

Rachel Higgins | Silo School | Durant, Oklahoma

Coordinator: Debra Higgins

Rachel lives in Stillwater, OK, a college town which is home to Oklahoma State University (OSU), and is a senior in Silo High School Online Program. Her essay was greatly influenced by the five years in the mid-2000's that she lived in Cochabamba, Bolivia, a country that often has civil protests and political conflicts because of the racial and class tensions between the Spanish descendants, those of mixed race, and Natives. The extreme poverty that she could see on every corner led her to have a great interest in social problems. It also caused her hobby to be reading books and watching films concerning social problems. She plans to attend OSU as a computer science major due to her fascination with technology and the possibility of using it to improve society. Her honors include qualifying for OSU's Honors Program and Freshman Research Program and winning a FIRE essay scholarship.

Oregon

Eleanor Solomon | Riverdale High School | Portland, Oregon

Coordinator: Laura Pridmore-Brown

Eleanor Solomon is a freshman at Riverdale High School in Portland, Oregon. She enjoys reading, writing, learning languages and mathematics. Eleanor also enjoys sports, and this year she was on her school's volleyball, swimming, and tennis teams. Eleanor is interested in architecture, design, and environmental studies. She will be a summer intern at Oregon Wild, an environmental advocacy organization.

Overseas Schools

Sarah Moy de Vitry | Homeschool (PA Homeschoolers AP Online Classes) | Vandoeuvres, Switzerland

Coordinator: Maya Inspektor

Sarah Moy de Vitry is a homeschooled sophomore born and raised in Europe. Violin was a passion until she decided to put it aside in the hopes of graduating early to either take a gap year as an "au pair" or do a special math program at a Swiss polytech. Sarah hopes to later become a pediatric nurse. Tchoukball, a Swiss-invented sport, and basketball keep her active, while verbal sparring with her father and brothers keeps her mind nimble. Sewing, writing, painting, and reading are squeezed into spare moments. Sarah would especially like to thank Mrs. Inspektor--her English teacher, her family, and her online TAs and classmates for their support and encouragement.

Pennsylvania

Olivia Zarrelli | Bethlehem Catholic High School | Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Coordinator: Robert Gowell

Olivia Zarrelli has lived in Nazareth, PA for 16 years and is a senior at Bethlehem Catholic HS. She is a member of the Theatre Troupe, Dance Team, and Key Club. She has enjoyed dancing competitively for 10 years with a focus on ballet and tap. As a member of the Penn-State 4-H Equestrian Club, she loves competing at the local and state level, taking part in equine education and community service projects within the local Northampton County 4-H program. Olivia is active in her church and finds reward in volunteering and sharing stories with residents at a local nursing home. In her free time, she loves baking, reading, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends. In the Fall she will attend Marywood University majoring in Dietetics/Nutrition and is looking forward to service projects in health and nutrition while studying abroad.

South Carolina

Eric R. Ladson | Summerville High School | Summerville, South Carolina

Coordinator: Eric H. Ladson

Eric Ladson is a current senior at Summerville High School in Summerville, South Carolina. He is a member of National Honor Society and an Ambassador of the National Society of High School Scholars. He has also participated in SHS Soccer and Cross-Country. Recently, Eric received a Nomination for the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists Award of Excellence. He has coordinated activities and projects with members of his church to engage in Christ-centered, community focused outreach. These outreach events have served the purposes of educating, uplifting, and connecting with the preceding and current generations. He has recently begun to volunteer for the Department of Juvenile Justice as a mentor, tutor, and Youth Leader. In the fall of 2014, he will attend The Citadel: The Military College of South Carolina with a major in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in International and Military Affairs.

South Dakota

Lane Haskell | St. Thomas More High School | Rapid City, South Dakota

Coordinator: Ann Trucano

Lane Haskell is a senior at St. Thomas More high school in Rapid City, South Dakota. His favorite subjects are literature, history, and Spanish. He is a member of National Honor Society, the Knowledge Bowl team, the Spanish club, and student council. He volunteers as a teacher's aide for his Spanish teacher and tutors Spanish students. His interest in government led him to participate in the prestigious United States Senate Youth Program which educates young people about public service in the three branches of government and beyond. He plans on studying foreign languages and international studies in college.

Tennessee

Scott Button | Signal Mountain High School | Signal Mountain, Tennessee

Coordinator: Steven Redman

I'm Scottie Button, an 18-year old from Signal Mountain, Tennessee, and I am currently a senior in high school. I'm a candidate for the International Baccalaureate Program, an organization based on creating like-minded and international scholars across the world. Through the International Baccalaureate program, I devoted myself to several community service activities and would most likely not have otherwise discovered this contest. The program also gave me a love for the sport of lacrosse, which I intend to play in college. I plan to pursue my major in Chemical Engineering at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. My father is a nuclear engineer, and my brother is studying to be a mechanical engineer. I am following the same pursuit because I too share that same attraction to the study of engineering.

Texas

Julia Myers | Homeschool (PA Homeschoolers AP Online Classes ) | Southlake, Texas

Coordinator: Maya Inspektor

Julia Myers, a high school sophomore, is co-founder and chairman of Pretty Purposeful, Inc., a charity that provides medical surgeries for women in Africa. She is a spokesperson for global health issues, has appeared on television, and is a Yale Young Global Scholar. She has served as a Youth Ambassador to China, emceed a Chinese cultural event, and presented foreign relations speeches on Asian politics. Julia is a Teen Attorney at a teen court and won 4th place in the Texas teen court competition. She ranked in the top 10% in a national speech and debate league, is a National Latin Scholar, and an award-winning martial arts competitor working on her Black belt. She is a pianist and gold medal-winner in music theory. She was awarded the "True Performer Award" by Southlake Style Magazine and is a Running Start "Emerging Leader Award" nominee. She is training for the Honolulu Marathon.

U.S. Territories – Puerto Rico

Andrea Perez | Academia del Perpetuo Socorro | San Juan, Puerto Rico

Coordinator: Marie Gillette

Andrea Margarita Perez Gonzalez was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she lives with her parents, her brother and her two dogs. As a current senior in the Academia del Perpetuo Socorro, Andrea is a member of the National Honor Society, the Science Club, the Ecology Club, and the Zumba Club. Although she has always been interested in science, Andrea's fearless inquisitiveness has prompted her to explore other academic areas such as writing, math and literature. Her diligent and determined nature has helped her excel academically, but what defines Andrea is her compassionate character. Although she enjoys reading and painting, Andrea's gaiety stems from helping those around her. Once in college, she will major in Biology in pursuit of becoming a veterinarian.

Utah

Alexandra Allen | Springville High School | Springville, Utah

Coordinator: Ryan Stewart

Alexandra Allen is a junior at Springville High School. She is an avid musician and writer, writing for the local online news and school papers. She is the first chair Bassoonist in her school orchestra and band as well as in the Utah Valley Youth Symphony. This year she helped found and plays on the first girls rugby club in Springville. She also fences and runs. Alexandra is the first attendant of the Art Royalty at the Springville Museum of Art where she volunteers and hopes to one day display her art. She is also the first counselor in her local church youth organization, where she is deeply involved with service projects throughout the community. This summer she is spending several weeks doing humanitarian aid in Cambodia building a water filtration system at a preschool. She will also be attending Girls State at Southern Utah University. After high school, she plans to pursue a degree in Economics.

Vermont

Abigail Millard | Windsor High School | Windsor, Vermont

Coordinator: Stanley Spencer

Abby Millard is a junior at Windsor High School in Windsor, Vermont. Her enthusiasm for world issues was sparked by the previous NPEC question about women and peace building. She is passionate about everything from microbiology to mission work, but hopes to pursue elementary education in the future. Among other activities, she has been actively involved in student government. She enjoys volunteering with elementary school students- teaching science curriculum, tutoring, and coaching soccer. She is also a member of the soccer team and the National Honor Society.

Virginia

Emily Schaal | Herndon High School | Herndon , Virginia

Coordinator: Miriam Loebman

Emily Schaal is a resident of Herndon, Virginia, and will graduate from Herndon High School at the end of the 2014 school year. Throughout her high school career, she participated in many community service activities, including Class Government and National Honor Society, and competed for three years on the Varsity Gymnastics team. She has also received a National Merit Scholarship. After graduating, she plans to pursue an undergraduate degree in economics and mathematics at The College of William and Mary, where she has already been accepted into the prestigious Monroe Scholars Program.

Washington

Grace Dai | Hanford High School | Richland, Washington

Grace Dai, born and raised in Richland, Washington, is a junior at Hanford High School. She has been a dedicated member in the theatre program at her school, as well as her state, and will be serving her second term as one of the four Washington State Thespian Officers in the upcoming year. Along with theatre, Grace's interests range from being an active member in her school's ASB, to being an officer of various clubs, such as ecology, recycling, and engineering club. However, her involvement in extracurricular activities does not stop there. Her passion truly lies in theatre and music, through which she owes the confidence she needed to enter the NPEC. In the near future, Grace plans on attending college and exploring the field of computer science.

West Virginia

Katie Zucker | Homeschool (PA Homeschoolers AP Online Classes) | Morgantown, West Virginia

Coordinator: Maya Inspektor

Katie is a homeschooled junior from Morgantown, West Virginia. In addition to writing, she loves music and math. She plays the harp; she especially enjoys playing with orchestras and attending a two-week camp called the Young Artist's Harp Seminar. She also plays the old-time fiddle for fun and has placed in several semi-local contests. Katie is also involved with a volunteer group of middle and high-schoolers that works to increase youth involvement in cleaning up a local watershed and protecting the environment. In her spare time, Katie enjoys snowboarding, reading, ping-pong, and making duct tape art (flowers, wallets, bags, pictures, etc.).

Wisconsin

Nathan Cho | Neenah High School | Neenah, Wisconsin

Coordinator: Sue Peterson

I'm Nathan Cho and I live in Neenah, Wisconsin. After high school, I plan on attending University-Missouri Kansas City; I don't know what I want to major in yet. There I plan on racking up some college debt while I figure out what to do with my life. I am yet another bumbling college kid. Jokes aside, I do plan on continuing my policy debate career at UMKC, both debating and coaching. I believe strongly in the value of debate as an extracurricular activity and I would not have won this essay contest if I didn't have the skills I learned in debate. This year I co-founded the Wisconsin Policy Debate Students Association and was elected Director of Resource Materials and Community Assistance. I plan on continuing my involvement in the debate community and promoting the project of improving debate, both within Wisconsin and around the country.

Wyoming

Walter Thulin | Jackson Hole Community School | Jackson, Wyoming

Coordinator: Christian Burch

With a last name changed to Thulin (pronounced To-lean) from Anderson (a much more phonetically pleasing name), Walter has been forced to wait through four fifths of roll calls, with rare exceptions when roll is called backwards, in which moments of excitement momentarily enter and exit his existence. Other than obsessing over his spot at the end of roll calls, Walter invests his time in community service, tutoring several different elementary aged children in both math and English, as well as volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. He takes part in speech and debate, in which he consistently has done well across Wyoming, and swimming, where he is placed sixth at the "fifty freestyle." Attending Jackson Hole Community School as a sophomore, Walter invests his time in several classes which he is passionate about, including Mandarin, Spanish, and History, all of which he hopes to incorporate into his future.