2012-2013 State-level Winners' Biographies

Listed by state

Listed by State

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Alabama Rohan Palanki \| W.P. Davidson High School \| Mobile, Alabama Coordinator: Srinivas Palanki Rohan Palanki is a sophomore at W.P. Davidson High School in Mobile, Alabama. He is interested in history and political science and is an active participant in Scholars Bowl, Hi Q, and model UN in school. He also likes to work on science projects and has been an Intel Science and Engineering Fair finalist for the past two years. He is a member of his school's junior varsity soccer and cross-country teams. For the past two years he has been involved in volunteering at local area hospitals and is a counselor for a summer camp for disabled kids. He likes to play the saxophone in his spare time. He is an avid sports fan and likes to watch football, basketball, baseball and cricket. He loves to travel and has visited 17 countries in three continents.
Alaska Chaline Lobti \| West Anchorage High School \| Anchorage, Alaska Coordinator: David Vano I am Chaline Lobti and live in Anchorage, Alaska. I am 15 years old and currently a sophmore at West Anchorage High School. I was born in Bamenda, Cameroon, a country in West Africa, and I was raised there for about 11 years of my life before moving to the United States in May 2008. I am enthralled by the medical field and plan on pursuing a career as a cardiothoracic surgeon after high school. I love helping people and donate my time whenever I can. I am a member of the National Honor Society and the president of the African Dance Club, which helps me stay connected to my roots.
Arizona Jessica Li \| Hamilton High School \| Chandler, Arizona Coordinator: Phyllis Carr Jessica Li is a junior at Hamilton High School in Chandler, Arizona. As a captain on her school's Speech and Debate team, she leads practices and coaches her novices in the Interpretation events. She is also a part of her school's Academic Decathlon program, where she has spent entirely too much of her life memorizing the exploits of various Russian leaders and singing songs about dimes and dust. In her free time, she reads, plays the violin, and watches Oscar-winning movies. Her plans for the future are still blurry, but she sees herself writing, whether it be law or journalism or storytelling. Regardless, she hopes to embrace whatever comes her way. She would like to thank Mrs. Carr for her guidance and her mother for counting down the days until the deadline since October.
Arkansas Emily Schienvar \| Pulaski Academy \| Little Rock, Arkansas Coordinator: Bill Topich Emily Schienvar is a senior at Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas. She is extremely involved in her school, community, and church. She spends every Tuesday afternoon tutoring children from at-risk schools and every Sunday planning Catholic youth events for the Diocese of Little Rock. The oldest of five girls, Emily has worked hard to set an example for her siblings. She is a National Merit Finalist and a recipient of the Harvard Book Award. Emily has been a competitive swimmer for ten years and was captain of her varsity swim team for her junior and senior years of high school. She is the Vice President of her school's Mu Alpha Theta chapter, secretary of the French Club, and co-designer of her school's literary journal, Veritas. In 2012, she advanced to the national level of competition for National History Day for her paper on the 1989 Polish Revolution. In the fall, she plans to attend Washington University in St. Louis to study English and Political Science as preparation for a career in law.
California Tricia Light \| Redondo Union High School \| Redondo Beach, California Coordinator: Lori Zaremski Tricia Light is a senior at Redondo Union High School in Redondo Beach, California. She plans on pursing a career in conservation, and will be attending Scripps College in the fall with a major in Environmental Analysis. She enjoys playing beach volleyball and volunteering with the Friendship Circle, an organization that pairs teenagers with kids and young adults with special needs. She is also the Director of Writing for her school newspaper, High Tide. The political activism of her entire family, particularly her grandmother, has inspired her to be interested in the environment and politics in general from a young age.
Colorado Zoe Branch \| Cherry Creek High School \| Greenwood Village, Colorado Coordinator: Karen Waples Zoe Branch is a junior at Cherry Creek High School in Greenwood Village, Colorado where she is very heavily involved in theatre and music. She is a member of the select mixed auditioned choir, Meistersingers, and serves as Secretary on the school's Thespian Troupe Board. She has also participated in both school and professional theatre and spends the majority of her free time in acting, dancing, and singing lessons. Zoe has a passion for all things literature and enjoys to read and to write as well.
Connecticut Rishi Mutalik \| Amity Regional High School \| Orange, Connecticut Coordinator: Meenakshi Alreja Rishi Mutalik, a junior at Amity High School, feels honored to be selected as a state winner. An avid fan of politics and history, Rishi's interest in these subjects was fueled by his schoolteachers, and has deepened following his experience as an Ivy Scholar at Yale University's summer program in American Political Philosophy, Law and Economics (APPLE). As a member of the Junior State of America, he enjoys debating on national and foreign policy issues. Since his childhood, Rishi has also had a very deep interest in cinema, theatre and the world of performing arts, having performed in various community and regional productions since the age of 9. His New York City credits include the role of 'Tom of Warwick' in the New York Philharmonic's revival of Camelot at Lincoln Center. More recently, he performed in the Elm Shakespeare Company's production of Macbeth. Rishi has also written, directed and starred in a student film at the New York Film Academy, and he enjoys writing plays and performing alongside his school friends.
Delaware Courtney Swafford \| Write from the Heart \| Wilmington, Delaware Coordinator: Veldorah Rice Courtney Swafford is a homeschooled senior from Delaware. Her love of learning has led to an interest in many topics, but her passions are languages, music, international affairs, and writing. She applies these passions in a variety of ways, from participating in multiple community musical ensembles to writing for all genres. Her creative writing recently won a Portfolio Silver Medal with Distinction, and a Short Story Gold Medal, from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Courtney is an active member of her church, participating in the youth group and in service projects. She also enjoys providing volunteer childcare in her community, and got the opportunity to do the same in China on a recent cultural exchange trip there. She hopes to return someday, and to visit other countries, as she adores travelling. In the meantime, she looks forward to pursuing a college education, and hopes for a career abroad.
District of Columbia Alison Steinbach \| Sidwell Friends School \| Washington, DC Coordinator: Shields Sundberg Alison Steinbach is currently a junior at Sidwell Friends School in Washington, DC. She has been fortunate to travel in Ghana, Haiti, and China in recent years, which has been eye-opening and educational, and she is very interested in developing enhanced relationships among students of different nations. After spending time in Kumasi, Ghana and as a LearnServe Fellow, Alison connected high school students in Ghana and Washington through an online forum. She also studies Chinese at school and hopes to continue learning and using the language. She has volunteered at a Kid Power DC summer camp and a preschool for autistic children. Alison writes and edits for the Sidwell school newspaper and is a member of the varsity cross country, basketball, and lacrosse teams, as well as the school's Eco and Model UN clubs.
Florida Benjamin Manipadam \| Lyman High School \| Longwood, Florida Coordinator: Mary Manipadam Benjamin Manipadam is a senior at Lyman High School in Longwood, FL and a member of the school's Engineering Magnet Program. He will pursue an undergraduate degree in either Aerospace or Industrial Engineering at Georgia Tech. He is a National Merit Finalist. In high school he participated in the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, the Interact Club, JROTC, and the Florida Young Artists Orchestra. He has been a member of the Varsity Tennis team at Lyman for four years and also took part in Cross Country.
Georgia Brent Peabody \| The Galloway School \| Atlanta, Georgia Coordinator: Mark Peabody I'm Brent Peabody, a Junior in Atlanta, Georgia. I attend the Galloway School, where I run cross country, play tennis, and participate in Model United Nations (which I helped found this year), the academic team, and student government. I prioritize being engaged in a community, whether it be local or global, and the USIP essay-writing program is a great way to accomplish just that. I have yet to apply to college or choose a career, but hope to double major in international relations and biology and pursue those interests in life.
Hawaii Justin Park \| ‘Iolani High School \| Honolulu, Hawaii Coordinator: John Bickel Justin Park hails from Honolulu, Hawaii. He makes use of Hawaii's tropical beaches by hanging out with friends and surfing. He is currently a junior at Iolani School. Next year, Justin will be the Senior class Vice President and a Senior Prefect. After high school, he plans to continue his studies in college or enroll in a military service academy. He plays the violin in the Hawaii Youth Symphony and enjoys volunteering with the Red Cross and Iolani's Leo Club. Justin participates in Model UN and benefits from its lessons of cooperation and negotiation. Justin is a part of his school's Cross Country team and Track team, where he loves running countless miles. He would like to thank his school and teachers for providing him with such a wonderful opportunity.
Idaho Kyle Ashby \| Bishop Kelly High School \| Boise, Idaho Coordinator: David Skinner Kyle Ashby is a junior at Bishop Kelly High School in Boise, Idaho. Her strongest academic interests include the sciences, foreign languages and American History. Kyle has been a dedicated member of her school’s Science Olympiad team, winning several state medals, and has represented the state of Idaho at the National Science Olympiad competition for 5 years. She is a member of the Key Club, National Honor Society, History Club, Cross Country and Ski Teams and the Bishop Kelly Challenger Program. Kyle is passionate about foreign travel and volunteerism. She has received numerous state, regional and national awards for her charity, Friends Through Books, which she co-founded with her sister in 2009. Her organization assists students in the southern Caribbean island of Carriacou through education and health care. She would like to thank Mr. Skinner for his guidance, teaching and humor.
Illinois Lauren Dermody \| Belleville East High School \| Belleville, Illinois Coordinator: Rebekah McGarrity Lauren Dermody is a senior at Belleville East High School in Belleville, Illinois. She is Executive President of Student Council, president of her church youth group, section leader of clarinets in marching band, and a member of the St. Clair County Youth Board. She is also a member of Math, English, Spanish, Science, and National Honor Societies. Lauren is a member of the state winning Lancer Dance Team and a math, English, and science tutor. Lauren plans to attend Truman State University in the fall and major in biology with a Spanish minor.
Indiana Angela Cattani \| Bloomington High School North \| Bloomington, Indiana Coordinator: Dana Cattani Angela Cattani is a senior at Bloomington High School North in Bloomington, Indiana. A six-year Science Olympian, she has been two-time state champion in epidemiology and has competed multiple times at the national level. She has volunteered over two hundred hours at a community science museum and is currently working in a chemistry research lab at Indiana University. Additionally, Angela enjoys all things trumpet. She has played in marching band, symphonic band, jazz band, the pit orchestra of "Crazy for You," and Indiana All-State Honor Band. Next fall, she will be attending Stanford University to study human biology, a hybrid of biological and social sciences. She is interested in a career in public health, policy, or medicine.
Iowa Bailey Zaputil \| John F. Kennedy High School \| Cedar Rapids, Iowa Coordinator: Michael Ayers Bailey Zaputil is a junior at John F. Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Bailey is an editor for her school newspaper, The Torch, a member of Quill and Scroll, and an officer for Key Club. She is also an active member of her community, volunteering at her local library, as well as being an IGNITE Cedar Rapids presenter. She loves puppies and her bedroom is on the verge of being declared a Superfund site. Bailey plans to attend college and pursue a degree in journalism and law.
Kansas Ben Wright \| Field Kindley High School \| Coffeyville, Kansas Coordinator: Cheryl George Ben Wright is a graduating senior of the Field Kindley High School class of 2013 in Coffeyville, Kansas. While at Field Kindley, Ben participated in a multitude of team activities, including swim, soccer, and golf. In addition, he cherishes the hours he dedicated to the highly competitive activity of policy debate, in which he has won 2 state championships and qualified to out rounds in the National Forensics League (NFL) National Tournament. He has been honored with premier distinction in the organization. He is interested in a wide range of international issues, especially how globalization affects human rights. Next fall, Ben will be attending the University of Kansas to major in International Affairs and Political Science. In his spare time, Ben enjoys reading up on world politics, spending time with his friends, and browsing the online community Reddit.
Kentucky Abigail Martin \| Notre Dame Academy \| Park Hills, Kentucky Coordinator: Emily Sampson Abigail Martin is a junior at Notre Dame Academy in Northern Kentucky. Since age three, Abigail has been dancing, acting, and singing. She also loves English, writing, and history and, after high school, will pursue degrees in history and music. Abigail sings with the Cincinnati Children's Choir, an ensemble-in-residence at the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music. With this group, she earned a Gold Medal in the 2012 World Choir Games and recently made her Carnegie Hall debut. She looks forward to touring China next summer. A National Honor Society member, Abigail was accepted into both Kentucky's Governor's Scholars Program and Governor's School for the Arts. Abigail's faith has led her to become a youth group leader and religious education teacher. It has also encouraged participation in YMCA Camp Ernst, where Abigail will be returning as a counselor. Abigail looks forward to her chance to make a difference in the world.
Louisiana Logan Istre \| Saint Louis Catholic High School \| Youngsville, Louisiana Coordinator: Garrett Rosen Logan lives in Lafayette, Louisiana and is a junior at the Episcopal School of Acadiana. He is an active member in his school, being an AP scholar, active submitter to the school paper, member of the National Honor Society, elected member of student government, dedicated member of the state-winning quiz-bowl team, honors student, and is working on two independent studies. Outside of school he has taken an active role, volunteering at the local nursing home. His hobbies lie mostly in the realm of reading and writing. He is undecided as to which college he will attend, though he plans to major in history with a possible minor in political science.
Maine Leah Jones \| Bangor High School \| Bangor, Maine Coordinator: William Ames Leah Jones is a senior attending Bangor High School. She is interested in social and environmental activism. Leah participates in more activities than a healthy sleep schedule probably dictates, including a clean water research group, Girl Scouts, Academic Decathlon, National Honors Society, Youth in Government, and international volunteer trips. She is president of her school's environmental club and captain of her swim, tennis, and math teams. In addition to having a perfectly rational fear of the color pink and an irrational fear of sharks in swimming pools, she is an AP Scholar, National Merit Scholar, DAR Good Citizen, and national math league qualifier. She loves to travel and hopes to work with the global community as a doctor. She will attend Brown University this fall. Leah would like to apologize for the long lists in this bio, but is still recovering from college applications.
Maryland Juan Sebastian Cortes-Sanchez \| Springbrook High School \| Silver Spring, Maryland Coordiantor: Sharon Cohen Juan Sebastian Cortes-Sanchez is a junior at Springbrook High School in Silver Spring MD. He was born in Bogota, Colombia and moved to the United States when he was fifteen years old. He started as a freshman in the ESOL program and moved his way up to the IB program in two years. He is also part of the Springbrook basketball team, and of the Spanish and National Honors Societies. Sebastian tries to take advantage of every opportunity that is offered to him in the US not only to become successful, but to acknowledge and evaluate the complex social issues that his country of origin is experiencing. That is the reason why the National Peace Essay Contest became the perfect platform to learn and evaluate complex peacemaking processes in the world, and to discuss some of the peacemaking efforts that Colombia is undergoing.
Massachusetts Jeanelle Wheeler \| Homeschool \| Auburn, Massachusetts Coordinator: Teresa Wheeler Jeanelle Wheeler is a junior from Auburn, Massachusetts. At Auburn High, she's a member of Model UN and principal clarinetist for various music ensembles. Furthermore, since her freshman year, Jeanelle has been a first-team all-star selection while playing first singles for Auburn's varsity tennis team. She also tutors, co-hosts a radio show for the blind, and volunteers at her church and local libraries. She has written and illustrated a children's story about prejudice and discrimination and presents her book and its message throughout the community. Additionally, she has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, was recognized for her writing at both the state and national level in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, and won Amnesty International's 2011 national essay contest. She also loves traveling and studying languages. Jeanelle hopes to dedicate her life to making the world a more peaceful place through writing, teaching, and social justice activism.
Michigan Anna Mitchell \| PA Homeschoolers AP Online Class \| Plymouth, Michigan Coordinator: Maya Inspektor Anna is a homeschooled sophomore. She lives in the small town of Plymouth, a suburb of Detroit. She enjoys playing classical piano, especially Bach, Prokofiev, and Albeniz, and two-piano soundtrack arrangements with her sister. Anna volunteered at her local library for four years and now works there as a page. She is an avid reader, especially enjoying economics, math, and science. She serves as a teaching assistant in an online AP US History class. Anna is very concerned about America's decreasing liberty, and has campaigned for presidential and congressional candidates. Most importantly, she is a Christian who believes that Jesus Christ died on the cross for her sins. In her spare time, she likes to work out with kettlebells, cook, be sarcastic, listen to lectures and podcasts, play lacrosse, read The Economist, and watch Dr. Who. She would like to thank her parents, teacher Mrs. Inspektor, and online classmates.
Minnesota Molly Nemer \| Henry Sibley High School \| Mendota Heights, Minnesota Coordinator: Amy Usdin I am Molly Nemer, a senior at Henry Sibley High School in Mendota Heights, Minnesota. I have been drawn to the peace essay topics for the past two years as an extension of my interests in new media and women's rights. I enjoy filmmaking, particularly documentary work. Producing documentaries, I have competed for several years at the national level for National History Day, bringing current relevance to historical human rights issues. I have also enjoyed internships at the MN Historical Society and the MN Center for Human Rights through which I helped facilitate a citywide video contest engaging students to consider solutions to local race, place, and class disparities. One of my high school highlights was a home-stay in Finland last summer; I always appreciate opportunities to expand my worldview.
Mississippi Samuel Stewart \| PA Homeschoolers AP Online Class \| Hattiesburg, Mississippi Coordinator: Maya Inspektor I am finishing my home- schooled sophomore year in Hattiesburg, MS. I have been fortunate in my schooling to have the opportunity to interact with interesting and creative students from around the country through my homeschool classes in English (PA Homeschoolers and IEW) and Latin (The Lukion Project). When I am not in school I spread my time amongst competitive swimming, martial arts, and piano. I have obtained my 1st dan black belt in Don Jitsu Ryu and hold three state records in swimming. I have qualified for the state level pre-college finals in piano for the past six years. I have also achieved Gold in the National Latin Exam for 2012 and 2013. My plan is to swim competitively in college. I have not decided on a course of study, but I may possibly pursue a Classics degree.
Missouri Deanna Fry \| Fry Homeschool Academy \| Springfield, Missouri Coordinator: Faith Fry I have been homeschooled since the fourth grade. I have been accepted to attend Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina to major in cell biology. I plan to use my biology degree to study genetics. Specifically, I would like to research the genetic links, potential cures, and treatments of diseases. I enjoy riding horses, have taken horsemanship lessons for eight years, and recently acquired Assistant Instructor certification through the Certified Horsemanship Association. I have taken piano lessons for nine years and have earned National Roll through National Piano Playing Auditions. My hobbies are leatherworking, especially the making of miniature horse tack. I also enjoy cake decorating and sharing my cake creations with family and friends at church. I use my hobbies as a source of income by occasionally selling model horse tack and decorative cakes.
Montana Anna Middleton \| Lone Peak High School \| Big Sky, Montana Coordinator: Barbara Rowley Anna Middleton is a junior at Lone Peak High School in Big Sky, Montana. Growing up in a tiny ski town, Anna has been skiing since she was two, and will graduate high school in the same building she attended preschool. She is a ski instructor and loves the outdoors, mountains, art and travel. An avid photographer, she has successfully created her own business, Anna Middleton Photography in Big Sky. Anna is very interested in the environment, and attended the INTEL International Science Fair in Pittsburgh last spring for her research on phytoremediation of arsenic from drinking water to be used as a tactic for developing countries. She is passionate about gender equality issues and girls education in developing countries. When she graduates, Anna hopes to attend Colorado College, in Colorado Springs.
Nebraska Madeline Webb \| Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart \| Omaha, Nebraska Coordinator: Chad Krier I’m from Omaha, Nebraska. I plan on attending college next year to study an undecided major. I participate in high school tennis, piano lessons, and I love to volunteer. Last summer I went on a service trip to the Dominican Republic and the people I met there taught me a lot.
Nevada Bryce Smith \| Liberty High School \| Las Vegas, Nevada Coordinator: Scott Smith Bryce Smith is a senior at Liberty High School in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is the vice president of his school's Environmental Awareness Club and technical coordinator for the Nevada Junior Classical League. Bryce is the clarinet section leader in Liberty's marching and concert band and has achieved superior ratings all four years of high school. He plans to attend the University of Nevada, Reno in the fall of 2013 to pursue a degree in Environmental Science.
New Hampshire Victoria DeRoche \| Alvirne High School \| Hudson, New Hampshire Coordinator: M. Jeffrey DiPrizito Victoria is a senior attending Alvirne High School. There she is co-president of the Model United Nations club, as well as a member of both National and French Honor Societies. In addition, she is an officer of her school's Key Club, a volunteering organization. The past two years, she has participated in her school's French Foreign Exchange club, where she has made friendships that will last a lifetime. She has also been volunteering at her local humane society for the past five years. Outside of school, she is an avid hiker. In the fall of 2013, Victoria will be attending Northeastern University, where she plans to major in International Affairs with a focus on peace and conflict.
New Jersey Susan Liu \| East Brunswick High School \| East Brunswick, New Jersey Coordinator: Ge Liu Susan Liu is a junior at East Brunswick High school who wants to pursue a career in Political Science. She has also had a passion for art and international relations for most of her life. She has taken private art lessons for ten years and has won several keys from Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. She is an editor for her school's literary and arts magazine and is an active participant in her school's Model United Nations program.
New Mexico Kristin Lynn \| Sandia Preparatory School \| Albuquerque, New Mexico Coordinator: Lee Stork Kristin Lynn is a Senior at Sandia Preparatory School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Next year she will be attending Ithaca College as part of the six year Physical Therapy program. She will also study Spanish and study abroad during her college career. Kristin loves sports and participates in track and field as well as gymnastics. She values community service and enjoys tutoring children at a local elementary school. Since Kristin loves working with children, she also coaches at a gymnastics camp during the summer. Kristin became interested in peacebuilding when she took a literature of peace class during her sophomore year. Since then she has continued to study and search for peace.
New York Andrew Mok \| Longwood High School \| Middle Island, New York Coordinator: Daniel Tapia Andrew Mok is a freshman at Longwood High School in Middle Island, Long Island, about 60 miles east of New York City. Andrew is currently enrolled in AP Biology, AP World History, English Honors, Trigonometry Honors, and Spanish classes. He received various academic awards including the President Awards, High Honor Roll, and he participated in the National Junior Honor Society. Music is Andrew's passion. Andrew is a violinist at the school Concert Orchestra, Chamber Music, Pit Orchestra, SCMEA, LISFA, NYSSMA and is a member of the Tri-M society. Andrew loves the diversity of culture and languages. He has been attending Chinese school at CCALI, Chinese Culture Association of Long Island in the past 10 years and particularly likes the art of Chinese Calligraphy. Andrew will continue to discover his interest and has a few decisions to make before finalizing area to pursue in college.
North Carolina Prakash Mishra \| Marvin Ridge High School \| Marvin, North Carolina Coordinator: Sanjay Mishra Prakash lives in Marvin, North Carolina where his main passions are his Speech and Debate Team and his improv troupe, "Check!". He is a passionate thinker and believes that the universe is a puzzle for him to assemble. In the future, this assemblage will be conducted as either a physicist or a neuroscientist (he is unsure). Coming 9th as a returning participant in the 2011 Scripps National Spelling Bee is a manifestation of his infatuation with languages. Languages are one way he engages with world cultures, while enjoying travel (he has visited much of India and parts of Europe) and literature (Dostoyevsky is a favorite) as well. He has a particular fascination with world history and enjoys using this lens to examine modern problems. A writer of several unpublished novels, Prakash dips his feet into many buckets. His scientific outlets include the Google Science Fair and Science Olympiad.
Ohio Jingwen Zhang \| Thomas Worthington High School \| Westerville, Ohio Coordinator: Carla Saunders Born in China and largely raised in the U.S., Jingwen Zhang currently resides in Westerville, Ohio. She has received several awards for written works through the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards and other organizations. Jingwen is also heavily involved with science and research; she completed two research projects over the past year and attended the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair as a Finalist. She participates in activities including but not limited to: youth group at her church, tennis, music, Science Olympiad, and volunteering with physically or intellectually needy children. In whatever spare time she has left, Jingwen likes to sleep. If she cannot sleep, she listens to music from her multilingual iTunes library (English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, or Serbian--pick your poison) and usually falls asleep anyway. Jingwen is still undecided about the ambiguous and ever-changing thing called her future, but would like to incorporate in it her scientific skills, her inquisitive problem-solving nature, and above all, her desire to improve the lives of others.
Oregon Sarah Gordon \| Riverdale High School \| Portland, Oregon Coordinator: Laura Pridmore-Brown Sarah Gordon is a freshman at Riverdale High School in Portland, Oregon. She's an Honors student, is involved in Mock Trial and the school Site Council, and loves to read and research current events around the world. She recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend the CARE Organization's International Women's Day Celebration, where she lobbied on Capitol Hill for the Foreign Aid budget and advocated against Gender Based Violence. She sees herself in the future working in international relations and diplomacy, her current passion being to help provide opportunities for young women in developing nations to succeed. In her spare time, she does equestrian vaulting, which is gymnastics on horseback, learns languages, and travels. She's a huge history fanatic and has made 6 music videos where she changes the lyrics of popular songs to be about historical events!
Overseas Schools Bo Yeon Jang \| International School Ho Chi Minh City \| Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Coordinator: Moonok Lee Bo Yeon is a 12th grader living in the eternally busy Ho Chi Minh City. An IB diploma candidate, she leads an environmental activism group and the orchestra in her school. She enjoys reading, cooking, studying Latin, and playing violin in her free time. Having lived for seven years each in the United States and South Korea, Bo Yeon is still in the middle of untangling an identity crisis. Despite the unfortunate nickname "Bo Peep" that inevitably follows her no matter where she hides, Bo Yeon has managed overcome the social stigma and graduate as the valedictorian of her high school class. She is eagerly looking forward to attending university in the United States as a liberal arts student in the fall, where she hopes she can forever rid herself of the stain of the sheep and finally find a major that she truly loves.
Pennsylvania Maria Spirk \| Bethlehem Catholic High School \| Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Coordinator: Robert Gowell Maria Spirk is from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and is a senior at Bethlehem Catholic High School. In school she is vice president of the Key club and future alumni clubs, which help organize volunteering for school events. She also is very active in German club, National Honor Society, international club, PA Math League, and is on the track and soccer teams. Her hobbies include running, playing soccer, and reading. Outside of school, she volunteers at the soup kitchen, Cops 'n Kids, as a counselor at her church's bible school, and collects for Special Olympics. For her volunteering efforts she was recently named the YWCA's Teen of the Year in Bethlehem. Following graduation Maria plans to attend college to pursue a degree in psychology.
Rhode Island Shayreen Izoli \| Lincoln School \| West Warwick, Rhode Island Coordinator: Helen Montague Shayreen is a senior at Lincoln School in Providence, Rhode Island. She is the president of the Mock Trial team and the captain of the Varsity Cross Country team, and she rows on the Varsity Crew team. Her interest in International Affairs and culture stems from the several summers she spent living in Damascus, Syria, where her parents were born. Shayreen is a member of the speakers bureau with the Rhode Island Council for Muslim Advancement, an Islamic organization that aims to promote interfaith collaboration and tolerance within the Rhode Island community. She is invited regularly to speak to comparative religion classes at the Rhode Island School of Design, Rhode Island College, New England Tech, and many religious temples about gender equality and women's rights issues in Islam, religion-based stereotypes, and conflict in the Middle East. Shayreen plans to study International Affairs with a concentration in Middle Eastern Studies at the George Washington University. In her free time she enjoys reading, watching Friends, and running marathons.
South Carolina Claire Atwood \| PA Homeschoolers AP Online Class \| Greenville, South Carolina Coordinator: Maya Inspektor Claire Atwood is a homeschooled high school junior from Greenville, South Carolina. Claire is active in her community, serving as a volunteer in the Greenville Zoo Education Department and the Rotary Read-to-Me Program. Claire is a passionate forensics competitor. She has competed nationally for the past two years in NCFCA Team Policy Debate, most recently placing 6th at the national level. She has also competed nationally in Extemporaneous and Impromptu speeches. Claire is an active leader in the local debate club, starting a mentor program for novice debaters. She is the Vice-President of a regional extemporaneous club, President of the local chapter of the National Honors Society, and member of the National Society for High School Scholars. This past summer, Claire traveled to England and France to study World War II and Winston Churchill through Hillsdale College. She recently enjoyed working on the successful campaign for NC Congressman Mark Meadows.
South Dakota Catherine Gibbens \| St. Thomas More High School \| Rapid City, South Dakota Coordinator: Ann Trucano Hi! My name is Catherine and I'm a senior at St. Thomas More High School where I have been attending for 14 years. I have grown up in Rapid City, South Dakota and will continue my education at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota. I am involved in school and extracurricular activities that include tennis and drama. I also play a role in many different groups that include National Honors Scociety, Catholic Math League, Senior Retreat Team, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I love to sing in the church choir, and also enjoy reading and participating in community activities. My current area of study is in Elementary Education, and I hope to give many kids the opportunity of a great education as my teachers did for me. I consider it an honor to be chosen as a State Winner for the National Peace Essay Contest, and I am grateful for all of my teachers and classmates that supported me in the process.
Tennessee MaryMadison McBrayer \| Girls Preparatory School \| Chattanooga, Tennessee Coordinator: Kathleen Berotti MaryMadison McBrayer is a junior at Girls Preparatory School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She lives on Lookout Mountain, which is one of the surrounding mountains of the city of Chattanooga. MaryMadison is a member of the GPS varsity rowing team, volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and Community Service clubs, as well as a student leader for the Christian organization of YoungLife within her school. She has participated in her school's Science Olympiad team and is a member of the National Beta Club. In her free time, she attends her high school YoungLife club, youth group and small group through her church, and builds houses with Habitat for Humanity. During her summers, MaryMadison is a counselor for McCallie First Camp, a day camp for boys ages 5-6 located at the private boys' middle and high school in Chattanooga. Although her college decisions are undecided, MaryMadison aspires to pursue a medical career in pediatrics after graduating.
Texas Hafsa Bouderdaben \| Harmony School of Advancement \| Spring, Texas Coordinator: Amanda Horton Hi, I'm 16 years old and senior in high school. I'm really interested in gender studies, so this year's topic was just perfect for me. I like to get involved in things that will develop me as a person while helping other people, like Girl Scouts, my Muslim Student Association, and other community events. I live in the suburbs of Houston, one of the best cities in the world (my opinion), which has opened my eyes to a lot of issues, such as homelessness, and human trafficking. When I go to college next year, wherever I end up, I want to actively work to solve these issues, through my passion for law and psychology. Going to competitions like National History Day and debate competitions makes me feel like I can succeed. Thanks for listening!
U.S. Territories – Puerto Rico Gabriela Morera \| Academia del Perpetuo Socorro \| San Juan, Puerto Rico Coordinator: Marie Gillette Gabriela Morera was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she currently attends Academia del Perpetuo Socorro as a High School Senior. She has worked in the school newspaper and has also been part of the school's Spanish and English Forensics teams. She plans to study Journalism and Sociology in the future and hopes she can become a distinguished novelist in the future. She also wishes to learn 2 more languages: Italian and French. Some of her hobbies include reading, writing and doing yoga.
Utah Afras Sial \| Skyline High School \| Salt Lake City, Utah Coordinator: Lisa Thornbrue Afras Sial is a sophomore in high school in the International Baccalaureate program who has lived in Salt Lake City his entire life. In school, he is involved with several organizations, such as the state champion Debate team, doing Foreign Extemporaneous and Congress; Sophomore Committee; and clubs, such as Braille Club. He is also involved in several extracurricular activities. His interest in youth civic engagement leads him to participate in YouthCity Government and other organizations, such as Red Cross Youth Services and the Utah Civility Advisory Council, which both also tie into his interest in international relations and refugees, which he also pursues as a citizenship class tutor with the IRC. He was also the state winner of the InvestWrite® student essay competition earlier this year. He looks forward to getting further involved in his community with new organizations and clubs throughout high school.
Vermont Gailin Pease \| Burlington High School \| Burlington, Vermont Coordinator: Stanley Spencer Gailin Pease, who grew up in a small rural Vermont town, has been interested in the wider world since a young age. Listening to and watching the news resulted in her initial attraction to foreign affairs and politics, interests which have continued into high school. She is also interested in science, particularly physics and computer science. Outside of school, she enjoys learning and applying these varied fields of study in such extracurriculars as Model UN, internships, and lab work at the University of Vermont.
Virginia Annie Liu \| The Madeira School \| Belle Meade, Virginia Coordinator: Mary Georgis Annie Liu is a sophomore at the Madeira School in McLean, Virginia. She has always had a deep appreciation for human life which has led her to develop interests in a diverse array of topics ranging from human rights and diversity to medicine and biology. Attending an all-girls school has sparked her interest in the role of women in society and gender issues we face today. In her spare time, Annie loves to dance, paint, read, and write. At school, her favorite subjects are science and history. She also enjoys participating in Model UN, student diversity board, various culture clubs, and editing GATE, Madeira's literary magazine. In the future, Annie would like to go into a field that has a direct impact in improving the quality of living for all people, such as medicine, international fair, or civil service.
Washington Angelia Miranda \| Homeschool \| Kent, Washington Coordinator: Maria Cielo Johnson Lia is a homeschooled freshman who was born in Manila, Philippines and has lived in Kent, Washington since grade school. Her days consist of balancing AP classes, online courses, athletic training, and her passion for writing, reading, piano, and graphic design - along with a general staring at the computer. As an inline speed skater, Lia has been competing for six years, earning placements and records in statewide meets and the championship in the 300 meters for her division at last year's Nationals. Her volunteer efforts include working with the organizations Free the Children and Mountains to Sound Greenway, and helping beginner skaters at her home rink. She hopes to attend early college to pursue her interests in international relations and psychology.
Wisconsin Elizabeth Karron \| Whitefish Bay High School \| Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin Coordinator: John DeRose Elizabeth Karron is a junior at Whitefish Bay High School in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. Elizabeth serves as the Assistant Editor-in-Chief of her school’s art and literature magazine and Vice-President of AFS Club, and she also participates in Model United Nations. She enjoys playing the viola both outside of school and as a member of her school’s orchestra. Elizabeth volunteers regularly at a community garden, because she believes that local, sustainable food increases the wellbeing of both people and the environment and brings people together. In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys running, biking and yoga. She also loves cooking and is currently collaborating with one of her friends on a vegetarian food blog. Elizabeth currently hopes to pursue a career in global health, a field which would allow her to combine her passions for science and international relations and also contribute to the development of sustainable peace.
Wyoming Mrudhula Baskaran \| Laramie High School \| Laramie, Wyoming Coordinator: Thyaarajan Baskaran Mrudhula is a sophomore at Laramie High School, Laramie, Wyoming. After finishing high school, she wants to major in electrical engineering and physics, and attend the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.). She runs cross country and track for her school on the distance running team, and plays the violin. She has also participated in the science fair since 6th grade, doing projects on alternative sources of energy, like solar and wind power, and now working with magnetic nanoparticles. She won first in her category, Medicine, in 2013 in the Wyoming State Science Fair. She is also actively involved in school clubs like Amnesty International and Peace Jam, which perfom local fundraising to raise money for relief for Hurricane Sandy victims and focus on promoting eco-friendly efforts.

Alabama Rohan Palanki \| W.P. Davidson High School \| Mobile, Alabama Coordinator: Srinivas Palanki Rohan Palanki is a sophomore at W.P. Davidson High School in Mobile, Alabama. He is interested in history and political science and is an active participant in Scholars Bowl, Hi Q, and model UN in school. He also likes to work on science projects and has been an Intel Science and Engineering Fair finalist for the past two years. He is a member of his school's junior varsity soccer and cross-country teams. For the past two years he has been involved in volunteering at local area hospitals and is a counselor for a summer camp for disabled kids. He likes to play the saxophone in his spare time. He is an avid sports fan and likes to watch football, basketball, baseball and cricket. He loves to travel and has visited 17 countries in three continents.
Alaska Chaline Lobti \| West Anchorage High School \| Anchorage, Alaska Coordinator: David Vano I am Chaline Lobti and live in Anchorage, Alaska. I am 15 years old and currently a sophmore at West Anchorage High School. I was born in Bamenda, Cameroon, a country in West Africa, and I was raised there for about 11 years of my life before moving to the United States in May 2008. I am enthralled by the medical field and plan on pursuing a career as a cardiothoracic surgeon after high school. I love helping people and donate my time whenever I can. I am a member of the National Honor Society and the president of the African Dance Club, which helps me stay connected to my roots.
Arizona Jessica Li \| Hamilton High School \| Chandler, Arizona Coordinator: Phyllis Carr Jessica Li is a junior at Hamilton High School in Chandler, Arizona. As a captain on her school's Speech and Debate team, she leads practices and coaches her novices in the Interpretation events. She is also a part of her school's Academic Decathlon program, where she has spent entirely too much of her life memorizing the exploits of various Russian leaders and singing songs about dimes and dust. In her free time, she reads, plays the violin, and watches Oscar-winning movies. Her plans for the future are still blurry, but she sees herself writing, whether it be law or journalism or storytelling. Regardless, she hopes to embrace whatever comes her way. She would like to thank Mrs. Carr for her guidance and her mother for counting down the days until the deadline since October.
Arkansas Emily Schienvar \| Pulaski Academy \| Little Rock, Arkansas Coordinator: Bill Topich Emily Schienvar is a senior at Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas. She is extremely involved in her school, community, and church. She spends every Tuesday afternoon tutoring children from at-risk schools and every Sunday planning Catholic youth events for the Diocese of Little Rock. The oldest of five girls, Emily has worked hard to set an example for her siblings. She is a National Merit Finalist and a recipient of the Harvard Book Award. Emily has been a competitive swimmer for ten years and was captain of her varsity swim team for her junior and senior years of high school. She is the Vice President of her school's Mu Alpha Theta chapter, secretary of the French Club, and co-designer of her school's literary journal, Veritas. In 2012, she advanced to the national level of competition for National History Day for her paper on the 1989 Polish Revolution. In the fall, she plans to attend Washington University in St. Louis to study English and Political Science as preparation for a career in law.
California Tricia Light \| Redondo Union High School \| Redondo Beach, California Coordinator: Lori Zaremski Tricia Light is a senior at Redondo Union High School in Redondo Beach, California. She plans on pursing a career in conservation, and will be attending Scripps College in the fall with a major in Environmental Analysis. She enjoys playing beach volleyball and volunteering with the Friendship Circle, an organization that pairs teenagers with kids and young adults with special needs. She is also the Director of Writing for her school newspaper, High Tide. The political activism of her entire family, particularly her grandmother, has inspired her to be interested in the environment and politics in general from a young age.
Colorado Zoe Branch \| Cherry Creek High School \| Greenwood Village, Colorado Coordinator: Karen Waples Zoe Branch is a junior at Cherry Creek High School in Greenwood Village, Colorado where she is very heavily involved in theatre and music. She is a member of the select mixed auditioned choir, Meistersingers, and serves as Secretary on the school's Thespian Troupe Board. She has also participated in both school and professional theatre and spends the majority of her free time in acting, dancing, and singing lessons. Zoe has a passion for all things literature and enjoys to read and to write as well.
Connecticut Rishi Mutalik \| Amity Regional High School \| Orange, Connecticut Coordinator: Meenakshi Alreja Rishi Mutalik, a junior at Amity High School, feels honored to be selected as a state winner. An avid fan of politics and history, Rishi's interest in these subjects was fueled by his schoolteachers, and has deepened following his experience as an Ivy Scholar at Yale University's summer program in American Political Philosophy, Law and Economics (APPLE). As a member of the Junior State of America, he enjoys debating on national and foreign policy issues. Since his childhood, Rishi has also had a very deep interest in cinema, theatre and the world of performing arts, having performed in various community and regional productions since the age of 9. His New York City credits include the role of 'Tom of Warwick' in the New York Philharmonic's revival of Camelot at Lincoln Center. More recently, he performed in the Elm Shakespeare Company's production of Macbeth. Rishi has also written, directed and starred in a student film at the New York Film Academy, and he enjoys writing plays and performing alongside his school friends.
Delaware Courtney Swafford \| Write from the Heart \| Wilmington, Delaware Coordinator: Veldorah Rice Courtney Swafford is a homeschooled senior from Delaware. Her love of learning has led to an interest in many topics, but her passions are languages, music, international affairs, and writing. She applies these passions in a variety of ways, from participating in multiple community musical ensembles to writing for all genres. Her creative writing recently won a Portfolio Silver Medal with Distinction, and a Short Story Gold Medal, from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Courtney is an active member of her church, participating in the youth group and in service projects. She also enjoys providing volunteer childcare in her community, and got the opportunity to do the same in China on a recent cultural exchange trip there. She hopes to return someday, and to visit other countries, as she adores travelling. In the meantime, she looks forward to pursuing a college education, and hopes for a career abroad.
District of Columbia Alison Steinbach \| Sidwell Friends School \| Washington, DC Coordinator: Shields Sundberg Alison Steinbach is currently a junior at Sidwell Friends School in Washington, DC. She has been fortunate to travel in Ghana, Haiti, and China in recent years, which has been eye-opening and educational, and she is very interested in developing enhanced relationships among students of different nations. After spending time in Kumasi, Ghana and as a LearnServe Fellow, Alison connected high school students in Ghana and Washington through an online forum. She also studies Chinese at school and hopes to continue learning and using the language. She has volunteered at a Kid Power DC summer camp and a preschool for autistic children. Alison writes and edits for the Sidwell school newspaper and is a member of the varsity cross country, basketball, and lacrosse teams, as well as the school's Eco and Model UN clubs.
Florida Benjamin Manipadam \| Lyman High School \| Longwood, Florida Coordinator: Mary Manipadam Benjamin Manipadam is a senior at Lyman High School in Longwood, FL and a member of the school's Engineering Magnet Program. He will pursue an undergraduate degree in either Aerospace or Industrial Engineering at Georgia Tech. He is a National Merit Finalist. In high school he participated in the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, the Interact Club, JROTC, and the Florida Young Artists Orchestra. He has been a member of the Varsity Tennis team at Lyman for four years and also took part in Cross Country.
Georgia Brent Peabody \| The Galloway School \| Atlanta, Georgia Coordinator: Mark Peabody I'm Brent Peabody, a Junior in Atlanta, Georgia. I attend the Galloway School, where I run cross country, play tennis, and participate in Model United Nations (which I helped found this year), the academic team, and student government. I prioritize being engaged in a community, whether it be local or global, and the USIP essay-writing program is a great way to accomplish just that. I have yet to apply to college or choose a career, but hope to double major in international relations and biology and pursue those interests in life.
Hawaii Justin Park \| ‘Iolani High School \| Honolulu, Hawaii Coordinator: John Bickel Justin Park hails from Honolulu, Hawaii. He makes use of Hawaii's tropical beaches by hanging out with friends and surfing. He is currently a junior at Iolani School. Next year, Justin will be the Senior class Vice President and a Senior Prefect. After high school, he plans to continue his studies in college or enroll in a military service academy. He plays the violin in the Hawaii Youth Symphony and enjoys volunteering with the Red Cross and Iolani's Leo Club. Justin participates in Model UN and benefits from its lessons of cooperation and negotiation. Justin is a part of his school's Cross Country team and Track team, where he loves running countless miles. He would like to thank his school and teachers for providing him with such a wonderful opportunity.
Idaho Kyle Ashby \| Bishop Kelly High School \| Boise, Idaho Coordinator: David Skinner Kyle Ashby is a junior at Bishop Kelly High School in Boise, Idaho. Her strongest academic interests include the sciences, foreign languages and American History. Kyle has been a dedicated member of her school’s Science Olympiad team, winning several state medals, and has represented the state of Idaho at the National Science Olympiad competition for 5 years. She is a member of the Key Club, National Honor Society, History Club, Cross Country and Ski Teams and the Bishop Kelly Challenger Program. Kyle is passionate about foreign travel and volunteerism. She has received numerous state, regional and national awards for her charity, Friends Through Books, which she co-founded with her sister in 2009. Her organization assists students in the southern Caribbean island of Carriacou through education and health care. She would like to thank Mr. Skinner for his guidance, teaching and humor.
Illinois Lauren Dermody \| Belleville East High School \| Belleville, Illinois Coordinator: Rebekah McGarrity Lauren Dermody is a senior at Belleville East High School in Belleville, Illinois. She is Executive President of Student Council, president of her church youth group, section leader of clarinets in marching band, and a member of the St. Clair County Youth Board. She is also a member of Math, English, Spanish, Science, and National Honor Societies. Lauren is a member of the state winning Lancer Dance Team and a math, English, and science tutor. Lauren plans to attend Truman State University in the fall and major in biology with a Spanish minor.
Indiana Angela Cattani \| Bloomington High School North \| Bloomington, Indiana Coordinator: Dana Cattani Angela Cattani is a senior at Bloomington High School North in Bloomington, Indiana. A six-year Science Olympian, she has been two-time state champion in epidemiology and has competed multiple times at the national level. She has volunteered over two hundred hours at a community science museum and is currently working in a chemistry research lab at Indiana University. Additionally, Angela enjoys all things trumpet. She has played in marching band, symphonic band, jazz band, the pit orchestra of "Crazy for You," and Indiana All-State Honor Band. Next fall, she will be attending Stanford University to study human biology, a hybrid of biological and social sciences. She is interested in a career in public health, policy, or medicine.
Iowa Bailey Zaputil \| John F. Kennedy High School \| Cedar Rapids, Iowa Coordinator: Michael Ayers Bailey Zaputil is a junior at John F. Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Bailey is an editor for her school newspaper, The Torch, a member of Quill and Scroll, and an officer for Key Club. She is also an active member of her community, volunteering at her local library, as well as being an IGNITE Cedar Rapids presenter. She loves puppies and her bedroom is on the verge of being declared a Superfund site. Bailey plans to attend college and pursue a degree in journalism and law.
Kansas Ben Wright \| Field Kindley High School \| Coffeyville, Kansas Coordinator: Cheryl George Ben Wright is a graduating senior of the Field Kindley High School class of 2013 in Coffeyville, Kansas. While at Field Kindley, Ben participated in a multitude of team activities, including swim, soccer, and golf. In addition, he cherishes the hours he dedicated to the highly competitive activity of policy debate, in which he has won 2 state championships and qualified to out rounds in the National Forensics League (NFL) National Tournament. He has been honored with premier distinction in the organization. He is interested in a wide range of international issues, especially how globalization affects human rights. Next fall, Ben will be attending the University of Kansas to major in International Affairs and Political Science. In his spare time, Ben enjoys reading up on world politics, spending time with his friends, and browsing the online community Reddit.
Kentucky Abigail Martin \| Notre Dame Academy \| Park Hills, Kentucky Coordinator: Emily Sampson Abigail Martin is a junior at Notre Dame Academy in Northern Kentucky. Since age three, Abigail has been dancing, acting, and singing. She also loves English, writing, and history and, after high school, will pursue degrees in history and music. Abigail sings with the Cincinnati Children's Choir, an ensemble-in-residence at the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music. With this group, she earned a Gold Medal in the 2012 World Choir Games and recently made her Carnegie Hall debut. She looks forward to touring China next summer. A National Honor Society member, Abigail was accepted into both Kentucky's Governor's Scholars Program and Governor's School for the Arts. Abigail's faith has led her to become a youth group leader and religious education teacher. It has also encouraged participation in YMCA Camp Ernst, where Abigail will be returning as a counselor. Abigail looks forward to her chance to make a difference in the world.
Louisiana Logan Istre \| Saint Louis Catholic High School \| Youngsville, Louisiana Coordinator: Garrett Rosen Logan lives in Lafayette, Louisiana and is a junior at the Episcopal School of Acadiana. He is an active member in his school, being an AP scholar, active submitter to the school paper, member of the National Honor Society, elected member of student government, dedicated member of the state-winning quiz-bowl team, honors student, and is working on two independent studies. Outside of school he has taken an active role, volunteering at the local nursing home. His hobbies lie mostly in the realm of reading and writing. He is undecided as to which college he will attend, though he plans to major in history with a possible minor in political science.
Maine Leah Jones \| Bangor High School \| Bangor, Maine Coordinator: William Ames Leah Jones is a senior attending Bangor High School. She is interested in social and environmental activism. Leah participates in more activities than a healthy sleep schedule probably dictates, including a clean water research group, Girl Scouts, Academic Decathlon, National Honors Society, Youth in Government, and international volunteer trips. She is president of her school's environmental club and captain of her swim, tennis, and math teams. In addition to having a perfectly rational fear of the color pink and an irrational fear of sharks in swimming pools, she is an AP Scholar, National Merit Scholar, DAR Good Citizen, and national math league qualifier. She loves to travel and hopes to work with the global community as a doctor. She will attend Brown University this fall. Leah would like to apologize for the long lists in this bio, but is still recovering from college applications.
Maryland Juan Sebastian Cortes-Sanchez \| Springbrook High School \| Silver Spring, Maryland Coordiantor: Sharon Cohen Juan Sebastian Cortes-Sanchez is a junior at Springbrook High School in Silver Spring MD. He was born in Bogota, Colombia and moved to the United States when he was fifteen years old. He started as a freshman in the ESOL program and moved his way up to the IB program in two years. He is also part of the Springbrook basketball team, and of the Spanish and National Honors Societies. Sebastian tries to take advantage of every opportunity that is offered to him in the US not only to become successful, but to acknowledge and evaluate the complex social issues that his country of origin is experiencing. That is the reason why the National Peace Essay Contest became the perfect platform to learn and evaluate complex peacemaking processes in the world, and to discuss some of the peacemaking efforts that Colombia is undergoing.
Massachusetts Jeanelle Wheeler \| Homeschool \| Auburn, Massachusetts Coordinator: Teresa Wheeler Jeanelle Wheeler is a junior from Auburn, Massachusetts. At Auburn High, she's a member of Model UN and principal clarinetist for various music ensembles. Furthermore, since her freshman year, Jeanelle has been a first-team all-star selection while playing first singles for Auburn's varsity tennis team. She also tutors, co-hosts a radio show for the blind, and volunteers at her church and local libraries. She has written and illustrated a children's story about prejudice and discrimination and presents her book and its message throughout the community. Additionally, she has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, was recognized for her writing at both the state and national level in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, and won Amnesty International's 2011 national essay contest. She also loves traveling and studying languages. Jeanelle hopes to dedicate her life to making the world a more peaceful place through writing, teaching, and social justice activism.
Michigan Anna Mitchell \| PA Homeschoolers AP Online Class \| Plymouth, Michigan Coordinator: Maya Inspektor Anna is a homeschooled sophomore. She lives in the small town of Plymouth, a suburb of Detroit. She enjoys playing classical piano, especially Bach, Prokofiev, and Albeniz, and two-piano soundtrack arrangements with her sister. Anna volunteered at her local library for four years and now works there as a page. She is an avid reader, especially enjoying economics, math, and science. She serves as a teaching assistant in an online AP US History class. Anna is very concerned about America's decreasing liberty, and has campaigned for presidential and congressional candidates. Most importantly, she is a Christian who believes that Jesus Christ died on the cross for her sins. In her spare time, she likes to work out with kettlebells, cook, be sarcastic, listen to lectures and podcasts, play lacrosse, read The Economist, and watch Dr. Who. She would like to thank her parents, teacher Mrs. Inspektor, and online classmates.
Minnesota Molly Nemer \| Henry Sibley High School \| Mendota Heights, Minnesota Coordinator: Amy Usdin I am Molly Nemer, a senior at Henry Sibley High School in Mendota Heights, Minnesota. I have been drawn to the peace essay topics for the past two years as an extension of my interests in new media and women's rights. I enjoy filmmaking, particularly documentary work. Producing documentaries, I have competed for several years at the national level for National History Day, bringing current relevance to historical human rights issues. I have also enjoyed internships at the MN Historical Society and the MN Center for Human Rights through which I helped facilitate a citywide video contest engaging students to consider solutions to local race, place, and class disparities. One of my high school highlights was a home-stay in Finland last summer; I always appreciate opportunities to expand my worldview.
Mississippi Samuel Stewart \| PA Homeschoolers AP Online Class \| Hattiesburg, Mississippi Coordinator: Maya Inspektor I am finishing my home- schooled sophomore year in Hattiesburg, MS. I have been fortunate in my schooling to have the opportunity to interact with interesting and creative students from around the country through my homeschool classes in English (PA Homeschoolers and IEW) and Latin (The Lukion Project). When I am not in school I spread my time amongst competitive swimming, martial arts, and piano. I have obtained my 1st dan black belt in Don Jitsu Ryu and hold three state records in swimming. I have qualified for the state level pre-college finals in piano for the past six years. I have also achieved Gold in the National Latin Exam for 2012 and 2013. My plan is to swim competitively in college. I have not decided on a course of study, but I may possibly pursue a Classics degree.
Missouri Deanna Fry \| Fry Homeschool Academy \| Springfield, Missouri Coordinator: Faith Fry I have been homeschooled since the fourth grade. I have been accepted to attend Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina to major in cell biology. I plan to use my biology degree to study genetics. Specifically, I would like to research the genetic links, potential cures, and treatments of diseases. I enjoy riding horses, have taken horsemanship lessons for eight years, and recently acquired Assistant Instructor certification through the Certified Horsemanship Association. I have taken piano lessons for nine years and have earned National Roll through National Piano Playing Auditions. My hobbies are leatherworking, especially the making of miniature horse tack. I also enjoy cake decorating and sharing my cake creations with family and friends at church. I use my hobbies as a source of income by occasionally selling model horse tack and decorative cakes.
Montana Anna Middleton \| Lone Peak High School \| Big Sky, Montana Coordinator: Barbara Rowley Anna Middleton is a junior at Lone Peak High School in Big Sky, Montana. Growing up in a tiny ski town, Anna has been skiing since she was two, and will graduate high school in the same building she attended preschool. She is a ski instructor and loves the outdoors, mountains, art and travel. An avid photographer, she has successfully created her own business, Anna Middleton Photography in Big Sky. Anna is very interested in the environment, and attended the INTEL International Science Fair in Pittsburgh last spring for her research on phytoremediation of arsenic from drinking water to be used as a tactic for developing countries. She is passionate about gender equality issues and girls education in developing countries. When she graduates, Anna hopes to attend Colorado College, in Colorado Springs.
Nebraska Madeline Webb \| Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart \| Omaha, Nebraska Coordinator: Chad Krier I’m from Omaha, Nebraska. I plan on attending college next year to study an undecided major. I participate in high school tennis, piano lessons, and I love to volunteer. Last summer I went on a service trip to the Dominican Republic and the people I met there taught me a lot.
Nevada Bryce Smith \| Liberty High School \| Las Vegas, Nevada Coordinator: Scott Smith Bryce Smith is a senior at Liberty High School in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is the vice president of his school's Environmental Awareness Club and technical coordinator for the Nevada Junior Classical League. Bryce is the clarinet section leader in Liberty's marching and concert band and has achieved superior ratings all four years of high school. He plans to attend the University of Nevada, Reno in the fall of 2013 to pursue a degree in Environmental Science.
New Hampshire Victoria DeRoche \| Alvirne High School \| Hudson, New Hampshire Coordinator: M. Jeffrey DiPrizito Victoria is a senior attending Alvirne High School. There she is co-president of the Model United Nations club, as well as a member of both National and French Honor Societies. In addition, she is an officer of her school's Key Club, a volunteering organization. The past two years, she has participated in her school's French Foreign Exchange club, where she has made friendships that will last a lifetime. She has also been volunteering at her local humane society for the past five years. Outside of school, she is an avid hiker. In the fall of 2013, Victoria will be attending Northeastern University, where she plans to major in International Affairs with a focus on peace and conflict.
New Jersey Susan Liu \| East Brunswick High School \| East Brunswick, New Jersey Coordinator: Ge Liu Susan Liu is a junior at East Brunswick High school who wants to pursue a career in Political Science. She has also had a passion for art and international relations for most of her life. She has taken private art lessons for ten years and has won several keys from Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. She is an editor for her school's literary and arts magazine and is an active participant in her school's Model United Nations program.
New Mexico Kristin Lynn \| Sandia Preparatory School \| Albuquerque, New Mexico Coordinator: Lee Stork Kristin Lynn is a Senior at Sandia Preparatory School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Next year she will be attending Ithaca College as part of the six year Physical Therapy program. She will also study Spanish and study abroad during her college career. Kristin loves sports and participates in track and field as well as gymnastics. She values community service and enjoys tutoring children at a local elementary school. Since Kristin loves working with children, she also coaches at a gymnastics camp during the summer. Kristin became interested in peacebuilding when she took a literature of peace class during her sophomore year. Since then she has continued to study and search for peace.
New York Andrew Mok \| Longwood High School \| Middle Island, New York Coordinator: Daniel Tapia Andrew Mok is a freshman at Longwood High School in Middle Island, Long Island, about 60 miles east of New York City. Andrew is currently enrolled in AP Biology, AP World History, English Honors, Trigonometry Honors, and Spanish classes. He received various academic awards including the President Awards, High Honor Roll, and he participated in the National Junior Honor Society. Music is Andrew's passion. Andrew is a violinist at the school Concert Orchestra, Chamber Music, Pit Orchestra, SCMEA, LISFA, NYSSMA and is a member of the Tri-M society. Andrew loves the diversity of culture and languages. He has been attending Chinese school at CCALI, Chinese Culture Association of Long Island in the past 10 years and particularly likes the art of Chinese Calligraphy. Andrew will continue to discover his interest and has a few decisions to make before finalizing area to pursue in college.
North Carolina Prakash Mishra \| Marvin Ridge High School \| Marvin, North Carolina Coordinator: Sanjay Mishra Prakash lives in Marvin, North Carolina where his main passions are his Speech and Debate Team and his improv troupe, "Check!". He is a passionate thinker and believes that the universe is a puzzle for him to assemble. In the future, this assemblage will be conducted as either a physicist or a neuroscientist (he is unsure). Coming 9th as a returning participant in the 2011 Scripps National Spelling Bee is a manifestation of his infatuation with languages. Languages are one way he engages with world cultures, while enjoying travel (he has visited much of India and parts of Europe) and literature (Dostoyevsky is a favorite) as well. He has a particular fascination with world history and enjoys using this lens to examine modern problems. A writer of several unpublished novels, Prakash dips his feet into many buckets. His scientific outlets include the Google Science Fair and Science Olympiad.
Ohio Jingwen Zhang \| Thomas Worthington High School \| Westerville, Ohio Coordinator: Carla Saunders Born in China and largely raised in the U.S., Jingwen Zhang currently resides in Westerville, Ohio. She has received several awards for written works through the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards and other organizations. Jingwen is also heavily involved with science and research; she completed two research projects over the past year and attended the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair as a Finalist. She participates in activities including but not limited to: youth group at her church, tennis, music, Science Olympiad, and volunteering with physically or intellectually needy children. In whatever spare time she has left, Jingwen likes to sleep. If she cannot sleep, she listens to music from her multilingual iTunes library (English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, or Serbian--pick your poison) and usually falls asleep anyway. Jingwen is still undecided about the ambiguous and ever-changing thing called her future, but would like to incorporate in it her scientific skills, her inquisitive problem-solving nature, and above all, her desire to improve the lives of others.
Oregon Sarah Gordon \| Riverdale High School \| Portland, Oregon Coordinator: Laura Pridmore-Brown Sarah Gordon is a freshman at Riverdale High School in Portland, Oregon. She's an Honors student, is involved in Mock Trial and the school Site Council, and loves to read and research current events around the world. She recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend the CARE Organization's International Women's Day Celebration, where she lobbied on Capitol Hill for the Foreign Aid budget and advocated against Gender Based Violence. She sees herself in the future working in international relations and diplomacy, her current passion being to help provide opportunities for young women in developing nations to succeed. In her spare time, she does equestrian vaulting, which is gymnastics on horseback, learns languages, and travels. She's a huge history fanatic and has made 6 music videos where she changes the lyrics of popular songs to be about historical events!
Overseas Schools Bo Yeon Jang \| International School Ho Chi Minh City \| Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Coordinator: Moonok Lee Bo Yeon is a 12th grader living in the eternally busy Ho Chi Minh City. An IB diploma candidate, she leads an environmental activism group and the orchestra in her school. She enjoys reading, cooking, studying Latin, and playing violin in her free time. Having lived for seven years each in the United States and South Korea, Bo Yeon is still in the middle of untangling an identity crisis. Despite the unfortunate nickname "Bo Peep" that inevitably follows her no matter where she hides, Bo Yeon has managed overcome the social stigma and graduate as the valedictorian of her high school class. She is eagerly looking forward to attending university in the United States as a liberal arts student in the fall, where she hopes she can forever rid herself of the stain of the sheep and finally find a major that she truly loves.
Pennsylvania Maria Spirk \| Bethlehem Catholic High School \| Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Coordinator: Robert Gowell Maria Spirk is from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and is a senior at Bethlehem Catholic High School. In school she is vice president of the Key club and future alumni clubs, which help organize volunteering for school events. She also is very active in German club, National Honor Society, international club, PA Math League, and is on the track and soccer teams. Her hobbies include running, playing soccer, and reading. Outside of school, she volunteers at the soup kitchen, Cops 'n Kids, as a counselor at her church's bible school, and collects for Special Olympics. For her volunteering efforts she was recently named the YWCA's Teen of the Year in Bethlehem. Following graduation Maria plans to attend college to pursue a degree in psychology.
Rhode Island Shayreen Izoli \| Lincoln School \| West Warwick, Rhode Island Coordinator: Helen Montague Shayreen is a senior at Lincoln School in Providence, Rhode Island. She is the president of the Mock Trial team and the captain of the Varsity Cross Country team, and she rows on the Varsity Crew team. Her interest in International Affairs and culture stems from the several summers she spent living in Damascus, Syria, where her parents were born. Shayreen is a member of the speakers bureau with the Rhode Island Council for Muslim Advancement, an Islamic organization that aims to promote interfaith collaboration and tolerance within the Rhode Island community. She is invited regularly to speak to comparative religion classes at the Rhode Island School of Design, Rhode Island College, New England Tech, and many religious temples about gender equality and women's rights issues in Islam, religion-based stereotypes, and conflict in the Middle East. Shayreen plans to study International Affairs with a concentration in Middle Eastern Studies at the George Washington University. In her free time she enjoys reading, watching Friends, and running marathons.
South Carolina Claire Atwood \| PA Homeschoolers AP Online Class \| Greenville, South Carolina Coordinator: Maya Inspektor Claire Atwood is a homeschooled high school junior from Greenville, South Carolina. Claire is active in her community, serving as a volunteer in the Greenville Zoo Education Department and the Rotary Read-to-Me Program. Claire is a passionate forensics competitor. She has competed nationally for the past two years in NCFCA Team Policy Debate, most recently placing 6th at the national level. She has also competed nationally in Extemporaneous and Impromptu speeches. Claire is an active leader in the local debate club, starting a mentor program for novice debaters. She is the Vice-President of a regional extemporaneous club, President of the local chapter of the National Honors Society, and member of the National Society for High School Scholars. This past summer, Claire traveled to England and France to study World War II and Winston Churchill through Hillsdale College. She recently enjoyed working on the successful campaign for NC Congressman Mark Meadows.
South Dakota Catherine Gibbens \| St. Thomas More High School \| Rapid City, South Dakota Coordinator: Ann Trucano Hi! My name is Catherine and I'm a senior at St. Thomas More High School where I have been attending for 14 years. I have grown up in Rapid City, South Dakota and will continue my education at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota. I am involved in school and extracurricular activities that include tennis and drama. I also play a role in many different groups that include National Honors Scociety, Catholic Math League, Senior Retreat Team, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I love to sing in the church choir, and also enjoy reading and participating in community activities. My current area of study is in Elementary Education, and I hope to give many kids the opportunity of a great education as my teachers did for me. I consider it an honor to be chosen as a State Winner for the National Peace Essay Contest, and I am grateful for all of my teachers and classmates that supported me in the process.
Tennessee MaryMadison McBrayer \| Girls Preparatory School \| Chattanooga, Tennessee Coordinator: Kathleen Berotti MaryMadison McBrayer is a junior at Girls Preparatory School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She lives on Lookout Mountain, which is one of the surrounding mountains of the city of Chattanooga. MaryMadison is a member of the GPS varsity rowing team, volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and Community Service clubs, as well as a student leader for the Christian organization of YoungLife within her school. She has participated in her school's Science Olympiad team and is a member of the National Beta Club. In her free time, she attends her high school YoungLife club, youth group and small group through her church, and builds houses with Habitat for Humanity. During her summers, MaryMadison is a counselor for McCallie First Camp, a day camp for boys ages 5-6 located at the private boys' middle and high school in Chattanooga. Although her college decisions are undecided, MaryMadison aspires to pursue a medical career in pediatrics after graduating.
Texas Hafsa Bouderdaben \| Harmony School of Advancement \| Spring, Texas Coordinator: Amanda Horton Hi, I'm 16 years old and senior in high school. I'm really interested in gender studies, so this year's topic was just perfect for me. I like to get involved in things that will develop me as a person while helping other people, like Girl Scouts, my Muslim Student Association, and other community events. I live in the suburbs of Houston, one of the best cities in the world (my opinion), which has opened my eyes to a lot of issues, such as homelessness, and human trafficking. When I go to college next year, wherever I end up, I want to actively work to solve these issues, through my passion for law and psychology. Going to competitions like National History Day and debate competitions makes me feel like I can succeed. Thanks for listening!
U.S. Territories – Puerto Rico Gabriela Morera \| Academia del Perpetuo Socorro \| San Juan, Puerto Rico Coordinator: Marie Gillette Gabriela Morera was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she currently attends Academia del Perpetuo Socorro as a High School Senior. She has worked in the school newspaper and has also been part of the school's Spanish and English Forensics teams. She plans to study Journalism and Sociology in the future and hopes she can become a distinguished novelist in the future. She also wishes to learn 2 more languages: Italian and French. Some of her hobbies include reading, writing and doing yoga.
Utah Afras Sial \| Skyline High School \| Salt Lake City, Utah Coordinator: Lisa Thornbrue Afras Sial is a sophomore in high school in the International Baccalaureate program who has lived in Salt Lake City his entire life. In school, he is involved with several organizations, such as the state champion Debate team, doing Foreign Extemporaneous and Congress; Sophomore Committee; and clubs, such as Braille Club. He is also involved in several extracurricular activities. His interest in youth civic engagement leads him to participate in YouthCity Government and other organizations, such as Red Cross Youth Services and the Utah Civility Advisory Council, which both also tie into his interest in international relations and refugees, which he also pursues as a citizenship class tutor with the IRC. He was also the state winner of the InvestWrite® student essay competition earlier this year. He looks forward to getting further involved in his community with new organizations and clubs throughout high school.
Vermont Gailin Pease \| Burlington High School \| Burlington, Vermont Coordinator: Stanley Spencer Gailin Pease, who grew up in a small rural Vermont town, has been interested in the wider world since a young age. Listening to and watching the news resulted in her initial attraction to foreign affairs and politics, interests which have continued into high school. She is also interested in science, particularly physics and computer science. Outside of school, she enjoys learning and applying these varied fields of study in such extracurriculars as Model UN, internships, and lab work at the University of Vermont.
Virginia Annie Liu \| The Madeira School \| Belle Meade, Virginia Coordinator: Mary Georgis Annie Liu is a sophomore at the Madeira School in McLean, Virginia. She has always had a deep appreciation for human life which has led her to develop interests in a diverse array of topics ranging from human rights and diversity to medicine and biology. Attending an all-girls school has sparked her interest in the role of women in society and gender issues we face today. In her spare time, Annie loves to dance, paint, read, and write. At school, her favorite subjects are science and history. She also enjoys participating in Model UN, student diversity board, various culture clubs, and editing GATE, Madeira's literary magazine. In the future, Annie would like to go into a field that has a direct impact in improving the quality of living for all people, such as medicine, international fair, or civil service.
Washington Angelia Miranda \| Homeschool \| Kent, Washington Coordinator: Maria Cielo Johnson Lia is a homeschooled freshman who was born in Manila, Philippines and has lived in Kent, Washington since grade school. Her days consist of balancing AP classes, online courses, athletic training, and her passion for writing, reading, piano, and graphic design - along with a general staring at the computer. As an inline speed skater, Lia has been competing for six years, earning placements and records in statewide meets and the championship in the 300 meters for her division at last year's Nationals. Her volunteer efforts include working with the organizations Free the Children and Mountains to Sound Greenway, and helping beginner skaters at her home rink. She hopes to attend early college to pursue her interests in international relations and psychology.
Wisconsin Elizabeth Karron \| Whitefish Bay High School \| Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin Coordinator: John DeRose Elizabeth Karron is a junior at Whitefish Bay High School in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. Elizabeth serves as the Assistant Editor-in-Chief of her school’s art and literature magazine and Vice-President of AFS Club, and she also participates in Model United Nations. She enjoys playing the viola both outside of school and as a member of her school’s orchestra. Elizabeth volunteers regularly at a community garden, because she believes that local, sustainable food increases the wellbeing of both people and the environment and brings people together. In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys running, biking and yoga. She also loves cooking and is currently collaborating with one of her friends on a vegetarian food blog. Elizabeth currently hopes to pursue a career in global health, a field which would allow her to combine her passions for science and international relations and also contribute to the development of sustainable peace.
Wyoming Mrudhula Baskaran \| Laramie High School \| Laramie, Wyoming Coordinator: Thyaarajan Baskaran Mrudhula is a sophomore at Laramie High School, Laramie, Wyoming. After finishing high school, she wants to major in electrical engineering and physics, and attend the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.). She runs cross country and track for her school on the distance running team, and plays the violin. She has also participated in the science fair since 6th grade, doing projects on alternative sources of energy, like solar and wind power, and now working with magnetic nanoparticles. She won first in her category, Medicine, in 2013 in the Wyoming State Science Fair. She is also actively involved in school clubs like Amnesty International and Peace Jam, which perfom local fundraising to raise money for relief for Hurricane Sandy victims and focus on promoting eco-friendly efforts.

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Alabama

Rohan Palanki | W.P. Davidson High School | Mobile, Alabama

Alaska

Chaline Lobti | West Anchorage High School | Anchorage, Alaska

Arizona

Jessica Li | Hamilton High School | Chandler, Arizona

Arkansas

Emily Schienvar | Pulaski Academy | Little Rock, Arkansas

California

Tricia Light | Redondo Union High School | Redondo Beach, California

Colorado

Zoe Branch | Cherry Creek High School | Greenwood Village, Colorado

Connecticut

Rishi Mutalik | Amity Regional High School | Orange, Connecticut

Delaware

Courtney Swafford | Write from the Heart | Wilmington, Delaware

District of Columbia

Alison Steinbach | Sidwell Friends School | Washington, DC

Florida

Benjamin Manipadam | Lyman High School | Longwood, Florida

Georgia

Brent Peabody | The Galloway School | Atlanta, Georgia

Hawaii

Justin Park | ‘Iolani High School | Honolulu, Hawaii

Idaho

Kyle Ashby | Bishop Kelly High School | Boise, Idaho

Illinois

Lauren Dermody | Belleville East High School | Belleville, Illinois

Indiana

Angela Cattani | Bloomington High School North | Bloomington, Indiana

Iowa

Bailey Zaputil | John F. Kennedy High School | Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Kansas

Ben Wright | Field Kindley High School | Coffeyville, Kansas

Kentucky

Abigail Martin | Notre Dame Academy | Park Hills, Kentucky

Louisiana

Logan Istre | Saint Louis Catholic High School | Youngsville, Louisiana

Maine

Leah Jones | Bangor High School | Bangor, Maine

Maryland

Juan Sebastian Cortes-Sanchez | Springbrook High School | Silver Spring, Maryland

Massachusetts

Jeanelle Wheeler | Homeschool | Auburn, Massachusetts

Michigan

Anna Mitchell | PA Homeschoolers AP Online Class | Plymouth, Michigan

Minnesota

Molly Nemer | Henry Sibley High School | Mendota Heights, Minnesota

Mississippi

Samuel Stewart | PA Homeschoolers AP Online Class | Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Missouri

Deanna Fry | Fry Homeschool Academy | Springfield, Missouri

Montana

Anna Middleton | Lone Peak High School | Big Sky, Montana

Nebraska

Madeline Webb | Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart | Omaha, Nebraska

Nevada

Bryce Smith | Liberty High School | Las Vegas, Nevada

New Hampshire

Victoria DeRoche | Alvirne High School | Hudson, New Hampshire

New Jersey

Susan Liu | East Brunswick High School | East Brunswick, New Jersey

New Mexico

Kristin Lynn | Sandia Preparatory School | Albuquerque, New Mexico

New York

Andrew Mok | Longwood High School | Middle Island, New York

North Carolina

Prakash Mishra | Marvin Ridge High School | Marvin, North Carolina

Ohio

Jingwen Zhang | Thomas Worthington High School | Westerville, Ohio

Oregon

Sarah Gordon | Riverdale High School | Portland, Oregon

Overseas Schools

Bo Yeon Jang | International School Ho Chi Minh City | Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Pennsylvania

Maria Spirk | Bethlehem Catholic High School | Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

Shayreen Izoli | Lincoln School | West Warwick, Rhode Island

South Carolina

Claire Atwood | PA Homeschoolers AP Online Class | Greenville, South Carolina