Alabama
Sabiha Runa | Huntsville High School | Huntsville, Alabama

"The Need for Mediators in Environmental Conflicts between Nations"
Coordinator: Mrs. Sanjida Khanam                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Sabiha is a senior at Huntsville High School in Huntsville, Alabama. She plays the piano and is an avid chess player. Sabiha has won several USCF (United States Chess Federation) hosted tournaments. She also is a USTA (United States Tennis Association) member and plays for their junior tennis team. At school, she is a member of the National Honor Society, MU Alpha Theta, French Honor Society, and is the treasurer of her school's Anchor Club. She also occasionally helps out with her school's theater productions. Sabiha hopes to go to college and major in Chemical and/or Environmental Engineering.

Alaska
Bryce Y. Jarvis | Eagle River High School | Eagle River, Alaska

"Using the Free Market and International Assistance to Create Lasting Peace in Countries Emerging from Conflict"
Coordinator: Ms. Sonnet Farrell

Bryce Jarvis is a senior at Eagle River High School in Eagle River, Alaska. He is an avid and involved member of the Eagle River High School Model United Nations Club and has represented nations that include the Russian Federation, Japan, Poland, and Zimbabwe. He further served as the Anchorage Model United Nations Assembly Secretary General for its 2007 annual conference. He will be attending the George Washington University this fall where he will be studying international relations at the Elliot School of International Affairs. A lover of history and politics, Bryce is a very active member in the Democratic party and volunteers often at Democratic headquarters. Bryce loves learning about international affairs and about world cultures and world history.

Arizona
Sumana Veeravelli | Desert Vista High School | Phoenix, Arizona

"Multilateral Negotiations, Resource Monitoring and Economic Regeneration: Quelling Natural Resource Conflicts in the DRC and Liberia"
Coordinator: Mr. Laxma Veeravelli

Sumana is a sophomore honors student attending Desert Vista High School and is one of the top students in her graduating class. An active member of her school's championship speech and debate team, she spends much of her time reading, discussing, or speaking on current world events. She also participates in other school activities, ranging from volunteering with the community service organization SAGE (Students for the Advancement of Gifted Education) to competing with her school HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) team. Upon completion of high school, Sumana plans to continue her education and build a career in medicine.

Arkansas
Kensey M. Berry | Pulaski Academy | Little Rock, Arkansas

"Mine, the Gap: Recovery From and Prevention of Mineral Conflicts"
Coordinators: Mr. Bill Topich, Ms. Ginger Kidd

Kensey is finishing her junior year at Pulaski Academy. As class president, springboard diver, and Rotary-Interact Club treasurer, Kensey has learned to balance academics with athletics and community outreach. A free spirit at heart, her activities include tutoring at a local elementary school, playing her favorite Regina Spektor songs on the piano, running cross-country, and writing poetry. An avid diver, Kensey placed seventh in the Arkansas state diving meet as a sophomore, earning the title of Most Valuable Player of her school team. With interests in both international affairs and the arts, Kensey plans to study art history and international relations while also pursuing her love for creative writing. This summer Kensey will travel to Costa Rica to study the Spanish language and embrace the Tica culture. She is looking forward to a great senior year and an exciting college search.

California
Jordan L. Harms | Tamalpais High School | Mill Valley, California

"Toward A Blue Revolution: Water Security is National Security"
Coordinator: Ms. Amy Mitchell

Jordan is a senior at Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley, California, a small town minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge. He loves American history and hopes to be the historian for the Library of Congress someday. Jordan believes in public service as a way of giving back to our country which has given us so much. He has pursued his passion for history and civics by working as a volunteer tour guide at historical sites, such as the Presidio U.S. Army Base in San Francisco, the Joshua Chamberlain Civil War Museum in Maine, and the San Francisco Environmental Bay Model where he works today. Jordan has been politically active getting-out-the-vote and writing articles about the issues of the day. He is a Horatio Alger National Scholar and has been accepted to Rhodes College in Memphis where he will major in history/international studies and study Russian.

Connecticut
Hannah L. Pelton | Northwest Catholic High School | West Hartford, Connecticut

"Resolving Natural Resource Conflicts Through Localization"
Coordinator: Mr. William V. Tressler

Hannah, a resident of Enfield, Connecticut, is a senior at Northwest Catholic High School. She will attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the fall, where she plans to study Course 7, Biology. Hannah has participated in Irish Dance for thirteen years, reaching the level of Open Championship and qualifying to compete in the North American Irish Dance Championships this July. This past year, Hannah was the Copy Editor for her school newspaper, Northwest Passages, and was a senator in the Student Council. Hannah is also a National Merit Finalist and a member of the National Honor Society. She enjoys volunteer activities, such as altar serving at parish Saint Bernard, tutoring her peers through student assistance, and working with younger children through groups such as ConnectiKids. Hannah is the co-president of the Teen Advisory Board of her local library, where she also volunteers with the children’s summer reading program.

Delaware
Collace C. Greene, III | Salesianum School | Wilmington, Delaware

"We the People for a Better World"
Coordinator: Ms. Karen Y. Greene

Collace is a senior at Salesianum School in Wilmington, Delaware. He is an AP Scholar and a National Achievement Semi-finalist. At Salesianum, he was Secretary-General of the 20th Delaware High School Model UN Conference, one of the largest Model UN conferences in the Delaware Valley. Collace is currently President of the Salesianum Model UN club, a Senior Officer in the Minority Coalition, and a member of his school’s Key Club and Student Council. He is a math and science tutor for his school and a volunteer tutor for the Nativity Preparatory School in Wilmington. After graduation, Collace will attend the Carroll School of Management at Boston College, pursuing a dual concentration in Finance and Accounting and a minor in International Studies. He hopes to continue serving his community as a tutor and participating in the Model UN while in college.

District of Columbia
Martin S. Krafft | St. Anselm’s Abbey School | District of Columbia

"Conserving Natural Resources Through the Combined Efforts of Media, NGOs, and National Government"
Coordinator: Mr. Michael Hall, OSB

A senior at St. Anselm’s Abbey School, Martin Stuart Krafft aspires to be a writer/Foreign Service officer. He will attend Emory University next fall as an Emory Scholar. Martin plays varsity soccer, wrestling, and track. He occasionally attempts to act in a play. He also serves as founder and president of the Hispanic Club. Outside of school, Martin plays the piano for his Catholic Church and volunteers with the Amigos de las Americas organization. He volunteered for eight weeks in Paraguay last summer, where he learned how to crack a whip. This year, he will serve as a training supervisor, and will also spend time as a volunteer in Mexico. Martin is a national award winner for the National Council of Teachers of English and the Scholastic Arts and Writing competition.

Florida
Ann E. Hentschel | Academy of the Holy Names | Tampa, Florida

"Resolving Natural Resource Conflict Through Internationally Supported Mediation"
Coordinator: Sis. Mary P. Plumb

Ann lives in sunny Brandon, Florida and attends the Academy of the Holy Names. In March, she went on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic and had an eye-opening experience to life in a third world country. This experience reinforced her desire to become a pediatrician so that she might return to the Dominican Republic to help the country's malnourished and impoverished children. Ann is very involved in her church community and helps to lead the children’s Vacation Bible School. Ann is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and the Spanish Honor Society. She is also a student Ambassador. As an officer in the Students Against Drunk Driving club, she promotes drug and alcohol awareness to the student body. Ann participates in crew as a coxswain, and enjoys leading her teammates on and off the water.

Georgia
Susanna J. Bramlett | Pace Academy | Atlanta, Georgia

"Nigeria: A Struggle for Peace"
Coordinator: Ms. Helen I. Smith

Susanna was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She has two sisters and a brother, with whom she is very close. Susanna is the youngest of four children. Her extracurricular activities include soccer, community service projects, yearbook, Model United Nations, and Student Council. In her free time, she enjoys shopping, reading, jogging, and spending lots of time with family and friends. Though she has not decided on a school at this time, she plans to study public policy or political science, and attend law school afterwards.

Hawaii
Brita M. Hofwolt | Le Jardin Academy | Kailua, Hawaii

"Columbus's Legacy: Resource Conflicts in Latin America, Past and Present"
Coordinator: Mrs. Marilyn R. Hofwolt

Brita Hofwolt lives in Kailua, Hawaii, where she graduated from Le Jardin Academy. During high school, she was actively involved in Model United Nations, Amnesty International, Debate, and the International Club. All of these activities coupled with her profound love of languages, fostered an interest in international affairs. She is also a violinist and has played with the Hawaii Youth Symphony for seven years. Brita will be attending the University of Chicago where she hopes to major in Near Eastern Languages and Cultures, specializing in Arabic. 

Idaho
Morgan D. Bailey | Bailey Home School | Kuna, Idaho

"Solving Conflicts with the Involvement of the International Community"
Coordinator: Ms. Meg Eichelberger

Morgan is a sophomore and lives in Boise, Idaho. She plays the violin in the orchestra and is a leader in the Idaho Junior Jammers, a local fiddle group. As part of the Idaho Junior Jammers, Morgan performed at the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics, the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics, and has entertained President H.W. Bush and Secretary of State Colin Powell. She plays and teaches piano, and has received several awards including a superior rating from the National Federation of Music Clubs for eleven consecutive years. This February she attended the National Youth Leaders Forum on National Security, where she served as president of her NSAM. Morgan is a member of the varsity girl’s soccer team, swim team, and the National Honor Society of High School Scholars.

Illinois
Kevin M. Neumann | Belleville East High School | Belleville, Illinois

"Water: Preserving Life and Destroying Relations"
Coordinator: Ms. Rebekah McGarrity

Kevin is 18 years old and the oldest son of two children. As of this year, Kevin has resided in Fairview Heights, Illinois, for 16 years. Kevin is finishing up his senior year at Belleville East Township High School. He plans to pursue a bachelors degree in computer science at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. This summer, Kevin hopes to explore outside of Illinois’s borders, and travel across the country. Kevin enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his friends.

Indiana
Benjamin A. Jarvis | Concord High School | Elkhart, Indiana

"The Harms of State Ownership: Privatization as a Means of Preventing Third World Conflict"
Coordinator: Ms. Carol A. Jarvis

Born in the town of Augusta, Georgia, Ben has been a resident of Indiana for over twelve years. He plays the double bass in Concord High School's Orchestra and in the first-band Jazz ensemble, in addition to serving as a senior member of the CHS newspaper staff. Outside of school, he enjoys running, watching his beloved University of Georgia football team, and hanging out with friends. Ben is an avid follower of politics and loyally supports his "boy," Ron Paul. Over the summer, he plans to work and travel as much as he can before heading off to Bloomington to study at Indiana University.

Kansas
Stephan R. Serrano | Topeka West High School | Topeka, Kansas

"A Proactive Approach to the Peaceful Allocation of Natural Resources"
Coordinator: Mr. Michael C. Werner

Stephen is from Topeka, Kansas and is a senior at Topeka West High School. He is the the eldest of four siblings, with two brothers and a sister. Stephen plans on attending the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, where he will concentrate in International Business and Management. Throughout his high school career, he has been involved in both athletics and academic extra-curricular activities, including soccer, track, debate, and forensics. Stephen is an Academic All-American in both debate and forensics. In the Lincoln Douglas debate he has qualified to participate in the national tournament twice. Stephen is looking forward to representing the T-West Chargers in Las Vegas this summer.

Kentucky
Carrie S. Lierl | Notre Dame Academy | Park Hills, Kentucky

"Fighting Instinct with Intellect and Fire with Water"
Coordinator: Ms. Diana Timmerding

Carrie lives in Northern Kentucky where she is a junior honor student at Notre Dame Academy in Park Hills. She is a member of the Environmental Club and Art Club and has participated on the Academic Team in the district and regional writing competitions. She also participates in her school's community service program by volunteering weekly at a local grade school. She is extremely interested in the written and visual arts and hopes to pursue them throughout her life. Carrie is also very interested in international affairs and will be traveling around Western Europe this summer as a Student Ambassador in the People to People Program for three weeks directly following her trip to Washington. After high school, Carrie plans to travel as much as possible and attend college at an as-yet unknown but assuredly interesting university. She is very excited for the opportunity to participate in the U.S. Institute for Peace program in Washington this summer.

Louisiana
Charles F. Gyer | Vandebilt Catholic High School | Houma, Louisiana

"Effects of Natural Resources on Conflicts in Nigeria and Sierra Leone"
Coordinator: Mr. David R. Gyer

Charles Gyer is an eleventh grade honors student at Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma, LA. He is president of the student council and a member of the golf and quiz bowl teams. Prior to hurricane Katrina, Charles was an active youth sailor at Southern Yacht Club. Charles is interested in journalism and literature. He is the editor of the school yearbook. Charles enjoys public speaking and acting in local and high school theaters. Charles is also an Eagle Scout. This summer he will attend the Global Issues Seminar at Notre Dame University. Charles will also be involved in an independent cost efficiency study, concerning the allocation of government funds to the South Louisiana area for the purpose of hurricane damage related prevention.

Maine
Aaron J. Allen | Saint Dominic Regional High School | Auburn, Maine

"The Development of Fair, Peaceful, and Effective Use of Natural Resources After a Conflict: The Angolan Civil War and the Persian Gulf War"
Coordinator: Ms. Rosanne Ducey

Aaron Allen is a junior a Saint Dominic Regional High School in Auburn, Maine. He is an honor student and a member of the National Honor Society. Aaron participates in Model United Nations, Amnesty International, and Mock Trial. He plays varsity basketball, baseball, and soccer. This year, he was named the Most Valuable Player of the soccer and basketball teams. In addition, he regularly volunteers in his community. After high school, Aaron plans to pursue a Bachelors and Masters degree.

Maryland
Stephen Oliver | Montgomery Blair High School | Silver Spring, Maryland

"Natural Resources in Sierra and Darfur as Elements of Conflict and Resolution"
Coordinator: Mr. Paul K. Moose

Stephen Oliver was born in Fairfax, Virginia, to two Navy employees. He started school in rural Virginia and later moved back to the suburban D.C. area. At the age of three he won a free trip to the Dominican Republic. He is an avid reader of fantasy novels and history, and a viewer of animes and a doodler. He is a graduate of Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Massachusetts
Maria-Ines C. Carrera | Newton Country Day School | Newton, Massachusetts

"National and International Oil Conflicts"
Coordinator: Ms. Juliette B. Zener

Maria is a senior at Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart in Newton, Massachusetts, where she is the captain of the varsity soccer and lacrosse teams. This year she was the leading scorer of the Eastern Independent League for soccer. Maria is a member of her school's Science Bowl team, the Worldquest team, the Dollars for Darfur Committee, and the Photojournalism Committee. Maria will attend Stanford University next fall. She is undecided about her major but is interested in studying political science, chemistry, and computer science.

Michigan
Janish Shah | Detroit Country Day School | Beverly Hills, Michigan

"The Water Shortage Crisis: Utilizing Multilateral Coalitions"
Coordinator: Mr. Donald B. Corwin

Janish is a resident of Troy, Michigan (a suburb of Detroit). In high school, he was the editor of his school newspaper, founder of an economics club, and co-captain of the policy debate team. Debate inspired both his passion for international relations as well as this year's NPEC topic of "The Fight Over Water in the Middle East." In his free time, Janish enjoys watching the Lakers, reading non-fiction and philosophy books, playing ping-pong, and hanging out on the lake with his friends during the summer. Janish aspires to enter the business world. He wants to pursue a career on Wall Street and is excited to attend college and see what other opportunities are available.

Minnesota
Tyler J. Rausch | Elk River High School | Elk River, Minnesota

"Peace: The Necessary Solution"
Coordinator: Ms. Denise A. Eidem

Tyler resides in Elk River, Minnesota where he is currently a junior. Being a sports enthusiast, he plays soccer and basketball for his high school team and enjoys both snowboarding in the winter and waterskiing in the summer. Tyler is a member of the National Honor Society and has been actively involved in the local food shelf drive. He is also a member of the French club and traveled to France with other members in 2007. Tyler has received his school’s “Gold Academic Achievement” and “Spotlight on Academics” awards along with Academic Letters for 3 years because of his near perfect grade point average and involvement in interscholastic activities. Outside of school, Tyler’s spare time is filled with many activities; he works at Target, is an avid traveler, enjoys reading, the History Channel, spending time with friends and relaxing at his family’s cabin. Tyler plans to pursue a career in engineering.

Mississippi
Parker Murff | St. Andrew’s Episcopal School | Ridgleand, Mississippi

"The Honest Broker: Resolving Natural Resource Conflicts in the Twenty First Century"
Coordinator: Mr. Chris Harth

Parker Murff, a resident of Jackson Mississippi, is a junior at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, where she is actively involved in theater, film, literary endeavors, and community service. She has attended numerous leadership programs, including the Lott Leadership Institute, Mississippi Governor’s School, Youth Leadership Jackson, and will participate in the International Youth Leadership Forum this summer in Beijing, China. She was recently nominated by the faculty and staff of St. Andrew’s for the Executive Women’s International Scholarship Program. She is co-president of the Spanish club and is an avid student of languages. Parker is currently studying Spanish and Chinese, and plans to add French, Italian, and Japanese to her repertoire as well. She is also actively involved with groups such as ONE, Hearts Against AIDS, Students Taking Action Now: Darfur (S.T.A.N.D.), End Child Prostitution, Pornography, and Trafficking ( ECPAT-USA), and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

Missouri
Laura S. Fried | Pembroke Hill School | Kansas City, Missouri

"Black Blood Spill: The Fight for Oil in Central Africa"
Coordinator: Ms. Hilary K. Fried

Laura Fried is a recent graduate of The Pembroke Hill School in Kansas City, Missouri. She is passionate about writing, government, and foreign affairs. During high school, she participated in Youth in Government and served as a youth Supreme Court Judge for three years. Laura also interned at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library as a junior archivist where she catalogued and preserved historical documents. Laura attended the Junior Statesmen of America program for two summers at Princeton University and Georgetown University where she took college courses in political philosophy and political communication. In her junior year, Laura entered her research paper on “The Oslo Peace Accords” in the National History Day Competition, allowing her to compete in Washington, D.C. As a senior, she entered a paper into the John F. Kennedy Profiles in Courage writing contest. Her research on Senator Russell Feingold and the Patriot Act placed 5th out of 1,200 entries. Next year, Laura will attend Brown University and intends to double major in History and International Relations.

Montana
Hillary J. Ross | Billings Senior High School | Billings, Montana

"Economic Thinking About Conflict Over Natural Resources"
Coordinator: Ms. Laura M. Ross

Hillary will attend the University of Chicago in the fall to study economics and history. She has earned part of her college tuition by selling apples from her family's orchard. In June, she is graduating from Billings Senior High School in Billings, Montana as valedictorian of her class. At school, Hillary is a peer tutor, student mentor, a member of the Spanish Club, and the National Honor Society. She played soccer and basketball for Billings during senior year. Hillary has traveled with her school's Spanish Department to Costa Rica, Spain, and Morocco. She was also a volunteer at the World Water Day Walk. Hillary's interests include travel, history, cooking, sports, fashion, and backpacking in the Beartooth Mountains and cross-country skiing in Yellowstone Park. Her twin sister, Elizabeth, was the National Peace Essay winner from Montana in 2007.

Nebraska
Alyssa Mann | The Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heartl | Omaha, Nebraska

"Community Conflict Resolution: The Groundwork of Environmental Cooperation and Peace"
Coordinator: Mr. Chad Krier

Alyssa is a 2008 graduate of The Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart in Omaha, Nebraska. During her high school years, she participated in the Futures for Children Mentoring Program, Habitat for Humanity, the Juvenile Diversion Teen Court, a YMCA Team Leadership Camp, the Big Sister-Little Sister Program and was a member of the volleyball, basketball, cross country, and track teams. She has received high honors in academics and many prizes and distinctions in her coursework at Duchesne. Alyssa has traveled to the Dominican Republic for an immersion experience at the Institute of Latin American Concern in Santiago and a service project in Arroyo del Toro. This spring she attended the National Catholic Youth Conference. Active in her church, Alyssa has taught Vacation Bible School and is an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. She enjoys ballet, tap, and jazz dancing. Alyssa will attend Creighton University and plans to pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

Nevada
Jacob B. O’Farrell | Douglas High School | Minden, Nevada

"Peaceful Resource Diplomacy"
Coordinator: Mrs. Phyllis E. Bateman

Jacob lives in Carson City, Nevada, and hopes to attend college in the fall at Seattle University. He is involved in the Alpine Club and is a member of the Young Democrats Club. Jacob worked on the Barack Obama campaign, and volunteered as a slacklining instructor at a local gymnastics business. He was a delegate to Nevada Boys State in 2007, and was an elected by his county as a delegate in the State Democratic Nominating Convention. Jacob plans to graduate high school with NHS honors.

New Hampshire
Jacquelyn Stolos | Pinkerton Academy | Derry, New Hampshire

"Colonization: The West's Role and Responsibility in Africa"
Coordinator: Mrs. Lori J. Stolos

Jacquelyn Stolos is a Junior at Pinkerton Academy in Derry, New Hampshire. She is an avid reader and a lover of history. When she is not at school or running on Pinkerton’s cross country and track teams, Jacquelyn enjoys spending time with her friends. Jacqueline's commitment to education earned her New Hampshire’s October Francis Wayland Parker student of the month award. She is a class officer at Pinkerton Academy and the Service Coordinator for her chapter of the National Honor Society. Jacqueline is a lover of the outdoors, as well as yoga. After college, Jacquelyn wishes to pursue a career in law.

New Jersey
Sharon Kim | Bergen County Academies | Hackensack, New Jersey

"Water Crisis"
Coordinator: Mr. Bill Mendelson

A resident of Fort Lee, New Jersey, Sharon Kim is a senior at Bergen County Academies. Last year she wrote an essay on maternal health that won first place for the UNA-USA National Essay Contest. Sharon was selected as one of the finalists for the 2007 Bentley Tomorrow 25 International Leadership Competition; the finalists were featured in the May edition of Time Magazine. In school, Sharon has been an active participant of the Model United Nations team and has won speaker awards at national conferences. She was also Secretary of Internal Affairs during her school’s conference and led the Press Corps Committee as Editor-in-Chief. Currently, Sharon is interning at the United Nations as a representative of World Information Transfer, a not-for-profit organization that promotes health and environmental literacy. In her spare time, she likes to play the flute, practice tennis, and travel. Sharon will be attending Harvard College in the fall.

New York
Julia L. Lofredo | Preston High School | New York, New York

"Recommendations for the Resolution of Natural Resource Conflicts"
Coordinator: Ms. Caitriona Cullen

This student has not submitted a bio or a picture yet.

North Carolina
Otis R. Reid | Chapel Hill High School | Chapel Hill, North Carolina

"Natural Resources and Peace: Building Hope for the Future"
Coordinator: Mr. Donald M. Reid

Otis is a senior at Chapel Hill High School in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He is a member of the National Honors Society and a National Merit Finalist. He is passionate about languages, as evidenced by his participation in the French and German National Honors Societies. He was a national finalist for the US Team in the International German Olympiad and won 3rd place in the National Alliance Française Essay Contest. He has drawn upon his interest in foreign languages to contribute to his community by tutoring in French and helping to run an after-school German club to get 5th graders interested in German. In the fall, he will be attending Stanford University.

Ohio
Allison E. Hines | Amanda-Clearcreek High School | Amanda, Ohio

"Foreign Conflicts Involving Natural Resources"
Coordinator: Mrs. Judith B. Groff

Allison lives in Lancaster, Ohio and attends Amanda-Clearcreek High School. After graduation she plans to attend Otterbein College and major in Pre-Physical Therapy. She is involved in the Student Council, the National Honor Society, the Fellowship of Christian Students, Varsity Soccer, and Varsity Track. Allison is a volunteer with the Teen Alliance Volunteer Program at Fairfield Medical Hospital and with the Special Olympics. Allison is a Wendy’s High School Heisman winner and was also selected as a representative to attend the Hugh O’Bryan Youth Leadership Program.

Oklahoma
Shiliang Zhang | Jenks High School | Jenks, Oklahoma

"Resolving Water Conflicts Through Multilateral Negotiations"
Coordinator: Mr. Eric Fox

Shiliang Zhang, who goes by Lisa, loves to learn. Above all, she is most interested in science because of its fascinating explanations of how the world works. Lisa is involved in Student Council, Pre-Med Society, Academic Team, Chinese Club, Orchestra, and the Tulsa Youth Symphony. Though she does not have as much free-time as she wishes, Lisa tries to give back to her community by volunteering at the library and playing violin at retirement homes.

Oregon
Kristine M. Connolly | Valley Catholic High School | Beaverton, Oregon

"Eliminating Conflict Over Arable Land by Supplying Alternate Economic Opportunities"
Coordinator: Ms. Martha J. Karlin

Kristine is a junior at Valley Catholic High School in Beaverton, Oregon. She has a love of academics and the performing arts. Kristine frequently participates in local and national math competitions, is a member of both the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society, and is an AP Scholar. In addition, Kristine is a member of her school orchestra and choir and recently played the part of Luisa in The Fantasticks, her ninth play at Valley Catholic. Outside of school she sings with the Portland Symphonic Girl Choir and dances with a hip hop and jazz performing company. After high school Kristine plans to study architectural engineering.

Overseas Schools
Catherine Yoon | Daewon Foreign Language High School | Seoul, Republic of Korea

"Negotiating Peace: From Military Conflict to Collaborative Management"
Coordinator: Mrs. Keumsoon Lee

Cate is a senior majoring in German at Daewon Foreign Language High School, which is in the capital of the Republic of Korea, Seoul. She is the head of the Film Production Club and a member of the Habitat for Humanity Club, German Drama Club, and Korea Reunification Youth Council. She enjoys participating in Model UN and Debate workshops. During school breaks, she tutors low-income children at a local youth centre. She is also a competitive fencer, receiving third place in a national amateur tournament hosted by Korea University. Apart from the NPEC Awards program, she is also looking forward to visiting Poland as a youth ambassador this summer. After graduating high school, she hopes to major in International Affairs and later enter law school.

Pennsylvania
Ruth L. Canagarajah | State College High School | State College, Pennsylvania

"Ethnic Rivalry and Natural Resources: A Call for Global Awareness and Local Action"
Coordinator: Dr. Athelstan S. Canagarajah

Ruth is a senior at State College Area High School. She actively participates in her school’s journalism department as an anchor/producer of her school’s morning broadcast. In addition, she is a staff writer for the school’s newspaper, and the editor of the Mini Mag in the yearbook. She is a member of Future Business Leaders of America, for which she won first place in her region for Business Communications. Ruth also served as the treasurer for her former high school in Old Bridge, New Jersey. As a devoted fan of the arts, she spends her creative energy in community theater, the International Thespian Society, tap dancing, creative writing, and playing the piano. Ruth plans to attend Penn State University this fall, majoring in Communications with a minor in Political Science. She looks forward to an enriching summer, which involves working in England, in addition to the NPEC Awards Program.

South Carolina
Benjamin A. Hawfield | Irmo High School | Columbia, South Carolina

"Natural Resources and the Conflicts They Cause"
Coordinator: Ms. Jan P. McCarthy

Ben is a graduating senior at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. He is a member of the National Honors Society, Beta Club, and was a member of the French National Honors Society. Ben has been voted Most Dependable and is the Vice President of the Kayak Club. He has been a member of the tennis team throughout high school and is currently the team's co-captain. Outside of school, Ben has worked at a local park for the past two years as, among other things, a river guide. Ben plans to attend the University of South Carolina in Columbia.

South Dakota
Jiwen Li | Vermillion High School | Vermillion, South Dakota

"Tackling the Resource Curse Through Transparency and Prudent Resource Development"
Coordinator: Mr. Sharon A. Ross

Jiwen is a junior at Vermillion High School. Her interest in international affairs was sparked by her participation with her school's debate team. An octofinalist in Lincoln-Douglas Debate at the Kansas Nationals in Wichita, Jiwen will be competing this summer in International Extemporaneous Speaking at the Desert Lights Nationals in Las Vegas. She enjoys participating in various science and math competitions as the president and captain of the science club. Jiwen serves as the vice president of her region student council board, is a member of National Honors Society, volunteers at the senior center, and is a community musician. She enjoys perusing Greek mythology, playing the clarinet, sampling various types of music, gardening, and studying world affairs -- an interest she will further pursue as a Girls State delegate. In college she plans to pursue a degree in the medical field.

Tennessee
Callie E. Smith | Girls Preparatory School | Chattanooga, Tennessee

"Resolving Water Conflicts Through the Establishment of Water Authorities"
Coordinator: Ms. Kathleen H. Berotti

Callie Smith is currently a junior at Girls Preparatory School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This year, she is the sports editor for her school’s yearbook and involved in Young Republicans, Junior Classical League, Beta Club, Candlelight Choir, and the National Honor Society. Additionally, she was recently elected by her class to be on the 2008-2009 Honor Council. Outside of school, she spends much of her time interning for her local Congressman and the Tennessee Republican Party. She looks forward to her senior year, hoping to continue to excel academically and assume leadership roles in many of her extracurricular activities. At the moment, Callie aspires to pursue a successful career in politics, with an emphasis on international relations.

Texas
Ian E. Terry | Pasadena Memorial High School | Pasadena, Texas

"Resource Wars and the Global Economy"
Coordinator: Ms. Barbara A Jimenez

Ian was born in Atlanta, Georgia. Shortly after birth he moved to Houston for about 6 years, after which he moved to Galveston where he completed grade school. In the summer after fifth grade he moved back to Houston, and has been enrolled in PISD schools ever since. Ian loves music, writing, and film. Ian likes to stay active and enjoys skateboarding, running, cycling, and going to the beach. At school he is on the track team and is a member of the marching band. Ian plans to attend college and study engineering.

U.S. Territories
Jose D. Martinez | Academia Del Perpetuo Socorro | San Juan, Puerto Rico

"African Promise: Methods for Distributing the Natural Resources of Nations Emerging from Conflict"
Coordinator: Ms. Marie Gillette

Jose, who goes by the nickname Dario, is a senior at Academia Del Perpetuo Socorro in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He has been involved in his community by volunteering at a homeless shelter and serving as an assistant fencing coach at his local fencing club. Jose has also represented his school at four intercollegiate history bowls and currently serves as president of the Perpetuo Chapter of Model United Nations. Additionally, he works as editor-in-chief at his school's newspaper. One of Jose's passions outside of school is fencing. In the future, he would like to major in Comparative Literature, while fulfilling premedical requirements.

Utah
Sharisa J. Nay | Spanish Fork High School | Spanish Fork , Utah

"Overcoming Conflict Over Natural Resources"
Coordinator: Mrs. Kari J. Nay

Sharisa is a junior at Spanish Fork High School where she maintains a 4.0 grade point average. Her high school career has included a rigorous combination of advanced placement and honors courses. Sharisa is the German Club president, a NHS officer, and a member of FCCLA and the Key Club. She has played the flute for nearly six yeas and enjoys being a member of her high school's concert band and flute choir . She works in the high school math lab, where she tutors other students and helps them with their homework. Some of her hobbies include reading, writing, playing tennis, and playing the piano. After high school, Sharisa plans to attend college. She is not sure yet what field of study she will pursue or what career she will enter, but she does know that she wants to use her education and talents to make a positive difference in the world.

Vermont
Jessie S. Ebersole | Montpelier High School| Montpelier, Vermont

"International Sanctions and Sustainable Development in Resource Conflict"
Coordinator: Mrs. Christina Ebersole

Jessie is a senior at Montpelier High School in Montpelier, Vermont. She enjoys arguing for her school’s debate team, and she and her partner were finalists at this year’s regional tournament. She is one of the leaders of the Student Led Class, a group for students who wish to learn about local and global issues and then make a positive impact. The group focused previously on world weapons sales; now they have turned to the issue of homelessness in Vermont. Jessie has made three service trips to Guatemala, where she and a friend interviewed women about such topics as the changing role of women in society. Jessie is passionate about academics, and is ranked first in her high school class. Her favorite books include: The Poisonwood Bible, by Barbara Kingsolver, and Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief. Jessie plans to double major in International Relations and Spanish, and then embark on a career for a nonprofit organization.

Virginia
Olga A. Korostelina | W.T. Woodson High School | Fairfax, Virginia

"Triple A Model as a Multifaceted Approach to Resource-Based Conflicts"
Coordinator: Mrs. Catherine R. Horowitz

Olga is a sophomore attending W.T. Woodson High School in Fairfax, Virginia, where her courses include Advanced Placement U.S. History, English, and Psychology. She is a founder and the President of the Russian Club, Secretary of the National Art Society, Secretary of the Theoretical Thinkers Club and a member of the National Society of High School Scholars, National Honor Society, and French Honor Society. She is an active member of the Model United Nation program and has participated in 7 Model UN conferences, winning three first place and two second place awards. Olga won a Gold Medal in the Mid-Atlantic Olympiada of Spoken Russian, has been a 1st place winner, CIA winner and Navy winner at the Regional Science Fairs. She has received two W.T. Woodson Academic Awards. Olga is committed to community service and has served as a volunteer with the following organizations: International Relief and Development, Inc. in the Ukraine,the English language program at Yerevan Secondary School, Armenia, and the Institute for Victims of Trauma. She has conducted 9 projects for the Y Street anti-smoking program. In the summer of 2008 Olga will attend the Virginia Girl State Program and Summer Residential Governor’s School for Humanities. In addition, she is interested in visual art and creative writing and has received several awards for her works. After high school, Olga plans to study international relations, business, and attend law school.

Washington
Carson P. Dietz Hartmann | The Bush School | Seattle, Washington

"Balancing the Seas: Preventing Fishery Conflict"
Coordinator: Ms. Susanne Eckert

This student has not submitted a bio.

West Virginia
Jarrod A. Barry | Hedgesville High School | Hedgesville, West Virginia

"Fuel for Fighting: Natural Resources and the Conflicts They Cause"
Coordinator: Ms. Terri L. Barry

Jarrod was born in St. Petersburg, Florida. He relocated with his family to Falling Waters, West Virginia in 2001. Jarrod is a 2008 graduate of Hedgesville High School where he was a member of the Hedgesville Eagles Soccer Team and the Eagles chapter of the National Honor Society. His interests include playing in the community league soccer, serving as an assistant coach with the Berkeley County Youth Soccer League, and writing short stories. He is employed at K-mart. Jarrod plans to attend West Virginia University and major in Psychology. His ultimate goal is to attend law school.

Wisconsin
Paul T. Mrotek | Milwaukee High School of the Arts | Milwaukee, Wisconsin

"Protecting The World's Water In Order To Protect Ourselves"
Coordinator: Mrs. Katherine Katter

Paul is a junior attending Milwaukee High School of the Arts, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he is a music major. Two hours a day, he participates in music classes; one hour of Jazz Studies and one hour in the Wind Ensemble. Paul plays the guitar and all percussion instruments. He also performs in a rock band. Paul enjoys playing a wide variety of sports and is a scholar athlete on the varsity tennis and swim teams. For three years, the Rexnord Foundation has recognized his 3.9 grade average, while taking Advanced Placement coursework. As a National Honor Society member, he has participated in many service projects, including his current project raising money for the children of Brazil. As a Eucharistic Minister and Scout, Paul participates in various community projects. After high school, he plans to pursue studies in Medical Sciences and Music Production.

Wyoming
Samantha J. Fawcett | Worland High School | Worland, Wyoming

"Effective Resolution of Water Tribulations (Resolution after Natural Resource Conflict)"
Coordinator: Mr. Tim McGee

Samantha is from the small town of Worland, Wyoming and asserts that there is not much in the area to recommend any admiration except for the occasional oil rig. It is a place where you can drive all day and not meet another person, so she admits that the prospect of traveling to D.C. is a bit alarming. After finishing high school in May, Samantha plans to attend Casper College, where she will be part of the honors program. Samantha plans to study Anthropology and envisions using her degree to become part of the forensic community. Samantha has held several jobs: teaching swimming to youth, ages three to seven, tutoring, and working at the one movie theater in town. Samantha's recent travels to Greece and Italy have been the highlight of her life.