Everett, Wash.
Published: Monday, February 23, 2009

Super kid: John Oh, Kamiak High School

 Waiting for word: John has worked hard in school and has applied to several prestigious colleges across the country, including Princeton, Harvard, Yale, Amherst, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, Swarthmore and the University of Washington. "Waiting might be harder than actually writing the applications."

Academic effort: "I'm really ambitious. I always try to work hard. I know at the end there will always be a reward. It doesn't have to be a monetary reward, just reaching a goal."

More than needed: John is taking seven classes, one more than a full schedule. His workload includes five college-level advanced placement courses in second-year calculus, statistics, government, biology and English. Orchestra and leadership round out his day.

Thanks, Mom and Dad: He credits his parents with making sure he learned math from an early age and had plenty of practice along the way. "I always take math," he said.

Making music: He has played the violin since the fifth grade and enjoys performing with the orchestra. An accomplished performer, he continues to take lessons. "I think it's a big outlet for me. I play all the time."

Different set of strings: John isn't just accomplished with the strings of a violin; he's also a formidable tennis player. He was Kamiak's No. 1 singles player last fall.

Fond memories: Going to play tennis at night with his dad was always something John looked forward to as a child and now looks back on with a smile.

Career interest: Law, for now. He's fascinated by the U.S. Supreme Court. He once considered pursuing medical school and a career in neurosurgery, but finds himself drawn to the legal system.

Big brother: He drives his sister, Angela, a sophomore, to school in the morning in a green Mazda.

Keyed up: John is president of the school's Key Club, which does community service work. The experience has broadened his perspective well beyond a classroom. "I have just learned so much in high school."

Dressing up: John has found himself in unusual attire while in high school. He had to wear a toga for a pep assembly skit in the fall and once dressed as a pancake for a Kiwanis Club breakfast.

Ready for change: John said he is ready to leave Washington to experience another part of the country for a while to see how well he can fit in a place where he doesn't know anyone. He eventually hopes to return to the state.

Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446, stevick@heraldnet.com



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© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA