Inspiring story: Is an avid supporter of the March of Dimes after being born prematurely himself, weighing just 1 pound, 4 ounces at birth. He’s now blind in his right eye and deaf in his left ear.
Never quit: “I remember there were times when I heard, ‘You can’t do this.’ … The odds were totally against me, and yet I’ve come out pretty successful.”
Set for college: Earned a $25,000 scholarship to the college of his choice through AXA Financial Group based on his community service activities and academic success.
Cougar pick: Plans to attend Washington State University and study biomedical engineering. It’s about “giving back to premature babies, hopefully developing devices to help them … live better lives.”
Active leader: Serves as student body vice president, is the student representative on the school’s improvement team, and is a member of National Honor Society and the community-service-oriented Key Club.
Active volunteer: Represents Lake Stevens on the Snohomish County Youth Council. Also helps out at Providence Everett Medical Center’s summer “Camp Prov” for children with special needs. “I wanted to give back to something that I could have been part of.”
Also: After serving as an ambassador to March of Dimes since kindergarten, he’s now a volunteer coordinator for Snohomish County. Working on getting the county’s high schools together for a fundraiser.
Hint, hint: There’s a March of Dimes walk-a-thon he’s helping plan that starts at 7:30 a.m. Saturday at American Legion Memorial Park, 145 Alverson Blvd., Everett.
Academics: Holding down a 3.9 grade-point average while taking chemistry, forensics, leadership, advanced marketing, advanced grammar and honors current American issues.
What he did last summer: Was one of 100 students selected for a math and science program at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, where they took college courses and prepared for college entrance exams. “I learned a lot.”
Sports: Plays on the track and tennis teams.
Laker lifer: Has enjoyed growing up in Lake Stevens and watching it change. “It used to be a small town. It’s growing now. I like it because there’s friendly people, a good atmosphere most of the time.”
Role model: His dad, who serves in the U.S. Navy. “He’s dedicated, willing. He’s understanding, patient. He knows how to get things done.”
Busy: If he can find free time, he likes to play his trumpet and write motivational essays.
Life goal: “To make a difference.”
Know a super kid? Contact us as 425-339-3036 or e-mail schoolfyi@heraldnet.com.
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