Features: A Message from Claes Nobel A Message from Outgoing Student Council Advisory Board Highlights New Student Council College-Bound Advice The Value of Taking AP Classes Begin College Applications Now My Take on the SAT Getting a Head Start Never Hurt Anybody Spotlight on Service -- From your own Backyard to a Nicaragua Village The Power of Committed Citizens -- Helping the Poor in Nicaragua J.M.H. Academy Volunteer Effort -- Cordele, Georgia, Health and Rehabilitation Center Giving Back to Your Local Community Special Opportunities -- Students Take Advantage of Exciting Programs AFS Exchange Program -- Living in Brazil Summer Business Institute -- LEAD (Leadership Education and Development) Summer in Switzerland for Natasa Kovasevic Food for Thought For the Devout Carb-Quitters: New Bread that is Literally Nothing Living Successfully Dear NSHSS Members, "Dreams are the seedlings of reality." --James Allen, "As a Man Thinketh" These words, penned by a British philosopher some 80 years ago, come to mind as I review my involvement with The National Society of High School Scholars. Two years ago James Lewis, the founder and president of NSHSS, and I were dreaming. We were wondering how we as individuals might make a significant contribution to the world--to have a hand in making the world a better, safer, and saner place. We brain-stormed about creating a new catalyst for world transformation and betterment. Then ­ "Eureka." Our thoughts crystallized on tapping into the Power of Youth. I said to Jim: "You know, young people are the greatest power on Earth. They are nearly 50% of the world's population, and they are 100% of the world's future. Let's focus on helping empower and educate youth. They will be the preservers of the Earth and the key to quality of life--all forms of life." And so, the seedling of The National Society of High School Scholars took root. This new organization set out to provide service and scholarship opportunities to the most gifted students in the world. In less than two years James Lewis and his trusted NSHSS colleagues have built a powerful, forward-thinking honor society that guides, assists, and inspires students worldwide. This is your organization. It now has thousands of bright, energetic members, a dynamic Advisory Board, and a powerful group of strategic alliances. To my immense delight we are well underway transforming our dream into reality. Together with the NSHSS team I have traveled much; attended many national educational conferences; and established fruitful strategic alliances with major youth organizations, corporations, and venerable institutions. These organizations all have the well-being of youth as their foremost priority. A few fine examples are Habitat for Humanity, Boy Scouts of America, People to People, and Presidential Classroom. I have also had the good fortune to meet personally with hundreds of our members during member events in places like Washington, DC, New York, Los Angeles, Orlando, and Dallas. At this time, with great excitement, I look forward to meeting and greeting many old and new members during the year ahead of us. And hopefully, to meeting you. I will close my message to you with a question. Would you like to read an excellent little book that has provided me with guidance on finding happiness and living a purposeful life? If you do, then I can highly recommend James Allen's "As A Man Thinketh." It has served me well. Also remember that if you study today, you can shape tomorrow. In Service to Earth and Humanity, Claes Nobel Advisory Board Chair << Back to Journal Home page