If you would like to be considered for the monthly Member Showcase, please click here: http://www.nshss.org/showcase/memshowfrm.htm Margarita De La Paz Hollywood, Florida South Broward High School Worthy of note Awards: 1st place in Declamation at FFL Novice States-2004; Americanism Awards 1st place 1999 ; 4th Place in Declamation- CFL at Archbishop Curly High 2003 ; Semifinalist at the Flying L Invitational in Original Oratory 2004 ; Inducted into the National Honor Society 2004. Leadership: Student Life Editor 2004-2005; Features Editor 2005; Debate Club Fundraising Coordinator 2005-2006; Sophomore Class Vice President 2003-2004; Assistant Editor 2005-2006. Service: Broward Beach Clean-up (3 years); Nativity Catholic Church-Religious Education Aide; March of Dimes Volunteer (3 years); City of Hollywood Art Festival. About me I am strong and hardworking as a student. But also as a person. My extracurricular activities (debate and newspaper) take up much of my time. I put as much effort into them as possible and hope to make this last year in high school as productive as possible. How I hope to make a difference I plan to write speeches for members of Congress or through investigative journalism I hope to improve conditions. My future I plan on majoring in journalism and, ideally, going to NYU. From there, I would like to pursue a career as a speech writer for Senators and Representatives of the United States. I'm hoping to use that outlet to better American domestic policy and foreign policy. If not through that outlet, I'm interested in maybe being an investigative reporter for an upscale newspaper, or an editor at "Cosmo." If I can't scrounge up enough money to pay tuition at NYU through scholarships and financial aid, I will most likely go to the University of Florida for my Associate's degree and then transfer. My dream is to go to NYU for their journalism program, though, and I'm hoping that's what is going to happen. Philosophy "When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on." --Thomas Jefferson Every time I feel like quitting, this is the quote that comes to mind. I don't like to quit, but sometimes you get so overwhelmed that the temptation to is strong. By thinking of this quote, I am inspired to keep on trying. Chris DuVall Tahlequah, Oklahoma Tahlequah High School Worthy of note Awards: National Honor Society; Oklahoma State Speech Contest Winner, 2004; Outstanding Band Member, 2004-2005; 4-H Harbor Memorial, 2004 ; Danforth Award, 2005. Leadership: Drum Major for the Tahlequah Orange Express Band, 2005-2006; Junior Class President, 2005-2006; LEO Club President (Charter Club - 2004-2005); 4-H Co-President, 2004-2005; Selected to attend the Touch-Tone Electric Leadership Conference, Dec. 2004. Service: As President of the LEO Club, I organized a Motorcycle Toy Run for needy children for Christmas December, 2004; As President of the LEO Club, I organized a Car Show to benefit local charities May, 2005; I helped with a high school patio renovation project along with the National Honor Society, July, 2005; I play the piano for residents at a local nursing home to entertain. (Various Dates); I have performed every year for 7 years in the Tahlequah Community Playhouse. About me I'm an extremely responsible guy who is aware of community issues and always willing to lend a hand or lead a project that will benefit others, especially needy children. How I hope to make a difference I've learned that making a difference in the community or world is easy; all you need is imagination, enthusiasm, and "elbow grease." Just jump in with both feet, and before you know it, you've changed someone's life. Never be embarrassed to try something new--the results are usually rewarding! My future Loving science and enjoying helping people with their needs has encouraged me to seek an education in the medical field. Mentoring with Dr. Chasteen confirmed my goals. Philosophy "A person who has never made a mistake never tried anything new." --Albert Einstein Alencia Johnson Fredericksburg, Virginia Stafford High School Worthy of note Awards: Two Cheerleading Coach's Award; Honor Graduate; twelfth person to walk in commencement ceremony because of position in school; Who's Who Among America's High School students (two years for Academic and Sports Editions). Leadership: President's Leadership Program (Christopher Newport University); SCA Historian (High School); and Cheerleading Captain. Service: Special Olympics and Middle School Mentoring About me People should know that I am a very outgoing person who has a drive and determination to accomplish many dreams in life. I am very friendly and never meet a stranger. How I hope to make a difference I will make a differenc by being the first Alencia Johnson, a woman of power and dignity who uses that for the greater good. I want to end the famine in Africa, bring hope to third world countries, unite people as a whole, and help as many people as I can--one person at a time. My future I plan to graduate from Christopher Newport University in Spring 2009 with a Liberal Arts degree in Communications and minor in Leadership and Political Science, to get my masters by Fall 2010, and to be successful in whatever career I pursue, such as a news anchor for CNN or a talk show host, like Oprah or Larry King. Philosophy "Success is not winning; success is trying and giving your best." "Smile: it brightens the day for you and the world." Erin Colleen McRee Glendale, Arizona Excelsior Academy Home School (Pictured here with Mister Bennett, her year-old cockapoo) Worthy of note Awards: Membership in NSHSS and membership in the Eta Sigma Alpha National Home School Honor Society (ESA)--Omicron Beta Chapter. Leadership: Editor of "The Junior Correspondent"; junior investigative reporter for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine; public relations officer for ESA (2003-2004); president of ESA (2004-2005); president of ESA (2005-2006). Service: Sending care packages to our American soldiers in Iraq; tutoring; volunteering with the Republican Party; volunteering at a non-profit thrift shop. About me I am a diligent and conscientious worker, and I communicate well in a public or group setting. I have also found that I can make peace with the subjects in school that are challenging for me, such as advanced mathematics. This fall I will be starting my own business which will be a publication for high school students and college undergraduates. In my free time I've tried a little golf and tennis, read dozens of classic books, and watched a great many old movies. But most of all, I enjoy a good laugh to keep my busy life balanced! How I hope to make a difference My goal isn't to change the whole world, but I hope to be a significant influence at least in my little corner. Specifically, I will be providing entertaining reading material in my publication that encourages education, the exploration of classical literature, and the ability to think clearly along with plenty of subjects that are more light-hearted in nature. My future I plan to attend college and most likely obtain a degree in journalism or communications. I am still unsure about which college. However, I have visited both Grand Canyon University and Pepperdine University and was pleased with both. My Philosophy No matter what I'm doing, either now or in the future, my goal is to be a useful person. Darnell Hassan Stith Newark, New Jersey Technology High School Worthy of note Awards: Who's Who Among American High School Students (2004-2005); "Outstanding Achievement in Poetry" Silver Award Bowl (2005); Shakespeare Trophy of Excellence (2005); New Jersey Medical School/ Future American Scientist* Secondary Teacher (2004); 21st Century Scholars Certificate (2002). Leadership: Treasurer, Class of 2007. Student Council (2003-2005). Service: NJ Teen Prevention Program Educator (2005); New Jersey Medical School - Summer Youth Scholars Program Participant (2005). About me I am a 16-year-old junior who plans to continue his education after high school. My future endeavors lie in the on growing field of healthcare and science. In the near future, I plan on receiving a degree in a health and or science profession. Over this past year, I have been honored with numerous poetry awards and a trip to Washington, D.C. to study politics. I live in an urban city in New Jersey that is often misperceived and under-represented, that hopefully will change someday. My friends, family and teachers can describe me as being humorous, intelligent, and dedicated. How I hope to make a difference People always say, "It's the small things that count," and I agree with them. I do not plan on impacting the entire world, but by making small changes that can grow will affect individuals. I plan on eliminating biased stereotypes by becoming an educated African American that will continue to lead in society. My future I plan to achieve a B.A. and Ph.D. in psychology or a health occupation. Philosophy "Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. This is the judgment. Life's most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?" --Martin Luther King, Jr.