Claes Nobel Academic Scholarship Joshua Sommerfeld The Benjamin School - North Palm Beach, FL "I view every step that I take in life as a chance to make a difference in the world." Joshua's high school counselor describes him as an "incredible blend of humanist scholar, politician, and musician" with an "insatiable thirst for knowledge." Joshua is a skilled percussionist who plays in the school band ensemble, local Youth Orchestra, and a student-faculty-rock band. He is both the Student Body President and Honor Council President at his high school and hopes one day to become a U.S. Senator. Claes Nobel Academic Scholarship Arun Storrs South Eugene High School - Eugene, OR "My Nepali heritage and the educational opportunities of my American upbringing have inspired in me a deep obligation to and passion for humanitarian work in our globalizing world." Arun, a Nepali native raised in the United State, has developed a passion for humanitarian work around the globe. As co-founder of Teens Thinking Globally, she has helped raise funds for UNICEF AIDS relief and Zimbabwe Relief and regularly volunteers at her local Child Advocacy Center. Her high school counselor praises this Student Body President's "indomitable spirit" that makes her and those around her a success and expects in the future to hear of her appointment as the United States Ambassador to Nepal. National Scholar Award Daliha Aqbal Robinson High School - Fairfax, VA "I feel that because I was fortunate enough to live in America, I have the moral obligation to help those that did not have the ability to relocate. Being an immigrant from Afghanistan, I can empathize with the innocent people who lost their opportunity to live in a country where the statutes of freedom and opportunity illuminate every aspect of life." An International Baccalaureate diploma and valedictorian candidate, Daliha works with children in her community and tutors students in her school. She hopes to become a doctor and assist those who have been victims of oppression. National Scholar Award Michael Barberio Vestavia Hills High School - Vestavia Hills, AL "As a cancer survivor, I know that you must not take life for granted and should always live your life to the fullest by contributing what you can to make it better." Michael is an Eagle Scout, scholar, and varsity athlete. He plans to find ways to help make hospital patients more comfortable as they battle illness. National Scholar Award Eileene Braxton Southern Alamance High School - Graham, NC "I am optimistic and push forward with every inch of my being, and will not stop until I have truly extinguished the fire that was lit within me years ago to be better than my background, better than the labels and tags society places upon people." Eileene initiated a community service program in her community called "Let's Volunteer," recruiting over 200 people to donate their time in volunteer activities. She is also a National Honor Society President, cheerleader, track Letterman, and award-winning writer. National Scholar Award Jessica Bruce Lakewood High School - Lakewood, CO "My continued interest in other cultures and viewpoints will aid me in understanding international politics and relations, so that I might help forge a more unified global community and facilitate cooperation among our world neighbors." Jessica is President of the Model United Nations, recipient of the President's Education Award, a varsity swimmer, and candidate for the rigorous International Baccalaureate diploma. She is also a dedicated volunteer for underprivileged teens and adults and organizer for Climb for the Cure. National Scholar Award Alhaji Cherif Parkdale High School - Riverdale, MD "I am a firm believer that one is educated both for one's own sake and for that of the whole community." Alhaji is President of the National Honor Society, co-captain of the Academic Team, and recipient of numerous science awards, He has been named a Maryland Distinguished Scholar and plans to become a researcher, mathematician, and educator who aspires to help those in developing countries. National Scholar Award Ashley Crump Paul Laurence Dunbar High School - Forth Worth, TX "One of my many goals in life is to guide young people in the same way that I have been guided." Ashley is a Ventures Scholar, Radio Shack Scholar, and Vice President of her class and Student Council. She plans to attend Howard University and eventually own an engineering consultation firm. She and her sister have plans to one day start an organization promoting literacy and other life skills. National Scholar Award Adolfo Flores Coronado High School - El Paso, TX "Making a difference in the world begins by making a difference in someone's life." Adolfo hopes to earn a degree in medicine and is dedicated to helping those in poverty. He is a National Honor Society President, orchestra member, Student Advisory Board Representative and volunteer tutor. National Scholar Award Keerthi Prabhala Woodbridge High School - Irvine, CA "If the adage 'curiosity killed the cat' is true, then I should've been dead many times over. My passion is to use my interest in biology and technology to help the disabled integrate seamlessly into society." Keerthi has been an inventor from a young age; he appeared on "The Tonight Show" at age 10 with his system to help find a parking spot quickly. He has been honored as a Davidson Fellow for his original scientific work on brainwaves, and is also his school's Science Olympiad Robotics Captain, a Youth Ministry Leader, and American Red Cross volunteer. National Scholar Award Napatong Todjersin New Iberia Senior High School - New Iberia, LA "I want to be an advocate to help children who live in difficult circumstances." Born in a Thailand refugee camp, Napatong has excelled in her adopted country. She has won awards for her essays and in American History, is active in athletics, the Key Club, the Science Olympiad Team, and community service.