Claes Nobel Academic Scholarships
$5,000 Each

Lester Mackey
Wheatley Heights, New York
Half Hollow Hills High School West

Rebekah Hurt graduated from the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science, a highly selective program allowing gifted students to complete their final two years of high school living and learning on the University of North Texas campus. She is a National Merit Scholar, and served as a mentor in the BUGS (Bringing Up Girls in Science program), as well as implementing a campus-wide political awareness campaign. She will enter the honors program at Southern Methodist University in the fall studying political science, economics, and international law. We also welcome Rebekah as a new member of the NSHSS student council.

"Two of her greatest qualities are her leadership and interpersonal skills. . . . [she has] this great ability of being a leader and interacting with people of all backgrounds and walks of life."

Melissa Hernandez-Katz
College Counselor
Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science

Lester Mackey has served as president of his school’s National Honor Society, Ichtus Society, and Mathletes. For two years, he has helped organize weekly train trips into New York City to distribute food to the hungry, and to stop and befriend them, saying "Rather than impersonally disperse, we choose to converse." He will study science and engineering at Princeton University and his ultimate goal is to achieve the free distribution of technology throughout the world.

"His combination of brilliance, determination and intellectual curiosity is unforgettable."

James Lofrese, Principal
Half Hollow Hills High School West