Robert Bahner, Pinehurst, NC

Pinecrest High School, 2015

Last December, Robert journeyed to Sweden with 18 other NSHSS members to experience Nobel Week at Stockholm University and witness the Nobel Prize Award Ceremonies, the Nobel Lectures, the Nobel Week Dialogue, and numerous other festivities took place in honor of the 2014 Nobel Laureates. He explains his perspective on Nobel Laureates and the fortitude required for success, “Most Nobel Laureates have had to overcome peer pressure and function outside of the ‘norm’ – whether of their career and specialty, or society. Going against the normal is something I can relate to and value. I, too, have avoided succumbing to peer pressure in the past, and have instead blazed my own path.” In addition to earning this coveted opportunity, Robert also learned that he had received early acceptance to Duke University after years of commitment to community involvement and service. Robert is a four-year member of the Speech and Debate Team, serving as the Congress Team Captain for 2 years. He is the founder and chairman of the Young Republicans Club and Political Symposium, and he is also a four-year member of the Key Club and Interact Club. Robert is one of 18 students selected out of his school system, which contains over 12,000 students, to serve on the Superintendent Advisory Council. He is the president of the National Honor Society and the student body secretary in Student Government. Robert has been a state finalist in the Rotary Against Drugs Speech Competition, and he’s participated in North Carolina’s Senate Page and Governor’s Page Programs. Robert’s been interning with Victory 500 Marketing for the past two years, and he runs in nearly a dozen benefit race series each year. Robert became an Eagle Scout in 2012. Good luck in Durham, Robert!