Academic Ambitions

Top Students Pursue Lofty Futures To Help Mankind

Last updated Saturday, May 17, 2008 9:26 PM CDT in News

By Lana F. Flowers
THE MORNING NEWS

"I don't really feel confined to that. I might do something along the lines of investment banking or government and public policy, as Yale is pretty steeped in those areas," Tyson said.

He's intrigued by international commerce and how public policies enacted by various governments affect businesses in each country and on a global scale.

Advanced Placement government and comparative politics was one of his favorite high school classes, Tyson said.

If all that doesn't work out, the varsity basketball player might like to work in the National Basketball Association front office or with a team like his favorite, the Phoenix Suns.

In 15 years, Tyson said he'd like to be on a beach, on a break from working in a foreign country, or coming back home.

"I envision myself moving back to the South and living in a big city, like Dallas or Atlanta, working in big business," he said.

Erin Rose Robertson, who is graduating from Green Forest High School, plans to major in international relations and journalism at the University of Arkansas, with a minor in Spanish.

She said she'd like to travel the world, uncovering human rights violations as an international journalist, or working as a translator for the United Nations.

However, Robertson sheepishly said, with a sigh and a giggle, that she couldn't decide between the two and didn't really know what she might like to do.

"I love to write and I love other cultures. It might be fun to work at the U.N., work in politics and travel," Robertson said. "I'm very curious, so investigative journalism has always appealed to me."

Clayton Joseph Clark, graduating from Bentonville High School, also plans to attend the University of Arkansas, but will major in Middle Eastern studies. Travel and learning languages also are among his ambitions.

"I would like to go to the Middle East, but am not sure in what profession," Clark said. "I like to write and I like to learn about people."

He wants to learn Arabic and Farsi, so he can spread the word globally about Middle Eastern cultures or be able to speak to people in their own languages while doing mission work.

Clark got a taste for Arabic by sitting in on a class at the University of Arkansas where, despite having to master different letters and read right to left, students seemed to be mastering the foreign tongue.

"There's only 29 letters in Arabic, so that's not many more than in English," Clark said.

Then there's Claudia Richardson, graduating from Huntsville High School, and planning to study chemical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

She spent last summer at MIT in a women's technology program to study electrical engineering, math and computer science.

Richardson might literally save the world with her degree.

"I feel that it's important for people to get into (chemical engineering) because of the energy crisis we are facing, so I would like to develop alternative fuels with my degree," she said.

"The medical field also interests me and chemical engineering would be a good field to get into that, because the baby boomers who are retiring are becoming more dependent on medications" and more effective medications need to be developed, Richardson said.

What It Means

Selection Process for The Morning News All-Academic Team

The Morning News each year names a team of academic all-stars selected from among graduating seniors in Northwest Arkansas.

Our goal is to recognize students who excel in their studies and show strength of character and commitment to their communities.

A committee of editors and reporters chose the team from nominations submitted by high school counselors.

Nomination forms were sent to all public and private high schools in Benton, Washington, Carroll and Madison counties. Each school nominating a student is represented among the team members and honorable mentions.

Ambassadors for Christ Academy in Bentonville, Gravette High School, and Pea Ridge High School did not submit nominations.

Source: Staff Report.

THE MORNING NEWS ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM

Ryan Eric Brown

Haas Hall Academy

• Hometown: Rogers

• Grade Point Average: 4.0 unweighted

• College Plans: To attend Brigham Young University to major in chemical engineering.

• Honors and Awards: National Honor Society; Haas Scholar Physics; Haas Scholar World History; Boy's State; President's Award for Academic Excellence.

• Extracurricular Activities: Scholar Council president and member; Eagle Scout service project; church young men's service projects; scheduled and planned school-wide bell ringing project for Salvation Army; worked with and participated in other various charitable organizations through Haas Hall Academy (Boy's & Girls Club; Seven Hills Homeless Shelter; Children's House). Donated time to assist other scouts in their Eagle Scout projects; led fundraiser for school's Boosting Engineering Science and Technology (BEST) team; donated time to church through various service projects such as working with the needy by raking leaves, making gift boxes for widowers and widows and visiting cancer victims to provide them with care and compassion; coordinated an emergency preparedness fair for young children.

Why this student should be selected: "Ryan is an excellent scholar and has been an extraordinary leader, recruiter and community service advocate for this institution and his community. Ryan is responsible for many successful programs and educational initiatives for scholars at Haas Hall Academy," wrote Martin W. Schoppmeyer Jr., Haas Hall superintendent.

Keely Dye

Rogers High School

• Hometown: Rogers

• Grade Point Average: 4.204 weighted

• College Plans: University of Arkansas, undecided on major.

• Honors and Awards: Superior rating at Arkansas Scholastic Press Association competition in 2008; journalism scholastic honor roll; AP scholar with honor 2007; superior academic student in fine arts academy 2006; secretary of National Honor Society 2007-08; academics section editor yearbook 2007-08; Chamber of commerce, Superior Academic Achievement 2006, 2007; all A honor roll 2005-present; most improved player for golf 2006.

• Extracurricular Activities and Community Service: Odyssey of the Mind; band; National Honor Society; Digital Art Media Club; Politics Club; Senior Mountie Attack Team; yearbook staff; RHS golf team; volunteered as standard bearer in LPGA tournament; volunteered at the Rogers Boys & Girls Club 2007, lunch tutor at school.

Why this student should be selected? "Her AP language composition teacher describes her as, 'a critical thinker; she is open minded and considers new ways to think about issues.' According to her sociology teacher, she is "One of the most memorable students I have taught. She is articulate, composed, and enthusiastic. She is book smart and has common sense. She is kind and willing to help others," wrote Carlton Efurd, counselor.

Bartt Foster

Greenland High School

• Hometown: Greenland

• Grade Point Average: 4.125 weighted

• College Plans: To attend Mesa State University, Grand Junction, Colo., to major in education and athletic training.

• Honors and Awards: 2007-08 Coca-Cola scholar semifinalist; recipient of Wal-Mart scholarship; NorthWest Community College president's list, 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08; while in high school earned 39 college credit hours from concurrent enrollment at NorthWest Arkansas Community College, eight hours from the University of Arkansas and six hours at Cossatot Community College in De Queen, maintaining a 4.0 grade point average in college courses.

• Extracurricular Activities and Community Service: Student Council, 2 years; National Honor Society, 3 years; FCCLA; Future Business Leaders of America; coach for third and fourth grade basketball; spent summers singing in the Gazebo Show at Silver Dollar City, Branson, Mo.; volunteered more than 900 hours singing with Raising America, a group of young singers in Branson; winner of numerous awards for singing in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Missouri; works for his father's construction company.

Why this student should be selected: "It takes more than good grades to make students stand out in a crowd. Bartt is a well-rounded student who has spent many summers performing in Branson. His endless energy has helped him accomplish being ranked number one in his class while taking concurrent college courses and being involved in numerous extracurricular activities," wrote Mary Larkan, counselor.

Claudia Richardson

Huntsville High School

• Hometown: Witter

• Grade Point Average: 4.16 weighted.

• College Plans: To attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology and major in chemical engineering.

• Honors and Awards: Class 4A state championship Quiz Bowl team member; Arkansas-Oklahoma Science Bowl championship team; Economics Challenge State Championship Team; Huntsville Chamber of Commerce student of the year; Fayetteville-Springdale Elks Lodge student of the year; Susan B. Anthony Award for Humanities.

• Extracurricular Activities and Community Service: Habitat for Humanity; Shop for Tots Christmas toy program; Arkansas Children's Hospital fundraising; Quiz Bowl; Science Bowl; Economics Challenge; International Club; Family, Career and Community Leaders of America.

Why this student should be selected: "When Claudia entered this high school as a ninth grader, I immediately began hearing glowing reports about her exemplary characteristics as a person and as a student. As I got to know her, it became apparent why she stands out above her peers. Claudia is a responsible, conscientious student whose work ethic prompts her to excel in all subject areas. She is friendly and personable and gets along well with others," wrote Nancy Edgar, counselor.

Kyle Lee Reed

Lincoln High School

• Hometown: Morrow

• Grade Point Average: 4.333 weighted

• College Plans: To attend the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith on a Chancellor's Scholarship and pursue a career in medicine.

• Honors and Awards: Superior Honor Roll, four years; Food Science Team, first place, State FFA judging contest; Academic Competition in Education team; selected for Chancellor's Leadership Council at University of Arkansas, Fort Smith; high point individual poultry judging 4-H State O'Rama, 2007; numerous 4-H and Future Farmers of America aw wards.

Extracurricular Activities and Community Service: Senior Class vice president, two years; FFA president, one year; Junior Bank Board president, on year; Student Council; basketball captain; elementary physical education aide; agriculture teacher aide; volunteer for Apple Festival, Rustic Relics, Country Doctor Museum, community blood drive, Angel Tree, and Thanksgiving baskets; tutors younger students; Marty Kilgore Memorial Benefit roping; Seeds of Hope.

Why this student should be selected: "Kyle is an exceptional student who has extended his leadership skills into every facet of our high school. Academically, he is ranked number one in the senior class. He also excels in sports and FFA. He is also a very involved member of his community," wrote Cathy Stumbaugh, counselor.

Louise Li

Fayetteville High School

• Hometown: Fayetteville

• Grade Point Average: 4.36 weighted

• College Plans: To attend the University of Pennsylvania to major in bioengineering and do medical research.

Honors and Awards: National Merit finalist; Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction; first place, State 4-Way Test Rotary Speech Contest; first place, Arkansas Council of Teachers of Mathematics regional math contest in calculus; first place, State Science and Engineering Fair, qualifying for the International Science Fair; Scientific American Award for outstanding achievement in education.

• Extracurricular Activities and Community Service: Fayetteville Public Library volunteer; Washington Regional Medical Center volunteer; math and science tutor at high school; Ozark Food Bank volunteer.

Why this student should be selected: "Louise is an amazing example of a true scholar. She loves learning for learning's sake. She plans to take her love for science and turn it into plans for a career in medical research. She also finds a great deal of time to give back to her community on a regular basis," wrote Lesli Zeagler, counselor.

Keely Krodell

Elkins High School

• Hometown: Elkins

• Grade Point Average: 4.08 weighted.

• College Plans: Plans to attend Arkansas Tech University in Russellville.

• Honors and Awards: Class president, three years; National Honor Society; Girls State; Most Inspirational Basketball Player; valedictorian.

• Extracurricular Activities and Community Service: Miss Elkins High School; Student Council, participant, annual blood drive; Fellowship of Christian Athletes; school choir; created the 5th Quarter FCA after football games; Sunday teacher for middle school girls; worship band at local church; Camp Barnabus volunteer for handicapped children; Life Source volunteer; mission trips to Mexico and Dominican Republic.

Why this student should be selected: "Keely Krodel is at the top of her class in academics and scores. She is a natural leader and highly respected by the community, faculty and classmates. Younger children see her as a model. She displays strength -- physically, mentally and spiritually. She is caring and loving of others," wrote Deborah Goodell, counselor.

Rose Shero

Fayetteville Christian School

• Hometown: Huntsville

• Grade Point Average: 3.68 weighted.

• College Plans: To attend College of the Ozarks to major in elementary education.

• Honors and Awards: 2008 honor graduate; Homecoming Court; Science Fair first place in physics and chemistry, 2008; girls varsity basketball, four years.

• Extracurricular Activities and Community Service: Mission trip to Brazil through Fellowship of Christians, Ray of Hope; works at Open Arms Pantry in Huntsville; taught Sunday school and children's church.

Why this student should be selected: "Rose is an exemplary student who has overcome many personal obstacles to achieve high academic and personal goals. She is simply a joy," wrote Rachel McGathy, counselor.

Erin Rose Robertson

Green Forest High School

• Hometown: Green Forest.

• Grade Point Average: 4.2 weighted.

• College Plans: To attend the University of Arkansas to major in International Relations and journalism and minor in Spanish.

• Honors and Awards: University of Arkansas Honors College Fellowship; Arkansas Governor's Distinguished Scholar scholarship; Robert C. Byrd Honors scholarship; National Beta Club scholarship; 2008 Arkansas Gifted and Talented Education Youth Challenger Award winner; attended 2007 Arkansas Girls State and elected president pro-tempore of the Senate; numerous athletic awards.

• Extracurricular Activities and Community Service: Youth Leadership Team at her church; Beta Club president for two years, participating in several community projects to benefit senior citizens and children; Fellowship of Christian Athletes; Student Council; Miss Carroll County 2007 and created the Carroll County Crown Challenge in three school districts to encourage fifth-grade girls to read; volunteer for Carroll County Republicans, Books 'N' Blooms Festival, Carroll County Regional Hospital; tutors in math, science, English and social studies; twice served as Arkansas House of Representatives page; Student Council president; International Club; Robotic Team; Quiz Bowl team; National Society of High School Scholars.

Why this student should be selected: "Erin Robertson is one of the most impressive students I have ever known in my 28 years as a teacher and counselor. She excels academically, athletically and in service to others. Erin's optimistic attitude and moral character are most impressive," wrote Bruce Culver, counselor.

Clayton Joseph Clark

Bentonville High School

• Hometown: Bentonville

• Grade Point Average: 4.3125 weighted.

• College Plans: To attend University of Arkansas and major in Middle Eastern studies.

• Honors and Awards: 2007 Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Brother of the year; outstanding student of the year for social studies, 2008; foreign language student of the year, 2006; English student of the year, 2006; expected to be valedictorian for the Class of 2008.

• Extracurricular Activities and Community Service: National Honor Society; Fellowship of Christian Athletes; Big Brothers Big Sisters; rugby team; cross country team; assistance coach for a Babe Ruth baseball team.

Why this student should be selected: "Clayton Clark is one of the finest young men you will ever meet. His academic ability outshines most of his graduating class. He is interested in helping others and exhibits this by his work with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization and by assisting with athletic teams," wrote Emily Farley, counselor.

Pallavi Rao

Springdale High School

• Hometown: Springdale.

• Grade Point Average: 4.11 weighted.

• College Plans: To attend Florida State University to major in pre-medicine and biology.

• Honors and Awards: Governor's Scholastic Honors Day; Junior Rotarian representative for Springdale High School; Governor's School, Girls State; Medical Applications of Science and Health participant; Daughters of the American Revolution; four-year all region choir; selected for first year study abroad program at Florida State University and will spend freshman year in Panama; candidate for International Baccalaureate full diploma; National Honor Society.

Extracurricular Activities and Community Service: Volunteer work at local hospital; public library; public parks; a cappella choir, unity member, Key Club; participates in a microloan Web site, www.Kiva.org, to loan money to individuals in developing countries.

Why this student should be selected: "Pallavi Rao is an incredible young woman! She is confident, diligent and highly conscientious. She is a leader in the classroom and beyond, and one of the finest role models at Springdale High School." wrote Connie Williams, senior counselor.

John Randal Tyson

Har-Ber High School

• Hometown: Springdale.

• Grade Point Average: 4.1 weighted.

• College Plans: To attend Yale University to major in economics.

• Honors and Awards: Boys State associate justice and mayor; National Merit finalist; honor roll; Epsilon Sigma Alpha outstanding student finalist; National Society of High School Scholars; Springdale Chamber of Commerce junior leadership member; junior Rotarian.

Extracurricular Activities and Community Service: Basketball; Student Council president; Future Business Leaders of America state finalist; DECA national finalist; Key Club; church youth group; volunteer at Wildcats Youth basketball camp; mentor to fifth-grader at Young Elementary School; church mission trip to Kansas City; cast member, spring musical, "Fiddler on the Roof;" former a cappella choir member.

Why this student should be selected: "John has excelled in seven Advanced Placement courses while fulfilling his duties as Student Council president and captain of the basketball team, in addition to state and national competitions in FBLA and DECA and church and community involvement. John enjoys hard work and the results of success that come from his drive and sense of purpose in life," wrote Colleen Foster, counselor.

HONORABLE MENTION

Rudy Martinez

Berryville High School

• College Plans: To attend Yale University to major in computer science and economics.

Why this student should be selected: "Rudy works very hard to reach his goals, which are set high. He also contributes to his fellow students by interpreting, tutoring and encouraging them to do their best," wrote Rhonda Yarberry, counselor.

Kayla Kutter

Farmington High School

• College Plans: Plans to attend University of Tulsa and major in engineering.

Why this student should be selected: "She has maintained a 4.0 in a curriculum that includes six of the eight Advanced Placement courses we offer while she is very active in extracurricular and community activities. She is just what one wants a student to be: Someone with varied interests and areas of achievement; someone willing to help others and to be involved in community service; someone who is respected by her peers as well as her teachers; someone who respects her school and her peers and the activities of each," wrote Emma Banks, counselor.

Rachel Harris

Shiloh Christian School

• College Plans: Plans to attend Ouachita Baptist University and major in musical theater.

Why this student should be selected: "She is valedictorian of her class, class president, and is a second degree black belt in Tae Kwon-Do to name just a few of her accomplishments. She is the type student we wish all our students were!" wrote Debbie Diehm, counselor.

Darcy Donahou

St. Paul High School

• College Plans: Plans to attend Arkansas Tech University and major in political science.

Why this student should be selected: "Darcy is an outstanding all around student. Her academic and leadership skills are outstanding and deserves public recognition," wrote Murry Massey, counselor.

Hannah Monk

Northwest Arkansas Academy of Fine Arts

• College Plans: To attend University of North Texas to major in violin performance.

Why this student should be selected: "Hannah Monk is an amazing scholar. She is organized, determined, diligent and so very bright! She plays the violin with such passion," wrote Barbara Padgett, superintendent.

Ayla Smartt

Gentry High School

• College Plans: To attend the University of Arkansas Honors College to major in biology and genetics.

Why this student should be selected: "She is a dedicated leader, has a sincere desire to be accomplished in all aspects of high school (athletics, academics, clubs) and has excelled in the regular and advanced level classes at GHS," wrote Kathy Pipkin, counselor.

Callie M. Smith

Eureka Springs High School

• College Plans: To attend Harding University to major in chemistry and education.

Why this student should be selected: "Callie Smith is the all-around student. She excels in academics and athletics. Her leadership skills, her example of dedication and hard work make her an outstanding young woman," wrote George Sigler, counselor.

Claire Betts

Decatur High School

• College Plans: To attend Arkansas Tech University in Russellville to major in nursing.

Why this student should be selected: "She is ranked number one in her class and has been an outstanding leader both inside and outside of the classroom. She has also been active in numerous extracurricular activities and community service projects," wrote Nancy Cotter, counselor.

Shelby Miller

West Fork High School

• College Plans: To attend the University of Central Arkansas to major in physical therapy.

Why this student should be selected: "Shelby Miller is the total package. She is bright, giving, serving, dependable and humble," wrote Janie Harriman, counselor.

Heath Joel Broekemeier

Prairie Grove High School

• College Plans: To attend Concordia College in Nebraska to major in pre-medicine.

Why this student should be selected: "Heath is an outstanding student, athlete and leader," wrote Charlotte Prince, counselor.

Courtney McWhorter

Siloam Springs High School

• College Plans: To attend Brigham Young University to major in visual arts.

Why this student should be selected: "Courtney is an exceptional young lady who has many talents. She has taken many honor level and Advanced Placement classes and has made all As through high school. She is also an excellent artist and musician. She has won awards on the state level for her art. Courtney is a very selfless person. She donates her time to many different services. She always has a smile on her face is highly respected by peers and staff," wrote Lesa Eaves, counselor.

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