MARIAN WOOD BAIRD COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP
Chantel Newman
Newman is an extremely well-rounded scholar-athlete who has a USTA State ranking and an impressive 4.2 GPA. She has participated in numerous extracurricular activities, including extensive community service, and is captain of both the tennis and basketball teams. In addition to her stint as a tennis instructor for the Milwaukee Tennis & Education Foundation, Newman tutors and is a fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis, Hope House, and Milwaukee Parks, and is active in her church's youth group. A singer in various choirs, she has won awards for piano and voice. Newman plans to major in computer engineering at Marquette University.
DWIGHT MOSLEY SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
Jocelyn Providence
Providence is a three sport athlete – tennis, basketball, and lacrosse -- who has earned the #1 ranking in tennis for the District of Philadelphia. She has also excelled academically, while holding down a part-time job as a receptionist at her school and participating in a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including Student Government, Black Student Union (VP), Ecology Club, Athletic Association and Yearbook, where she serves as editor. In addition to her work with her church youth group, Providence taught at a West Philadelphia elementary school and participated in the Aids Walk. She plans to study secondary education at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst.
Luv Sodha
Sodha moved to the United States from India last year and has excelled on the tennis court and in the classroom. He is a USTA Middle States section-ranked player and has participated in international ITF tournaments. Sodha is active in the Future Business Leaders at his school, plays at the Arthur Ashe Tennis Center, where he is part of the Goodstein Junior Leadership program, and holds down a part-time job. Though English is his second language, Sodha currently boasts a 3.85 GPA in advanced placement and honors classes and maintains a 98 average in English class. Sodha will attend Temple University where he will major in business/economics.
DWIGHT F. DAVIS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS
Philip Halter
A role model both in the classroom and on the playing field, Halter is Rivet High School’s 2009 class valedictorian and Homecoming King. With a near perfect grade point average earned while taking on a challenging course load, including a number of college classes at a local university, Halter is captain of the tennis team and participates in baseball and basketball, as well. He is a Big Brother volunteer, active on academic teams, such as Math and Science Olympiad, and serves as president of the National Honor Society and treasurer of the Student Council. Halter plans to study pharmacy at Butler University.
Hannah Waddell
Waddell has excelled in a very rigorous International Baccalaureate program, while still making time for charity work, challenging internships and the tennis team. Active in church mission trips to Belize and the Gulf Coast area, she also mentors junior high school girls as a Bible study leader. She accumulated some real-world experience while working as a research technician in plant pathology at North Carolina State University, and shadowing the Chief Deputy Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Crime Control. Waddell will attend Davidson College and plans to become a pediatrician.
EVE KRAFT EDUCATION & COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
Victoria Austin
Austin has excelled on the tennis court, in the classroom and most importantly, as a member of her community. Austin, a USTA Southern Section ranked player, is an instructor with the Rising Stars of Kentucky Tennis program, a non-profit junior tennis organization. She has been honored as the female athlete of the year at her school, was runner-up in the Southern Section Arthur Ashe Essay contest and plays on the basketball team as well. She has maintained a solid GPA in college prep courses while participating on the Step Team, Student Advisory Board, African-American Voices (president), Speech and Debate team and the Diversity, Yearbook and Prom Committees. Helping others has been a staple in Austin’s young life; she has volunteered countless hours with organizations such as the Center for Women and Children, Home of the Innocents, Planned Parenthood, Dress for Success and Big Brother/Big Sister. Austin plans to study psychology and sports medicine at Salem College.
Andres Gallo
A young man with very diverse interests, Gallo has maintained an excellent GPA in honors courses while still finding time to volunteer and pursue studies in music. A “runner” for the 2007 US Open and ball boy at several local tournaments, Gallo spends his summers as a pro shop clerk and junior camp counselor at The West Side Tennis Club, where he participates in NYJTL tennis league. Musically gifted, Gallo participates in the Sony Music Certificate Program, takes piano and music theory at the Brooklyn-Queens Conservatory of Music, and volunteers in programs and plays piano for the Poppenhausen Institute in Queens, where he also mentors young students in karate. Gallo plans to attend Fordham University and study international business.
COLLEGE EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS
Hayat Abdel-Rahim
A member of the French Club and the German Club, Abdel-Rahim is a success in any language. Described by a teacher as “compassionate and yet driven to succeed…extremely hard working,” she has taken time from her busy tennis schedule to help with hurricane recovery efforts, serve as a tennis instructor for young players and participate in Girl Scouts. She plans to study political science at St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas.
Noah Archibald-Seifer
An accomplished cellist who released a CD with Alrac Records, Archibald-Seifer makes beautiful music on and off the court. The Rotary Scholar Service Student of the Year for 2008, he participates in USTA Sectional and State tournaments while maintaining a 3.9 GPA in a challenging curriculum. A state finalist for the High School Heisman Award and a Special Olympics volunteer, he plans to study biology as a pre-med student at Washington University.
Joshua Bochner
If Bochner continues to handle his tennis racquet as well as he handles money, he has a bright future in the sport. The treasurer of his high school student government and several other organizations, he ranks in the top 7 percent of his class with a weighted 4.3 GPA. An AP Scholar Award recipient and a member of a drug/alcohol awareness program committee, he plans on undertaking an international studies major in college.
Jessica Boyer
When there’s a need for volunteers, Boyer won’t be found sitting on the sidelines. She has traveled to several states to participate in missions work through her church youth group, while closer to home she’s a volunteer at a nursing home. A member of the Junior and Senior Executive Committees and a high school letter winner in tennis and band, she is looking forward to majoring in fashion merchandising at Missouri State University.
Armani Campbell
The student representative on the USTA/Eastern Multi-Cultural Participation Committee, Campbell is involved in a wide variety of extracurricular activities including tennis and basketball, Book Club, Speech & Debate Club, Photography Club, Chess Club and the Yearbook Committee. Part of the ACE program in Newark, New Jersey, this National Honor Society member plans to attend St. John’s University.
Sarah Caudle
With all the time she spends in community service activities, fundraising for charitable organizations and participating in missions trips, it’s a wonder Caudle has time for tennis. This USTA tournament and USTA Team Tennis participant volunteers for clothing and food drives, and serves in the Habitat for Humanity club. A member of the National Music Honor Society and National Art Honor Society, she plans to major in industrial design at Auburn University.
Kelly Conroy
A natural leader, Conroy has served as president of her junior class, the National Honor Society and the Squirettes of Mary service club. As a prep tennis player, she made the All-Big Bend Area first team and was runner-up in the city championships. Holding a USTA Sectional ranking, this volunteer tennis instructor for youngsters earned a perfect 4.0 GPA in honors classes. She plans to major in psychology at Mount St. Mary’s University in Maryland.
Stephanie Davis
Tennis has enabled Davis to overcome a shy nature and has provided her with increased self-confidence. A member of the National Honor Society and the Future Business Leaders of America, this church volunteer maintains a 3.9 GPA in college prep classes, including AP English. With the hopes of one day serving as a translator, she is planning on majoring in Spanish at Snow College.
Jessica DeSimone
Win or lose, DeSimone can be counted on to display good sportsmanship. A winner of the Rhode Island Tennis Coaches Association Sportsmanship Award, she participates in a wide range of extracurricular activities including the Math Club, Film & Video Club and the school newspaper. The recipient of the prestigious Yale Book Award, she will be a pre-med student at College of the Holy Cross, focusing on biomedical research.
Eric Dietsche
Combining a USTA sectional ranking with outstanding academics, Dietsche ranks No. 1 in his class of 453 students. An AP Scholar with Honors and a 2008 National Merit Commended Scholar, he teaches tennis to developmentally delayed and autistic adults through a community service program. He won the Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award and the New York State Civil Law Moot Court competition. He plans to major in political science at Williams College.
Eric Eldredge
Captain and MVP of his high school tennis team, Eldredge is a three-sport athlete (cross country, swimming) and an AP Scholar. His strong community service record includes obtaining grants for $1,500 for tennis clinics and teaching Wampanoag Native American children who live in his community. Recipient of the Wheaton Book Award, he is also a member of a Red Cross Disaster Action team. He plans to major in business management at Boston College.
Heather Esker
Excelling on and off the court, Esker was Female Tennis Player of the Year in 2008 and Valedictorian of her class in 2009. A second team all-State tennis player, she earned the USTA Team Tennis Sectional Sportsmanship Award in 2008. She plays the saxophone in her school band, tutors other students and is a Special Olympics volunteer. The National Honor Society secretary will study biology and chemistry at St. Joseph College of Indiana.
Nicole Esposito
After organizing her senior class prom, Esposito is ready to dance into the spotlight at the next level. She is planning to study biology at St. Joseph’s University after securing high marks in honors classes. A National Honor Society member and recipient of the Captain’s Award, she has participated in a project for autism research and walkathons, and has served as a hospital volunteer. In addition to tennis, she competes in track and field.
William Gandy
Whether competing or volunteering, Gandy almost always carries a tennis racquet. The four-time Tallahassee Tennis Association Competitive Junior Tennis Player of the Year was MVP of his high school team and a semifinalist at the 2008 state championships. He participated in the First Serve after-school tennis program and helped earn the 2006 USTA Florida Section Family of the Year Award for volunteer work. He will be a pre-law student in college.
Jamie Golden
A member of the Show Choir, Honors Choir and Spartan Choir, Golden is also a voice for children, serving in the Feed My Starving Children program. She is captain of her high school tennis, basketball and softball teams; recipient of the Triple “A” Award for athletics, academics and art; and a Girl Scouts Gold Award winner. With her eyes on an eventual teaching position, she’ll be an education major at College of St. Catherine.
Aila Hernandez
Winner of the Silver Renaissance Award and the Renaissance Gold Certificate Award, Hernandez is an excellent student who ranks seventh in her class of 580 students with a weighted 4.3 GPA. She is also involved in community service through the Key Club and Relay for Life. Described by a teacher as a “highly motivated individual with a strong commitment to her future academic and professional goals,” she will attend UCLA as a mathematics major.
Shelby Hicks
Winning comes naturally to Hicks, who played for the USTA Texas Sectional Championship team and for the 3A state championship varsity tennis squad. She helps others win off the court, participating in the DARE program and serving at a food bank and as a Bible school leader at her church. The Business Leaders of Tomorrow and Student Council member plans to pursue a degree in elementary education at West Texas A&M University.
Rebecca Hill
Trophy case makers would be wise to contact Hill, who has earned the President’s Volunteer Service Award, the Award of Excellence at the Norwalk Community College Science Fair and the USAA National Mathematics Award. A good person to have around when an emergency strikes, Hill is enrolled in an emergency medical training class through a local fire department. She plans on being a pre-med major at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences.
Colt Hoeptner
An athlete who takes scholastics and volunteer work as seriously as he does tennis, Hoeptner has extensive USTA tournament experience at the national level. The winner of multiple sportsmanship awards, he is an all-state tennis player who takes leadership classes and holds fundraisers. He is a volunteer tennis teacher at a club and a facilities supervisor for a tennis program. This Buddy Program volunteer will be a pre-med student at the University of Oregon.
Gabrielle Kachena
Kachena may have to clone herself to keep up her breakneck pace. She plays three musical instruments and competes in two sports including tennis, is a member of several clubs, serves on the United Way Advisory Board, participates in many church activities and community service fundraising projects, and holds a part-time job. Her school’s 2007 Athlete of the Year and 2009 Women in Sports Award winner will study nursing at Augustana College.
Sangitha Krishnan
Whether it’s comforting cancer patients in Mumbai or helping assisted living residents near home, Krishnan makes it clear to those around her what’s important in life. She is ranked seventh in her class of 226 students, excelling in biology and chemistry, and placed first in Chemistry Lab and Cell Biology in the Science Olympiad. Captain of her high school tennis team, she will be a pre-med student majoring in biology in college.
Daniela Leal
For the past seven years, Leal has played in USTA Sectional tournaments and the NJTL, receiving sportsmanship awards at the 2008 USTA G16 National Zone team championships and the USTA Caribbean’s 2008 Junior Sectional. The high school tennis team captain has complemented her court skills with academic prowess, resulting in the Golden Academic Star and the Silver Academic Star. She plans to be an architecture major at the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Brandi Martin
Described by a teacher as “hard working and uncompromising in her standards,” Martin spends a great deal of her free time volunteering for community service projects and church activities. A youth ministry leader and a choir and dance team member, she serves at a local food shelter and an ecology center. She has also earned academic achievement and leadership awards. With an interest in child psychology, she will pursue a degree in psychology in college.
Kanish Mehta
Excelling in disciplines as varied as math, art and sports, Mehta is a well-rounded individual with membership in the National Mathematics Honor Society, National Honor Roll and National Society of High School Scholars. Voted the most improved player on his high school tennis team, he also ranks in the top 5 percent of his class academically, volunteers for Habitat for Humanity and mentors elementary school children in art. He will be a mechanical engineering major at the University of Texas-Austin.
Steffanie Mortera
A versatile athlete who competes in tennis, volleyball and basketball, Mortera is her high school’s tennis team captain and MVP. She plays USA Team tennis and Junior World Team tennis, has achieved a high USTA Sectional ranking, and has played in national tournaments, including on the G18 Fed Cup team. Active in her school’s campus ministry program, she plans to focus on a pre-med curriculum at Seattle University.
Skyler Nelson
Some people talk about the environment; others do something about it. One of the latter, Nelson founded the Environmental Club at her high school – where she’s ranked ninth in her class of 347 students – and served as a Central Oregon Environmental Center intern. The AP Scholar and National Honor Society president is a three-sport athlete (tennis, skiing, swimming) and a volunteer at the local Children’s Hospital. She will major in environmental science at Mesa State College.
Victoria Ng
Despite the fact that she competes in four sports – tennis, outdoor track, indoor track and softball – Ng finds time for involvement in the Chemistry Club and the Washington Chinese Dance Troupe. Volunteering and tutoring children during summers in the Chinatown center helped her earn a community service award. Her passion for science and research is leading her to major in biomedical engineering at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County.
Victoria Ngo-Lam
One question arises when studying Ngo-Lam’s accomplishments: When does she sleep? The captain of her high school tennis team maintains a weighted 4.5 GPA with a rigorous course load. An AP Scholar, she’s won numerous awards for writing, piano playing and tennis, yet found time to revive a school recycling program, volunteer at the Humane Society and participate in diabetes research. She plans to major in biology at the University of Illinois.
Spencer Noel
Whether he’s playing tennis, serving as captain of the cross country team or earning swimming awards, Noel is frequently in the spotlight. His weighted 4.0 grade point average in AP and honors classes translated into an Academic All-Conference honor. He is also a Key Club member and is active in his church. The National Honor Society member plans to be an accounting major at the University of Delaware.
Ellen Obletz
A two-sport athlete (tennis and swimming), Obletz has crafted a 3.5 grade point average in honors and AP classes. In six different semesters, she was recognized by the California Scholarship Federation, which emphasizes high standards of scholarship and community service for California high school students. A participant in community service through the National Charity League, she will be an English literature major at the University of Denver.
Nolan Outlaw
How serious is Outlaw about dentistry? As his senior project, he developed a children’s book on adolescent oral hygiene. Mixing success in academics and sports can be as difficult as pulling teeth for some, but while producing a weighted GPA of 4.45 and ranking seventh in his class of 192 students, he became a conference tennis champion and earned an all-state ranking. He will be a pre-dentistry student at Methodist University, majoring in biology.
Daniel Porter
With the word “leader” written all over him, Porter is president of the Latin Club and Future Business Leaders of America, as well as vice-president of the Science Club. He ranks second in his class of 117 students with a weighted 4.2 GPA in a course load of honors and AP classes, and is a Kansas Honor Scholar. The USTA Kansas District Junior Rec. Tennis Player of the Year plans on pursuing a pre-law degree at Benedictine College in Kansas.
Hailey Posas
Possessing interests as varied as mythology and ballroom dancing, Posas is a fascinating individual with a USTA Sectional ranking. But those pursuits take a back seat to volunteer work that helps the unfortunate locally and globally. Her humanitarian efforts include collecting books for children in Uganda, raising funds for a school in Ethiopia and serving as a mentor in the Boys & Girls Club. She will major in nutritional sciences at the University of Texas-Tyler.
Joshua Riehl
After being home-schooled in an Amish Mennonite home until high school, Riehl has achieved a 4.03 grade point average and is ranked eighth in his class of 166 students. On the tennis court, he earned a USTA Sectional ranking, while off the court his voice has been heard in Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, County & District Chorus and in musicals. President of the Future Business Leaders of America, he plans to attend Elizabethtown College.
Maribel Rivera
The first in her family to graduate from high school, Rivera is doing it with style. She maintains a 4.2 weighted grade point average in demanding AP and honors classes, ranking 16th out of 580 students. Serving her community through food drives and Relay for Life, and tutoring at school, she is the captain of her high school tennis team. The National Honor Society member plans to pursue a pre-med curriculum at UCLA.
Jennifer Roesch
Passionate about preserving the past, Roesch is building a solid future for herself. A member of the Military History Book Club and active in local historical associations, she is captain and MVP of her high school tennis team and has earned a USTA Sectional ranking. A pianist, she participates in choir and musicals and is a tennis camp instructor for disabled children. She will major in history while focusing on a pre-law curriculum at Lawrence University.
Alexis Romero
Ranked No. 5 in her class of 279 students with a 3.97 GPA in college prep and honors courses, Romero still finds time to excel in sports and serve as a volunteer. A state qualifier in soccer and a singles regional finalist in tennis, she is a member of the Student Council and the Runners Club and volunteers for Run/Walk for the Cure and the local 4-H club. She plans to major in psychology at the University of Arizona.
Kapri Rosario
Some lead vocally, while others do it by example. Rosario is one of the latter. Described by a teacher as “a strong and quiet leader among her peers,” she is involved with Girl Scouts, literary magazine and cheerleading. An AP Scholar, she volunteers for community service through political campaigning, peer tutoring and church activities when not playing tennis. She is planning to major in architecture at the City University of New York Honors College.
Emma Sacks
Vice-president of her class, Sacks chooses to lead rather than follow. A prime example is her establishment of a charity fundraiser to support AIDS research. The captain of her high school tennis team also competes in soccer and track. She has a 3.43 GPA in honors classes and serves as a freshman orientation mentor. Described as “energetic, organized and a good role model,” she plans to focus on communications and environmental studies in college.
Lisandra Scheevel
Whether it’s serving as editor of her school yearbook, participating in band and choir, or captaining the tennis team, Scheevel is a high-profile student-athlete. Her 4.03 grade point average in advanced and AP classes is impressive, and she participates in USA Team tennis and USTA tournaments. She has also taught tennis in local programs. The National Honor Society member is planning to major in biology at Bethel University.
Katilyn Scott
When Scott speaks, people listen. A county speech champion, she’s a Bible study leader and an elementary school mentor who’s gaining valuable political experience as a Florida House of Representatives page. With a 3.68 GPA in honors and advanced classes, she earned the Silver Dolphin Award for academic and student leadership, and was the top singles tennis player at her high school. She plans to major in communications and social work at Huntingdon College.
Joshua Small
Possessing a big interest in the aerospace industry, Small is launching his career by excelling in sports and leadership. The president of his Student Council and local Future Business Leaders of America chapter, he is the valedictorian of his class. The district tennis runner-up placed fifth in singles at the 3A tournament, and performed community service through the Beta Club. He is planning on majoring in aerospace engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Leah Smith
Eyeing a future position as a physician, Smith has a healthy amount of experience in sports, school activities and outside volunteer work. In addition to playing tennis and basketball, she is a cheerleader. Carrying a 3.9 GPA in honors and AP classes, she has been vice-president and treasurer of her student government, and attended an engineering summer camp. A volunteer at a soup kitchen and a YMCA, she is planning on a pre-med curriculum at Westmont College.
Matthew Smith
A member of organizations as varied as the Outdoor Adventure Club and the Chess Club, Smith is a well-rounded individual with impressive credentials in scholastics, sports and volunteerism. The high school tennis team captain was a district champion, state semifinalist and Bay Conference champ. The AP Scholar with a 4.19 GPA is a volunteer at an assisted living facility. He plans on taking a pre-med curriculum as a business major at the University of Notre Dame.
Dakota Southern
Whether performing on the tennis court or in the theater, Southern is at the top of his game. The three-sport athlete (tennis, soccer, cross country) is secretary of both the student body and his senior class. A performer in the Andy Griffith Playhouse, he serves as a volunteer for the Red Cross and Relay for Life. The Eagle Scout is active in his church youth group. He plans to focus on a pre-med curriculum with a nursing major at East Carolina University.
Jolynn Sullivan
As versatile as they come, Sullivan is an athlete, musician, writer, scholar, leader and volunteer. The three-sport athlete (tennis, soccer, basketball) plays flute and saxophone, serves as senior class president and yearbook editor, and volunteers as a camp counselor and song director. Crafting a 3.89 GPA in honors and AP classes, she earned a writing award and advanced to the Parliamentary Procedures state finals. She plans to major in communications studies in college.
Alejandro Tajonar
Ranked No. 3 in a class of 593 students, Tajonar has posted a 3.78 GPA in AP and honors classes, including high grades in an AP physics class. An officer in both the French Club and Spanish Club, he also communicates his skills on the tennis court, being named the team’s Most Outstanding Player and winning the squad’s sportsmanship award. The Science Olympiad participant is planning to major in chemical and nuclear engineering at Texas A&M University.
Lyndsey Tom
A volunteer summer tennis instructor who also pitches in to clean up beaches in her home state of Hawaii, Tom is a ray of sunshine to everyone she meets. The sportsmanship award winner at the USTA G16s Zonals in 2007, she is president of the National Honor Society, captain of her high school tennis team and member of the Japanese Club. Winner of the Scholar Athlete Award, she is planning to major in chemistry in college.
Stephanie Tsao
A poet, scholar, athlete, musician and volunteer, Tsao keeps a very busy schedule. She wrote a poem that was published in the American Library of Poetry and has earned the prestigious 2008 Wendy’s High School Heisman Award. This three-sport athlete (tennis, softball, track) carries an excellent GPA in rigorous International Baccalaureate and honors courses. An organizer of clothing drives, she plans to major in computer science at Siena College.
Alex Walker
In an age when role models are few and far between, Walker enjoys being a role model for younger tennis teammates. The Eagle Scout is co-ranked No. 1 in his class of 198 students with a perfect GPA of 4.0 in advanced and AP classes. A Heart n’ Home Hospice volunteer who is also involved with church service projects, he is vice-president of his class. The National Honor Society member plans to take a pre-dentistry curriculum at Idaho State University.
Justin Westad
Combining a high level of success in academics and athletics is not easy, but Westad has done it for four years at his high school. The recipient of the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award for Athletes compiled a 3.5 GPA in advanced courses for four consecutive years. In addition to a missions trip to Brazil, he took part in the Lasallian Ministry through the Christian Brothers Conference and was a tennis center volunteer. He plans to attend De Paul University.
Joshua Williford
Most parents want their kids to raise their grades. Williford already had excellent grades (3.97 GPA in honors and advanced classes), so he raised a steer instead, as part of his farming responsibilities. The 4-H club president and captain of his high school tennis team is also a math tutor. A son of a pastor, he is a church youth group leader, choir member and camp counselor. He is planning to major in Christian ministries and biblical studies at George Fox University.