Amazing applications

Hi Group - Well, we finished reviewing all of our scholarship applications last week and are working on notifying students. We read some amazing applications and essays. You all lead really busy, interesting lives. Many of you are super involved, excelling in academics, athletics, music, and community service. A lot of you work to help support yourself and family. Some of you have a lot of breadth in activities - doing everything - and some of you have tremendous depth - doing one or two things for a really long time.

A lot of you wrote about President Obama and how much he has inspired you. A lot of you also wrote about the challenges of technology and how young people communicate (or don't!):). You want to solve poverty and discrimination.

A few essays I read really stand out. Usually they are either ones that made me laugh out loud because your writing was so insightful or they are ones that revealed experiences you've encountered from which you have grown. One of you wrote about your experience coming out in high school and the challenges that gays and lesbians encounter. I was incredibly impressed at the sensitivity, self reflection, and intelligence of your writing. Another of you wanted to invent a very cool time device to help swimmers judge their time.

We wish there were scholarships for ALL of you! But even if not, I am happy that our country's future is in your hands.

Kris