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Adam Vienmanapun

Biography

Highlights of Young Scholar Experience: Adam Vienmanapun spent part of a summer in Peru on a Foundation-sponsored service mission and it truly was a life-changing experience for the young man.  “I had never expected a small period of just a few weeks to have such a profound effect on my life,” said Adam who worked with other American volunteers building a school in a remote area of that nation.  There were other study immersion programs Adam was involved in, and constant interaction with his Foundation adviser, but it was the Peru trip that Adam will always remember. 

Profile: It’s a normal day in Adam’s life ... happens to be mid-April 2011.  For this biography the Foundation asked Adam to jot down what he’s been up to recently as his high school career comes to an end:  “I am currently writing a program for the Apple iPhone, learning ‘Claire de Lune’ by Claude Debussy on the piano, creating my first album, and reading Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse Five. I have also recently completed a portrait for the family of one of my close friends.”  Just another day for Adam with a lot of downtime!  The young man with the desire to be a surgeon is truly a jack of all trades and a master of many of them.  He speaks three languages (Thai, Spanish and English) and plays three musical instruments (piano, guitar, saxophone).  In addition he’s lettered three years in a row in wrestling at his high school and continues to volunteer with several community organizations near his hometown in Florida, including an ongoing commitment to the local Ronald McDonald House.  

Inspiration: Adam’s high school math teacher at American Heritage School, Betsy Matthews, was a role model for him.  “Her enthusiasm for the subject that she teaches is inspirational, and she always makes sure everybody in class is on the same page.” 

Aspiration: From Adam’s expertise in so many different subjects and areas – music, sports, languages, math, science, community service, painting – it seems that it would be difficult for him to arrive at one chosen field.  But, right now he’s looking toward a pre-medicine major in college, and then on to med school.  His ultimate goal is to become a surgeon.  

Making a Difference: In terms of community service, Adam participated in food drives, fundraisers, and cleanups. He also tutored fellow students in math, science and SAT prep and is a committee member of the local Ronald McDonald House.

Accolades: Adam was a semifinalist in the National Merit Scholarship competition and school champion in an American Mathematics contest and various other competitions.  He also won a gold and silver medal in his school’s speech contests. 

Interesting Fact: There are interesting facts and then there are REALLY interesting facts.  Adam said that he once “hugged a tiger.”

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