Scholars in the Arts
Randy’s provocative works of metal, wood, and paint have earned considerable recognition.
Scholars Around the World
Two JKCF Scholars organize a 15-day study tour to Bolivia to explore the country’s political economy, peoples and rural development
Bo Ra Kim
“Throughout my high school career at Choate, I had my successes and challenges as I learned to manage my time and be responsible. However, through those challenges, I got to know myself. I learned that music was not just one of my activities, but something I loved and could never do without.”
- Program: 2010 College Scholarship Recipient
- Resides: Okemos, MI
- Hometown: Masan, Korea
- Age: 19
- Four-year College or University: Bates College
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Arts / Music / Performance, Environmental Scientist, Public Services
- Other Interests: Tutoring / Mentoring, Volunteer Work, Traveling, Music/Composing/Singing/Violin/Piano, Reading
Biography
Highlights of Young Scholar Experience: As a student of music, Bo Ra Kim greatly benefitted from being a Young Scholar. Music, Bo Ra explained, “is an expensive aspiration” and the Foundation’s help in providing lessons, an instrument, and many other necessities was critical to her advancement.
Profile: A dedicated and gifted musician, Bo Ra is on her way to a career as a singer, pianist, or violinist (or perhaps all three). Having been selected through an audition process by the conductor the concertmaster of the Choate Rosemary Hall Chamber Orchestra, Bo Ra is learning the nuts and bolts of preparing for performances by the ensemble. She knows that preparation is the key for any success, in music and life, and her advisors note she is always “impeccably prepared and able to inspire her players.” The orchestra has toured throughout Europe and the United States. She is a humble young lady and deflects the praise she gets for her musical talents. Here’s an example of that humility. The Foundation asked Bo Ra to jot down activities she has been involved in. First on her list were several community service projects she’s been volunteering at. Last on the list was her performance as principal soloist when the Choate Rosemary Hall Chamber Orchestra performed at the White House Christmas Concert for President and Mrs. Obama. Just another day at the office for this remarkable teenager.
Inspiration: She has a warm spot in her heart for the homeless. She’s inspired by her friends who join her in aiding the less fortunate. Most recently she helped organize and performed at a concert in Lansing, Michigan titled “Keeping Hope Alive: A Benefit for the Homeless Shelter for Women & Children.”
Aspiration: Music is Bo Ra’s life and true love. Somehow that will translate into a career on stage. Also, Bo Ra hopes to start a community music school much like Michigan State University Community Music School, which helped her get started in music with reduced lesson costs and financial aid.
Making a Difference: Each week Bo Ra leaves the security of her prep school in Connecticut and lends her musical talents and good nature to a group of young immigrants from Latin America attempting to learn the violin.
Accolades: The College Board honored Bo Ra as an AP Scholar with Distinction because of her high scores on all her Advanced Placement exams. She’s also consistently been on the Dean’s List at Choate Rosemary Hall and is an Icahn Scholar at the school.
Interesting fact: Bo Ra was part of the Michigan State University Children’s Choir which won two Grammy Awards in 2006. http://news.msu.edu/story/225/&topic_id=9&keyword_search=children&keyword_action=exact_phrase
Other Scholars Like Bo Ra
Michael Drzyzga
College Scholar
Williams College
Mariam Chughtai
Graduate Scholar
Harvard University
Brian Watson
Undergraduate Transfer Scholar
University of Mississippi
Maria Palar
Undergraduate Transfer Scholar
Sarah Lawrence College