Scholar Spotlight
A prolific writer of poetry and song, Nate is a dynamic speaker and isn't shy about performing in front of an audience.
Scholars in the Arts
Randy’s provocative works of metal, wood, and paint have earned considerable recognition.
Lisa Michelle Vavricka
“I have spent the past four years throwing as much paint on the canvas of my life as possible–taking academic risks, delving into subjects that fascinated me, trying out for the cheer squad, learning dance, singing in the choir, learning to play violin, running for student body president, becoming involved in community service, getting creative with my writing–and the results have been amazing.”
- Program: 2008 College Scholarship Recipient
- Resides: Pasadena, TX
- Hometown: Houston, TX
- Age: 22
- Four-year College or University: University of Notre Dame
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Arts / Music / Performance, International NGO/Relations, Languages, Politics and Diplomacy, Psychology / Therapy, Public Services, Writing / Journalism, Psychology, International Relations, Political Science
- Other Interests: Church / Religious Organization, Film / Photography, Foreign Languages / International Study, Honor Society, International Relations / NGOs, Languages, Literature, Religion, Student Government, Volunteer Work, Writing / Journalism
Biography
HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUNG SCHOLAR EXPERIENCE: Lisa has spent her summers studying international conflict resolution at Yale University’s Exploration Camp and traveling to China with the Duke Talent Identification Program Field Studies Program, gaining knowledge about diplomacy and global economics. She participated in several Foundation-sponsored events, including an ethics and leadership training course and civic education projects focused on topics ranging from public health to homelessness.
PROFILE: The child of a single parent with financial needs, Lisa has long focused on education as the key to a better life. Her commitment to education started early: she has won the principal’s Academic Excellence Award every year since kindergarten, and will graduate in the top ten of her high school class. Lisa will be the first in her family to graduate from college. Along with her strong academic achievements, Lisa pursues a passion for the arts through dance, violin, choir, cheerleading, and the school literary magazine and newsletters.
INSPIRATION: Lisa’s mother is the strongest influence in her life. “Through her encouragement, sacrifice and love, she always found a way to help me reach my dreams.”
ASPIRATION: Lisa hopes to pursue a career in diplomacy. “I have learned that I can’t sit around and wait for someone else to resolve the problems facing our world, I have a responsibility to become involved personally.”
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Lisa is the recipient of the Vanguard Award for community service. She is the youngest member of her local citizen police association and participates in the watershed cleanup organizing committee. She served as Student Body President for two years and was elected to the superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, where her voice will influence school policy for years to come.
ACCOLADES: Lisa has won two National Scholastic Essay Awards: a gold medal for an essay on the demands of high school and a silver medal for a short story (humor) about a snake in the car. She is the recipient of the Rotary Club’s Youth Leadership Award and the College Board’s AP Scholar Award.
INTERESTING FACT: A self-described “adrenaline junkie,” Lisa loves 4-wheelers and whitewater rafting.
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