Scholar Performance
Tessa was featured with her chamber group on the national radio program 'From the Top'.
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
Brian Darwin Shoener
“Throughout my entire life, my family has encouraged me to strive to succeed. I learned that there is no point in doing something if you can’t take pride in it. I try to apply that idea to all I do.”
- Program: 2009 College Scholarship Recipient
- Resides: Scranton, PA
- Hometown: Scranton, PA
- Age: 21
- Four-year College or University: Bucknell University
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Architecture, Engineering, Mathematics, Civil Engineering/Roller Coaster Designer
- Other Interests: Church / Religious Organization, Honor Society, Mathematics, Public Services, Religion, Tutoring / Mentoring, Volunteer Work, Writing / Journalism, Piano, Ultimate Frisbee, Reading
Biography
Highlights of Young Scholar Experience: Brian took full advantage of summer programs as a Young Scholar, highlighted by a civil engineering program at North Carolina State University and the University of Illinois Discover Architecture semester. In addition, he participated in various music programs.
Profile: Brian’s love for engineering began at an early age as his father exposed him to the intricacies of the profession. Due to financial hardship, Brian’s father was unable to complete college. Through sacrifice and diligence, Brian’s father decided to develop his own business and thus, mentored Brian along the way. “While assisting my dad, not only did I learn a great deal about the mechanics of engineering, but I also learned the value of hard work” Brian hopes to take his civil engineering degree to Walt Disney Enterprises for his dream job, designing roller coasters and other thrill rides. He wants to become a Disney “imagineer”.
Inspiration: Brian is indebted to his parents for their selfless dedication to he and his sisters and also Rosemary Boland, his fifth grade teacher, who was “able to get me excited about learning.”
Aspiration: Engineering in some form is in Brian’s future. He said that decision didn’t come to him in a flash, “but rather due to gentle nudges to get me going in the right direction. Both teachers and family members have given me guidance on how to steer my life.”
Making a Difference: Brian was generous with his time to help others in high school. He was a math tutor for his entire senior year and helped numerous students who were struggling in that subject. And for most of his teenage years he was an active member of the youth council at his church.
Accolades: Brian is most proud of receiving the Paderewski Medal, presented by the National Guild of Music Teachers. At Scranton High School, he was named Scholar of the Year, was a member of the National Honor Society, president of the school orchestra, captain of the Scholastic Bowl, and was a National Merit Commended Student.
Interesting fact: Brian is a proud Freemason, an organization that is the oldest and largest fraternity dedicated to the Brotherhood of Man.
Other Scholars Like Brian
Ian Goller
College Scholar
University of Chicago
Hyungtae Kim
College Scholar
Columbia University
Kiera Clarke
Graduate Scholar
University of Washington
Gerard Boucher
Graduate Scholar
Assumption College