Scholar Stories

Anton Martynenko

A native of Russia, Anton is a Scholar, an artist, and a world traveler. His journey as an exchange student at age 15 eventually led him to the University of Dallas from where he will graduate in spring 2011. His thesis – an exhibit which incorporates eight of his paintings – has received acclaim from peers and professors alike.

Jaclyn Tordo

Following her passion for helping the less fortunate, Jackie spent time in Mumbai, India in summer 2010 assisting the slum communities organize community driven initiatives to help resolve housing problems.

Dina

This young woman from the Bay Area has big dreams of becoming a physician and eventually opening a free clinic for the poor and destitute in her parents’ native land, Eritrea.
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Dawson Dunning

A native of Montana where he grew up on a small family cattle ranch some 40 miles from the nearest town, his love of nature is matched by his love of filmmaking.  His new film explores wildlife conservation from the perspective of both Western science and the indigenous Māori culture.
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Sylvie

For Young Scholar and high school junior Sylvie, every day presents the opportunity to learn something new, to experience something she has never felt, and to help others along the way. 
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Caraleigh Holverson and Jason Stern

The late Jack Kent Cooke was a philanthropist, sportsman, and business tycoon, just to name a few of the descriptions assigned to him. But the term “matchmaker” would not have fit his personal biography. Until now. 
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Ben Marcovitz

In the late summer of 2008, Ben Marcovitz and several colleagues opened the New Orleans Science and Math Academy to serve urban students who had the ability but not the means to succeed.   
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Rachel Bremen

Rachel's journey from undergraduate Latin American Studies major at Brandeis University to her current work with women, children and newborns in underserved and under resourced communities worldwide has been a long and exciting trip.
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Murphy Temple

Each passing day provides College Scholar and Mississippi native Murphy Temple another chance to soak in something new, something different and something most young people growing up along the Gulf Coast do not have the opportunity to experience.
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Francesca Gamber

As a student at a private high school, Francesca “Frankie” Gamber had an advantage. She received the advice and wisdom of a college counselor to help her navigate through the confusing college-application process.  Now just a few months away from receiving her Ph.D., she is giving that same advantage to public high school students in Baltimore.
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Brielle

This summer Brielle will sharpen her skills both academically and creatively. She will  begin her summer by taking a class to help solidify her foundation in math and she will also be taking a musical theater class with award-winning actress Karen Morrow at UCLA.
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Rhiana Gunn-Wright

Chicago-native and Yale honor student Rhiana Gunn-Wright is a juggler. Not the kind in the circus, but the kind who can handle just about any assignment you would toss at her.
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Harun Mehmedinovic

Harun Mehmedinovic is pursuing his dream, working as a director and screenwriter. His most recent film, In the Name of the Son, is based on his experiences growing up in wartime Bosnia.
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Jean-Blaise Ognong

Jean-Blaise Ognong is familiar with adversity on every scale. The Cameroon native contracted polio as a toddler and was, as he describes, one of the “lucky few” to survive with a permanent leg paralysis. Throughout his childhood in the small village of Bokito, Cameroon, Jean-Blaise became acutely aware of the extreme poverty in other parts of Africa.
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Ola Canty

Ola Canty’s love of dance has taught her that striving for perfection is, ultimately, an unsatisfying goal.  “Reaching perfection means that you are left with no more ambitions or goals to achieve.”  Instead, she works to challenge herself in everything she does and focuses on enjoying the journey.
Nate Marshall

Nate Marshall

A prolific writer of poetry and song, Nate is also a dynamic speaker and is not shy about performing in front of an audience.  He participates in a poetry slam team and looks for every opportunity to participate in open mic shows.  
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Kelsey

As a Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholar, Kelsey has pursued her interest in creative writing, mastering the ability to channel her personal experiences to produce powerful poetry and short stories.
Julius Onah

Julius Onah

Julius has worked with filmmakers Marc Levin and Spike Lee.  His student films have screened at numerous festivals around the world.  His latest short film, Babette, tells the story of an encounter between an illegal immigrant from France and a young Muslim American.  Julius’ acclaimed short documentary Szmolinsky made its international premiere at the 58th Berlin Film Festival.