Wendy Tsai – Sponsored by Akzo Nobel Polymer Chemicals (Chicago, IL), is a graduate of Clear Lake High School. Wendy is a three-year varsity letterman and record holder in swimming.  She participated on the UIL All America Interscholastic Swimming Team, U.S.A. Swimming  Scholastic All America Team, and was a state and regional medalist. She served at president of the National Chinese Honor Society, president of the Panda Club and was a member of the National Honor Society and National Science Honor Society. Wendy has won numerous state and national awards and honors which include the Commended National Merit and AP Scholar with Distinction awards. Her school honors included: Superintendent Scholar, Summa Cum Laude, and District Distinguished Achievement/Gifted & Talented programs. She has volunteered countless hours to NASA Johnson Space Center, St. John’s Hospital, Harris County-Freeman Library, and to her community as a swimming instructor for children. Wendy plans to pursue a degree in medicine.

Carlton Reininger – Sponsored by Gruber Systems (Valencia, CA), is a graduate of William S. Hart High School. Carlton is a varsity letterman in swimming and has received the Scholar Athlete Award for swimming as well. He was active in a variety of school activities such as choir, yearbook, American Red Cross Club, and National Honor Society. He was awarded the Team Coach’s Award, Teacher’s Choice Award, Honors Scholar, Principal’s Award, and was a Swim League High Point Champion and a National Grand Choir Champion. Carlton has been involved in several community organizations such as National Eagle Scout Association, National Society of High School Scholars, and several church choirs. He has volunteered his time tutoring children, humanitarian aid efforts, food and clothing drives, and service projects within his community. Carlton plans to continue his education studying mechanical engineering at Brigham Young University.

Sara Mann – Sponsored by National Marble Product (Swansboro, NC), is a graduate of Swansboro High School and was the Class of 2009 Valedictorian. Sara has been a member of the varsity soccer team all four years of high school and has received state and regional recognition.  She has participated in the Engineering Club, Academic Derby Team, National Honor Society, and the Rotary Youth Leadership Interact Club.  Sara has won Academic Excellence Awards in Algebra II, World History, AG English, Earth Science, and Physical Science.  She was recognized in the Duke Talent Identification Program and participated in the Motivation for Academic Performance (MAP) program.  Sara volunteered at the Department of Veteran Affairs, Jacksonville Medical Center and for three years she volunteered her time by coaching a U8 Soccer Team for the Swansboro Soccer Association. Sara has been accepted at NCSU College of Design for Architecture.

Brian Free – Sponsored by Rebus Inc. (Aston, PA), is a graduate of Strath Haven High School. He played the tuba in the marching band, orchestra, wind ensemble and symphonic band for four years. Brian has received varsity letters for cross country running and track as well as three varsity letters for the Arts. Brian was also a member of the Math League, Science Olympiad, Envirothon, Ping Pong Club and Astronomy Club. He has earned metals in the Congressional Award program and achieved the rank of Eagle in the Boy Scouts of America.  Brian has contributed many volunteer hours to Olympic National Park, Glacier National Park, Loon Preservation Committee, Philmont Scout Reservation, and the Boy Scouts of America. Brian is a certified PADI Rescue SCUBA diver. He would like to continue this education and focus on environmental work in marine environments and educate people about the health and condition of coral reefs.

Giulia Pantalone – Sponsored by Alcan Baltek Corporation (Northvale, NJ), is a graduate of Pascack Hills High School and was the Class of 2009 Valedictorian. She was involved in her school’s concert and jazz bands playing alto and tenor saxophone.  Giulia participated in many other school activities such as debate, FIRST Robotics, Chemistry Olympics and the Pascack Valley Regional High School District Curriculum Committee. Giulia’s achievements also included French Honors Society, Science Honor Society, and National Honors Society.  She participated in sports during her four years of high school where she excelled in soccer and track receiving varsity letters. Giulia was honored with the National Merit Commended Scholar, Bloustien Scholar, Drexel University First Scholarship, Rensselaer Medal, and many others. Her community activities included volunteering her time at Nyack Boat Club, Tappan Alliance Church and Pasack Bible Church. Giulia will be continuing her education at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.