| • John Agnifili Scholarship Winners |
| • Tony Wince Scholarship Winner |
| • Susan Wheeler Scholarship Winner |
| • Jane Bates-Rehder Scholarship Winner |
The verdicts are in and we are proud to announce the winners of our John Agnifili, Jane Bates-Rehder, Tony Wince, and Susan Wheeler Scholarships. With such a pool of terrific kids, the decision was not easy. Grade point averages were as high as 4.74.1 In whatever spare time they have away from studying, they manage to fit in athletics, jobs and many hours of charitable works. And to top it off, they're all nice kids. Those that attended the scholarship barbecue can attest to that. I hope that more of you will come out next year to meet these deserving kids.
The students and their families wanted me to thank all of you for all your hard work in raising this money. One set of parents said "Whoever likes my kid and does something like this for him, we love them."
Now let us introduce you to the recipients:
These scholarships are awarded to Orange County Seniors.
Ajay Gurbani stands 6'3" and attended Troy High School where he has maintained a 4.42 GPA.1 At Troy High School, Ajay is involved with their Computer Science/Technology Magnet Program and International Baccalaureate Programs. Ajay was ASB Treasurer, Best Buddies International Treasurer, and Indian Culture Club President.
He plans on becoming a doctor. He will be attending John Hopkins University in the fall where he will be studying bioengineering/biophysics. He has a good start as he works one to two times a week as a volunteer at Western Medical Center in the neo-natal unit.
"Being tall has always put me in a position of being different. However, I have realized that being unique is a very important characteristic that has allowed me to succeed by taking new approaches to the various activities I have gotten involved in. My focus on being unique and innovative is one that I believe will allow me to ultimately continue to experience the achievement I have had in high school and accomplish my goals in undergraduate study."
Paul Giuliano stands 6'2" tall and attended Mission Viejo High School where he maintained a 4.74 GPA.1 He has played volleyball, basketball, baseball, and soccer. Paul has been in the marching band and sings in a barbershop quartet. He has also done countless hours of charity work in Mexico and Santa Ana.
Paul's goal is to work in the aerospace industry. He will be attending USC in the fall where he will be studying aerospace engineering/astronautics.
"I accredit the strong will and leadership needed to balance such things as my rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) high school class schedule with the many extracurricular activities that I have done to being tall. My desire to succeed in life would be nothing if it weren't for the strength that I have attained through my tallness."
James Lambert stands 6'3" and attended Marina High School where he maintained a 4.31 GPA.1 James kept himself busy with basketball, track, volleyball and the Spanish Club. He did all of this while working too.
He will be attending Harvard in the fall where he will be studying math, physics, and engineering.
"I definitely welcome the many advantages that come with being tall and do not mind putting up with the few disadvantages. There are always luxury-sized cars, airplane seats by the emergency exits, king-sized beds and I never really wanted to be a jockey or a gymnast anyway."
Elizabeth Hersh stands 6' ¾" tall and attended Dana Hills High School where she had a 4.03 GPA.1 She was active in school government and clubs. Elizabeth was in the varsity track and field team and played club soccer. She spent her summers as a camp counselor. For 4 years she was a teaching assistant at McDowell Elementary School.
She plans to attend UCSB or UCSD to study humanities. Her goal is to become a teacher.
"I love taking a leadership position, and I think being tall has made me that much more of an effective leader. I know that my self-confidence with my height will also greatly help me in the future."
Jared Isaacsohn stands 6'5" and attended University High School with a 3.64 GPA. He was active in football, basketball and the school newspaper.
He plans to attend a state university and major in political science to become a lawyer.
"Knowing that my actions will always be seen first has made me a much more self-motivated and determined person, and I have done my best to live up to the lofty expectations placed upon my shoulders because of my height. And besides, it doesn't hurt with the girls."
Drew Leahy stands 6'3" tall and attended Ocean View High School where he had a 3.62 GPA. He was on varsity basketball for four years and also played hockey. Drew volunteered to help paint the school gym and portables and clean up the grounds.
He will be attending Golden West College and then transfer to a 4-year school. He will be studying criminal justice to become a CIA agent.
"Being tall has taught me many lessons in life that I wouldn't have had if I were short and it has taught me that being tall doesn't mean relatively large in height. It means the opportunity to do things others are physically unable to do, the chance to apply for certain scholarships like these, and last but not least, it means being different than others is OK."
Jason Les stands 6'2" tall and attended Estancia High School with a 3.58 GPA. He was on the varsity golf team for four years. Jason became an Eagle Scout in his junior year. He was a member of many service clubs on campus.
Jason plans on attending UC Irvine to study computer science.
"It's not easy to say how different my life may have been if I was not lucky enough to have been born with these genes. But when I get assigned into a group and someone says, 'Let Jason be the leader.', I feel that much more glad that a stranger can look at me with such admiration and confidence seeded merely by my height."
Ramon Rodriguez stands 6'3" tall and attended La Habra High School with a GPA of 3.56. He was active in student government as Executive Treasurer of ASB and other clubs. Ramon has volunteered as a tutor and translator to the less privileged.
He plans to attend UC Irvine to study history to become a college professor.
"All my tall experiences have helped mold me into who I am today and there is no doubt that they'll help mold me into who I'll be tomorrow. While I'm not sure of how tall I'll be when I'm done growing, I'm sure of one thing. I'd never give up being tall!"
This scholarship is awarded to Orange County Seniors.
Daniel Howard stands 6'3" and attended Northwood High School where he maintained a 4.51 GPA.1 He had all A's all four years of high school. He managed to play volleyball, basketball, display art at Irvine Fine Arts Center, and coach 6th grade basketball.
Daniel will be attending USC in the fall where he will be studying film to become an animator.
"Being tall has also presented me with many other benefits. I find that taller girls are much more attractive than their shorter counterparts. My date at the last high school dance I attended was a six feet tall and stunning blonde. I could pretend that she agreed to go with me because of my witty banter or sultry good looks, but the fact is that I probably owe my good fortune solely to my height, and I am truly grateful for it."
This scholarship is awarded to Orange County Seniors.
Megan Somervillestands a beautiful 5'11" tall and attended Troy High School where she maintained a 4.0 GPA. She was active in soccer, cross-country, volleyball, and many clubs. She belongs to the National Charity League and spends many hours on charitable works.
Megan will be attending the University of California at San Diego. She plans on becoming an occupational or speech therapist.
"Being tall allows me to stand out, it makes me unique. I am respected more by my elders by simply appearing older. My height is one of the characteristics that I am known for and I am proud of it."
This scholarship is awarded to a TCOC member or an immediate family member.
Susanne Wedrall is the daughter of member Georgia Wedrall. She currently is attending Fullerton Community College and plans to attend a state university after that.
Her goal is to become an elementary school teacher. "The cost of the scholarship will pay for a semester's expenses, both books and tuition. This would allow me to save for the increased expenses I will be facing when I transfer to a state university."
1 indicates student completed college credit courses in high school.
last content change: 08/04/2004
|
Please contact us if you have any questions or suggestions. © Tall Club of Orange County. |