Earlier this month at the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, I had the privilege of assisting in the interviews of 12 exceptional high school seniors from Hamilton County. Eleven came from public schools, one from private. Ten were women. They were finalists for merit-based scholarships administered through the foundation.
Each student excelled academically and included a valedictorian and a salutatorian. All had high grade point averages and ACT scores while excelling in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including track, soccer, student government, dance, stage performance and community service. Several held part-time jobs.
Though several dealt with poverty and other hardships, none had an impoverished spirit. In various ways, each aspired to be a creative contributor to society either through artistic performance, teaching, health care, engineering, accounting or humanitarian service. They relaxed by baking, crocheting, rock climbing, camping and listening to or playing music.
Dr. Clif CleavelandEach student cited supporters who made their accomplishments possible. In various combinations, parents, teachers, coaches, friends, pastors and counselors at after-school programs lent encouragement, kindness, respect and sympathy. The students had a sense of obligation to assist others in similar ways.
They also provided fresh insights into the unique world of teenagers with high aspirations.