Winner in Mathematics on January 31st, 2010
Jake, a senior, is a top student who demonstrates impressive mathematical acumen. He has a remarkable depth of analytical ability especially in problem solving and abstract reasoning. He intuitively grasps each derivation and discussion of theory in physics and calculus and is able to apply a learned concept to find solutions. Jake holds a 4.4 weighted grade point average and scored 34 on the ACT. He was named a National Merit Commended Scholar, appears on the President's Honor Roll and is ranked in the top five percent of his senior class. Jake has taken a rigorous college preparatory course load including multiple Advanced Placement and Honors classes. He is a member of the National Honor Society, National French Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta, the math honor society. In 2009, he won the first place award in the programming event at The University of Memphis Engineering Day Competition. He also placed in the Tennessee Math Teachers Association competition as a junior. Jake was selected to represent the school in a local math competition last year and won a second place in pre-calculus. Jake's work in both physics and calculus show the sophistication one would expect of a college student. Jake has been a member of the school's top-rated Knowledge Bowl Team since his sophomore year. He is a member of the French Club and Engineering Club. He also is an active member of the Frisbee Team. Jake exhibits a high degree of personal motivation and a very mature interaction with faculty members. His AP Calculus teacher says that Jake "is very gracious in offering help in group work sessions to struggling students." He strives to help others and tutors his peers in math and science. He also has a wide range of interests - engineering, applied math, physics, economics, psychology and writing. He plans to major in computer engineering in college.
