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Scholarship Winners Testimonials

Congratulations to the 2011-2012 United States Achievement Academy
Scholarship Foundation Scholarships.

The following are testimonials from the winners.

Brent Dyer, Hunter Middle School, Ooltewah, TN wrote:

I am so thankful that I have been bestowed such an honor by the Academy. I'm glad my social studies teacher nominated me for this award. I learned so much in her class about how the government works and the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution. But above all, I learned about the ill-treatment of the Native Americans and the removal of their rights. I am thankful that my rights are still valid and that in this country students are rewarded for working hard in their academics. Thank you so much for the opportunity to participate in this recognition program.

Kaitlin Gillespie, Western Alamance High School, Elon, NC wrote:

I was pleasantly surprised to have received a scholarship as a junior in high school. Most scholarships are only offered to high school seniors and the USA is such a wonderful organization to offer it to younger students who are committed to achieving greatness. I am so thankful to the USAA for choosing me out of all the other qualified candidates. It is truly a morale booster to feel recognized and has only encouraged me to continue working hard. Sometimes it feels like all your hard work goes unnoticed but the USAA has shown me that they noticed and have rewarded me for said hard work. I can only hope other students recognize this honor and apply for this scholarship too.
Abigail Heitzman, Holton Middle School, Holton, KS wrote:

Thank you for selecting me as one of your scholarship winners! I am very grateful for your time and consideration, and I appreciate the cash grant. In the past, I have won other small awards for essays and excellence in academics, but this is my first official scholarship, and I am very proud of it. I was anxious to receive word on whether or not I had been selected, and now that I know that I have been presented with one of your scholarships, I feel satisfied knowing that my hard work and effort has paid off. This is a wonderful program and it definitely encourages me to continue work harder and, as you say, continue my "pursuit of excellence." Thank you again.
Leonardo Trinh, Drakes Creek Middle School, Bowling Green, KY wrote:

II want to say "thank you”' for your selection of me as a USAA Scholarship winner. I take education seriously and hope to make my parents and teachers proud through hard work and dedication to learning. I have strong belief and utmost respect for studying hard and doing my very best in school so that I may have a successful career in the future and contribute back to society. That is my goal and a goal I plan to meet. Leaders have a responsibility for America's greatness tomorrow. I am honor to be a part of tomorrow's America. Thank you for your recognition of my dedication and commitment to learning and education
Carra Wu, Deer Path Middle School, Lake Forest, IL wrote:

I am so excited about receiving the United States Achievement Academy scholarship. I'm very grateful that my teacher nominated me for the award. I'll be in high school next year and this scholarship will come in handy to help me pay for the books or lab fee for an interesting class. Some scholarships cost money to apply. It didn't cost me anything to apply to the US Achievement Academy scholarship. Since I didn’t buy the Yearbook, I wasn’t expecting to receive the scholarship at all. This was a fantastic surprise thanks to the Academy. I'd encourage anyone with an excellent academic record and extracurricular activities to apply.
Ashley King, Lincoln Savage Middle School, Grants Pass, OR wrote:

It is beyond my wildest dreams to be recognized nationally by the USAA. Winning the scholarship has encouraged me to pursue my dreams in college, and it has assured me that all my studying and hard work will pay off. I would like to give thanks to my science teacher, Mr. Zurhellen who has helped me to gain my knowledge throughout the year. I really appreciate the scholarship USAA!
Abigail Rambo, South Side Middle School, Columbiana, OH wrote:

I was shocked and excited to read the letter saying I would be receiving a scholarship grant! Truly, I didn't think I had a chance to get anything. I would like to thank the USAA Scholarship Foundation, Mrs. Guarneri (my English teacher) and my parents for believing in me. I will work hard and do my best, to reach my goals and dreams.
Chris Kahlenbeck, Saint Clair Senior High School, Saint Clair, MO wrote:

Being awarded a place in the United States Achievement Academy is a huge honor and I am proud to have received this national recognition. To earn a scholarship then from ibis prestigious organization goes above and beyond my expectations. It's truly a wonderful feeling to know that USAA recognizes my achievements and has faith in my pursuit of excellence in everything that I do. Thank You USAA.
Jessica Laenger, Gulf Breeze Middle School, Gulf Breeze, FL wrote:

I am deeply honored to receive this recognition. I have been working very hard to achieve my academic success and this recognition helps make it all worthwhile. I am very excited because this is the first academic scholarship that I have received and hope that it becomes one of many. This scholarship will help me achieve my higher education goals.
Jordan Soderling, George R Clark Middle School, Vincennes, IN wrote:

I am extremely grateful to the Academy for awarding me this scholarship. It means a lot and it is truly an honor to win this prize. I also know the importance of scholarship money and money set aside for college, because that money will gain interest and will allow me to pay for tuition as well as anything else I need in my college life.
Ryan Sim, Dougherty Valley High School, San Ramon, CA wrote:

I am honored to be one of the recipients of the USAA educational cash grants, and would like to take this opportunity to thank the selection committee for choosing me for this prestigious award. I would like to thank my nominating teacher, Ms. Minor, for encouraging me to analyze the world with a scientific frame of mind. I would also like to thank my parents and family for believing in me and supporting me. Once again, I give my deepest thanks to the USAA Scholarship Foundation for the recognition and honor.
Aaron Wiesenfeld, Sumner High School, Sumner, WA wrote:

The United States Achievement Academy has long been a driving force of philanthropy regarding the enhancement of student's intellectual and personal growth. Personally, I am deeply honored and grateful to be recognized on a national scale for making an investment to the highest level of academic commitment. The unwavering support which I have received from this institution that focuses on students, who genuinely are interested in learning, will forever resonate throughout my life and the decisions I make.
Nicole Granet, Spanish River High School, Boca Raton, FL wrote:

I am ecstatic and honored to have been selected as a United States• Achievement Academy Scholar. Throughout middle and high school, I have consistently been dedicated to bettering myself and my community through education, community service and pursuing my passions. Receiving national recognition for my efforts in these areas motivates me to continue striving to enhance the world around me. I am incredibly grateful for everything that the United States Achievement Academy does to promote learning, service, character and self-growth.
"Whether you think you can or you can't, you're right"- Henry Ford
Stephanie McCormick, Model Laboratory School, Richmond, KY wrote:

I would like to thank the United States Achievement Academy for the cash grant scholarship I was awarded. I am also very grateful for Mrs. Jamie Worley, my high school counselor, for nominating me for the award which resulted in my eligibility to compete for this wonderful opportunity. It is such a great honor to be recognized by the Academy for my achievements and commitment to excellence; I really appreciate this helpful contribution towards my future education needs. This award is definitely going to serve a means of encouragement for me to continue my efforts to excel in both academics and leadership skills. Thank you again for the acknowledgement and your confidence in my abilities; this really means a lot to me!



Emily Donegan, East Troy High School, East Troy, WI wrote:

I feel privileged to be among those selected to receive this scholarship, as well as the national recognition that comes with. It is flattering to be honored for the things I do every day. I have been raised on the principle that you should give back as much as possible, with the most valuable gifts you have: your time and talents. All of the activities listed on my application were things that I enjoy doing, but also allow me to give back to my school, church, community, and state. Each activity enables me to not only improve myself as a leader, but to help others become the best individuals that they can be. My hope is that the USAA continues to encourage adolescents to aspire for great things.
It truly does take an entire city to raise a child, so never stop encouraging students to reach for the stars. Thank you!
John Daniel Coburn, Sanford School, Hockessin, DE wrote:

Thank you for this honor. I am proud to represent my school, Sanford School, in Hockessin, DE as a recipient of the United States Achievement Academy Scholarship. I am honored that my English teacher, Mr. Weeks, recommended me for this scholarship. I appreciate organizations such as the United States Achievement Academy, who acknowledge the academic achievement of young Americans.
Ethan Cruikshank, Atlee High School, Mechanicsville, VA wrote:

I was honored to be nominated for the United States Achievement Academy by my high school Algebra II teacher, Mr. Swift, while I was in 8th grade and in middle school. I truly have a love for learning and share his passion for math. I was thrilled to be selected as one of the scholarship winners. I plan to use this scholarship to help in my long term education plans.
Emmet Hedin, Winona Senior High School, Winona, MN wrote

I am grateful to the United States Achievement Academy for the scholarship I received. The process was very straightforward and I didn't encounter any problems with the application. The Academy did a great job by providing clear instructions and a reasonable timeline. I am going to use my scholarship to continue my education at a four year university, and know that many other students' financial burdens will be eased as well because of the Academy's work. Thanks for fostering a spirit of education!
Alexandra Miller, Northern Middle School, Accident, MD wrote:

It is an honor to receive this recognition and support from the United States Achievement Academy. I appreciate the encouragement and opportunities provided by my teachers and family, especially Mrs. Wilburn who nominated me for this award. I learned a great deal from her, and her nomination means a lot to me.
Natia Schoepp, Sank Prairie High School, Prairie du Sac, WI wrote:

It is a great honor to have been awarded this scholarship. It will be a nice addition to my education fund. I am flattered that I received this grant from the nationally recognized United States Achievement Academy. It is wonderful that this organization recognizes students for their hard work and dedication to their education. Scholarships are very instrumental in helping students to pay for their education and to achieve their higher goals. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the United Stated Achievement Academy for this greatly appreciated scholarship.
Morgan Matson, Thomas A. Edison High School, Alexandria, VA wrote:

Being nationally recognized makes me feel not only honored, but proud. 1 feel like the path I chose in life, rife with challenges that pushed and continue to push me academically and socially, is the right one. However, being awarded this scholarship has pushed me even more to ensure that I am not the only one to receive the benefits of my labor, but that I should continue to reach outward to positively influence and help those around me, or even those half-way across the globe. While on this chosen path, I want to create communities and environments that strive to help everyone reach their dreams, just like how the academy is helping me reach mine. A small gift of kindness can change the course of a person's life, which in turn can change the course of the world.
Katelyn R. O’Campo, King George High School, King George, VA wrote:

I was so excited to come home for fall break to see that I was a United States Achievement Academy Scholarship winner. I am extremely thankful for being nominated and honored to receive this scholarship. This grant will be put to good use towards the purchase of my books for my Spring Semester. Just when I thought all scholarships I had applied for had long-passed their award dates, you showed up to my door. I am truly blessed and honored to receive this recognition. Thank you so much
Elody Bensch, Waccamaw Intermediate School, Pawleys Island, SC wrote:

I was so excited to open and read the letter informing me of my scholarship and national recognition I was awarded by the USAA. I would like to thank my parents and teachers who nominated me to compete for this award, and I am thankful that organizations like yours make opportunities like this available to students who wish to excel and do their best in school. My mom has always encouraged me to take advantage of every chance to do something special because each open door may lead to even greater achievements and possibilities In the future. This is an honor and a blessing for which I am grateful.
Yue Zhang, DuPont Manual High School, Louisville, KY wrote:

I would like to take the opportunity to thank the United States Achievement Academy Scholarship committee for selecting me as one of the USAA scholarship recipients. This grant will go to further continuing my education. Furthermore, I am grateful that my former MathCounts coach, Mr. Gregory Moore, took the time to nominate students for these scholars. . Mr. Moore has since retired, but the impact of his contributions to math education is still felt. I am very proud to be a member of the MathCounts team that captured three consecutive state titles.
Rachel Spellman, William H. Taft High School, San Antonio, TX wrote:

I just wanted to say thank you for my scholarship. I never expected to win something as great as this. My thoughts about my scholarship are obviously ones of gratitude and surprise. I am just delighted by the fact that I have the opportunity to gain something like national recognition. I greatly appreciate your faith in my abilities. In the future, I hope to gain more recognition by using this scholarship as a first step of many. Thank you again for your belief in my achievements.
Sarah Reega, Loveland High School, Loveland, CO wrote:

I was extremely surprised to receive this scholarship. The application process was simple and straightforward, and the application fee was well worth the outcome. I'm honored to be a United States Achievement Academy scholar. Since college funding will be a struggle for me, I value each and every grant. The USAA scholarship is the first academic scholarship which I have been awarded, and so it is particularly special to me. When I first applied to be a United States Achievement Academy student, I was honored to be chosen, but I did not expect such a rewarding outcome. I'd like to personally thank the United States Achievement Academy for its aid and recognition.
Ben Catalano, Greensburg Central catholic High School, Greensburg, PA wrote:

In this day and age, college is quite costly, and I know I will have many expenses on my road to getting a Ph.D. in chemistry. The scholarship money from the United States Achievement Academy Scholarship Foundation will aid me in pursuing my goals. This award is the first step in achieving my dream, and I would like to thank the foundation for the award and national recognition of my achievements. I am also very grateful for Mrs. Debra Welch, my wonderful teacher and quiz team coach who nominated me for this honor. Winning this scholarship gives me the impetus to apply for other scholarships as I prepare to graduate in 2014. Thank you again for this opportunity and honor.
Michelle Liang, Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, CA wrote:

I want to thank my teacher, Sra. Zuluaga, and the United States Achievement Academy for giving me this wonderful opportunity. There are times in this world when I wonder about the futileness and aimlessness of it all, and in those times, it is immeasurably good to know that someone cares about what I do. When I received my letter of nomination, 1 was speechless with gratitude that Sra. Zuluaga took the time to nominate me. My gratitude tripled when I received news of my scholarship. To Sra. Zuluaga, muchas gracias por esa oportunidad, and to the United States Achievement Academy, thank you, and know that I will make good use of this gift.
Nickolas Wrobleski, Scott County Middle School, Georgetown, KY wrote:

It is hard to express the feelings I have in receiving this award, but I can definitely say that I am honored beyond words. I'm extremely happy knowing that I am capable of earning this grant, and 1 guarantee that I will put this money to good use. I plan on depositing it into my college fund so I can receive the best education possible. After high school, I am going into the medical field and becoming an Oncologist, specifically a cellular biochemist. Curing cancer is my passion, and this award will definitely help me achieve this goal. This is just the first step to the rest of my life, and I thank you so much for considering me and granting me this award.
James Grant, Tupelo Middle School, Tupelo, MS wrote:

I am grateful to the United States Achievement Academy for their scholarship and recognition that they have given to me. This scholarship will help me to gain a higher education, which will open up more paths for me. This will allow me to better succeed in life and be better able to give back to the community and country. The people who have helped me most in academics are my parents, and Mrs. Julie Smith nominated me, I thank these people and the USAA for giving me many opportunities in life.