Earth activist.  One of two U.S. delegates at the World Youth Climate Congress.
Education ambassador.  Founded a sister school connection with a high school in Nepal.
Environmental artist.  California Correspondent for the Mother Nature Network.

Meet Bonnie Lei.

A senior at a high school in California, Bonnie demonstrates excellence and passion in green, community service, and arts and the Discus Awards is proud to recognize Bonnie for her remarkable accomplishments inside and outside the classroom.

Bonnie is the winner of the September 2010 National All-Around Student Scholarship, a scholarship presented to one select Discus Award winner every month of the school year. From among thousands of Discus Award winners and accomplishments in 10 attribute categories, a panel of judges has chosen Bonnie as the recipient of the $2,000 college scholarship.

The Discus Awards, a program that provides recognition and scholarship opportunities for all-around high school students who excel in and out of the classroom, looks beyond grades, scores, and win-loss records and recognizes students for their multi-dimensional talents and passions.

Bonnie is actively pursuing her vision for a greener future and devoting herself to serving her community, and the Discus Awards is pleased to shine the spotlight on her.

		Green
		“I presented my work and advocated for conservation at the 2009 and 2010 American Association for the Advancement of Sciences meetings and World Youth Climate Congress in Mexico, where I was one of only two US delegates...My vision is to achieve a future still brimming with lush forests and birdsong.” Bonnie has been working in labs across the country since she was 15 years old, discovering new species and studying marine and tropical biodiversity. Honored as a national Young Naturalist Award winner and an international Ocean Hero finalist, Bonnie helped draft the international youth accord on climate change that will be presented at the United Nations Climate Change Conference "COP16" in Cancun, Mexico this year.

		Community Service
		“I am devoted to improving the conditions of disadvantaged children. As the founder of a sister school connection between my high school and a school of over 800 children in rural Sabhung, Nepal, I oversee the design of interactive learning materials that update the traditional rote teaching method, making learning more engaging.” Another example of her devotion to helping disadvantaged children came when Bonnie sponsored an underprivileged youth dragon boat team from Trinidad and Tobago. An avid dragon boat rower herself, Bonnie's team placed 2nd in the World Cup, but she still says she "was most fulfilled when {she} was able to share this activity" through her sponsorship.

		Arts
		“I believe that words hold an immense power, and I use my gift with languages to create a positive impact. Selected to be the California Correspondent for Mother Nature Network, a leading site for daily environmental news, I utilize all my art skills to contribute articles, photographs, and video bringing focus to raise awareness for vital green issues.” Bonnie is the editor-in-chief of the literary journal Sincerely Me, was a national Live Poets’ Society winner, and her writing has been published in a variety of publications including Imagine and Teen Ink. She also coordinates an annual Open Mic Night to "promote free expression and creativity among youth."

Learn more about Bonnie Lei and other Discus Awards winners