Leading international scientist. Won Grand Prize at the Intel Science Fair.
Teacher and role model.  Founded non-profit organization Spell Success.
Impressive instrumentalist.  Cellist in school and community orchestras.

Meet Amy Chyao.

A high school senior from Texas, Amy embodies the all-around high school student through her outstanding achievements in academics, community service, and arts, and the Discus Awards is proud to recognize Amy for her excellence in and outside the classroom.

Amy is the winner of the December 2011 Discus Awards Scholarship, a scholarship for high school students presented to one select Discus Award winner every month of the academic year. From among thousands of Discus Award winners and accomplishments in 10 attribute categories, a panel of judges has chosen Amy as the recipient of the $2,000 college scholarship.

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

Amy has demonstrated her prestige in science by winning the Grand Prize in the 2010 Intel ISEF, given back to the community through the non-profit organization she founded, and exhibited her musical aptitude as a member of multiple orchestras, and the Discus Awards is proud to shine the spotlight on her.

		Academics
		“My genuine passion for science led me to the intricate world of nanotechnology; I have conducted research in a chemistry lab since ninth grade. In 2010, my research earned me the Gordon Moore Award at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. My research also brought me the honor of co-author publication in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.” An International Baccalaureate student and valedictorian in a class of nearly 1,500, Amy has never been afraid of a challenge. She earned the title of National AP Scholar in her sophomore year, and is completing the last of the math and science AP courses offered at her school this year. Her scholastic success has been noticed by far greater powers than the Discus Awards; she met with President Obama at the Inaugural White House Science Fair, and sat with First Lady Michelle Obama in her booth at the 2011 State of the Union Address. If you have listened closely to the President's speeches, you will notice that he has referenced Amy more than once; we call that a powerful endorsement!

		Community Service
		“Success is more meaningful if shared. I founded my own non-profit organization, Spell Success, in 2008 to share my passion of spelling and to show children the joy of learning new words and achieving their dreams. Today, my group has 168 registered members all over the world and more than ten student volunteer mentors.” Amy has remained actively involved in Spell Success hosting monthly meetings, publishing newsletters, organizing fundraisers, managing the website, and updating the organization's blog. Her community service has been noticed by other organizations as well, as she was named a 2011 Nestlé Very Best in Youth Winner, a 2010 Texas Distinguished Finalist in the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, and a recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Gold Award from 2008-2010.

		Arts
		“From savoring arroz con pollo with my friends in Spanish Club to playing in five holiday concerts with three different orchestras on the week of final exams, I endeavor to enjoy all aspects of life. I have been a cellist in the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra for three years, and I am Vice President of the Orchestra Council in the Plano East Chamber Orchestra.” A cellist for five years and a pianist for seven, Amy was also the principal cellist in the Region 25 Symphony Orchestra and a member of the All State Symphony Orchestra. She has received numerous honors for her playing, winning an Honorable Mention in the Collin County Young Artists Competition and being named outstanding junior in her school orchestra, which earned the title of 2011 TMEA String Honor Orchestra.

Learn more about Amy and other Discus Awards winners