Technology innovator. Invented a cell phone that recharges itself.
Community leader.  Dedicates more than one thousand hours to service annually.
Professional photographer.  Founded his own photography business.

Meet Jason van der Merwe.

A senior in a homeschool program in Tennessee, Jason epitomizes the all-around high school student through his outstanding achievements in technology, community service, and arts, and the Discus Awards is proud to recognize Jason for his excellence in and outside the classroom.

Jason is the winner of the February 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 Jason 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.

Jason has demonstrated his passion for the arts through his photography and his devotion to volunteering through his participation in SOAR, a youth program in the inner city, and the Discus Awards is proud to shine the spotlight on him.

		Technology
		“My greatest achievement with technology is winning The Global Challenge Award contest. To win this competition, I invented a cell phone that recharges itself.” Looking beyond the genius creation of a self-sustaining cell phone, Jason has continually demonstrated a tremendous aptitude for technology. At the age of 15, already one year after he built his first computer, Jason won the state Computers and Technology Project contest in 4-H. After winning gold medals individually and as the coach of a middle school bridge-building team, Jason was named a national finalist in National History Day for his research project about a bomb part built during World War II called the Proximity Fuze.

		Community Service
		“One of my largest projects involves SOAR, a youth program in inner city Knoxville. I have taught photography classes, computer workshops and started a 4-H club there. I have also acquired donations to renovate the computer lab and 10 cameras donated so that I could teach the students photography. This year, I started a sponsorship program so that people can financially support students at SOAR.” In addition to his work with SOAR, Jason started an initiative called "Make a Sacrifice, Save a Life." Through this program, Jason helped raise funds for relief efforts in Haiti and Laos. He also volunteers at a local church as a technical assistant. Spending more than one thousand hours each year serving his community, Jason's selflessness reflects qualities and values the Discus Awards strongly supports.

		Arts
		“The arts are also an important facet of my life. Since I was nine, photography has been a passion of mine.” What started as a hobby has since turned into a profession for Jason. He started a photography business, initially serving customers around his community, but has expanded to become the official photographer for a band based out of Nashville, also known as "Music City". Jason doesn't snap shots for the money, though. In fact, he donates his time and talent to take pictures at local events for local non-profit organizations and charities.

Learn more about Jason van der Merwe and other Discus Awards winners