Lab rat. Conducted over 1,000 hours of science research.
School and community servant.  Translates smarts into volunteer projects.
Young professional.  Tutor, intern, and scientist.

Meet Spencer Chang.

A high school senior from Oregon, Spencer embodies the all-around high school student through his outstanding achievements in academics, community service, and work, and the Discus Awards is proud to recognize Spencer for his excellence in and outside the classroom.

Spencer is the winner of the November 2011 National All-Around Student 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 Spencer 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.

Spencer has exhibited his aptitude for science through his independent research projects and science competition awards, shown his compassion through his work at a local food bank and volunteer tutoring, and demonstrated his work ethic through multiple jobs, and the Discus Awards is proud to shine the spotlight on him.

		Academics
		“I have dedicated 1000+ hours conducting independent research projects at university laboratories for science fair competitions. I have competed all three years and have won many awards including 1st place prizes in Microbiology as well as ‘Best of Fair’ distinctions at both the district and state levels.” Spencer was also a finalist in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, placing 3rd in Microbiology research, developing a treatment for cystic fibrosis patients. In the classroom, where he has maintained a 4.0 GPA even after taking 7 Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and in the lab, Spencer has clearly demonstrated the strength and curiosity of his mind.

		Community Service
		“In my high school I have voluntarily donated several hours to tutoring students after school and am also a Link Crew Leader, a voluntary program where upperclassman help ease the transition into high school for incoming freshman.” Outside the classroom, beyond the walls of his high school, Spencer has contributed to the bettering of his community. He has spent numerous weekends donating his time to the Oregon Food Bank, and leveraging his science skills, he has performed volunteer research at the Oregon Health and Science University.

		Work
		“During the school year I work at the Kumon Math Center where I help tutor and grade students. This experience allows me share my knowledge and help others learn to the best of their degree.” Once again, Spencer demonstrates that his excellence extends outside the classroom. His work as a tutor at the Kumon Math Center is just one of three jobs he can list on his resume. He also worked regularly on the weekends dishwashing and cleaning for his parents at their family restaurant, Misto Cafe, and he did this all without pay to lessen the financial burden of the cafe on his parents. Lastly, Spencer performed a summer internship at the Oregon National Primate Research Center, conducting an eight week research project on the "causative effects of aging on the immune system".

Learn more about Spencer and other Discus Awards winners