Discus Awards

Laura Wheeling, a high school senior from Idaho, was recognized as 2010-2011 Discus Award winner for her achievements in arts, athletics, and other achievements. Once a highly competitive gymnast, Laura's ability to overcome difficult challenges defines who she is and why you should know about her. Diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis her freshmen year, a chronic, inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine, Laura was forced to give up gymnastics. She had been a gymnast for 14 years and was a Level 9 gymnast when she was forced to retire. During the course of her career, Laura qualified for 8 strate championships and 4 regional championships.  Even though she can no longer compete in gymnastics, she is currently in the process of being accredited as a gymnastics judge.

In addition to her passion for gymnastics, Laura is a junior representative for the band council and the lead singer, keyboardist, and guitarist in a local band She is also an actress who performed in a summer musical production of The Unsinkable Molly Brown, and a writer who has a poem published in a national middle school poetry anthology.

Laura on her future: "I'm looking forward to college and eventually medical school to pursue my dream of being a pediatric rheumatologist, to treat children like me, and advocate awareness for juvenile arthritis."

To learn more about Laura, visit her winner's profile.

Filed under: Discus Dan • All-Around High School Students • Discus Award Winner of the Day

John Lowrey, now a freshman at The University of Akron, Ohio, in his first year of a six year accelerated B.S./M.D. program through the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine and Pharmacy (NEOUCOM), had a tremendous high school career.  An International Baccalaureate program graduate from Ohio, John was recognized by the Discus Awards last year for his oustanding achievements in academics, athletics, and community service.  He was also recognized by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation as a 2010 Coca-Cola Scholar.  Through the Coke Scholar experience, John joined forces with some of his fellow 2010 Coca-Cola Scholars to create a non-profit organization called The World Change Coalition (WCC), of which he is currently serving as the National President.  "The WCC is composed of students across the nation, "John explained, "that focus on implementing service-oriented and charitable projects that produce positive effects upon communities around the world and developing those students into global citizens who lead through value-oriented actions."

John was kind enough to share his perspective with us on his current work with the WCC, his Discus Awards and Coke Scholar experiences, and his transition from high school to college.  We encourage you to read this entire interview, because we think everyone can learn a lot from a star like John.  Enjoy!

Discus Dan: The last time we spoke, you were a standout high school senior getting ready for the transition to college.  How has that transition gone? Were you forced to make some tough decisions along the way?

John Lowrey: Yes, I declined my dream spot on Texas Christian University's swim team, along with a tremendous scholarship package for academics and athletics, to attend The University of Akron, Ohio. I was accepted into a prestigious six year accelerated B.S./M.D. program through the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine and Pharmacy (NEOUCOM). I plan to graduate from Akron in 2 years (2012), with a major in Natural Sciences - B.S./M.D. and two minors: Biology and Chemistry; then attend Medical School at NEOUCOM.

DD: You were named a Discus Award winner, a Coca Cola Scholar, and received additional accolades while you were in high school.  How much time did you spend applying for these various awards and scholarships?

JL: I spent a major part of my senior year applying for scholarships. Even though I was an International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate, the academics of my senior year we’re manageable. This combined with the increased freedom allotted allowed me the ability to apply for scholarships in my spare time. If I wasn’t searching for one or in the process of completing another, I was asking my teachers, investigating anything that could possibly make me more independent and help me through college.

DD: What did you look for in a scholarship program before deciding to apply for it?

JL: Usually the potential scholarship dollar amount and the alumni community.  However, I essentially applied for anything and everything at the local, state, and national level.

...continue reading

Filed under: Discus Dan • All-Around High School Students • Discus Awards Alumni • Meet the Discus Winner

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the first ever Discus Awards competition! Four Discus Award winners submitted artistic, creative pictures of a butterfly, and one of these four skilled individuals will soon receive a $10 iTunes gift card.

Here's how it works:

1. Feast your eyes on each of these winners' masterpieces
2. Vote for your favorite picture
Note: Voting closes at 11:59pm EST on Sunday, January 16th
3. The winner of the iTunes gift card will be announced the following week on the Discus Award Facebook page

Now, without further ado, here are the images (click on an image to enlarge):

Rebecca Jones - "The Monarch"	Tyler Gottfried - "Backyard Butterfly"
Nicole Ruff - "Butterfly Palm"	Kathryn Klokker - "Butterfly"

Filed under: Discus Dan • All-Around High School Students • Discus Awards Competition

The winner video of the day is a light, fun stop motion animation video created by Hailey Ratto, a high school senior from Nevada. Hailey was recognized as a Discus Award winner for her achievements in arts, technology, and other achievements. The short flick is just pure, light-hearded fun and is featured here for your enjoyment. So...enjoy!

To learn more about Hailey and her accomplishments, visit her winner's profile.

Filed under: Discus Dan • All-Around High School Students • Discus Award Winner Video of the Day

Alexandra Valdez, a high school senior from Texas, is a multi-year Discus Award winner who has been recognized for her excellence in arts, community service, government, athletics, and academics. Today we focus on her greatness in the arts, specifically her tremendous drawing ability. Alexandra attends a variety of art classes including a three week program at the Western Art Academy, and she has won multiple awards for her artwork. Here is a look at two of her award-winning pieces.

"Little Whisperer" - 2008	"Rhompin' Rascal" - 2009

To learn more about Alexandra and see more of her artwork, visit her winner's profile.

Filed under: Discus Dan • All-Around High School Students • Discus Award Winner Picture of the Day