Discus Awards

Dominic DeLuque is a Discus Award winner for his achievements in academics, arts, and government.  He is also an award-winning photographer who has been published in school's newspaper and hired by an online company to take pictures of cupcakes.  Today we feature a picture of a bridge taken by Dominic that won first place at a school Photography Contest.  Bravo, Dominic!

To learn more about Dominic and see more of his work, visit his winner's profile.

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

First, there was James Taylor who assured you that "You've Got A Friend" in him. Then John Mayer told you that "Your Body Is A Wonderland" and James Blunt echoed that sentiment, exclaiming "You're Beautiful." Recently, Bruno Mars has insisted that not only are you beautiful, but you're beautiful "Just The Way You Are." Well, the next evolution in romantic melodies has arrived courtesy of Discus Award winner Tyler Skinner, a born musician and well-rounded high school senior from Missouri.

We have a two-song set geared up for you, so sit back and let the words of Tyler tug at your heart strings. The first song, called "Odd Swan" features Tyler on the piano and vocals.

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

Allison Nguyen is a high school senior from Texas who was honored by the Discus Awards for her achievements in community service, arts, and academics. Her sweetest endeavor is Iced Capades Cakery, a project she founded with her friend that serves baked desserts to shelters around the country. Each month, Iced Capades Cakery donates more than 550 cupcakes to more than 225 children in homeless and women's shelters. Through this project, Allison is able to serve 7 shelters in Texas and also has chapters in California and New York. She has received fantastic attention for this program, including an appearance on the Rachael Ray Show (video below).

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

UPDATE: Jessica lives in the neighborhood of the Discus Awards, and we were thrilled to have an opportunity to visit her while she was teaching science to her eager young students. While we were there marveling at her amazing passion for her volunteer work, we took some time to present Jessica with a Discus Awards scholarship check for $2,000. The Gazette printed a story about the presentation, which you may read by clicking here.

Our January 2011 Discus Awards scholarship winner, Jessica Yang, was recognized for her outstanding achievements in multiple areas in and outside the classroom.  One of her main activities is a non-profit organization she founded called Kids Are Scientists Too (KAST).  KAST helps bring interactive science education to elementary school students.  We asked Jessica to write up a brief description of her work at KAST and she generously agreed.  Below is what she wrote.

"Kids Are Scientists Too, Inc. (KAST) is a Maryland-based non-profit company whose goal is to inspire young students to be interested in science and learning through fun, interactive science sessions led by science and service-loving high school students. The topics and subjects that students are interested in while they are young are the ones that they are more likely to pursue later on in life. We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to participate in extracurricular enrichment led by passionate teachers, regardless of the resources of their schools.

KAST offers a variety of science education services. Primarily, we bring free, interactive science programs to target elementary schools. We also offer tutoring services, organize semi annual science fairs, and publish an online kid science journal. KAST is currently reaching out to over 300 students in 10 Montgomery County Elementary Schools thanks to the dedication of over 40 high school students, and plans to expand to the DC public schools system this spring.

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

This latest installment of the Discus Competition looks forward to the calming climate of spring, when birds chirp, flowers bloom, and everyone generally feels much better about themselves.  We have ten "Spring Snapshots" featured below, each one fired off by an all-around high school student with a passion for photography.  Vote for your favorite picture before March 16th and help one of these talented shutterbugs win an iTunes gift card!

(Click on the pictures to enlarge)

Whose spring photo is your favorite?
	Hailey Ratto		Brittney Wood
	Phoebe Sullivan		Andrew McGregor
	Matthew Sanchez		Delara Fadavi
	Sophia Shalabi		Pat Koceniak
	Vighnesh Iyer		Danielle Hucker

Have you taken high-quality pictures that are deserving of Discus Competition consideration? 'Like' our Facebook page for updates on future Competitions...information available ONLY on our page!

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