Discus Awards

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.

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

In high school, Ariella Axler was a U.S. Ambassador for Youth Venture, an organization that supports social entrpreneurship. She was also the founder and president of Take a Swing, Inc., a non-profit tennis academy for economically disadvantaged children. In the classroom, she graduated as the valedictorian of her class. All these accolades and more led to her being named a 2009-2010 Discus Award winner.

Ariella was accepted to Stanford University and will become a Cardinal in fall 2011. During her year off, she will spend her time in Israel. "During my stay, I will immerse myself in the country's rich mosaic of culture," Arielle wrote to us. "While spending three months each in Bat Yam (city near Tel Aviv), Jerusalem, and Arad (southern town), I will study the history, politics, communities, and religions of the region. Through living with both Israelis and Americans, I will experience the country’s daily lifestyle. During my visit, I will participate in a medical program, in which I will volunteer for the Red Cross (Magen David Adom), and learn about the intricate healthcare system in Israel. By working on ambulances, I will gain first hand exposure to the groundbreaking medical progress in Israel, from emergency response to biomedical engineering. In addition, I will volunteer in several schools, development towns, orphanages, nature preserves, and archaeological sites."

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

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