Discus Award Winner
Winners Gallery
PHOTOS
Andrew Cummings
12th Grade, MO
ATTRIBUTES
Other Achievements
Since my freshman year, I have been an active member of my school's debate squad. I participate in policy debate, which involves very in-depth research, exceptional speaking skills, quick logical thinking, and teamwork. In any given debate, my partner and I have to be prepared to discuss a number of issues, ranging from nuclear proliferation to biodiversity to economics to genocide to cybersecurity. We participate in tournaments nearly every weekend from October to February, consistently placing in the top four, often winning. Last year I qualified to the National Forensic League National Tournament. My partner and I advanced through preliminaries, earning a spot in elimination rounds, and finally ranking in the top 60 policy teams in the nation. We are on pace to do as well this year.
Academics
Academic achievement has always been a priority of mine, and while I often find time to participate in other activities, I remain committed to my studies. I am currently enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program, an extremely rigorous system of academic study that goes far beyond the traditional core subjects, encompassing a Theory of Knowledge class, as well as a 4000 word Extended Essay. I have achieved a weighted GPA of 4.87 despite the difficulty of the classwork and am on track to complete the International Baccalaureate program. I received a composite score of 36 on the ACT. I have been chosen as a National Merit Semi-Finalist, and am awaiting results on my advancement to Finalist status. I am also a member of Mu Alpha Theta, a national math honor society.
Faith
Despite the emphasis I put on academic success, my top priority is my faith and also my involvement in my church. I have been a very active and involved member of my church's youth group throughout high school, attending retreats, camps and mission trips. In addition to this, I have taken on a very active role in volunteering my time to work at my church. I work in the Media department every Sunday night, once a month on Sunday morning and occasionally for special events. These responsibilities include running a camera during services, or the audio board; monitoring video feeds; or controlling what visuals are recorded or shown on the screens. This requires steady commitment, and technical skills. However, I still believe the most important way I live out my faith is my everyday life.
