Discus Award Winner
Winners Gallery
PHOTOS
Thomas Waite
12th Grade, MI
ATTRIBUTES
Academics
In my class of 234, I am ranked #1. Last year, I took 3 AP classes and scored 5's on each exam, receiving the AP Scholar Award. This year, I am taking 4 AP classes and a dual-enrollment Calculus 2 class at Grand Rapids Community College. I have a combined SAT score of 2180 and an ACT composite score of 35. I am a National Merit Semi-Finalist. I have a 4.0 unweighted GPA, and have received the highest academic awards each year of high school. I have been a semifinalist in the Michigan Mathematics Prize Competition. I am president of my school's National Honor society and director of its tutoring program. I have been accepted to Harvard University and plan to study Biomedical Engineering there next fall, pursuing a career in medical practice and research.
Arts
For 10 years, I have played piano. I am a 2-time State-Semifinalist in the Michigan Music Teacher's Association Student Achievement Test competition. I was awarded Honorable Mention in Grand Valley State University's 20th/21st Century Piano competition. In 9th grade, I was accompanist for my high school's varsity choir and for vocal soloists. A 3-year member of the high school Jazz Band, I have received the All-State Honorable Mention award for jazz piano. I am employed as the pianist of a local church, where I am director of instrumental music selection, instrumental performance, and vocal accompaniment. I have also volunteered by playing piano at retirement homes and various local events. Oil painting is another passion of mine, and my painting won Best in Show at the Kent County Fair.
Athletics
I have been a member of the Cedar Springs Equestrian Team for 6 years and riding competitively for 8 years. In 2010 and 2012, I was chosen to be a member of the Michigan Interscholastic Horsemanship Association District 5 Dream Team, which is composed of the 10 highest scoring competitors in the district. I have also received the High Point Award in Showmanship and Saddle Seat. In recognition of my accomplishments in academics and athletics, I was selected as my school's "Student Athlete of the Month" in October 2012. Along with competing, I have also volunteered as assistant coach for the middle school team to assist with riding skills and sportsmanship. Throughout the years of competition, I have been responsible for the training, care, and exercise of my own horses.
