Discus Award Winner
Olivia Sayer
12th Grade, CO
ATTRIBUTES
Academics
I have been a member of the National Technical Honor Society and the National Society for High School Scholars for the past 2 years. I've had a 4.0 GPA throughout high school. I am also a teacher's assistant for Dr. Yashka Hallein. I have pursued scientific microbiology research in the past 2 years. It began as a science fair project, but has progressed into a quest for answers in the cancer research field. I have the opportunity to be published by the Society for in Vitro Biology for my project; The Effects of Nicotine on Carcinoma Cell Proliferation. My project this year, The Effects of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester on Cancer Cell Proliferation and Its Complimentary Use with Chemotherapeutic Agents. I have the CSU Animal Cancer Center's full support in completing my project.
Work
I have been coaching gymnastics at my local recreation center for 6 months. I was a gymnast for 9 years, so I love sharing my knowledge and seeing all the kids I teach improve each week. I host gymnastics birthday parties as well and I continue to receive positive reviews for safety as well as responsibility and fun. After only 6 months of employment, I received a raise because of these reviews. I have also been asked by my supervisor to choreograph all of the floor routines for the gymnasts that have made the competition team because of my versatility. I feel it's important to have a job during high school because it has taught me the value of a dollar and I can now contribute to paying for my college education. I believe that if you want something in life, you must work to get it.
Arts
As much as I have a strong work ethic and passion for learning, I also love to show my creative side. It started when I was in gymnastics, but I really enjoyed the artistic side, which is what led me to start dance. I have been dancing for 6 years now, and I am currently in tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, ballet, and pointe. I also use my acrobatic skills to enhance my dancing. I believe it is important to have a healthy body, and dance provides a good source of exercise that involves cardio, as well as improving balance and strength. I love to express myself through dance, because I believe that dance says what words cannot; so dance is my way of being myself. In the future I would love to be able to share this art form both by performing myself, and teaching to others.
