Discus Award Winner
Winners Gallery
PHOTOS
Hannah Finnie
12th Grade, NJ
ATTRIBUTES
Government
As a citizen of the United States, I think it is my responsibility to keep track of the what the Government does, and to voice my opinion if I think something is amiss. That's why last year, I went to Washington DC to tell congress what I really thought. I was able to talk to a representative's aid about issues that really mattered to me- like human rights, and conflict minerals in the Congo. I am President of an anti-genocide club at my school called STAND, and as a club, we write many letters to various leaders of our country, including the President! Being active in your community can mean simply going to town meetings, or going to Washington DC, but either way, I believe it's important to speak up for what you believe in.
Community Service
Volunteering is something I've always seen as nothing out of the ordinary, but rather, something you should want to be doing. I want to help make my community a better place. Not only am I serving my community, but I actually feel a sense of satisfaction after volunteering. Next year will be my third year volunteering at an animal shelter near my school, and I can't wait to visit all of the dogs and cats, and the people too! This is my second summer volunteering as a Junior Courier at the local hospital, as well as my second summer volunteering at the local library shelving books and helping kids in the children's department. I think giving back is the biggest 'thank you' you can give to your community, and I have a lot to thank for.
Arts
Music has always been a passion of mine. I tried out a few different instruments, including my own voice in 3rd grade chorus, as well as the piano and the viola, until I finally found it- percussion. Since Fourth grade, I've played percussion, whether in the school band, the marching band, or just practicing with friends. I played in Concert Band from 4-8th grade, and auditioned and was accepted into the Wind Ensemble in 7th and 8th grade. In 9th grade, I started playing in the marching band, where I played instruments like the marimba and the gong. Currently, I am in my high school's concert band, as well as Orchestra, which requires an audition. I play timpani, snare drum, bass drum, and anything else needed. Music keeps me happy.
