Discus Awards

Arts

A word crafter by nature, I keep a popular blog and write monthly as a favorite contributor to a women's website with over 9,000 subscribers. I earned many awards in prestigious speech and essay contests, taking 3rd at state in both the American Legion Oratorical Contest and VFW's Voice of Democracy contest and winning national in AMVETS essay contest, along with other competitions. Four of my essays have been published in the local newspaper as a community columnist.

I accompanied our homeschool choir and am a regular church pianist. Last Easter I organized a girls' choir.

I have written, directed and acted in a Christmas play and six skits for church. I also participated in a community Easter play and portrayed a prominent lead in our homeschool group's spring musical.

Community Service

My many community service activities include volunteering at the local food pantry, working at the therapeutic riding center and singing at different nursing homes.

I joined forces with a group of other students to campaign in the 2011 congressional, senatorial and gubernatorial elections, primarily by phone banking and dropping literature.

Since my parents lead our homeschool group, I do much to promote our group and the homeschooling philosophy. I've created brochures and fliers, put together a promotional video and designed the homeschool website. I've also shared my student exeperiences at meetings, through our homeschool's open house and even with the Rotary Club.

Other Achievements

Growing up homeschooled, I had many opportunities to share my love of learning and mentor other young people. I help plan curriculum, grade everything from science to Spanish and assist in teaching younger siblings. I taught second grade math for a year, teach preschool (creating the curriculum from scratch) and co-lead the freshman biology co-op with a friend.

I assisted a kindergarten teacher for three hours a week, evaluating students, leading small groups and supervising field trips.

I taught piano for two years. Last summer I camp counseled middle schoolers. I also tutored a friend in algebra and edit numerous essays for friends and family.

Also, I co-directed our church's Vacation Bible School and regularly teach children's church and Sunday school.