The Jefferson Scholars Foundation is pleased to announce the Jefferson Scholars Class of 2015, which includes 27 individuals from 17 states and one foreign country, The Netherlands.
The newest Jefferson Scholars were selected after a rigorous process that began with approximately 1300 nominees from across the country and the globe. The list was pared to 102 finalists, who participated in the 31st annual Jefferson Scholars Selection Weekend in March, from which the recipients emerged.
The incoming class of Jefferson Scholars has an average SAT score of 2260, with 24 perfect scores of 800 on a section of the SAT I test. Three individuals earned perfect composite scores of 36 on the ACT. Additionally, they have amassed 14 perfect scores of 800 on SAT II subject tests and 95 perfect scores of 5 on AP exams through the end of their junior year (not including the exams they took in May 2011). Nine were involved in student council, 5 of whom served as class presidents. Seventeen were varsity athletes, 10 were involved in speech/debate, and 10 were musicians. Several of them have conducted independent science research, with topics ranging from “researching the effect of human systemic lupus erythematosus plasma on the production of endothelial nitric oxide in endothelial cells” to “The Effect of Hydrocarbon Contamination on the Root: Shoot Ratio of Festuca Arundinacea.” Seven founded clubs or organizations during high school and 5 were involved in Model United Nations or Youth in Government.
The class also includes:
- The ISEF (Intel Science and Engineering Fair) Regional Science Fair Winner (1st Place in Environmental Science)
- Two individuals elected youth governors of their states in 2010 through the Youth in Government Program
- The founder of a theater company
- A nationally ranked fencer by the United States Fencing Association (qualified for Jr. Olympics)
- A two-time All-State cross country runner
- A member of a state champion academic team
- One individual ranked 1st in nation for ACT Reading Scores
- The captain of a state debate team
- Member of the marching band that earned first place in 2011 Orange Bowl Parade
- A Teen Republicans State Chairwoman
- An individual who earned 1st Place in State , 4th place nationally on the Test of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics & Science
- A young entrepreneur/philanthropist who started her own jewelry business and donates profits to charity
- A Southeast Youth Regional Rock Climbing Champion (Female Youth A)
- One individual who earned a Varsity Football State Championship and was the Varsity Track Triple Jump State Champion in the same year
- An individual who earned 4th place at the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals in 2010
- Someone who served as class president or vice president for three years straight and is now “Head Girl” of her Student Council
- A Science Olympiad state champion who qualified for the national competition
- The winner of the 2010 Actors Theatre of Louisville New Voices Young Playwrights Festival
Each possesses exceptional potential for further accomplishments at the University and beyond, and we are delighted to be welcoming them to the University in August 2011.
