Two dream of being lawyers, one would like to pursue pharmaceutical research, another wants to conduct research in the Amazon rain forest, while the fifth has his sights set on a possible career with the CIA . Together they make up West Virginia Universitys 2005 class of Foundation Scholars.
Gov. Joe Manchin, WVU President David C. Hardesty Jr. and WVU Foundation President F. Duke Perry introduced the new scholars Wednesday morning (May 11) at a special ceremony at the State Capitol.
Winners of WVU s top academic award, valued at approximately $50,000, demonstrate the highest academic achievements and leadership potential.
Foundation Scholarships cover tuition and fees, books, room and board and other expenses for four years, plus recipients qualify for a stipend of up to $2,500 for academic enhancement opportunities including travel, study abroad and internships.
The members of WVU s 2005 class of Foundation Scholars are: Kellen Calinger of Wheeling, Ohio County ; Zach Gouzd of Mannington, Marion County; Emily Kayser of Point Pleasant, Mason County ; Frank Klepadlo of Clarksburg, Harrison County ; and John Pino of Oak Hill, Fayette County .
Today we are recognizing the outstanding academic performance of some of West Virginias top students,President Hardesty said.They have not only attained an exceptional grade point average; they have demonstrated great leadership and made a difference in their communities.
At the ceremony, Manchin applauded the scholars for their many accomplishments as high school students and called them wonderful role models.
As the governor of West Virginia and a proud WVU alumnus, I am pleased to call these students Mountaineers,Manchin said.This new class of Foundation Scholars continues the Universitys long tradition of academic excellence.
Perry added,The WVU Foundation is proud to be a part of this distinctive scholarship program. Raising funds for scholarships is central to the Foundations mission. We believe that our donorsinvestment in students, especially those we celebrate today, is, indeed, an investment in the future of our state and nation.
The Foundation Scholarship is the keystone of the WVU undergraduate scholarship program, which annually benefits more than 3,500 students in excess of $4.5 million.
Ninety-five state high school students have received WVU s most selective scholarship since the program was established in 1987.
The Foundation Scholar award is restricted to West Virginia high school seniors who have a minimum 3.8 grade point average and a 30 composite ACT (or 1,340 SAT ) score.
Twenty students were awarded the Neil S. Bucklew Scholarship several weeks ago (another four-year award valued at $21,000) and interviewed on the Morgantown campus in April. From these 20, these five were awarded the Foundation Scholarship.
Meet WVU s 2005 class of Foundation Scholars:
Kellen Marie Calinger of Wheeling plans to major in biology and chemistry with the goal of conducting drug research in Germany, where the Bayer pharmaceutical company is headquartered, or environmental research in the Amazon rain forest.
Through her own scientific research, she studied the effects of elevated carbon dioxide concentrations on carbon sequestration capabilities of the West Virginia forest ecosystem. Although she was in the eighth grade at the time, her research caught the attention of a major university that invited her to do research in Brazil during her college years.
At Mount de Chantal Academy, she has not only distinguished herself as a promising researcher, but also as an outstanding scholar. In fact, her academic achievements enabled her to bypass her freshman year.
Calinger earned the Presidents Award for Excellence in Independent Research at the West Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair and a third-place finish and $20,000 scholarship at the International Science and Engineering Fair.
She is a member of the Presidents Award for Educational Excellence, Presidential Honors Award and National Honor Roll. She also attended the Hugh OBrian Youth Leadership Conference.
Of all her activities, though, she is most proud of her community service. For the past three years, she has made more than 700 hand-decorated Easter bags for the elderly.
Since I was 12 years old, service has been a significant part of my life,she said.In conjunction with the 18 th Street Center Catholic Charities, I have conducted a number of service projects targeting the young, the elderly shut-ins and poor women.
The high school standoutwho describes herself as passionate, faithful and stubbornlooks forward to continuing her service through WVU s Circle K service organization. She said she is inspired by the work of Mother Teresabecause she was very brave and impacted many people around the world.
As for what attracted her to WVU , one could say it was in her genes.
Dad was a Mountaineer so Ive been going to football games since I was young,she said.I also like all of the opportunities WVU has to offer.
When she is not busy with school work, Calinger enjoys spending time with friends and reading fantasy books to broaden her imagination.
She is the first student from Mount de Chantal Academy to receive the Foundation award. However, she continues a proud Wheeling tradition of being among six area students receiving the scholarship over the years.
Her parents are Don and Manetta Calinger.
Zachary Allen Gouzd wants to major in biochemistry in preparation for a career in pharmaceutical research.
Ranked first in his class at North Marion High School, Gouzd is president of the Plum Run 4-H Club, National Honor Society and Honors Geography Club. In addition, he is the student body treasurer and senior director of the Noteables show choir.
During his junior year, he was part of the U.S. Senate Youth Program and Governors Honors Academy.
However, he is most proud of his participation in Student Council and show choir.
At WVU , he would like to continue being active in student government as well as 4-H and take advantage of the many resources and opportunities available in his field of study.
Gouzd is a National Merit Scholarship finalist and was Outstanding Senior Division 4-Her three straight years.
One of his favorite memories as 4-H president was when he organized a project to renovate his communitys meeting place and outdoor gathering facilities.
The club, under my direction, successfully demolished the old structures, contracted community volunteers and rebuilt the area to modern specifications,he said.It has given the community a new source of pride and recognition.
Gouzd is also involved with the Fairmont Arts and Humanities Council and Allegheny Power Community Advisory Panel, and he volunteers for the WVU Childrens Hospital.
In his free time, he enjoys reading and writing.
Besides his family, Gouzd said he admires his English teacher, Maryanne Mullenax, becauseshe is amazing in her capacity to do everything.
She is sort of like a second mother to me,he added.
Asked to describe himself in three words, Gouzd saidpassionate,analyticalandpersonable.
He plans to use part of his scholarship to travel to France and further enhance his cultural education.
Gouzd is the second Foundation Scholar from North Marion High. He joins nine other former recipients from Marion County.
His parents are Mark and Lora Gouzd.
Emily Beth Kayser of Point Pleasant plans to major in chemistry, with the goal of giving back to the community when she has completed her education.
When I think about what I would like to do with my life, the common theme is, I want to do something to help, either by being a doctor with Doctors Without Borders or being a human rights lawyersomething where I can give back and help those who need it,she said.
Both academics and ambience attracted the Point Pleasant High School student to WVU .
WVU has a really good honors program,said Kayser, who will already have five college-level courses under belt when she arrives at the University.WVU is also a beautiful campus, and there is a lot of school spirit.Eager to commence with her college career, Kayser said she looks forward to her classes, participating in extracurricular activities such as intramurals and the schools Amnesty International chapter, and attending WVU basketball games. (more)
She would like to use part of her Foundation Scholarship to study in Africa.
At her school, Kayser is president of the National Honor Society, vice president of Quiz Bowl, field commander of the marching band and co-captain of the soccer and tennis teams.
On top of that, she is also a member of the jazz ensemble, concert band, choir, Teens in Action and steering committee for Mason County Five-year Strategic Planning. She also served as co-captain of the speech team for three years and won a national medal.
As president of the Trinity United Methodist Church youth group, she has lent a hand with fund-raisers, food baskets and shut-in visits.
Over time, Kayser has amassed a long list of honors. She was chosen for the Governors
Honors Academy and named an Academic Games Leagues of America national qualifier, plus she received the Bausch&Lomb Science Award.
Outside her family, Kayser said she admires her late piano teacher, Frank Kunszabo. Hungarian-born, Kunszabo was classically trained and planning to study in Vienna when World War II broke out. Drafted into military service by the Nazis, he refused to serve and became a prisoner of war. He immigrated to West Virginia after the war.
He was so strong and such an incredible person,Kayser said.I really admire him for all that he did and all that he taught us.
She is the first student from Point Pleasant High to receive WVU s most prestigious scholarship. She also has the distinction of being the first Foundation Scholar from Mason County.
She is the daughter of Lee Anne and Dallas Kayser.
Frank Stephen Klepadlo of Clarksburg plans to major in political science for his long-range goal of being a civil rights lawyer or advocate.
I eventually want to be a lawyer and would like to do civil rights work, whatever that might entail, be it fighting in the courtroom for civil rights or serving on an advisory board,Klepadlo said.
That seems doable, thanks to the Foundation Scholarship, the Robert C. Byrd High School student said.
The scholarship would allow me to keep money saved for me for law school,he said.It would take a large load off my mother because she would want to provide me with anything I need. But she is a single mother with two other kids.
Klepadlo said he looks forward to WVU , from playing in the Mountaineer Marching Band to participating in Young Democrats.
Several factorsranging from the size of the school and diversity of its student body to the availability of many programs and proximity to homeplayed a role in Klepadlos decision to attend WVU .
I know I can be happy and succeed here,he said.
An accomplished musician and athlete, Klepadlo is a section leader in his high schools marching and concert bands and a member of the varsity cross country team. Other activities include Students Against Drunk Driving, Key Club, Student Council and National Honor Society.
He is a previous member of the varsity track team and varsity cheerleading squad.
Ranked first in his senior class, Klepadlo is the recipient of the Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award, and he was chosen to participate in the national Academic Games Leagues of America and Mountaineer Boys State, a life-changing experience.
He is also active in a youth group and has previously volunteered with the Clarksburg Mission, helping to prepare meals for the less fortunate.
His hobbies include reading and re-reading the classics.
Outside his family, Klepadlo said he admires actor Johnny Depp.
He is someone who takes a role because he wants to take a role, not because its easy or the movie will be successful,he said.He takes roles that are a part of himself and he knows he can do justice to.
Klepadlo is the first student from Robert C. Byrd Highthe second from Harrison Countyto receive the Foundation award.
He is the son of Sheree Burlas and Frank Klepadlo.
John William Pino of Oak Hill sees majoring in international studies as a stepping stone to a government job.
I hope to intern with the State Department or CIA and have a career in that, possibly in diplomacy or as a foreign service officer,Pino said.
One could argue that the Oak Hill High School students desire to attend WVU is genetic. His father also went to WVU .
Its the best university in West Virginia in my opinion because it has the most variety of classes in my major,he said, adding he plans to study both Spanish and Russian.
Pino said he looks forward to participating in intramural sports, the Catholic youth group and, perhaps, student government.
For now, though, the soon-to-be valedictorian is wrapping up a busy senior year of activities at Oak Hill High School. These range from the Model United Nations and Youth in Government to student council and concert choir.
He was also captain of the Academic Team, vice president of the National Honor Society and secretary of Hi-Y.
A sports enthusiast, Pino led the cross country team and played tennis. During his freshman year, he was co-captain of the boys soccer team.
The talented senior has racked up a shelf-full of honors and awards: the USAA National Leadership Merit Award, Whos Who Among American High School Students, National Honor Roll and National Society of High School Scholars.
He was selected as a Coca-Cola Scholarship semi-finalist, and he attended the Governors Honors Academy during his junior year.
His hobbies vary from singing, acting and dancing to studying geography and history.
Besides his family, the future diplomat and ardent Catholic admires the late Pope John Paul II.
Not only was he an excellent pope who did so much to further Catholicism in the world, but he did a lot politically to bring down communism in Eastern Europe,he said.He was also very nurturing to other religions in the world, like Islam and Judaism.
He is the first student from Oak Hill Highthe second from Fayette Countyto earn the Foundation Scholar honor.
Pino is the son of John and Cynthia Pino.