On behalf of the ETEBA Education and Scholarship Committees, it is our pleasure to introduce the 2008 recipients of the ETEBA Earn and Learn Scholarship/Internships.     

Minghui Ren (Helen), a graduate of Oak Ridge High School. Helen will be traveling to China this Summer to spend time with family before beginning college at the MIT.  This student is one of the most exceptional students we've ever had the pleasure of interviewing.  Helen moved from China to the US five years ago, and not only has Helen been challenged with leaving behind some of her dearly loved family members, she was challenged with a new way of life, a new way of learning, and did I mention learning a new language.  Helen now speaks, reads, and writes English fluently.  Helen lives by her Aunt's words, "I am, I can, I ought, I will," as she has learned to never give up on herself.  There are at least two pages of awards and honors that accompany this young lady's application.  A few of these accomplishments include Caltech Signature Award in the field of Sciences 2007, AP Scholar with Distinction 2007, and Regional Finalist of Siemens Competition 2007.  Helen also came in third place in the Executive Woman International Scholarship Program and was nominated for the 2007 Distinguished Alumni Congressional Youth Leadership.  Not only does Helen apply herself to the fullest during school hours, she's put in many hours of volunteer work for the American Museum of Science and Energy, the Oak Ridge Public Library, and the Oak Ridge Children's Museum.  Helen also holds a part-time job at Panera Bread to help with some of her expenses.  One of Helen's references stated that she is a natural and powerful mathematician, and that her skills are in the superior range.  Helen was described as a highly intelligent and motivated individual, and mature for her age.   Another reference stated that she was honored and privileged to provide us a letter for Helen, a leader, a learner, and most importantly, a great human being.   
___________________ 
Benjamin Peterson, a graduate of Bearden High School will be attending UTK this fall.  Benjamin stated that his strength is that he's very inquisitive.  He wants to figure things out and test them and experiment for results.  He says that his weakness is that he can be too inquisitive at times.  Benjamin's favorite subjects include Science and Physics.  He has always participated in Science Fairs and has done very well. Benjamin's accomplishments include a position as the Assistant City Clerk for the TN American Legion Boy's State, Ten years from now Benjamin's wants to be working for an Engineering Firm specifically in Material Science. Benjamin's reference from his Honors Physics teacher stated that Ben is one of the hardest working, most intelligent, and conscientious students that she has ever met in her fifteen years of teaching.  
___________________

Denzel Johnson, a graduate of South Doyle High School will be attending the University of Memphis this fall.  Denzel has always been interested in Chemical Engineering, but likes Finance as well.  He said his major strength is that he's very outgoing, very social, and is very team oriented. He said that if he was awarded the scholarship and internship that he would use it to the fullest.  Denzel's hopes that one day he will be working for a large firm, maybe even working in the biomedical field.  His lesson-learned in life...don't give up too easily, you must try to make it work.  Denzel really appreciates the opportunity to go to college, as some in his family through the years didn't have such a privilege.  Denzel's teacher for College Prep United States Government not only described Denzel as an excellent student, and "flawless" in the classroom, but he went on to say that Denzel's depth and breadth of insight and creativity are truly incredible in one so young.  
___________________ 
Cory Julian, a graduate of Oak Ridge High School will be pursuing a degree in Natural Science at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.   Cory would love to be able to study abroad one day probably in a Spanish-Speaking Country.  During college, Cory wants to try to work for the school paper and will hopefully have the opportunity to run for Student Government. Cory said his major strength is the way his mind works.  He has the ability not only to get the right answers down on paper, he understands the concept well enough to get the right answers from other angles.  Cory did share with us during the interview that he does not have an artistic side, though he still tries.  A few of Cory's accomplishments include Student Council Secretary 2007, National Merit Commended Scholar, and National Spanish Exam Silver Award.  Some of Cory's volunteer work includes working with the ESE Tutoring Program and the Second Harvest Food Bank.  Cory does plan to return to the area once his schooling is complete.  One of Cory's references was sent to us from his Advanced Placement English teacher which said that Cory is a superb writer.  As a high school junior, Cory scored a "6" on the TCAP writing assessment, an "outstanding" score achieved by only about 1% of Tennessee students.  Cory is described as being an excellent young man:  intelligent, funny, personable, and kind.  
___________________ 
Benjamin Wing a graduate of Oak Ridge High School will also be attending UTK this fall.  Ben shared with us during the interview that his strength was working with data and lab reports and not to mention Physics.  Ben's grades supported this statement with an "A" in AP Physics and Math and Calculus BC.  In five to ten years, he really wants to be doing something that makes a positive impact in the world.  Benjamin has spent summers doing volunteer work at a local hospital.  Benjamin is "hoping to get a grasp on Engineering" during his summer internship.   Ben's Physics teacher was very proud to send in a reference letter for Ben stating that she believes his intellectual capacity and personality will together make him a successful college student and adult.  Aside from Ben's excelling in mathematics, she said that Ben's organizational skills are advanced well beyond average; she described Ben as truly exceptional.  
___________________

Larry Hurston of West High School will be attending UT Chattanooga this fall.  Larry's intended major is Engineering Design. Larry is currently working with the Emerald Youth Foundation, a Christian-based group working with under-privileged children.  Larry is a very well-rounded individual, and has received many notable awards and honors throughout his high school years to prove it.  Awards include ROTC Student of the Month, AP Human Geography Award, Section Leader of Tenor Section in Chorus, Best Defensive Player in Basketball, and PrepXtra Defensive Player of the week in Football just to name a few.   Larry said that even though there are obstacles in life, you can work through them to make things happen.   Realizing that not everyone is given the same opportunities, Larry says you have to be appreciative of what you have.  One of Larry's many influences was his Football Coach that has taught him to be his best and to never give up - go for it.  A reference stated that over the years, he has seen Larry grow into a young man of good character and integrity.  Another reference stated that Larry has always exhibited a work ethic and character that demonstrate his predisposition to leadership.