2018 Winner: Claire Johnson

Winning essay

 Encouraged from a young age to explore a myriad of interests, and gifted—as a homeschooler—with the time to do so, I have become an accomplished musician, athlete, student, and community activist.  Seeking answers in each arena has expanded my frame of reference, becoming an integral part of how I approach challenging problems. This journey of self-improvement in the service of humanity is what fulfills me; I thrive in the process of finding solutions.  

The answer to a calculus problem does not fully address my inquiries of “Why,” or “How?”  Nor is a chemistry equation satisfactory until I grasp the chemical properties of the compounds involved.  A world where every turn unfolds new examples of global strife is both a launching pad and an overwhelming burden for one who seeks a comprehensive solution.  On the tennis court, there are weeks when I cannot make my slice drop with force.  As a novelist, carefully thought-out plot devices yield dead-ends, requiring re-writes.  At the piano, my fingers can simply refuse to obey a tricky arpeggio. Despite these trials, I will join a chamber orchestra, will endeavor to publish my 400-page fantasy novel, will strengthen my skills in argumentation on the mock trial team, will thrive as a varsity tennis player, and will study environmental engineering at Haverford College.

Sharing my joy of performance with nursing home residents, I have realized the powerful impact such a small contribution can make. Selected as a community leader by the Boone County Youth Cabinet program, I designed an extensive service project:  “Make Cake Count!”  Designing an informational road-show, I haunted several venues with the information I had gathered:  northern Kentucky has the nation’s largest homeless youth population.  I took my campaign to tennis clinic, high school sporting events, and to my neighborhood.  I presented to local grocers, receiving donations of cake ingredients.  As temperatures dropped.  I considered how it would feel to huddle close to the foundation of a house for warmth. Felt the bite of conscience.  

 In the end, “Make Cake Count!” was as much about the nature of community as the teens sleeping on the roof of the CVS.  I delivered my contribution into the hands of shelter residents, wishing I could do even more to correct their predicament.  Their eyes held mine in gratitude, but I saw something else there, too: important questions for society. That I acknowledge every day.

It is in my nature to always seek out the next challenge. The quest for the hidden heart of worldwide concerns fuels my curiosity and passion.  College professors will impart their wisdom to my solutions, advancing my journey into the woods.  I will tackle regional matters, side-by-side with other seekers, connecting smaller puzzle pieces to the larger picture.  I will investigate connections between environmental, political, and humanitarian dilemmas.  I welcome the kind of endeavors into my life for which success is not a guarantee. Because my reward is the journey.