Millburn High School Students Earn Prestigious College Book Awards

William Miron, principal of Millburn High School, has announced the winners of the 2014 Book Awards.  These awards are given to outstanding high school juniors by colleges and universities or their local alumni organizations.

The 2014 Book Awards winners are: Rebecca Blevins, Cole Bond, Alex Brod, Margaret Dearey, Olivia Estes, Ian Jaffe, George Jiang, Angela Jin, Garrett Jones, Hannah Kanter, Madeline Kobberger, Tiffany Li, Alexander Lin, Brian Lin, David Neiman, Tracy Sonnabend, Sara Steinberg, Amber Teetsel, Yi Wang, Kirk Willens, Daniel Zahka, Michelle Zhan

Sara Steinberg received the Brandeis University Book Award, given to an outstanding high school junior in the top 10 percent of the class who demonstrates a commitment to civic engagement, community service, political activism, social justice, or volunteer work.

Madeline Kobberger earned the Bryn Mawr Book Award, which is offered to a young woman in the junior class who exhibits a true love of learning and intellectual curiosity about the world around her.

Margaret Dearey and Amber Teetsel are the recipients of the Rachel Carson Book Award from Chatham College, which is awarded to a high school junior showing excellence in science and writing with an interest in environmental issues.

George Jiang earned the Columbia University Club of Northern New Jersey Book Award.  The club presents the Concise Columbia Encyclopedia to a current junior for academic excellence in the fields of history or the humanities.

Michelle Zhan received the Denison University Book Award, awarded to a student who possesses an interest in pursuing the study of English literature, creative writing, or poetry.

Garrett Jones earned the Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award in the Humanities and Social Sciences.  This University of Rochester Award recognizes academic achievement of students who exemplify the revolutionary spirit of Douglass and Anthony.  It encourages an equal emphasis on study, community action, and dialogue.

Cole Bond earned the George Washington University Alumni Association Book Award which is presented to a student interested in making significant contributions in the world with a commitment to serving others and who has independent and creative thought.

Yi Wang earned the George Washington School of Engineering and Applied Science Medal.  This award is presented to a junior who has excelled academically in the fields of mathematics and/or science during his or her secondary school years.

The Mount Holyoke Book Award was given to Tracy Sonnabend.  This award is provided to a young woman who has produced an excellent academic record and has exhibited qualities of leadership and service in the school community.

The Princeton University Book Award is being presented to Angela Jin.  This award is presented to a junior who ranks in the top 5 percent of his or her class and has demonstrated outstanding leadership and community service.

Brian Lin earned the Randolph College Book Award, presented to a student who is academically strong and possesses leadership potential.

The Saint Anselm College Book Award is given to a junior who exercises the capacity for academic achievement and continued education, has an awareness of social responsibility, displays leadership qualities, and possesses a strong character.  Hannah Kanter earned this award. 

Daniel Zahka  is the recipient of the Saint Michael’s College Book Award. This award seeks to recognize two students who exemplify academic achievement and social conscience, evidenced through commitment to community service, issues of peace and justice and concern for others.

The Smith College Book Award was given to Rebecca Blevins.  This award is presented to an outstanding junior who exemplifies the academic achievement, leadership qualities, and concern for others that are characteristics of the women who have graduated from Smith College.

The University of Chicago Book Award is given to a scholarly and dynamic junior who pursues course work in a diverse variety of subject areas and is know for daring connections across academic disciplines. This year’s recipient is David Neiman. 

Two students, Tiffany Li and Alexander Lin, are receiving the University of Pennsylvania Book Award, given to a junior who best exemplifies the qualities of Benjamin Franklin:  a scholar, innovator, and community servant.  The award’s recipient ranks in the top 5 percent of the class and is involved in numerous extracurricular activities in school and the community.

The Wellesley College Club Book Award was given to Olivia Estes.  This award is presented to a junior girl for her outstanding contribution to the high school in terms of leadership, citizenship, and scholastic achievement.

The recipient of the Wesleyan University Book Award is Kirk Willens. The award is given to a student who excels at a rigorous course of study and demonstrates independent thought and creative thinking consistent with the spirit of free and energetic inquiry encouraged by Wesleyan University.

Ian Jaffe earned the Williams College Book Award.  This award is given to a junior in the top 10 percent of the class who has demonstrated intellectual leadership and made a significant contribution to the extracurricular life of the school.

Alex Brod earned the Joseph I. Bookstaber Yale Book Award.  This award, given to a junior who exhibits outstanding personal character and intellectual promise, is presented in memory of Joseph Bookstaber.  Bookstaber was a 1996 graduate of Millburn High School.

The students will be recognized at the annual Millburn High School Academic Awards Program on Thursday, May 29, at 7:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium.

Students in photo above:

Front Row: Amber Teetsel, Rebecca Blevins, Madeline Kobberger, Michelle Zhan, Tracy Sonnabend, Sara Steinberg, Margaret Dearey, Kirk Willens, Hannah Kanter, Angela Jin, Tiffany Li

Back Row: Brian Lin, George Jiang, Daniel Zahka, Alexander Lin, Yi Wang, Olivia Estes, Ian Jaffe, Garrett Jones, Alex Brod