Each spring, CBT selects 20 well-deserving high school seniors from across Columbia who stand out as exceptional leaders and students to join our 20 Under 20 class. Nominations and recommendations for this year’s class poured in from teachers, mentors, community leaders, and even a senator. The new class members are globally and socially minded students […]
You know how you sometimes look back on your high school days and long for “simpler times” when life moved at a nice, leisurely pace? The 20 teenagers in this article have no idea what you’re talking about. They’ve already accomplished more than most people twice their ages — and they haven’t even graduated high
Age: 18 College Plans: I’ve decided on Baylor. As for a major, I’m going into English (specifically writing/editing) and/or math…a strange combination, but I love them both too much. I love the freedom writing brings me (and there’s nothing like a grammatically perfect sentence); however, I love the surety and challenge that math provides. Biggest Lesson Learned
Age: 17 College Plans: Attend either McGill University in Montreal or the University of British Columbia in Vancouver and double major in cognitive science and piano. Proudest Accomplishment in High School: Founding the Tolton Catholic chapter of TriM National Music Honor Society. The music department was so small when I began as a freshman, but it improved each
Age: 18 College Plans: Study physics and linguistics at MU. Favorite Club or Extracurricular in High School: I have been involved in the Global Issues club throughout my high school career, and I have really enjoyed working with other students to learn a wide range of issues, including refugee resettlement, human-trafficking, natural disasters, economic and food security crises,
Age: 18 College Plans: Attend American University and major in International Studies. Proudest Accomplishment in High School: Helping start the HHS Classical Fencing Club, earning my Eagle Scout rank, and winning State in my first year at DECA. Best Advice I’ve Ever Received: Stay true to yourself. Biggest Lesson Learned in High School: The importance of challenging yourself.
Age: 17 College Plans: Attend MU and major in either cognitive sciences, chemistry, or mathematics. Best Advice I’ve Ever Received: “If you stress yourself too much or push yourself too hard, you’ll hit a wall. Don’t hit that wall, but continue to seek greatness nonetheless.” – Dad Biggest Lesson Learned in High School: Do not burden yourself with perfection
Age: 18 College Plans: One year at MU, then Belmont University in Nashville. Best Advice I’ve Ever Received: Don’t compare yourself to your peers. Compare yourself to your heroes. Biggest Lesson Learned in High School: You earn respect, it is never given. Future Goals: Producer in the music industry.
Age: 18 College Plans: Kansas City Art Institute for my BFA, then go on to pursue a teaching degree. Biggest Lesson Learned in High School: “Pretty things are usually the most dangerous.” This quote is intended to help recognize poisonous wildlife. I found it versatile to help recognize myself, art work, and relationships. Future Goals: My future goals
Age: 18 College Plans: Either Belmont University in Nashville or NYU, but I am definitely going for recorded music/music technology. Favorite Extracurricular in High School: Darkroom Records, a free recording studio for student musicians! My experiences there introduced me to and helped me become a part of the Columbia music community. Working in the studios at Hickman, Battle,
