NPHS girl is a scholar
By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com

Heather Stanley in Washington, D.C.

Heather Stanley, a sophomore at Newbury Park High School, was one of 428 students from 31 countries and 31 U.S. states chosen to participate in the Honeywell Scholars @ Presidential Classroom program March 2 through March 8 in Washington, D.C.

The scholarships are meant to give the students an opportunity to learn about the interconnection between science, technology and public policy.

Heather saw the U.S. Congress in action and visited historic sites, including the U.S. Supreme Court and Arlington National Cemetery. She and other California scholars also visited with their senators' staff members to talk about what they were working on locally.

"One of the really cool parts of the trip was going to Capitol Hill," Heather said. "We got to sit on the floor of the House of Representatives, and there are only two organizations that can make that happen. It was a really big deal to be able to go in there."

They also visited the Honeywell Technology Experience on Capitol Hill, a state-of-the-art exhibition where guests are able to learn about many of Honeywell's technologies.

"What better way to get the next generation to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math than to put them in touch with inspirational leaders in those fields," said Tom Buckmaster, president of Honeywell Hometown Solutions. "The Honeywell Scholars @ Presidential Classroom program provides students with an engaging and intellectually stimulating experience to foster their passion for learning and advancement."

"The trip was really cool, but the friends I made on the trip mean a lot," Heather said. "They were the nicest people. I have so many friends all over the world now because of all the people I met, from Ireland, England, Scotland, Mexico, Missouri. . . . It was good to experience all the cultures we did."

Some of the issues they studied while on the trip were human rights, global warming and space colonization.

"Presidential Classroom's partnership with Honeywell offers hundreds of students from around the world the opportunity to connect with scientists, scholars and policymakers who share their expertise and inspire the rising generation of leaders," said Elizabeth Sherman, executive director of Presidential Classroom. "They leave with a greater understanding of the intersection of science, technology and public policy and how solutions to today's problems can be addressed."

The scholars attended a special reception and presentation by Cmdr. Eileen Collins, the first female commander of a space shuttle, at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. They visited the National Academy of Sciences, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, the Library of Congress and the Walter Reed Institute of Research.

Heather went through a rigorous application and review process based on academic achievement and community involvement.

She wrote essays about her involvement in student government and church volunteerism. She plays water polo and works at Hot Dog on a Stick.

While in Washington, the scholars were divided into groups to research various issues.

Heather's group presented the pros and cons of space colonization. She said the focus on science and technology really interested her.

"I really like biology, and I think I'd like to major in it when I go to college," Heather said.

"That was a really good aspect of the trip because I really learned about everything that I could do (for a career)," Heather said.

Financial contributions from Honeywell employees help fund the scholarships, which include tuition for the weeklong program, meals, accommodations and program materials.

Since 2005, 820 students have graduated from the program.