Do you think about batteries? I think about batteries a lot. It seems like they've come a long way in a short time. They power all of the devices we love to use, like our phones and our laptops. But where is all that energy coming from? What happens if we run out? These questions were on my mind when it was time to select a topic for my Research Methods class. This class, offered at my high school for select students who excel in STEM subjects, is all about the scientific method. We decide on a topic, apply the scientific method, conduct experiments, and then have the amazing opportunity to present our findings to scientists at Argonne National Laboratory. Our hypothesis was this: Can an organic-based carbon anode battery produce the same--or better--results as a traditional graphite battery? To find out, we made an anode out of coconut shells and built a coin-cell battery. Then we tested our battery against a traditional graphite battery. The results? Well, at first, we were discouraged. The coconut battery wasn't holding as much charge as the graphite battery. But, after repeated use, out battery bounced back! In fact, in performed better over time than the graphite battery in terms of specific capacity. This gives us hope that one day, plant-based waste materials, like coconut shells, could one day replace graphite, making batteries eco-friendlier and more sustainable. Enviornmental issues affect all of our communities. Within walking distance of my high school is a large oil refinery. I can see it from the windows of some of my classrooms. Sometimes I watch the smoke rising out of it and wonder exactly what is being released into our air and water. As a kid, I would think, "They should do something about that." Then you grow up a little and think, "Who is 'they'?" So, I figured I should become "they" myself. My goal is to major in environmental engineering in college to learn about ways to help our planet. The dream is to invent something that can help, then work with businesses and find incentives for them to use my invention(s). Maybe I can't save the world, but I want to do my part to leave it in better shape than I found it. Thank you for your consideration! If you'd like to learn more about my battery experiment, you can visit this site: https://www.anl.gov/education/romeoville-high-school-esrp-2024

In our Future Readiness class at my high school, our teacher, Mr. Haehnlein, was advising us on how to choose our college majors. One particular nugget of advice stuck with me: "Think about what matters to you most." "Well when you put it like that," I thought, "There's only really one answer. Because if we don't have our planet, we don't have anything." Sustainability is everything. I’ve always been a driven and successful student. I knew I needed to pay attention to my teachers, get my work done, and ace tests. But until that day with Mr. Haehnlein, I hadn’t truly understood what I was striving for, other than the satisfaction of doing a good job and making my parents proud. Now I had a clear motivation: To find ways to make our environment healthier, safer, and more sustainable. I am not tasking myself with saving the world, but I’ve seen how one small idea or action can change things. In 1894, Alexander Cruickshank Houston saved countless lives by adding chlorine to water during a typhoid outbreak. In the 1910s, engineers Edward Arden and William Lockett discovered that aerating sewage with microorganisms dramatically improved decomposition of organic waste, leading to the invention of modern sewage treatment. Today, inventions still abound that help our environment: wind farms, solar panels, carbon capture and storage systems…these planet- and life-saving inventions are being developed all the time. I want to learn from these innovators and, ultimately, I want to be one of them. So far, I believe I've taken the necessary steps to attain my goal. As a high school student, I've maintained a 4.5 GPA, participated in many extracurriculars, and passed all of my AP exams (some with perfect scores). I’ve also began my journey as a researcher and innovator. For my Research Methods class, I lead a comparative study of lithium-ion batteries with an organic based carbon anode, the results of which we presented to scientists at Argonne National Laboratory. With the organization BLAST, I lead another research team where we tested sustainable alternatives for modern lawn grass. My success in these projects has giving a name and a direction to my drive: environmental engineering. I will devote my life to the pursuit of environmental sustainability. Every problem has a solution, and what matters to me most is to find them. So thank you, Mr. Haehnlein, to helping me find my direction in life. And thank you, Future Green Leaders, for your consideration.

To me, Black excellence is about showing the world the power, resilience, and creativity of Black people. It is not just about awards, titles, or recognition—it is about the mindset of striving for more, uplifting others, and refusing to settle for less than our potential. I see Black Excellence in the leaders, artists, and activists who inspire me, but I also see it in everyday people: my parents working tirelessly for our family, my teachers pushing us to believe in ourselves, and my friends and I supporting one another through challenges. It is not limited to the spotlight (though as a jazz soloist, I do enjoy the spotlight at times!). It is woven into the determination, kindness, and strength of people who may never be on the front page of a newspaper but still change lives. I try to embody Black excellence in my everyday life by holding myself to a high standard, even when no one is watching. In school, that means challenging myself with AP classes, asking questions, and not being afraid to take up space in classrooms where I might be one of the only Black students. When I achieve, I know I am not only succeeding for myself but also opening doors for others who will come after me. I also embody Black excellence by using my talents to uplift others. As a section leader in my school’s marching band, I know the younger students are watching me. I try to lead by example, whether it’s showing discipline during practice, encouraging someone who is struggling, or balancing my commitments between band, sports, and academics. I want them to see that excellence is possible through consistency, teamwork, and passion. Outside of school, I strive to represent my family and community well. I know that my actions reflect more than just me, so I practice respect, integrity, and perseverance. When I face obstacles, I remind myself that my ancestors endured far greater challenges so that I could have opportunities they only dreamed of. That perspective gives me strength to keep pushing, even when things feel overwhelming. Black excellence, to me, is not about perfection—it is about persistence. It is about using every day as a chance to grow, to give, and to prove that our voices and contributions matter. I embody Black Excellence by believing in my own potential, pursuing it with determination, and carrying others along with me as I climb. In the end, Black Excellence is about legacy. It is about living in a way that honors those who came before and inspires those who will come after. I may only be a high school student now, but every grade I earn, every leadership role I take, every kind word I offer, and every goal I set is part of that legacy. That is what Black excellence means to me, and that is how I live it every single day.

In our Future Readiness class at my high school, our teacher, Mr. Haehnlein, was advising us on how to choose our college majors. One particular nugget of advice stuck with me: "Think about what matters to you most." "Well when you put it like that," I thought, "There's only really one answer. Because if we don't have our planet, we don't have anything." Sustainability is everything. I’ve always been a driven and successful student. I knew I needed to pay attention to my teachers, get my work done, and ace tests. But until that day with Mr. Haehnlein, I hadn’t truly understood what I was striving for, other than the satisfaction of doing a good job and making my parents proud. Now I had a clear motivation: To find ways to make our environment healthier, safer, and more sustainable. I am not tasking myself with saving the world, but I’ve seen how one small idea or action can change things. In 1894, Alexander Cruickshank Houston saved countless lives by adding chlorine to water during a typhoid outbreak. In the 1910s, engineers Edward Arden and William Lockett discovered that aerating sewage with microorganisms dramatically improved decomposition of organic waste, leading to the invention of modern sewage treatment. Today, inventions still abound that help our environment: wind farms, solar panels, carbon capture and storage systems…these planet- and life-saving inventions are being developed all the time. I want to learn from these innovators and, ultimately, I want to be one of them. So far, I believe I've taken the necessary steps to attain my goal. As a high school student, I've maintained a 4.5 GPA, participated in many extracurriculars, and passed all of my AP exams (some with perfect scores). I’ve also began my journey as a researcher and innovator. For my Research Methods class, I lead a comparative study of lithium-ion batteries with an organic based carbon anode, the results of which we presented to scientists at Argonne National Laboratory. With the organization BLAST, I lead another research team where we tested sustainable alternatives for modern lawn grass. My success in these projects has giving a name and a direction to my drive: environmental engineering. I will devote my life to the pursuit of environmental sustainability. Every problem has a solution, and what matters to me most is to find them. So thank you, Mr. Haehnlein, to helping me find my direction in life. And thank you, Future Green Leaders, for your consideration.

• Genetics • Exposure to Epstein-Barr virus • Immune system problems • Family history • Environmental factors I was 10 years old, and my beloved 21-year-old cousin, Megan, had just been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. My mother explained that no one was sure exactly what caused this disease, and I asked if they at least had any ideas. So we sat together and typed “Hodgkin’s Lymphoma possible causes” into her laptop. The last item on the list floored me. "Environmental factors?" I asked my mom. "Does that mean something in the air could have made Megan sick?" She nodded. "Or in the water, or the food supply. But they don't know for sure." I didn't know who "they" were, but I knew wasn't satisfied with this answer. To me, Megan wasn't just a cousin—she was the big sister I never had. She always arrived at our house with something impressive, like her old Pokémon cards or Littlest Pet Shop figurines. She knew secret hacks on my video games and recipes for about 50 different types of slime. She was young and spirited and beautiful, and the idea that something in the air or the water could have made her sick was infuriating to me. I’ve always been a driven and successful student, even as a young child. I knew I needed to pay attention to my teachers, get my work done, and ace tests. But until that afternoon spent researching Hodgkin’s Lymphoma online, I hadn’t truly understood what I was striving for, other than the satisfaction of doing a good job and making my parents proud. Now I had a clear motivation: To find ways to make our environment healthier and safer. I am not tasking myself with saving the world, but I’ve seen how one small idea or action can change things. In 1894, Alexander Cruickshank Houston saved countless lives by adding chlorine to water during a typhoid outbreak. In the 1910s, engineers Edward Arden and William Lockett discovered that aerating sewage with microorganisms dramatically improved decomposition of organic waste, leading to the invention of modern sewage treatment. Today, inventions still abound that help our environment: wind farms, solar panels, carbon capture and storage systems…these planet- and life-saving inventions are being developed all the time. I want to learn from these innovators and, ultimately, I want to be one of them. As a high school student, I believe I’ve exemplified Stelios Aktipis’s drive for academic excellence and innovation. On top of maintaining a 4.5 GPA, participating in many extracurriculars, and passing all of my AP exams (some with perfect scores), I’ve also began my journey as a researcher and innovator. For my Research Methods class, I led a comparative study of lithium-ion batteries with an organic based carbon anode, the results of which we presented to scientists at Argonne National Laboratory. With the organization BLAST, I led another research team where we tested sustainable alternatives for modern lawn grass. My success in these projects has given a name and a direction to my drive: environmental engineering. Today, Megan is cancer-free and living happily with her husband and their corgi named Bailey. She says cancer changed her outlook on life, and it changed mine as well. I will devote my life to finding workable solutions for environmental problems, and for finding incentives that will motivate businesses to work with me. The cause for Hodgkin's Lymphoma is still unknown, put there are plenty of other illnesses and deaths that begin with pollutants. I can't singlehandedly save the planet, but maybe I can alleviate some suffering. I have to at least try.

"The doctor said she is going to lose her hair," my mother told me. "I wanted to let you know beforehand, so you won't be shocked when it happens." I nodded, trying to envision by beautiful, 21-year-old cousin without her long chestnut locks. If I'm being honest, it frightened me a little. I was only 10 years old, and I feared that the first time I saw Megan without hair, I would gasp, make a face, or react in some other inadvertent way that would make her feel worse about her cancer. "It's a curable cancer called Hodgkins Lymphoma," my mom explained gently. The doctors are hopeful she can be cured." I noticed she slipped the word "hopeful" in there. Why did we need hope if the cancer was "curable"? Besides, I heard the adults in my family speaking in hushed tones, uttering phrases like, "stage 4b" and "highest legal chemo cocktail." And I saw the fear in their eyes. To me, Megan wasn't just a cousin. When she came to babysit me, she always arrived with something impressive, like her old Pokémon cards or Littlest Pet Shop figurines. She knew secret hacks on my video games and recipes for about 50 different types of slime. I couldn't believe something as awful as cancer was happening to Megan. I realize now that I was naive, but at the time I thought cancer only happened to older people, and that there was always a clear answer as to why the cancer had come: they had smoked for many years, or the cancer ran in their family. But Megan didn't smoke, and up until her diagnosis, our family had been cancer free. "They're not sure what causes it," my mother explained. "Sometimes, we don't know why these things happen." "But something made it happen," I insisted. She nodded. "Yes. But they don't know what that something is yet." I didn't know who "they" were, but I wasn't satisfied with this answer. My mother opened her laptop and together we looked up "causes of Hodgkin's Lymphoma." The website echoed my mother's claim that no one knows the cause, but offered some possibilities: Genetics Exposure to Epstein-Barr virus Immune system problems Family history Environmental factors The last one that floored me. "Environmental factors?" I asked my mom. "Does that mean something in the air could have made Megan sick?" She nodded. "Or in the water, or the food supply. But they don't know for sure." And there was "they" again. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. There wasn't much that could be done to avoid the other risk factors. Her genes were her genes, and there are only so many precautions you can take to avoid viruses. But it seemed to 10-year-old me that if humans put the pollutants in the air, water, or food, that humans can--and should--take them out of the air, water, and food. Megan's doctors were right to be hopeful. After a long fight, Megan was declared cancer-free. Six years later, she is living happily with her husband and their jumpy little corgi named Bailey. She says the cancer changed her outlook on life, and it changed mine as well. I vowed to become "they." I will devote my life to finding workable solutions for environmental problems, and for finding incentives that will motivate businesses to work with me. The cause for Hodgkin's Lymphoma is still unknown, put there are plenty of other illnesses and deaths that begin with pollutants. I can't singlehandedly save the planet, but maybe I can alleviate some suffering. I have to at least try.

In my community, I have served as both a summer camp counselor (two summers) and a lifeguard at our local pool (one summer). I have also volunteered at our recreation center and hosted a "Polar Express Night" through an organization called Illinois-CASA for children who have experienced neglect or abuse. In each of these roles, I have gotten to know the children in my community and strived to keep them safe. From these experiences, I have learned that there are three steps to take if you want to be an anti-bullying advocate: build relationships, be proactive, and empower children with the tools they need to protect themselves. The first step is to get to know the children in your care and gain their trust. This begins by being a good listener! Let them immerse you in their world and tell you all about the things that are important to them. Let them show you that Pokémon card for the 100th time or tell you about that Roblox game they are playing online with their friends. Ask them about their friends and listen when they interact with other children. The more you know about them and their world, the better equipped you are to help them. If you see tensions rising between two children or groups of children, don't wait for something bad to happen before you intervene. If you are proactive, you can stop trouble before it starts. Do something to change the momentum: engage the children a team-building activity, move on to snack time (if you think hunger/low blood sugar might be exacerbating the situation), or even partner the two children who aren't getting along for an activity if you think time together working toward a common goal might help. And, of course, communicate any problems to your supervisor and with the children's families at pick-up time. The third step is empowerment. Knowing that you, another counselor, or the adults in a child's life won't always be present to sense a potential bullying situation and stop it in its tracks, it is important to give the child some tools to protect themselves. Make sure they know it's not ok to talk to strangers online or give them any personal information. Let them know that if another child or adult is making them feel bad, they should tell them to stop it--and if they don't, the child should find a trusted adult and ask for help. My parents, teachers, and other members of my community always kept me safe, so I feel a responsibility to pay that forward and help protect the new generation of children. I admire the mission and work of the Matthew E. Minor Awareness Foundation, as their goals seem in line with my goals when I am working with children. It's a sad fact that all children aren't protected as I was, and it's good to know that there are organizations out there that are willing to step in and provide support to our most vulnerable citizens when needed.