Congratulations Derek!

Derek Backer, St. Charles North High School

Derek is a well-rounded young man whose academic record and community involvement speak volumes of just what kind of person he really is.  Starting with his impressive 4.913 GPA on a 5.0 scale to his 27 on the ACT, Derek’s choice of wanting to be a spokesperson or someone who is in constant communications with people suits him well and his drive to want to share ideas with the masses on global ecology awareness through a foundation he plans on creating solidifies our feelings that Derek is an excellent choice for this scholarship.

Derek has been a volunteer and member of some very impressive teams, clubs and organizations including all four years of high school on the Baseball Team, captain of the basketball team, Academic All-Conference for cross country junior and senior  years, participated in the marching band all four years on the snare line with one year as the bass drum captain, the school jazz band, member of the National Honor Society where he tutored students in the school that needed academic help on a weekly basis, the Scholar Athletes Club helping smooth the transition for middle school athletes to high school, the Peer Leadership Organization which is a group dedicated to the well-being of freshmen needing assistance entering high school, a Peer Leader Advisor established to help these same freshmen become leaders themselves one day, the Hope Club which aims to prevent drug abuse and suicide where he emceed district summit meetings and school assemblies promoting suicide awareness, participated in the Special Night for Special Kids  – a Christmas party for the special needs kids in the district and there are several other things we could list but man oh man – this young man really has his community and the well-being of his fellow man at the forefront of his agenda!!

He is now on to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington – good luck Derek!