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R&D Council Designates Sophia Karas the 2002 New Jersey Outstanding Science Scholar of the Year
The R&D Council of New Jersey has named Sophia S. Karas the first annual New Jersey
Outstanding Science Scholar of the Year, a merit-based $5,000 scholarship honoring the
highest achieving science student of New Jersey’s high school graduates. Karas was chosen in
recognition of her exemplary academic achievements.
First in her graduating class at Livingston High School with a grade point average of 4.729 when
she applied to Princeton University, Karas will be a member of the 2002 freshman class. Her first
choice for a major is Chemistry, with a second choice in Molecular Biology and a third in Math.
She is active in her church, is captain of the Academic Challenge Team, a member of the Math
Team and the Science League and is a volunteer tutor of middle and high school students. Her
recommendation letters repeatedly used the adjectives "brilliant," "awesome," "special," "humble,"
and "No. 1 as a student and as a person."
Perhaps most impressive is her many academic awards, not only in science and math, but in writing,
public speaking and Spanish, as well. Just a few of Sophia’s honors include: first place New
Jersey recipient of the Merck Scholar Award in NJ in Chemistry, first place winner in the
Chemistry II competition sponsored by the NJ Science League, first place winner in the National
Spanish Exam sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese, first
place in the state in the field of Business Communications sponsored by the Future Business
Leaders of America, and a Star-Ledger Scholar of the Year scholarship for overall excellence as
a high school student.
"The New Jersey Outstanding Science Scholar of the Year award is just another way for the
Council to advocate higher education for those students pursuing careers in research and
development," said Mario M. Casabona, the Council’s Chairman. "By honoring and assisting
outstanding students like Sophia with New Jersey-based scholarships, we can keep these talented
individuals in our state for education and future employment at one of New Jersey’s fine research
facilities. These young people are our best and our brightest. We would also like for them to be
part of New Jersey’s promising future."
In a letter of appreciation to the Council, Karas wrote, "I would like to express my sincere
gratitude for the prestigious New Jersey Outstanding Science Scholar of the Year Award and
generous stipend your organization so kindly bestowed upon me. I am honored to be the first New
Jersey Student to receive this award, and I hope to prove worthy of your selection. The
scholarship money will certainly help defray the exorbitant cost of college. Thank you again
for this distinguished award and scholarship."
Candidates for the New Jersey Outstanding Science Scholar of the Year award were judged on
the basis of the student’s grade point average, class rank, standardized test scores (SAT, ACT),
letters of recommendation, extra-curricular activities, awards received, community service and
the student’s college essay. The scholarship was restricted to students pursuing a full-time
program of study leading to a baccalaureate degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics
or the physical sciences at one of the state’s six doctoral research universities: NJIT,
Princeton, Rutgers, Seton Hall, Stevens and UMDNJ.
The R&D Council is committed to encouraging education in science and technology to New Jersey students.
R&D Council Designates Sophia Karas the 2002 New Jersey Outstanding Science Scholar of the Year
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