Congratulations to our latest Super Teens finalists!
Super Teen Finalist: Devany Howard
“Go for what you want.” That is Devany Howard’s advice for other students looking for a way to excel in life. Taking risks and chances to achieve what you want from life is the philosophy that Devany, a high school senior in Ohio, has adopted.
Devany traveled to China by herself, even though the trip seemed overwhelming at first. “I was attempting a four-week journey to the other side of the world….Anything could’ve happened to me,” she describes. Fortunately Devany made a safe journey and fulfilled her goal of volunteering at an orphanage.
That best part of Devany’s outlook on life is that she shoots for the stars, despite the difficulties around her. When asked about her biggest challenge, Devany answered “being an Asian adoptee living in a predominantly white community.” Even though Devany has coped with this struggle her entire life, she has not let it define her or hinder her in any way. Devany excels in math at school, has a tremendous work ethic, has traveled to Peru and China and plans on working at the United Nations in New York someday. “Although I’ll have a home in New York, my actual home would be the world,” Devany declares.
Super Teen Finalist: Nichol Vannest
Nichol Vannest, of Lamoni High School in Iowa, skipped eighth grade and then took the ACT. In tenth grade, she applied to Bard College at Simon’s Rock and is currently an undergraduate student there.
And her (extremely impressive) achievements go beyond the academic. “The thing I am most proud of is shaving my head,” Nichol says. Her best friend Bethany was diagnosed with cancer over a year ago and Nichol could not let her suffer alone. “To this day, I continue to shave my head, and will do so the rest of my life.” Nichol’s continuous support and loyalty to her friend is just one of many examples of how this teen strives to be better and do more every day.
Nichol consistently plans for the future and works to achieve her goals. In addition to going to college early, Nichol has an idea of what she wants to do for the rest of her life. “I plan to major in photography, drawing/painting, music or math,” she says. After graduate school, she wants to work as an architect or archaeologist, plans to open her own photography/painting studio and will work as a fire arsonist on the side.
> To see these finalists and other Super Teens, check out the Super Teens page. To nominate yourself or someone else, follow the directions at NextStepU.com/SuperTeens. One of the finalists from this school year will win a $1,000 prize to help with college expenses.
RULES: No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. NextStepU’s Super Teens Contest begins 09/01/13 and end 05/23/14. Must be 13 years of age or older to enter or win. Winners will be notified by email, Facebook message, and/or Twitter message on or about 05/23/14.
