Stein 'compelled' to excellence

A select few high school students from across the nation qualify as National Merit Scholar semifinalists, and Hayden Stein is one of them.

That makes him one of the highest scoring students in the state on his PSAT. For Stein, this is but one of many accolades to add to a long list of academic accomplishments.

In 2007-08 he was named an Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus Outstanding Student as well as a U.S. History Outstanding Student. Armed with his GPA of 4.115 and his high PSAT scores, Stein is investigating a wide range of colleges where he can pursue a degree in economics or history.

He also is considering a career in aerospace or computer/electrical engineering. His longer-term plans include an interest in law or graduate school after college.

Stein's school activities include the mock trial program, the high school's literary magazine, We the People, and class council. He cites AP U.S. History as his best educational experience so far in high school.

"I loved AP U.S. History for many reasons, the foremost being that Mr. (Bill) Rexford did a great job of forcing us to think critically. And, as I have always felt, history is always interesting."

We the People has also played a major role in motivating Stein's academic excellence. We the People is a class that explores the United States Constitution and then prepares students to compete against other high schools from around the state in applying their knowledge of the constitution.

"I recognized how key a role constitutional law plays in our society as well as maintaining our nation's liberties," Stein said

He has completed all four AP classes offered at Sisters High and is currently studying AP Calculus BC and Macroeconomics.

What else motivates Stein to excel academically?

"Getting in to a good college will get me a better education, and in the long run, better career choices. I just feel compelled to do it," he said.

By the end of February, Stein will learn if he is a National Merit Finalist, where he will be eligible to receive a $25,000 National Merit scholarship, among many other scholarships and financial opportunities.

When he's not vying for $25,000, Stein admits to having a little free time in which he enjoys snowboarding, tennis and computer games.