Super Students
Saturday, July 25, 1998
Name: Nicholas Ho
Age: 17
School: Iolani School
Favorite subject: Science
Pastimes: Playing the oboe, golf
Future: Undecided
Selected as one of two 1998 Presidential Scholars from Hawaii, Nicholas Ho went to Washington, D.C., last month to receive a scholar medallion from President Clinton. Worthy of presidential notice
The ceremony, sponsored by the White House, honored Ho and 140 other graduating seniors. "It was probably one of the highlights of my life," said Ho, who just graduated from Iolani School.
The winners were chosen based on academic achievement from submitted essays, transcripts and Scholastic Assessment Test scores. Ho got a score of 790 on his verbal and a perfect 800 on his math.
Ho, who has a 4.3 grade-point average -- because he took advanced-placement courses -- will attend Stanford University in September and major in engineering. His goal, he said, is to study hard and get a good job, most likely on the mainland.
Iolani physics teacher Carey Inouye describes Ho as an exceptionally well-rounded student. "He's not one of those people who sits all day and night behind a book. He knows how to have a good time."
Ho plays the alto saxophone and bass drum for the school marching band, his favorite extracurricular activity. He was also on the varsity golf team for three years.
Inouye said Ho always strives for excellence in whatever he pursues.
"He brings together all the qualities a teacher really wants to see in a student," he said.
Shirley Iida, Star-Bulletin
