Super Students
Saturday, October 17, 1998
Name: Elizabeth Burroughs
Age: 14
School: Kahuku High and Intermediate
Favorite subject: History
Pastimes: Reading, going to the beach
Future: Undecided
Elizabeth Burroughs' voice can be heard all the way to Congress. Worthy of some RespecT
In January, Burroughs wrote a letter to U.S. Rep. Patsy Mink as part of the RespecTeen Speak for Yourself social studies curriculum. The letter-writing contest gave students an opportunity to share views on national public-policy issues with their congressional representatives.
Burroughs chose campaign finance reform as her topic. She was chosen as one of 51 seventh- and eighth-graders in the nation to attend the 10th annual RespecTeen National Youth Forum six months ago in Washington, D.C.
The forum was "an eye-opening experience" to learn more about how the democratic process works, she said. "It was wonderful, lots of fun. You learn a lot about our government system."
Burroughs, who has a 4.0 cumulative grade-point average, is a member of the National Junior Honor Society and junior varsity cheerleader for the Kahuku Cougar Red Raiders football team.
Linda Smith, who taught Burroughs honors English and social studies last school year, said Burroughs is one of the few students who always score near-perfect grades on her tests and papers. And she continually revises her essay exams, even after they've been graded.
Burroughs is "a self-competitive student," constantly stretching herself in all areas, Smith said. "That's very unique to find."
Shirley Iida, Star-Bulletin
