June 1, 2001 UNT Inhouse publication: USA Today picks TAMS grad for academic team

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USA Today picks TAMS grad for academic team

Lindsay Cameron of DeSoto is one of 20 students in the nation selected to the All-USA First High School Academic Team by USA Today.

The High School Academic Team is open to students graduating from high schools in the United States or its territories, or from Department of Defense schools overseas. Each student, nominated by a teacher or counselor in his or her school, is selected primarily for an outstanding academic, artistic or leadership achievement. The student's grades, high school curriculum, leadership, activities in school and in the community and letters of recommendation are also considered.

The 20 students selected for this year's First High School Academic Team were selected from approximately 1,600 applicants. Each student received an award of $2,500 and was featured in the May 17 issue of USA Today. Cameron graduated May 11 from the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science.

"Being a USA Today scholar is an incredible honor. I never expected it," Cameron says. "I feel honored to be in such prestigious company."

Cameron attended DeSoto High School before entering TAMS in August 1999. At TAMS, Cameron was a member of the Student Life Advisory Board, the UNT chapter of Amnesty International, and Student Advocate Volunteer Educators, a UNT organization that promotes healthy sexual attitudes and behaviors. She volunteered with the YMCA and the American Red Cross and went to Ciudad del Carmen, Mexico, in December with other UNT students. The group cleaned up trash from beaches and spoke to elementary school children about recycling.

A National Achievement scholar, Cameron received five other national awards, including $4,000 for being named a finalist in the 2001 Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Competition. She will be featured in a book about exceptional math and science students that will be published by Duke University this month.

This summer, Cameron will work in a research fellowship in quantum physics at the Smithsonian Institution.

She plans to attend Harvard University this fall to finish her bachelor's degree, majoring in electrical engineering and either math or computer science. Cameron plans eventually to work as a government engineer.