June 23, 2004
Book reaches chosen audience
CHS student receives select Harvard award
By
Herald staff writer
An anonymous supporter has made Carey Eichenlaub very happy.
Eichenlaub, who will be a senior at Traverse City Central High School in the fall, was awarded "The Harvard Prize Book" during the last few days of her junior year.
The book, given to less than 1,700 students worldwide who are set to enter their senior year in high school, is awarded to outstanding students who exemplify excellence in scholarship and high character, combined with achievement in other fields.
The Harvard Prize Book Program was originated by Harvard Alumni in 1910 as part of an effort to attract the attention of talented young students to the opportunities in Cambridge. According to their standards the winners of the award, through their intelligence and variety of achievement, exemplify Harvard's concern for excellence.
"It was so surprising to receive the book, I had no idea," said Eichenlaub who had never heard of the award before it was presented to her.
"It's like a mystery book. I don't even know anyone who went to Harvard, so I don't know who could possibly have nominated me to receive it."
The book itself is a collection of historical, anecdotal essays and observations about Harvard written by graduates and associates of the university, including Norman Mailer, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Erich Segal and John F. Kennedy.
"It's really an honor to get the book," said Eichenlaub who plans to study communications as an undergraduate with post-bachelor work in law or social work.
As defined by the Harvard Alumni Association, Eichenlaub has been an outstanding student with involvement in the National Honor Society, Model UN, class council and Young Women for Change. She is also a member of the school choir and will be co-captain of the swim team in her senior year.
"I've been planning to go to a small mid-west college, but maybe now I might think about applying to Harvard," Eichenlaub said.
"This has really peaked my interest."