Spotlight on Kaitlin Hamilton

Name: Kaitlin Hamilton

Age: 17

School: Walter Panas High School, senior

Accomplishment: Last week, Kaitlin was chosen for the Con Edison Environmental/STEM Career Award, a $2,000 scholarship awarded to young women interested in pursuing careers in math or science. Kaitlin will receive her award at Westchester County's 27th Annual Women's Hall of Fame & Scholarship Awards Program on Friday, March 25. Kaitlin is also Walter Panas’ valedictorian.

Key to Awesomeness: Kaitlin is an all around whiz kid in many categories: scientific studies, community service, student government duties, musical abilities and ambition. Kaitlin’s curiosity in and fascination with understanding the world around her on a scientific level has led her to perform two of her own original research projects. The projects were part of the high school’s science research program and focused on pandemic influenza viruses.

“Engineering and physics are fascinating and teach you something new every day,” Kaitlin said. “It gives a unique perspective to something like why the sky is blue.”

Kaitlin has been the school government treasurer for three years, a girl scout since first grade and is active with the Panas Community Service club, which often visits residents at the Field Home–Holy Comforter down the street from the high school. Kaitlin is also active in organizing school fundraisers, including the school’s ring ceremony and holiday wreath sales.

Cello and guitar are two other extracurricular activities in which Kaitlin partakes. Because she couldn’t sign up for the senior orchestra this year, she plays with the 9th grade orchestra and serves as a mentor.

“It’s somewhat difficult to balance everything, but I am really good at time management,” Kaitlin said. She uses a “huge calendar at home” where she keeps track of all of her activities. “I am very involved in academics but I make time for my family and friends.”

Kaitlin is a big Star Trek fan and enjoys reading fantasy and adventure books. She hopes to attend Yale, Cornell or M.I.T. next fall.