Madisen Keavy, 2012 Seymour Award Winner

"Madisen's leadership potential, intellectual and academic abilities, personal maturity, and ability to relate to others is limitless", writes Robert Franklin, Central Section Director for the Future Business Leaders of America. Mr. Franklin states that Madisen has all these attributes and operates at an extremely high level with them, as he has worked with her for the past two years, planning and presenting leadership conferences and workshops.

"It has been a very special privilege to work with Madisen", writes Redwood High School CSF Advisor Georgette Cheatwood in her letter of recommendation. She states that Madisen exemplifies the CSF motto "Scholarship for Service", "through school, various areas of leadership, the community, and by making our CSF chapter better". Ms. Cheatwood describes Madisen as a person with a kind and compassionate heart, portraying leadership by volunteering and role-modeling for others.

As editor of her school newspaper, Madisen describes in her personal statement, the daunting task of being responsible to craft a perfect paper every two weeks, and her moment of pure joy watching her classmates read and comment on the final product. She remarks that "it's the chance to say I made someone see something about the world they live in." Madisen adds, "they say the truth can set you free, but I think the truth is all around us just waiting to be noticed. This passion for truth has stemmed directly from the relationship I have built as a writer with my audience. I share a piece of myself every time my articles are read". Madisen sees her plans for a career in journalism as an opportunity to put words to the events that affect the world. She also feels that the designation of CSF Life Member at graduation will be a symbol of all she has accomplished during her high school career. In the fall Madisen has the choice of attending several universities, including New York University, Pepperdine, George Washington University, USC, and UCLA.