Natalie Miller, 2012 Seymour Award Finalist

Leslie Boudoff, Natalie's CSF Advisor at Linden High School describes Natalie as being creative, determined, motivated, hard working, ambitious, talented, and compassionate. She explains that Natalie's service as president of Linden High School's CSF chapter has been unwavering. Natalie has been involved in planning, implementing, and participating in many CSF events such as food drives, tree planting, clearing trash after the community Cherry Festival, as well as collecting canned goods, and chairing the Caring Christmas Tree holiday drive. Ms. Boudoff applauds Natalie's willingness to serve, and her ability to function on little to no sleep, saying Natalie is never too busy, never cross, and whenever there’s a need she'll be on the scene providing support until that task is complete.

Linden High School parent volunteer and family friend, Kirsten Holtberg, has known Natalie for many years, and has worked with Natalie on the staff interviewing committee, Linden High School's 50th homecoming committee, at school board meetings, and with the Linden Athletic Boosters. In her letter, Ms. Holtberg describes how she has witnessed Natalie in all of these roles, being dependable, capable, trustworthy, and making sound, prudent decisions. She sees Natalie as a mature, unselfish and motivated leader, saying Natalie truly exemplifies the term "team player" in everything in which she involves herself.

In her personal statement, Natalie explains how dealing with a difficult childhood illness has shaped her into an individual with strong-willed determination. While looking for solutions to her own infirmity, Natalie has remained optimistic, and has maintained the desire to make gains in helping others with their health. Natalie writes that, in giving back to others, the reward and satisfaction lie in the fact that your actions and efforts will influence the life of someone else. Having been accepted to several universities, including St. Marys, UOP, and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Natalie plans to major in biology, food science, and kinesiology.