Senior named Presidential Scholar

Edward C. Fennell
The Post and Courier

Fort Dorchester senior Kathryn Salkowski has been named a 2008 Presidential Scholar.

When the technical obstacles to hydrogen-powered automobiles finally are overcome, don't be surprised if Summerville's Kathryn Salkowski is the one who solved the puzzle.

The Fort Dorchester High School senior is one of 139 outstanding seniors nationwide, one of only three in South Carolina and the only one in the Lowcountry, chosen as a 2008 Presidential Scholar.

The citation honors seniors who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, artistic excellence, leadership, citizenship and service at school and in their community, according to U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings.

Presidential Scholars will be honored June 21-24 in Washington, D.C.

Kathryn, whose extracurricular achievements include Habitat for Humanity president, National Art Honor Society secretary, Student Council representative and treasurer, Spanish Honor Society membership, theater group and track and swim team activities, attributes her successes to the fact that she despises idle time.

She won't be bored in college, either, and plans in four years to earn degrees in both business and engineering at the University of Pennsylvania.

"I am interested in material science and how new technology can be used in business ventures," she said.

Kathryn said her fields of study together may provide solutions to vexing problems such as the need for new sources of energy.

While hydrogen for decades has been touted as an ideal power source for future motor vehicles, it has not become a reality because affordable materials to contain hydrogen at the necessary high pressure have not been found, she said.

Just maybe, she will be the one who finds that elusive material, she added.

Kathryn said her parents, John and Patricia Salkowski, always have inspired her. An International Baccalaureate student, she developed a love of math and science at an early age and a passion for learning and activities.

"I like to be busy. I am interested in so many things and I don't want to limit myself. My favorite classes are calculus and physics," she said.

Kathryn has excelled beyond the academic walls. In recent years, she attended the Governor's School and the Fine Arts Academy at Missouri State University, won first place in a state art competition and was named Most Effective Attorney at the 2007 Lowcountry Regional High School Mock Trial Competition.

"We are really proud of her," said Fort Dorchester High School Principal Jim Atkinson. He said Kathryn is not only very knowledgeable, "She's a nice kid, too. She's really down to earth."

Atkinson said that often "the smartest students are the most active. It seems like the more they do, the more they like to do."

When asked what other students can do to become as motivated as she is, Kathryn said they need to pursue what they are really interested in.

"People need to find something about which they are passionate and follow it," she advised.

Kathryn said she's excited about visiting the nation's capital and perhaps meeting the president. She said the scholars have been asked to perform community service projects while in D.C., and she plans one to aid travelers.

Anyone who would like to donate travel toiletries, including toothpaste, toothbrushes and soap, can contact Kathryn at k.salkowski@hotmail.com.