ACPS Scholars of the Week Recognition Program

T.C. Titan: Christopher (C.A.M.) Gerlach

Grade: 12

GPA: 4.5

Academics: Current Classes: AP Chemistry, Advanced Science Research-Independent Study, AP Statistics, AP U.S. Government and Politics, AP English Literature and Composition, TV/Media Production III (DE). Previous Classes: AP Advanced Science Research-Independent Study (3 years), AP Physics, AP English Language and Composition, AP Calculus, AP World History, College-Level Online Courses in Meteorology and Related Disciplines

Extracurricular Activities: Science Research and Competitions (Science Fair/ISEF, JSHS, VJAS, DC-AMS), member of numerous professional societies (AMS, AIAA, SKYWARN, COCORAHS, DC-AMS, SSP), Director of the Teens Talk Club/with the Keep It 360 multi-media campaign, Computer security consulting, Director of the Weather Information Dissemination Network (the WIDEnet) and forecaster with DelMarVA Storm Tracking, TC Science Bowl Team, T.C. Chess Club, SkillsUSA (for video production), Director of WIDEnet Media Services and lead producer with Titan Productions, Produced content for PBS, The Weather Channel, TCW News, ACPS-TV Channel 71, Alexandria Channel 70, and Everyday Titan

Honors and Awards: First Place in Keep it 360 Video Contest, Silver Medal in SkillsUSA regional video production competition, Television Production Department Award (2), First Award (Best of World) for Excellence in the Atmospheric and Related Sciences, Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), First Grand Prize (Best of Fair) at Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair (VSSEF), Best of Fair at Greater D.C. Regional Fair for Earth and Environmental Sciences (3), First Place at VSSEF, First Place/Nomination for Best of Fair at NOVA Regional Science Fair (5), Fourth Place Paper at Virginia Junior Academy of Science Conference, and Several First Place Science Fair Awards

Future Plans: Christopher will attend the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). He plans to double major in Meteorology and Physics then pursue a Masters/Ph.D. in Meteorology. Christopher aspires to work with the National Weather Service in preparation for becoming a severe storms research meteorologist. He's also interested in working at the National Severe Storms Laboratory.

Interesting Notes: Christopher loves to forecast, document, experience, and analyze storms, but was initially terrified of them. He served the homeless with President Obama and the First Family at So Others Might Eat (S.O.M.E.) in D.C. on First Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.

Other ACPS Schools Attended: Mount Vernon Community School and George Washington Middle School

T.C. Titan: Sarah Paez

Grade: 12

GPA: 4.2

Academics: AP Literature and Composition, AP Calculus AB, AP Government, AP French 5, Honors Physics, Chamber Orchestra, Journalism, AP U.S. History, AP Language and Composition, Algebra 2/Trigonometry, AP World History

Extracurricular Activities: Participated in every Fall play/Spring musical (except two) during her high school career, Modern Dance Society, Red Cross Club, Cappies Critic, Managing Editor of Theogony, played Evilene in T.C.'s production of The Wiz, Wrote and directed an original one-act play Closeted, Concertmaster of the Chamber Orchestra, Danced at the Del Ray Dance Studio (ballet/jazz)

Honors and Awards: National Honor Society, French Honor Society, District X Honors Orchestra, Regional Honors Orchestra, participated as soloist in Midori Residency Program, AP Scholar, Orchestra Academic Excellence Award and the Governor's School for the Humanities and Visual Performing Arts

Future Plans: Sarah will attend Cornell University and chose a Humanities-based major.

Interesting Notes: Sarah interned with alexandrianews.org as part of T.C.'s Senior Experience and will be staying on as a paid intern for the summer. She loves to sing and also performs at Theatre Lab School for the Dramatic Arts in D.C.