Meet the 2008 Young Ambassadors

This year’s YAs are all about yummy foods, the wide world of sports, and quirky things all the way from pen nibs to scrapbooking to asymmetry to, yes, Hungry Hungry Hippos. Here are the 2008 Young Ambassadors!

Olivia is called Oli by her fellow student friends and Miss Vejil by her Kindergarten class (at the college’s sister school, Imperial Academy). She likes crocheting, eating homemade chocolate chip cookies, and watching basketball (go Spurs!).

FUN FACT: Olivia is originally from Texas, but has also lived in places as far-flung as Germany and Japan!

Jessica, born and raised most of her life in Michigan, has received awards in painting, poetry and snow sculpting. She actually enjoys taking tests; she loves stir-fry; and she is passionate about traveling as much as possible.

FUN FACT: Jessica is also passionate about, of all things, linguistics and the artistic principle of asymmetry.

Jennifer loves cappuccinos, cheese and soccer. Though she typically has Georgia on her mind (since that is her home state), she has traveled to Tobago and Australia and has even played a little bit of cricket.

FUN FACT: When she can find the time, Jennifer loves to do a little scrapbooking.

Ashley is a Swiss, English, Irish, German, Scottish girl from Ohio who was once “lettuce chopper” at Wendy’s and foreign coin collector (not for Wendy’s). She also enjoys softball and mashed potatoes (not necessarily together).

FUN FACT: Ashley is terrified of heights, and if you have a needle, stay away!

Danielle is an ambidextrous valedictorian, jazz singer and poet from Illinois and Iowa. She loves writing, reading, tennis, track and croquet.

FUN FACT: Danielle also is a big fan of anything strawberry—banana fl avored.

Elise—also known as Emo or Lisi (but don’t call her Elsie)—is a Kentucky girl who once won the state’s blue ribbon for a pie she baked. She loves collecting cookbooks, aprons, classic movies and vintage handbags.

FUN FACT: Elise also has a collection of pen nibs—yes, pen nibs.

Kellie was born in Puerto Rico and loves any activity that happens in or near the water. She has met 12 of the Ten Tenors and is arguably their biggest fan on campus. She also is an ardent fan of oldies music.

FUN FACT: Kellie also loves tortillas, as well as ice cream.

Dan, from Chicago, Ill., loves basketball, golf and the Bears. He has tried out his fair share of unique sports, including lacrosse and wallyball. In addition to being a Brobdingnagian sports fan (that means “big”—it’s his favorite word), he also loves steak.

FUN FACT: Believe it or not, Dan is also passionate about cooking shows.

Brent, from Western Australia, has worked for two years in Jerusalem on the City of David excavations. In addition to finding some major artifacts there from Old Testament history, he surfs and collects coasters from around the world.

FUN FACT: Brent can always find time for a good-ole American Whopper with cheese.

Josh, from central Illinois, loves playing guitar, singing, playing ultimate Frisbee, and using his unique straw-drinking technique. He also likes collecting money in addition to spending money.

FUN FACT: Josh is a self-proclaimed salsa-tasting aficionado.

Brandon, born and raised in Indiana, loves the Dodgers, reading, photography, and having shirt-sleeves that are long enough for his arms. He has also participated as an upstanding volunteer for the City of David archaeological excavations in Jerusalem

FUN FACT: Brandon also appeared on the cover of a high-circulation newsmagazine as a troubled teen.

Douglas—born in Texas and raised in Georgia—is a wrestling, flying, automotive and horse-riding enthusiast who is part Czech and part English with the appetite that is part Mexican and part Italian.

FUN FACT: Douglas collects airplanes and has piloted several flights.

Steve, Scottish lad hailing from the wee country of New Zealand, is a pianist and piano technician who has sold Steinways and met some classical music celebrities. Despite his heritage, he loves playing the Irish whistle.

FUN FACT: When not whistling, Steve loves eating what kind of food? Indian!

Harley is from Wichita, Kansas, and his name comes from a place named as such, meaning “hare clearing.” He has six brothers and sisters, collects invitations, loves Mediterranean food, and writes short stories and poetry.

FUN FACT: Harley enjoys playing Hungry Hungry Hippoes.