Students' academic excellence rewarded

Each recipient hopes to use the money to attend a prestigious college.
By TIM YOVICH
Vindicator Trumbull Staff
NILES -- Competition has some high school students already thinking past their undergraduate college graduation.
"It really is competitive. It's about where you go to school and how you do," said Sean Pakos, a Niles McKinley High School senior who on Monday received the $40,000 Clayman Academic Scholarship.
Kelly Leonard, also a senior who took second place with a $20,000 scholarship, said the money will allow her to attend a more prestigious college so she has a better chance of getting into medical school.
Pakos and Leonard competed against 15 other Niles seniors for the scholarships, which are named after William B. Clayman, founder of the family-owned Niles Iron & amp; Metal Co. The academic prizes were established in 1991.
Pakos is the son of Randy and Jackie Pakos of Vienna Avenue, and Leonard is the daughter of Robert and the late Karen Leonard of Cynthia Avenue.
Aspirations
Pakos is looking to study philosophy and English at Yale, Brown or Northwestern universities or William & amp; Mary or Vassar colleges.
"It's preparation for the future," Pakos said of attending a better college, because it will give him a leg up in getting a graduate education so he can become a college professor.
Leonard is looking toward Boston College in preparation to attend medical school to become a pediatric surgeon.
Leonard said she believes a diploma from a more prestigious college will pull more weight than that of a graduate of a state university with equal grades when being considered for acceptance into medical school.Leonard wants a career in medicine because she saw her mother die of cancer and has watched surgery.
Pakos, who said he always had academic abilities, gives his father credit for urging him to get involved in school activities and pursue his goals.
He is the vice president of his class, president of the Latin Club and speech team, a Prep Bowl participant and a member of Key Club and National Honor Society.
"I'm pretty proud of what I've done," he said.
Leonard is a varsity cheerleader, class president, vice president of the Latin Club and a member of Key Club, National Honor Society and student council.
Leonard is following in the steps of her sister, Kara, who won the Clayman Scholarship in 1991 and is now attending Case Western Reserve University's School of Law.
yovich@vindy.com