Amanda Burney

As a proud member of the Sycamore Class of 2000, I can say without hesitation that my ten years at Sycamore greatly influenced the direction my life has taken. Sycamore taught me the value of hard work and persistence. It taught me the wonderful concept of learning for the sake of learning.

The teachers there are incredible; they burst with enthusiasm and simply want you to share their passion for understanding our world. I still tell people about the amazing people that were the heart and soul of my elementary school.

After graduating from Sycamore I went on to attend Park Tudor School, graduating in 2004. The other Sycamore graduates and I found ourselves completely prepared for any academic challenge. Advanced Placement classes made up the majority of my schedule. Time management and study habits I learned in the sixth grade helped me in high school and still help me now as I take on my second year at the United States Naval Academy. I am currently majoring in mechanical engineering and training to serve as an officer in the United States Navy.

Sycamore taught me more than books and numbers. The school taught me about the value of community and service. The great friendships I made with peers and teachers alike have remained strong even though we are now separated by time and distance. I still laugh to myself when I use a fact I learned in Mr. Stroebel's seventh grade social studies class in a college essay. The literary discussions from Mrs. Yedinak's class were probably on a deeper level than many I experienced in high school. Singing with Mrs. Sandy in first grade, starting Algebra-1 with Ms. Vieth in fourth grade, journeying to the Smoky Mountains in fifth grade, band trips, history day, spelling bees, student council fundraisers, Girl Scouts, basketball games, track meets, volleyball matches, the list of memories continues. We respected our right to be individuals; I learned to really listen. My classmates were like siblings.

The values of service, respect, kindness, leadership and hard work that I learned directly influenced my choice to attend the U.S. Naval Academy. I believe it would be an entirely different world today if every child had the opportunity to be part of a family like Sycamore.

Editor's Note: Amanda was an AP National Scholar, National Merit Scholar, DAR Good Citizen, Park Tudor Crown Award Winner for Athletic Excellence, Scholarship and Service, Girl Scout Gold Award Winner, Co-Captain of the Varsity Volleyball Team, Outstanding Student Award for Park Tudor Class of 2004, and former national waterski champion.