UD Medals: Outstanding Student Sarah Hallowell, by Bill Kim

To honor this year's Upper Dublin Medal winners, Patch decided to reach out to friends and colleagues of the four individual honorees to share their inside perspectives. Today we'll present pieces by Sarah Hallowell and Bill Kim on why each deserved to win a medal for Outstanding Student, and tomorrow we'll present pieces on Outstanding Citizen Jules Mermelstein and Outstanding Educator Stephen Heck.

Sarah Hallowell is one of the bright beacons of the up-and-coming generation. As a National Merit finalist, honor roll student and National Honor Society member, she clearly knows how to hit the books, and her intelligence and wit are second to none.

In addition, she also spends much of her time giving back to the community in meaningful ways, such as volunteering for TOPSoccer, which is a program for young children with disabilities, as well as organizing a dodgeball tournament to raise money for Japan.

Truly a renaissance woman, Sarah also excels athletically, garnering multiple varsity letters in both soccer and basketball, as well as being named captain of both teams during her senior year.

Despite her copious activities, multiple responsibilities, and many obligations, she still maintains a kind and carefree attitude that keeps Sarah true to herself and makes her such a likable person.

Whenever Sarah Hallowell walks into a room, a tremor spreads through as everyone turns their head. The first thing people notice may be her fiery red hair, but then their eyes shift quickly to her giant smile and friendly blue eyes.

Sarah Hallowell is not an ordinary girl—she is able to engage anyone with her awesome story-telling skills and has an uncanny ability to leave them holding their ribcage laughing out loud, rolling on the floor.

Her ability to command and control the room with her hilarious jokes and easygoing personality are second to none. During those times when nobody knows what to say, and the awkward turtle paddles his way slowly into the room, Sarah will always be the first one to break the ice and, with ease, pull everyone in until they're all laughing like old friends.

One of the most noticeable characteristics about Sarah is how much her peers and teachers respect her. She is full of class, and always brings her "A" game, physically and mentally, no matter what situation she is in.

Whether it is on the court, on the field, or in the classroom, Sarah will always respect you and your opinions, and consider everyone’s feelings before any word comes out of her mouth. She walks with the demeanor of a champ, demanding others' respect, and will never let anyone or anything alter her decisions.

Having a just mindset, she will stand up for what is right and fair, defending others from ridicule and always leaving an outstretched hand for anyone who is in need of a friend. Strong willed, yet kind-hearted, Sarah Hallowell is truly everything good about the up-and-coming youth today, and I am personally extremely thankful to have been able to attend high school with her for the past four years.