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Abe Kinkopf is Named Presidential Scholar For the third time since 1995, a Shaker Heights High School senior has been named a Presidential Scholar. Abraham R. Kinkopf, son of Eric and Robin Kinkopf, is the male high school senior chosen to represent Ohio. He will receive a Presidential Scholar medallion from President Clinton at an awards ceremony in Washington, DC, in late June. Kinkopf’s 4.56 grade point average and score of 1590 out of a possible 1600 on the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) qualified him to be one of 2,600 high school students from across the country competing for the honor. Shaker classmates Benjamin Madorsky and Alan Murphy were also among the semifinalists. A committee of educators convened by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars chose 121 Scholars, including one young man and one young woman from each state, from the District of Columbia, and from Puerto Rico. This year, the committee also chose two students from families of US citizens living abroad as well as 15 students at large, and, in a separate category, 20 students who excel in visual or performing arts. Kinkopf is a National Merit finalist and has also been named an American Academy of Achievement Scholar. He will travel to Washington, DC, in mid-June to be honored by that organization. In addition to his stellar academic achievements, Kinkopf has excelled in music and athletics during his career at Shaker. He played trombone for four years with the Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony, for three years with the Excellence in Music Initiative at Cuyahoga Community College, for three years with the Tri-C High School All Star Jazz Band and for three years in the Shaker Heights High School Wind Ensemble. In sports, Kinkopf has played varsity hockey for all four years at Shaker. His last two seasons, he was named to the All-Red Division Team by the coaches of the Greater Cleveland High School Hockey League. This year, he was team captain and leading scorer, and he was named most valuable offensive player. “I’ve been busy; but it’s fulfilling,” Kinkopf said. “It’s enjoyable for me.” As part of his application for the Presidential Scholarship, Kinkopf was asked to name the teacher who has most influenced his education. He chose Shaker hockey coach J. Michael Bartley, who teaches physical education at Woodbury Elementary School. “Mr. Bartley has been a really mature influence in my life,” Kinkopf said. “He’s taught me how to respect my opponent, how to respect my fellow players. I picked him because he’s taught me a lot about life.” Bartley will also be honored in Washington. He said of Kinkopf, “He’s one of the most tenacious players I’ve ever coached. He’s very, very dedicated in everything he does and he’s very concerned about the team. He’s humble and team-oriented.” Now in its 35th year, the Presidential Scholars program was instituted by President Johnson and has become one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Other recent Shaker graduates named Presidential Scholars are Shelli L. Calland (’97), and Shana E. McCormack (’95). Both went on to attend Harvard University. More information about the Presidential Scholars program is available at www.presidentialscholars.org.
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