For Immediate Release:  July 31, 2006
Contact:  Marsha Nishi Mullan     
610-328-8535      
http://www.swarthmore.edu/news/

Swarthmore Names Six 2006 McCabe Scholars

Swarthmore College has named six McCabe Scholars for 2006-2007:  John Boucard of Newark, N.J.; Meena Elanchenny of West Chester, Pa.; Shaun Kelly of Wilmington, Del.; Hoa Pham of East Lansdowne, Pa.; Kathryn Riley of Dagsboro, Del.; and Xiaoxia Zhuang of Auburn, Ala. 

John Boucard, the son of Marie Boucard, graduated from The School at Church Farm in Paoli, where he was editor of the school's literary magazine and newspaper and was a member of the Conduct Review Board, the varsity soccer team, and the Multicultural Club.  He was secretary of the Church Farm School Ambassadors and president of the New Jersey SEEDS Alumni Council.  He also volunteered as a Peer Tutor and with Habitat for Humanity.  For his many activities, Boucard received the Hugh O'Brian Leadership Award, the Union League of Philadelphia Citizenship Award and the Earl B. Wilkins Memorial Service Award.  At Swarthmore, Boucard's intended major is pre-med.

Meena Elanchenny is the daughter of Indranee Elanchenny of West Chester, and Vythilingam Elanchenny of Chester Springs.  At B. Reed Henderson High School, she was president of the National Honor Society, editor-in-chief of the literary magazine, a columnist for the school newspaper, captain of  the Academic Team, and a representative to the Student Senate.  She attended the Pennsylvania Governor's School of Excellence for International Studies; the Congressional Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C.; and the Girl's Leadership Conference.  Elanchenny was also a volunteer at the Chester County Democratic Headquarters, a volunteer coordinator with Young Democrats, and a volunteer at the local hospital.  She was involved with Chester County Law Day and Chester County Teen Court and received the Henderson High School Mock Trial Best Witness Award.  At Swarthmore, Elanchenny plans to major in pre-med and political science.

Shaun Kelly of Wilmington is the son of Jay and Catherine Kelly.  At the Charter School of Wilmington, he was president of Senior Council, received the Outstanding Debater award of the Model United Nations, the Rising Star Award at the Congressional Youth Leadership Conference, and the Citizenship Award at Upward Bound.  He attended the Delaware American Legion Boy's State Conference and was active with Mock Trial and Peer Leaders.  He was freshman captain of the baseball team and received the Coach's Award.  He was also a member of the National Spanish Honor Society and was a Michael C. Ferguson Scholar.

Hoa Pham of East Lansdowne is the daughter of Phan Nguyen and Hung Pham.  At Penn Wood High School, she was chairwoman, vice president and president of the Student Government.  She played varsity lacrosse with All-Delco Honors and was captain and All-Delco MVP of the varsity field hockey team.  She was also editor of the school newspaper, was on the editorial staff of the literary magazine, participated in Hi-Q, and was the assistant coach of the Lansdowne Girl's Club Lacrosse Team.  She received the Science Olympiad Southeastern Regional Tournament Silver Medal, the Cornell Book Award, and the Academic Superstar Award.  At Swarthmore, Pham plans to major in biology.

Kathryn Riley of Dagsboro, Del., is the daughter of Lonnie and Louis Riley.  At Indian River High School, she was pitcher for the varsity softball team and was Academic All-Conference and Second Team All-Conference MVP.  Her softball team was ASA State Champions and Maryland ASA National Qualifiers.  She was also Academic and Honorable Mention All-Conference in varsity field hockey.  A National Merit semi-finalist, Riley was a member of the National Honor Society and competed in Science Olympiad (first place in chemistry), Math League (First Place Team, Second Regional Scorer), Wendy's Heisman (State Finalist), Whatyamacallit Team (First Place Team), Comcast Quiz Bowl, and Pre-Freeze College Showcase Champions.  She was also Leo Club president, first chair clarinet of the County Band and church choir, and is a church acolyte, Sunday school teacher, and vacation Bible school teacher.  For her many activities, Riley has received the Michael C. Ferguson Scholarship, the Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award, the American Association of University Women Award for Excellence in Science and Mathematics, the Minority Leadership Alliance Minority Youth Recognition Scholastic Award, and the IRSD Academic Achievement Award.  At Swarthmore, Riley's intended major is chemistry and education.

 Xiaoxia Zhuang of Auburn, Ala., is the daughter of Rong Wu and Jinling Zhuang.  At Auburn High School, she was a member of the Student Council, the Mock Trial Club, Debate Club, Multicultural Club, French Club, and Auburn Unicyclists-Level 3.  She was also a member of the Auburn High School Marching Band, Concert Band, and Honors Band and played with the Auburn University Campus Band and in solo and ensemble competitions.  A member of the National Honor Society, the English Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and French National Honor Society, she participated in the Science Olympiad, Boosting Engineering Science and Technology (B.E.S.T), Telluride Association Summer Programs (TASP), Auburn High School Case Day, and the French National Contest and was named Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction, Tiger Ambassador, was voted "Best All-Around Leader" in the Senior Class Poll, and was the "Operation Career" statewide essay winner.  At Swarthmore, Zhuang's intended major is art history.

The McCabe Award
Founded by Thomas B. McCabe, a member of the Swarthmore Class of 1915 and a former director of the Scott Paper Company, the McCabe Award recognizes achievement and leadership, with emphasis placed on ability, character, personality, and service to the school and community.