Congratulations to the Quarry Lane School Outstanding Graduating Seniors Class of 2015
Lois Dzebissov
Quarry Lane School
College Choice (or list of schools deciding among)
Princeton University
GPA
4.58
Recognitions
Among Lois’ recognitions, she is a QuestBridge College Prep Scholar and National College Match finalist; a National Merit Commended Scholar; Vice-captain of Quarry Lane’s FTC Robotics team. Lois also completed a Radar engineering program at MIT's Lincoln Laboratory over the summer.
Favorite Quote (from student or about student)
"Lois is a passionate learner that devours books and spends hours on physics, math problems and art because “it’s engaging.” She is the grand observer who tries to make sense of the world by keenly understanding the dynamics of those around her." - Liz Paz-Rumore, Director of College Counseling, Quarry Lane
“In the short time that she was part of the robotics team, she became indispensable to the team. During the tournament days, Lois would take on the responsibility for all the paper-work that needed to be taken to the competition, safety goggles for everyone and other packing that needed to be done for the competitions. She was the first one to get down and dirty with allen keys and wrenches every time the robot stopped working.” – Parul Khare, Quarry Lane faculty member
“Lois is the kind of student people dream of when they become teachers. Creative, intellectual, original, humble, humorous: there isn’t a project or topic that she cannot analyze and extract its subtlest and most sublime aspects. Lois has a determination that only comes from enduring life’s difficult turns and curves. She takes nothing for granted, knows what’s at stake, and knows that in life there are no givens. With her immense talent and work ethic, there is no limit to what she can accomplish. Hers is the kind of inquisitive and imaginative mind that will alter the course of human ingenuity, in art, engineering, astrophysics, robotics, or even disciplines still awaiting discovery. She values process and exploration above the base pursuit of final products. This is why her work is so astounding, because it is a world without end rather than the limited result of a specific end. As a teacher, Lois revitalizes my own love of knowledge with her engagement, and rekindles my hope for future generations with her relentless drive to learn new technologies while still appreciating the wisdom and beauty of a good book.” – Erik Szabados, Quarry Lane faculty member
Other Extracurricular Activities
Lois also enjoys art and has won several awards for her work from various competitions, including the County Fair. In addition, Lois, along with her teammates Abhishyant Khare and Andrew Morgan, won awards at the San Francisco CodeDay Hackathon. Lois worked as the artist on the team's entry while Abhishyant and Andrew worked on the coding.
Quarry Lane School
College Choice (or list of schools deciding among)
Princeton University
GPA
4.58
Recognitions
Among Lois’ recognitions, she is a QuestBridge College Prep Scholar and National College Match finalist; a National Merit Commended Scholar; Vice-captain of Quarry Lane’s FTC Robotics team. Lois also completed a Radar engineering program at MIT's Lincoln Laboratory over the summer.
Favorite Quote (from student or about student)
"Lois is a passionate learner that devours books and spends hours on physics, math problems and art because “it’s engaging.” She is the grand observer who tries to make sense of the world by keenly understanding the dynamics of those around her." - Liz Paz-Rumore, Director of College Counseling, Quarry Lane
“In the short time that she was part of the robotics team, she became indispensable to the team. During the tournament days, Lois would take on the responsibility for all the paper-work that needed to be taken to the competition, safety goggles for everyone and other packing that needed to be done for the competitions. She was the first one to get down and dirty with allen keys and wrenches every time the robot stopped working.” – Parul Khare, Quarry Lane faculty member
“Lois is the kind of student people dream of when they become teachers. Creative, intellectual, original, humble, humorous: there isn’t a project or topic that she cannot analyze and extract its subtlest and most sublime aspects. Lois has a determination that only comes from enduring life’s difficult turns and curves. She takes nothing for granted, knows what’s at stake, and knows that in life there are no givens. With her immense talent and work ethic, there is no limit to what she can accomplish. Hers is the kind of inquisitive and imaginative mind that will alter the course of human ingenuity, in art, engineering, astrophysics, robotics, or even disciplines still awaiting discovery. She values process and exploration above the base pursuit of final products. This is why her work is so astounding, because it is a world without end rather than the limited result of a specific end. As a teacher, Lois revitalizes my own love of knowledge with her engagement, and rekindles my hope for future generations with her relentless drive to learn new technologies while still appreciating the wisdom and beauty of a good book.” – Erik Szabados, Quarry Lane faculty member
Other Extracurricular Activities
Lois also enjoys art and has won several awards for her work from various competitions, including the County Fair. In addition, Lois, along with her teammates Abhishyant Khare and Andrew Morgan, won awards at the San Francisco CodeDay Hackathon. Lois worked as the artist on the team's entry while Abhishyant and Andrew worked on the coding.
Lily Hsin
Quarry Lane School
College Choice (or list of schools deciding among)
Columbia University
GPA
4.66
Recognitions
Lily is an International Baccalaureate Diploma candidate and AP Scholar with Honor award recipient. Lily passed the Japanese Language Proficiency Test levels N3 and N2. She is currently studying for the highest level, the N1, and also placed 3rd in the 41st Annual Japanese Speech Contest. An accomplished pianist, Lily has completed the Piano Certificate of Merit Exam in levels 1 through 9. For the last three years, Lily has served as president of the Asian Culture Club. Lily also served as Vice President of Quarry Lane’s Team HBV.
Favorite Quote (from student or about student)
"Lily is an exemplary student: smart, prepared, ready to help others as well as to work independently. She listens carefully and assesses accordingly. Outstanding in her work in English without the need to 'stand out'. Lily exemplifies the best features of independent secondary education" - John Elliott, Quarry Lane faculty member
Favorite Quotes:
"Life is a lot more fragile than we think. So you should treat others in a way that leaves no regrets. Fairly, and if possible, sincerely." - Haruki Murakami
"Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day." - A.A. Milne
"Don't underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can't hear, and not bothering." - A.A. Milne
Other Extracurricular Activities
Lily plays bass guitar in Quarry Lane's Rock Band Club. In addition, this past summer, Lily participated in a teaching program in Taiwan. There, she taught elementary level English to rural Taiwanese children. Lily also works a tutoring center outside of school.
Quarry Lane School
College Choice (or list of schools deciding among)
Columbia University
GPA
4.66
Recognitions
Lily is an International Baccalaureate Diploma candidate and AP Scholar with Honor award recipient. Lily passed the Japanese Language Proficiency Test levels N3 and N2. She is currently studying for the highest level, the N1, and also placed 3rd in the 41st Annual Japanese Speech Contest. An accomplished pianist, Lily has completed the Piano Certificate of Merit Exam in levels 1 through 9. For the last three years, Lily has served as president of the Asian Culture Club. Lily also served as Vice President of Quarry Lane’s Team HBV.
Favorite Quote (from student or about student)
"Lily is an exemplary student: smart, prepared, ready to help others as well as to work independently. She listens carefully and assesses accordingly. Outstanding in her work in English without the need to 'stand out'. Lily exemplifies the best features of independent secondary education" - John Elliott, Quarry Lane faculty member
Favorite Quotes:
"Life is a lot more fragile than we think. So you should treat others in a way that leaves no regrets. Fairly, and if possible, sincerely." - Haruki Murakami
"Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day." - A.A. Milne
"Don't underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can't hear, and not bothering." - A.A. Milne
Other Extracurricular Activities
Lily plays bass guitar in Quarry Lane's Rock Band Club. In addition, this past summer, Lily participated in a teaching program in Taiwan. There, she taught elementary level English to rural Taiwanese children. Lily also works a tutoring center outside of school.
Abhishyant Khare
Quarry Lane School
College Choice (or list of schools deciding among)
U.C. Berkeley
GPA
4.52
Recognitions
An aspiring engineer, Abhishyant founded the Upper School robotics club and has earned awards in numerous First Tech Challenge robotics tournaments. He has also participated and, along with his teammates, won first place and Best Game awards at the San Francisco CodeDay hackathon events. In addition, Abhi was named a 2014 Global Literacy Champion, Continental Math League regional winner, and a National Merit Scholarship Program Finalist.
Favorite Quote (from student or about student)
"Abhishyant is headed off to U.C. Berkeley this fall after a splendid high school career at Quarry Lane School. Abhishyant is graduating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, having completed the very extensive requirements of this program. In his work in history classes, Abhi has won or shared the history departmental honors for four years running, and his senior year has featured in depth study of 20th century conflicts and diplomacy in many parts of the globe, including a fine research paper on the origins of the Chinese-Russian rivalry and “rift” during the 1950’s and 1960’s. In the midst of his active participation in the school’s robotics program as well as his senior internship at Sandia National Labs (any secrets you can let us in on, Abhi?), Abhi has also been an active participant in the current affairs club, and has consistently maintained his fine level of academic achievement. Quarry Lane will miss Abhishyant, to be sure, but our loss when he graduates is sure to be Berkeley’s gain…so, best wishes, Abhi, and do come back to visit!"
- David Montgomery, Quarry Lane faculty member
“Abhishyant has a real ‘work hard- play hard’ attitude. He has a strong desire to succeed and always does what it takes. At the same time he has a very active social life and his motivations don’t interfere with his personal life, unless he’s got a big test coming up!” – Paul McCullough, Quarry Lane faculty member
Other Extracurricular Activities
Abhishyant is the captain, and one of the engineers, of a team participating in the Luna Iditarod Challenge; was the Junior Class President; and was one of the editors and journalists for the school newspaper. Outside of school, Abhishyant works as a research intern at Sandia National Laboratories and as an intern at the Robotgarden makerspace in Livermore. As part of his internship at Robotgarden, Abhishyant teaches an introduction to programming course on the weekends. He is also a math tutor at Quarry Lane, helping 5th grade students understand math concepts.
Quarry Lane School
College Choice (or list of schools deciding among)
U.C. Berkeley
GPA
4.52
Recognitions
An aspiring engineer, Abhishyant founded the Upper School robotics club and has earned awards in numerous First Tech Challenge robotics tournaments. He has also participated and, along with his teammates, won first place and Best Game awards at the San Francisco CodeDay hackathon events. In addition, Abhi was named a 2014 Global Literacy Champion, Continental Math League regional winner, and a National Merit Scholarship Program Finalist.
Favorite Quote (from student or about student)
"Abhishyant is headed off to U.C. Berkeley this fall after a splendid high school career at Quarry Lane School. Abhishyant is graduating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, having completed the very extensive requirements of this program. In his work in history classes, Abhi has won or shared the history departmental honors for four years running, and his senior year has featured in depth study of 20th century conflicts and diplomacy in many parts of the globe, including a fine research paper on the origins of the Chinese-Russian rivalry and “rift” during the 1950’s and 1960’s. In the midst of his active participation in the school’s robotics program as well as his senior internship at Sandia National Labs (any secrets you can let us in on, Abhi?), Abhi has also been an active participant in the current affairs club, and has consistently maintained his fine level of academic achievement. Quarry Lane will miss Abhishyant, to be sure, but our loss when he graduates is sure to be Berkeley’s gain…so, best wishes, Abhi, and do come back to visit!"
- David Montgomery, Quarry Lane faculty member
“Abhishyant has a real ‘work hard- play hard’ attitude. He has a strong desire to succeed and always does what it takes. At the same time he has a very active social life and his motivations don’t interfere with his personal life, unless he’s got a big test coming up!” – Paul McCullough, Quarry Lane faculty member
Other Extracurricular Activities
Abhishyant is the captain, and one of the engineers, of a team participating in the Luna Iditarod Challenge; was the Junior Class President; and was one of the editors and journalists for the school newspaper. Outside of school, Abhishyant works as a research intern at Sandia National Laboratories and as an intern at the Robotgarden makerspace in Livermore. As part of his internship at Robotgarden, Abhishyant teaches an introduction to programming course on the weekends. He is also a math tutor at Quarry Lane, helping 5th grade students understand math concepts.
Scott Rowland
Quarry Lane School
College Choice (or list of schools deciding among)
University of Washington, Seattle
GPA
4.25
Recognitions
A born leader, Scott Rowland has proved his leadership abilities time and time again. Even before high school, he has shown an interest in guiding others and organizing activities. At Quarry Lane, Scott took an active role in student government, as well as many of the clubs offered at the school. An AP Scholar Award recipient, Scott has also earned numerous student awards at Quarry Lane. In addition, Scott has been elected to many positions in student council and currently serves as Quarry Lane's ASB President. As an active member of Model UN and president of Model Congress, Scott was honored with multiple awards including Best Delegate Award and Research Award.
Favorite Quote (from student or about student)
"Scott is a born leader who knows how to utilize his own strengths while bringing out the best in others. In his interactions, he is patient with others and moreover with himself, opting to encourage and build off other’s ideas than singly focus on his own. In discussions, he isn’t afraid to assert an unpopular point of view and argue it with cogence, respect and an open mind. His experience with the outdoors and survival lends a keen pragmatism to his ideas and approach to problem solving, while his academic discipline ensures an erudition and thoroughness as a given in his work. This is a man for whom honor and compassion are real and living qualities inseparable from the most fundamental questions of life. Scott pursues skills and knowledge with both pride in their acquisition and humility for how much more always remains to gain and master. Even in the most stringent or unpleasant of situations or assignments, he can be counted on for his level headed assessment and willingness to contribute the necessary effort. If the zombie apocalypse strikes tomorrow, I want Scott in my cadre, because his steadiness and determination, with decisions or a chainsaw, would incalculably increase the odds we’d survive." - Erik Szabados, Quarry Lane faculty member
Sports
Quarry Lane Track team (2013-2014)
Other Extracurricular Activities
Outside of school, Scott has participated in the Boy Scouts of America organization for the past 12 years, achieving Eagle Rank status in 2014. He also participates in Creatures of Impulse, a membership by audition theater group in the Tri-Valley.
Quarry Lane School
College Choice (or list of schools deciding among)
University of Washington, Seattle
GPA
4.25
Recognitions
A born leader, Scott Rowland has proved his leadership abilities time and time again. Even before high school, he has shown an interest in guiding others and organizing activities. At Quarry Lane, Scott took an active role in student government, as well as many of the clubs offered at the school. An AP Scholar Award recipient, Scott has also earned numerous student awards at Quarry Lane. In addition, Scott has been elected to many positions in student council and currently serves as Quarry Lane's ASB President. As an active member of Model UN and president of Model Congress, Scott was honored with multiple awards including Best Delegate Award and Research Award.
Favorite Quote (from student or about student)
"Scott is a born leader who knows how to utilize his own strengths while bringing out the best in others. In his interactions, he is patient with others and moreover with himself, opting to encourage and build off other’s ideas than singly focus on his own. In discussions, he isn’t afraid to assert an unpopular point of view and argue it with cogence, respect and an open mind. His experience with the outdoors and survival lends a keen pragmatism to his ideas and approach to problem solving, while his academic discipline ensures an erudition and thoroughness as a given in his work. This is a man for whom honor and compassion are real and living qualities inseparable from the most fundamental questions of life. Scott pursues skills and knowledge with both pride in their acquisition and humility for how much more always remains to gain and master. Even in the most stringent or unpleasant of situations or assignments, he can be counted on for his level headed assessment and willingness to contribute the necessary effort. If the zombie apocalypse strikes tomorrow, I want Scott in my cadre, because his steadiness and determination, with decisions or a chainsaw, would incalculably increase the odds we’d survive." - Erik Szabados, Quarry Lane faculty member
Sports
Quarry Lane Track team (2013-2014)
Other Extracurricular Activities
Outside of school, Scott has participated in the Boy Scouts of America organization for the past 12 years, achieving Eagle Rank status in 2014. He also participates in Creatures of Impulse, a membership by audition theater group in the Tri-Valley.
Ravi Maddali
Quarry Lane School
College Choice (or list of schools deciding among)
Columbia University
GPA
4.66
Recognitions
Ravi is one of many of Quarry Lane’s multi-talented students. A National Merit Finalist and AP Scholar with Honor award recipient, Ravi has received many Top Student awards during his time at Quarry Lane. He founded the Quarry Lane student-published newsletter, The Roar, and serves as Editor-In-Chief of the publication. Ravi also participated in Quarry Lane’s Model UN Club throughout his high school years, winning numerous awards along the way including the Award of Excellence and Best Delegate Award in 2014. Ravi also led a campaign, working with business leaders and government officials, to make his hometown of San Ramon a “Fair Trade Town”. In doing so, he became the youngest organizer of a “Fair Trade Town”. This past summer, Ravi spent eight weeks as an intern for Councilmember Kriss Worthington, working on a number of issues including affordable housing and minimum wage.
Favorite Quote (from student or about student)
"If military-style medals were given for excellence, erudition, and enthusiasm in studying history and contemporary politics and society, Ravi Maddali would be covered with ribbons, stars, and other honors. Over his four high school years of history classes, Ravi has excelled in IB history, been a consistent class leader and recipient of departmental honors, and scored a “5” on his Advanced Placement exams in European history, U.S. history, and in other subjects as well. And all the while, he’s maintained all-star participation in fields such as Model UN, editing the student newspaper, and volleyball, as well. Quarry Lane and the history department will keenly miss Ravi’s energy, good humor, and passion for learning…but the Big Apple calls, and Quarry Lane’s loss is sure to be a terrific gain for Columbia University. Best wishes, Ravi; we’ll miss you, but do stay in touch!" - David Montgomery, Quarry Lane faculty member
"Ravi combines a Dungeon Master level of skills, intelligence and talent. Every teacher who has had Ravi knows of his almost obsessive level of dedication to understanding and mastering material, his assertive confidence in sharing ideas, and his determination to improve his abilities. Though he may appear to be more aligned with chaotic good, the Ravi I know cares deeply about issues of ethics, equality, and justice. Outside of the class, where he excels to frightening degrees, he is a personable, funny, enjoyable person to be around. He can take a joke as good as he can deliver it and is always eager to engage new situations and new people. He knows how to humble himself to learn and alter outmoded ideas, but is also unafraid to take a tough stance in debate with his incredible analytical mind or stand up for himself in a snowball fight with his T-Ball league throwing style. This is a man who has the intelligence and personality to become a mad scientist, or Batman style scion, or world leader, and the integrity to apply his abilities to the common good." - Erik Szabados, Quarry Lane faculty member
"A born leader, Ravi will make a difference wherever he goes and whatever he does. I taught him only for a year and in that one year he proved that he knows what he wants and will work hard to get it. The life of any class or life setting, I am sure, he will go on and impress everyone he meets. I wish him all the success and he achieves all the goals he has set for himself!" - Parul Khare, Quarry Lane faculty member
“Ravi is a master of flying under the radar while politely developing his attack. He meets your point with enthusiasm and challenges your position. His approach is soft but his argument is meticulously developed and executed. Ravi's passion of changing the dynamics of the world is palpable. His political teeth were cut on student government and investigative explorations into government, history and economics. I am honored to be an observer of the metamorphosis of a great leader. Anyone who comes in contact with Ravi is made to believe that he will make a difference.” – Candice McGraw, Quarry Lane faculty member
Sports
Ravi played club volleyball in all four years of high school.
Other Extracurricular Activities
This year, Ravi served as Co-President of Quarry Lane's Model UN Club and as Editor-In-Chief of The Roar. Ravi served as Student Council Treasurer (10th grade). He also tutors math to students ranging from 3rd to 12th grade who need assistance on math concepts.
Quarry Lane School
College Choice (or list of schools deciding among)
Columbia University
GPA
4.66
Recognitions
Ravi is one of many of Quarry Lane’s multi-talented students. A National Merit Finalist and AP Scholar with Honor award recipient, Ravi has received many Top Student awards during his time at Quarry Lane. He founded the Quarry Lane student-published newsletter, The Roar, and serves as Editor-In-Chief of the publication. Ravi also participated in Quarry Lane’s Model UN Club throughout his high school years, winning numerous awards along the way including the Award of Excellence and Best Delegate Award in 2014. Ravi also led a campaign, working with business leaders and government officials, to make his hometown of San Ramon a “Fair Trade Town”. In doing so, he became the youngest organizer of a “Fair Trade Town”. This past summer, Ravi spent eight weeks as an intern for Councilmember Kriss Worthington, working on a number of issues including affordable housing and minimum wage.
Favorite Quote (from student or about student)
"If military-style medals were given for excellence, erudition, and enthusiasm in studying history and contemporary politics and society, Ravi Maddali would be covered with ribbons, stars, and other honors. Over his four high school years of history classes, Ravi has excelled in IB history, been a consistent class leader and recipient of departmental honors, and scored a “5” on his Advanced Placement exams in European history, U.S. history, and in other subjects as well. And all the while, he’s maintained all-star participation in fields such as Model UN, editing the student newspaper, and volleyball, as well. Quarry Lane and the history department will keenly miss Ravi’s energy, good humor, and passion for learning…but the Big Apple calls, and Quarry Lane’s loss is sure to be a terrific gain for Columbia University. Best wishes, Ravi; we’ll miss you, but do stay in touch!" - David Montgomery, Quarry Lane faculty member
"Ravi combines a Dungeon Master level of skills, intelligence and talent. Every teacher who has had Ravi knows of his almost obsessive level of dedication to understanding and mastering material, his assertive confidence in sharing ideas, and his determination to improve his abilities. Though he may appear to be more aligned with chaotic good, the Ravi I know cares deeply about issues of ethics, equality, and justice. Outside of the class, where he excels to frightening degrees, he is a personable, funny, enjoyable person to be around. He can take a joke as good as he can deliver it and is always eager to engage new situations and new people. He knows how to humble himself to learn and alter outmoded ideas, but is also unafraid to take a tough stance in debate with his incredible analytical mind or stand up for himself in a snowball fight with his T-Ball league throwing style. This is a man who has the intelligence and personality to become a mad scientist, or Batman style scion, or world leader, and the integrity to apply his abilities to the common good." - Erik Szabados, Quarry Lane faculty member
"A born leader, Ravi will make a difference wherever he goes and whatever he does. I taught him only for a year and in that one year he proved that he knows what he wants and will work hard to get it. The life of any class or life setting, I am sure, he will go on and impress everyone he meets. I wish him all the success and he achieves all the goals he has set for himself!" - Parul Khare, Quarry Lane faculty member
“Ravi is a master of flying under the radar while politely developing his attack. He meets your point with enthusiasm and challenges your position. His approach is soft but his argument is meticulously developed and executed. Ravi's passion of changing the dynamics of the world is palpable. His political teeth were cut on student government and investigative explorations into government, history and economics. I am honored to be an observer of the metamorphosis of a great leader. Anyone who comes in contact with Ravi is made to believe that he will make a difference.” – Candice McGraw, Quarry Lane faculty member
Sports
Ravi played club volleyball in all four years of high school.
Other Extracurricular Activities
This year, Ravi served as Co-President of Quarry Lane's Model UN Club and as Editor-In-Chief of The Roar. Ravi served as Student Council Treasurer (10th grade). He also tutors math to students ranging from 3rd to 12th grade who need assistance on math concepts.