News Release

Wesley Chapel, Fla., resident Celeste Lipkes, a 17- year-old freshman at The Johns Hopkins University, was recently named one of 17 2007 Davidson Fellow Laureates, an honor which recognizes young people across the country for their outstanding achievements in science, technology, mathematics, music, literature or philosophy. Lipkes was awarded a $25,000 scholarship. She is one of two Johns Hopkins students to earn this honor; Starkville, Miss., resident Madhavi Gavini, also a 17-year-old freshman, earned a $50,000 scholarship.

To be named a Davidson Fellow, students under the age of 18 must submit a project that is recognized by experts in the field as significant and having the potential to make a positive contribution to society. Winners receive $50,000, $25,000 or $10,000 scholarships. The Davidson Fellows scholarship is sponsored and funded by the Davidson Institute for Talent Development, a national nonprofit organization headquartered in Reno, Nev., that encourages, nurtures and supports profoundly gifted youth.

Lipkes submitted a portfolio in the award's literature category. Titled "Room to Pace," her portfolio explores the themes of disease, discovery and faith, primarily through poetry, which the Davidson Institute described as witty, intense, lyrical, evocative and fun. Her personal essays focused on the concept of physical loss and the quirks of family life, while her in-depth critical essays systematically analyze the work of other poets. Through her writing, Lipkes seeks to inspire readers to observe the details in everyday life. Lipkes's biography, prepared by the Davidson Institute, is online at presskit.ditd.org/2007_Davidson_Fellows_Press_Kit/2007_DF_%2 0Celeste%20Lipkes.pdf . A press release from the Davidson Institute is online at www.ditdservices.org/Articles.aspx?ArticleID=271.

Since its inception in 2001, the Davidson Fellows Award has recognized 107 young people ranging in age from 6 to 17. More than $2.5 million has been granted in scholarships during the past five years. Davidson Fellows have reached insightful scientific conclusions, across cultures, high into the cosmos and deep into the human psyche. To learn more about the Davidson Fellows and their projects, please visit www.DavidsonFellows.org.

Lipkes graduated from Land O'Lakes High School. Among many awards and honors she has received, Lipkes is also a Woodrow Wilson fellow, an award of up to $10,000 over four years, allowing undergraduates at Johns Hopkins the opportunity to pursue an independent research project over the course of their college careers. She is the daughter of Rita Ciresi and Jeff Lipkes.