The Next American Nobel Laureate is Already Here and Still in High School

Boston, MA -- Eager, young innovators are flexing their leadership muscle and have made major advances in technology and medicine while they are still in high school. Using the Internet to research and their innate stick-to-it-ive-ness, these kids are already saving lives and changing the world.

Guided by the knowledge and motivation gained by attending the Congress of Future Medical Leaders and the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders, these rising stars aren’t waiting until they have a Ph.D. or a graduate degree to make a profound difference.

This is the first in a series of stories highlighting eager young leaders in medicine, science and technology who have taken lessons learned at The National Leadership Academies' flagship congresses and are demonstrating the kind of leadership our nation needs - and that competitive, Ivy League colleges want to see.

Case Study 1

Sarah Hanley, 17

Somerset Academy Canyons Charter School

Boynton Beach, FL

After attending the Congress of Future Medical Leaders in 2015, Sarah Hanley, 17, followed her passion to found the Anencephaly Foundation. Her mission is to bring awareness to this rare birth defect in the formation of a baby's neural tube during development. The foundation aims to bring families who have been affected by Anencephaly together, in a welcoming community, as well as expand education and information to students and families across her community, state, and nationwide.

The Congress of Future Medical Leaders is an honors-only program for high school students who want to become physicians or go into medical research fields. At the Congress delegates hear from Nobel Laureates and National Medal of Science winners about leading medical research; are given advice from Ivy League and top medical school deans on what to expect in medical school; witness stories told by patients who are living medical miracles; are inspired by fellow teen medical science prodigies; and learn about cutting-edge advances and the future in medicine and medical technology.

“For as long as I could remember I wanted my career to be in the medical field, specifically infertility, and in addition I wanted to double major and minor in writing,” Hanley said. “After the Congress and hearing from the amazing speakers I realized I could combine my passion of medicine and writing together and form the Anencephaly Foundation.”

Sarah wants students to know that they are capable of achieving their goals and dreams. "While this may sound cliche,” Hanley continued, “Don’t give up, go for what you believe in and don’t let anyone tell you no. Your goals may take some time to achieve, and obstacles may occur, but if you persevere and stick with it you can make a real difference.”

The National Leadership Academies support America’s high achieving high school students through career- and focus-area programs and services. By creating the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists and the National Academy of Future Scientists and Technologists, the National Leadership Academies are positioned to support students with the skills, motivation, guidance and mentorship they need to stay on track to achieve their goals.

The Congress of Future Medical Leaders is an annual gathering of the nation’s best and brightest future medical leaders who possess leadership potential and a desire to contribute to the profession of medicine as a physician or medical scientist.

The Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders is an annual gathering of the nation’s best and brightest future science and technology leaders who possess leadership potential and a desire to contribute to the field of science or technology.