Ben Van Berkum

By Robin Ruehlen
C & G Staff Writer

GROSSE POINTE PARK — Achievement is nothing new to De La Salle Collegiate graduate Ben Van Berkum, whose long list of credentials include near-perfect ACT and SAT scores, being a National Merit finalist and belonging to the National Honor Society.

In June, the Class of 2010 valedictorian with a GPA of 4.581 added a new topper to his list, traveling to Washington, D.C., to be honored as one of just 141 Presidential Scholars in the nation before he heads off to Stanford University this fall.

Presidential Scholars include one young man and woman from each state, as well as others chosen at-large and as Presidential Scholars in the Arts. The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars chooses scholars based on academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, community service, leadership and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said in a statement that the achievements of the 2010 Presidential Scholars show that setting high expectations and striving for excellence pays off.

“Their academic and artistic achievements reflect a sense of purpose that we should seek to instill in all students to prepare them for college, careers, civic responsibilities and the challenges of today’s job market,” he said.

Van Berkum, who lists electrical engineering, computer science, physics and Spanish as his chief academic interests, said he recommends that incoming high school students take their careers seriously from the beginning.

“Intellectual curiosity is key to developing one’s mind, which is one of the most important resources a student has,” said the Grosse Pointe Park resident.

“Also, achieving high grades demonstrates to universities and potential employers that a student is capable of hard work and time management, two important abilities in life outside of school.”

Each student selected his or her most influential teacher from any point in his or her education. These teachers were invited to join the students in Washington, D.C., for a dinner with speakers highlighting the importance of the teachers’ roles. The Presidential Scholars also attended a day of workshops in the Department of Education, made a visit to the Smithsonian Institute and took in a closing performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Van Berkum said he plans to major in electrical engineering, and possibly pursue a career in industry, academia or public service. Outside of academics, he was also an Eagle Scout, an altar server for St. Paul on the Lake and a camp counselor.

“My volunteer work has taught me both to appreciate what I have and to use it for good. I hope to be able to incorporate the idea of service into my career, as well — wherever I end up,” he said.

He cites his parents as his foremost role models, adding that they have always provided him with great examples of virtue and perseverance.

“Their emphasis on academic achievement has been a great support in my education. Most importantly, however, they have raised me in the Catholic faith, giving a real, deep meaning to everything I set out to do,” he said.