With Merit: Nina Scheibe

Over the next few weeks, the Southeast Missourian will introduce you to five local scholars. National Merit semifinalists scored big on the PSAT. Out of more than 1.5 million juniors who took the test in 2008, 16,000 were named semifinalists. They will now compete for finalist standing by taking the SAT and submitting an application and recommendations -- with the hope of winning a scholarship. This week's scholar is Nina Scheibe, a music enthusiast who plans to continue studying the bassoon in college.

School: Cape Girardeau Central High School

Age: 18

Parents: John and Erika Scheibe

What's your favorite school activity and why? It would have to be marching band, despite the huge time commitment and frequent frustrations. It's both a physical and a musical activity, and performing the show is a blast. I love going to competitions. The band is practically like my family by now.

How do you balance school and extra-curricular activities? I get less sleep. Seriously. That, and I've limited my social life to the occasional weekend evening spent watching a movie or making s'mores with my friends.

What is your dream college and what do you plan to study? I have fallen in love with the Oberlin College and Conservatory in Ohio. I hope to study music performance on bassoon though I might consider double majoring in music and creative writing.

Who is your favorite teacher and how did they inspire you to learn? In high school I'd have to go with Mr. Casey, my band director. This is my sixth year in band, so even though he drives me crazy sometimes, I've learned to trust and respect him. He always pushes me to work harder and play better. But a definite shout-out goes to Ms. Essner and Ms. Brase from my elementary years -- you were the best ever!

What is your most notable academic achievement? Definitely being selected to attend the Missouri Scholars Academy the summer after my sophomore year. MSA is a sort of pre-college type experience for three hundred and thirty of the state's top students. Those were the best three weeks of my life so far.

What is your favorite high school memory? Gosh, I don't really know that there's a defined moment that was "the best." It's more a collection of marching band memories, hilarious class discussions, burning things in Chemistry, some rather epic games of Ultimate Frisbee and lots of random "Joyous Moments," as Dr. Cowan would say.

What is the biggest challenge facing your generation? I think one of the major problems is the sense of entitlement many of us seem to have-the mindset that there are certain things we deserve, that are owed to us, simply by virtue of our existence. For example, when most of my class started turning 16, the hot topic of conversation was "What kind of car are your parents getting you?" not "Golly, how much will I have to work to be able to buy myself a car?"

How do you plan to address it? I think much of the problem will work itself out when we move out of our parents' houses and experience life in the real world: paying bills, doing the shopping, fixing up the apartment, earning a living wage. Although when I eventually reach an age when I can rightfully be called a "crazy old cat lady," I may devote some of my time to writing highly cynical letters to the editor.

What are your expectations for college? I'm really excited that I'll finally be able to narrow my focus a bit to the subjects I'm really truly fascinated by, instead of being a sort of student-of-all-trades. I know the workload will increase, but all that extra practice time will be glorious, and I'm looking forward to the variety of performing opportunities.

I might take up fencing, or resume horseback riding. Most of all, I hope that I'll be able to grow as a person and a musician.