BENYAM ADERA, JAMES MONROE HIGH

WHAT HE OVERCAME: When Benyam was in sixth grade, his father died. He said his mom had to work three jobs to keep the family afloat financially. Their plight strengthened the bond between his family and friends, and Benyam was glad to have the support. The loss of his father also got him interested in writing. A member of the high school band, he coped by writing poems and music about his feelings. He also used the experience as an essay topic for school assignments and college admission essays. IN HIS WORDS: "Music and writing: That's how I was able to get past it and how I felt about it." WHAT'S NEXT: Benyam will attend the University of Virginia in the fall. He's undecided about his major.

--Robyn Sidersky

TYLER COLLINS, KING GEORGE HIGH WHAT HE OVERCAME: Last summer, Tyler passed out and hit his head, which led to a lengthy hospitalization and brain surgery. Tyler started his senior year determined to do well, despite having trouble focusing. He returned to the school swim team, although he was disappointed in his performance. "I just wasn't as fast as I'd hoped I'd be my senior year. But I was still able to be on the team, which was good." IN HIS WORDS: "I didn't let this stop me, and I didn't pity myself and mull it over every day. I looked around, and I have done the best I could. I have a lot more patience now, and I can kind of say that I'm a little more mature." WHAT'S NEXT: Virginia Tech's engineering program. Tyler hopes to serve his country by working with the Department of Defense as a nuclear or chemical engineer.

--Amy Flowers Umble