Hillsborough student named presidential scholar

The senior earned a 6.5 grade point average and an SAT score of 1590.

By EVE LEBERSON

© St. Petersburg Times, published April 23, 2000

LAKE MAGDALENE -- Tyler M. Mincey must choose a college to attend this fall, and it's a pretty hard decision given the places he's been accepted: Stanford, Duke, Princeton, Cornell and Massachussetts Institute of Technology.

Mincey, who plans to study mechanical or aerospace engineering, spent part of his spring break visiting Princeton and M.I.T. "I'm leaning toward Princeton," he said.

In the rigorous International Baccalaureate program at Hillsborough High School, Mincey has earned a 6.5 grade point average (based on extra points given for honors and AP-level courses) and scored 1590 on his SAT, 10 points shy of a perfect score. He already has been awarded two scholarships and awaits responses from several others.

Despite such academic credentials, Mincey is no bookworm. He also makes time to volunteer at an assisted living facility, is an active member of the Fellowship for Christian Athletes, plays the violin for his school orchestra and captains his school's soccer and cross country teams. He lives with his family on Shady Shores Drive.

Among his more recent achievements, Mincey this month was named one of 550 semifinalists in the U. S. Presidential Scholars Program. Mincey was selected from more than 2,600 students who were evaluated on achievement, leadership, character and involvement in school and community activities.

A male and female student from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and among U.S. students living abroad will receive final honors. The program also recognizes up to 20 students from the creative and performing arts, and 15 students at-large.

The final selection will be made in May.

Diane Mincey says her son won't be too disappointed if he isn't selected. "It's just an honor to be nominated."

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