Madeline Stahl

I'm Madeline Stahl, I have a passion for history, exploring other cultures, DECA, and running! I'm always on the lookout for adventure and new knowledge, and I value family, hard work, and keeping an open mind to everything the world has to offer.

Being a Hokie is something that makes me-ME! I have been visiting the campus for different events since I was an infant. Hokie pride runs deep in my family on both sides. Exploring the academic opportunities the university has to offer invigorates my passion for following in my parents' footsteps.

I archive my grandfather's Korean War history as part of the Korean War Veterans Youth Corps. I attend annual conferences with descendants of Korean War veterans from around the world. We collaborate to share Korean War stories through the lenses of our elders, country, and education systems.

I found a niche in Fairfax's DECA program! Throughout my four years at FHS, I competed in both written and verbal events that magnified my career interests, such as international business. I have also been a DECA officer since my sophomore year, finishing my senior year as president of my chapter.

I spent the majority of summer 2016 studying language and culture in Madrid, Spain. I stayed with a Spanish-speaking host family and studied both inside and outside of the classroom. My language fluency improved tremendously, and I was able to immerse myself in an entirely different culture.

For the past three years I have volunteered at Curefest, a DC-based event designed to raise awareness for childhood cancer. By helping, I have met life-changing organizations that have inspired me to get more involved each year. It is the most rewarding community service I have ever taken part in.

My family's love for travel and adventure parallels my love for history and culture. Nothing thrills me more than experiencing places I have studied in the classroom through my own eyes. It is fascinating to study cultures -- past and present -- and to connect them with modern-day customs.

Some of my best accomplishments have come from my most influential teachers. Through a lot of hard work, I have received an academic achievement award in a different subject every year since I was a freshman. My teachers have shaped my high school career and future in invaluable ways.