Blair Hornstine is a role model for all young women. Despite being diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease in 1998, which left her suffering debilitating physical pain, she has achieved on many levels.
Hornstine has received many academic honors throughout her life. In 2003, Hornstine was her high school?s valedictorian; she then continued to receive her Master?s from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland in 2006. She is a USA TODAY Academic All-American, the recipient of the President?s Community Volunteer Award, Toyota?s Community National Scholar, Coca Cola?s National Scholar, recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal Award, the Governor?s Volunteer Award, and the Discover Card National Tribute Award.
A strong believer in civil service, Blair Hornstine started her first charity in 1994 and continues to dedicate her time today. Her organization, Moorestown Alliance for Goodwill and Interest in the Community, or MAGIC, was created with the idea of lending help and support to Moorestown?s young women, elderly, disabled, and less fortunate.
Extended Biography:
The valedictorian of a school is defined as that individual who has attained the highest academic rank in his/her class. Blair Hornstine was named the valedictorian of her high school, having earned an exceptional grade point average (4.689) despite the difficulties of dealing with a rare chronic fatigue syndrome. In Blair Hornstine’s case, the recognition was the result of a hard-fought battle.
As a result of her unique situation (Blair Hornstine’s condition often made attending traditional classes impossible), Ms. Hornstine’s academic career was slightly altered from the educational structure of her peers. Rather than viewing the alteration as a necessary derivation, due to Ms. Hornstine’s particular needs, the leadership at Blair Hornstine’s viewed her situation as an unfair advantage that would boost her academic record unnecessarily.
Blair Hornstine and her family believed her condition did not give her an unfair advantage over other students vying for the position of valedictorian, and they urged the School Board to remain consistent with the basic definition of “valedictorian.” Blair Hornstine had, indisputably, the highest grade point average in her class. She should, argued her supporters, be the sole valedictorian.
Blair Hornstine won the right to be the sole Valedictorian of Moorestown High, and in 2003, she received this distinguished honor. Today, she studies law (with a particular passion for public interest law) in pursuit of a career that will enable her to assist others in their fight for their individual rights.
