The student: Tobii Quintern, 17

School: Howard High

Special achievement: She is battalion commander of Howard High's Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps this school year. A co-captain of the track team and a Girl Scouts Gold Award recipient, Tobii has been in "Who's Who Among American High School Students" for four consecutive years.

Her biggest challenge: "Being able to manage my time wisely between sports, homework, JROTC and National Honor Society."

What is it like being a female commander? "For females, it's easier to take that motherly care and not be so cold to everybody," Tobii says. "[But] it's very difficult because there are more males than females in our program." If male cadets are uncomfortable with having a young woman in charge, she says she tells them, "I've worked really hard for my position and my rank."

Her plans: Tobii received nominations to the Air Force Academy and West Point, but says she will attend Widener University in Chester, Pa., where she has been offered a spot in the honors program and has been awarded an ROTC scholarship.