Growing up as an only child in Baltimore, Danielle McCullough learned at an early age to take advantage of every opportunity available. Danielle entered the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute in 1999, and immediately discovered a love of science. In her sophomore year she collaborated with a classmate on an independent project involving the effects of UV radiation on frogs. She went on to enter many national science competitions, including the Intel Science Talent Search. She also worked in a cancer research lab at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine as an intern for nine months during her senior year.

Danielle participated in a wide range of extracurricular activities throughout her high school career. She was a member of the Student Government Association for four years. During her sophomore, junior, and senior years, she held positions of Second Vice President, Vice President, and President, respectively. She was also a member of the school’s championship varsity lacrosse team for four years, serving as captain in her senior year. But her main interest was figure skating. Danielle began participating in competitive figure skating at the age of eight, and has been competing in local, regional, and national competitions ever since.

In her spare time, Danielle volunteers at her high school, cleaning glassware in the chemistry labs, repainting the bathrooms, and basically doing whatever is needed to improve the surroundings. She has also volunteered at Moveable Feast, a non-profit organization which delivers nutritious meals to AIDS patients. Danielle was also the volunteer coordinator for Lawrence Bell’s mayoral campaign. She canvassed neighborhoods, encouraging people to register to vote and issuing information.

Danielle has received many accolades for her achievements. She has received a National Achievement scholarship, the Williams College Book Award for excellence in the study of English literature, and a National Merit Commendation. She is also an AP scholar and a Maryland Distinguished Scholar semifinalist.

Danielle credits her parents with keeping her grounded. Their insistence that she maintain good grades, contribute to the community by volunteering her time, and also keep a part-time job has taught her to manage her time efficiently. She hopes to have a career in the healthcare field one day, hoping also to reform the national attitude towards healthcare availability. Danielle hopes to return to Baltimore after the completion of her education in order to work within the community she loves.