Summer Schwedes

At the start of lockdown, Summer Schwedes was accepted into the Academy of Science (AOS) program at the Academies of Loudoun. Virtual learning freshman year proved extremely challenging as she adjusted to the rigorous curriculum. Transitioning to a hybrid schedule in the spring drastically enhanced her comprehension though it was still a far cry from a normal routine.

After 9th grade, she needed to decide between academics and athletics. Travel softball in elementary and middle school was a joy for the scholarship winner. However, both the Academy of Science and travel softball demanded countless hours. Ultimately, she choose academics. Sophomore year, students returned to in-person learning full-time. This was when Summer received her first taste of research. She began comprising an original research proposal. “What is the impact of the non-caloric sweeteners stevia and aspartame on intestinal permeability and the gut microbiome?” In junior year, she measured intestinal permeability by rearing flies on experimental diets and then examining if co-ingested non-toxic blue dye escaped their gut lining, indicating the barrier was compromised. In senior year, Summer dissected the midguts of fruit flies and extracted DNA their microbial DNA. She followed a series of procedures before sequencing and identifying the bacterial species present.

At the Loudoun County Regional Science and Engineering Fair, Summer placed first in her research category. In college, Summer hopes to pursue research in the epigenetic field. Epigenetics is how the environment alters which genes are accessed and expressed. This is why twins with identical genes have different personalities and features. She specifically hopes to dive into the emerging nutrigenomics field: the nutrition side of epigenetics.

The Academy of Science and Tuscarora High School combined the best of both worlds for Summer. AOS cultivated an intense and motivating environment full of peers with a passion to learn and excel. Collaborating and forming friendships was one of her favorite aspects. Everyone was always open to lending a helping hand. It was reminiscent of the close environment at Lucketts Elementary. At the Academies of Loudoun, some of her favorite memories come from serving on the student council and executive board. Tuscarora provided a traditional high school experience and the continuation of lifelong friendships. She even demonstrated leadership as President of the Science National Honor Society and Vice-President of Mu Alpha Theta.

In 2019, Summer’s mom was diagnosed with Early-onset Alzheimer’s. Throughout high school, she was a caregiver. Roles reversed, as she often helped dress and cook for her.  Additionally, she routinely dropped her off at adult daycare before and after school. “Learning to drive was a blessing; it allowed me to pursue more extracurriculars and provided my dad time to work while my mom was at an adult daycare.” Since caregiving and academics were her main priorities, finding flexible activities was necessary. Her schedule was jam-packed but selectively chosen to build a comprehensive routine.

Summer found her source of strength in her father and through serving the Alzheimer’s Association. By fundraising and volunteering, she brings light to such a dark disease. “Although I may only be able to help my mom through love and patience, I can help future families with the Alzheimer’s Association.” Currently, Summer is volunteering for Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers and fundraising for this fall’s Columbia, SC Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Like many of her peers, Summer used the outdoors and physical activity to manage her mindset during the cloistered, COVID years and high stress periods. “Luckett’s beautiful nature and trails have been an escape and active reset.”

Summer has demonstrated the qualities of a world-class research profession – curiosity, commitment, and courage. Summer had various college choices as she was accepted to many elite undergraduate universities. However, after The University of South Carolina flew her down for a 3-day retreat, the decision was clear. She was selected as 1 of 45 out-of-state top scholars nationwide in their top-ranked public Honors College. Summer will be studying economics and is on the pre-occupational therapy route. She plans to receive her MBA within 4-years due to earning 50-60 college credits in high school. “The top scholar program and the honors college mirror the dynamic present in AOS with the benefit of the large public University.”

Congratulations Summer! Lucketts is proud of what you have accomplished, and we can’t wait to read the next chapter of your life story! And something tells us we won’t wait long to read about you and your accomplishments.