As seen in the annual “Terrific Teens” issue of West Hartford Magazine, 2014.

By Lisa Lelas

Jacob Binder. Photo by Todd Fairchild, ShutterbugCT.com

While the list of bright and competent students from West Hartford seems endless, we have selected a small handful of dedicated young men and women, all recent graduates from each of the five West Hartford High Schools, to represent this year’s ‘terrific teens’ to watch in our community.

Not only are they teens with dreams, but they are already acting on them. Each of them has the desire to make a difference. To create a positive change in the world. They are, without a doubt, great role models to represent our community.

Congratulations. We look forward to watching you blossom as you now go out into the world to inspire us all. Today we put the spotlight on Jacob Binder:

Jake Binder is a recent Conard High graduate who is now attending Brown University. He’s majoring in applied psychology and neuro-science, although he admits he may end up leaning toward political science.

“Honestly, right now,” he says, “my goal would be to work in government. Not politics but possibly working with an agency that affects government policy. I really want to make a difference in the world.”

Perhaps a natural born leader, Jake is not sure where his drive to succeed and change the world really comes from. “As a child, I never really ‘needed’ a role model,” he says. “All my family and friends and teachers have been so supportive of me that it’s hard to narrow it down to any one role model.”

Jake is an avid runner who ran cross country and track in high school. He also loves doing community volunteer work. “I worked at my church all through high school and especially loved mentoring kids. Working with kids always puts a smile on my face. They are the ones who showed me my love of interacting with people.”

At Conard, Jake was part of the mock trial club. “That definitely tied in with my political science interest. I really learned how to argue a point!”

On the artistic side, Jake also sang with the solo “elite” choir at Conard, was part of the honors music program, and was the co-leader of the student run a capella group “Be S#arp.”

Whenever he is back in town, Jake says his favorite place to visit is the Reservoir to run or bike with friends. His favorite food? Pasta with pesto.

Jake is an AP Scholar with distinction and a commended Merit scholar. That’s no surprise if his choice of books are any indication. “I prefer reading scholarly books, such as collections of essays by professors. I guess I just love learning!”

Please check back every Tuesday and Friday to see another teen spotlight! To view our full teen story please view West Hartford Magazine here.