Peter Scheidt

From the track to the classroom to the orchestra pit and everywhere in between, first cellist and Clavius Scholar Peter Scheidt finds success in all of his endeavors. Mathematics and science have emerged as particular strengths for Peter, who has competed on both the Math Team (oralist for junior/senior years) and the Math Modeling Club (leader junior/senior years) for the past four years. "Loyola has primarily furthered my interests in science and math through rigorous courses and engaging extracurriculars," he says. It’s not surprising that AP Physics C with Mr. Lowe is his favorite class at LA. "The combination of interesting math-based science, a welcoming classroom experience, and an inspiring teacher made Physics C the highlight of every school day," notes Peter, who balances a rigorous course schedule with time spent volunteering as a tutor at Madonna Mission, a nonprofit organization providing education and resettlement support programs for refugee individuals and their families in Chicago, and Howard Area Community Center, a social service agency that provides affordable and free education, employment and health assistance programs for the greater Rogers Park area. "I found the opportunity to build relationships with young children particularly rewarding," he says. "Reading books with them and playing games led to a level of engagement that I would not have thought possible, given that we interacted with each other for only a few hours a week." Peter is considering studying physics, applied math, or molecular engineering in college. He thinks he might become a scientific researcher.