2013 national merit semifinalists...-ms. kathe keeler, social studies/english teacher jenny is a...

11/12/12

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2013 National Merit Semifinalists

National Merit® Semifinalist Students

Over 1.5 million juniors in nearly 22,000 high schools entered the 2013 National Merit Program by taking the 2011 PSAT/NMSQT test which served as an initial screen of program entrants

Approximately 16,000 Semifinalists were named “high scorer” in the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program

Semifinalists represent less than 1% of U.S. highest-scoring high school seniors

Honors students who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies

11/12/12

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Michael Borde

MOST INFLUENTIAL TEACHERS

Elementary School: Mrs. Nelson Middle School: Mr. Armstrong High School: Mr. Sanders/Mr. Condrad

National Merit Semifinalist National Merit Semifinalist National Merit Semifin

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Hough

MIDDLE SCHOOL:

Prairie National Merit Semifinalist National Merit Semifinalist National Merit

Semifin

Michael Borde

Extra-‐Curricular Involvement

CLUBS Latin Club Robotics Key Club Debate

Math Team Hands of Hope

Colleges Considered Stanford

MIT Harvard

Northwestern Dartmouth

University of Chicago

Career Choice

Computer, Biology or Physical Science

11/12/12

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Allison Doran


Elementary School: Mrs. Nelson Middle School: Mrs. Alexander High School: Mrs. Rockwell


ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Hough

MIDDLE SCHOOL:

StaIon National Merit Semifinalist National Merit Semifinalist National Merit

Semifin

Allison Doran


CLUBS United Colors Chess Club

SPORTS Lacrosse

Cross Country Taekwondo

Colleges Considered Wellesley College Haverford College

Bates College Kenyon College

University of Chicago Brown

Career Choice Law or Academia

11/12/12

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Anish Doshi


Elementary : Mrs. Nelson Middle : Mr. Seidel

High School: Mr. Medansky


ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Palos East(Palos Heights)

Hough

MIDDLE SCHOOL: StaIon


Anish Doshi


Colleges Considered

Undecided

Career Choice

Computer Science or Engineering

CLUBS Chess Team Latin Club

Scholastic Bowl Math Team Robotics

Business Professionals of America Worldwide Youth in Science/Engineering

NHS

11/12/12

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Julie Hancock


Elementary School: Mrs. Nelson Middle School: Mrs. Alexander High School: Mrs. Oberg


ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Hough and North Barrington

MIDDLE SCHOOL:


Semifin

Julie Hancock

CLUBS Orchesis STAND

SPORTS

POMS

Colleges Considered

Northwestern Duke

Brown Tufts University

University of Michigan

Career Choice

Pediatric Oncologist


11/12/12

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Grant Hinkle

MOST INFLUENTIAL TEACHERS Elementary School: Mrs. Nelson/Mrs. Gruber Middle School: Mr. Price High School: Mr. Sanders


ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Countryside and Hough

MIDDLE SCHOOL:


Semifin

Grant Hinkle

CLUBS Latin Club

Chinese Club

SPORTS Ultimate Frisbee

Recreational Soccer Recreational Volleyball

Colleges Considered

Undecided

Career Choice

Undecided


11/12/12

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Stanley Hugh


Elementary School: Mrs. Gruber Middle School: Mr. Gordan High School: Mr. Recchia


ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Rose, Hough, and

Schaumburg ChrisIan MIDDLE SCHOOL:

Prairie


Stanley Hugh

CLUBS Debate Club

Key Club Future Business Leaders of American

French Club Diversity Club

National Honor Society

SPORTS Basketball

Snowboarding

Colleges Considered

Harvard Stanford

Yale Columbia

Duke Vanderbilt

Northwestern

Career Choice

Undecided


11/12/12

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Jihoon Kim


Elementary School: Mrs. Garrish Middle School: Mr. Duke High School: Mr. Medansky


ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Swain and Eaton Elementary (California)

MIDDLE SCHOOL:

Lawson (California)


Jihoon Kim

Colleges Considered

Princeton Northwestern

Stanford

Career Choice Neuroscience Researcher

Community Outreach Diversity/Multicultural Program Coordinator

CLUBS

Lincoln Douglas Debate Math Team

Barrington Peer Jury Barrington Leo Club

Schaumburg Youth Orchestra Math Resource Center Tutor

SPORTS Tennis

Recreational Ultimate Frisbee


11/12/12

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Nicholas Kosarek


Elementary School: Mrs. Nelson Middle School: Mrs. Rankhorn High School: Mr. Karon/Mr. Sanders


ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Lines and Hough

MIDDLE SCHOOL:


Semifin

Nicholas Kosarek

Colleges Considered Princeton

Cornell Carnegie Mellon

University of Illinois University of Wisconsin/

Madison Villanova

University of Pennsylvania

Career Choice

Engineering

Extra-‐Curricular Involvement CLUBS

Jazz Ensemble Jazz Quintet

Broncos Committed National Honor Society

Big Red Spirit Club Barrington Leo Club

SPORTS Football Baseball

11/12/12

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Christopher Lescher


Elementary School: Ms. Giunchedi Middle School: Ms. Heldt High School: Mr. Sanders


ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Lines

MIDDLE SCHOOL: Prairie


SPORTS

Christopher Lescher

Colleges Considered Claremont McKenna College

George Washington University UCLA

University of Chicago Northwestern

University of Illinois Notre Dame

University of Michigan American University

Notre Dame

Career Choice Law

CLUBS

Congressional Debate Robotics

Barrington Leo Club


11/12/12

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Connor Maytnier

MOST INFLUENTIAL TEACHERS Elementary School: Mrs. Gruber/Mrs. Nelson Middle School: Mrs. Rankhorn High School: Mr. Sanders/Mr. Rife


ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Lines/Hough

MIDDLE SCHOOL:


Semifin

Connor Maytnier

Colleges Considered

Georgetown University of Pennsylvania Northwestern

Career Choice

Government


CLUBS

Best Buddies Peer Jury

Relay for Life Scholastic Bowl

SPORTS Golf

11/12/12

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Mohammed Mirza


Elementary School: Mrs. Burman Middle School: Mr. Larrabee High School: Mr. Medansky


ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Pleasant Hill (PalaIne)

MIDDLE SCHOOL:

Prairie


Mohammed Mirza

CLUBS Congressional Debate

National and Spanish Honor Society Senior Student Mentor

Interfaith Group Member Arabic Teacher

SPORTS Wrestling

Track and Field

Colleges Considered

University of Chicago Rice University Northwestern

Brown Rice University

George Washington University

Career Choice

Medicine


11/12/12

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Stefan Sampaleanu


Elementary School: Mr. Metcalf Middle School: Mrs. Alexander High School: Mr. VeneIco


ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Rose

MIDDLE SCHOOL: StaIon


Stefan Sampaleanu

CLUBS Code Red Big Red

Student Council

SPORTS Cross Country

Colleges Considered University of Michigan/

Ann Arbor University of Illinois/

Champaign University of Wisconsin/

Madison

Career Choice A career that requires math,

engineering, and communication skills


11/12/12

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Kyle Varwig


Elementary School: Mr. Gapp Middle School: Mr. Seidel High School: Mr. Medansky


ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:

North Barrington and Hough

MIDDLE SCHOOL:

StaIon


Kyle Varwig

CLUBS

Broncos Care Service Team Colts Leadership Program

Chess Team National Spanish Honor Society

PACT Team Worldwide Youth in Science/Engineering

SPORTS Football Tennis Skiing

Colleges Considered Dartmouth

Harvard Northwestern Notre Dame Princeton

University of Michigan Vanderbilt

Career Choice

Business, Law or Journalism


11/12/12

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2013 National Merit Commended

Ø A Commended student’s high Selection Index score places them among the top 50,000 of over 1.5 million students who entered the 2011 National Merit Program by taking the 2011 PSAT/NMSQT®.

Ø These students are among about 34,000

Commended Students nationwide who have shown exceptional academic promise. Their performance was outstanding and recognition as a Commended Student is a credit to them, their parents, and their school.

National Merit® Commended Students NATIONAL MERIT ® SCHOLARSHIP CORPORATION

11/12/12

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Renee Bach

Renee Bach

Renee is a joy to have in class, and I’m happy to see her recognized for her accomplishments. She is a dedicated and serious student, but she also has a smile on her face which brightens my day. Bravo!

- Ms. Katherine Wolfkiel, World Language Teacher

It has been my sincere pleasure serving as Renee’s counselor. Renee is a highly talented and dedicated individual. Renee possesses a natural kindness and is always respectful. She is an outstanding student and community citizen. Many congratulations for her National Merit Commended status.

- Ms. Joan Bell, Guidance Counselor

11/12/12

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Jennifer Cheng

Jennifer Cheng

Jenny is an honor student in my Film Criticism class. I am always impressed that Jenny has an appreciation for the Classics, which confirms my hunch about her; she loves to be challenged in her learning. When given an assignment to analyze films outside of class, most of Jenny’s peers choose contemporary films because they are in color and have contemporary actors. But then there’s Jenny who chooses Sullivan’s Travels and Rear Window. These are films that are renowned by scholars to have merit. Jenny would rather take the quality path, the challenging path, the road to more depth. Seeking out the greater challenge will take her far. -Ms. Kathe Keeler, Social Studies/English Teacher

Jenny is a hard working, intelligent and kind student. The combination of her academic success and personal modesty make her represent the best of Barrington.

- Ms. June Kramer, English Teacher

11/12/12

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Andrew Dai

Andrew Dai

Andrew is the picture of the learned scholar, a young man who reads, plays music, thinks, and writes with grace and insight.

- Mr. Alan Sanders, English Teacher

Andrew has a quick mind and a ready laugh. He is intelligent and insightful, and just smart enough not to take himself too seriously.


Andrew is self motivated, hard working, and willing to offer help to his peers.

- Ms. Ninja, Nagel World Language Teacher

11/12/12

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Kerry Frank

Kerry Frank

Kerry is extremely talented. He is academically very competent and artistically gifted. He is both analytical and creative, a great combination!


Academically and artistically gifted, Kerry Frank is humble about his considerable talents. As a writer and thinker, Kerry’s insights are focused and sharp; as an artist, his vision is broad and experimental. He brings intelligence, creativity, and enthusiasm to the classroom.

- Ms. Alexandra Stevenson, English Teacher

11/12/12

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Leonard Grazian

Leonard Grazian

Len Grazian is a very quick learner, even when dealing with college level, AP Economics content. He asks insightful questions that show his maturity as a student. He adds a special element to the class.

- Ms. Shannon Srogra, Social Studies Teacher

I’ve had very few students, okay, only Len, who understood the concepts of class so well that he could undermine them at will. Thanks for the keenly subversive moments of your tenure in my class and for your restraint. Continue to use your powers for good! - Mr. Alan Sanders, English Teacher

11/12/12

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William Groble

William Groble

Billy has a keen intelligence and a gift for argumentation. He will be a force to be reckoned with if he becomes a lawyer.


Billy lives Einstein's observation that play is the highest form of research. It’s not that he is never studying; it’s that he is always playing with ideas.


11/12/12

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Maya Holay

Maya Holay Creative, intelligent, driven, and hard working are the best words to describe Maya. It is most impressive when a young woman sits before you and is confident about her decisions and goals. Maya possesses a positive outlook on life. She is a motivated, enthusiastic, high achieving student who always puts forth her best effort in all of her endeavors. - Mr. Bryan Tucker, Guidance Counselor

Maya is a very dedicated student who brings a smile to class with her every day. She is a great collaborator and a joy to have in class.

- Ms. Shannon Sroga, Social Studies Teacher

Maya is a very hard worker. Her homework is consistently complete and she asks good questions. She is a sweet girl, always smiling, and always willing to lend a helping hand to students that need help.

- Ms. Sophia Moraris, Mathematics Teacher

11/12/12

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Ashley Kim

Ashley Kim

Talented, intelligent, driven, instinctive, and upbeat are the best words to describe Ashley. She is an impressive young woman. Ashley is mature as well as strong in character. She displays a positive attitude, extending her kindness towards others. Ashley possesses a unique spirit, impacting those she encounters.

-Mr. Bryan Tucker, Guidance Counselor

Ashley is very determined. She asks good questions in class. She smiles often and makes everyone around her laugh.

- Ms. Sophia Moraris, Mathematics Teacher

11/12/12

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Grant Kimes

Grant Kimes Grant is an intelligent problem solver. He works well with others and is a good group member.

- Ms. Shannon Feineis, Science Teacher

Grant is a quiet, stalwart young man with a sharp wit. Whenever I think of Grant, I remember the line, “still waters run deep.” Grant’s path throughout high school parallels his personal qualities of mildness yet strength, modesty yet courage. Grant is an exceptional mathematician and an especially talented percussionist, who plays a variety of instruments in the high school’s Symphonic Band and Chamber Orchestra, as well as the Barrington Community Band.

- Ms. Debbie DaSilva, ACT/SAT Prep Program Coordinator

Grant is an unassuming person with a wealth of intelligence and talent. He does his best without attracting a lot of attention to himself, which reveals his strength of character.

-Ms. June Kramer, English Teacher

11/12/12

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Nicholas Kortendick

Nicholas Kortendick Nicholas is a talented, insightful, and responsible young man, who is strong in character. He is intelligent and determined, striving for success in all of his pursuits. - Mr. Bryan Tucker, Guidance Counselor

Nick is not afraid to ask the tough questions in AP Economics, demonstrating not only his command of the material, but his drive to take his understanding even further. Plus, I can always count on Nick for a good eye roll when I make a nerdy econ joke!


Nicholas’ contributions added so much to daily discussion in AP Government and Politics. He was a conscientious student who continually worked hard. Time and time again, Nick had one of the highest scores on unit exams in class.

- Ms. Victoria Spiering, Social Studies Teacher

11/12/12

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Benjamin Liou

Benjamin Liou One of the things that tells a teacher how amazing their students really are is when you miss them when they have moved on from your class. One of the people I will miss the most is Ben Liou. From his great questions and insights in our class discussions, to his sense of humor, to his genuine compassion for others. - Mr. Tony Wass, English Teacher

Ben was in my Information Processing class. I must say he was one of the most organized and self motivated students. Ben made sure his portfolio was well written and complete.

- Ms. Mary Peterson, Applied Arts Teacher

Ben is a very `responsible student who asks thoughtful questions and is always willing to share his knowledge to help his peers.


11/12/12

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Meghana Madhavan

Meghana Madhavan Meghana raises the level of discourse in any classroom. Her depth of reflection and intelligent understanding of subtlety make her an excellent humanities student and pleasure to have in class.

- Ms. Alexandra Stevenson, English Teacher

Meghana is one of the most compassionate young woman I have ever met. She is committed to community service and those in need.

- Ms. Janet Schultz, Child Development Teacher

Meghana was a conscientious student who continually worked hard. She had strong writing skills and her essays continually made an impression on me.

- Ms. Victoria Spiering, Social Studies Teacher

11/12/12

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Nidhi Madhavan

Nidhi Madhavan The Latin word for Nidhi is gratia – pleasing, attractiveness, favor, goodwill, and gratitude – all in one person!


Nidhi’s insightful contributions added so much to daily discussions in AP Government and Politics. She was a conscientious student who worked hard. Not only did Nidhi work hard in government class, but the passion that she put into her work for the school newspaper was truly impressive.

-Ms. Victoria Spiering, Social Studies Teacher

Nidhi is a dedicated student, extremely focused, and determined to succeed in life. This honor is well deserved. I am proud of her.

- Mr. Ray Piagentini, Guidance Counselor

11/12/12

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Sarah Merchant

Sarah Merchant

Not only has she impressed me with her exceptional language skills and interest in the Spanish language and culture, but also her effort and willingness to learn. - Ms. Marta Constenla, World Language Teacher

Sarah has the internal motivation to always give her best effort in all her endeavors at BHS. Extremely focused on her daily and life goals, Sarah epitomizes the saying, “To those whom are given much, much is expected.”

- Mr. Ray Piagentini, Guidance Counselor

Sarah embodies the spirit of inquiry. Her questions are more interesting than my answers!


11/12/12

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Jenna Moorman

Jenna Moorman

Jenna was a student in my health education class. Since it’s only a semester class, it’s difficult to keep in touch with the students. I do have to say, when I see Jenna in the hallways, she always has a smile on her face, and she is genuine when asking how I’m dong. Such a testimony for a student who is blessed academically.

- Ms. Cindy Guerrero Health Teacher

She’s everything a teacher needs to keep a class – okay a teacher – on track, passionate about learning, and joyful about living.


11/12/12

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Atul Nambudiri

Atul Nambudiri I have had the joy of seeing Atul grow into a strong student with limitless potential over the past two years. He is a great young man.

- Mr. John Roncone, Social Studies Teacher

Atul is a Scholastic Bowl player extraordinaire. He has not only been a dedicated, enthusiastic player/team co-captain for the past four years, he was also a vital member of our MSL division-winning, regional-winning team!

- Mr. Rob Baker, English Teacher

Atul is a highly intellectual student that has taken the most rigorous curriculum available at BHS. I always enjoy meeting with him because he is respectful, thoughtful, and responsible.

-Ms. Marla Engleman, Guidance Counselor

11/12/12

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Markos Sinclair

Markos Sinclair

Frick to Watson’s Frack.

- Mr. Alan Sanders English Teacher

Markos is a creative thinker and poses creative solutions to issues that are posed in class. He collaborates well with other students in class, listens to his classmates, and values their opinions. He is a model student and a pleasure to have in class.

- Mr. Mark Gilbert, Science Teacher

Markos has been an excellent student, always challenging himself in the most difficult classes. He is a great friend to many, and has excelled in a wide range of leadership roles. Markos has truly left his mark on Barrington High School.

- Mr. Tim Martin, Guidance Counselor

11/12/12

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Charles “Abe” Solberg

Charles “Abe” Solberg In spite of his age, Abe Solberg has a presence about him that comes from living a long life of experiences. Perhaps he draws his perspicacity and nuggets of knowledge from his love of 80’s movies. In that vein, I would describe Abe as having the quick wit of Bill Murray, the intelligence of Dan Akroyd, and the writing and directing ability of Harold Ramis. In true Caddy Shack fashion, Abe Solberg, Cinderella story. Outta nowhere, varsity soccer manager, now a National Merit Student!

- Mr. Jeff Doles, Applied Arts Teacher

Abe has a personality as large as the ocean. He is respectful, unselfish, kind, and trustworthy. What truly separates Abe, is how positive a young man he is, and how he genuinely seems to LOVE life. I have personally benefitted from knowing him.

- Mr. Scott Steib, Health Teacher

11/12/12

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Zachary Watson

Zachary Watson

Zach is one of those rare individuals who is able to balance his rigorous course work with athletics and an active volunteer schedule. He combines his natural curiosity and love for learning with a high energy level and strong work ethic. All this and a great smile too!

- Ms. Jill Argall, Guidance Counselor

Overall, “Nice Guy.” Always smiling and willing to lend a helping hand. Hard working and very responsible.

- Ms. Sophia Moraris, MathematicsTeacher

Frack to Markos’ Frick. - Mr. Alan Sanders, English Teacher

11/12/12

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Natalie Wink

Natalie Wink

What I admire most about Natalie is her ability to keep things in perspective. She seems to have an understanding of what really matters most in life at a very young age. She truly exemplifies, “Healthy Balance!”


I can’t forgive you for the shenanigans you put my sweater through, but I can get you back. Now, you’ll have to explain in front of the entire Board of Education, our superintendent, our principal, and dignitaries what you did, and I have the photographs to prove it.


Natalie is a ball of energy who readily shares her perceptive insights in classroom discussion. A natural writer, quick thinker, and sharp wit, Natalie enlivens the classroom.

- Ms. Alexandra Stevenson English Teacher

11/12/12

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Brock Workman

Brock Workman

Your Majesty the King of Homecoming, I tried through two classes to make you into a more interesting person, and this is all you came up with?


Brock Workman is a great example of what a student-athlete should be. He takes great pride in giving his best effort in everything he does, both in the classroom and on the field. He currently holds a GPA well over 4.0 and he was voted a Team Captain by his teammates. This demonstrates the type of respect he earned from all the hard work he puts into everything he does. Brock Workman is a “Champion” in every sense of the word. He will be missed next year.

- Mr. Joe Sanchez, Social Studies Teacher

11/12/12

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Andrew Yates

Andrew Yates Andrew is self motivated, shows outstanding academic achievement, and gets along well with others.

- Ms. Ninja Nagel, World Language Teacher

Andrew caught me off guard one day when he quietly solved my Rubics cube puzzle as we were chatting. He truly enjoys figuring things out and I have a feeling we will all reap the benefits of his natural curiosity one day.


Andrew Yates has the ability to look at things in a way that most cannot. He is always bringing up unique points and asking questions that challenge me to look at my own perception of the world differently.


2013 national merit semifinalists...-ms. kathe keeler, social studies/english teacher jenny is a...

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