BEST AND BRIGHTEST: 'Learning more about the world' motivates teen

TO OUR READERS: This is one in a series of stories featuring The Gazette's Best and Brightest high school seniors, class of 2009.

Hunter Sceats' first name says a lot about who he is: a "hunter" or seeker of information and understanding about how things work.

That insatiable curiosity has driven the 17-year-old's success at Science Olympiad competitions and in building a stellar academic record at Cheyenne Mountain High School.

"I love the sense of order in science," said Sceats, who has never earned a high school grade lower than an A. "Just learning more about the world and how it all works together."

He attributes much of his academic success to his parents, both physicians.

"I guess you could say I had the genes and the environment," Sceats said.

Teachers marveled at how Sceats rarely missed a chance to share knowledge with his classmates.

"As comfortable as Hunter Sceats appears with his gift, his humility is even more impressive," wrote Steve Schriener, co-chairman of the school's English Department.

He "is able to be certain without being arrogant, influential without seeming self-important," Schriener wrote.

As a teacher's assistant in his chemistry class, Sceats taught the class when the teacher was out sick. He never hesitated to help underclassmen achieve greater success at Science Olympiad competitions, where he earned 28 medals over the years.

"I always respect people who work hard at something, but don't get it immediately," he said. "I enjoy helping them reach that flash of understanding."

When he's not studying, Sceats relishes every opportunity he can to get outdoors. Those endeavors include hiking up Pikes Peak, playing on a soccer team, biking, scuba diving or leading tours through Cave of the Winds, where he worked last summer. And yes, he's an actual hunter, too.

"I enjoy hunting and shooting with my dad," he said. "It's nice to be with family."