Future Leaders Winner addressing society's biggest challenges

CBS Colorado, in partnership with Chevron and the Colorado School of Mines, celebrates high school students excelling in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through the Future Leaders Award. This accolade provides a $1,000 award and a profile feature on CBS News Colorado. The latest recipient is Nicholas Kruus, a senior from STEM School Highlands Ranch, who boasts a remarkable 4.7 GPA, a 1580 SAT score, and perfect scores on all five Advanced Placement tests.

Kruus's academic prowess is matched by his commitment to addressing significant societal issues through research. Over the past few years, he has authored or contributed to numerous papers covering diverse topics, reflecting a strong focus on the intersection of ethics, economics, and politics. His recent work includes a report for the World Bank aimed at enhancing greenhouse gas forecasts, underscoring the potential for governance to inform better sustainability policies.

Reflecting on his personal journey, Kruus faced considerable challenges, including the aftermath of a school shooting and the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed that these experiences left him grappling with feelings of emptiness, which eventually motivated him to pursue research as a means to contribute positively to society. His participation in the Yale Young Global Scholars program and a research fellowship with Non-Trivial exemplifies his dedication to tackling humanity's most pressing challenges.

Kruus's engagement extends to collaborating with the Global Priorities Institute at Oxford University, where he helped summarize technical papers for broader audiences. This exposure has shaped his understanding of what gives life meaning—making a positive impact on others. Looking ahead, he is determined to continue his research endeavors in college, although he is still undecided about his future path.

CBS Colorado invites nominations for the Future Leaders Award until April 18, 2025, encouraging recognition of high school students committed to STEM fields and making a difference in their communities.