Nicholas Bautz

10800 Highway 707

Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
(843) 650-5600

3 December 2015

Senior Digital Exploration Judges

10800 Highway 707
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Dear Senior Digital Exploration Judges:
It is now my fourth and final year here at St. James High School. After moving here about 6
years ago from New Jersey, I have progressed substantially both academically and socially.
Throughout my tenure here at St. James, I have strived continuously in my effort to acquire
exemplary academic scores in all subject areas. I hope to one day become a Doctor of Dental
Medicine (DMD) and have a successful career in the health care field. Next year, I hope to
attend Wofford College and major in pre-dentistry. I am currently the drummer in a touring band
with the buddies of my late friend, Gavin Brunetti. Lastly, I am a 2015 Palmetto Boys State
graduate and a member of the SJHS chapter of National Honors Society.
I chose the topic of energy because I personally had a blurred understanding of how energy in
America actually worked. I had a desire to explore which method of energy production was the
most efficient for mankind. I truly believe that finding the best energy source means huge strides
in the longevity of mankind. I learned that nuclear energy is the most efficient, but is the most
costly. Although nuclear energy is my personal favorite, coal energy is the most economically
stable and secure form of energy. That is the exact reason behind why coal produces over 70% of
American electricity.
Initially, I resented the Senior Exploration Project due its rigorous nature and the obstacles it
presented. However, after diving into my energy topic, I was completely hooked, and it turned
out to be a rewarding experience as well. When selecting my topic, I was not mindful of the
service portion of the project. Therefore, finding a service for energy was sort of a difficult task.
I had two services cancel on me which led me to improvise and complete my service in the
commercial sector. I studied the energy consumption of Halls Auto Repair in Surfside Beach.
Furthermore, I also learned a gargantuan amount of knowledge about the functions of
automobiles. Overall, the Senior Exploration Project was a rewarding experience that I would
definitely recommend for future classes. If I could can one thing about the Senior Exploration

Project, then it would be the implementation of distinguished criteria for honors students
projects. This would include but would not be limited to requiring a greater quantity of service
hours, a greater quantity of completed literary works, and a greater expectation of quality than a
college preparatory English 4 project.
I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to listen to and evaluate each presentation. Your
participation in the 2015-2016 Senior Exploration is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Nicholas Bautz
Student
St. James High School