SHARI-LYNN ODZER

1983, Science

North Miami Beach High

Shari-Lynn Odzer won the Silver Knight three years after her brother, Marc Umlas.

Q: What do you remember about the night you won your Silver Knight award?

A: It was the most remarkable experience -- the ceremony was incredible. I'd won a lot of international and national awards in science, and nothing compared to that ceremony. I remember it being very exciting. After they had mentioned all the honorable mentions, I wasn't mentioned, and neither was one other person who I thought was a very strong candidate. I was pretty certain one of us had won and the other one hadn't won anything. A good half an hour went by, and there was even a break in-between. At that point, I just remember not being able to breathe not knowing who it would be. Later, they introduced the winner by reading their essay, and I recognized it was mine.

Q: How do people react when they find out you're a Silver Knight winner?

A: To this day, people are still impressed. I'd like to think that I've accomplished a lot of great things in the 25 years since I've won, but the Silver Knight still carries a tremendous amount of weight as an indication of great accomplishment.

Q: Tell us about your life now.

A: I'm a radiologist specializing in women's imaging in the Memorial Healthcare System.

Q: What advice do you have for students who want to be Silver Knights?

A: Come up with an idea that you can feel passionate about that really would benefit the community or a group of people in the community that you can offer. Put your passion to work.