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A rising senior at Baldwin High School, Taylor embodies calmness uncommon to people her age. An accomplished musician, Taylor speaks to her father-who passed away when she was five-through his old clarinet. She values family and deeply admires her mother for her strength in times of adversity. Taylor's goodness is pure and unequivocal. She believes in the power of helping others and actively works with her Leadership Council to brighten the lives of the elderly in her community. Her high school teacher describes Taylor as a "true gift to the world."

Chioke Borgelt-Mose, a rising senior at Franklin High in Seattle, is a beacon of positivity and warmth. A truly dynamic individual, Chioke's energy is endless. She dances ballet and jazz, sings with her choir, acts in plays and improvisations, participates in student government and plays soccer-doing it all with vigor and dedication. Committed and compassionate, Chioke most enjoys her work with The Service Board, a community group with whom she helps beautify Seattle and feed the city's homeless. Fittingly, her name "Chioke" is a combination of two words from the Ibo tribe in Nigeria, meaning "Gift of God."

Reading to and visiting elderly people has been the most meaningful activity Alicia has participated in. This was a great experience because she learned the difference between knowledge and wisdom. Alicia is a very creative and intelligent girl and enjoys sharing her ideas with her others. The difficulties in her life have helped Alicia understand the value of an education and strong family bonds.

Cassandra will be a junior in the fall. She has four sisters and a brother. She is the treasurer of the National Junior Honor Society chapter at her school, and has also played volleyball and run track. The activity that has been most important to Cassandra, however, is her participation in the 4-H club in her community, of which she has been a member for the past four years. Her work with 4-H has allowed her to exercise her great passion for animals and the open environment. It is in nature, she says, that she has time to reflect on herself and on who she is as a person.

Hometown: Corona, CA
School: Corona High School
Professional Aspirations: Obstetrician Gynecologist

Teresa possesses a remarkable warmth that can brighten even the most somber mood. Her genuine love of people, especially children, is reflected in her dedication to help others. Each week, she volunteers as the Worship Director at her church, leading thirty-five children aged three to five in song and worship. A rising senior at Corona High School, Teresa is a gifted student and natural leader whose poise and determination set her apart. Both independent and warmhearted, Teresa is, as her teacher says, "a rare gem."

Tenacious and hard working, Yi arrived to the United States only four and a half years ago. Since then, he has overcome both language and cultural barriers, pursuing his dream to achieve a higher level of education and become a heart or brain surgeon. An exceptional student and active thinker, Yi takes joy in exchanging ideas with his peers. He takes on the role of teacher and listener to help those around him in a gentle, self -assured manner. In his spare time, Yi enjoys playing ping-pong and the accordion.

Linda Diaz will be a senior in high school this fall. She was born in Mexico, and moved to the United States when she was four. Linda has one older brother and a younger brother and sister. At school she has been involved in student government. She is very concerned about how culture imposes and reinforces gender inequalities, especially in her own Mexican-American community. Most importantly to her, however, this year Linda started volunteering at the Room 8 Memorial Cat Foundation, where she helped to rescue homeless and injured cats. She has been able to use the experience both as an outlet for her passion for animal welfare, and to help her determine if her long-time career goal of being a veterinarian is truly right for her.

Jasmine is an upbeat and dynamic individual with the energy and desire to make a difference in the world. A rising junior at Cass Technical High School, Jasmine has already begun to take an active role in improving the lives of those around her. As a member of the Mosaic Youth Theater of Detroit, Jasmine performs for free in nursing homes, homeless shelters and hospitals to brighten the day of those who might normally not have access to theater. Her love of humanity is evident in all she does and she approaches every obstacle with determination and optimism.

In her words and actions, Hana Jeon is gentle, sincere and honest. Originally from Pusan-Korea's second largest city-Hana has seen the effects of environmental degradation, and wishes to make the world a cleaner place. Though she has only lived in America for the past four years, Hana has adjusted remarkably well-a testament to her resilience and determination. She is an active member of her community, volunteering myriad hours in the pediatrics department of her local hospital. Hana's optimism fuels her interest in medicine, a field where "science shows its light and plants the seeds of hope in people's lives."

Hydie has worked for her school paper since eighth grade, and participates in a writing workshop through the Asian American Writer's Organization. She also works as a tutor. Her most cherished activity is piano playing; she has played for twelve years. Although she has competed in piano, she says that piano practice is even more important for her because of what it contributes to her person; music is "is a form of catharsis in my life… and playing the piano makes me a more wholesome person."

Sarah Longpre loves challenges. A resident of Mount Morris, Michigan, Sarah continually seeks to improve herself and help others. Patient and determined, she has taught herself to read music and play piano (and is now learning the guitar!). Her initiative makes her a natural leader. Sarah particularly enjoys directing her church's youth group in volunteering at local children's group homes and convalescent homes. An inspiration to her peers and community, Sarah's sincerity shines through in everything she does.

A perceptive, creative, and intelligent young pianist, Liqian's music provides a window into his heart. Always sensitive and conscientious in his interactions with others, Liqian is a natural leader. A devoted volunteer at Binghamton's Lourdes Hospital and a Resident Assistant at his school, Wyoming Seminary, Liqian shoulders responsibility with attention and composure. He lives up to his name, "Liqian," which, in Chinese, means full of strength and determination.

Hometown: San Francisco, California
School: Wallenberg Traditional High School
Professional Aspirations: Pediatrics

Markita Mays is a strong young woman. Confronted with many hurdles, Markita does not compromise her determination to succeed. Markita balances a rigorous academic schedule with several extracurricular activities. Outside the classroom, she works at the Department of the Borad of Appeals with the San Francisco Youth Works Program, participates in student government, and is a member of the National Honor Society. She most admires her father for his loving guidance and unwavering support. Independent and hard working, Markita's will to serve others and to help her family is truly extraordinary.

Soft-spoken and strong-willed, Felipe Perez is a role model to his community. Raised in Long Beach, California, Felipe has seen the impact of gangs and drugs, and actively chooses to dedicate his energy to academics and public service. A mature and introspective young man, Felipe leads quietly and by example. He rejuvenates himself by playing soccer and mentoring his younger niece and nephew. In all his actions, Felipe's guiding light is compassion. He dreams of becoming a doctor so that he may heal the pain of others.

A Choctaw Native American, Leo Perry has a sharp intellect and a warm heart. A distinguished and well-rounded scholar, Leo often makes profound connections between himself, others, and the world. As a band section leader he has seen how "individual, unique elements in compositions and in life situations…relate to form a harmonious whole." Leo enjoys crafting words and arguments; he is a devoted member of his school's Academic, Speech, and Mock Trial teams. He greatly admires his grandfather and seeks to emulate his altruism. Through his intelligence, creativity, and dedication, Leo truly has the potential to change the world.

Joey, a rising senior at St. Ignatius in Pacifica, California, is a sharp thinker and accomplished student. His love of nature and the outdoors complements his aptitude for the sciences. After school, Joey plays soccer and baseball, and rejuvenates his spirit by fishing. A compassionate and conscientious young man, Joey spends his free time volunteering at a pre-school for low-income families, working as a youth soccer referee, and spending time with his family and friends. He plans on pursuing a career in molecular/cellular biology, genetic research, or biochemistry, using his abilities to improve the lives of humans and our environment.

A rising senior at Scripps Ranch High School, Saviz has a determination to excel in every aspect of his life. Saviz taught himself English and American Sign Language so that both he and his deaf brother could do well in school. Showing his dedication to disadvantaged youth, Saviz helped to establish the San Diego Regional Teen Center and Youth-2-Youth Hotline, and has volunteered extensively over the past five years to develop and staff these services. In his professional life, Saviz dreams of using biotechnology to combat world hunger and provide essential nutrients to the malnourished.

Raised in a small rural town, Teresa Sesera thinks and dreams big. Impassioned by social justice, she hopes to practice medicine for the less fortunate. Teresa expresses herself through art-whether it is writing poetry during her bus commute to school each day, or performing at gymnastics meets. She is an introspective young woman who believes in the goodness of others. Evidenced by her radiant smile, Teresa simply enjoys life.

Steven is most fascinated by the sciences, thirsting for the knowledge of natural phenomena and thrilled by the question of 'why?'. His activities include Academic Team, Math Team, Debate, basketball, soccer, and reading. He is continually integrating characteristics of those he admires into his own personality, and thus creating a perpetual state of amelioration. He appreciates light- heartedness and intelligence, instigating conversations that both stimulate and amuse. Deriving strength from his confidence in himself and his family, his calm nature is soothing to all he encounters. He is very aware of his surroundings, never missing a beat in the symphony of life.

Born and raised in Vietnam, Tai exudes a spirit of positivity and optimism unreflective of his difficult experiences as an immigrant. He balances a rigorous work ethic with humility and gentle sincerity, dedicating endless hours to academics and community service all with a smile on his face. Tai most admires his father who was forced to forego his dream of becoming a doctor when drafted for the Vietnam War. Tai wants to finish his "dad's journey," healing others through medicine.

Ben Wang, a rising senior at Diamond Bar High School, is a dynamic individual. Moving to the United States from China only 8 years ago, Ben has finessed a sharp wit and sensibility. Ben is a scholar of the languages; he speaks Chinese and English fluently, and studies German. An ardent member of his cross country team, running enables him to maintain focus and perspective in light of life's challenges. Through biomedicine, Ben dreams of impacting positive change on a large scale.