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Kelan relies on the principles of faith and diligence to conquer life’s obstacles. He is attracted to challenges and values the lessons learned during difficult times. He admires patience, kindness, and pride among many other qualities. Kelan likes spending time with his family while eating Sunday dinners; his mother and father are his favorite heroes and he looks up to his older brother. In his free time, he enjoys reading and hopes to one day write a poetry collection. He enjoys making others happy and believes in the power of service. To give back to his community, he visits the elderly through Heritage Weekend Meals and volunteers for Habitat for Humanity. He is starting a recycling and environmental awareness program at his school. During his high school years he participated in track, cross-country and was a member of the National Honor Society. Education is also very important to Kelan and he plans to attain many degrees and continue his education throughout his life. He would like a career in which he will be challenged to use his mind and be able to travel. Moreover he loves to help people so he is looking for careers in which he would be able to make a difference in others’ lives.

Ever since she was young, Irtefa has wanted to make people smile. Even during the difficult transition after their move to the United States, she saw her family through by looking on the bright side of things. As the eldest child, Irtefa has had to learn how to act beyond her years in order to support her parents. However, she loves to spend time with children because it brings out the child in her. Irtefa’s tolerance for diversity has taught those around her the importance of stepping beyond stereotypes and prejudices. Born and brought up in Bangladesh, Irtefa knows the good of both worlds. She has seen the suffering of her people and wants to become a doctor to ease the pain. Her hope is to return to Bangladesh and start a free children’s hospital where she can fulfill her dream of making other children smile and see the beauty in the world.

A dedicated and energetic young man, Andrew has a zeal for life. He spends a lot of his free time outside working out, running, and swimming at the beach. Although it is not yet a reality, Andrew has aspirations of being able to one-day play the guitar. His many other interests include his high-school wrestling team, friends and family, girls, and nature. During the school year, he is dedicated to improving his wrestling technique and maintaining a high physical fitness level. That doesn’t mean this young individual has no time for fun; it is quite the opposite. In fact, Andrew can often be found on the beachfront throwing around a football with friends or playing volleyball. Although seemingly carefree on the outside, Andrew knows how to work hard as well as play hard. He takes the most challenging courses offered at his high school to satiate his thirst for knowledge. Professionally, Andrew wishes to one day become a top-level executive at a large international business firm. His other wishes include attending Stanford, finding true love, graduating from Harvard Business School, and having a successful career.

Elaine has always believed that anything is possible. For this reason, she makes a conscious effort to stretch beyond her limits and to continuously seek out new challenges. In her school she serves as the president of her community service club and oversees many projects that have a positive effect on her community. She also plays an active role in her church as her youth group’s secretary, and as a Sunday school teacher. From her experience as a Sunday school teacher she has developed a great love for children and hopes to one day become a pediatrician, aiding children in underdeveloped nations. She is determined as well as honest, and is eager to smile or brighten someone’s day with her joviality and exuberance.

Hometown: Orange, California
School: El Modena High School
Professional Aspirations: Medicine

Raised in a loving family, this passionate young woman looks at the world optimistically. Possessing both intelligence and compassion, Anh seeks to make a difference in people’s lives. Her faith keeps her will to serve strong, as indicated by her dedication to volunteering at the hospital and through school service groups, such as Red Cross Club and Key Club. Affected deeply by her father’s stories of Vietnam, Anh keeps the rich history of her family close to her heart and feels gratitude for the many blessings she has been given. She believes in the magic of laughter and maintains a cheery countenance. She strives to bring out the best in people and in herself. Active in and outside of school, she stays young at heart by working with children and playing tennis. Interested by a wide variety of subjects and activities, Anh has involved herself in Mock Trial, student council, and Science Olympiad. She enjoys being with her crazy cousins, her amazing friends, and doing any activity involving water. She looks forward to a life filled with learning and love.

It requires more than a short article to capture the charisma of Cameron Drake. On the outside he is a thin, athletically built, track and cross country runner with a wide smile and eager eyes. Beneath the surface, he is a deep thinker –one that is never intellectually satiated and is never afraid to ask questions. Those who know him best affirm that he is theatrical—an actor at heart with the spirit of a poet, constantly scribbling his thoughts in whichever form is most convenient. Cameron is also a talker; his communications skills know no bounds. He is a humorist whose quick wit and constant puns are a joy to those closest to him. He is not only a leader, but an example to those around him. Cameron is a romantic who lives for the best things life has to offer. While not particularly solid in his professional aspirations, drama, marketing, communications, and neuroscience all remain Cameron’s favorite courses of study. Cameron wishes to start his own television network one day to simultaneously quench his interest in broadcasting and business management. There are many parts to Cameron’s personality that contribute to his character, and in a short time of knowing him, they quickly emerge.

Salone truly believes that the meaning of life does not lie in life itself but in our attitude towards it; as such, she strives to always find blessings in every situation that confronts her. Her profoundly compassionate nature shines through in her sincere attempts to invigorate the lives of those around her. Though she experienced the difficulties of moving to the United States from India only three years ago, she exudes optimism and confidence in her every endeavor. Salone's passion for crafting words led her to join the Mock Trial and Model United Nations teams at her school. She is a deep believer in serving those less fortunate than herself and finds time to tutor her peers in high school as well as sixth grade students at the local middle school. In the future, she hopes to return to India and develop a school for girls in a rural village.

Travis has a passion for life and an insatiable desire for knowledge. He actively participates in debate to whet his appetite. Not only is Travis intellectual, but also very charismatic and portrays it in the many activities he is involved with: oral interpretation, the one-act play, and Student Congress. He is passionate about the education issues concerning students in his region, and feels strongly that technology can be used extensively to fix the problems of today. Travis has a career interest in computers and business. He loves to help others understand many of the technological problems they encounter and use his energetic creativity to provide innovative solutions. In the future, Travis hopes to be able to help disadvantaged youth overcome the issues they face and continue to lead healthy and successful lives.

Ashley is a very kind and caring individual. No matter the circumstances, she remains optimistic in life. She feels that this is possible because of the relationships she forms with everyone she meets. Playing varsity tennis further gives her the chance to form many lasting relationships. In addition, she also enjoys teaching martial arts to her students, who she considers an integral part of her family. As a dedicated teacher of Tae Kwon Do, Ashley emphasizes to her students that the key to life is to believe in yourself. In return, the children she works with inspire her to be creative and ambitious. She also loves to laugh and believes that a genuine personality can capture any heart. Ashley’s intimate relationship with her father has taught her the value of living life to the fullest, which she strives to do each and every day.

After a civil war tore Somalia apart, Idil and her family found not only refuge but also a home in the United States. These ten years in the States has given Idil an opportunity to pursue her desire for knowledge and discovery. She has maintained high academics in rigorous curriculums, while also following her love for athletics through her participation in basketball, tennis, and soccer. Her other hobbies include playing the flute, reading novels, volunteering, and having fun with friends. In everything she does, Idil gives all thanks and praise to God. She believes in the magic of laughter and love and strives to impart them to all those around her. Her goal in life is simple: do everything within her power to bring help and hope to others in need. This aspiration is inspired by her sense of personal obligation to aid her people, as well as others in poverty and disease-stricken countries, who fight a daily struggle to survive. Idil’s interests lie in the medical field and she hopes to become an influential doctor whose work will improve the lives of the impoverished around the world.

Jefferson lives his life through strong morals and virtues. Hard work and tenacity have become integral parts of his industrious work ethic. He always seeks truth and righteousness while being exceptionally loyal and dedicated to his friends and family. Although often reserved in emotions, Jeff would like to open up more and allow his sentiments to flow more freely. One of the ways he is able to express emotions more easily is through playing the cello and guitar. He cares deeply about his family, friends, and neighborhood. Through volunteering at St. Joseph’s Hospital of Orange, Jeff hopes to cultivate strong relationships with those in need and improve the condition of others in his community. He enjoys playing tennis and running cross-country for his school, but his passion lies with football and basketball. His uncle gave him a quote, which is now his philosophy in life: “Whatever happens, happens for the best.”

Maria is a spirited young woman with many passions in life. She loves interacting with other people and learning from them. She is very active in her school, taking leadership roles in activities such as Student Government, Spanish Club, and Key Club. Maria enjoys striving relentlessly for her goals, but also understands the importance of taking time to enjoy the small things in life. She attempts to be optimistic each day no matter what she may encounter, bringing smiles to those around her. Maria’s main source of inspiration comes from her mother, whom she admires for her integrity and perseverance. She dreams of traveling the world, touring various countries, and learning about different cultures. She feels that her own cultural background has been an important factor in shaping the person she is today. Maria hopes to have a career that will involve traveling between the U.S. and China, and that she will be able to use her abilities to aid others and make a positive impact on their lives. Although she takes her dreams very seriously, Maria considers her free-spirited nature and her ability to laugh at herself to be the hallmark of her personality.

Hometown: Princeton, Florida
School: Coral Gables Senior High School
Professional Aspirations: Medicine, Surgery, Clinical Research

Rayden is a driven individual who enjoys intellectual rigor. He is fascinated with the medical field and aspires to become a cardiovascular surgeon in hopes of saving many lives. Currently, Rayden is concerned with certain hematological and autoimmune disorders, which he studies at the University of Miami. A lover of mathematics from an early age, he also participates in statewide math competitions every school year and has served as the Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society) president for the last two years. More importantly, however, Rayden is devoted to his friends, family, and God, who have carried him through the hardships in his life; they have been his source of support and inspiration while also encouraging him to reach for the stars and never give up. In turn, he firmly believes that “success is getting up one more time than you fall down.”

Born in Jalisco, Mexico, Nick has lived in California since the age of five. He considers school a priority but places an even greater importance on family and friends. He prioritizes the well-being and happiness of others before his own, even in the most difficult of times. Although God is his major source of strength, the genuine love and support of his family encourages him to transform his goals and dreams into realities. The sense of security he exudes draws people to him. Seeing how health care can be inaccessible, combined with his devotion to people, Nick has chosen a career in medicine. By becoming a doctor, Nick hopes to help those who would otherwise be forgotten, as well as have the opportunity to play a role in the lives of many.

Laura gravitates toward the little things in life. She has an affinity for people; drawn to their personalities, intellect and their unknowing ability to impact another’s life. With her patient and understanding personality, she has found love in volunteering, which ranges from serving dinner at the homeless shelter to spending time with her “Little Brother” Zachary. In school her peers have recognized her hard work, dedication and maturity, as they have elected her a School Monitor in addition to Day Student Monitor President. For Laura, it is in taking risks where the greatest growth occurs. Consequently, she tries to challenge herself and stretch beyond her physical, mental and emotional capacity. Friends and family hold most value to Laura. These are the individuals who make her laugh and challenge her in many different facets of life. While she is uncertain about what field or profession she will pursue, Laura knows that her work must involve interaction with people and offer the opportunity to make others’ lives better. Laura hopes that in her life she will have the means to affect change, find something and someone she loves and never have regrets.

Vanessa has grown up with her mother and brother in a quaint town above San Francisco, California. Her family is very close and they spend as much time as possible with one another. She takes a rigorous course load at her high school, specializing in English and history. Loving the refreshing outdoors, she has an affinity towards nature and enjoys hiking on the beautiful trails in her county. She spends her free time playing the drums and listening to music—her greatest passion. Many different types of music interest her, but she is particularly partial to classic rock. Vanessa loves to read the literary works of the Beat Generation of the 1950s. Although she is uncertain what she would like to do with her life, she knows that it must involve music and writing. When she is not dabbling in these two areas, Vanessa helps her community by volunteering at the local convalescent home running activities and working several hours a week at a bakery.

Though most proficient in English, Jessica is fluent in Spanish as well as American Sign Language. She plans to use these languages, along with her investigation skills, to embrace her community. Jessica is passionate about the people around her and seeks to protect those she loves. She is not afraid to stand out and willingly stands for those who cannot stand for themselves. She believes that a future in journalism will allow her to do so. Jessica also enjoys playing the piano and plans to improve her abilities in the future. She hopes to remember that determination can take one farther than intelligence will. Most of all, Jessica wishes to live, not leave, a legacy, by bringing inspiration to people today rather than tomorrow.

Julie is a person who lives creatively; one who believes that if she lifts you and you lift her, than you will both ascend together. She cares very passionately about working to help her world, not only in making it a better place in every sense of the cliché phrase, but also in opening the eyes of all to the enchantment of untamed thoughts. She views her world as wholly/holy as possible, finding beauty in the trivial. Her interests include searching for enlightenment, learning, reading/writing, dropping pennies for little children, existing in nature, dancing, and experiencing music. She is active in her church choir, as a volunteer at the local Hispanic Community Center, and a Page at the county library. She is also a member of YouthSpeak, Math Team, Quiz Bowl, Interact, Marching Band, The International Thespian Society, and her community. Her favorite words include rapture, real, enchanting, question, and ethereal. More than anything, Julie wants to share her love for the world.

Cory is a candid Mississippi native who loves to travel. His desire to see as much of the world as possible coincides with his love for photography. Both his personal and academic successes show his dedication to hard work. At school, he is involved in many activities including Yearbook & Newspaper, Student Council, and Interact Club. Always an avid book reader, he enjoys mystery and suspense novels, which corresponds with the pleasure he finds in solving complex cases. Cory’s interest in law stems from his inquisitive, yet quiet nature, his interest in history, and his love for debate. In his rural hometown, Cory lives with his mom on what was once a farm. Although not the rustic type, his surroundings have shaped him, giving him a love for his home that is surpassed only by his love for his large family. His quiet demeanor, supplemented by a bright personality, motivates him to be sociable and have fun. Professional aspirations aside, Cory wants to teach and mentor others as much as possible. He knows that education never ends, and so he strives to learn from others while helping them.

The daughter of an African-American father and a Filipino mother, Florence tends to draw her strength from the fact that she is bi-racial. She considers herself lucky to have not one, but two beautiful cultures to celebrate. Her soft-spoken personality and persistent nature help her to carry out leadership roles with a flair all her own. At school Florence plays an active role in the Umoja Society, a Black cultural group that promotes diversity on campus, and the French Honor Society. It is through these clubs that Florence discovered her passion for learning about different cultures. Now, she finds it is her duty to promote diversity and spread cultural awareness. Florence enjoys photography and the study of the French language—she plans to employ her photography skills while on excursion to France. Although she is open-minded about her career options, she would like to study medicine. Although she enjoys her work, she has learned not to consider life work but rather an opportunity to do good work. Her light-hearted sense of humor brings smiles to those she meets and her compassion for humankind is always regarded as one of her defining characteristics.

The initial struggles of immigrating to America in 1998 served to shape Arthur into a self-motivated and independent individual. He values freedom from exterior biases and prejudices, preferring to form his own views on the world. He meets life with optimism and sees an opportunity in every challenge. Trust, forgiveness, and acceptance are qualities he admires in others and wishes to develop in life. The love and support of his family is something he has learned to both appreciate and rely on in times of hardship. Arthur enjoys letting his mind loose as he plays the violin and tennis. Although a reflective individual who finds peace in being alone, he cherishes the time he spends working with others. Arthur’s sense of responsibility and general goodwill shines through his daily actions, subtly encouraging those around him.