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Hands down, this has been one of our favorite stories to feature in Inland Empire Family Magazine for the last 9 years. Why? Because it allows us to single out some very deserving high school seniors who have worked hard for four years and have risen to the top of their respective classes at a number of the Inland Empire’s public and private high schools. These students are going places, literally. To Yale, Stanford, Notre Dame, UCLA – the complete list of colleges they have been accepted to is quite impressive. And so are they. In a year of so many troubled young adults making headlines, it’s reassuring to us parents that instilling good values in our children, and teaching them the importance of good grades and developing a strong community spirit, will pay dividends in the long run – just as it has for these 21 promising teenagers who are eager to go out and change the world. The following profiles were compiled from the students’ college application essays. Ana Maria Bondoc High School: Chaparral High School in Temecula College she plans to attend: Notre Dame Intended major: Mathematics An immigrant from the Philippines, Ana Maria has distinguished herself as an outstanding scholar and leader who helped to start the German Club on her campus. She serves as a drum major for the high school band and is always motivating her fellow students to be productive and positive. Ana Maria is active in the National Honor Society, and she had fun helping to organize a “senior” prom for local senior citizens over 55. When asked what she is most proud of in high school, Ana said that she “hasn’t changed into someone I don’t recognize. I have the same outlook and morals that I entered high school with, still intact.” Her counselor says she is an “amazing young woman.” Dominick Carlson High School: Chaparral High School in Temecula College he plans to attend: UC Davis Intended major: Economics, with a minor in Psychology Dominick is a top student who has excelled in Mock Trial. He also is an accomplished violinist, having played since elementary school. Dominick is part of a youth string orchestra that often performs at a local senior center. He has been an orchestra leader and achieved an individual Superior rating at the district level of the Southern California School Orchestra and Band Association. This recognition has helped mold Dominick into a leader. Last summer, he was selected to serve as a delegate at the California American Legion Boys State Conference in Sacramento. Dominick credits his parents, Dale and Joanne Carlson, with supporting him through all his academic and extracurricular endeavors. Gavrielle Concepcion High School: Alta Loma High School College she plans to attend: UC Riverside Intended major: Bio-Chemistry As Gavrielle Concepcion begins the journey toward becoming a doctor of pharmacy, she’ll draw strength from her family and the examples they’ve provided. Her entire extended family has played a big part in her life, but her parents are the main reason Gavrielle is where she is. Her mom instilled in her the value of a good education. Her dad has shown her that athletics, community service and a sense of independence are also key ingredients to a happy, successful life. Gavrielle, an only child, found another family on the varsity tennis team at Alta Loma. “I gained 25 sisters, and they have shown me that sisters stick together.” Even while twice winning the tennis team’s Player of the Year award, Gavrielle also stayed in the top 10 in her class. Jessica Dhillon High School: Ramona High School in Riverside College she plans to attend: UC Irvine Intended major: Life Sciences/Pre-Med Jessica Dhillon knows what it is like to work hard. And you won’t catch her complaining about it, either. Scholar and athlete, Jessica has risen above challenging personal circumstances to take a spot as a leader. From a young age, she has cared for her father, who battles bipolar disorder and depression. Jessica insists the times spent with him have made her stronger and will one day serve her aspirations for medical school and residency at Stanford. Serving two years as the captain of her varsity tennis team and one year as president of the Rowdy Rams Club, Jessica gets high marks for academic achievements. She was recipient of the Seymour Memorial Award Scholarship. Jeff Cripe High School: Webb School in Claremont College he plans to attend: Yale University Intended major: English and Management Jeff Cripe’s horizons hold views of the distant past, a trans-Atlantic perspective of our modern world, and what is undoubtedly a bright future at Yale University. Active in Webb’s museum program, Jeff has presented twice for the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology Association and, during his freshman year, discovered a tyrannosaur bone in Southern Utah. The subsequent dig has revealed the dinosaur’s entire lower right leg, and much more is expected. The perspective gained through extensive travels outside the U.S., with a particular love of Paris, has excited Jeff about the role that he and his generation will play in shaping the future. “If we want a world with economic and social justice, cultural and economic diversity, tolerance and peace, we will have to make it so.” Tatiana Iskandar High School: Webb School in Claremont College she plans to attend: Stanford University Intended major: Engineering A recipient of a National Hispanic Scholar award, Tatiana Iskandar has enough AP credits from her years in high school to nearly be a sophomore when she enters Stanford University in the fall. Her considerable talents are not confined to the classroom, as she is also an accomplished artist, pole-vaulting champion and head DJ at the campus radio station. Concern about world hunger lights the path she will follow in life. “Every night before I sleep, I pray to God to help the hungry.” Tatiana looks forward to applying modern technology and engineering to her goal of making food more plentiful and affordable. Jennifer So High School: Corona High School College she plans to attend: UCLA Intended major: Environmental Science and Engineering Jennifer So is passionate about the environment and feels compelled to spread the word about our responsibility to protect the earth and its resources. But Jennifer doesn’t just preach about pollution; she lives the solutions. So is not only a master vegetarian chef, she has used her artistic skills – entering and winning a poster contest promoting water conservation – as a way of advancing her strong-held beliefs. She also gained notice as a California’s Science and Engineering Fair finalist from 2002 through 2007 by developing useful water-recycling models. “I want to help replenish the groundwater and freshwater supplies by using water-purification systems to recycle and deodorize seawater,” Jennifer shares. We can all feel hopeful that So’s intelligence and ambitions will make a positive, significant impact on our environment. Aden Tedla High School: John W. North High School in Riverside College she plans to attend: Swarthmore College Intended major: Biology/Pre-Med One thing is certain: The world will soon be hearing from Aden Tedla. This National Achievement Scholarship recipient has already dedicated her young adult life to creating a community dialogue for human rights issues. Using her role as executive editor of The North Star, and editor-in-chief of Polaris Literary Magazine, Aden reaches out to her readers to educate, inform and inspire a spirited exchange of ideas. She has organized events such as the Die-In demonstration to raise awareness of global violence, and hosted a showing of the documentary “Invisible Children,” which reveals the plight of Uganda’s child soldiers. School counselor Alison Lattimer says, “Aden is a perfectionist in her studies, a leader among her peers and an activist who demands peace and respect for everyone. When Aden observes injustice, she doesn’t just sit by and watch; she takes action and motivates others to follow.” McKay Jensen High School: Arlington High School in Riverside College he plans to attend: University of Utah Intended major: Life Science McKay Jensen says he feels “very fortunate” to have been raised in Riverside. In his very full career at Arlington High School, he has served on the Associated Student Body government as a class secretary and director, and competed on the school’s football, basketball, swimming, water polo and track teams. He has received the Scholar Athlete award every year and attained his goals of reaching the top 10 academically in his class. This young man also attends church in the early morning, is an Eagle Scout, has volunteered for the Special Olympics, helped build four homes in Mexico and helped improve the plant life in a newly constructed wetlands area in Chino. His goal for the future is to be a veterinarian, like his great-grandfather. Maira Mercado High School: Arlington High School in Riverside College she plans to attend: Claremont McKenna Intended major: Business Administration Look out, Donald Trump: Our country’s next successful corporate president or CEO could very well be Maira Mercado, whose high school education has been shaped by her involvement as the president of her school’s chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America. Maira is smart, confident, a leader and an excellent student – all qualities that add up to great future potential. Her interests, however, are not limited to just business and studying. Maira balances her schoolwork and academic life with hobbies, including music, poetry and softball. She is a member of the art and creative writing clubs at school. Maira hopes to make a difference one day as a leader who helps society, wildlife and the environment. Rizwan Jattala High School: Alta Loma High School College he plans to attend: UCLA Intended major: MCD Biology Rizwan Jattala has been inspired by a tragedy in his young life to work toward a triumph for all of humanity. In 2002, he lost his younger brother to neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer, at the age of 11. “My brother was everything to me,” he says, “my friend, my rock – and since his passing, he has become even more of an inspiration.” That inspiration is leading him to a career in pediatric oncology and the dream of being part of a team that finds a cure for cancer that can be shared with all of the world. He has already taken a large step to reach that goal. In the summer before his junior year at Alta Loma High School, Rizwan was one of 70 outstanding high school and college students who participated in the City of Hope National Medical Center Beckman Research Institute’s Summer Student Program. Maria Patanwala High School: Norco High School in Corona College she plans to attend: UC Berkeley Intended major: Molecular Cell Biology There does not seem to be any good cause or chance to be helpful that is too small and local, or far-reaching and global, for Maria Patanwala. In her own words, she wants to be a hero “in my local community, even if it is just by spreading a smile or being a good role model.” She has also been galvanized by events half a world away. Along with four classmates, Maria attended an event at the Wilshire Theater designed to raise awareness of, and plan ways to end, the genocide in Darfur. She said that the evening “forever inspired me to be a more active citizen of this world and a more confident person.” Her career goal is to be an emergency-room physician. Someday in the future, patients wheeled into an emergency room will have nothing to worry about if they find themselves in the confident and capable hands of Dr. Maria Patanwala. Alex Perkins High School: Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Corona College he plans to attend: Claremont McKenna Intended major: Economics and Literature Alex was born into what he calls a family of siblings who are athletic prodigies, but he has distinguished himself in an entirely different arena: music. Jazz and piano are his passions. In an essay, this bright student describes jazz as “the human voice translated into a 12-tone language. It has no instructions, and its only parameters are those set by the trained ear.” Music to the ears, indeed. Alex was invited to perform as a guest pianist with the Cal State Long Beach Jazz Orchestra, and was thrilled to find himself seated at a polished Steinway. It was a huge moment in Alex’s journey, in what promises to be a life filled with many more chords, scales, notes and, hopefully, polished Steinway pianos. Clarissa Morales High School: Ramona High School in Riverside College she plans to attend: UC Riverside Intended major: English or Creative Writing It’s a good thing Clarissa Morales has the strength and wisdom to ignore those who told her that going to college was pointless because she is poor, and that she would never achieve anything in her life. Clarissa has proved them all wrong. She’s been active in student government, and has earned A’s and B’s in honors and Advanced Placement classes. In an essay, she writes, “I’m proud of the fact that I haven’t let others’ lack of faith in me cause me to give up my dreams and goals. I turned that lack of faith into fuel to drive my hard work and determination. I will go to college, and I will prove that I can become someone who matters and makes a difference.” Ahna Miller High School: Chaparral High School in Temecula College she plans to attend: UC Santa Barbara Intended major: Marine Biology A top student and animal lover, Ahna Miller leads a full life. Throughout high school, she has balanced her honors and Advanced Placement classes with a wide range of extracurricular activities. She has demonstrated her leadership skills as president of her school’s Peer Leader Organization, as senior class secretary and as LINK commissioner, welcoming new students. As president of Peer Leaders, she ensures that 50 tutors are available to offer free help to other students, before school, at lunchtime and after school. She also organizes Unity forums to help students embrace diversity. Ahna enjoys horseback riding and is interested in working in animal science or zoology. “I plan to never stop learning. I cannot stand to live in the ignorance that accompanies being uneducated,” she says. Sravya Ramadugu Keremane High School: John W. North High School in Riverside College she plans to attend: Undecided Intended major: Molecular Biology If Webster ever decides to include an entry for “shining student” in its dictionaries, the definition might just read “see Sravya Keremane.” During her four years at North High School, she organized summer camps for elementary-school-age children. The free two-week camps included classes in math, reading, art and piano. Her goal is to earn a Ph.D. in molecular biology and/or biotechnology, and pursue a career teaching and conducting research at the university level. In 2003 and 2004, she was a finalist in the national Discovery Channel Young Scientists Challenge. The M.I.T. Lincoln Laboratory named a minor planet, “Keremane,” in honor of her achievement in the Discovery Channel competition – a lofty honor for a soaring talent. Francesca Perkins High School: Martin Luther King High School in Riverside College she plans to attend: UC Riverside Intended major: Computer Engineering Articulate, bright, talented and driven – one would think that Francesca Perkins has it all figured out. But, through her mother’s recent battle with breast cancer, this valedictorian learned a very important lesson. She takes nothing for granted: She makes time to love and enjoy her family; engages lighter pursuits, such as sketching and journaling to balance her more intensive studies; and makes an effort to hum a tune whenever she can. In addition to being an outstanding student, this shining star is a solid citizen, contributing her time to such clubs and activities as Interact, STAND, Mock Trial and the Creative Writing Club. She also takes part in the Riverside Youth Council, attending meetings and taking part in community service projects. Counselor Kelli Campbell says, “Francesca is a phenomenal young lady, exhibiting maturity beyond her years. She is a genuinely curious student, with an honest interest in learning.” Khoa Truong High School: Hemet High School in Hemet College he plans to attend: UCLA Intended major: Biology Khoa Truong took up tennis, hoping it would help him shed a few pounds. And he hated every minute of it. But, after years of persistence and encouragement from his parents, Khoa had to admit that he was beginning to see some remarkable results. Not only were the pounds dropping away, Truong was actually becoming quite a skilled competitor, even defeating the nation’s top juniors. Now, in addition to being named Sunbelt League Champion and honored as Hemet High School’s top tennis player, Khoa is an extraordinary straight-A student who is ranked No. 4 in his class. He says his parents, both dentists, are responsible for instilling within him the discipline to be the best he can be. Katherine Nguyen High School: Murrieta Valley High School College she plans to attend: University of Pennsylvania Intended major: Business The daughter of hard-working and college-educated Vietnamese immigrants, Katherine is a leader on campus who already has experienced the benefit of an international education. Her family initially lived in Texas, then they moved to Singapore for six years, where Katherine attended the private Singapore American School, starting in the third grade. Upon her return to the United States, Katherine has distinguished herself as an A-student and valedictorian who is active in school and community service. She’s been ASB president, vice president of the California Association of Student Councils and chairwoman of the Murrieta Youth Advisory Committee. Robert Zimbroff High School: Webb School in Claremont College he plans to attend: Stanford University Intended major: Undecided When Robert Zimbroff submitted an essay titled “When Steinbeck Spoke” for publication in the prestigious English Journal, the editorial staff was surprised to learn that the insightful paper was actually the work of a high school senior. But, ask his teachers and peers at Webb School of California, and they’ll tell you that Robert’s academic accomplishments speak for themselves. This National Merit Scholar, ASB president, member of the Cum Laude Society and varsity captain of the tennis and basketball teams was recently recognized as a Steinbeck Scholar, and will have the opportunity to write and research his favorite author while living in Steinbeck’s New York City apartment. He credits his father, whose passing came just days before Robert began his senior year, for being an incredible role model and guiding force. Karen Zhou High School: Rim of the World High School in Lake Arrowhead College she plans to attend: UC Irvine Intended major: Business Administration Passion and perseverance are a part of everything Olympic hopeful Karen Zhou stands for. This hard-working, straight-A student at Rim of the World High School pursues academic excellence with the same kind of heart and dedication she demonstrates on the ice as an accomplished figure skater. Her commitment to her craft and the many grueling years of early mornings on the ice and late nights spent studying are finally paying off for Karen – in a big way. Her talents have propelled her to new heights, as she recently learned that she’ll represent the U.S. in the 2008 U.S. Figure Skating National Championships in Italy this summer. Zhou shares, “Maintaining the ability to balance both figure skating and school has proven to be my greatest, yet most fulfilling, challenge.” |
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love the cover!
| Comment at 6/1/2008 |
Loved the magazine articles as well as the cover for both years!
| Comment at 6/12/2008 |
I'm so glad to see that Jessica Dillon was recognized for her accomplishments she is a very good friend of my daughter Kelly Schulte that was featured in Thursday paper.
There is a very stong group of High Acheiving students at Ramona and we are very proud to have had our 4 children attend Ramona and be part of Riverside Unified School District.
Sincerely,
Donna Schulte
| Comment at 6/12/2008 |
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