Gabrielle Smith
Coronado High School
Class of 2014
G.P.A.: 4.2
Hard work and a sense of humor will take you a long way. This is evident in the success enjoyed by Gabrielle Smith. With intense dedication, competitive spirit and a smile, the senior at Coronado High School is living her dream, and excelling in incredible ways. Unafraid to sacrifice for the things she loves, Gabby understands the power of focus and commitment. Her openness to learning, a playful outlook on life and pure talent will take her far, and places her – A Step Above.
Sports/Music/Scholarships/Award
- Darling Tennis Center (DTC) Tennis Academy, 2012-2014
- USTA Intermountain Girls 18s National Team, 2011-2012
- Nevada State Tennis, 2010
- Nevada State Tennis Team Runner Up, 2010
- Nevada Individual State Tennis Women’s Champion, 2010
- National Federation of Music Clubs – Nevada, Piano, 2009-2014
- Full Ride Scholarship to USC for 5 years to play tennis
- LDS Young Women’s Medallion Recipient, 2014
- Intermountain Girl’s 18 and under Snowball Champion, 2014
- Intermountain Girl’s 18 and under Great Pumpkin Champion, 2013
- Coronado Athlete of the Month, 2011
- Bronze Girl’s USTA Clay Court Championships in Doubles, 2009, 2011 & 2013
- Silver Girl’s USTA National Hard Court Championships in Doubles, 2010 & 2012
- Bronze Girl’s USTA National Clay Court Championships in Singles, 2010
Clubs/Activities/Community Service
- Jill Gibson Piano Studio, 2009-2014
- Anthem Stake Youth Committee, 2013-2014
- Youth Camp Leader for Anthem State at Camp Kolob, 2013-2014
- Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort All Mountain Ski Team, 2009-2010
- Nevada Hunter Certificate from Nevada Dept. of Wildlife
- Serving food to homeless at St. Timothy’s Church
Congrats on the scholarship! Looks like school and tennis are on the agenda for the next few years. “Academically I plan on ending the year with straight A’s. This summer is my last summer of junior competitive tennis before college. I hope to place in the top 10 in the country spring and summer nationals.
At USC, I will work to win the NCAA women’s singles tennis title and help my team end in the top four teams in the country. At least once I hope I can help USC obtain a national tennis title. I hope to maintain a high GPA and later enter a graduate program in either medicine, accounting or law.”
What’s your secret? “I tend to listen to leaders and coaches. My coaches say many students argue and they give up on them. Those same coaches give me just a little more coaching and help because I am happy to listen and try my hardest. I also like to compete and work at a quick pace. My family has given me a lot of support and has sacrificed many family vacations, holidays, and rest days to keep up with tennis, piano, friends and church.”
You’ve given up a lot for the sport of tennis: “After my sophomore year my tennis ranking had slipped because my tennis peers all home school. I decided to live on the east coast and train with a tennis competitor and her family the summer before and the fall semester of my junior year. Living with her and her family was hard. We pouted and drove each other crazy but we still played six hours of tennis a day and I did a lot of soul searching to find the strength to carry on. I could not come home. I had to do well at national and international tournaments. The summer and fall was very successful I ended up in the finals at Waco Texas and placed in the top eight nationally. Based on those results the following summer, USC gave me an offer. I learned that once you set a goal you cannot turn back no matter what the pain. Tennis matches are like that.”
Victoria Albanese
Las Vegas Academy
Class of 2014
G.P.A.: 4.2
It’s always something special to meet a hero in the making – someone living with intention to protect and serve others. Many times it takes growing up to realize that purpose in life, but in the case of Victoria Albanese of Las Vegas Academy, it happened a little sooner. For this graduating senior, the answer was clear and she has been living it through good times and bad to realize her goals. A shining example of follow through and diversity, Victoria excels in everything from sports, to music to the Civil Air Patrol with a smile and a resolve to succeed in the game called life. Her zest, thoughtfulness and bravery place her – A Step Above.
Sports/Music/Scholarships/Awards
- Desert Fury Cheer, 2013-Present
- Burkholder Jags Tumbling, 2011-2013
- H.U. Extreme Team Soccer, 2011-2013
- Green Valley High School Soccer, 2012
- City of Henderson Soccer, 2000-2011
- Orchestra, 2007-Present
- Piano, 2004-2009
- Gen. Jimmy Doolittle Award, 2014
- Charles Lindbergh Award, 2013
- Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker Award 2013
- Mary Feik Award, 2012
- C.A.P. Wright Brothers Award, 2012
- Jags Tumbling Outstanding Student Coach Award, 2012
- Green Valley High School Soccer Athletic Achievement Award Soccer, 2012
- Gen Hap Arnold Award, 2011
- SNSA Extreme Team Champions, 2011
Clubs/Community Service
- PowerPoint, 2010-Present
- AP Club Treasurer, 2013-Present
- National Junior Honor Society, 2007-2010
- Acolyte, 2007-2010
- Science Olympiad Club, 2008-2009
- Senior Master Sargent in the Civil Air Patrol, 2007-Present
- National Night Out, 2009-Present
- Shelves of Agape, 2010-Present
- Vacation Bible School Volunteer, 2010-Present
Where do you see yourself in the future: “Now that high school is almost over, I need to set new goals that I want to go out and accomplish. My current goals are to finish high school strong with straight A’s and achieve the Mitchell Award in CAP before I go to college. My goal for the future is to attend and graduate from University of Nevada, Reno with at least an A –B grade point average while working in the Air Force Reserve. In 10 years I see myself in the United States Air Force, helping wounded soldiers recuperate and recover.”
The Civil Air Patrol is an important part of who you are: “I am most proud of all my accomplishments in the Civil Air Patrol. When I joined the program I was less than willing to participate but as I grew up and became more mature I realized that I could learn so much from this organization. That is when I started to participate in more activities and rank up, and I am proud of how far I have come.”
Who do you look up to? “I look up to my parents because they have shown me that nothing is impossible if you chase your dreams. They both have continued to further their educations and expand their knowledge to show me that there is always more to learn and to never quit.”
If you could run any non-profit organization, what would it be: “I would like to be the president of a nonprofit organization such as Shape up America or Kids Fit Foundation, because I love to help and motivate others to get active and stay healthy. Also, with that obesity rates climbing, it is very important to get kids to learn healthy lifestyles while they are still young and full of energy.”
Favorite Quote to Live By: “Life is beautiful, not easy.”
Mother’s Day Dates
We love our moms – so while we should be treating her EVERY day, let’s take extra special care to show her what she means to us on the day carved out just for her. If you haven’t started thinking about it yet, get on it. Here are some ideas that looked fun to us:
Spa Day
Get mom out to a fancy spa this year and lounge the day away. ESPA, which just recently launched at Vdara Hotel & Spa, 2600 W. Harmon Ave., is one of our picks for a truly luxurious all-day spa experience. Mom will love to be pampered with a variety of top of the line treatments like the “On the Rocks” massage, and maybe even glass of champagne to toast a job well done (yes, we’re talking about you). Visit www.vdara.com for scheduling and locals discounts.
Let her show off her skills
Give mom a chance to show off her cooking chops at Border Grill Las Vegas in Mandalay Bay, 3950 S. Las Vegas Blvd. Guests can enroll in a two-hour demonstration cooking class before partaking in some Mother-worthy mimosas and a multi-course brunch. Visit www.bordergrill.com for more information or call (702) 632-7403 to RSVP today before spots fill up!
Tea and Crumpets?
If mom wants to feel elegant on her big day, try one of the tea events being held in her honor:
“Mom’s Rock” Mother’s Day Tea
Benefitting St. Jude’s Ranch, the event takes place at the JW Marriott Resort & Spa, 221 N. Rampart Blvd., and features a hat parade, balloon drawing, live music, mother-daughter diamond pendant drawing and more. Visit www.stjudesranch.org for more information.
Safe Nest Mother’s Day Tea
Benefitting Safe Nest, the event takes place at the Four Seasons, 3960 Las Vegas Fwy., and features high tea and a fashion show along with a raffle, prizes and the announcement of the coveted Mother of Distinction award (you know your mom deserves it). Visit www.safenest.org for more information.
Art Festival of Henderson
For the artsy mom, there’s no better tradition than this annual celebration of artisanship at the Henderson Events Plaza, 200 S. Water Street. A family-friendly outing with mom to check out contemporary artists, fine craft, fashion, home décor artisans and more will be the perfect way to free her creative juices and celebrate her passions. Also, it might not be a bad idea to peruse for some awesome pottery or photography for your Mother’s Day gift! The event will run May 10-11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (4 p.m. on Sunday) and will include food and live music. Visit www.hendersonlive.com for more information.
Culture Clash – International Fun in Our Backyard
If you’re looking for a little diversity without the airline travel, April in Southern Nevada should be right up your alley! Festivals and parties celebrating cultures from all over the world are popping up right here at home.
April 5-6
Vegas Loves Brazil 2014
Rio All Suites Hotel & Casino, 3700 W. Flamingo Rd.
The largest Brazilian festival in Las Vegas is coming back and this time with a two day festival at the Rio Hotel parking lot. Tickets for the event are $8 for general admission and $13 for a two-day pass. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day. Visit www.vegaslovesbrazil.com for more information.
April 12-13
10th Annual Las Vegas Highland Games
Floyd Lamb Park, 9200 Tule Springs Rd.
Presented by the Las Vegas Celtic Society, this Scottish-themed event includes a unique mix of the sporting, the cultural and the social such as field and track events. Tickets start at $12.50 for general admission in advance. Visit www.lasvegashighlandgames.com for more information.
April 17-20
13th Annual Pure Aloha Concerts & Festival
Rio All Suite Hotel & Casino, 3700 W. Flamingo Rd.
Celebrate the power of the islands with this celebration of Hawaiian culture featuring a carnival with midway rides, cultural performances, specialty food and retail vendors and concerts. General admission tickets start at $8. Call 604-9438 or visit www.vizzun.com for information.
April 26
5th Annual Día del Niño
Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd.
Celebrate childhood as they do in Mexico with this annual event offering hours of fun for children of all ages, including clowns and magicians, dancing and singing, games, traditional food and drink and much more. Call 822-7700 or visit www.springspreserve.org for information.
Desert Mermaids Synchronized Swimming
If you’re still reeling from the end of figure skating, bobsleighing and curling at the Sochi Olympics, at least find comfort in the fact that Rio 2016 is just around the corner and there are plenty of interesting sports featured in the summer games. One such sport happens to combine acrobatics, water and some serious hair gel: synchronized swimming. It’s a lesser known sport, but one with inspirational and highly trained athletes who train for hours a day for a chance to win gold. A local synchronized swimming group, The Desert Mermaids, are doing big things right here in Southern Nevada.
The only group of its kind in Nevada, the Desert Mermaids are run by seven-time world champion, Linda Tannenbaum, and have been coached by an Olympic gold medalist. The teams are nationally ranked (one duet placed 1st in the nation!) and only gaining notoriety among their synchronized counterparts in other states.
Those interested in synchronized swimming can attend a free lesson for novice swimmers the first Saturday of every month at the Desert Mermaids local Pavilion Center Pool, 101 N. Pavilion Center Drive. For more information visit www.nevadadesertmermaids.com.
The Unicorn
The Unicorn
1.5 oz Ketel One Citron vodka
1 oz lemon juice
1 oz simple syrup
8 mint leaves
Ginger Beer
Combine all ingredients, shake and strain over ice into a mason jar. Top off with ginger beer.
Garnish: Lemon wedge
Recipe Courtesy of Dan Marohnic as served at Park on Fremont
Spring Cleaning Hacks
It’s that dreaded time of the year…we lose an hour of sleep AND we are forced by tradition to do a mass cleaning of the house. The ritual innocently dubbed “spring cleaning” could be considered a giant pain, but there are ways to game the system, if you will. We call them “hacks” and we compiled a few to help you out. So turn on your cleaning jams, bust out your Swiffer and enjoy!
Hack #1: Fabric softening dryer sheets are versatile creatures.
They can be used while doing your laundry, of course, but did you know they could also be used to more easily scrub away mineral deposits in the shower or get rid of that hard water ring in the toilet? You can even use them to dust the baseboards!
Hack #2: Use vinegar to clean your microwave.
If you fear the food explosion buildup in your microwave, just put equal parts vinegar and water in a microwave safe container and nuke it for 5 minutes (longer if your kids LOVE Hot Pockets). Wait for a few minutes for the steam to subside and easily wipe away crusty food surplus.
Hack #3: Organize your refrigerator with a Lazy Susan. If you’re irritated with clutter in the fridge, or that you have to move the mayo, butter AND ketchup to get to the salsa in the back, why not add a Lazy Susan to the mix? Put all the regulars on and watch as your food storage dilemmas become a thing of the past.
The hacks for spring cleaning are endless. Before you begin, check out some online forums for more time and sweat-saving ideas.
Editor’s Picks – April/May
April 10-13
Clark County Fair & Rodeo
Saddle up and blaze a trail out to Logandale where you can experience the thrills of a traditional rural Nevada fair. Festivities include carnival rides, a junior livestock show, horticulture exhibits and an endless parade of arts and crafts that cover everything from ceramics to furniture to photography. Over 500 of the nation’s top rodeo athletes will compete in steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing and more as they battle it out for cash prizes. You’ll also find plenty of food, drinks and live entertainment, so dust off your boots and get ready to enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of the modern day cowboy! Call (888) 876-FAIR or visit www.ccfair.com for more information.
April 12-13
29th Annual Boulder City Fine Arts Festival
This two day show brings artists from across the southwest together for a dynamic festival at Bicentennial Park in Boulder City. Browse the park at your leisure, taking in works from over 130 artists and craftsmen that include painting, glasswork, handcrafted jewelry and much more. The event serves as a fundraiser for the Boulder City Art Guild, a nonprofit that uses proceeds from the show to fund scholarships for art students. Come support a good cause and uncover some hidden treasures! Call 293-2138 or visit www.bcfineartsfestival.com for more information.
April 26
Henderson Heritage Parade
Celebrate the rich history of our very own City of Henderson at the annual Henderson Heritage Parade & Festival. This year, marking the event’s 60th anniversary, is themed Let’s Go to the Market! and will recognize the 15th year of the Henderson Farmer’s Market on Water Street. The daylong event kicks off with a breakfast featuring Mayor Hafen and the Henderson City Council, followed by an afternoon featuring a parade, festival, car show and more. Events will take place at the Henderson Events Plaza at & Amphitheater at 200 S. Water Street. Admission is complimentary and cyclists can rest easy with a complimentary bike valet! Visit www.hendersonlive.com for more information.
May 2
Boys & Girls Club Sneaker Ball
How many times have you dreaded a fancy cocktail event for the toll it takes on your feet? Well the annual Boys & Girls Club Sneaker Ball is the one for you. Choose your comfiest kicks to pair with that little black dress and head out to the M Resort at 12300 S. Las Vegas Blvd for a live and silent auction, entertainment, gourmet dinner, beer, wine and signature cocktails. Basically a night of fun with no “dress shoe” blisters to worry about! The event will feature guest speaker Rick Reilly, 11-time National Sportswriter of the Year and Front-page columnist for ESPN.com and proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Nevada. Tickets start at $200 per person. Visit www.bgchevents.org for more information.
May 7-11
San Gennaro Feast
Join the annual festivities at this Italian feast held in the honor of Saint Gennaro. A portion of West Flamingo Rd. at 4245 South Grand Canyon Drive will be transformed into “Littly Italy”, featuring a wide variety of ethnic food vendors offering a huge selection of favorites including sausage and peppers, pizza, pasta, desserts, pastries and much more. Live national acts perform hourly on the main stage, while amusement rides and games keep things fun for the whole family. As one of the most popular festivals around, attracting locals and visitors from all over the world, it’s the best Italian heritage celebration this side of Napoli. Visit www.sangennarofeast.com for more information.
Picks in the Zips | 3.7 – 3.9
March 7 – Master Tour De France (All Play)
Doge’s Palace in The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas, 3355 S Las Vegas Blvd
Join 12 Master Chefs and 12 wineries and spirit makers as they showcase specialties from different regions of France during the 59th Annual “Maitres Cuisiners de France” gathering of Master French Chefs. Visit www.palazzo.com for more information and tickets.
March 7 – First Friday (All Play)
Arts District Downtown
Walk the streets of the emerging Downtown Arts District while experiencing a vast array of art, people watching, live music, street performances and more. A Vegas institution since 2002, don’t miss supporting our avant garde local artists and shop owners. Visit www.firstfridaylasvegas.com for info.
March 8 – Bark in the Park (Henderson)
Cornerstone Park, 1600 Wigwam Pkwy
The 11th annual Bark in the Park features fun events for you and your dog. View demonstrations and booths, take part in a variety of contests and meet lots of beautiful dogs looking for good homes. For more information, visit cityofhenderson.com/parks or call (702) 267-4000.
March 8 – Guest Lecture: Da Vinci’s Knots – It’s All About the Dress
Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd.
After a decade of research, Caroline Cocciardi experienced a breakthrough. She realized that when viewed in high resolution, the pattern in the minute interlocking knot on Mona Lisa‘s dress was not decorative, but mathematical. Visitwww.springspreserve.org for more information.
March 8 – Spring Brew’s Best Hand-Crafted Beer Festival
The Village at Lake Las Vegas, 30 Strada Di Villaggio
Live music and the beautiful surroundings of The Village make this a perfect spring afternoon for some brews! Brew’s Best features local and regional brewers sampling their brews. Our festival typically has between 90 to 130 different beers, ales and ciders for sampling.
March 9 – One Night of Queen
The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Ave.
In 2000, Gary Mullen was the grand final winner of ITV’s celebrity impersonation contest “Stars In Their Eyes,” with the largest number of votes ever received in the show’s history. Following the show’s success, Mullen began touring on his own and in 2002 formed a band ‘The Works’, to pay tribute to rock legends Queen.
March 7-9 – NASCAR Weekend (All Play)
Las Vegas Motor Speedway, 7000 N. Las Vegas Blvd.
NASCAR’s most elite drivers put the pedal to the metal in this three day extravaganza. Races include Sam’s Town 300 Nationwide Series and Kobalt Tools 400 Sprint Cup Series. Call 800-644-4444 or visit www.lvms.com for tickets and info.
March 7-9 – Eurydice (All Play)
Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall @ UNLV, 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy.
Sarah Ruhl reimagines the classic myth of Orpheus through the eyes of its heroine. Dying too young on her wedding day, Eurydice must journey to the underworld, where she reunites with her father and struggles to remember her lost love. Call 895-2787 or visit pac.unlv.edu for tickets and information.
March 7-14 – Spring Restaurant Week (All Play)
Various restaurant locations around Las Vegas
The popular culinary event returns for another spring edition where locals and tourists can dine out at many of the city’s best restaurants at affordable prix fixe prices. Proceeds benefit Three Square Food Bank. Visit www.helpoutdineoutlv.org for participating locations.
