Fabiola Pachas

Henderson International School

Class of 2010

 The world is Henderson International School senior Fabiola Pachas’ oyster, and she is but a pearl in the middle. That she’s willing to work hard for what she wants, is supportive of others, cares deeply for her family and will accept nothing less than her best is obvious, but her uniqueness comes from more complex workings within. Her true beauty is in her resilience; her ability to overcome adversity and still have the energy to put her hopes and dreams on the table, set aside fear and reach for the stars. For that, Fabiola Pachas is – A Step Above. 

G.P.A.:  3.76

Sports/Activities/Clubs: 

• Varsity Softball, 2006-09
• Varsity Cheer/Dance, 2006-10
• Varsity Volleyball, 2007-10
• Varsity Girls Basketball, 2008-09
• Choir, 2006-08
• HIS Production–The Roar of the Greasepaint The Smell of the Crowd (Kid & Choreographer; 2006
• Starred in Grease (Cha-Cha & Choreographer; 2007
• Dance, 2008-Present      
• Student Council, 2007-Present
• Student Body President, 2008-Present
• 10^th Grade Class Representative, 2007-08

Scholarships/Awards:

•  Behnaz Salimian Student Service Award, 2009
• Female Athlete of the Year, 2009
• Janet Smith Scholar, 2007
• Henderson International Award, 2009
• Most Improved–Varsity Volleyball, 2008; Varsity Softball, 2007
• Most Valuable–Varsity Volleyball, 2008-10; Varsity Cheer, 2006-10; 1A All League First Team Volleyball, 2009
• All Tournament Player–Volleyball, 2009
• Team Captain–Varsity Cheer, 2007-10; Varsity Volleyball, 2006-10; Varsity Basketball, 2008-09
• Best Dance Performance–NY Theatre Arts Festival, 2006-07
• Best Choreographer–NY Theatre Arts Festival, 2007
• First Place Dance Solo–School Talent Competition, 2010
• Association ANAI Volunteer–Costa Rica, 2007
• Pueblo a Pueblo Volunteer–Guatemala, 2008
• Candlelighters Cancer Foundation Volunteer, 2007-Present
• Nevada Reading Week Volunteer, 2007-Present
• Weekend Emergency Assistance Program Volunteer, 2007-Present
• Volunteer Dance Choreographer, 2008-Present
• Team Black & Blue Non-Profit Organization: Founder of Dance Program, 2007-Present

Goals & Aspirations: “For now, I want to absorb my surroundings and take advantage of every opportunity college will give to me. For the future, my goal is to be an international entrepreneur, like the female Trump, be my own boss and give the world a taste of business that I can bring.”

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I was sad coming to my high school because there was no dance program offered. I made a proposal to fundraise for money to hire a dance teacher. Gradually, I brought the dance program to my school and it is one of the biggest achievements I’ve made at my high school.”

Fabiola is Stronger and Wiser Because: “My father was in a surgery malpractice accident when I was nine years old. He’s now paralyzed and brain dead. Becoming a serious competitive dancer helped me get stronger and happier and exposed me to the world in a new way. I could’ve mourned my father, but instead chose to grow up and succeed, because I knew that it is what my father would want me to do; stay happy, strong, and successful, just like he was.”

Megan Smallen

Coronado High School 

Class of 2010

 A “dreamer and writer” since she can remember, discovering her passion was never an issue for Coronado High School valedictorian Megan Smallen. Her journey has purely been a matter of turning dreams into reality. With every accomplishment, scholarship and thoughtful composition, she’s well on her way to doing just that. Along her zestful mission to live, learn and share, she harnesses her talents into stepping stones and focuses in on the adventures ahead. Pausing only to explore and enjoy the sights and the sounds, and never to question her own ability, Megan Smallen is – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.8

Activities/Clubs:

• The Coronado Roar newspaper staff, 2006-10; Editor-in-Chief, 2008-10; Assistant Editor, 2007-08; Opinion Editor, 2007
• Principal Clarinet–CHS Band, 2010
• CHS Wind Symphony & Marching Band, 2006-10; Pep Band, 2006-09
• Clark County Honor Band, 2004-10
• Clark County Solo and Ensemble Festival, 2004-09
• Advanced Music Study (Chamber) Participant, 2006-08
• National Honor Society, 2008-10
• CHS PSAT/SAT Club, 2007-09; President, 2008-10
• National Society of High School Scholars, 2009
• Las Vegas Sun Youth Forum, 2009
• Principal’s Advisory Board, 2007-09

Scholarships/Awards/Community Service:

• Loyola Marymount University Arrupe Scholarship, 2010-14
• UCLA Scholarship Recognition Award, 2010-11
• University of Missouri-Columbia Mark Twain Scholarship, 2010-14
• Ball State University Presidential Scholarship, 2010-14
• High School Journalism Award–3^rd Place for Best Editorial, 2009
• High School Journalism Award–Honorable Mention for Best Newspaper/Standard Format, 2009
• Outstanding Junior Marcher Award, 2009
• Clark County Solo and Ensemble Festival Superior Rating, 2006-09
• National Youth Leadership Conference Nominee, 2006-09
• Student of the Month–Biology, 2007; Social Studies & Foreign Language, 2008
• University of Nevada Las Vegas Future Scholar Award, 2007-08
• Nevada Prize Exam, 2008-09
• Southern Nevada Writing Project, 2009
• Harvard Book Prize Candidate, 2009
• Do the Write Thing to Prevent Violence Challenge Participant, 2006
• Step Out Walk to Fight Diabetes Volunteer, 2008
• Silverman Triathlon Volunteer, 2008
• Henderson Firefighters’ Annual Toy Drive, 2008
• Be the Match Bone Marrow Drive Volunteer, 2010

Goals & Aspirations: “I hope to strengthen my passion for storytelling by studying film and television production and exploring my interests in music, foreign language, and community service. I plan to pursue a career that will allow me to observe and document life while learning about the art of film making.”   

Megan Looks Up To: “My most positive role models, my mother and father honor personal strength, determination, and compassion and have always stressed the importance of seeing the beauty in others.  I am also fortunate to have talented and humorous friends who inspire me to pursue my dreams.”

Part of the Solution: “Pressured by their peers, young adults are suffering the consequences of drug and alcohol addiction.  In the future, I hope to contribute to programs that address alcoholism and drug abuse, stress the importance of a healthy lifestyle, and give teens confidence that everyone has the right to be successful.”   

Latoya Bembry

By Callie Thomas

“A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life.” -Isadora James

In a perfect world, a sister would be bright, bubbly, smart, keep all your secrets, run interference between you and your parents and most of all be your friend.  We have the opportunity to call resident Latoya Bembry the perfect sister to our community.  She IS bright, bubbly, smart and is the one that many count on in our community for support and an open heart.

The native Nevadan grew up in a very small town called Indian Springs, about 30 minutes northeast of North Las Vegas.  “The town is so small that residents have to travel to Vegas to do everything from banking, shopping, doctor’s visits and more,” says Bembry. “So technically I’m from Las Vegas!”  Growing up in a small community with a loving family, including parents Ann and Calvin and older brother Lyric, has instilled a sense of caring for others that has transcended into her choice of career as a public relations account executive at the Ferraro Group.  “I’ve been with the company for more than six years and work with a group of people that I genuinely love and care about,” she said.  “Community service goes hand-in-hand when working for a public relations agency, and my company strongly believes in its importance and encourages its employees to donate their time.”

Latoya has taken that notion to heart.  In fact, she has given her heart as well as her talents to a number of local organizations, including the Anthony L. Pollard Foundation, Boys Town of Southern Nevada, Susan G. Komen, Opportunity Village, MDA, American Heart Association, Nevada AIDS Project, the Las Vegas NAACP Political Action Committee and Soldiers’ Angels, just to name a few.  “I think it’s not only important to give back, but important to give back to a cause that you truly care about.”

There is one organization that has had a significant impact on Bembry’s life and, in effect, has touched the life of one in need of a little sisterly time and friendship.  Her most cherished involvement is as a Big Sister for Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Southern Nevada.  The organization helps children reach their potential through professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships.  Bembry knew she would be a prime candidate to be a mentor even at an earlier age.  “I love children and get along very well with them even though I do not have children of my own nor are there any young children in my family,” she said.  “I actually applied to be a Big sister when I was 24 but felt that I still had to achieve more personal growth to positively impact a child’s life.  Now that I’m 29, I feel there are so many things that I can share with my Little Sister.”

Latoya gets that opportunity every week when she sees her Little Sister Imaesia, who, at age six, seems to be perfectly matched with Bembry’s upbeat personality.  “She loves to talk and share her day, her hobbies and interests, and the love she has for her mother which resonates with me because I’m so close to my own.  That’s the power of children; one smile can make even a bad day great!”

Latoya Bembry’s “can do” attitude and desire to help others is a direct reflection of her upbringing, where she was always made to feel that she could do anything she wanted as long as she was willing to work hard for it.  Bembry continues to work hard in her efforts to lend support and make a positive impact on others.  “Community service to me is having a passion about a cause and committing to make a difference.”

Carolyn Wheeler

By Callie Thomas

Some people just never say no.  Thankfully, our community is that much the better because 89135 resident Carolyn Wheeler is always willing to lend a hand, even though she leads a busy life as a wife, mother and business owner.   It is her generous heart that reaches out and is a part of the change that makes a difference in the lives of families in our neighborhood.

The longtime Las Vegas resident is adept at “juggling plates in the air” working tirelessly at home with daughter Lindsay and husband Brian, in her career as a marketing director, as well as involving herself in community organizations.    “I’ve always been very involved in the community,” says Wheeler.  “I joined the Junior League where I got my first glimpse of the community and how big the need is here.  I served on their board for many years and enjoyed helping out in a variety of capacities.”

Carolyn is also a Junior Achievement volunteer, a Girl Scout Leader, serves on the PLT board at her daughter’s school and recently went back to work as the State Marketing Director for Communities In Schools of Nevada through the VISTA program. As if that weren’t giving enough, she also serves as the Board President for an organization which has become one of the most dear to her heart called Family to Family Connection, Las Vegas West.

Family to Family empowers and supports families and provides a safe and nurturing environment for their children from birth up to age four through parent education and community networking.  “I took my daughter to Family to Family when she was a newborn,” Carolyn said.  “The classes were invaluable and even more so were the relationships that were formed.  It is a great place to go where you feel like family and can network with other moms who are going through the same ups and downs of parenthood.  In fact, I still get together with a family that I met there when my daughter was only eight weeks old.”

The nonprofit organization offers free classes to parents as well as makes visits to new mothers at Mountain View Hospital and home visits upon request.  “I wanted to find some way to repay the organizers for the free classes and invaluable information in some way, and when I asked the Executive Director, Dianne Farkas, what I could do, she asked me to be on her board.”

Six years ago the organization was looking for a new approach to help raise funds for the program.  Out of that brainstorming session a special event called TOUCH-A-TRUCK became a reality.  It is a one-of-a-kind offering that gives children an opportunity to get up close and personal with their favorite big rigs, fire trucks, police cars and military vehicles.  What kid wouldn’t want to get behind the wheel, honk the horn and talk to the hometown heroes who drive them every day?

Each year the program has grown by leaps and bounds and has been held at the Orleans Arena for the last few years to accommodate the throngs of kids and parents at the event.  “Last year we had 90 trucks and 5,500 people and introduced a horn free hour for children with special needs in addition to a Jaws of Life demonstration by the fire department.  It was incredible.  We’re expecting another great TOUCH-A-TRUCK event on March 20,” Wheeler said.

Carolyn Wheeler refuses to say no and continues to give back to the community. “Creating a caring environment and being a positive role model for the children of our community is essential in setting an example for future generations.” For information on this year’s TOUCH-A-TRUCK event, visit www.touchatruck.net.

Andrew Wright

By Callie Thomas

“There’s nothing you can do that can’t be done…. All you need is love, love; love is all you need.”

– John Lennon/Paul McCartney

“I love my job!” exclaims resident Andrew Wright.  He has good reason, working directly with the six Liverpool Lads of the popular Cirque du Soleil show LOVE at the Mirage.  After all, in Wright’s world, it’s totally commonplace to have someone walk on their hands past your dressing room door.  The concept of the LOVE show is perhaps the epitome of what makes Andrew Wright tick.  In addition to a passion for the arts and sharing them with everyone, even those who are not able to afford to witness the magic of live performance, Wright is an optimist.  If there’s a will there’s a way.  And that will has grown into the formation of a nonprofit group called RagTag Entertainment, which reaches out to help those in need in our community.

The eight year resident’s love of the arts started at an early age.  “I saw The Phantom of the Opera when I was in middle school and immediately turned to the chaperone and said, ‘This is what I’m going to do for the rest of my life.’”  If his parents had not sent Andrew on that fateful trip, he would never have imagined the possibilities.  RagTag ensures that other kids have the same opportunity as Wright. The organization was conceived nearly ten years ago while Andrew was choreographing The Wizard of Oz in New York.  “The director and I were close friends and created this vision together.  While she tragically passed away later that year, I vowed to keep this dream alive.  With RagTag, we do our best to make sure as many kids as possible are introduced to the arts.”

RagTag puts on full scale production musicals and plays bringing all different types of performance art to our schools for free.  It’s taken on sort of a pied piper effect, gathering others who have a yearning to perform and share it with the community.  “In our shows at schools, we not only bring in working performers, but use local kids of all ages and local adults.  One show had the school principal playing piano for our singers,” says Wright, admitting his extreme gratitude for the artists who do the show.  “Not every style will speak to every kid, so we bring a little of everything–jazz, opera, plays, musical theater, dance, puppetry, you name it.”

RagTag has also assisted local charities as well as families in need.  “One family in particular ran into very serious health problems this last fall, and we were able to provide entertainment at an event to help the family,” he said.  “It’s great being a part of everyone coming together to help someone in a dark hour.”  The group tries to pair their shows and events in a way that best assists the individual charities they support, whether it be food drives, clothing drives, or other ways to help.  One charity that Wright has a personal affection for is called “Walking the Roads.”  The organization collects used shoes to distribute to villages in Africa.  “We collect at shows and appearances and we’ll be sending a singer to perform at an upcoming event in Phoenix this month.”

Community is everything to Andrew Wright and his wife Amanda.  They lead by example,  instilling a passion for the arts and helping others early on in their one year old daughter Ava. He is intent on making a positive impact on the world and hopes to inspire local businesses to lend their support. “I love hearing kids asking their parents to enroll them in dance, voice or other forms of entertainment as they are leaving our performances.  Each time, that’s one more kid or family whose lives will be better through music and the arts.”  For more information and a schedule of upcoming events, email RagTagent@yahoo.com or look for them on Facebook.

Lauren Dartois

Durango High School

Class of 2010

Durango High School senior Lauren Dartois is a ready, set, go kinda girl. A busy body with a taste for a lifetime of success, Lauren is hard to keep up with, heading off to important appointments or racing to and through the pool at the big meet, along with the myriad other goals she’s set for herself. Through it all she finds balance between study, practice and play, coming out a better person for it with a smile and yet another achievement under her belt. Her time management skills, leadership, confidence and determination put her yards and meters beyond the competition, and for that, Lauren Dartois is – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.71

Sports/Activities:

• Sandpipers of Nevada Competitive Swim Team, 2001-Present
• Varsity Swimming, 2007-Present; Captain, 2009
• Advanced Orchestra, 2006-09
• National Honor Society, 2008-Present
• French Club, 2006-Present; Secretary, 2008
• Athletic Council, 2008-Present
• Invisible Children United, 2009-Present

Awards/Community Service:

• National Society of High School Scholars
• Nevada Girls State Delegate–City Councilwoman and State Assemblywoman, 2009
• Scholar Athlete, 2007-Present
• Athlete of the Month–Swimming, 2009
• Sunset Region Girls Second Team, 2008
• Sunset Regional Swim Top 16 Qualifier, 2007
• Sunset Regional Swim Top 8 Qualifier, 2008/09
• Nevada State Swimming Qualifier, 2009
• National Honor Society Tutor
• Canned Food Drive, 2007-Present
• Danny Gans Champions Run for Life Participant, 2008
• Durango Campus Beautification, 2008
• Las Vegas Marathon Volunteer, 2008

• Teens for Jeans, 2009/10
• JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes Participant, 2009

• Speedo Southern California Sectional Swim Meet Volunteer, 2009
• Candlelighters 5K Race for Our Kids Participant, 2009
• Alzheimer’s Memory Walk Volunteer, 2009
• Salvation Army Homeless Outreach, 2010                                                                                          

Goals & Aspirations: “I hope to graduate from high school as an AP scholar and continue my education as a pre-pharmacy student in college. I hope to obtain my doctorate of pharmacy degree in six to eight years and pursue a career in a field of research.”

Lauren is Successful Because: “I believe success is simply defined by working hard at something you love in order to reach a goal. My work ethic and determination to be the best I can be has helped me achieve this, and my success comes from accomplishing the goals I have set for myself.”

Lauren Looks Up To: “I was once told that it is not celebrities that you should idolize, because they are not any different than you or me. Instead, it is the people in your life that help you realize, set and accomplish your goals in order to reach success; and for that, I look up to my coaches, teachers, and my parents.”            

Lauren is Stronger and Wiser Because: “Just learning from mistakes has helped me become a much stronger person. I have come to realize it is okay to make mistakes, because when you do, there is always a valuable lesson to take away from it.”

Kylee Elexis Slee

Palo Verde High School

Class of 2010

In every way, Palo Verde High School valedictorian candidate Kylee Slee has found her voice. With all the cool sophistication and elegance of, say, a striking operatic performer, she devotes every aria and diaphragmatic exhale to the passion of her music. And yet, with every step Kylee takes toward stardom, she challenges herself to hit higher notes than ever before while still being an example and leader to her peers. For this, Kylee Slee is – A Step Above.

G.P.A.:  4.8

Sports/Music/Activities:

• Junior Varsity Soccer, 2006-07
• Swim Team, 2007-08
• PVHS Concert Choir, 2006-10
• PVHS Vocal Infinity Varsity Choir, 2008-10
• PVHS Madrigals, 2006-08; Alto Section Leader, 2007-08
• PVHS Production 100 Years of Broadway–Soloist and Chorus Member, 2008
• PVHS Production A Tribute to Gershwin–Soloist and Chorus Member, 2009
• PVHS Production A Night at the Opera–Guest Soloist with Orchestra, 2008
• Nevada Music Educators Association All-State Honor Choir, 2007-09
• CCSD High School Honor Choir–Soprano Section Leader, 2006-09
• CCSD High School Jazz Honor Choir–Soprano Section Leader, 2006-09
• Bear Valley Music Festival, L’Elisir d’Amore–Chorus Member, 2009
• Tennis Channel Open (ESPN)–National Anthem Soloist, 2008
• International House of Blues Foundation, Blues Schoolhouse–Guest Soloist, 2008

Scholarships/Awards/Community Service:

• National Merit Scholarship Competition–Finalist, 2009-10
• National Hispanic Recognition Program–Scholar, 2009
• National Society of High School Scholars–Ambassador, 2008-10
• Scholastic Art and Writing Competition–Silver Key, 2010
• Clark County Y-Write High School Poetry Contest–Third Place, 2008
• Nevada All-State Academic Team–Swimming, 2007-08
• PVHS English Student of the Month, 2008
• PVHS Spanish and Math Student of the Month, 2007
• UNLV Future Scholar Award, 2006-08
• UNLV Top Hispanic Scholar Award, 2008/09
• LV Music Teachers Nat’l Assoc (MTNA) Jazz Festival–Superior with Excellence Rating, 2009
• MTNA Senior Performance Voice Competition–Alternate Finalist, 2008
• CCSD Solo & Ensemble Festival–Superior Rating, 2006-10
• NATS High School Musical Theatre Division–2^nd Place, 2007-10
• NATS Classical Junior & Senior Division–1^st Place, 2009-10
• NATS Classical Freshman & Sophomore Division–2^nd Place, 2007
• Project TEAM Volunteer, 2009-10
• Toys for Tots & Homeless Veterans of America Volunteer, 2008-09
• Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Volunteer Performance, 2006-09
• Peer Tutoring, 2006-10

Goals & Aspirations: “After receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in vocal performance, I plan on applying to a Master’s program to get a degree in both vocal performance and pedagogy. I would like to retire at a ripe old age with my name being known around the world as an amazing performer and teacher.”

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of my candidacy for valedictorian, National Merit Semifinalist, National Hispanic Scholar, being named Soprano One Section Leader for two years at both the Regional and All-State Honor Choirs, and for my performance in a professional opera production.” 

Kylee is Stronger and Wiser Because: “The summer after my freshman year, I blew out my knee playing soccer. I decided to turn my attention to music.  With this newly-formed passion, my knowledge of the subject increased greatly, and I realized that I could not live without it. If I had never blown out my knee, I would have never found out what I was truly passionate about.”

Sarah Lucas

Odyssey Charter High School

Class of 2010

Odyssey Charter High School senior Sarah Lucas is taking the road less traveled, and she’s not afraid to make bold moves or even start from scratch to achieve her dreams. She did, after all, make a conscientious decision to leave public school for a charter school in order to pursue her passion for tennis. In doing so, she’s demonstrated that she’s a self-disciplined self-starter who’s not willing to neglect her studies in order to reach athletic fame. Whether negotiating for AP courses for the good of all her peers, or going from rookie to all-star in just a few years, she’s leaving her mark, making Sarah Lucas – A Step Above.

G.P.A.:  4.33

Sports/Activities/Community Service:

• Liberty High School Tennis, 2006-Present; Team Captain, 2009-10
• USTA Competitive Tennis, 2007-Present
• Las Vegas “No Quit” Tennis Academy, 2007-Present
• OHS Student Council Founder, 2009
• OHS Hispanic Society, 2009-Present
• Inspiring Children Leadership Program in Nevada, 2007
• Assistant to “Going Green” Las Vegas Rock Landscaping Company, 2008
• USTA Nevada Intern, 2008-Present

• Obama Campaign Volunteer, 2008
• Feed the Homeless Programs Volunteer, 2009
• Article for Inside Tennis Magazine, 2009
• Tony Bennett Fundraiser Committee, 2008/09

Scholarships/Awards:

• East Coast Leadership Tour, 2008
• Best Athlete Award–Hilton Tennis Academy, 2007
• 4-Time Liberty High School Athletic Award–Varsity Women’s Tennis, 2006-10
• 3-Time Nevada All-State Academic Award, 2007-09
• USTA Nevada Sportsmanship Award, 2009
• USTA Nevada Rudy Ruettiger Award, 2009
• Individual Competition Regional Finalist, 2009
• Women’s Tennis State Runner-up, 2009
• Athlete of the Month, 2006-09
• Varsity LHS Tennis Letters, 2006-10
• Carol Wolfington Heart Award, 2008
• National Society of High School Scholars, 2009

Goals & Aspirations: “My goals are to graduate high school with an honors diploma, straight A’s and the highest G.P.A. I can earn, and to get a college scholarship to play tennis for a women’s tennis team.”

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of my success in tennis and in school. Even though the odds were stacked against me because of starting later than anyone competing in a high level of tennis, I never gave up. I have come a long way since I started in 2007, and it has been the journey of a lifetime.”

Sarah Looks Up To: “I really do look up to my mom, Mary-Carmen. She was the only one of eleven brothers and sisters to leave her home town in Puebla, Mexico to live in the United States. With a lot of hard work and dedication, she learned the language, found a job and bought a small condo. My dad has a similar story. They have taught me many lessons of life from experience and wisdom, and I listen.”

Asli Kupoglu

Green Valley High School

Class of 2010

Green Valley High School Student Body President Asli Kupoglu is taking it all in stride. That’s not to say that she doesn’t apply herself diligently to all that she does, be it taking a leadership role, scoring on the athletic field or helping others through volunteer work. Nor does it mean that her curiosity, intelligence and ambition don’t propel her toward learning from life’s experiences and moving onward. It simply means that she doesn’t let the small stuff get in the way of her plan to live life to the fullest, always remembering to be thoughtful and respectful of others along the way, and for that, Asli Kupoglu is – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 3.6

Sports/Activities:

• Varsity Cross Country, 2006-08

• Varsity Soccer, 2006-Present
• Band, 2006/07

• Student Council, 2009-10
• Student Body President, 2009-10
• Vegetarian Club, 2010

Awards/Community Service:

• Rotary Student of the Month, 2010
  JDRF Volunteer, 2009/10
• Canned Food Drive Volunteer, 2009/10
• Gators Give, 2009/10
• PB & J-a-thon, 2009/10
• TLC Nursing Home Volunteer, 2009/10
• Blood Drive, 2010
• Clark County Museum Guild, 2009/10

Goals & Aspirations: “Some of the many goals I have now are to get good grades, stay healthy and do one nice thing for someone everyday. Some of my future goals are to do well in college, volunteer as much as possible and travel the world.”

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of becoming student body president; I worked so hard in order to make this happen, and I love doing it.”

Asli is Successful Because: “I believe I’m successful because of my determination. When I want something, I don’t rest until I’ve achieved whatever it is. I’m successful now, and I will be successful in my future, too, because of this awesome drive I have.”

Asli Looks Up To: “I really look up to Ellen DeGeneres. She has such a playful attitude, but at the same time she does so much for others and the community. I’ve never once seen her sad or feeling sorry for herself. She understands that life can’t be taken for granted, and that it’s a celebration. I have that kind of attitude towards my life as well.”

Logan Bryan

Coronado High School

Class of 2010

Coronado High School valedictorian candidate Logan Bryan is a young man with his heart and mind right where they ought to be. His goals are of a simple sentiment, as he says himself, “to serve his fellow man.” To reach that end, he works on his own personal growth, appropriating his time to diligent study, honing his leadership skills and occasionally helping out global humanitarian efforts. Performing it all humbly and with great appreciation for the support of his family and the rewards of faith, Logan Bryan is – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.8

Sports/Clubs:

• Track & Field, 2009-Present
• Football, 2006
• Orchestra Member–Savior of the World Production, 2008
• Student Body Treasurer, 2009-Present
• Junior Class Representative, 2008-09
• Sophomore Class Representative, 2007-08
• Freshman Class Representative, 2006-07
• National Honor Society, 2008-Present
• Varsity Quiz Team, 2008-Present
• Co-Founder of Underground Ping-Pong Federation
• Hip-Hop Club, 2009-Present
• Students for Soldiers, 2009-Present

Scholarships/Awards/Community Service:

• ACT Perfect Score (36; 2009
• Eagle Scout
• National Hispanic Scholar
• National Merit Scholarship Letter of Commendation, 2009
• AP Scholar, 2009
• Varsity Letter–Varsity Quiz, 2009
• Nevada Prize Exam Award Recipient, 2008/09
• Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA; 2009
• Principal’s Advisory Board, 2006-Present
• Smiles for El Salvador Humanitarian Mission Participant, 2009
• Tiny Tim’s Foundation Volunteer to Chihuahua, Mexico, 2007-08
• Cougars Care Volunteer/Participant, 2008/09
• Teen Advisory Group–Paseo Verde Library, 2009-Present
• PKD, Race for the Cure & Shade FoundationVolunteer, 2007-09
• Danny Gans Memorial Champion Run for Life, 2009
• Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, 2009

Goals & Aspirations: “My goal is to graduate as a valedictorian, attend Brigham Young University, serve an honorable mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and go to medical school. I hope to help people as a doctor, especially those with low incomes and no health insurance.”

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of my participation in the Smiles for El Salvador Humanitarian Mission.  The experience of performing dental and medical work for over 500 El Salvadorian teenagers was life-changing, instilling in me a desire to serve my fellow man.”

Logan is Successful Because: “I am successful because of the goals I set for myself. There are times when I fail or when I feel like I can’t do it, but I just look to the help of God and my family, and I get up and keep trying. In the end whatever happens, I know that’s what God had in mind for me.”

Part of the Solution: “Texting and Facebook is depersonalizing our world.  Young adults no longer have the guts to ask someone on a date in person, or to communicate in general.  I think communication is the key to an ideal society. Young adults need to learn how to step outside their virtual world and join the real world of face-to-face interaction.”