Jillian Lopez

Palo Verde High School

Class of 2011

With aspirations like becoming a major news network anchorwoman and, overall, just changing the world for the better, Palo Verde High School Senior Class President Jillian Lopez has got her work cut out for her. But she’s not working with a blank canvas. She’s already a charitable community member and role model to all she meets. And with gumption, charisma and cheerful positivity, she’s well on her way to completing the masterpiece of achieving her life goals, which elevates Jillian Lopez to – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.383

Sports/Clubs/Awards/Community Service:

• Dance Team, 2009-Present 
• New American University Scholarship 
• American Legion Award 
• National Honor Society 
• Senior Class President, 2010-Present
• Junior Class Vice President, 2009-10
• Broadcast Journalism
• Foundation for Positively Kids Volunteer
• Ronald McDonald House Volunteer
• Three Square Volunteer

Goals & Aspirations: “I plan to reach my goal of being the best senior class president I can possibly be.  I aspire to represent my class and school to my greatest ability.  As for the future, I plan to attend Arizona State University and to become a broadcast journalist after studying at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism.”

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “Being elected as the Junior Class Vice President and the Senior Class President are two things that I am most proud of.  Winning these positions took a great amount of time, dedication and commitment.  Every minute of that hard work was worth it because now I am able to do what I love most: being a leader and making my school a better place.”

Jillian is Successful Because: “My ability to adapt to any situation is what makes me successful.  I work well with all types of people and can step up as a leader in times of need.”

Jillian is Stronger and Wiser Because: “At the age of eight, my best friend Natalie died of cancer.  I learned a lot from this situation, but if there’s one thing I learned the most it’s to enjoy every day to its fullest.  Natalie taught me that even through the toughest of times you have to keep a smile on your face and focus on the positive aspects of life.”

Cause for Concern: “If I could be the president of any charitable organization it would be the Foundation for Positively Kids. I have been working with this charity all my life, which is why it is so special to me.  Their goal is to help children and change the world, something I aspire to do as well.”

Benjamin Jaojoco

Bishop Gorman High School

Class of 2011

Bishop Gorman High School senior Benjamin Jaojoco’s life is like a songbook of great hits by chart topping bands. His Journey is filled with Open Arms and a willingness to accept others for who they are. Respect is a quality he admires and seeks to uphold at all times. And considering his devotion to family, it wouldn’t be surprising to hear the tunes of We Are Family wafting from his alto saxophone. His dedication to academia and leadership, coupled with a courteous nature, are what’s bound to make his future so bright, and undoubtedly elevate Benjamin Jaojoco to – A Step Above.

G.P.A.:  3.82

Activities/Awards/Community Service:

• Varsity Track & Field–Long Jump, 2007-Present
• Varsity Band–Alto Sax, 2007-Present
• Drumline, 2011
• National Honor Society, 2009-Present
• Spanish Honor Society, 2009-Present
• Math Honor Society, 2011
• Science Club, 2007-Present
• Multicultural Club, 2010-Present
• Photo Club, 2011

• Art Club, 2008-Present
• Scholar Athlete Award, 2007/08
• Matthew’s Closet Advisory Board at Bishop Gorman, 2011
• Altar Server at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2004-Present
• Member of Youth Ministry Program at St. Elizabeth

Goals & Aspirations: “My goal right now is to get into a good college, hopefully USC. My backup schools are the University of Arizona, University of Utah and the University of Oregon. In the future, my dream is to become a pediatric doctor because I am good with kids. I hope that I could live either in Las Vegas near my family or in Los Angeles.”

Benjamin is Successful Because: “Being kind and respectful to others is what makes me successful, along with a hard work ethic and persistence.”

Benjamin is Stronger and Wiser Because: “One experience that has made me a stronger person was a car crash involving my whole family. It taught me to never take anything for granted because life can change at an instant. It made me realize even more how much I love my family.”

Part of the Solution: “A key issue facing young adults today is the lack of respect towards each other and towards adults. Although this issue is not discussed very much compared to drugs and violence, it is still a problem in society. The only way that I can solve this problem is to lead by example and continue to show respect towards my family, classmates and teachers.”

Nikki Hipolito

Bishop Gorman High School

Class of 2011

Big things come in small packages, and Bishop Gorman High School Senior Class Vice President Nikki Hipolito is a brilliant example. An award winning thespian with an outstanding academic record, her accolades tell a story all their own. Yet, it is through her determination to show the world that charisma and confidence are far more important than vertical stature that her true nature really shines. With ambitious goals and the initiative to follow through with them no matter what the odds, the sky’s no limit for Nikki Hipolito, and for that she is – A Step Above. 

G.P.A.:  3.91

Activities/Clubs:

• Gaels Theatre Guild, 2007-Present
• Worship Choir, 2007-Present
• President of the International Thespian Society Troupe 4347, 2010-Present
• Senior Class Vice President, 2010-Present
• National Honor Society, 2009-Present
• Spanish Honor Society, 2009-10
• Mu Alpha Theta, 2010-Present

Awards/Community Service:

• Outstanding Academic Performance–Spanish 1, 2008; Algebra II/Trig, 2010; English III, 2010
• National Honor Thespian of the International Thespian Society
• Best Actress for Inca of Perusalem, 2009
• Best Angel for Anything Goes, 2009
• Best Studio Sweetener for Gaels Theatre Guild, 2009
• Nevada Thespian Regional Competition Superior Rating (Group Musical; 2011
• Three Square Food Bank, 2010-Present
• Opportunity Village Thrift Store, 2010
• Bless Fest, 2010
• Operation School Bell, 2010-Present

Goals & Aspirations: “After receiving an Honors Diploma at graduation, I plan to continue my education at a respectable college in the East Coast and go to medical school to study anesthesiology. Beyond education, I hope to travel the world someday.”

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am so proud of achieving the honor of a National Honor Thespian of the International Thespian Society with 161 points. I hope to achieve international status before I graduate!”

Nikki is Successful Because: “I am successful because I am extremely passionate in whatever I set my heart to. Some of my dreams and goals are very ambitious, but none of them are unattainable to me. I don’t believe in giving up without a fight or not giving 100% into anything that I do. To me, anything’s possible.”

Nikki is Stronger and Wiser Because: “I have always been very short for my age, and people would tease or ridicule me for it. I became very shy and was afraid of what other people would say about me. However, as I got older, I started becoming more proud of the person that I am, and I have learned that the best person I could be is me. As Dr. Seuss once said, ‘A person’s a person no matter how small.’”