A Step Above – Ashton Martin
Silverado High School
Class of 2013
The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow, and with fearless guides such as Silverado High School senior Ashton Martin to lead them, they are destined for big things. With a passion for music, education and helping out in the community, Ashton brings an indomitable spirit and a daring optimism to everything she does, building a future for herself and her peers without letting anything get in her way. Hard work keeps her focused, charity keeps her humble and perseverance keeps her striving to achieve greatness, all of which combine to elevate Ashton Martin to – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.5
Sports/Activities
- Volleyball, 2009-11; Captain, 2009
- Varsity Golf, 2011-12
- Madrigal Choir, 2009-12
- Honor Choir, 2009-12; Soprano I Section Leader, 2011-12
- All State Choir, 2009-12
- Student Council, 2011-Present; Student Body VP, 2012
- Youth Advisory Council for Water District, 2012
- British Memory Talent Show, 2012; Event Chair, 2012
- Senior Class Committee, 2012
Awards/Community Service
- State Runner Up in Solo & Ensemble, 2009-12
- Command Performance Winner (Women’s Ensemble), 2010
- Section Leader, CCSD Honor Choir, 2011-Present
- President of Choir, 2012
- National Honor Society, 2012
- Engineering Club VP, 2012
- Operation Smile Club, 2010-Present; Treasurer, 2010-Present
- AP Ambassador, 2012
- Church Choir, 2012
- Caroling for Nursing Homes, 2009-12
- PB&J-A-Thon, 2011-12
- “Put on Christmas” for Shade Tree, 2011-12
Goals & Aspirations: “I hope to acquire straight As as a senior, get in the college of my choice with scholarships, and continue to grow my knowledge of the world. I hope to one day become a doctor in neuroscience or have a career in the music field. I am not sure where life will lead me, but I know I see myself successful and happy in whatever I choose.”
Ashton Looks Up To: “My grandmother. She is who has supported me most in my music and always knows the right thing to say to me. I will constantly look up to her, not only because she’s 5’11” but because she is the most passionate, kind and loving woman I have ever met. My grandma is not just someone I look up to; she is someone I aspire to be.”
Part of the Solution: “I think a key issue facing young adults today is not having a future in the failing economy. I have applied to being part of the youth council for the school board of trustees and if chosen to be a participant I will have my voice heard. Young adults are the key to the future. If youth issues are never looked upon, progress will be difficult to achieve.”
A Step Above – Tyler Topham
Green Valley High School
Class of 2013
Some people may fold when life gets difficult, but Green Valley High School senior Tyler Topham has a knack for staying focused under pressure, leading to big results. As a star linebacker on the football field, he’s helped guide his team to a division championship through impressive athletic skill and a sharp mind for the game. Warm and welcoming, with a steadfast dedication to his fellow students, he’s got big dreams for the future to go along with the victories of today. He knows exactly where he’s going, and that helps Tyler Topham rise to – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.80
Sports/Activities
- Varsity Football, 2011-Present; Captain, 2012
- JV Football, 2010-11; Captain, 2010-11
- JV Basketball, 2010-11
- Varsity Volleyball, 2011-Present; JV Volleyball, 2010-11
- Band (Trumpet), 2009-10
- Boy Scouts of America, 2006-Present
- Summer Basketball, 2011
Awards
- Varsity Football NE Division Champions, 2012
- Henderson Bowl Victors, Great American Rivalry Series, 2011-12
- 2nd Team All SE Division End for Football, 2011-12
- Defensive MVP (JV Football), 2010-11
- Lineman MVP (B Team Football), 2009-10
- AP Scholar with Honors, 2011-12
- Scholar Athlete (Football & Volleyball), 2011-12
- Nevada All State Academic Team (Football), 2011-12
- Science Student of the Month, 2009-10
- American Legion Award, 2008-09
- Eagle Scout Award, 2012
Tyler Looks Up To: “My grandfather has sacrificed and worked hard his whole life. He had to drop out of high school to help his father on the farm. My grandfather is a man born with nothing who worked hard to gain everything. He never brags or gloats, but he will do anything for his family. He is a man of his word and a man of generosity. He is a hero.”
Part of the Solution: “A problem a lot of young adults I see have is a sense of purpose. Many young adults I have met don’t know what to do with their lives and get into trouble. I would like to help young people learn to find hobbies, careers and an education so that they can have every opportunity to control their own destiny.”
Cause for Concern: “If I could be president of any nonprofit charity, it would be an organization like QuestBridge because I believe every hardworking student deserves to go to the college of their choice. The students of today are tomorrow’s future and I believe people need to be more active in giving students better opportunities to go to college.”
A Step Above – Landon Hsieh
Coronado High School
Class of 2013
Creativity and innovation are two of the most powerful forces at work in society, both of which come together through the artistic expression of Coronado High School senior Landon Hsieh. Cordial, outgoing and diverse in his talents, he strives to challenge himself in everything from dancing to artwork to student council and beyond, leading the way in creating distinctive work that is certain to inspire others and help build a legacy for his generation. He’s expanding his own horizons while looking toward new ones, and that places Landon Hsieh – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.777
Sports/Activities/Community Service
- Track & Field, 2010
- Varsity Quiz, 2010-12
- All Male Dance Team, 2009
- National Art Honor Society, 2010-Present
- Hip Hop Dance Club, 2010-Present
- Dance Club President, 2010 & 2012; Vice President, 2011
- Coronado Culture Shock Host, 2010-12
- Student Council, 2009-Present
- Junior Class President, 2011-12
- Nevada Boys’ State Delegate, 2012
- Landsman Learning Center Tutor, 2010
- Arturo Cambeiro Elementary School Dance Teacher, 2010-11
Awards
- Harvard Book Prize Award, 2012
- 1st Place, Journalism Awards, Best Editorial Cartoon, 2012
- Varsity Quiz State Champions, 2011-12
- All Male Dance Team National Qualifier, 2010
- Anime Vegas Masquerade Best Performance (Dance), 2010
- Anime Vendor Fair Judge’s Choice Award (Dance), 2012
- 2nd Place, En Masse Entertainment Art Competition, 2012
- Las Vegas Review Journal Art Spotlight, 2007
- Las Vegas Review Journal R-Jeneration Spotlight, 2012
Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of organizing prom as the Junior Class President. It was one of the first responsibilities where I had a large influence from start to finish, from planning to fundraising to contacting. My classmates depended on me for one of their major events. Knowing that I was able to do something set this accomplishment apart.”
Landon is Successful Because: “The way I handle life is with precision and efficiency. When I dance, it is my life. When I draw, it is my life. I completely engross myself in what I do. I tell myself every day that I can become better. Pushing for that perfection manages to get me to stand out.”
Landon is Stronger and Wiser Because: “When I first took up student council at Coronado, I was definitely rattled. I never did leadership in middle school, and the change into it had me pulling my hair out. I overcame this hurdle by discovering a key element to leadership – communication. I listened. I talked. I learned. I know now that I must be ready to take risks and try new techniques.”
A Step Above – Katie Monaco
Coronado High School
Class of 2013
Never fear, never settle. That’s the determined outlook that drives Coronado High School senior Katie Monaco to rise above the crowd. Fastidious and focused, born to be an athlete, Katie dedicates a wealth of energy to track, cross country and basketball. A humble attitude and strong family role models keep her grounded, but once the starter pistol fires, she flies out of the blocks with a competitive edge and a tireless commitment that push her toward the host of triumphs waiting just across the finish line. For all that and more, Katie Monaco stands – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 3.639
Sports/Activities/Community Service
- Varsity Track, 2011-Present; JV Track, 2010
- Varsity Cross Country, 2010-Present
- Varsity Basketball, 2009-Present
- Desert Storm Club Basketball, 2009-11
- Nevada Elite Club Basketball, 2012
- Allegiance Sports Management & Training, 2012
- Broadcast – Channel 6 News, 2011-Present
St. Thomas More, More Youth, 2010-11 - L.I.G.H.T. Retreat, 2010-12
- Sunrise Service Center, 2011
- Bob Miller Middle School Basketball Camp Volunteer, 2009-10
Awards
- State Champions (Cross Country), 2012
- Second Team All Region (Cross Country), 2012
- Sunrise Region Team Champions (Cross Country), 2010-12
- Scholar Athlete, 2009-10
- Honor Roll, 2009-10
- White Letter, 2011
- Outstanding Sophomore Award (Cross Country), 2010
- Distance Sportsmanship Award (Track), 2011
- Coaches Award (Cross Country), 2011
- Las Vegas Notch Run (3rd Place for Age Group), 2012
Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I will never forget the day I received my white letter in 2010. I received this for being a varsity athlete in three sports in one school year. I have always dreamed of being a state champion in one of my three sports, and this dream was made reality when my cross country team won the state championship.”
Katie Looks Up To: “Two people I look up to are my grandma and grandpa. My grandmother has been through difficult times, but she is strong and will fight to the end. My grandfather was involved in education and has a huge heart. My grandparents will forever be my role models. Being remembered as loyal, faithful, hardworking and generous is what I aim to be.”
Part of the Solution: “One of the key issues that young adults are facing today is giving up on their dreams. Our generation is more frightened by the idea of growing up than doing what is best for them in the long run. In order to change this, I have helped inspire young female athletes at basketball camp and motivated young teens at my church to do more community service.”
