Kaeli Thompson If you thought it wasn’t possible to make a list of vegetables not just interesting but deeply exciting, you haven’t meet Kaeli. From sweet potatoes to kale, SPRITES to ASB, and volleyball to Young Life, Kaeli’s enthusimism takes the simple things in life and turns them into so much more. She is a […]

Sewit Tesfamicael It is with grace and grit that Sewit has helped support her family and raise her three younger siblings, all the while thriving academically, serving her community, and bringing the heat on the basketball court. Hers is truly an indomitable spirit, and the responsibility and resilience that that she possesses are a model […]

John Stewart To quote one of his teachers, “The only suitable metaphor for John’s talent is the sun – all encompassing, life affirming, and enriching.” But it is not simply John’s talent that is impressive; what is more spectacular and impactful are the connections he forms with everyone around him. Through his example, Johns helps […]

Joshua Segal A boundary-breaker and connection-maker, Josh epitomizes the ability to be genuinely true to all parts of one’s self and to helping others do the same. As an aspiring child psychologist, he sees an opportunity to help young adults embrace and capitalize on their strengths and to acknowledge and work through challenges. He has […]

Naya Sawah There is an undeniable and effervescent strength in Naya that overflows from her being and permeates any social or cultural border within reach. Her path from Syria to the US and through Rady Children’s Hospital has needless to say not been without challenge, but her spirit has brimmed with joie de vivre throughout. […]

Keoni Rodriguez A Polynesian dancer, Boy Scout, Irish tin whistle player, and cross country runner, Keoni defies all stereotypes and all limits. Keoni will tell you that leadership is “understanding those that you lead so that you can guide them.” It is with this deep sense of brotherhood, humanity, teamwork and love that Keoni will […]

Ilona Malinovska It is not enough for Ilona to shine academically herself, though shine she does. Her selfless and innovative spirit drove her to start a program at her high school designed to help students get back on track for graduation through peer tutoring and mentorship. Her care for and commitment to others extends beyond […]

Yareli Cervantes Perez As ASB president and a Chelsea’s Light Peer Corps counselor at the Preuss School, Yareli has led her community with poise and dignity. Despite the demands of her own academic and extracurricular pursuits, she has committed herself to ensuring that younger students both in her school and her community are supported and […]

Sydney Geisinger Want to build a tree in your living room? How about a paper mache yeti? Meet Sydney, whose creativity and innovative spirit led her to paint and distribute pennies around her school, hoping that the small token would bring surprise and smiles to whomever took the time to pick up the little piece […]

Kimberly Cuevas It is with a deep tenacity and joie de vivre that Kimberly takes on the challenges and obstacles that life and learning have thrown her way. She is an exemplar of self-advocacy, not letting any opportunity to grow and learn, nor any opportunity to help others, pass her by. Kimberly’s classmates look to […]