In the Know

In the Know

In the Know

In the Know

Carlie Jane and Erica Ann Thompson

Faith Lutheran High School

Class of 2010

Faith Lutheran High School graduates Carlie and Erica Thompson, valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, have more in common than just pretty faces. Gifted musically and academically, one might surmise that their talent is simply in their identical genes. It is true that together, they rely on hard work and dedication to meet the demands of hectic schedules. And yet the reality of this dynamic duo is far more distinct. Possessing of unique personal qualities and goals, they’ve each devised their own methods of achieving their highest potential, and for that, Carlie and Erica Thompson are – A Step Above. 

Carlie Jane

G.P.A.: 4.9 Valedictorian

Activities/Community Service:

• FLHS Handbell Ensemble, 2006-10; Section Leader
• FLHS Mock Trial, 2006-09
• Tri-M Music Honor Society, 2007-10
• National Honor Society, 2008-10
• Junior Statesmen of America, 2009-10
• Varsity Quiz, 2009; Captain
• Peer Tutor, 2010
• Lip Sync, 2009
• Catholic Charities Volunteer, 2008-Present
• Canyon Ridge Church Volunteer, 2008-Present
• Operation Christmas Child, 2006-09

Awards:

• FLHS Valedictorian, 2010
• Grand National Champion Award for Handbell Ensemble–Dynamic Music Festivals, 2010
• Dynamic Music Festivals Sweepstakes Award, 2010
• Handbell Player of the Year, 2009
• Adjudicator’s Award for Handbell Ensemble, 2009
• Outstanding in Class Award for Handbell Ensemble, 2007
• FLHS Mock Trial MVP Witness Award–Regional Competition, 2009
• English Academic Award, 2010
• Social Sciences Academic Award, 2010
• Religion Academic Award, 2009
• National Youth Leadership Conference, 2008/09
• ROTC Award Nominee, 2009
• Music Letter, 2007-10
• Mock Trial Letter, 2007-09
• Academics Letter, 2007-10

Carlie’s Goals & Aspirations: “My future academic goals include gaining an internship with the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, AZ, graduating with honors from Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State, and being accepted into medical school to become an oncologist.  My future plans also include getting married and starting a family someday.”

Carlie is Successful Because: “What makes me successful is not taking shortcuts in school and in life. When a teacher assigns me a book to read, I actually read it, instead of going straight to Spark Notes or Cliffs Notes.  The overall quality of your work will be better, no matter if it’s homework or a job, and you will be more productive and confident in your abilities.”

Erica Ann  

G.P.A.: 4.4 Salutatorian

Activities/Community Service:

• FLHS Handbell Ensemble, 2006-10; Section Leader, 2008-10
• FLHS Mock Trial, 2007-09
• Tri-M Music Honor Society, 2007-10; Secretary, 2009-10
• National Honor Society, 2008-10
• National Society for High School Scholars, 2008-10
• Rock Climbing Club, 2007-08
• Student Senate, 2008-09
• Lip Sync, 2009
• National Junior Honor Society, 2005-07
• Catholic Charities Volunteer, 2008-Present
• Canyon Ridge Church Volunteer, 2008-Present
• Operation Christmas Child, 2006-09

Awards:

• Faith Lutheran Salutatorian, 2010
• Grand National Champion Award for Handbell Ensemble–Dynamic Music Festivals, 2010
• Dynamic Music Festivals Sweepstakes Award, 2010
• Handbell Player of the Year, 2010
• Adjudicator’s Award for Handbell Ensemble, 2009
• Outstanding in Class Award for Handbell Ensemble, 2007
• FLHS Mock Trial State Finalist, 2009
• FLHS Mock Trial MVP Attorney Award–Regional and State Competition, 2009
• National Youth Leadership Conference, 2008/09
• ROTC Award Nominee, 2009
• Music Letter, 2007-10
• Mock Trial Letter, 2007-09
• Academics Letter, 2007-10

Erica’s Goals & Aspirations: “I hope to earn a Master’s degree in architecture and interior design from Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University. I want to design energy efficient homes and buildings. I hope to be a leader in the industry of sustainable living. I also hope to marry the man of my dreams someday and start a family.”

Erica is Successful Because: “I am successful because I do not give up.  I see challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities to make me a stronger person.  When I struggle to learn something, I work at it until I know it by heart.”

In the Know

In the Know

Mundo….A Latin Chic Restaurant

By Aly Wagonseller

The old saying “absence makes the heart grow fonder” doesn’t always apply to matters of romantic encounter.  Anyone that’s recently frequented a favorite restaurant in anticipation of imbibing that one dish that floats your culinary boat, only to discover the “gone fishing for good” sign in the window knows just what I mean. This brand of gastronomic sorrow recently reared its ugly head when La Madonna Mexican Avante-Garde Cuisine closed its doors late last year.  No more gourmet tamales and freshly squeezed margaritas?  Seafood and steak specialties with sophisticated, Latin flair (and not a pinto bean in sight) gone by the wayside?  For those of us who revel in locally owned hole-in-the-walls that offer amazing food and atmosphere, this was a bit of a calamity. Thankfully, good things have a way of resurrecting themselves, with the original crew of La Madonna offering a moved and improved version–Mundo, A Culinary Haute Spot–as a more than impressive substitute.

Never mind the out-of-the-way location in the World Market Center downtown, or that you have to use the public restroom located in the outer hallway of the mall as opposed to having a private lavatory adjacent to the bar; at Mundo, the good far outweighs these minor inconveniences.  Irma Aguirre has again exhibited her flair for creating a beautiful space that’s sophisticated, yet simple. Weathered wood, stamped tin, crushed brown velvet curtains and artistically arranged lanterns, mirrors and candles, provide a vibe that’s comfortable, yet brilliantly stylish. A welcoming bar exhibits a large glass vat of homemade sangria waiting to be poured, while serious mood music offers lively ambiance, without being obnoxiously obtrusive. It’s a cool place to just hang.

La Madonna’s talented Chef Robert Solano also returns, plating up his unique brand of flavorful cuisine and creating a refined Mexican dining experience that clearly steers its way clear of the rice and bean box.   Appetizers range from Chimichurri Glazed  Skirt Steak Skewers ($12) and achiote rubbed Grilled Chicken Satay with tamarind chile glaze ($12), to traditional Guacamole ($9) and three styles of salsa.  We tried the Queso Flameado ($14), a twist on the traditional melted cheese and chorizo fundido, spruced up with the addition of tangy goat cheese, roasted tomatoes, earthy mushrooms and a serrano chile sauce that added just the right amount of kick. Conversely, the Ahi Tuna Tostada ($14.), while creative, suffered from some execution issues. The thinly sliced ahi was seemingly damaged by the knife, creating a mushy texture that was overpowered by the flatbread style chip that accompanied it. It’s one of few dishes on the menu that could use a little tweaking.

While Mundo offers an array of very interesting street taco and quesadilla selections, as well as upscale entrees that include Wagyu skirt steak, Chilean sea bass and prime filet mignon, for me, it’s their tamales ($12-18) that foodie dreams are made of. Unlike most steamed versions that resemble a kind of maize torpedo, constructed with compacted corn mush and a smidge of filling, Mundo makes the filling the star.  Ample portions of toppings that include slow roasted short ribs in an earthy pasilla chile sauce or pulled chicken infused with a tart asada tomatillo sauce are piled over a velvety, loose style polenta flavored with sweet corn kernels and beautifully plated within a corn husk that acts more as a bowl than a mold.  The Chipotle Glazed Shrimp ($18) variety is particularly delicious, the sweet corn mush and lightly charred jumbo shrimp (surprisingly tender despite their gigantic size) married with a creamy red chile brandy sauce that’s just sublime.  

La Madonna was certainly a great restaurant; one that I was truly sorry to see leave the neighborhood.  But its second born sister known as Mundo is definitely the Cinderella of the two, even if you do have to venture to Grand Central Parkway to try it.  For hours and directions, call 270-4400.

Health vs. Soft Clothes…An Even Trade?

By Hana Haatainen Caye

Ah, the smell of a clean breeze…right out of the dryer. What exactly is in that dryer sheet that makes your laundry smell oh so “off the line” fresh? And if you knew that those ingredients could potentially cause harm to your health, the environment, and even your dryer, would you think twice about using them? Often made with harsh chemicals, the unfortunate truth is, those little wonder sheets aren’t quite as innocuous as the snuggly mascots and fluffy blankies might suggest.

The Bad Guys

Although it is difficult to trace a particular disease back to its source, health-related issues with a proven link to the chemicals found in fabric softeners are numerous. Based on information from Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) from the Environmental Protection Agency, these chemicals, including known carcinogens and toxins, have been linked to a variety of central nervous system disorders, respiratory ailments and a multitude of other issues. Disorders ranging from Alzheimer’s and ADD to Strokes and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome are among the many disorders on the lengthy list. Many of these only occur following chronic exposure, some after inhaling the vapors, and others are a direct result of contact with the skin. Since we’re talking fabric softener here, that seems to be a big issue.

Some of the toxic culprits, like benzyl acetate and alpha–terpineol, are worse than others. Benzyl acetate, for instance, is directly linked to pancreatic cancer. It causes damage by being absorbed through the skin. The EPA warnings on alpha-terpineol include, “prevent repeated or prolonged skin contact.” Other harmful chemicals in dryer sheets include benzyl alcohol, camphor, chloroform, ethyl acetate, limonene, linalool and pentane. The warning from the EPA to “always wash thoroughly after using this material and before eating, drinking and applying cosmetics” seems almost bizarre when you consider you are touching traces of it daily if your clothing and/or sheets are laundered in it.

Environmental and Filter Factors

As your dryer sends steam and heat outdoors through the vent, and all those toxins are emitted into the air, another problem arises. According to a report by Professor Anne C. Steinemann, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Public Affairs, University of Washington, OSHA has identified some of the toxins in fabric softener as air contaminants. The Clean Air Act links them to hazardous air pollution.

Compounding issues even further, fabric softener sheets can also create problems with your dryer. Because they are so laden with chemicals, they can and do cause a film to develop on your lint filter over time. Unless you wash your filter every month or so, the build-up can eventually cause a fire. Additionally, with a clogged lint catcher, your dryer has to work harder and harder as time goes by. This is such an issue that the manufacturers of new dryers are now advising against fabric softener sheets, and the use of them will nullify the warranty on the appliance.

Alternatives

Now that you have been given the bad news, it is time for the good. There are green alternatives.

• Line Drying – Why use a static-causing, energy-using dryer when the sun and wind can dry your clothes for free? The added bonus here is the amazing fragrance of sun-dried laundry. No chemical fragrance has ever been able to match it!
• PVC-Free Dryer Balls – Dryer balls not only eliminate static cling, they also fluff up your laundry, reduce wrinkles and reduce drying time by up to 25%, which naturally lowers your energy consumption. They can be found at www.truegreen2.com, www.nelliesallnatural.com and many local retail stores.
• Static Eliminator (www.staticeliminator.ca) – A box of these non-toxic fabric softener sheets will last up to 500 loads and are safe for your dryer, as well as for everyone in your family, including infants! Not only do they soften clothes and work on any heat setting, they are safe for all washable fabrics, 100% hypoallergenic and will not stain clothing.
• Natural Substitutes – If you are simply set on using fabric softener, look for natural alternatives, but be suspicious of misleading terms like “green” and “eco-friendly”. Read the ingredients and find a brand that’s free of the chemicals listed above.

Being green doesn’t mean having to sacrifice soft and static-free clothes. It just means making responsible, toxic-free choices for the health of your family…and the environment.

When it’s More than Teasing – Keeping Bully’s at Bay

By Hana Haatainen Caye

Bullying. It’s an all-too-common occurrence in today’s society. Reports from the U.S. Department of Justice reveal that one out of every four school-aged child deals with bullying at some point during the school year. It can take on many forms, from physical and verbal abuse, to cyber stalking, racial and gender slurs, to intimidation, ostracizing and public ridicule. In short, it is aggressive behavior aimed to intentionally hurt another physically and/or emotionally. While every child may encounter a bit of this from time to time, it’s the constant onslaught that needs to be dealt with swiftly, before it results in serious, if not grave consequences. Some schools have been proactive in eliminating bullying; however, it usually requires the parent, child and school administration working in tandem to find a solution.

Identifying the Problem

More often than not, children that are being bullied won’t admit it to anyone, as they are often ashamed, embarrassed, or afraid of being labeled a “tattler.” According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, some signs to look for include:

• Making multiple excuses not to go to school, usually in the guise of illness.
• Fear of going to school or participating in school activities.
• Comes home with torn or damaged clothing or unexplained cuts, bruises or scratches.
• Loss of interest in school and/or slipping grades.
• Appears sad, moody or depressed after school.
• Suffers from anxiety or low self-esteem.
• Has few, if any, friends.

This is not by any means an exhaustive list. As a parent, it’s important to check in on your child’s behavior periodically and address any and all signs that he/she is in distress. In few cases, children will actually admit to being bullied.

Family First

Whether you find out yourself or your child opens up to you, it’s important to be compassionate and understanding. Irene van der Zande, Executive Director of Kidpower, offers some guidelines for parents dealing with this prevalent issue.

Try to avoid an emotional, knee-jerk reaction to the news by taking a deep breath and silently count to ten. You want to focus on keeping your emotions in check before you proceed, lest you run the risk of scaring your child into clamming up.

Open up communication by asking, in a non-confrontational way, who, what, where, when and why do you think the bully is doing this, then listen carefully, without judging or criticizing. Do not blame your child for what has happened or ask him what he did to provoke the attack.

Empathize with calming statements like, “I’m sorry you’re going through this. It must really hurt.” Be careful, however, to avoid minimizing what happened by saying things like, “Just ignore the bully,” or “Everyone goes through this when they’re young.” You may inadvertently invite your child to endure the bullying in silence. You also want to avoid encouraging your child to hit back. Many well-meaning parents issue this advice to their kids who are being bullied physically. Rarely does this tactic work, and often it escalates the problem.

School Second

Once you’ve got the details from your child, engage in a dialogue with the school administrators. Do your best to avoid shouting or hysterical behavior; calmly present the facts as you know them and ask them to contact the bully’s parents. Generally, the parents are apt to take a call from the school more seriously than they would a call from you.

Ask your school to implement a strict anti-bullying program and, if possible, volunteer as a playground or classroom aide for a couple hours a week. If you make it your priority, they’re likely to make it theirs as well. If the school is uncooperative, let them know you will be contacting a lawyer. Their fear of lawsuits will most likely spur them into action. For more information on dealing with school administration, visit the HSRA website at www.stopbullyingnow.hsra.gov.

Working Together

The final step is taking action at home. Since bullies feed on vulnerability, showing your child how to present himself as invulnerable is a great place to start. According to Michael Thompson, Ph.D., Lawrence J. Cohen, Ph.D. and Catherine O’Neill Grace, authors of Mom, They’re Teasing Me, there are several ways to coach your child to confidence.

Tell your child to stand up straight and look the bully in the eye. This sends a message that he cannot be intimidated.  When he speaks to the bully, his words should be direct and uncompromising. Instead of saying things like, “You can’t hurt me,” or “You need to stop hitting me,” instruct him to say, “I won’t be hurt by you,” or “I don’t care what you call me.” The “I” message is one of empowerment, whereas the “you” verbiage continues to give power to the bully. Additionally, teach him positive self-talk, i.e. I am strong, I am smart, I am just as good as anyone else, I have the right to be here, etc.

Lastly, reinforce these lessons through role playing. In addition to strengthening the bond between you and your child, it will not only help them deal with bullies in childhood, but instill a sense of self-esteem they can rely on throughout their lives.

Gateway Gallery – A Labor of Love

By Lisha Ross

The Gateway to the Cultural Corridor, as the somewhat seedy area behind Stratosphere is known, may seem an unlikely locale for a gallery, and yet there it is. The Gateway Gallery Public Arts Collection began five years ago out of ever growing frustration over graffiti. But where others saw eyesores, Camille Duskin saw a novel opportunity to revitalize a downtrodden neighborhood with raw, urban-inspired art. The notion was simple; give the blank canvases, i.e. neighborhood buildings, over to local artists who would beautify the area with their creations. Thus, Camille created a nonprofit organization called The Gateway Gallery, which, over the years, has quickly turned into a full on visual and performing arts foundation.

To start out, Camille commissioned artist Greg Etchison to paint the corridor’s first mural on an apartment complex on Fairfield Avenue. Etchison’s mural, which features reproductions of gallery art by Picasso, Matisse, Degas, Gaugin and Monet, sparked a sense of pride in the community and inspired other property owners to donate their building facades to the cause.  Spray paint artist Dray’s work blends musical instruments and facial features into a vibrant blend of colors and shapes; on another building a larger than life desert tortoise stands proud against a bright orange sky. Steven Naccarato’s thoughtful and geometric art depicts various rock art-like figures in imperfect symmetry.

Informed residents have probably heard of these murals over the years, but the Duskin’s passion for the arts didn’t start and stop in the corridor. Camille’s mission to bring community oriented arts to the city, as well as provide opportunities for aspiring local talent, has led to many an entertaining performance ranging from small recitals and lectures to off-Broadway style musicals at the Family Music Center and Trinity International School. In a touching tribute, Duskin actually transformed her late mother’s home in Peccole Ranch into Hattie’s House, providing a venue for teachers to conduct lessons and young performers to showcase their singing and musical talents in front of an unintimidating audience. The 2,600 sq. ft., single story home has been outfitted for acoustics with tiled floors, as well as 40 chairs and 3 pianos, and is free for use for qualifying teachers and performers.

One of Gateway’s most successful productions can be caught August 29^th at Summerlin Library’s 300-seat Performing Arts Theatre. “I Know I Came in Here for Something” is a musical comedy revue in which four talented actors turn all those marvelous middle-aged experiences and faux paus like forgetting, erectile disfunction and menopause into hilarious tales and musical numbers. Similar to the Strip phenomenon Menopause, but with the inclusion of the male species, it’s a riot for those who “get it” and those who will eventually. The show sold out when it played the Starbright Theatre earlier this year, so you may want to get your tickets early by calling Show Tix 4U at (866) 967-8167. Tickets are $18 general admission and $15 for seniors. If you miss the August 29^th show, fear not; “I Know I Came in Here for Something” has been such a huge success that plans for future performances are already in the works at community theatres across the valley and possibly a stint on the Strip.

In the meantime, stay tuned for 2^nd Sunday events featuring an array of fresh, local musicians and singers; “Dance! Dance! Dance!” with the Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theatre September 19th; “From Russia with Love” October 17^th; “Broadway Favorites” November 14^th; and “Undone Divas” in January. For more information on upcoming shows and venues, including the famous chamber music series beginning in October, check out www.gatewayartsfoundation.org or call Camille at 255-0695.

Krysta & Nicole Levy

Palo Verde High School

Class of 2010

It’s girl power all the way for Palo Verde High School Valedictorians Krysta and Nicole Levy. Separately, their personalities and individuality shine; together, they’re a variable force times two, spurring each other to action with friendly rivalry, sisterly love and razor sharp competitive edge. They’re athletically charged and studious, willing to both lead the way and follow while offering support and assistance to one another and others. Each possessing a healthy mindset that enables them to see challenge as an opportunity for improvement, Krysta and Nicole Levy are – A Step Above. 

Krysta

G.P.A.:  4.8 Valedictorian

Sports/Clubs:  

• Junior Varsity Tennis, 2006/07
• Varsity Tennis, 2007-10; Co-Captain, 2010 
• National Honor Society, 2007-10
• College Prep Club, 2008-10; Founder/President
• Broadcast Journalism, 2006-09
• Pep Club, 2009-10
• Photography Club, 2008-09

Scholarships/Awards/Community Service:

• AP Scholar Award, 2009
• Scholar Athlete Award, 2007-10
• Nevada All-State Academic Team–Varsity Tennis, 2007-10
• High Honors Graduate
• Honors Diploma
• Palo Verde Athlete Award, 2006
• Panther Spirit Award, 2008
• Junior League of Las Vegas Student Helper, 1997-Present
• CCSD Avid Program Volunteer 
• Nevada State Board of Education Volunteer
• Peer Tutoring, 2006-10
• Operation School Bell Volunteer, 2009
• Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation Volunteer, 2009

Krysta’s Goals & Aspirations: “I plan on attending the University of Southern California as a Biological Sciences major. My goals are to go to medical school and graduate as an orthopedic surgeon. I aspire to open a practice focused on sports medicine.”

Krysta Looks Up To: “I look up to my parents. They have taught me to believe in myself and to strive for perfection. After all, both of my sisters and I graduated as valedictorians, so they must be doing something right.”

Krysta is Stronger and Wiser Because: “I tried out for the varsity tennis team as a freshman and, sadly, only made the junior varsity team. Rather than being upset and quitting, I decided to practice 10 times harder and made the varsity team as a sophomore. I learned the valuable lesson that if at first you don’t succeed, work even harder and try again.”

Nicole 

G.P.A.: 4.8 Valedictorian

Sports/Clubs/Community Service:  

• Varsity Tennis, 2006-10; Co-Captain, 2010
• National Honor Society, 2007-10
• College Prep Club Founder/Vice President, 2008-10
• Broadcast Journalism, 2006-09
• Photography Club, 2008-09
• Junior League of Las Vegas Volunteer, 2006-10
• Peer Tutoring, 2007-10
• CCSD Avid Volunteer, 2008

 Scholarships/Awards:

• High Honors Graduate
• Honors Diploma
• National Merit Scholarship Competition Finalist, 2010
• University of Southern California National Merit Scholarship Winner
• University of Southern California Presidential Scholar
• AP Scholar, 2009
• Scholar Athlete, 2006-10
• Nevada All-State Academic Team–Varsity Tennis, 2006-10
• Panther Spirit Award, 2008

Nicole’s Goals & Aspirations: “My goal for now is to find a course of study about which I feel truly passionate and graduate from college with as much success as I achieved in high school. I aspire to be in a position, regardless of what I am doing, in which I am able to help others and make the world a better place.”

Nicole Looks Up To: “Ever since I was little, I have always looked up to my older sister, Jacquie. She has always been a good role model, morally and academically. My twin and I are both following in her footsteps by becoming valedictorians and choosing to go to USC.”

Nicole is Stronger and Wiser Because: “Being an identical twin has made me a stronger person. I have had a best friend by my side all throughout my life. We have gone through everything together and have always been able to count on each other.”

Yonatan Barlev

Palo Verde High School

Class of 2010

With graduation out of the way and scholarships in hand, the journey is just beginning for Palo Verde High School Valedictorian Yonatan Barlev. He’s carefully crafted a map to success, envisioning a brighter future by utilizing equality, compassion and justice as driving factors. Along his path toward self fulfillment, he seeks knowledge and awareness–academically, socially and politically–in order to not only benefit himself, but to help others overcome their own challenging circumstances. Armed with these qualities and fiery determination, Yonatan Barlev is – A Step Above. 

G.P.A.: 4.8  Valedictorian

Sports/Clubs/Community Service:

• Future Business Leaders of America–Treasurer, 2008/09; President, 2009/10
• Varsity Quiz, 2007-10; Captain, 2009/10
• Science Bowl, 2010; Captain
• National Honor Society, 2007-10
• Crafts for Kids, 2009
• Las Vegas Sun Youth Forum, 2010
• Counselor for Camp K’Ton Ton at Temple Beth Sholom, 2005-08
• Lupus Walk, 2010
• Holiday Caroling at Retirement Home, 2009
• Obama Presidential Campaign Volunteer, 2008
• PVHS English Department Chair Volunteer, 2009/10
• National Honor Society Volunteer Tutor, 2007-10
• March of Dimes Volunteer, 2008-09
• Palo Verde Campus Clean-Up Volunteer, 2009

Scholarships/Awards:

• High Honors Graduate, 2010
• FBLA State Champion–Business Math, 2008/09
• FBLA State Champion–Sports Management & Economics, 2010
• FBLA State 3^rd Place–Public Speaking I, 2008
• Regional Science Bowl–1^st Place, 2010
• Regional Science Bowl–3^rd Place, 2009
• Varsity Quiz Regional Champions, 2009
• National Merit Commended Student, 2009
• College Board AP Scholar with Distinction, 2009
• Presidential Scholars Program Candidate, 2010
• Robert C. Byrd Scholarship, 2010
• UNLV Future Scholar, 2006-08
• John M. Olin Scholarship–Washington University in St. Louis, 2010
• USC Dean’s Scholarship, 2010
• Senior Superlatives: Most Studious, 2010
• Homecoming Court, 2009
• Nevada Boys State Selectee, 2009

Goals & Aspirations: “I hope to take advantage of all the intellectually engaging opportunities that WashU has to offer and contribute to the school’s wonderfully diverse learning environment.”  

Yonatan is Successful Because: “I take pride in the work I put my name on.  The work I do is like a company’s product; it must pass a quality test before it can be distributed.  My friends have also proven to be major factors in my success.” 

Yonatan Looks Up To: “My hero is and always will be Kobe Bryant.  Although his image has been tarnished by criminal accusations, he has always been a beacon of strength and determination.  The passion he displays for the game is incredible.  It is the sort of passion I wish to display for the work that I do in the future, for it will surely lead to success.”