Peyton Carter

Bishop Gorman High School
Class of 2015

A love of horses, a passion for excellence and dedication to her community are the things that drive Bishop Gorman High School student Peyton Carter to succeed. This young equestrian has distinguished herself as a competitive rider, a skill that she hopes to follow well into college and beyond with strong support from parents, teachers and coaches. Despite a busy athletic and academic schedule, Peyton makes time for community service as well, from volunteering at an assisted living facility to preparing dinner and participating in charity runs for Ronald McDonald House. For giving her all while always giving back, Peyton Carter stands – A Step Above.

Sports/Activities/Awards/Community Service

• Competitive Equestrian, 2007-present
• Powder Puff Football, 2011
• Kickball League, 2011
• Top 100 Equestrians for Zone 10, 2011
• Reserve Champion at Las Vegas National Horse Show, 2011
• Reserve Champion at Blenheim Equisports in Del Mar, California, 2011
• Speech and Debate, 2011-present
• National Forensic Honor Society, 2011-present
• Creative Writing Club, 2011-present
• Equestrian Club, 2011-present
• Founder of “Blue Ribbon Horseless Horse Show” Charity Event
• Volunteer at Ronald McDonald House, 2011-present
• Volunteer at Lakeview Terrace Assisted Living Facility, 2011-present

Goals and Aspirations: “After graduating from Bishop Gorman, I would like to attend a college where I can compete on a collegiate riding team. After college, I’d like to continue my riding in Europe and also be a journalist for equestrian-related magazines.”

Peyton Looks Up To: “Annette Spinetti, my riding coach at Blue Ribbon Hunters & Jumpers, because she believes in me and pushes me to do my best.”

Cause for Concern: “I would like to be the president of a horse rescue facility that saves horses from slaughter auctions and abusive families.”

Peyton is Successful Because: “My parents have been very supportive of my riding and any other interests I wish to pursue. My speech coach, Mrs. Chrissie Ramos, has been very encouraging during my first year of high school.”

Desert Island Necessities: “The three things I would take to a deserted island would be pen, paper and a boat so that I could record my adventures in trying to survive the island and getting back home. The only reason I wouldn’t bring my horse or my family would be because I would want them to be safe at home and not trying to fend for their lives on a desert island.”

Mitchell Clingo

Palo Verde High School
Class of 2012

A passion for fine arts has always inspired Palo Verde High School senior Mitchell Clingo. As a participant in numerous choirs and stage productions, this music lover has performed all over the world, including Italy and the Netherlands. That same dedication shows in his community service efforts, from volunteering at an at-risk elementary school to organizing a program to send toys to orphans in Iraq. With a career in medicine on the horizon, many challenges lie ahead, but his selfless attitude and strong values are sure to help see him succeed. It’s that measure of commitment that elevates Mitchell Clingo to – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.44
Activities

• Palo Verde Concert Choir, 2009-present
• HeartBreakers Men’s Ensemble, 2010-present
• Vocal Infinity Advanced Ensemble, 2010-present
• Choir Board Member, 2010
• Choir Vice President, 2012
• Bass Section Leader, 2011
• CCSD Honor Choir, 2010-12
• All-State Choir, 2010-12
• Performed “Scarecrow” in The Wicked Wiz of Oz, 2012
• Performed “Yankee Doodle” in 100 Years of Broadway, 2009

Awards/Community Service

• Top Score in Regional Solo and Ensemble Competitions, 2010-12
• Rocky Mountain Academic Talent Search, Highest Scores in Nevada, 2005-09
• University of Denver Talent Search, Highest Honors, 2005-09
• UNLV Academic Summer Scholarship, 2011
• University Dean’s Scholarship, 2012-14
• Eagle Scout, 2012
• Volunteer at Rescue Mission, 2012
• Volunteer at JT McWilliams Elementary School, 2008-12

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of earning my Eagle Scout rank. This award reflects my skills and abilities as a good citizen, a committed family member and a caring friend. It also shows that I am prepared to help myself and others, and I have defined values I try to apply in my life.”

Mitchell is Stronger and Wiser Because: “Skipping a grade in middle school and being the youngest student in my class has been a challenge. I have learned to look on the bright side of life and realize the many benefits of this obstacle. I now have twice the number of peers – those who are my age and those who are in my class.”

Cause for Concern: “I would be the president of a nonprofit organization that promotes and encourages the development of fine arts programs. I have seen how fine arts have changed my life and I would like everyone to have the opportunity to experience the benefits of being actively involved in a fine arts program.”

Adie Quackenbush

Cimarron-Memorial High School
Class of 2012

From cheerleading to student council and beyond, Cimarron-Memorial High School senior Adie Quackenbush takes great pride in staying active and involved, both in school and in the community. When she’s not helping out in the neighborhood with everything from charity walks to food drives, this aspiring special education teacher keeps busy by taking a dedicated leadership role in a wide range of academic and athletic activities. Well-rounded yet humbly aware of both her strengths and weaknesses, Adie excels by facing any physical or mental roadblock with a headstrong attitude that never wavers. For all that and more, Adie Quackenbush is – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.63
Sports/Activities

• Varsity Cheerleading, 2008-12
• Varsity Swimming, 2011-12
• Anti-Defamation League, 2010-11
• Laurel President, 2011
• National Honor Society Secretary, 2011-12
• Student Council Secretary, 2011-12
• Youth Formal Committee, 2011-12
• Seminary Council, 2011-12

Awards/Community Service

• USA Cheerleading Nationals, 2008
• Principal’s Leadership Award, 2012
• Academic Letter and Lamp, 2008-11
• Cheerleading State Champion, 2009
• Swim Regional Qualifier, 2011
• We R Community, 2010-12
• Rock and Roll Marathon, 2009-10
• Cimarron-Memorial Showcase, 2012
• Candlelighters Walk for the Cure, 2011
• Senior Citizen Prom, 2011
• Youth Conference Clean Park, 2011
• Cheyenne High School Showcase Canned Food Drive, 2011

Adie Looks Up To: “My hero is my aunt Laura for her strength in battling breast cancer and always prevailing with a positive outlook on life. She is always looking for the healthiest form of treatment as a pediatrician and is always open to different cultures and ideas. She has the privilege to travel to foreign countries to help children undergoing surgeries in third world countries.”

Adie is Stronger and Wiser Because: “I used to be deathly afraid of tumbling, which turned rapidly into a fear of things I had been doing and loving my entire life such as cliff jumping and riding go carts. Some mental block kept me from excelling. Finally, I realized that if this was what I loved then I needed to push myself and become determined not to run away and quit.”

Part of the Solution: “One issue I have considered confronting lately was to prepare a petition banning smoking and driving. This takes away your mind, hands and eyes just like cell phones and can be even more dangerous with the negative effects this causes the brain.”

Renee Vogel

Faith Lutheran High School
Class of 2012

Fear can hold us back, but Faith Lutheran High School senior Renee Vogel has learned to conquer uncertainty and self doubt with a strong work ethic, unyielding faith and the constant support of family and friends. This pole vault champion puts in hours of hard work on and off the track, staying strong both mentally and physically but always stopping to take a breath and enjoy life. With sights set on a career in the Air Force, she’s aiming high but still makes time to help families of deployed and wounded soldiers through her non-profit group Teens for Vets. No obstacle is big enough to slow her down, and that helps place Renee Vogel – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.01

Sports/Activities/Community Service

• Varsity Tennis, 2009-12; Team Captain, 2012; Most Improved Player, 2010-11
• Varsity Track and Field, 2009-12; Most Improved Athlete, 2009-10
• JV Basketball, 2009; MVP, 2009
• Pure Sky Vault Club, 2009-12; Team Captain, 2011-12
• National Honor Society, 2011-12; Sergeant at Arms, 2012
• Key Club, 2009-12
• Teens for Vets, 2010-12
• Creator of 9/11 Remembrance Project, 2012
• Student Council Pep Rally Chairperson, 2011
• Student Council Spiritual Life Commissioner, 2012
• Peer Tutor, 2012
• T.A.T.U. (Teens Against Tobacco Use) Leader, 2011-12
• Air Force Leadership and Aviation Camp, 2010
• Intern for Senator Dean Heller, 2012

Awards

• Full Tuition Air Force ROTC Scholarship to Yale University, 2012
• Regional and State Champions (Girls Track and Field; 2009
• Academic All State Team Champions (Track and Field; 2011
• Regional Runner-Up (Pole Vault; 2009-11
• All State Academic Team Award (Tennis; 2009-11
• All State Academic Team Award (Track and Field; 2009-11
• School Pole Vault Record Holder (10’6”)
• Girls Pole Vault Record Holder (Skyhawk Invitational, Del Sol Invitational)
• Scholar Honor Roll, 2009-12
• Wendy’s Heisman State Winner, 2012

Renee is Successful Because: “I would not be successful without my family’s constant support, teachers who believed in me, friends who kept me sane through the process of standardized tests and applying to Ivy League colleges, and most of all my faith in God. All credit for my success goes to Him.”

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of the non-profit organization Teens for Vets (www.teensforvets.org; which I created with help from my family. I have seen veterans touched by a few helping hands from my generation, and I believe it is a great cause to get young people aware of military service and the sacrifice it entails.”

Renee Looks Up To: “I look up to my father for his constant grace and love. He cares for my family so much and never stopped believing in the fact that I could go anywhere in my life as long as I worked hard. His encouragement and example has helped lead me to a bright future.”