A Step Above – Cole Mitchum
Liberty High School
Class of 2013
Standing tall has always been easy for Liberty High School senior Cole Mitchum, and not just because of the basketball player’s physical stature. Confident and self assured in everything from his smile to his school work, Cole’s passion for excellence goes beyond the court and into the Liberty Tribune newspaper, where he serves as Managing Editor. Studious, dependable and strongly goal oriented, Cole faces any challenge with a decisive attitude and a gentleman’s grace, taking pride in every accomplishment and generating continuous results, both in school and in the community. For always giving more than he gets, Cole Mitchum rises to – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.701
Sports/Activities
- Varsity Basketball, 2012
- JV Basketball, 2010-11; Freshman Basketball, 2009-10
- Journalism (Liberty Tribune), 2010-Present
- Sports Editor, Liberty Tribune, 2011-12
- Managing Editor, Liberty Tribune, 2012
- Student Council, 2009-Present
- Freshman Class Treasurer, 2009-10
- Student Body Historian, 2011-12
- Student Body Second Vice President, 2012
Awards/Community Service
- Student of the Month, 2011
- Scholar Athlete, 2012
- NSPA Honor Roll, 2012
- Nevada All-State Academic Athlete, 2012
- Perfect Attendance, 2011-12
- Special Education Field Day Volunteer, 2012
- Gehring Field Day Volunteer, 2009
- Relay for Life Participant, 2012
- St. Rose Hospital Holiday Visit, 2011
- Elementary Olympic Field Day, 2010
Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “One accomplishment I am most proud of was writing the front page articles for two of the newspaper issues last year because I truly enjoyed writing the articles and they have helped me grow in journalism. Another accomplishment I am proud of was being named to the All-State Academic Team this past basketball season because it shows my hard work in class and on the court has paid off.”
Cole is Successful Because: “What makes me successful is that I am very organized, punctual, and I like to get my work done not necessarily by quantity but by quality.”
Cole Looks Up To: “I look up to my parents because they have helped make me who I am today and have always been there to support me through anything and everything that I have done, from school to sports.”
Cause for Concern: “If I could be president of any organization, it would be an organization that helps kids with Down Syndrome because my cousin Sheridan has Down Syndrome, and I would like to create more programs for kids (and adults) that have this challenge.”
A Step Above – Carly Schiess
Green Valley High School
Class of 2013
Bump, set, spike. Volleyball is a sport that requires consistent focus and strong follow through, just a couple of the outstanding qualities shown by State Championship player and Green Valley High School senior Carly Schiess. A dreamer and wanderer at heart, Carly hopes to one day travel the world from London to Costa Rica and beyond, not just for her own personal growth but to participate in humanitarian efforts, a dedication she’s shown at the local level with charity groups such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Earnest, strong willed and committed to inspiring all those around her, Carly Schiess stands – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.17
Sports/Activities
- Varsity Volleyball, 2009-Present, Co-Captain, 2012
- Las Vegas Premiere Soccer Club, 2005-09
- Nevada Juniors Volleyball Club, 2007-11
- Edge Volleyball Club, 2012
- Student Council, 2009-Present
- Freshman Class President, 2009-10; Sophomore Class President, 2010-11
- Junior Class Secretary, 2011-12
- Student Body Second Vice President, 2012
- Psychology Club, 2011
Awards/Community Service
- Scholar Athlete, 2009-12
- Nevada State Volleyball Champions, 2011
- Sunrise Region Volleyball Champions, 2009-11
- Las Vegas Invitational Champions, 2012
- Las Vegas Invitational All-Tournament Team, 2011-12
- Green Valley Varsity Most Valuable Offensive Player, 2010
- Green Valley Varsity Co-MVP, 2011
- Lullaby Connection, 2010-12
- Gators Give, 2009-Present
- Santa Run, 2011
- JDRF Walk for the Cure & Gala, 2011
Goals & Aspirations: “I would like to attend college and study abroad in London, then study abroad once again in Costa Rica or a Central American country and participate in a humanitarian project. I would then like to get married and start a family and continue to travel around the world and keep participating in humanitarian projects.”
Carly Looks Up To: “I look up to my sister Lindsey. She always looks out for me and she always does what she knows is right. She sticks to her morals and gives great advice in every situation.”
Carly is Stronger and Wiser Because: “My seven year old handicapped nephew moved in with my family when I was ten years old. He taught me to be patient and loving to all people.”
Part of the Solution: “The main focus of young adults today seems to be to fit in. Young adults care too much about what other people think, which persuades them to do things that they should not do. I can help by letting people know there is more to life than fitting in and caring about what people think.”
A Step Above – Wen Jay Tan
Coronado High School
Class of 2013
In a world of fast paced technology, Coronado High School senior Wen Jay Tan has no problem keeping up. This aspiring valedictorian hopes to one day stand at the forefront of innovation by turning his computer programming hobby into a career in software development. Gracious, sophisticated and always forward thinking, Wen Jay keeps his mind sharp with everything from varsity quiz to robotics, but it’s his generous spirit that shines through with hundreds of hours spent tutoring fellow students and helping local children. From music to bowling to academics and beyond, his all encompassing enthusiasm elevates Wen Jay Tan to – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.8
Sports/Activities/Community Service
- Varsity Bowling, 2010-Present; Captain, 2011-Present
- Mu Alpha Theta, 2009-Present; President, 2012
- Robotics Club, 2009-Present
- Varsity Quiz Team, 2011-Present; Regional Champions, 2011-2
- Science Bowl Team, 2011-Present; Captain, 2012
- Chess Team, 2009-Present; Third Place State, 2011-12
- Paseo Verde Library Teen Advisory Group, 2010-Present; President 2011-12
- Nevada Boys State Delegate, 2012
- Math Tutor, 2009-12
- Volunteer at Lamping Fall Festival, 2009-10
- Volunteer for Summer Reading Kickoff, 2010
- Volunteer for Magic Tree House, 2010
Awards
- National AP Scholar, 2012
- National Merit Semi-Finalist, 2012
- USIP Conference in Washington, D.C., 2012
- USIP Essay Contest State Winner, 2012
- All State Academic Team (Bowling), 2011-12
- Scholar Athlete (Bowling), 2010-12
- Harvard Prize Book Winner, 2012
- 1st Place, Mathleague Competition, 2011
- 2nd Place, Clark County Chess Tournament, 2011
- Outstanding Score for Junior Festival in Piano, 2010
Wen Jay is Successful Because: “My drive for knowledge is what makes me successful. I always seek out new information by reading articles online or researching topics that interest me. However, I find the easiest way to obtain knowledge is to pay attention in my classes and do my homework each day.”
Wen Jay Looks Up To: “I look up to my sister because she taught me to always persevere. Currently in medical school, my sister had to endure multiple challenges on the way to achieving her dream of becoming a medical doctor. Now that it is my turn to pursue my career, I must also persevere against all future challenges.”
Part of the Solution: “Today, young adults aren’t politically active enough. They don’t take advantage of their right to help determine the future of the country. I can be part of the solution by becoming politically active myself and encouraging others to vote.”
A Step Above – Laura Wozniak
Coronado High School
Class of 2013
Do what you do with passion or don’t do it at all. That’s the philosophy that guides Coronado High School senior Laura Wozniak. She understands the importance of appreciating the journey, judging personal achievement not just by her goals but by what it takes to get there. With strong faith in herself and a commitment to embrace every opportunity, both on the cross country track and in the classroom, Laura always puts her best foot forward with a natural poise and firm willpower. For always setting the bar high, both for others and herself, Laura Wozniak remains – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.7
Sports/Activities
- Coronado Varsity Swim Team, 2010-11
- BCH Swim Team, 2008-12
- Coronado Track and Field Distance Team, 2011-12
- Coronado Cross Country Team, 2012
- Coronado High School Wind Symphony, 2009-12
- Cougar Pride Marching Band, 2009-12
- French Horn Section Leader, 2010-12
- CCSD Solo and Ensemble, 2010
- CCSD Honor Band, 2010-12; Principal Horn, 2008-09
- National Honor Society, 2012
- French Club, 2012
- Habitat for Humanity, 2012
Awards/Community Service
- Outstanding Musician Award, 2006-09
- Nevada All-State Musician, 2010-12
- Scholar Athlete Award, 2011
- Nevada All-State Academic Team (Swimming; Track & Field), 2011-12
- CHS Honor Roll, 2009-Present
- Catholic Charities Volunteer, 2009
- St. Thomas More L.I.G.H.T. Work Retreat, 2008-09
- Henderson Libraries Malcolm Branch Volunteer, 2010-12
- Iron Man Triathlon Volunteer, 2010-12
Laura is Stronger and Wiser Because: “Over the past few years, I have experienced numerous health setbacks and a sports injury in swimming. These obstacles were difficult to face but they ultimately provided me with new opportunities. Now, I have a stronger faith in myself that I can achieve whatever I strive for, even through adversity.”
Improving Student Life: “Many students leave high school still unsure of what they want to do. They go to college and experience trials and errors in what they want to study. I wish that more work experience such as internships and shadowing were available to high school students. In this way, students can discern the best choices to pursue regarding college and a successful career.”
Part of the Solution: “Young adults need to gain a larger perception of the world and its issues. More service projects and missions should be developed for young adults so they may achieve and nurture a stronger sense of compassion for the world at large.”
Cause for Concern: “I would want to be president of an organization like the Stand Up to Cancer organization. I admire their strong devotion to finding a cure and putting an end to cancer.”
