A Step Above – Miranda Lopez
Palo Verde High School
Class of 2013
From cheerleading to student council and beyond, the indomitable spirit that Palo Verde High School senior Miranda Lopez shows for school (and for life) not only inspires others but unites them in camaraderie. Outgoing, engaging and always there to help those in need, Miranda sets out to make a difference in everything she does, whether it’s at Palo Verde or in the community with local charities. While she treasures her independence, she knows that we can accomplish great things together, and she’s happy to lead the way. For that, Miranda Lopez stands – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.8
Sports/Activities
- Cheerleading, 2009-12
- Serenade Choir, 2009-Present
- Camp Broadway, 2012
- Pep Club, 2010-Present
- Interact, 2011-Present
- Junior Class Representative, 2011-12
- Senior Class President, 2012
Awards/Community Service
- All-American Cheerleader, 2011
- Most Dedicated (Cheerleading), 2011
- Most Studious (Cheerleading), 2012
- Student of the Month, 2012
- Junior of the Year (Choir), 2012
- AP Scholar, 2012
- Positively Kids, 2009-12
- Lupus Walk, 2009-12
- Three Square Food Bank, 2011
- Ronald McDonald House, 2011
- Willow Creek, 2009-12
- J.T. McWilliams, 2012
Goals & Aspirations: “For the remainder of my senior year, I would like to help raise school spirit and improve school unity. After graduating high school, I plan to graduate from a four year university and set out to inspire others and make a difference.”
Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of writing and performing an original oratory for the Martin Luther King Jr. Oratorical Competition. After winning first place in my class, school, and then the state, I realized that performing motivational speeches was something I was meant to do.”
Miranda is Stronger and Wiser Because: “Being just barely four feet, eleven inches, I have had to endure taunting and teasing for as long as I can remember. After deciding to embrace my height, I have realized that being tiny has given me the ability to play certain characters, wear extremely high heels, and prove that good things come in small packages.”
Improving Student Life: “In order to improve the conditions at my school, I would make it required that students are exposed to the harmful outcomes of bullying. There is nothing that bothers me more than seeing a student upset because of what another student has said or done.”
A Step Above – Kallyse Duddlesten
The Meadows School
Class of 2013
Aut viam inveniam aut faciam. The Meadows School senior Kallyse Duddlesten could tell you that’s Latin for, “I’ll either find a way or make one,” a philosophy that definitely defines this motivated young woman’s life. While quite adept at language arts and other academics, Kallyse takes a strong leadership role outside the classroom in everything from student council to service with the National Charity League. Warm, soft spoken, and fiercely independent, her strong moral ethics guide her on a daily quest toward personal growth and success, and that sets Kallyse Duddlesten – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.71
Sports/Activities/Community Service
- Varsity Bowling, 2010-12; JV Bowling, 2009
- Cum Laude Society, 2012
- Latin Honor Society, 2009-Present
- National Honor Society, 2011-Present
- Honor Code Committee, 2013
- Young Conservatives Club, 2010
- Food for Friends Club (Founder), 2011
- National Junior Classical League, 2007-Present
- Environmental Conservation Club, 2010
- Sober Grads (Founding Secretary), 2012
- National Charity League (Las Vegas Chapter), 2007-Present
- Junior Class VP, 2012; Sophomore Class VP, 2011
Awards
- Cum Laude Society, 2012-Present
- Coach’s Award (Bowling), 2011
- Honors Academic Awards, 2010-11
- Student of the Year, 2008
- National Spanish Exam, 1st Place, Nevada Chapter, 2012
- All State Choir, 2008-09
- National Latin Exam, Cum Laude, 2012; Summa Cum Laude, 2011
- Classical Literacy Exam, Silver Award, 2011
- Pearson Scholarship, National Jr. Classical League Convention, 2011-12
Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “My biggest obstacle that I have overcome would be the shyness that hindered my potential as a leader. Throughout my high school career, I’ve come out of my shell and built confidence, which has allowed me to become a leader of multiple clubs, both inside and out of school.”
Kallyse is Stronger and Wiser Because: “In my freshman year of high school, I was an extremely isolated person. However, the Junior Classical League truly changed my outlook. I gained so much more confidence. Without the JCL, I would never have devoted myself to so many other things that have also changed my life. I have learned that when some kind of hardship or isolation threatens to overcome me, I cannot just shut life out.”
Part of the Solution: “Many young adults face the pressure to act immorally or recklessly, simply because popular young adult society tells them it is acceptable. I intend to encourage people, through my own ability to stay above the influence, to not give in to the social or cultural mainstream, but to determine for themselves what is right or wrong.”
A Step Above – Ben Schlichting
Bishop Gorman High School
Class of 2013
Winston Churchill once said that the price of greatness is responsibility. Bishop Gorman High School senior Ben Schlichting proves that adage true as someone who takes the lead in all his endeavors while keeping his eye on the promise of tomorrow. Driven by a passion for law and politics, this articulate and gregarious young man excels at making connections and breaking down barriers, talents that will serve him well in his aspirations to public office. He doesn’t just have a dream for the future; he has a plan to make it better, and that helps place Ben Schlichting – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.06
Sports/Activities
- Varsity Golf, 2009-Present
- Varsity Quiz, 2009-Present; Captain, 2012
- Mock Trial, 2012
- Academic Society, 2009-11
- Mu Alpha Theta, 2011-Present
- National Honor Society, 2011-Present; President, 2012
- MicroBank, President and Co-Founder, 2010-Present
Awards/Community Service
- MVP Award (Golf), 2010
- Coach’s Award (Golf), 2011-12
- Student of the Year, Biology Honors & Scholar English, 2010
- Student of the Year, New Testament Studies, 2011
- Student of the Year, AP U.S. History, 2012
- Nevada All-State Academic Team, 2010 & 2012
- St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 2009-12
- L.I.G.H.T. Retreat, 2010 & 2012
- First Tee of Southern Nevada, 2009-12
Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “The accomplishment I am most proud of is the creation of the Bishop Gorman MicroBank. We worked so hard to make this dream a reality. Hours of planning paid off when we were able to give our first loan to help someone. We have been able to help end poverty in a small way, but even a small deed can have very big consequences.”
Ben Looks Up To: “To me, my heroes are both my mom and dad. Lately our family has gone through quite a few struggles, but their love for each other, and me, has kept our family together. I am very proud to call myself their son, and the lesson they have taught me is to just keep fighting no matter how hard life can get. I will take this and use it for the rest of my life.”
Part of the Solution: “A key issue facing young adults is recognition and classification. Many adults like to pin young adults as reckless and disrespectful. This is sadly a common misperception. To solve this problem, I would aid in explaining to adults that we are fully capable of accomplishing large tasks and are a respectful and abiding group of citizens. The young and the old have to come together in order to become a more unified country.”
