Browsing articles in "A Step Above"

David Cody Winward

Aug 2, 2011   //   by wagona   //   A Step Above  //  No Comments

Foothill High School

Class of 2012

For some students, school means showing up, zoning out, turning a few pages and heading home.  Others, however, make the very best of it; they seek challenges and take advantage of the opportunities that enhance both their time in high school and their futures.  Foothill High School Student Body President David Winward is one of these latter, rarer individuals.  And while finding drive in oneself is hard enough, for David, it’s only the start.  Determined to make something of himself and inspire positive change in the world around him, he’s gearing up for a prosperous tomorrow, and for that, David Winward is – A Step Above.    

 

G.P.A.: 3.75

Sports/Clubs:

  • Freshman Football, 2008/09; JV, 2009/10; Varsity, 2011-Present
  • JV Wrestling, 2008-10; Varsity 2011-Present
  • JV Track & Field, 2008/09; Varsity, 2009-Present
  • National Student Council, 2009-12
  • FHS Student Council, 2009-Present; Sophomore Class President, 2009/10; Junior Class President, 2010/11; Student Body President, 2011/12
  • Boy Scouts of America, 2005-12

 

Awards/Community Service:

  • National Association of Student Council Certified Student Leader, 2009
  • Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout, 2011
  • Varsity Letter, 2010
  • Junior Class Prom Prince, 2011
  • 225 Cleans–Weightlifting, 2011
  • Rookie of the Year–Student Council, 2009/10
  • Sophomore of the Year–Student Council, 2009/10
  • Junior of the Year–Student Council, 2010/11
  • Feed the Homeless, 2009-Present
  • Fly the Flag, 2006-Present
  • Relay for Life Volunteer/Participant, 2011
  • Santa Run Participant, 2009-10
  • Silverman Volunteer, 2009-12

Accomplishments Most Proud Of:  “I am a hard worker and am proud of all my accomplishments, but I am most proud of the elected positions I have been able to serve in the Student Council at Foothill.  I appreciate my peers giving me the opportunity to work for our school.”

David is Successful Because: “I think I am successful because of the encouragement from my family.  Their love, support and advice motivates me to do better and rise to higher aspirations.”

David Looks Up To: “There are many wonderful influences in my life that I look up to; it would be difficult to pick just one.  My parents are definitely at the top of my list though.  Their examples of their lives and how they treat others makes me want to be like that too.”

Part of the Solution: “I think one of the issues young adults face today is not knowing where they fit in, where they are heading and what their future entails.  I think it is important that we reach out to others and widen our circle of friends.  I also think it is important to have more career advisement and guidance to help us find the career that will make us happy, enjoy life and give us direction.”

 

Anna Boyle

Jul 11, 2011   //   by wagona   //   A Step Above  //  No Comments

Bishop Gorman High School

Class of 2011


From the pool to the pavement, Bishop Gorman High School graduate Anna Boyle is sending out positive waves.  They’re rolling out far and wide, breaking at islands of opportunity and sending adversity out to sea. Reaching out to peers, family members and neighbors, she prides herself on delivering inspirational messages to others while maintaining a steady flow of achievement through no shortage of hard work and determination.  Perhaps most admirable of all, she’s proving to those around her that focus, perseverance and a positive attitude really do make all the difference, and for that, Anna Boyle is – A Step Above.         

G.P.A.:  3.97

 

Sports/Clubs:  

 

  • Synchronized Swimming, 2002-Present
  • Varsity Swimming, 2008-10
  • Academic Society, 2007-09
  • National Honor Society, 2009-Present
  • Science Club, 2009-Present
  • Spanish Honor Society, 2009-Present
  • Mu Alpha Theta, 2010-Present
  • Chess Club, 2010-Present

 

Awards/Community Service:

 

  • AP Scholar, 2008-Present
  • National Merit Commended Student, 2009-11
  • National Merit Quarterfinalist, 2009-11
  • Scholar Athlete Award, 2008-10
  • Outstanding Achievement Award–AP World History, Spanish, Cultural Geography Honors, 2009
  • Synchronized Swimming National Team Member, 2008
  • Pan-American Championships–Silver Medalist, 2008
  • Synchronized Swimming Junior Nationals Finalist, 2008-Present
  • Synchronized Swimming Senior Nationals Finalist, 2009-Present
  • Synchronized Swimming US Open Finalist, 2010-Present  
  • National Honor Society Tutor, 2009-Present
  • St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church Youth Group Volunteer, 2007-10

 

Goals & Aspirations: “My lifelong goal is to always live life to the fullest. Life is too short to not take full advantage of the situations offered to you!”

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of being accepted to Stanford University. I’ve wanted to attend Stanford since I was a little girl, and throughout high school I worked very hard, taking challenging classes, maintaining good grades and excelling in synchronized swimming, in order to get there.”

Anna is Stronger and Wiser Because: “An obstacle that has made me a stronger person is that I have scoliosis. I had to wear a back brace 20 hours a day, seven days a week for almost two years. It was very uncomfortable and embarrassing. Having scoliosis has helped me appreciate and care for all people with disabilities and diseases.”

Part of the Solution: “I believe a key issue facing young adults is being ignorant of the issues facing the world today. It is very easy to become wrapped in one’s own problems and forget about everyone else’s suffering. I can be a part of the solution by always offering help wherever it is needed.”

Jason Corpuz

Jul 11, 2011   //   by wagona   //   A Step Above  //  No Comments

Palo Verde High School

Class of 2011 

Discipline, innovation, perseverance and timeless style. Like classic songbooks of the past, these are qualities that leave an enduring mark on those affected by them. They’re also the characteristics that are tipping Palo Verde High School graduate Jason Corpuz’ scales in the way of maximum personal achievement. Through mastery of all that he’s passionate about, he’s creating a rhythm to live by; one that’s building into a crescendo of long-lasting success. An award-winning musician and hard working student, he’s reaping the rewards that come with focus and tireless effort, and for that, Jason Corpuz is – A Step Above.

 

G.P.A.: 4.4

Sports/Activities:  

 

  • Swimming, 2010-Present
  • Marching Band, Wind Ensemble and Pep Bands, 2007-Present
  • Marching Band Drum Major & Field Conductor, 2010
  • Band Leadership Section Leader, 2009-Present
  • Band Treasurer, 2008-09
  • Band and Choir Solo and Ensemble Accompanist, 2007-Present
  • Jazz Combo and Jazz Band Participant, 2007-Present
  • CCSD Honor Band Acceptance, 2007-Present
  • CCSD Honor Jazz Ensemble Participant, 2009-Present
  • Nevada Music Educators Association (NMEA) All-State Jazz Band Participant–Trumpet, 2009-10; Piano, 2010-11

 

Scholarships/Awards/Community Service:

 

  • USAA National Fine Arts Award, 2010-11
  • 1st Place at Rotary Club West Scholarship Competition
  • Student of the Month–April, 2011
  • Band Letter, 2008-Present
  • NMEA Regional Solo and Ensemble Festival Superior Rating–Trumpet Duet and Quartet, 2009-11; Piano and Percussion Duet, 2010/11; Piano Solo, 2011
  • Outstanding Soloist (Improviser) Jazz Band Pianist, 2008-Present
  • Our Lady of the Skies Volunteer Accompanist, 2008-Present
  • Macys Community Service Shopping Day, 2009
  • Red Cross Blood Drive Volunteer, 2010-Present
  • Make-a-Wish Foundation “Trick or Treat to Donate” Volunteer, 2011
  • Catholic Shelter Feed the Homeless Volunteer, 2009

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “This past year, my friend and I wrote and arranged a piano and percussion duet that received many acclamations at the annual Clark County Solo and Ensemble Festival.  In addition, I performed a trumpet duet which made it to the state round where only the best of the best student musicians are evaluated.”

 

Jason is Successful Because: “I’m definitely not a quitter at anything, especially not music. My passion towards the art that I create drives me to be the best I can be, even when it takes weeks or sometimes several months to learn classical literature on the piano. I always put forth as much effort as I can to be the best musician I can be.”

Part of the Solution: “Young adults have become severely obsessed with material items such as iPads, the newest Droids and Call of Duty games.  I hope to be a part of the solution by showing other people that there’s more to life than texting and Facebook.  Being an advocate for music would be a perfect remedy for this issue.”

Alexandra Griego

Jul 11, 2011   //   by wagona   //   A Step Above  //  No Comments

Faith Lutheran High School

Class of 2011

Not content to let life’s experiences pass her by, Faith Lutheran High School graduate Alexandra Griego is at the forefront of her school’s extra-curricular community.  From swim, dance and cheer to theatre and journalism, this stellar student is making the rounds and excelling at it all. Why?  Because she knows that it takes a lot more than grades to climb to the top.  With this wisdom in mind, she’s always going that extra mile, working with perseverance and diligence no matter the setting.  She’s diversifying her life’s portfolio, and it’s looking better each day.  For all these reasons and more, Alexandra Griego is – A Step Above.         
 


G.P.A.:
3.72

Sports/Activities/Community Service:

 

  • Varsity Dance, 2008-Present; Co-Captain, 2010-Present 
  • Division 4A State Competitors–1st Place in Hip-Hop and 2nd Place in Jazz, 2010 
  • Swim Team, 2007-08 
  • Junior Varsity Cheer, 2007-08
  • FLHS Production of Hairspray–Cast Member & Dancer, 2011
  • FLHS Production of Beauty and the Beast–Cast Member & Dancer, 2010
  • FLHS Production of Seussical the Musical–Cast Member & Dancer, 2009
  • FLHS Crusader Chronicle Newspaper–News & Sports Editor, 2010-11
  • Key Club, 2008-11
  • Summerlin Library Volunteer, 2008-Present
  • All Saints Episcopal Church Volunteer

 

Scholarships/Awards:

 

  • National Hispanic Recognition Scholar, 2011
  • National Scholars Presidential Scholarship–Auburn University
  • Presidential Academic Scholarship–George Washington University
  • New American University Scholar Award–Arizona State University
  • National Merit Hispanic Scholar Award–University of Arizona
  • National Scholars Scholarship–University of New Mexico
  • TCU Scholarship–Texas Christian University

 

Accomplishments Most Proud Of:  “I am most proud of earning a full ride college scholarship. I worked very hard to earn my SAT scores and it ended up being worth every minute of extra study and effort!  I am also very proud of having helped my high school dance team win a state championship the very first year Faith Lutheran moved up to Division 4A.”

 

Alexandra is Successful Because: “I am successful because my parents have always encouraged me and taught me the value of perseverance. No matter what my goal was, my parents always supported me and did all they could to help me.  They didn’t put up with any negative attitudes and insisted that I put myself out there and keep trying even if I didn’t succeed at first.”

Alexandra is Stronger and Wiser Because: “Perhaps the biggest adversity in my life was my parents’ divorce, which has caused me to divide my time between two households, but my parents have always made sure they acted together to bring me up in a loving and supportive way.  From their example, however, I’ve learned that dealing with difficult situations with grace and humor really helps.”

 

Part of the Solution: “A key issue facing young adults right now is the economy.  Although I can’t personally solve any economic problems, I can make young adults aware of important national issues by writing for my college newspaper, learning more about national issues, speaking openly about my opinions, and then taking personal action based on what I think is the right thing to do.”

Daniel Emmet Shipley

Jul 11, 2011   //   by wagona   //   A Step Above  //  2 Comments

Faith Lutheran High School 

Class of 2011 

Where does Faith Lutheran High School graduate Daniel Shipley see himself in ten years? Performing on some of the largest stages in the world, of course. And why not? He’s undoubtedly got a talent for moving audiences with his vocal stylings. Couple that remarkable gift with humbled confidence, a firm sense of responsibility and an unwavering will to succeed and you’ve got a star player in the game of life. Beyond that, however, is something even more powerful; passion. With music lighting the fires of his heart and soul, he’s preparing to step into the spotlight with a harmonious ensemble of winning attributes, and for that, Daniel Shipley is – A Step Above.   

 

G.P.A.:  3.9 (non-weighted)

Activities/Clubs/Community Service:

  • Vocal Ensemble, 2008-11
  • Choir, 2008-11
  • FLHS Productions–Lead Roles in Clue, 2009; Dracula, 2009;  Suessical, 2009; Beauty and the Beast, 2010;  Hairspray, 2011
  • Student Conductor–Faith Lutheran Middle School, 2010/11 
  • International Thespian Society, 2010/11 
  • Tri-M Music Honor Society, 2008-11  
  • Teen Ambassador Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation, 2010/11
  • Vocalist for NCCF Gala, 2009/10; Shade Tree Gala, 2010; Sandoval Inaugural Ball, 2011; Santa Run, 2009; Danny Gans Run, 2010; Lincoln Day Dinner, 2011 
  • Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation Voices of Youth Creator/Member, 2010/11 

 Scholarships/Awards:

  • Nevada High School Male Vocalist State Champion, 2010
  • Colleen Alenik Teen Spirit Award, 2010
  • Community Partners Nevada’s Pride Award, 2011
  • Male Vocalist of the Year, 2010/11 
  • Male Thespian of the Year, 2011
  • Best Actor–Horton in Seussical, 2009; Link in Hairspray, 2011
  • Presidential and Talent Scholarships–Chapman University

 

Goals & Aspirations: “My current aspiration is to learn and absorb as much knowledge as I can about every aspect of the music business, from performing and writing to directing and producing. My future goal is to become the next David Foster, one of the top, all-around individuals in the music business.”

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of the vocal group I created called NCCF Voices of Youth.  We not only raised awareness and funds for NCCF, but we saw first-hand how the power of music has a positive effect on people. Another accomplishment I am proud of is being accepted for Vocal Performance at Chapman University and The Juilliard School.”    

Daniel is Stronger and Wiser Because: “I moved to Las Vegas when I was in tenth grade, and I remember how scary and uncomfortable it was the first few weeks. The lesson I will take away is that no matter how scared or uncomfortable a situation may be, it is how you handle yourself and what you put in that will determine the outcome.” 

Part of the Solution: “I think self image is a key issue facing young adults.  Most people determine if they like a person by either how they look or what other people say about them.  I think it would help if we all learned to understand who people are and what they stand for instead of basing our opinions on outward appearances and other’s opinions.”

Nanea Fisher

Jun 3, 2011   //   by wagona   //   A Step Above  //  No Comments

Liberty High School
Class of 2011

In ways that reach far beyond pure musicality, Liberty High School valedictorian Nanea Fisher is movin’ and groovin’ to her own ukulele’s tune.  For her, strumming the high notes of life is not about conforming or sitting idly by. Rather, it’s about building character, which she continues to do through positive reflection, cultivating leadership skills, and dedicating time to community. By combining an independent spirit with enduring respect for her family and culture, she’s found the perfect niche: happiness through individuality and all the hard work necessary to rise to the top of her class, and for that, Nanea Fisher is – A Step Above. 

G.P.A: 4.8

Sports/Clubs/Activities:

 

  • Freshman Volleyball–Team Captain, 2008
  • Varsity Volleyball, 2010; Manager, 2009
  • Key Club, 2007/09-Present
  • National Honors Society, 2008-Present
  • Polynesian Club, 2008-Present
  • AP Club, 2010-Present
  • High Schools Against Cancer Club, 2011-Present
  • Tevakanui Club, 2010-Present
  • Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Representative, 2009
  • Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Representative, 2010

 

Awards/Community Service:

 

  • MVP & Participation Award–Volleyball, 2008
  • Certificate of Recognition by the Congressional Student Leadership Conference, 2009
  • Certificate for Over 100 Hours of Volunteer Service from HOBY’s Leadership for Service Program, 2009
  • The President’s Volunteer Service Award, 2010
  • English Department Student of the Month, 2009
  • Straight A Honor Roll, 2007-Present
  • Academic Scholar Award, 2009-11
  • College Board AP Scholar Award, 2010
  • Special Olympics Volunteer, 2009
  • Blood Drive Volunteer, 2009-10
  • MDA Shamrocks Volunteer, 2010
  • Sandwiches for the Homeless: PB&J-a-thon, 2008-Present
  • Save Our Samoa Tsunami Relief, 2009
  • Kiddie Korner Trunk-or-Treat, 2009
  • Holiday Gift Wrapping Volunteer, 2009
  • Polynesian Community Functions/Festivals Volunteer, 2006-Present
  • Children Mending Hearts, 2010
  • Hei Tahiti Tevakanui, 2010

 

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “My greatest accomplishment is reaching the highest rank in my class and thus becoming this year’s valedictorian. I think the best part about being valedictorian is that I can set an example, not only for my fellow classmates, but my siblings, younger family members and friends as well.”

Nanea is Stronger and Wiser Because: “Eight years ago my mother was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma cancer. We have made sacrifices and cried many tears, but through hard work, determination and optimism, we made it through. My mother’s cancer is now in remission. In the end, we have survived cancer. We have overcome adversity.”

Nanea Looks Up To: “I look up to my parents, Larry and Moana Fisher. My parents are the epitome of what good choices, learning from your mistakes, and giving yourself wholeheartedly can do for your life. We are firmly rooted in our Polynesian heritage, and my parents have committed themselves to continuing the traditions and immersing us in our culture.”

Part of the Solution: “A key issue facing young adults today is our vulnerability. I feel that we are too resistant to the right things and too eager to participate in the wrong things. The best way for me to be a part of the solution is to lead by example. I try to commit myself to showing others how to think for themselves by following a path of good choices.”

 

Alex Pereszlenyi

Jun 3, 2011   //   by wagona   //   A Step Above  //  No Comments

Green Valley High School

Class of 2011

Whatever life throws his way, Green Valley High School senior Alex Pereszlenyi is taking it in stride. That’s not to say he doesn’t possess a sharp competitive edge or the work ethic needed to achieve the high goals he sets for himself. Quite the opposite, his easy going demeanor is what propels him to see every challenge as an opportunity to grow; each minor setback as motivation to strive even harder. What’s even more impressive is that all the while he takes time to help others when they need it and plans to parlay that sense of responsibility into a career. For all this and more, Alex Pereszlenyi is – A Step Above.

 

 G.P.A.:  4.8

Sports/Clubs/Community Service:    

  • Bowling, 2008-Present
  • Varsity Quiz, 2009-Present
  • Ultimate Frisbee Club Founding Member, 2010-Present
  • KEY Club, 2008-10
  • St. Thomas More Young Disciple, 2009-Present
  • LIGHT Work Camp, 2007-10
  • Volunteer Little League All-Star Umpire, 2010
  • Catholic Charities, 2008-Present
  • Feeding the Homeless, 2008-Present

 Scholarships/Awards:  

  • Valedictorian Candidate
  • Student of the Month, 2009
  • AP Scholar, 2010
  • Wells Fargo Global Entrepreneurship Experience Scholarship
  • Provost’s Scholarship–Nevada All-State Academic, 2008-11

  Alex is Successful Because: “What makes me successful is the incredible drive I possess. I motivate myself to do whatever it is that I want to accomplish without the option of failure.”

 Alex Looks Up To: “I look up to both my father and mother because they provide me with a solid base for which I can sculpt my own preferences and character.  They are always there for me, and I can always ask them for anything.”

 Alex on Peer Pressure: “When some person was getting made fun of, my friends were too scared to do something.  I could not live with the guilt of being passive, so I went and helped the kid out.”

 Cause for Concern: “If I could, I would be the president of StandUp for Kids because of its contribution to homeless teens in Las Vegas.  It is a great organization that serves a noble cause.”

Nicole Ruffino

Jun 3, 2011   //   by wagona   //   A Step Above  //  No Comments

Coronado High School
Class of 2011

Coronado High School senior Nicole Ruffino hasn’t been sitting the bench in the game of life.  Nor has her time in play slipped by unnoticed.  Instead, she’s been hitting her goals like so many three-pointers and capitalizing on opportunities as though they were simple free throws.  But none of this is happenstance.  As Nicole can attest, results come from focus, practice and hard work; they arrive only after consistently going above and beyond what is called of you.  For Nicole, this means pushing both herself and her team on the court, all the while maintaining high marks in school and being an example for her peers, and for that, she is – A Step Above.      

G.P.A.: 4.3

Sports/Clubs/Community Service:

  • JV Basketball, 2007-08
  • Varsity Basketball, 2008-Present; Captain, 2010
  • Vegas Elite AAU Basketball Club, 2009/10
  • All Tournament Team for Las Vegas Holiday Classic, 2009/10
  • All Tournament Team for Warrior Tip Off–Western High School, 2010/11
  • All-Star Team–Dixie College, 2009/10
  • National Honor Society, 2009-Present
  • Students Against Destructive Decisions, 2010-Present
  • Volunteer at Desert Springs Hospital
  • Middle School Basketball Camp Coach–LVDS, 2009/10
  • Every 15 Minutes DUI Education Program, 2010/11

 

Scholarships/Awards:

  • Whittier Merit Scholarship
  • Whittier College Work Study
  • United States Army Reserve National Scholar/Athlete Award, 2011
  • MVP–Varsity Basketball, 2009-11
  • All-State Scholar Athlete, 2010/11
  • Offensive Player of the Year–JV Basketball, 2007/08
  • Athlete of the Month–February, 2010
  • Wendy Heisman Award Candidate, 2010/11
  • All-State Scholar Athlete, 2011


Goals & Aspirations:  “One of my main goals is to get my degree in psychology and obtain a career as either a geriatric psychologist or a marriage counselor.”

Accomplishments Most Proud Of:  “I am most proud of being able to maintain a high GPA throughout school while being able to perform on the basketball court after working hard for so many years.”

Nicole Looks Up To:  “I look up to my mother a lot. She is a registered nurse and loves to help others; it brightens her day just to make a patient laugh. Helping others is also the road I’d like to take when searching for a career.”

Cause for Concern:  “If I could be the president of any nonprofit organization, it would be the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, to help raise money for Americans affected by Alzheimer’s. I chose this organization specifically because I witnessed first-hand what Alzheimer’s can do while caring for my grandmother.”

Katie Gamsky

Jun 3, 2011   //   by wagona   //   A Step Above  //  No Comments

Coronado High School

Class of 2011

With the skills that make for success both on and off the volleyball court, Coronado High School senior Katie Gamsky is serving up aces.  Her carefully crafted game plan is one of unfaltering determination coupled with leadership ability and a steadfast work ethic, but it’s not all about winning. It’s about staying true to core values while finding a delicate balance between work and play; capitalizing on her strengths; and digging deep to follow through with her dreams. Her strategy is set. All that’s left to do is continue scoring those game-changing match points. For exemplifying all these “power tips” and being an inspiration to her peers, Katie Gamsky is – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.55

Sports/Clubs/Community Service:

  • Varsity Volleyball, 2007-Present
  • Club Volleyball, 2003-Present
  • USA A1 High Performance (HP), 2007-09
  • SCVA HP Select Team Alternate, 2007
  • SCVA HP Select Global Challenge Team–Croatia, 2008
  • SCVA HP Red Youth Team–Florida, 2009
  • Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), 2010-Present
  • National Charity League, 2005-10

Scholarships/Awards:

  • Scholar Athlete, 2008-Present
  • Full Ride Athletic Scholarship to D1 DePaul University–Volleyball
  • Prepvolleyball.com FROSH List, 2007
  • Prepvolleyball.com SOPH List, 2008
  • Rising Star Award, 2008
  • 1st Team All-Conference, 2007-10
  • Team Captain, 2010-Present
  • Team MVP, 2008-11
  • MaxPreps Player of the Week, 2010
  • Sunrise Region MVP, 2010
  • Review Journal Head of the Class, 2009/10

Goals & Aspirations:  “I want to run my first marathon within the next couple of years.  It’s also important to me to continue my involvement with philanthropic organizations, especially those directed towards helping children.  Right after college, I hope to travel around Europe before I start my career. I would like to own my own public relations firm by the time I’m 30.”

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “When I was 15, I was chosen to represent the U.S. and play volleyball in Europe with a high achieving group of girls from California.  I have been recognized as one of the top volleyball players in the state of Nevada, and I have achieved good grades throughout high school while taking challenging courses.” 

Katie Looks Up To:  “I admire volleyball player Paula Weishoff.  She is only one of four USA women”s volleyball players to compete in three different Olympics.  She manages the High Performance program in Southern California, and I was lucky enough to be coached by her during my trips to Europe and Florida.”

Part of the Solution:  “We live in a town that promotes partying and drinking and there is tremendous pressure for teenagers to do the same.  Teenagers need to be strong and not submit to peer pressure just to be accepted.  I choose not to participate, and I still have plenty of friends to hang with.”

 

Gregory Darnell Gulley II

May 2, 2011   //   by wagona   //   A Step Above  //  No Comments

Palo Verde High School
Class of 2011

Palo Verde High School senior Gregory Gulley isn’t your average young adult.  For starters, he possesses an abiding sense of discipline and a resolute plan for the future. Far from self-serving, this plan reflects his desire to change the world for the better through his own positive example. Whether in the classroom, on the volunteer front, or on the field with the Color Guard, you’ll find him working hard toward his ultimate goal of living a life in service of others. He’ll be smiling contentedly because he knows his plan is already in action, and for that, Gregory Gulley is – A Step Above.  

G.P.A.: 4.32

Sports/Clubs/Community Service:

  • Freshman Football, 2008/09; Junior Varsity, 2009/10
  • Palo Verde AFJROTC, 2008-Present
  • Kitty Hawk Air Society, 2008-Present
  • Physical Fitness Team, 2009-10
  • Awareness Presentation Team, 2009-Present
  • Student Council, 2010-Present
  • Student 2 Student, 2009-Present
  • Choir, 2008-Present
  • Color Guard, 2008-Present
  • Little League T-Ball Coach, 2009-10
  • Toys for Tots Foundation Volunteer, 2007-Present
  • Ronald McDonald House Charities, 2008-Present
  • Four Square Volunteer, 2008-Present
  • Paws for Change Volunteer, 2010-Present
  • No H8 Volunteer, 2010-Present
  • People Against Poverty Volunteer, 2010-Present
  • Lupus Research Project, 2008-Present

Scholarships/Awards:

  • Air Force Association Award, 2010
  • Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Award, 2008
  • Aeronautical Education Foundation Award, 2010
  • Freedom Fighters Foundation Essay Winner, 2010
  • Outstanding Cadet, 2009
  • National Association of Student Councils Winner
  • All Air Force Regulation–2nd Place, 2008; 1st Place, 2009/10
  • All Air Force Inspection–3rd Place, 2008; 2nd Place, 2009; 1st Place, 2010
  • All Air Force Sweepstakes–1st Place, 2010
  • All Air Force 2nd Place Overall, 2008/10
  • CCSD Regulation–3rd Place, 2008; 2nd Place, 2009/10
  • CCSD Inspection–3rd Place, 2010; 2nd Place, 2009
  • CCSD Sweepstakes–2nd Place, 2009; 1st Place, 2010
  • CCSD First Team Commander, 2010

Goals & Aspirations: “My only goal within my life is to make a difference in this world.  I want to be a positive role model to my peers and community, as well as an active participant within the governing of the people. I’d like to one day become Secretary of the State so that I can make a change within our foreign relations.”

Gregory is Successful Because: “The one thing that I give sole credit for my success is my unfaltering devotion to the promises that I make. When I was younger, I told myself ‘I am going to be a man of my word.’ Every promise I make I will follow through with, and every word that I speak will be the truth.”

Gregory Looks Up To:  “I look up to my mother. She is preparing me to be successful in my later-life through the strict discipline she enforces upon me and through making a decision and sticking to it no matter what.”