Jacqueline Morea
Bishop Gorman High School
Class of 2011
It’s not very often you find a cool combination of courage, compassion, maturity and determination in a young adult. It’s even rarer to find one who seeks to master level-headed diplomacy like Bishop Gorman High School senior Jacqueline Morea. A traveler and active participant on the road to peace, one of her many goals is to promote fellowship, tolerance and understanding among people of all backgrounds. For now, she’s making great strides in academics, communication, leadership, learning about global affairs and sharing knowledge with others, and for that, Jacqueline Morea is – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 3.9
Sports/Clubs/Community Service:
- BGHS Swim Team, 2007-08
- Broadcast Media, 2010-Present; Writer, 2010-Present
- Gaels Theatre Guild, 2009-Present; Assistant Director for Charley’s Aunt, 2010
- Bishop Gorman Worship Choir, 2009-Present
- Holy Spirit Catholic Church Worship Choir, 2009-Present
- Varsity Quiz, 2007-Present
- Mock Trial, 2007-Present
- Speech and Debate, 2008-Present; Vice President of School Chapter, 2010-11
- We the People Team, 2010-Present
- Summerlin South Little League Volunteer
- Numana Inc.–Saving the Starving Volunteer
Scholarships/Awards:
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Scholar, 2011
- National Merit Finalist, 2011
- Scholastic Art and Writing Awards–Gold Key Recipient, 2011
- Varsity Quiz Division Champions, 2010-11
- 1st Place Team at District Competition–We the People, 2010
- Nevada State Champions–Mock Trial, 2011
- National Hispanic Recognition Program Finalist, 2010
- AP Scholar, 2010
- National Forensic League Degree of Special Distinction Award, 2011
- State Bar of Nevada Judge Robert Foley Essay Contest Winner, 2009
- Nevada State Champions–Mock Trial, 2011
- National Semifinalist–Senate Congress, 2010
Goals & Aspirations: “I’d like to graduate with honors from Johns Hopkins University and learn at least one language, Arabic, before going to a joint M.A./J.D. program in some area of international diplomacy or national security studies.”
Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of being one of 24 students chosen from the United States to participate in a cultural exchange, leadership and debate program this past summer at King’s Academy in Madaba-Manja, Jordan to discuss Palestinian-Israeli relations.”
Jacqueline is Successful Because: “I’m adaptable and always look for more than one way to do something. There’s a quote from Hannibal that goes, ‘We will either find a way, or we will make one’, and I think that’s just the way I approach things.”
Part of the Solution: “A general indifference or apathy to situations outside our own lives is a big problem with this generation. Author Elie Wiesel described indifference as ‘more dangerous than anger and hatred.’ I think that if we focused more on increasing our own knowledge of others, we would begin to take an active role in shaping our world for the better.”
Krystal Onyema
Faith Lutheran High School
Class of 2011
Shakespeare once wrote, “This above all, to thine own self be true.” To Faith Lutheran High School senior Krystal Onyema, that means being honest and forthright, faithful and devoted. A well-rounded individual with interests aplenty, she’s no stranger to the hard work necessary to rise to the top of her game academically, physically or spiritually. And yet, for all her glowing achievements she remains a humble servant of her family, community and faith. For holding selflessness and integrity in the highest regard, and staying true to her core values rain or shine, Krystal Onyema is – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 3.95
Sports/Activities:
- JV Volleyball, 2007/08
- JV Basketball, 2007/08
- Varsity Soccer, 2008-10
- Varsity Track, 2007-Present
- Club Soccer, 2007-10
- Olympic Development Program, 2008-10
- Voice Lessons–Classical/Opera, 2007-Present
- Seussical the Musical–Role of Sour Kangaroo, 2009
- All-State Choir, 2010
- National Honor Society, 2009-Present; President, 2010-Present
- Tri-M Music Honor Society, 2009-Present; Chair/President, 2010-Present
Awards/Community Service:
- Student of the Month, 2009
- Athlete of the Year, 2009/10
- Female Vocalist of the Year, 2009/10
- Rotary Youth Leadership Award, 2010
- MVP for Field Athletes–Track & Field, 2010
- Elementary School Volunteer with Tri-M, 2010/11
- NHS–Supply Collecting for U.S. Troops, 2010/11
- FLHS Peer Helper, 2008-Present
- FLHS Peer Tutor, 2007-Present
- Summerlin Library Volunteer, 2010/11
Krystal is Successful Because: “God is what makes me successful. On my own I would fail, but through him ‘I can do all things.’ Sticking to my morals and staying true to myself because of my faith makes me successful no matter what happens in life.”
Krystal Looks Up To: “I look up to most of my family members, but one person I look up to specifically is my brother. He’s such a caring individual that puts others above himself. I know he’s destined for great things, and I can’t wait to watch them unfold. He’s very intelligent, smart and patient. I learn from being around him every day.”
Part of the Solution: “Bullying can lead to the victim becoming depressed, emotionally withdrawn and, in some cases, even suicidal. Too many times people witness someone getting bullied and do the worst thing possible–just watch. I can be a part of the solution by taking a stand against those who bully by standing by the side of the victim.”
Deserted Island Necessities: “I would take my Bible, because my faith is the most important thing to me. I would also take a water purification system so I can have clean water to drink. Lastly, I would bring a cruise ship (with a captain) because the only reason I would be on a deserted island is to go on vacation.”
Maya Barnes
Faith Lutheran High School
Class of 2011
It’s through no shortage of devotion that Faith Lutheran High School senior Maya Barnes finds her success. She’s shooting for the stars, and given the looks of it, she’ll be reaching them all. Her leadership will carry her forward, and her sense of charity keeps her heart in the right place. Perhaps best of all, she knows what it means to work hard both with a team and as an individual. So whether she’s with her teammates on the softball diamond this week or in the medical field in years to come, her aim is true and she’s right on target. For all this and more, Maya Barnes is – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.01
Sports/Clubs:
- Varsity Softball, 2007-11
- Varsity Softball Team Captain, 2010-Present
- Las Vegas Blast Softball, 2006-09
- National Honor Society, 2008-Present
- Key Club, 2009-Present
- Mellow Dramatist Workshop, 2010
Scholarships/Awards:
- Scholar Athlete, 2007-11
- Nevada All-State Academic Softball Team, 2007-11
- Softball MVP, 2009-10
- Triple A Softball All-Conference, 2008-09
- 50 Volunteer Hours with NHS and Key Club
Goals & Aspirations: “Right now, I am focusing on maintaining my grades and having a strong senior season, but in the future I would like to go on to medical school.”
Maya is Successful Because: “I have a hard time thinking I’m successful when I’m only in high school, but I like to think I am well rounded. I think it is important to delve into a variety of things and never take any part of life too seriously so I can enjoy it.”
Maya Looks Up To: “It might be cliché to say, but I truly admire my dad. He came from a tiny farm town outside of Omaha, but worked hard to get where he is. He also makes time to come to all my games, even if he has work to do.”
Part of the Solution: “I think an important issue facing adolescents today is intolerance. Everyone has the tendency to observe the faults of others, but teenagers can be especially cruel to kids with autism. I think if teenagers tutored or spent time with autistic kids they would see how amazing they really are.”
Cause for Concern: “I would want to be the president of Autism Speaks. They are an astounding charity trying to raise awareness and find a cure for the autism spectrum disorders, helping millions of people with autism and their families.”
Hermila Hailemariam Yifter
Silverado High School
Class of 2011
It’s always a special treat to meet someone with worldly concerns who also possesses the capacity to make some real changes. With ambitions so large they span the globe, Silverado High School senior Hermila Yifter is one of those remarkable people. No stranger to hard work in the wake of adversity, Hermila is rising to the challenge of changing our world for the better through education, community involvement and genuine concern for others. For aspirations that see well beyond her own future, along with practical plans to bring her goals into harmonious fruition, Hermila Yifter is – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.8
Sports/Community Service/Clubs:
- Women’s Cross Country, 2009/10
- Guidance Program Mentor, 2010-11
- Mu Alpha Theta Tutor, 2007-09
- National Honor Society, 2010-11
- Spanish Club, 2010-11
- Summer Business Institute, 2010
- Catholic Charities Soup Kitchen Volunteer, 2011
- Lied Animal Shelter Volunteer, 2011
- Special Buddies and Pancreatic Run, 2010
- Whitney Ranch Elementary School Clothing Drive, 2010
Scholarships/Awards:
- Summer Business Institute Scholarship, 2010
- Collegeboard AP Scholar w/ Distinction, 2010
- UNLV African American Scholar, 2010/11
- Silverado Academic Letter Recipient, 2008-10
- Silverado Student of the Month, 2007/08
- Green Valley Rotary Student of the Month, 2011
- Channel Eight Nevada Pride, 2011
- Cross Country Varsity Letter, 2009-10
- Coach’s Award–Cross Country, 2010
- Scholar Athlete Award, 2009/10
- All State Academic Team, 2009/10
- Civic Engagement Participant Award
- Senatorial Certificate of Achievement for SBI, 2010
Goals & Aspirations: “I want to graduate high school as valedictorian and with honors. I then want to go to a university and study International Relations/Political Science with a minor in Economics and a foreign language, preferably Arabic or Spanish. I want to work in the Foreign Service or United Nations as a diplomat. I also want to be a business owner.”
Hermila is Successful Because: “I am successful because I work hard and possess determination. I set goals and envision myself achieving them. One of the main reasons why I achieve my goals is because I have a passion and zeal for what I aim for. I enjoy what I do, and everything I do has a higher purpose.”
Hermila Looks Up To: “I look up to my parents, because they achieved so much and came from virtually nothing–no education and no money. They went from living in section eight housing and receiving welfare to owning their own home. They taught me that no adversity or challenge is too great and with hard work anyone can achieve anything.”
Cause for Concern: “I am very interested in helping women and children in third world countries that are deprived of an education due to cultural, societal, financial and familial issues. I want to start a charitable organization where people can donate classic world literature and help build a foundation for libraries all over poverty ridden neighborhoods in the world.”
Amy Mettke
Coronado High School
Class of 2011
There’s something extra admirable about Coronado High School senior Amy Mettke. It may be due in part to her fantastic academic record. Or a tireless, go get ‘em attitude, even amidst never-ending to-do lists. But more than likely, it’s got much to do with her grateful demeanor. Ever mindful of the support she’s received and the examples of discipline that have been laid down for her to follow, she is resolutely thankful for the opportunities she’s been given. Her hard work and commitment to excellence stand in tribute to those who’ve helped her along the way, and for that, Amy Mettke is – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.63
Sports/Activities/Clubs:
- Cheer (Co-Captain; 2007-11
- Track, 2010-11
- Advanced Women’s Ensemble (Section Leader; 2007-08
- Madrigals (Section Leader; 2008-11
- Concert Choir (Section Leader; 2008-11
- SADD Club, 2009-10
- Best Buddies Club, 2009-11
- Animal Advocates Club, 2010-11
Awards/Community Service:
- Scholar Athlete
- November Performing Arts Student of the Month, 2007
- Choral Excellence Award, 2008
- November Cheerleader of the Month, 2009
- 1st Place–Southern Nevada”s 5th Annual Japanese Speech Contest, 2009
- Regional Qualification–Track
- Choral Excellence Award, 2010
- Most Improved Track & Field Athlete, 2010
- Volunteering Weekly at Japanese Saturday School
- Fundraising for No-Kill Animal Shelters
Goals & Aspirations: “My goal right now is to go to a college of my choice with enough scholarships as to not burden my parents. Wherever I end up going, I plan to give my all and take advantage of every opportunity given to me. I aspire to learn more and grow into the successful, noble person I strive to become.”
Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I’m most proud of staying committed to everything I’m involved in and not giving up. Although I feel overwhelmed at times, trying to maintain good grades as well as carry out many of my other responsibilities, I love everything I do at school and would never give up the experiences I’ve had.”
Amy is Successful Because: “I think what makes me successful is my ‘not-good-enough’ attitude. I feel there is always something I can do to improve on something, and am never satisfied with myself. I strive to continuously grow and set new goals for myself.”
Amy Looks Up To: “I look up to my mom because of her determination and persistence. The past couple of years, she’s been running the Las Vegas Marathon and is now training for a triathlon. My goal is to one day run a marathon and do a triathlon alongside my mother.”
Gregory Odell
Coronado High School
Class of 2011
It’s a combination of unfaltering faith, focus and drive that propels future leaders to the top. Add light-hearted humor and a desire to serve the community to this mix and you wind up with someone like Coronado High School senior Gregory Odell. Academically sound and always willing to try new things, the aspiring public servant and well-rounded student is poised to set an example for everyone he meets. And through his hard work and dedication, his plans for the future are already in motion. So whether he’s at the wrestling mat today or on the political podium tomorrow, it’s apparent that Gregory Odell is – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.1
Sports/Clubs/Activites:
- Track & Field, 2007-09
- Junior Wrestling, 2004/06
- JV Wrestling, 2008-09
- Varsity Wrestling, 2009-10
- Madrigals, 2010-11
- Orchestra, 2005-Present
- Violin, 1999-Present
- Boy Scouts of America, 2001-Present
Scholarships/Awards/Community Service:
- Scholar Athlete, 2010
- Orchestra Vice President, 2010-Present
- Wrestling Team Captain, 2010
- Letter in Wrestling, 2010
- Letter in Orchestra, 2010
- Eagle Scout, 2010
Goals & Aspirations: “For now, my goals are to graduate with honors and go on to attend BYU Provo. There, I hope to get three semesters in before serving a two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I then plan to complete a double major in communications and political science. After, I hope to go straight into politics or analytical journalism.”
Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of the new things I”ve tried in school this year. I decided to diversify my senior year and do things I didn”t necessarily expect to. In the time since, I”ve become orchestra vice president, been accepted into the Coronado madrigals choir, and gotten call backs for a musical audition.”
Gregory is Stronger and Wiser Because: “The biggest obstacles in my life are disorganization and lack of motivation. When I was younger, I would frequently forget assignments, or simply ignore them because it was something I didn”t feel like doing. Both of these combined caused me to receive a few poor grades. I have been able to learn from these past errors, recover my grades, and accomplish much more in a timely manner.”
Part of the Solution: “I believe that the worst epidemic of today”s young adults is apathy. This age group doesn”t care about many things that should be very important to them. Education is now a means to a social life, and political involvement is something that doesn”t accomplish much in the eyes of most. I hope to be able to get young people more active and interested in the issues by making them more understandable.”
Casey Almeido
Coronado High School
Class of 2011
It has been said that “running is the greatest metaphor for life because you get out of it what you put into it.” If that’s the case, then Coronado High School senior Casey Almeido’s efforts should be paying out big–and they are. Devoting equal parts of her time to academia, athletics and charity, she’s already a model teammate, a star student and an inspiration to her peers. Moreover, her very presence is a constant reminder that the future is just a day away, and with passion and hard work, it can be great. For all that and more, Casey Almeido is – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.52
Sports/Clubs/Community Service:
- Varsity Cross Country, 2007-10; Captain, 2010; Historian, 2009
- Track & Field, 2008-Present
- Jr. Varsity Soccer, 2007-08
- National Honor Society, 2009-Present
- Environmental Club, 2009-Present
- National Charity League, 2005-11; Corresponding Secretary, 2010-11
- Make-a-Wish Run Participant, 2009-11
- PB&J-a-Thon Participant, 2009/10
- Henderson Allied Community Advocates Volunteer, 2005-10
- Kids to Kids Literacy Program Volunteer, 2005-10
- Boys & Girls Club of Henderson Volunteer, 2009
- Del Mar Gardens of Green Valley Nursing Home Volunteer, 2005-08
Scholarships/Awards:
- President’s Tuition Scholarship–Northern Arizona University
- Arizona Excellence Award–University of Arizona
- Director’s Award–University of Massachusetts
- Arthur Schulte Scholarship–University of Portland
- Coaches Award–Cross Country, 2010; Jr. Varsity Soccer, 2007/08
- Four-Year Varsity Athlete, 2010
- Region Champions–Cross Country, 2007-10; State Qualifiers, 2007-10
- Cross Country Individual Honors–All-Division, 2007/09; All-Region, 2007
- Scholar Athlete, 2008/09
- NIAA All-State Academic Team, 2010
Goals & Aspirations: “My goals are to graduate high school with a high honors diploma and attend a four-year university to pursue a Bachelor’s of Science Nursing degree. Future goals include becoming a Nurse Practitioner and utilizing my skills to give back to people in third-world countries that lack access to proper medical care.”
Casey is Successful Because: “I am successful because I am an extremely dedicated, motivated, and hard-working person, and I never let myself give up, no matter how difficult the task.”
Casey is Stronger and Wiser Because: “Sophomore year of Cross Country, I suffered a stress fracture in my hip. The day of the region meet, I had to pull myself out of the race to give my team a better chance of taking home the title. I learned to sacrifice my needs for the betterment of the team, and it taught me how to be a better teammate and a stronger leader.”
Jeremy Mann
Palo Verde High School
Class of 2011
There are those who simply talk the talk, and those who do the walking. A young man of intelligent speech and ethically driven deeds, Palo Verde High School senior Jeremy Mann manages to do both. Whether practicing to maintain his status as a tennis ace, raising funds for a worthy cause or winning battles behind the podium, he’s the kind of person who speaks his mind while letting his actions speak for themselves. For focusing his best individual qualities on his intention to better the world, both locally and globally, Jeremy Mann is – A step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.8
Sports/Clubs/Community Service:
- Varsity Tennis, 2007-11; Team Captain, Present
- Forensics, 2007-11; Vice President, 2009-10; President, 2010-Present
- National Honor Society, 2008-10
- JFSA Junior Board–President, 2009-10
- JFSA Walk-a-Thon–Co-Chairman, 2010-11
- Rain Dance-a-Thon–Co-Chairman, 2009
- Barack Obama Presidential Campaign Volunteer, 2009
- Shelley Berkley Congressional Campaign Volunteer, 2008-09
- Camp Alonim Counselor, 2010
Scholarships/Awards:
- National Merit Finalist, 2010
- AP Scholar with Distinction, 2010
- Nevada All-State Academic Team–Tennis, 2007-11
- Scholar Athlete, 2007-11
- Las Vegas” Athlete of the Week, 2010
- Jewish Family Services’ Junior Fundraisers of the Year Award, 2009
- Harvard Book Prize Winner, 2010
- Ranked 31st in the Country–Nationals Debate Tournament, 2010
- National Debate Qualifying Tournament Champion, 2010
- Nevada State Debate Team Champions, 2010
- Public Forum Semi-Finalist–Nevada State Debate Tournament, 2010
- Policy Semi-Finalist–Nevada State Debate Tournament, 2009
- 3rd Place–Nevada State Debate Tournament (Congress; 2008
- Forensics Debater of the Year, 2010
- Forensics Rookie of the Year, 2008
- Nevada State Runners-Up–Tennis (Individual Doubles; 2010/11
- Nevada State Champions–Tennis (Team; 2007-11
Goals & Aspirations: “I want to finish high school as a valedictorian and then go on to major in political science or international relations in college. I would like to work in politics and ultimately become a United States senator.”
Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “As a co-chairman of the Rain Dance-a-Thon, I’m extremely proud of our event that raised over $10,000 and provided over 4200 meals to those in Las Vegas that were in need.”
Jeremy is Successful Because: “I always know what my short and long-term goals are and work to achieve them step-by-step.”
Jeremy is Stronger and Wiser Because: “During my sophomore year, I just missed out on making the starting line up for the tennis team. After months of working on my game, my partner and I earned the #2 doubles spot on the starting line up. Ultimately, not making the starting line up taught me how to have a great work ethic.”
Jillian Lopez
Palo Verde High School
Class of 2011
With aspirations like becoming a major news network anchorwoman and, overall, just changing the world for the better, Palo Verde High School Senior Class President Jillian Lopez has got her work cut out for her. But she’s not working with a blank canvas. She’s already a charitable community member and role model to all she meets. And with gumption, charisma and cheerful positivity, she’s well on her way to completing the masterpiece of achieving her life goals, which elevates Jillian Lopez to – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.383
Sports/Clubs/Awards/Community Service:
- Dance Team, 2009-Present
- New American University Scholarship
- American Legion Award
- National Honor Society
- Senior Class President, 2010-Present
- Junior Class Vice President, 2009-10
- Broadcast Journalism
- Foundation for Positively Kids Volunteer
- Ronald McDonald House Volunteer
- Three Square Volunteer
Goals & Aspirations: “I plan to reach my goal of being the best senior class president I can possibly be. I aspire to represent my class and school to my greatest ability. As for the future, I plan to attend Arizona State University and to become a broadcast journalist after studying at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism.”
Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “Being elected as the Junior Class Vice President and the Senior Class President are two things that I am most proud of. Winning these positions took a great amount of time, dedication and commitment. Every minute of that hard work was worth it because now I am able to do what I love most: being a leader and making my school a better place.”
Jillian is Successful Because: “My ability to adapt to any situation is what makes me successful. I work well with all types of people and can step up as a leader in times of need.”
Jillian is Stronger and Wiser Because: “At the age of eight, my best friend Natalie died of cancer. I learned a lot from this situation, but if there’s one thing I learned the most it’s to enjoy every day to its fullest. Natalie taught me that even through the toughest of times you have to keep a smile on your face and focus on the positive aspects of life.”
Cause for Concern: “If I could be the president of any charitable organization it would be the Foundation for Positively Kids. I have been working with this charity all my life, which is why it is so special to me. Their goal is to help children and change the world, something I aspire to do as well.”
Benjamin Jaojoco
Bishop Gorman High School
Class of 2011
Bishop Gorman High School senior Benjamin Jaojoco’s life is like a songbook of great hits by chart topping bands. His Journey is filled with Open Arms and a willingness to accept others for who they are. Respect is a quality he admires and seeks to uphold at all times. And considering his devotion to family, it wouldn’t be surprising to hear the tunes of We Are Family wafting from his alto saxophone. His dedication to academia and leadership, coupled with a courteous nature, are what’s bound to make his future so bright, and undoubtedly elevate Benjamin Jaojoco to – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 3.82
Activities/Awards/Community Service:
- Varsity Track & Field–Long Jump, 2007-Present
- Varsity Band–Alto Sax, 2007-Present
- Drumline, 2011
- National Honor Society, 2009-Present
- Spanish Honor Society, 2009-Present
- Math Honor Society, 2011
- Science Club, 2007-Present
- Multicultural Club, 2010-Present
- Photo Club, 2011
- Art Club, 2008-Present
- Scholar Athlete Award, 2007/08
- Matthew’s Closet Advisory Board at Bishop Gorman, 2011
- Altar Server at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2004-Present
- Member of Youth Ministry Program at St. Elizabeth
Goals & Aspirations: “My goal right now is to get into a good college, hopefully USC. My backup schools are the University of Arizona, University of Utah and the University of Oregon. In the future, my dream is to become a pediatric doctor because I am good with kids. I hope that I could live either in Las Vegas near my family or in Los Angeles.”
Benjamin is Successful Because: “Being kind and respectful to others is what makes me successful, along with a hard work ethic and persistence.”
Benjamin is Stronger and Wiser Because: “One experience that has made me a stronger person was a car crash involving my whole family. It taught me to never take anything for granted because life can change at an instant. It made me realize even more how much I love my family.”
Part of the Solution: “A key issue facing young adults today is the lack of respect towards each other and towards adults. Although this issue is not discussed very much compared to drugs and violence, it is still a problem in society. The only way that I can solve this problem is to lead by example and continue to show respect towards my family, classmates and teachers.”
