Riley Marriage

Coronado High School
Class of 2005

Always a lover of (and stickler for) the English language, Riley has moved through a number of interesting jobs to land her perfect fit as a high school English teacher in Newport Beach (she received Teacher of the Year at her previous school in Los Angeles in 2013). From reading to young children as the character Belle from The Beauty and the Beast at Disneyland during her graduate program at the University of Southern California, to an SAT essay scorer, she has consistently stayed true to her interests. Through it all, Riley has kept her sense of humor, pride for her hometown and appreciation for the little things in life.

 Where are you currently living?

I recently moved from downtown Los Angeles to Newport Beach, CA. They say God parked his car here on the seventh day, but then they towed it on the eighth.

What field are you working in and how did you end up doing what you’re doing?  

Having always had a penchant for literature, learning, and correcting people’s grammar, I received my dual Master’s from USC in Education and Journalism and am currently an intervention/opportunity high school English teacher for Long Beach Unified School District. During grad school I had a variety of interesting jobs, including a gig as Belle at Disneyland and a position as a SAT essay scorer, and each one was a great learning experience for shaping me into the teacher I am today.

What achievements/recognitions are you most proud of since graduation? I’ve been very fortunate to have many great opportunities, such as serving as President for my sorority Kappa Alpha Theta at UNR, receiving a generous scholarship to USC, and then winning New Teacher of the Year 2013 at my school, but honestly, the award I covet the most was being Coronado’s Female Athlete of the Year in 2005.  It makes me smile knowing my plaque still hangs in the school’s gym and it’s a great motivational tool to tell my current students how great the school experience can be!

Are you married? Children? Pets?

Due to my last name, I get asked this question three times and have a variety of witty comebacks, but I don’t think there’s enough publishing space to list them…

How did growing up in Henderson/Las Vegas have an impact on the person you are today?

Having worked in both the private and public schooling systems in California, I am constantly amazed and thankful for the extreme quality of education I received in Nevada. I went to Burkholder, Bob Miller, and Coronado and had the most effective and inspiring teachers and coaches throughout my secondary education. I also am remarkably thankful for growing up with Capriotti’s and Port of Subs. The monopoly of Subways in Southern California is a force to be reckoned with.

How did you feel when you were featured as A Step Above and what kind of feedback did you receive?

I remember taking my photo on the track at CHS during one of the worst windstorms of the year and it was hysterical! Dave, the photographer and I kept laughing because we seriously couldn’t even keep our balance in the wind. The front office of Coronado had it on display the month it came out and during that month people at school and in Vons’ would comment on it. It was a pretty special feeling and definitely motivated me to strive for more!

Favorite Quote to Live By:

“Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast. “ Lewis Carroll, “Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There”

Andrew Hatch

Coronado High School
Class of 2005

From Harvard to Louisiana State University to entrepreneur, Andrew has really come a long way since high school! Andrew was quarterback for both the Harvard and LSU Football teams, playing in 2007 for the LSU football team that won the BCS National Championship. He is currently living in Florida, working with a partner to grow their company that offers SAT and ACT Prep classes and academic consulting for students going through the college entrance exam process. Andrew recognizes the impact of his high school years spent in Henderson on where he is today, and told us he was honored to be the first A Step Above in our beloved magazines!

 Where are you currently living?

Naples, FL

What field are you working in and how did you end up doing what you’re doing?

My buddy and I have a company called Bailey Test Prep.  We do SAT and ACT Prep classes and academic consulting for students going through the college entrance exam process.  I always wanted to do something entrepreneurial and this opportunity presented itself.  It has been a great experience so far, and we are in the process of continuing to expand our business throughout the country. 

What achievements/recognitions are you most proud of since graduation?

I had the unique opportunity to play football for both LSU (Louisiana State University) and Harvard after high school, and then also one year of baseball during my last year at Harvard.  It was a lot of fun.  I’ve been fortunate to have had the chance to play sports with a ton of great teammates throughout my life.  In 2007 I played for the LSU football team that won the BCS National Championship which was really exciting.

Are you married? Children? Pets?

No

How did growing up in Henderson/Las Vegas have an impact on the person you are today?

I spent my high school years in Henderson so it was a very important time for me.  The people I met and the experiences I had while I was there helped set me on my path for the future.  I have a lot of great memories from my time there.

Has your outlook on life and/or work changed since high school? If so, how?

I think my outlook on life, like everyone’s, has continued to evolve since I was in high school.  We all learn and grow from our experiences, but I’m still just trying to maintain my focus on the people and things that seem most important in life.   

How did you feel when you were featured as A Step Above and what kind of feedback did you receive?

I remember feeling very honored that someone would think to include me in that feature.  I received a lot of great feedback, which was pretty neat.  I specifically remember my math teacher being especially excited because I was holding my math book in the picture that was in the magazine haha. 

Favorite Quote to Live By:

I have a lot of favorite quotes that I think about sometimes.  I really like some of Winston Churchill’s quotes.  I also really like the poem Invictus just to name a few. 

Ashish Francis

Coronado High School
Class of 2005

Since graduation Ashish has studied medicine at the University of Nevada, traveled, found love and a home full of support and fun around his family. Not bad for just shy of a decade!  Along with four dogs, Ashish lives with his fiancé, Katie, right here in Henderson (wedding date set for May 2014). He found a true passion in the diversity, patient spectrum, versatility and volunteer opportunities available through plastic surgery and plans to become a part of the Southern Nevada medical community in the future.

Where are you currently living?

Henderson, NV                      

What field are you working in and how did you end up doing what you’re doing?

I am currently in my first year of Plastic Surgery training at University of Nevada School of Medicine Plastic Surgery residency in Las Vegas.  I found plastic surgery during the surgery portion of my third year medical school clerkships.  I loved the diversity, patient spectrum, and versatility as a surgeon the field allowed me, in addition to the future volunteer opportunities available as a plastic surgeon.

What achievements/recognitions are you most proud of since graduation?

Herz Gold Medal Recipient Spring 2009, Senior Scholar Spring 2009, University of Nevada-Reno Honor Court Inductee, Society of Thoracic Surgery Looking to the Future Scholar, Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Society Inductee, University of Nevada School of Medicine Dean’s Scholar Award                                                                                                                     

Are you married? Children? Pets?

Currently engaged to Katie Lyons (wedding on May 3, 2014).  Between the two of us we have 4 amazing dogs: Lükas (German short-haired pointer), Mia (Australian cattle dog), Louie (Blood hound), Laila (Weimaraner).

How did growing up in Henderson/Las Vegas have an impact on the person you are today?

Henderson is where home is for me.  It is probably the biggest reason I chose to stay in the area for my residency training.  My fiancée and I both have strong ties to Nevada and hope to be a part of the southern Nevada medical community in the future.

Has your outlook on life and/or work changed since high school? If so, how?

I have had a chance to appreciate the things I once took for granted.  Being away from family for college really showed me the tremendous support they can be and the good times there are to be had with them as I grow up.  Medicine, through its various opportunities, has shown me how truly fortunate I am to be in such a great profession that touches others in many different ways.   Also, my travels to other countries have shown me that there is a brave new world out there, filled with exciting opportunities, adventures, and new cultures and people to meet! 

How did you feel when you were featured as A Step Above and what kind of feedback did you receive?

I was honored and humbled.  There was an overwhelming amount of positive feedback from everyone around me.  It was a great piece and my parents still keep a copy of the magazine stashed away with their prized childhood possessions of my sister and myself.

Favorite Quote to Live By:

“Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live.” Ruth 1:16

Where Are They Now?

From the inception of the Zip Code Magazines our motto was “Building community one zip at a time” and when we came up with it, we meant it. What we realized from the onset was that building community started with one very basic building block: people. We wanted to create a unique section in our magazine that not only celebrated those “movers and shakers” who were already involved in the community, but also lauded the young people who would, at some point, become stellar members of our city. That’s when we incorporated “A Step Above.” As we reached out to some of our memorable students to see how they’re faring in the real world, we were pleased to see our neighborhood schools have spun off a broad spectrum of impressive, passionate adults. We hope you enjoy catching up with them as much as we did. 

Click on the links below to see what they’re up to: 

Ashish Francis | Coronado High School, Class of 2005
Andrew Hatch | Coronado High School, Class of 2005
Riley Marriage | Coronado High School, Class of 2005
Jennifer Gulbransen | Coronado High School, Class of 2005
Whitney James | Liberty High School, Class of 2007
Jordan Andrew Mitchell | Silverado High School, Class of 2007
Carolyn Linck | Coronado High School, Class of 2007
Holly Villamagna | Sierra Vista High School, Class of 2007
Emily Wozniak | Coronado High School, Class of 2007
Carter Jones | Coronado High School, Class of 2007
Jessica Buckley | Coronado High School, Class of 2008
Bryce Smith | Sierra Vista High School, Class of 2008 

Parker Rost

Palo Verde High School
Class of 2014

Parker Rost is serious about two things: football, and his plans for the future. As the quarterback and Offensive MVP for Palo Verde High School’s football team, Parker has earned respect and developed character beyond his years. As a student and philanthropist, he has honed his goals for years to come, including serving the United States with his focus, passion and abilities. Parker’s dedication and hard work are impressive, and will no doubt take him where he wants to go; however, his loyalty and passion for the bigger picture and the world around us place him – A Step Above.  

Sports/Clubs/Community Service

• Varsity Football, 2011-2013; Captain, 2012-2013
• Junior Varsity Football Captain, 2010
• Palo Verde Student Council Representative, 2011-2012
• Summerlin’s 4^th of July Parade Volunteer, 2010-2013
• HOPE Scholarship Basketball Game for PVHS, 2011-2013
• Assisting Palo Verde High School coaches at the Freshman and Junior Varsity levels, 2011-2013
• Collecting and donating clothing and miscellaneous items to a family in need, 2011-2013
• Stocking Stuffers for US Soldiers, 2013
• Dental hygiene bags for Impoverished Youth with PVHS Student Council, 2013
• Spooktacular Loomis Elementary School Fall Carnival volunteer, 2012
• Patriotic Posters for US Veterans, 2012

Scholarships/Awards

• Northwest League Offensive MVP – 2013
• Northwest League 1^st Team Quarterback – 2013
• Football Varsity Letter, 2010-2013
• Scholar Athlete, 2010-2013
• Honor Roll, 2010-2013
• Northwest League Champions, 2011 and 2013
• NIAA Scholar Athlete, 2011-2012
• Panther Award

We see you have very noble plans for after graduation. I aspire to attend the United States Naval Academy with the ultimate goal of becoming a US Naval Officer.  I am interested in pursuing a degree in the fields of Cyber Warfare or Operations Research. I see myself defending our nation and providing humanitarian aid to those in need.   

There is a person in your life who has made a profound impact on you. I look up to my father as I have watched him work hard to become a prominent coach in Southern Nevada.  My father comes from humble beginnings and has modeled a work ethic that I aspire to emulate.  I have been lucky to be a part of the Palo Verde High School Football program for many years and have learned that hard work pays off.

Your sport has influenced a lot of your character. Being the quarterback for a football team has greatly influenced who I am as a person at this point in time.  Oftentimes, the quarterback gets the blame when things are not going well for a team whether he deserves it or not.  I have elected to live by the mantra that regardless of what others may think or say, keep your head high, keep working hard and eventually results will come.

Picture this: You’re the President of a non-profit…what would it be? I could see myself as the president of a nonprofit organization targeting our nation’s military and their families.  The servicemen and women in our Armed Forces make daily sacrifices to protect our nation and the freedom of others.  Unfortunately, some end up giving the ultimate sacrifice – their lives – and I strongly feel we owe them more than we currently give to them.

Brandon DeWitte

Palo Verde High School
Class of 2014

In Brandon DeWitte, one finds ability, benevolence and an understanding of balance that most working adults are still trying to achieve. The senior at Palo Verde High School strives for quality in all he does, practicing and dedicating himself to surpassing his goals, and his hunger for bettering the world around him through philanthropy and meaningful service is uplifting. The skilled musician appreciates the need for a joyful outlet in a world sometimes consumed with work, and in turn creates a gift for the rest of us, placing him – A Step Above.  

Music/Scholarship

• Palo Verde Wind Ensemble, 2010-Present
• Pep Band, Jazz Band, 2010- Present
• Marching Band, 2010-Present
• Clark County School District Honor Band, 2013
• Clark County School District Honor Jazz Band, 2013
• Low Reed Section Leader, 2011-2012
• Palo Verde Band Librarian, 2011-2012

Awards/Community Service

• Letter and Pin for Band
• 5 Superior Ratings in Solo & Ensemble, 2012-2013
• Most outstanding Concert Band member, 2010-2011
• 2 Excellent Ratings in Solo & Ensemble, 2011
• Northwest Youth Empowerment Council (NYEC), 2011-Present; Mayor, 2013-2014
• City of Las Vegas Youth Neighborhood Association Partnership Program Board (YNAPP), 2012-Present

You have a great outlook on balance as you enter your college years: “My main goal at the moment is to go to college and study engineering, music, or both. I hope to never have anything come in the way of my ability to play music because it is something that I have always enjoyed. My future goal is to achieve a job that I enjoy to work at and that I also have a passion for. In 10 years, I see myself having a career that I’ve worked hard to achieve. I want to use all of the life skills I have learned as a teenager to be successful as an adult. With this, I also see myself having a family with a great family relationship.”

Music and band rank high on your accomplishment list:  “The accomplishments that I am most proud of are being selected for the 2013 CCSD Honor Band, and the 2013 CCSD Honor Jazz Band. It allowed me to set a goal with a date, and to create a step-by-step process in order to achieve. Both bands had blind auditions in order to be selected and were open to all high school students. A couple weeks after the auditions, I found out that I was selected for both CCSD Honor Band and Honor Jazz Band.  This was a great accomplishment because several hundred students auditioned.”

What is a key issue facing young adults today and how might you be a part of the solution? “This question is something we constantly ask in the NW Youth Council.  The NW Youth Council focuses on problems that are affecting youth in the northwest portion of the valley. What we’ve come to realize is that there are over 6,800 CCSD students that are homeless in Las Vegas, with 1,100 of those students being high school students. For some reason, high school students are ignored by society more often than those in elementary or middle school.  For this reason, the NW Youth Council often selects community service projects that will help less fortunate high school students in our valley.”

Picture this: You’re the President of a non-profit…what would it be? “I would like to be president of Project 150. The organization reaches out the local schools in the valley to help less fortunate students. They collect donations to help feed homeless students and their families. They also collect clothing donations that they give away at their warehouse.”

Favorite Quote to Live By:

“Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.” –Oscar Wilde

Mason Scott

Cimarron–Memorial High School
Class of 2014

Mason Scott is a doer, plain and simple. If the senior at Cimarron—Memorial High School sees something that can be improved, expanded upon or built (literally and figuratively), he’ll do it without so much as a blink. With “Founder & President” already under his belt, Mason’s aspirations know no limits, and the high bar he places for himself only serves as inspiration for any challenge that awaits him.  With a matter-of-fact viewpoint, pragmatism well beyond many his age and a motivating outlook on changing the way the world works, Mason rises – A Step Above.  

Work/Community Service

• Nikkiso Cryogenics, 2013-Present
• United Students of FIRST: The Las Vegas Chapter – President & Founder, 2013-Present
• Nevada FIRST FLL Student Advisory Committee – Leader, 2011-2013
  • Nevada FIRST FLL Tournament Student Host, 2011-2013
  • Nevada FIRST FLL Coaches Workshop – Lead position & presenter, 2011-2013
  • FRC Workshop Host, 2012-2013

Sports/Clubs/Awards

• Cimarron – Memorial High School Robotics Team 987, The HighRollers, 2011-Present; Vice President, 2012-2013; President, 2013-2014
• FIRST Team World Championship, 2007 and 2012-2013; Winners, 2007; Finalists, 2012; Division Finalists, 2013

Your goals focus around mechanical engineering? I would say my biggest goal in life is to be successful to my standards. I am pursuing a career in mechanical engineering and I aim to have my masters before I turn 25. Mechanical engineering will always intrigue me, and somebody will always need something built! I would say my biggest aspiration is to start an engineering firm at some point in time.

Tell us about the United Students of FIRST Chapter You Founded Here:  Here in Las Vegas FIRST robotics is trying to grow, but FRC (the high school section of FIRST) is very costly and many teams find it hard to be self-sustaining or willing to put in the amount of work it takes to build a good team. I noticed that even when teams did communicate, it was never student to student. It was always mentors just emailing mentors, and no one was really working together. I wanted to start an organization specifically for students, by students. We host meetings where students on all of the teams in Southern Nevada can get together and discuss different things ranging from finances, robot designs, all the way to leadership and team construction. Most people don’t realize that students on FIRST teams are the ones who run the team. Mentors work with us, they’re not doing the work for us. This was a way for everyone to collaborate and build off of each other in order to create a stronger community. 

You have a great outlook on failure. Failure is something to learn from and it inspires me. Everywhere I look there’s a reason to continue pursuing my career, my personal aspirations, and the things I want as strongly as I do. An object in motion tends to stay in motion, right? Inertia? That means if I stop doing what I’m doing, it’ll just be that much harder to try again. So, why let a little failure stop me dead in my tracks when I can use that failure to fuel myself? Nothing is too difficult until you give up.

Picture this: You’re the President of a non-profit…what would it be? I would love to be the President of a charitable organization that helped get young people on their feet when they have no other support, like young adults who have lost both their parents, or don’t have the funds to go to college and pursue a better career and better themselves. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to better themselves, as long as they are willing to work for it. But how can somebody pursue something if they can barely make ends meet?

Cindy Rivera

Spring Valley High School
Class of 2014

When it comes to education, college and planning a future there are students who are set on a path from a young age, and there are those who blaze their own trail. Cindy Rivera, a senior at Spring Valley High School, is the latter. As one of the first in her family to attend college, Cindy is realizing a lifelong dream and far surpassing it with a focus on medicine. And, better yet, she is pulling it off with style and class. Her passion, thoughtfulness, spirit and concern for others will not only garner success in the medical world and in her life, but also places her – A Step Above.    

Scholarships/Awards

• Spring Valley High School Honor Roll, 2011-2013
• UC Irvine Position Paper Award, 2012-2013
• Paris Model United Nations Honorable Mention, 2013
• AP Scholar with Honor, 2013
• Brigham Young University Position Paper Award, 2012
• Benedict College Presidential Scholarship
• Whitworth University Presidential Scholarship
• Virginia State University Presidential Scholarship

Clubs/Community Service/Sports

• Model United Nations, 2011-2013; Secretary, 2012; Vice President, 2013
• Advancement Via Individual Determination Club, 2011-2013; Vice President, 2011; President, 2012
• Mu Alpha Theta, 2012-2013; Historian, 2013
• Relay for Life (American Cancer Society), 2011-2014; Team Captain, 2011; Co-Chair, 2012; Event Chair, 2013-2014
• Varsity Bowling Member, 2011-2012 

You are very focused on your future in medicine. My biggest current goal is to be able to go to a good university for free and take the burden off of my parents. In the future, I plan to attend medical school and specialize in neuroscience to become a surgeon. Ten years from now, I see myself completely independent. My career will be in its foundations and I will be creating a name for myself in the field of medicine.

Your family has a huge influence on you. I look up to my mother. She has been through so much adversity in her life and is the strongest woman I know. She puts 100% into everything she does and is always my biggest fan, because she knows I do the same. My biggest accomplishment is making my family proud of the person I am becoming. Being one of the first in my family to go to college, I am living out the dreams they have had for me since I was born.

Education is very important to you. Young adults today do not understand the significant value that education holds on one’s future. If I could get every teenager to see the difference between life with an education, and life without one, I would.

Picture this: You’re the President of a non-profit…what would it be? I would be the President of the American Cancer Society. Being a part of Relay for Life, I have witnessed first hand the immense impact the organization makes on cancer patients and survivors. It is truly inspirational.

Favorite quote to live by: “You can waste your life drawing lines or you can live your life crossing them.”

Kyleigh Brigman

Las Vegas Academy
Class of 2014

Kyleigh Brigman of the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts has realized she can set her own course, regardless of resistance. That makes her unstoppable. The high school senior, dedicated to her craft of swimming and empowering others to pursue personal happiness, shows a unique resolve in the face of adversity. Her attitude towards life and building her future only comes with confidence in one’s abilities, and a fundamental faith in things to turn out, as they should. Kyleigh’s desire to help others be their best selves, along with her unwavering focus on personal goals is what puts her – A Step Above.   

Sports/Clubs/Community Service

• BCH Swim Team, 2007-Present
• Silverado High School Swim Team, 2010-Present; Captain, 2013-2014
• Japanese Club, 2012-Present
• French Club, 2013-2014; Vice President
• National Honors Society, 2013-2014
• School Newspaper, 2013-2014; Staff-Writer
• Habitat for Humanity, 2013-2014
• Student Ambassador 

Scholarships/Awards

• Regional Qualifier in Swimming, 2010-Present
• National Ambassadors Qualifier, 2013-2014
• 4^th Place, Silverado Girls Swim Team Regionals, 2010-2013
• Cum Laude, 2011-2013
• Most Valuable Player for Swimming, 2013
• Honorable Mention, National History Day, 2012

You are passionate about having a career that helps people: “In ten years I hope to be well on my way to becoming a surgeon. I hope to be in my residency years of medical training, learning how to become the best doctor I can be.”

Tell us about a high school experience that changed your outlook: “My sophomore year of high school, I was told an essay I had written was not an appropriate topic to use in a competition. I didn’t have time to write a new one, so I submitted the original essay. I ended up winning third place, and was later spoken to by one of my interviewers, who said my essay was phenomenal and he planned to use it in his college course at UNLV. I feel this has made me a stronger person because I was so used to doing what other people told me, and others have always influenced me. This event showed me that I am capable of so much by myself, and I don’t need the opinion of others to determine my actions and decisions.”

If you could be the head of any non-profit organization, what would it be? “I would like the be the president of an organization that provides academic opportunities to those who need them. For example, tutoring, test prep, and college mentoring. I feel it is important to have someone there to help and encourage the younger generations.”

Is there a person in your life who has influenced you? “I look up to my brother, Ryan. He taught me that I am able to pursue my dreams, not matter how far in the sky they are. He taught me that there is always a way to get to where I want to be in life. He constantly reassures me that I will be successful in whatever I choose to do in life, and he supports me in all of my decisions.”

Logan Lucas

Coronado High School
Class of 2014

“Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you.” Walt Whitman was on to something, and so is Logan Lucas of Coronado High School. The infectiously optimistic high school senior and 89074 resident believes in the power of a smile, and the ability of a positive attitude to carry her through any situation. Active in school, sports and the community, Logan has a way of turning every obstacle into an opportunity, and every perceived failure into a catalyst to try harder. Her clear vision of what’s important in life, matched with her talent and ambition, put Logan – A Step Above.  

Sports/Clubs/Community Service

• Varsity Cross Country, 2010-Present; Co-captain, 2013
• Junior Varsity Soccer, 2010-2012
• Las Vegas Track Club, 2010-Present
• Environmental Club, 2010-Present
• Student Council, 2013-Present; Secretary, 2013-2014
• National Charity League, 2007-Present
• National Honor Society, 2012-Present
• Ironman Volunteer, 2012-2013
• PB & J-a-thon Participant
• Camp Mend-a-Heart Volunteer
• Hope Link Volunteer
• Boys & Girls Club Volunteer
• Children’s Heart Foundation Volunteer
• My Very Own Dreams Volunteer

Scholarships/Awards

• Scholar Athlete, 2010-Present
• Cross Country Team Awards: All-Region First Team, 2012-2013; All-Division First Team, 2012-2013; State Champion Team, 2012; All-Division Second Team, 2010-2011
• Cross Country Individual Awards: Top New Runner, 2010; Outstanding in Class, 2011-2013
• Track & Field Team Awards: 4×800 Relay Team Region Champions, 2011-2013; 4×800 Relay Team State Champions, 2013;
• Track & Field Individual Awards: State Qualifier, 2012-2013; Outstanding Distance Athlete, 2011-2012; Distance Sportsmanship Award, 2013

You take on your life and future with a very positive attitude: “In ten years I see myself doing what I love and interacting with people in a career dealing with Public Relations. No matter where life takes me, I think it is important to laugh and always have a smile.”

Your outlook on hard work came from your parents? “I have been successful because both of my parents have shown me how important it is to work hard and be determined. They taught me to shoot for the moon, and even if I missed I would land upon the stars. I know now, because of them, to never give up. Failure is not the worst thing that could happen but failure to give your best is.”

What is a favorite quote that you live by? “Today is the day, this is the team, and no one can beat us.”  This is the quote my team and I would say before each race on the starting line. It got us motivated and pushed us to run as fast and as hard as we could. Each race we ran for each other and became more like sisters than teammates.”