Bryce Smith
Sierra Vista High School
Class of 2008
This lover of numbers went on to study engineering and math at Northern Arizona University and still maintains the same drive and love for the moment that he had when we met him in high school. He currently lives in Flagstaff and works for a leading supplier of tissue, personal care, and forest products. He credited Las Vegas for challenging him and preparing him for his destined future, and discussed with us how his outlook has changed since graduation day.
Where are you currently living?
I am currently living in Flagstaff, Arizona.
What field are you working in and how did you end up doing what you’re doing?
I am working as an operations support at SCA, which is one of the world’s leading suppliers of tissue, personal care, and forest products.
What achievements/recognitions are you most proud of since graduation?
After Sierra Vista High School I studied at Northern Arizona University, where I earned my bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Mathematics.
Are you married? Children? Pets?
I am currently single and have no pets. However, my roommates have 2 dogs and a cat.
How did growing up in Henderson/Las Vegas have an impact on the person you are today?
The opportunities that I have had growing up in Las Vegas have helped me be ready for the challenges of life in the future.
Has your outlook on life and/or work changed since high school? If so, how?
I am just beginning to understand to not take life for granted and enjoy every experience given. There is no way of knowing what will happen tomorrow so take pleasure in the world today.
How did you feel when you were featured as A Step Above and what kind of feedback did you receive?
I was thrilled being featured as A Step Above Student. Every person that has been interviewed greatly deserved this honor. My family and friends were proud that I was a part of it.
Favorite Quote to Live By:
“How often do we try to cross off the days and wait for “the next big thing” or our “next day off?” Our time is limited here, so let’s not waste any day. Find enjoyment even in your hardships and mundane tasks. It’s all part of the experience.” -April Cheung
Jessica Buckley
Coronado High School
Class of 2008
Jessica took her hard working attitude and competitive spirit many places after high school graduation. She played rugby and studied engineering at the University of San Diego (becoming an ARCS scholar and presenting her work at both the National Conference on Undergraduate Research and the International Mechanical Engineering Conference and Exposition in 2011), conducted research at Purdue and even took some time to study abroad in Australia. She’s now happily pursuing a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in Colorado, and fondly remembers her time as A Step Above.
Where are you currently living?
Golden, Colorado
What field are you working in and how did you end up doing what you’re doing?
I am currently attending Colorado School of Mines for a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering. I wanted to get additional research experience before entering the workforce full-time and saw it as an ideal time to try a new place for a couple years.
What achievements/recognitions are you most proud of since graduation?
I am most proud of the experiences I have had that shape who I am today. Studying abroad in Australia was the single best decision I made in college, giving me a better perspective of the world and a new understanding of independence. Being an ARCS Scholar allowed me to undertake undergraduate research and present my work at both the National Conference on Undergraduate Research and the International Mechanical Engineering Conference and Exposition in 2011. Attending the University of San Diego and completing the Honors Program allowed me to pursue a degree in engineering while still developing a strong core curriculum for a more holistic worldview. Among the many projects involved in an engineering education, my favorite was constructing an acoustic guitar for our Machine Shop course. From playing rugby in San Diego to researching at Purdue to moving to Colorado to returning home to Henderson, I cannot imagine living the last 6 years any differently because I would not have the network of friends and mentors, the lessons learned, or the memories that ground me wherever I happen to be.
B.S./B.A. from the University of San Diego in Mechanical Engineering, Honors Program, Summa Cum Laude, January 31, 2013
Are you married? Children? Pets?
Nope. My golden retriever Rylie still lives at home and she will be 12 this year (she actually was in the 89012 picture). My little sister Megan will start high school this fall.
How did growing up in Henderson/Las Vegas have an impact on the person you are today?
I think how you spend your time and the people you spend it with have a much greater effect on who you are becoming than the actual place. Perhaps I would have been different if I had grown up somewhere else, but I can’t really know that. I liked being grounded in one place, but since I graduated, I have immensely enjoyed living in different places, learning new things, and forming new relationships along the way. On a more mundane note, I now have a greater appreciation for 24-hour gas stations and snow-free roads.
Has your outlook on life and/or work changed since high school? If so, how?
I feel like I have grown not into a different person but perhaps a more open-minded person. Most of my ideas are similar, but I have a better appreciation for the importance of balancing hard work with fun and good memories and making the best of wherever you are.
How did you feel when you were featured as A Step Above and what kind of feedback did you receive?
I was very honored to receive the recognition and hoped to be a good role model among the many students who excelled in so many different ways. I received congratulations from family, friends, and other members of the Coronado community.
Favorite Quote to Live By:
“To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better… to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Carter Jones
Coronado High School
Class of 2007
After graduating Summa Cum Laude from Samford University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and getting a Master of Arts degree in Policy Economics, Carter has returned to Henderson to pursue a unique and challenging position with the Station Casinos as an operations analyst. Just like when we interviewed her as she graduated from high school, Carter still puts people and virtue above all else. She remembers how her move to our community changed her life.
Where are you currently living?
I moved back to Henderson this past May after six years of school in Birmingham and New Orleans. Since my parents no longer live in town, I have a great opportunity to get to know Las Vegas as an independent young adult. The most exciting thing about being back home is seeing the revival of downtown. Las Vegas seems to be developing a new cultural identity outside of suburbia and the strip, and I love that young adults are at the forefront of creating this community and infusing new energy into the city.
What field are you working in and how did you end up doing what you’re doing?
I am working in the gaming industry; specifically, I am an operations analyst for a casino in town. After I finished my masters in May, I wanted to find a job where I could use my economics, mathematics, and analysis skills. In high school, I never pictured myself working in gaming; however, I now consider myself extremely blessed to work in such a unique, fun, and challenging industry where I can learn and grow professionally.
What achievements/recognitions are you most proud of since graduation?
I graduated from Samford University summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration degree. Two years later, I earned my Master of Arts degree in policy economics. While I excelled in school, I am most proud of the friendships that I developed while in college and graduate school; they are relationships that I believe I’ll have for the rest of my life.
How did growing up in Henderson/Las Vegas have an impact on the person you are today?
When I moved to Henderson during high school, I experienced an initial welcoming and friendliness from my classmates and teammates that I never expected. A town is all about its people, and in my experience, I have met some of the most genuine, kind, and fun individuals while living in Henderson. I made incredible friends who, despite their own busy schedules, were willing to invest time into getting to know me. Las Vegas is a city of ‘transplants,’ people from elsewhere looking for a place to fit in. My friends from Coronado High School showed me what it means to really care about a person and what it takes to develop deep friendships.
Has your outlook on life and/or work changed since high school? If so, how?
My outlook on life has changed from focusing on ‘what I do’ to ‘who I am.’ In high school, I thought that success in life was defined only by what I could become. Jobs change and hobbies become boring but who I am, what I stand for, and who my friends are remain throughout life.
And when my life is over, I don’t want people to remember me for some laundry list of my accomplishments and jobs; I want them to recall that I treated people with respect and kindness and had strong values and integrity. Living a happy life isn’t only about achieving great professional success, but instead it’s about having a positive influence on those around you every day.
How did you feel when you were featured as A Step Above and what kind of feedback did you receive?
I felt very honored to be featured as ‘A Step Above’; it was a goal of mine in high school to make the magazine as a student, and my friends and family were all proud of me. The best feedback I received after the magazine came out was from my parents: I was allowed to be excited about the article for only a few days, but I couldn’t rest on my laurels. I used the article as motivation to work harder and accomplish more. Every day is a chance to fulfill another goal and push toward becoming a better person.
Favorite Quote to Live By:
“Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.”
-C.S. Lewis
Emily Wozniak
Coronado High School
Class of 2007
After graduating from the University of Nevada, Reno our A Step Above, Emily found her passion in public health. Drawn to an ability to help the world around her and educate the people in her current community about cancer screening and proactive health, she stayed true to her goals in high school to appreciate the inner worth of others. She lives with her significant other and their pup, Lila in Tempe but still values what she got in her home community.
Where are you currently living?
I currently reside in Tempe, Arizona.
What field are you working in and how did you end up doing what you’re doing?
I graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) with a Master of Public Health degree in May 2013. I began work in July with the Arizona Department of Health Services in Phoenix as a Program Operations Manager for two cancer screening programs. Our programs are funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and receive support from the State of Arizona to provide breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings to uninsured, low income Arizonans. Some of the services we provide include free mammograms, Pap tests, and colonoscopies. In addition, I link women recently diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer with a statewide treatment program that covers their cancer treatment services.
I became interested in the field of public health during my undergraduate studies at UNR where I developed a passion of promoting healthy living on a large scale to communities. Public health focuses on preventing disease within populations by encouraging actions like vaccinations, nutritious diets, exercising, and of course, receiving timely screenings for cancer. Too many cancer diagnoses are late stage and could have been prevented by a simple screening test. I am proud to say I contribute every day to the fight against cancer by providing access to cancer screenings and offering cancer treatment support for people who otherwise could not afford it.
What achievements/recognitions are you most proud of since graduation? Since graduating from Coronado High School in 2007, I am most proud of being recognized as “MPH Student of the Year” by the faculty within my graduate program at UNR. It was a great honor to be selected by the professors in the School of Community Health Sciences to receive this award.
Are you married? Children? Pets?
I live in Tempe with my significant other of seven years, Jon, and our black Lab, Lila. Jon is also a Coronado High School alumni and we actually met during our junior year in our Anatomy and Physiology class!
How did growing up in Henderson/Las Vegas have an impact on the person you are today?
Through my academic background and experience as a public health professional, I have learned just how influential an individual’s neighborhood and environment has on their health. I feel extremely fortunate to have grown up in Henderson and having access to incredible parks, libraries, community centers, schools, and neighborhood events and programs as a child and young adult. I believe my current values, such as a continuous desire to learn, a passion to promote health and well-being for others, and a drive to reduce health disparities in communities, arose from the supportive and nurturing environment I grew up in. I am thankful to my family, friends, teachers, and athletic coaches from Henderson for instilling those values and allowing me unlimited opportunities to pursue my interests.
Has your outlook on life and/or work changed since high school? If so, how?
In high school I was very aware that I wanted to have an influence on the world around me in a positive way. Like many other high school students, I was unsure at the time of how exactly I could integrate my numerous interests and somehow focus them into having a positive impact on others. Entering into the field of public health has allowed me to achieve this by encouraging me to utilize the knowledge and skills I obtained at UNR into a career that is challenging and extremely rewarding.
How did you feel when you were featured as A Step Above and what kind of feedback did you receive?
It was a great honor to be featured in “A Step Above” as a high school senior. I feel that the feature was a wonderful culmination of my experience at Coronado High School and was an affirmation of my hard work and dedication to academics, extracurricular activities, and the community.
Favorite Quote to Live By:
“I think the purpose of life is to be useful, to be responsible, to be compassionate. It is, above all, to matter, to count, to stand for something, to have made some difference that you lived at all.”
– Leo Rosten
Holly Villamagna
Sierra Vista High School
Class of 2007
We could have copied Holly’s 10-year goals from her A Step Above interview and pasted them right here…which is no surprise, since she is just as determined to meet her ambitions now as she was back then. Not only is Holly an aspiring pediatrician (and we have no doubt she will open her own family practice someday), but she is also a bona fide journalist – another check off of her bucket list – with a degree from the University of Southern California. She’s grown to appreciate the connections she’s made upon moving back to Las Vegas.
Where are you currently living?
I returned to Las Vegas in 2013 after living in Los Angeles and Reno.
What field are you working in and how did you end up doing what you’re doing?
I am a third year medical student at the University of Nevada School of Medicine, and plan to pursue residency training in pediatrics after I graduate in 2015. I have planned on a career in medicine since high school, and have found that I greatly enjoy getting to know patients and educating them about their health.
What achievements/recognitions are you most proud of since graduation?
I graduated from USC in 2011. In addition to my pre-med classes, I completed a bachelor’s degree in print journalism. While medical school was always my ultimate goal, I have always had a passion for journalism and writing and I am extremely proud to have recognized my dream of attending journalism school. I hope to someday pursue medical journalism and writing in addition to practicing medicine.
Are you married? Children? Pets?
Check back in a couple of years. J I am happy to say that my dog Buddy, who appeared in my A Step Above photo, is still doing well and we are enjoying spending more time together this year after I was away at school for so long.
How did growing up in Henderson/Las Vegas have an impact on the person you are today?
I left Las Vegas right after high school graduation, and returning here last year to complete my clinical rotations at UMC have helped me see the city in a new light. I think the most important thing I have learned from attending high school in Las Vegas and later moving back to the city is that, even in a transient area like this, the connections you have with friends, family, and with the community are the most important part of living in any city.
Has your outlook on life and/or work changed since high school? If so, how?
I don’t think my outlook on life and work has changed too much since high school – always do the best you can and treat the people around you well.
How did you feel when you were featured as A Step Above and what kind of feedback did you receive?
I brought my Westie, Buddy, to my A Step Above photo shoot, and probably got more comments about how cute he was than the feature itself, which was totally fine by me!
Favorite Quote to Live By:
“Alice laughed: ‘There’s no use trying,’ she said; ‘one can’t believe impossible things.’
‘I daresay you haven’t had much practice,’ said the Queen. ‘When I was younger, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.'” – Louis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Carolyn Linck
Coronado High School
Class of 2007
Although in her A Step Above profile, Carolyn described herself as “shy” and “reserved,” it doesn’t show in her position as a public relations Account Executive at a technology-focused agency in the Bay Area! Maybe it was her experience studying in South Africa, or cheerleading and participating in Greek life at her alma mater, Santa Clara University that brought her out of her shell! Whatever it was, it didn’t shadow her true strength – multi-tasking – as she managed to graduate Magna Cum Laude (with distinction) with two majors and a minor.
Where are you currently living?
I’ve been living in San Francisco since the summer of 2012.
What field are you working in and how did you end up doing what you’re doing?
I work at a global public relations/communications agency, primarily serving technology clients. In college, I double majored in history and communications and knew I wanted a job that involved a lot of writing, critical analysis and interpersonal communications. I found just that after graduating from Santa Clara University in June 2011 when I received my first job offer from a PR agency.
What achievements/recognitions are you most proud of since graduation?
I was extremely fortunate to have an excellent college career while at Santa Clara, filled with opportunities to grow intellectually, personally and spiritually. I’m very proud that I was able to graduate Magna Cum Laude with two majors and a minor in four years – all while holding down an on-campus job, completing an internship, studying abroad in Cape Town, South Africa, participating in Greek Life and representing SCU as a cheerleader. Since starting my professional career, I’ve been able to put everything I learned at Santa Clara into practice, particularly the time management skills I first developed while a student at Coronado High School.
Are you married? Children? Pets?
No – I’m currently single and live with two roommates. While I don’t have pets in San Francisco, I truly love and miss my three dogs, who live with my parents in Henderson.
How did growing up in Henderson/Las Vegas have an impact on the person you are today?
People are always surprised when I tell them I was born and raised in Las Vegas, and I’ve definitely found it to be a good conversation starter. While there are certain aspects of this city that are unquestionably unique, I think my parents would have raised me the way they did whether we were in Henderson or Hong Kong, and I can honestly only thank them and the rest of my family for making me the person I am today.
Has your outlook on life and/or work changed since high school? If so, how?
I think people grow up a lot during their twenties, becoming more independent and gaining a new perspective on the world. Through my studies, the people I’ve met and the places I’ve traveled, I have learned so much. More than any other experience, I think my semester studying abroad in Cape Town truly showed me how big the world is and how narrow my experience in it had been to that point. There are so many people out there with problems and triumphs that I had never even imagined. Seeing those things first hand and developing friendships with people of such different backgrounds definitely changed my worldview forever.
How did you feel when you were featured as A Step Above and what kind of feedback did you receive?
I feel like it’s been so long now, but I can remember being really honored to be chosen for “A Step Above.” Some teachers and adults I knew told me they saw the story and congratulated me, which was really neat. I was – and still am – very grateful to have been profiled by the magazine.
Favorite Quote to Live By:
“For what it’s worth: it’s never too late, or in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same; there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again.” – The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Jordan Mitchell
Silverado High School
Class of 2007
Through his years after high school, Jordan has overcome challenges with the same vigor and passion as when we first met him. From studying and cheerleading at BYU, to overcoming a serious back surgery in order to live out his childhood dream of becoming a fighter pilot for the United States Air Force, Jordan has kept his eye on the prize. He’s currently engaged to be married in August 2014, and counts his hobby of building drones as pets – so he hasn’t lost his sense of humor! Las Vegas has a special place in his heart.
Where are you currently living?
Provo, UT (at BYU)
What field are you working in and how did you end up doing what you’re doing?
I am a student. Majoring in Geospatial Intelligence and minoring in Aerospace Studies at BYU.
- 4.5 years of AFROTC
- 2 year BYU Cheerleading (one year before surgery, and one after back surgery)
- 2 year LDS Mission
What achievements/recognitions are you most proud of since graduation?
I don’t know if I have a single achievement I am most proud of, I am still working to achieve my child hood dream of being a Fighter Pilot in the USAF. I have had many setbacks and trials trying to get to where I want to be. One of the biggest trials was receiving a Pilot Slot from AFROTC to go to pilot training just hours after having back surgery which later disqualified me from the AFROTC program before I even had a chance to recover. I was deemed physically unfit for military service prematurely. I had to push pass that, recover and become strong enough to convince AFROTC that I was physically fit enough. I focused on my childhood dream and in just a matter of months I was back to strength and was medically cleared by the Air Force. I am proud of myself for not giving up even when all the odds were against me. Unfortunately, my fight isn’t over yet, I was clear medically to be an Officer in the Air Force, but due to the force reduction of the Air Force I have been told there isn’t room for me. Many Air Force leaders and friends of mine are working hard on my behalf to get me re-instated and I am grateful for their efforts.
Are you married? Children? Pets?
I’m engaged to Jennifer Lezeu (23 Aug 2014). Do the Drones I made count as pets?
How did growing up in Henderson/Las Vegas have an impact on the person you are today?
Growing up in Vegas had a huge impact on who I am today, from cultivating a desire to serve our country (I went to elementary school near Nellis AFB and watched the jets fly around) to an appreciation of different cultures and people of all walks of life. Las Vegas is a melting pot of cultures and because of that I grew up and made friends with many different kinds of people, from whom I learned how to appreciate the differences in each of us and how everyone has so much to offer. In the various leadership roles I have assumed over the years, I have been able to strengthen the groups I have been with by bringing out the best in each member because I could see how they were different and turn those traits into strength.
Has your outlook on life and/or work changed since high school? If so, how?
While at BYU I have had the chance to study many cultures from around the world. These classes expanded my understanding of what I had learned growing up in Vegas. I have come to look at the world as a very large beautiful place full of wonderful people just striving to get by each day. I still have a great desire to serve and do my part to help other and protect the freedoms and blessings I have been given.
How did you feel when you were featured as A Step Above and what kind of feedback did you receive?
When I was featured as A Step Above, I thought it was pretty cool and I was a bit awe struck because it made me reflect on all the things I had done and the ways I had grown. Before high school I was just this homeschooled boy who wanted to be a fighter pilot one day, but because of that goal worked hard in school, I learned leadership skills, I played sports and I made great friends who taught me so much. I had a blast through high school.
Favorite Quote to Live By:
“Never stop fighting for your dreams.” – Ret. Brig. General Charles Mitchell III, USMC, Grandfather.
Whitney James
Liberty High School
Class of 2007
While maybe not traveling far in miles, Whitney has been through thick and thin since graduation. Through great tragedy and inspirational triumphs, she is standing strong as the owner of a small business, Whitney’s Pawlished Pets Mobile Grooming in Las Vegas. After six years at Petsmart and working for her grooming degree, “Successful Business-Owner” does not top her list of accomplishments. “Mother” to her 10-month-old daughter, Addison, takes first place. After the tragic death of her child’s father seven months into her pregnancy, Whitney finds solace in being the best parent she can be. She gives credit to the Henderson and Las Vegas community for the successful person she is today.
Where are you currently living?
I am currently living in a house in Las Vegas, Nevada… the 89178 zip code.
What field are you working in and how did you end up doing what you’re doing?
I am currently in the pet grooming field. I started as a bather at Petsmart while I was in high school and ended up going to grooming school. I fell deeply in love with the job. I was at PetSmart for six years before deciding to branch out on my own. I cashed out my 401k and started my own business: Whitney’s Pawlished Pets Mobile Grooming.
What achievements/recognitions are you most proud of since graduation?
Being a small business owner is a big achievement that I am very proud of. I have been open two years and currently going very strong. It has been a tough two years and let me tell you, “the struggle is real!” However, with continued support from my family, my amazing clients, a positive attitude and a smile on my face… ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!
My little girl by far my proudest accomplishment. I am a single mother. My boyfriend died in a motorcycle accident when I was seven months pregnant. That in itself was tough. Giving birth and raising this little miracle is something I can’t even begin to explain. I consider myself truly blessed because I had someone very special taken from me but seems to have been replaced with his twin; in girl form! A blessing for sure. I have an amazing support system that helped me through my healing process, transitioning into a mother, and maintaing a business.
Are you married?
I am currently single.
Children?
I have a Daughter 10 months old Addison Avery Reed
Pets?
Izzy my pound rescue dog
Milkshake and Zoey, my cats
How did growing up in Henderson/Las Vegas have an impact on the person you are today?
Growing up in Henderson/Las Vegas has had a huge impact on the person I am today. I was able to meet the friends I have today. I still maintain so many of those friendships. Working at the Silverado ranch /Eastern Petsmart gave me life and inspiration to do more and branch out. Growing up in the Henderson area also taught me a lot about diversity. I grew up with and have friends from every race, religion, and economic status. I believe it truly helped me to not be judgmental and to just embrace everyone!
Has your outlook on life and/or work changed since high school? If so, how?
No not really. I always said what you put into your school and work is what you get out of it. I feel the same way. I made it a priority to have friends of all races and friends in different cliques. Having a variety of friends exposes me to different activities and makes life interesting. Life’s too short to sweat the small stuff. Smile and take lots of pictures!!! I haven’t changed one bit!!
How did you feel when you were featured as A Step Above and what kind of feedback did you receive?
It was great! It felt great to be recognized for all my hard work. I know a lot if students that were just as great but didn’t get to receive the recognition. I still receive feedback today. Liberty has all of there students featured, hanging up.
Favorite Quote to Live by:
Life is like a camera. Just focus on what’s important, capture the good times, develop from the negatives, and if things don’t turn out – take another shot.
-Unknown
Jennifer Gulbransen-Jensen
Coronado High School
Class of 2005
When we last saw Jennifer, she had received three congressional nominations for entrance into the Air Force Academy to become an aeronautical engineer. After graduating from the Academy (complete with jump wings in sky-diving) she is now married to the love of her life with their black lab, Buddie, and happily living out her dream in Oklahoma. What’s changed since high school? Instead of focusing simply on accomplishments, Jennifer has found that balance and time, with her loved ones and for herself, has become her ultimate goal. She also sees her hometown as a catalyst for her attitude toward life.
Where are you currently living?
Enid, Oklahoma
What field are you working in and how did you end up doing what you’re
doing?
I’m currently a contract specialist at Vance Air Force Base working towards obtaining my contracting warrant. I also have recently entered the Reserves, working as an Officer recruiter for the Air Force Academy.
What achievements/recognitions are you most proud of since graduation?
Graduating from the Air Force Academy is at the top of my list. I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Political Science, specializing in U.S. Government. I also had the opportunity to get my jump wings in sky-diving as a student at the Air Force Academy. I am also proud of completing my Masters and receiving a degree in Justice Administration while working full-time.
Are you married? Children? Pets?
I am married to the love of my life, Jacob Jensen. We got married in Dec 2011. We are parents to our amazing black, furry pet-child Buddie. He is a rambunctious, fun, and lovable lab.
How did growing up in Henderson/Las Vegas have an impact on the person you are today?
Growing up in a big city like Vegas teaches you how to be strong and independent, especially as a female. Another huge impact Las Vegas has had on my life is the tremendous diversity you are exposed to in many different forums. That diversity is a huge reason why I have such a passion for learning about and exploring new culture, art, food, and meeting new people.
Has your outlook on life and/or work changed since high school? If so, how?
Yes, my outlook has definitely changed since high school. The difference now is I have a much bigger picture perspective. In high school my world revolved around going to the Air Force Academy and pursuing a career which I thought would be the defining part of my life. However, I realized that it’s not really my job and achievements that make me the most happy. It’s the small things that bring me the most joy like hanging out with my husband, taking my dog for a walk, having time to cook dinner in the evening, getting a workout in after a long day and spending time with friends and family. And when you learn to balance those aspects of your life, that bring you the most joy, with your busy work life, everything seems to go smoother because you are happy and centered.
How did you feel when you were featured as A Step Above and what kind of feedback did you receive?
I was overwhelmed and flattered to be featured in A Step Above. The biggest feedback I received from being featured in A Step Above was how great it was that a magazine was recognizing the dedication and hard work of high-school students.
Favorite Quote to Live By:
Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat. – Theodore Roosevelt
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”
