Richard A. Flores
American Fork High School
PARENTS JoAnn Lauritzen and Dan Flores
• Drum major of AF Marching Band for three years • All-State Orchestra for three years • Section leader in AFHS Wind Symphony (bassoon) and Chamber Singers (tenor) • Eagle Scout • Music Sterling Scholar • AP Scholar

How have you transformed as a person while in high school?
I’ve learned that the true meaning of leadership is serving others.
rank your school On a scale of 1 to 10.
10.
What makes a good friend?
Someone who is willing and ready to make a difference.
What do you do when you meet an obstacle?
Look at what I need to do to overcome it — and then do it.
What do you wish you could tell yourself as a 9th grader?
Enjoy every minute of every day. Remember people are what really matter.
In what are you “fully invested”?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the AFHS marching band, school and music in general.
Personal motto?
“Your audition starts now.”
What are your biggest blessings?
Family, friends, talents and opportunities I’ve had.
What have you learned by being a good listener?
We all go through similar experiences and can help each other out.
Favorite place to be?
Home and school.
Favorite place to eat?
Chili’s or JCW’s.
What’s playing in your earbuds?
Classical — particularly late romantics, Drum Corps International and Michael Buble.
Advice for parents of teenagers?
Be strict, but let them know you love them.
When life becomes difficult, how do you cope?
Enjoy the good things in life and look for good in others. Serving generally does the trick.
What things are more important than money?
Love, friendship, experiences, music.
How will you change the world?
One person at a time.

Danny Russon
Lehi High School
PARENTS Verlin and Kathy Russon
• Sterling Scholar finalist in visual art • AP Scholar • 4.0 GPA and 34 ACT • Counselor at special needs mutual • Plays community basketball • Painted murals in a local museum and in Lehi High School

What makes a good friend?
Someone who will be a friend even through the bad times.
In what are you “fully invested?”
Art.
What do you wish you could tell yourself as a 9th grader?
Be involved at school as much as you can. It makes high school more meaningful.
What are your biggest blessings?
Every blessing I have can be traced back, in some way, to my supportive family.
Favorite place to be?
Disneyland — the whole place is art.
Favorite place to eat?
Porter’s Place.
What’s playing in your earbuds?
Almost anything, as long as the music is well written.
Advice for parents of teenagers?
Give more positive comments than critical ones.
When life becomes difficult, how do you cope?
Rely on my faith and take it one day at a time.
What things are more important than money?
Relationships.
What is your view of the world?
Though morals are steadily declining, people on the whole are basically good.
Keys to happiness?
Have good people as friends; do a good job on anything I do.
Who or what do you love?
Art and my family.
Plans after high school?
Serve an LDS mission, attend BYU and major in animation, get married and have a family.
Favorite movie?
“Lady and the Tramp” — I know, it’s not a common answer.
How will you change the world?
Assuming I achieve my dream of becoming an animator, I can promote good values in the movie industry. But whether an animator or not, I can be involved in my community and always try to improve it.

Collins Cochran
Lone Peak High School
PARENTS Terral and Nina Cochran
• Created LonePeakTV.com, a live online school TV station • Sterling Scholar in Trade and Technical Education • Student Council • Student Body Technical Director • Eagle Scout

What do you do when you meet an obstacle?
I regroup and find a new solution. I find that obstacles make me think critically and creatively.
Personal motto?
Do good work; don’t work for recognition. If your work is truly good, recognition will find you.
What is your biggest blessing?
My family. They foster creativity and encourage me to think differently.
What have you learned by being a good listener?
If I listen better, I don’t have to guess what people mean.
Favorite place to be?
Behind a camera.
Favorite place to eat?
Brick Oven, In-N-Out,
Benihana.
What’s playing in your eaRbuds?
Audiobooks, Vampire Weekend,
Death Cab for Cutie, Bob Marley, Crystal Castles, Clair De Lune, Dragonforce.
Advice for parents of teenagers?
Let your kids be creative, but don’t force them either. True creativity is intrinsically motivated.
When life becomes difficult, how do you cope?
I do all I can do, then nap.
What things are more important than money?
The most important things aren’t even things at all. Family, friendship and humor.
What is your view of the world?
There is a lot of good in the world. You just have to look for it. People who choose to see a rotting world will see exactly that.
what do you love?
Interesting video, rich sound, beautiful pictures, graph paper, bacon anything.
Most influential teacher?
Gary Dunn — he has given me countless opportunities to create anything I wanted.
Favorite movie(s)?
“K19,” “Vitus,” “October Sky,” “Apollo 13.”
How will you change the world?
Odds are, it’ll be something to do with communication
technology.

Bronson Whitmore
Karl G. Maeser Prep. Academy
PARENTS Tom and Jeanne Whitmore
• Honor Society • Third-place Sweepstakes in Debate • Lead Role in Shakespeare Ensemble • Junior/Senior Class President • Grand Champion in Utah State Science Fair • School Newspaper • Model UN • Volunteer • Youth Senate Program • Football and Soccer Teams

rank your school On a scale of 1 to 10.
It is No. 1.
What do you do when you meet an obstacle?
I find a way to get the objective complete. I don’t usually take no for an answer.
What do you wish you could tell yourself as a 9th grader?
Deodorant is worth the $5.
What are your biggest blessings?
Jesus, food, new pair of socks and family.
What have you learned by being a good listener?
Most people do not want you to give advice but would rather you just listen. Seek to understand before trying to be understood.
Favorite place to be?
I love to kayak in August down in Moab.
Favorite place to eat?
My house. I will miss my mama’s cooking.
What’s playing in your earbuds?
Killers, Incubus, Lecrae, Casting Crowns, Johnny Cash, White Stripes.
Advice for parents of teenagers?
My mama watches “Dog Whisperer” to get tips on raising me and my brothers — and most people think we turned out really well.
When life becomes difficult, how do you cope?
Praying to a God that loves and cares for you no matter how bad you are has been the only thing that has kept me from going insane.
Plans after high school?
Westminster College, Army Ranger in the United States Army.
Most influential teacher?
My 5th grade teacher — Mrs. Lewis.
Wardrobe philosophy?
Wear clothing that is tailored to your gender, that doesn’t show your underwear and that you can run in when zombies attack.
How will you change the world?
I will change the world by changing myself.

Brennen Hyatt
Maple Mountain High School
PARENTS Matt and Kelly Hyatt
• Team Captain of Football and Wrestling Teams • Placed 4th in 2010 and 6th in 2009 in the State Wrestling Tournament • Awarded the Golden Eagle Award (MVP) for the 2010 Football Season • Academic All-Region with 3.98 GPA

How have you transformed as a person while in high school?
By becoming independent and by being able to see someone who is struggling and being able to help them out.
Rank your school On a scale of 1 to 10.
10. I couldn’t ask for a better school.
What do you do when you meet an obstacle?
Push through them no matter how much it hurts, because in the end you always come out stronger.
How do you motivate others?
By setting a good example for others to follow.
Personal motto?
You become what you think about.
In what are you “fully invested”?
Becoming the best person I can be.
What are your biggest blessings?
My family. I would be nothing without them.
What’s playing in your earbuds?
“Jammin” by Bob Marley.
Favorite place to be?
On a cruise somewhere warm.
Favorite place to eat?
Panda Express.
Advice for parents of teenagers?
Be patient.
When life becomes difficult, how do you cope?
Find something you enjoy — and go do it. For me it’s usually batting practice or a run.
What things are more important than money?
Family, friends and how you conduct your life.
Plans after high school?
Serve an LDS mission and attend college.
Most influential teacher?
Mrs. Erikson, Art City Elementary.
Favorite moviE?
“The Blindside.”
How will you change the world?
By helping others become the best they can be. If everyone does a small act of kindness, together we can change the world.

Nicholas Banks
Meridian School
PARENTS Brian and Kathleen Banks
• National Merit Scholarship Commended Student • AP Scholar with Distinction • Speaks Near-Fluent German • Four Years Utah Shakespearean Festival High School Competition • Participated in American High School Theatre Festival in Scotland • Three Years Student Council Class Representative

How have you transformed as a person while in high school?
When I was in 9th grade, I went to a grand total of two school socials. Now I help plan the dances and activities.
Rank your school On a scale of 1 to 10.
10.
What makes a good friend?
Someone who cares about you and shares your interests. A sense of humor is good, too.
Personal motto?
If all else fails, reboot.
In what are you “fully invested”?
My future, my education, my family, my faith, and my hobbies (collecting coins and currency, playing the piano, computers).
What have you learned by being a good listener?
There are more good ideas than just your own.
Keys to happiness?
Like yourself and do what you love.
Favorite place to be?
Germany.
Favorite place to eat?
Gloria’s Little Italy, JCW’s and The Smoking Apple.
What is your view of the world?
The world is a place full of opportunities. You can help make people’s lives better by working hard and serving others.
What’s playing in your earbuds?
Muse, The Goo Goo Dolls, The Fray.
Advice for parents of teenagers?
Talk to your kids, be involved.
How do you motivate others?
Be friendly (and provide a positive incentive).
Who or what do you love?
My family, my friends, technology and my dog, Sampson.
Plans after high school?
BYU, LDS Mission, then MBA and start my own business.
Most influential teacher?
Mrs. Anna Stone, my 11th grade English teacher and class adviser. She made English interesting and fun, and she always believed in me.

Andrew Galloway
Mountain View High School
PARENTS Rulon and Jayne Galloway
• Student Body Artist • Spearheaded School Theme, “Rock the Mountain” • Jazz Band, Pit Orchestra and A Cappella and Chamber Choirs • Artwork included in Springville All-State High School Art Show • National Merit Scholar Finalist • Will graduate with Associate’s from UVU this Summer

What do you do when you meet an obstacle?
Jump over it.
Personal motto?
I found this definition I really like from an old dictionary. Artist: one who professes and practices an art in which conception and execution are governed by imagination and taste.
What do you wish you could tell yourself as a 9th grader?
“It goes so fast.” I wish I would have kept a journal or at least taken more pictures so I can look back on these years and remember.
What have you learned by being a good listener?
Listening is basic to gain new knowledge. I love to hear life experiences from other people — especially adults I look up to — and see the human behind the person, you know?
Favorite place to be?
I know this is going to sound goody-goody, but I love to be at Mountain View. I’ve spent so much time there — decorating it, cleaning it, rehearsing in it — that I’ve really grown attached to it.
Favorite place to eat?
My own house. I love eating with my family.
What’s playing in your earbuds?
My musical interests are so broad. My library contains everything from vocal greats like Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald and the Carpenters to modern artists like Andrew Bird and John Mayer.
Advice for parents of teenagers?
My parents have done a wonderful job of this: We grow best when we are guided, not stifled.
When life becomes difficult, how do you cope?
Well, sometimes you just have to do it. It takes hard work and trust that it will be over soon.
How will you change the world?
I hope the dedication, vision and creativity I bring can make a difference wherever I choose to go.

Ethan Smith Evans
Orem High School
PARENTS Brian and Sharlene Evans
• Student Body Vice President • Mr. Orem • Model UN • Will Attend BYU • Involved in Theater at Orem High

How have you transformed as a person while in high school?
I’ve become much more social, and my ability to talk to, appreciate and genuinely love the people around me has increased phenomenally from the experiences I’ve had because of the incredible atmosphere at Orem High.
Personal motto?
“The best cure for weariness is the challenge of helping someone who is even more tired.”
— Gordon B. Hinckley
Favorite place to be?
Longboarding down Provo Canyon, Disney World, (I’m going on my honeymoon there, regardless of my future wife’s input) and Orem High.
What’s playing in your earbuds?
“Believe” by the Dirty Heads.
Advice for parents of teenagers?
Let your kids know you love them, and spend time with them doing things they like, even if you think the activity is stupid. The same thing goes for you, kids!
What things are more important than money?
Most things are more important than money. Experiences are worth their weight in gold.
What is your view of the world?
How things appear is influenced by your attitude. Having a good attitude is key to loving the things around you, no matter how dismal they can often seem.
How do you motivate?
Hard high-fives, shouting, writing notes, baking cookies and sending nice text messages.
what do you love?
My family, missionaries, my friends, life, swimming, music, longboarding, summer, rock climbing, politics, singing, dancing, acting, creating, exploring … OK, this is starting to sound like a Facebook page.
Favorite movie?
“The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” is the best movie ever made. It’s a scientific fact.
Wardrobe philosophy?
Dress nice, not stupid.

Jaime L. Stanton
Payson High School
PARENTS Todd and Jana Stanton
• 4.0 Student • State Finalist Sterling Scholar in Dance • Student Body Officer

How have you transformed as a person while in high school?
I have learned the importance of hard work and pushing yourself to do and be your best; someone is always looking up to your example.
Rank your school On a scale of 1 to 10.
10! Go Payson!!!
What do you do when you meet an obstacle?
Take the time to discover what the obstacle truly is and find the best way to overcome it.
What are your biggest blessings?
My family and their support in everything I do.
What have you learned by being a good listener?
Everyone has something important to say. By listening to others you can learn a lot about yourself.
Favorite place to be?
My home.
Favorite place to eat?
Brick Oven.
What’s playing in your earbuds?
Everything! I love all kinds of music.
Advice for parents of teenagers?
Talk to them and listen when they talk to you. You can learn a lot from just listening.
When life becomes difficult, how do you cope?
Talking to my mom. Talking things through always helps make sense of what is going on.
What things are more important than money?
Family, love, happiness and integrity.
What is your view of the world?
The world is huge and it can be scary, but if you take the time to look, it has so much to offer.
Keys to happiness?
Dance, music and sugar.
Plans after high school?
Attend college, major in accounting and continue taking and teaching dance classes.
Favorite movie?
“While You Were Sleeping.”
How will you change the world?
By being the best I can be and providing a positive example.

Evan Argyle
Pleasant Grove High School
PARENTS Howard and Julie Argyle
• All-State Cross-Country, 2009 5A • 4:22 mile • Pleasant Grove Math Sterling Scholar • Eagle Scout • 35 on ACT

What makes a good friend?
I’ve heard it said that a friend is someone who knows you — but likes you anyway. Everyone has got their little problems. A friend is someone who can ignore them.
Personal motto?
“If you’re gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough.”
In what are you “fully invested”?
Running. I ran cross country and track for Pleasant Grove since my freshman year. All together, I have probably spent almost as much time in practice as I have in class.
What do you wish you could tell yourself as a 9th grader?
I wish I could tell myself to relax more. I was really uptight my freshman and sophomore years. I still kind of am.
What have you learned by being a good listener?
Everyone has a lesson to teach. It is important to listen to everyone. Everything I know I stole from someone else.
Favorite place to be?
I love running in the mountains. There is no place better than Grove Creek Canyon on a nice day.
Favorite place to eat?
Anywhere. I like to try new foods.
What’s playing in your earbuds?
I don’t have an iPod, so music doesn’t follow me everywhere. But I really like music, mostly older stuff.
When life becomes difficult, how do you cope?
I would like to think I handle stress well. But a long, slow run in the mountains is better than anything to clear the mind. Problems seem smaller afterward.
How do you motivate others?
People work best if they are self motivated. The mark
of a great leader is when
people finish a project and believe they did it without being led.
Wardrobe philosophy?
Wardrobe philosophy? What does that mean?

Colby Adams Sanford
Provo High School
PARENTS Jeffrey David and Jamille Adams Sanford
• Earned a 5 on the AP Art Test • Double Jury into the All-State Springville High School Art Show • Sterling Scholar Regional Finalist

What makes a good friend?
Encouragement and the feeling they want to listen to you. A good smile.
What do you do when you meet an obstacle?
Barrel roll to victory.
Personal motto?
Details. Do the details.
What are your biggest blessings?
My home. My hands. Air.
What have you learned by being a good listener?
That other people talk, too.
Favorite place to be?
In my room.
Favorite place to eat?
In my kitchen.
What’s playing in your earbuds?
Spring Awakening and Bon Iver.
Advice for parents of teenagers?
Don’t give up. They’ll surface.
When life becomes difficult, how do you cope?
It depends. I don’t like to just sit there, so I do something. Anything. Play music, paint, talk to somebody.
What is your view of the world?
It’s nice. It spins. It’s blue and green.
How do you motivate others?
By trying to be cheerful. It’s easier to do things when you aren’t frowning.
Keys to happiness?
Scriptures. Prayer. Music.
Who or what do you love?
1. Family 2. Friends 3. Art/Music.
Plans after high school?
To go on a mission.
Most influential teacher?
Mrs. Phillips. Hands down.
Favorite movie?
“Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron.”
Wardrobe philosophy?
Do it up. If you can put it on, you can pull it off.
How will you change the world?
By putting my best foot forward everyday. It’s not going to happen overnight.

Sammi Bree Magoffin
Salem Hills High School
PARENTS Darin and Tracie Magoffin
• Dance Sterling Scholar for Salem Hills High School • First Place in Literature for the Reflections Contest in Fall 2009 • Girls’ Tennis Captain • Service Coordinator for Salem Hills Dance Company (This December, Dance Company organized a Sub for Santa drive and raised $3,200, which provided Christmas for 76 kids.)

How have you transformed as a person while in high school?
I have learned what I want in life and how to achieve it.
Every choice I make has a consequence. I’ve learned to identify the relationship between choice and consequence, and I’m trying to make the choices that will help me rather than hurt me.
What do you wish you could tell yourself as a 9th grader?
Don’t worry about what other people think of you. Just be someone you can be proud of. Be yourself.
What have you learned by being a good listener?
People aren’t always what they seem. Everyone has different personalities, but most people experience similar trials and feelings.
Favorite place to be?
Sitting on the couch by
the window with a good
book.
Advice for parents of teenagers?
Love your kids and support them in their interests.
When life becomes difficult, how do you cope?
I have found when I stop focusing on myself and serve others, my problems become easier to bear. When I’m serving others, I remember my purpose in life is to love the children of God, and when I’m putting that first, everything else falls into place.
What is your view of the world?
The world and many people in it are corrupt, but that just creates more opportunities to do something good.
How do you motivate others?
I’ve been motivated by the people who take every
opportunity to be kind, people who set goals and then do the work to achieve them, and people who live to enjoy life. And that’s how I hope to motivate others.
Wardrobe philosophy? If it’s cute, cheap AND
modest, then it belongs in my closet.

Candace Wride
Spanish Fork High School
PARENTS Dennis and Kathy Wride
• Homecoming Queen for Spanish Fork High School • Second Attendant for Miss Spanish Fork • Young Women Medallion award • National Honor Society • Student Body Officer (secretary) • Spirit of Junior Miss Award • Junior Miss Talent Division Winner

What do you do when you meet an obstacle?
Shake his hand and
welcome him to the
community.
Personal motto?
“Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you.”
— Maori proverb
In what are you “fully invested”?
Coaching gymnastics!
I love working with
gymnasts to improve their talents.
What are your biggest blessings?
The greatest team I am able to be a part of — which consists of two parents, four siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins I could not possibly live without.
What have you learned by being a good listener?
You cannot judge a person based on appearance.
Everyone has their own life story, and appearance doesn’t show that.
Favorite place to be?
Watching a thunderstorm
on the front porch with my
dad.
Favorite place to eat?
Panda Express!
When life becomes difficult, how do you cope?
I go to my mom for advice
and help because she has a talent for helping me
figure things out and feel better.
what do you love?
A good laugh that makes your side ache and gives you the hiccups!
Most influential teacher?
My 6th grade history teacher, Mrs. Taylor, who showed me by example that everyone has a purpose.
Favorite movies?
“August Rush,” “A Walk to Remember” and “Beauty and the Beast”
Wardrobe philosophy?
Modest is hottest!!
How will you change the world?
Create a chain reaction by helping others see their full potential and what they can achieve because of the person they are.

Jessie Beck
Timpanogos High School
PARENTS Matt and Becky Beck
• Academic Girl of the Year 9th grade • Top 10 Weighted GPA For Past Three Years • Academic All-State Soccer 2009 • 4A State Champion Girls Soccer Captain 2009

What makes a good friend?
A good friend is there to catch you when you fall and to listen when you need to pour your heart out.
Personal motto?
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
— Gandhi
What do you wish you could tell yourself as a 9th grader?
Don’t stress about the little things. Do what you can do and don’t worry about the rest.
What are your biggest blessings?
My family and my friends. They are my backbone because they’ve helped me through so much.
Favorite place to be?
Palmyra, N.Y. It is absolutely gorgeous and the spirit there is incredible.
Favorite place to eat?
Costa Vida.
Advice for parents of teenagers?
Don’t be afraid to talk to us and get to know us. I’m best friends with my mom, and I’m so grateful I can talk to her anytime about anything.
When life becomes difficult, how do you cope?
I go on a run, a bike ride, kick around the soccer ball, or I’ll do some service for someone else. My problems seem to fix themselves when I stop focusing on myself.
Keys to happiness?
Enjoy the little things. There is so much around us to be grateful for, if we’ll only take the time to notice them.
Plans after high school?
Go to college, major in biology and have a career in medicine.
Most influential teacher?
Steve Jackson, AP calculus BC. I learned a whole lot about myself, calculus and how to push myself.
Favorite movie?
“The Scarlet Pimpernel.” I wish we still sealed letters with a wax seal because it is so cool!
Wardrobe philosophy?
T-shirt and jeans. It’s that simple.

Sadie Jai Clements
Springville High School
PARENTS Merritt Fullmer, Keven Clements
• 3.6 GPA • Four-year Starter Varsity Soccer • Four-year Starter Varsity Basketball • Led Springville High’s Girls Basketball to 23-0 record and State Championship • First Team All-State Basketball, Soccer • Full-ride Basketball Scholarship to Sacramento State University

Rank your school On a scale of 1 to 10.
9. No one is perfect, but Springville comes close.
What makes a good friend?
Someone who is loyal, understanding, has the same interests and will let you know if you’re making bad decisions.
What do you do when you meet an obstacle?
I treat it like a basketball game and just keep fighting and pushing through whatever that obstacle is.
In what are you “fully invested”?
BASKETBALL!!!! It leaves little time for anything else.
Personal motto?
Never, never, never give up.
What are your biggest blessings?
Having a family that loves and supports me in whatever I do.
Favorite place to eat?
Ruby River.
What’s playing in your earbuds?
Trey Songz.
When life becomes difficult, how do you cope?
I rely a lot on my family for support and help.
What things are more important than money?
Family, religion and how happy you are in life.
What is your view of the world?
You can be and do anything you want in life if you work hard. There are so many opportunities for us.
Keys to happiness?
Do something you love to do. Don’t worry about what others think. Be the best person you can be.
Plans after high school?
School at Sacramento State and play Division 1 basketball.
Most influential teacher?
Mr. Daybell. He was always encouraging and taught with such a fun environment.
How will you change the world?
Hopefully I will make a big
impact on the Sacramento State basketball team by bringing something new to the table.

Meredith Gaufin
Timpview High School
PARENTS Lynn and Cynthia Gaufin
• 4.0 GPA • Student Body Public Relations Officer • Utah’s Junior Miss 2010 • President of HOSA • Girls’ State Mayor • AP Scholar • Four Humanitarian Service Missions • Superior Rankings at Harp Festivals • A Cappella Choir Council Member • Varsity Cheerleader

How have you transformed as a person while in high school?
I transformed from a shy freshman girl to the student body public relations officer. I’ve come to realize that I’m the happiest when I am serving others.
What do you do when you meet an obstacle?
Tackle it.
Personal motto?
“Shoot for the moon, and if you miss you will still be among the stars.” – Les Brown
In what are you “fully invested”?
My scholastic ambitions. My dad always tells me “an investment in education always pays the greatest interest.”
What are your biggest blessings?
I have served humanitarian missions in Haiti, Bolivia, the Philippines and Mexico, and I’ve realized the blessing it is to be an American.
What’s playing in your earbuds?
Carrie Underwood, Deborah Henson-Conant (harpist) and various songs from Broadway musicals.
When life becomes difficult, how do you cope?
I look to the future, set new goals, turn to my musical talents, eat a little chocolate and hit the ground running.
What is your view of the world?
I’m a “glass half full” kind of girl. I’m optimistic and hopeful about today and look forward to building a better tomorrow.
Who or what do you love?
Like any other busy teenager … I love sleep!
Plans after high school?
I will attend BYU in the fall, and then my goal is to graduate from Weill Cornell Medical College in pursuit of becoming an anesthesiologist.
Favorite movies?
I love movies where good triumphs evil … “Harry Potter,” the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, “Remember the Titans,” “Avatar” and “Blindside.”
Wardrobe philosophy?
Shoes. It’s all about the shoes!

Mackenzie Lee Jacoby
Walden School of Liberal Arts
PARENTS Wade and Kindra Jacoby
• National Merit Scholar • Rotary Exchange to Brazil • 19 Portuguese Credits (BYU) • Co-Student body President and Valedictorian • Scholastic, Art, Writing Awards • Energy Solutions Foundation Science Scholarship • First Place Regional Science Fair • Plays the Accordion (three years)

How do you feel about your school?
Walden taught me that both kindergartners and adults deserve to be listened to and laughed at. Walden’s small classes and brilliant teachers push you hard but still make you confident. I’m going to miss that place.
What makes a good friend?
I like my friends sassy and smart, preferably with the same shoe size as I have.
In what are you “fully invested”?
The papaya market. On a recent school trip to India, I learned I was the only teenager who actually likes papaya. I also keep the fake Ray-Ban manufacturers in business.
What do you wish you could tell yourself as a 9th grader?
Learn French (Spanish will come by osmosis).
Favorite place to eat?
My grandparents’ cabin. My grandma cooks enough pumpkin pie for each grandkid to have his or her own.
Advice for parents of teenagers?
Choose your battles and let them paint their rooms.
Keys to happiness?
Oceans and folk music, sequins and my sisters.
Who or what do you love?
Lee Smolin, my Grandma B., elementary school, finger painting, wet trampolines, yoga, cauliflower, gray hair, and grilled cheese the way my big sister makes it.
Most influential teacher?
Tie. Carl Young taught me about chum salmon, calculus and Texas. Lara Asplund taught me about commas (but I wish she hadn’t).
Wardrobe philosophy?
The less the outfit matches, the lower the expectations. And when in doubt, employ a high, side ponytail.
How will you change the world?
I’d like to help the people harnessing nuclear fusion for use as clean and sustainable energy. This technology could boost economies in poor countries. It’s sort of like philanthropic physics.

Kate Weber
Westlake High School
PARENTS Kristie and Scott Weber
• Westlake High School Student Council • Video Production

Rank your school On a scale of 1 to 10.
10. Our school is full of interesting people, and we have good school spirit.
What makes a good friend?
A good friend is someone who knows you — and still wants to be your friend.
What do you do when you meet an obstacle?
I compromise. If that doesn’t work, I blast through the obstacle with all my power.
Personal motto?
Life takes initiative, and if you don’t take initiative then you don’t take life.
In what are you “fully invested”?
Video production.
What do you wish you could tell yourself as a 9th grader?
That everything is going to change, but for the better.
What are your biggest blessings?
My nieces and nephews.
What have you learned by being a good listener?
There is more to people than what you see on the outside.
Favorite place to eat?
Zupas.
What’s playing in your earbuds?
Everything except country.
Advice for parents of teenagers?
Don’t worry so much about the small stuff, because they grow out of it soon enough.
How do you motivate others?
By giving good pep talks.
Keys to happiness?
Love and having good people around you.
Who or what do you love?
I love my family, my close friends and animals (especially snakes).
Plans after high school?
Attend college for video production.
Most influential teacher?
Mike Dunn.
How will you change the world?
By motivating those around me to better themselves and the world we live in.

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