Sun Scholar 2007: Career - Math

Jacob Skousen

Jacob Skousen likes to learn new things and apply the things he has already learned. And for that, he has been nominated for the math category.

Antelope Union High School teacher and coach Rick St. Clair stated in his nomination letter that Skousen "impresses all whom he comes in contact with. Jacob exhibits outstanding character and rapport."

St. Clair also stated that Skousen is currently the leading student in his calculus class and in the top 5 percent of his class.

Skousen is active in the National Honor Society, football, wrestling, and community volunteer work. He is the son of Mark and Trixie Skousen.

He plans to attend Brigham Young University in Idaho and then serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Sun Scholar 2007: Career - Math

Zachary Taylor

With an interest in mathematics, Calvary Baptist School senior Zachary Taylor actually enjoys solving problems.

"It's a challenge and I can use it throughout my life," Taylor wrote about his interest in figuring things out.

In her nomination letter, Laila Meyers wrote, "Zachary Taylor has self-discipline and excellent study skills that enable him to excel in all areas of mathematics from Algebra I to Calculus. He is a great example to other students because of his humility and serious attitude towards his studies."

An honor roll student, Taylor has a full-time job at his parents' insurance agency and volunteers at his church. A Goal Setter, Taylor also helped younger students at his school the past year.

He is the son of Robert and Rebecca Tychsen.

After graduating high school, Taylor plans to attend Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego.

Sun Scholar 2007: Career - Math

Nathan Hieb

Nathan Hieb says he loves the "challenge and absoluteness" of math, the subject for which he was nominated.

"Nathan Hieb's ability to analyze, probe information, and seek out alternative methods makes him an outstanding math student," wrote Yuma Catholic High School counselor Terra Rush-Martinez in her nomination letter. "His independent thinking and desire to seek answers impels his inquisitive intellect. The more difficult the task, the more engaged he becomes."

Hieb has earned a place on the honor roll from 2003 to 2007, has received the Dr. Voie Stuart Chase Coy Scholar Athlete Award 2004-2007 and earned academic letters 2004-2007.

His school activities have included tae kwon do, mock trial and cross country. He is the son of Lee and Ross Hieb.

Hieb plans to attend Creighton University Medical School and become an orthopedic surgeon.

Sun Scholar 2007: Career - Math

Lillie Fairchild

Lillie Fairchild, a student at San Pasqual High School, has been nominated for the math award.

Math teacher Luis Arias wrote in his nomination letter that "based on her grades, attendance and class participation I would rate Lillie's academic performance in my class as superior. Lillie's intuitive and analytical skills serve her well in all math-related subjects."

Fairchild is the daughter of Clayton Fairchild and Debra Fairchild.

"Math is not ambiguous," she said, describing her love for the subject. "There are certain steps you must take."

Her school activities have included being a mentor for Wisdom Exchange, belonging to the Strong Hearts Native Society and serving as treasurer for Avid. Valedictorian of her class, she has been an honor roll student and has earned the Sunrise Optimists Award.

Fairchild plans to attend a four-year university.

Sun Scholar 2007: Career - Social Science

Gloria Valentin

Kofa High School senior Gloria Valentin has the determination to succeed in social science and plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in clinical psychology and business so she can open her own private practice.

The daughter of Jose and Gloria Valentin, she is a member of Youth Group CANA, Student Government and is completing a senior project on "Art Therapy for the Assisted Living."

Duncan Johnston nominated her and wrote, "Gloria has chosen a career that she will do well in for she has always been a friend to all those who need her. She is straightforward with her peers and always encourages everyone to take what life has given them and work it for the best."

Valentin's academic awards include "A" Team, Sunrise Optimist and Soroptimist Volunteer Award to Honor Young Women.

Johnston wrote, "Gloria is a hard worker who does her very best to keep on task and get the job done."

Sun Scholar 2007: Career - Social Science

Paola Magdaleno

Senior Paola Magdaleno is a member of the San Luis High School "A" Team and was also nominated for the National Who's Who in America and National Yearbook Scholarship for her work on the yearbook during her sophomore and junior years.

Magdaleno would like to continue her studies after graduation at the University of Arizona, likely in her chosen field of the social sciences. "I enjoy knowing who I am," Magdaleno wrote, "but to know who we are now, we must know our history. Social sciences give us that opportunity."

In his nomination letter, San Luis High teacher assistant Seth Wineland said Magdaleno produces quality work in world history and government classes. "She is a conscientious individual who looks for ways to aid the teacher and other students. I give her my highest praise," he said.

Her parents are Victor and Angelica Magdaleno.

Previously, Magdaleno has been a member of the Science Club, and she has also volunteered in the school library.

Sun Scholar 2007: Career - Social Science

Noel Martinez

Noel Martinez said the thing he likes most about the social science field is being able to help the community. He said it makes him feel like the Batman of Yuma.

Martinez's counselor at Yuma High School, Aurora Frost, said he is compassionate and dedicated to the community and law enforcement, and he volunteers to ride along with police officers from the Yuma Police Department.

His extracurricular activities include varsity wrestling and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement law enforcement program.

He is a member of the Yuma High "A" Team and an all-state and all-region wrestler. He is the son of Emilia and Jose Martinez.

Martinez plans to attend Arizona State University, but his ultimate goal is to apply to the FBI Academy. He wants to eventually come back to Yuma and work as a special agent.

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Sun Scholar 2007: Career - Social Science

Bryon Jarred Lackey

Bryon Jarred Lackey said social science teachers seem to be naturally motivated about their subject and that is what he likes most about his field.

Timothy Brienza, Lackey's social studies teacher at Cibola High School, said his ability to balance academics and athletics and handle the pressure and rigors of high school all put him in a position to succeed. Brienza said Lackey has developed his body and his leadership skills on the athletic field.

Lackey shows swine in 4-H and plays football and baseball. He was named captain of Cibola's varsity football team this past season. He is also a member of Academic Decathlon.

He is the winner of the High School Heisman for Cibola. His parents are Mary and Eugene Lackey.

He plans to continue his education and keep playing football after he graduates.

Sun Scholar 2007: Career - Social Science

Katrin Henry

Katrin Henry said the aspect of her subject field she likes most is learning about the American political system and how it differs from those in other countries.

Her teacher, Louis Vanhook at Carpe Diem Academy, said Henry has the ability not to just read and complete assignments, but to take learning to a higher level. He said the breadth and depth of her work has been fascinating. Henry began the school year as a junior but, due to the additional courses she's taking, she will be graduating early this June with the class of 2007.

Henry has participated in community service projects such as organizing Christmas gift giving for underprivileged children and volunteering at her church. She also studies piano.

She has been honored as the "Most Likely to Succeed" in her class and was elected as treasurer of her student council. She is a Goal Setter and the daughter of Steve and Luz Henry.

After graduation, Henry plans to go on to a university and graduate in engineering.

Career-Social Science

Robert B. Grout

Robert B. Grout enjoys learning about the stock market and how government works, which led him to the social science nomination.

Antelope Union High School teacher and adviser Jeff Peters stated in his nomination letter that he is "impressed with his knowledge and interest in current events." Peters also stated that he is "an outstanding student who has excellent student skills and demonstrates maturity in our discussions." Grout is active in golf, student council and SkillsUSA.

He is the son of Cheryl Grout. He plans to pursue a business degree at the University of Arizona.