Sun Scholar 2007: Career - Social Science

Lydia Veldhuis

Calvary Baptist School senior Lydia Veldhuis said she is interested in the field of social science because she likes learning about the past and how it continues to affect us.

"Lydia exhibits a deeper understanding of social science by her excellent grades in this subject area," wrote teacher Laila Meyers in her nomination letter. "She quickly learns information and uses it for academic competitions."

An honor roll student, Veldhuis also plays the organ for her church, sings in school competitions and works with youth members of her church.

She is the daughter of Michael and Dawn Veldhuis.

Also a Goal Setter, Veldhuis' future plans include going to college and pursuing a career as a counselor.

Sun Scholar 2007: Career-Social Science

Travis Sebree

A true love for history earned Travis Sebree, a student at Yuma Catholic High School, a nomination for the social science award.

"Travis has a brilliant mind," instructor Steve DeDecker wrote in his nomination letter. "Travis consistently showed a genuine interest in the subject as well as an avid interest in the world around us."

Sebree said he loves history because it "allows us to understand our origins."

He is the son of Deborah Sebree and Roderick Sebree. His school activities have included track and football, earning an award for being most improved in the latter. He has also earned an academic letter. Sebree has been involved in community theater and has helped with maintenance at his church.

Sebree plans to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Career-Social Science

Carmen Barajas

Carmen Barajas, a senior at San Pasqual High School, has been nominated for the social science award.

She is the daughter of Ricardo Barajas and Hermelinda Barajas.

Teacher Georgina Hanna wrote in her nomination letter for Barajas that "she has overcome language challenges, having recently learned English. Carmen is a highly motivated, determined young woman who demonstrates a quick intelligence."

Barajas said the social sciences have truly helped her better understand the United States, after having moved here from Mexico. "It's been a different point of view for me."

The honor roll student has been involved with the Mestizo Club and has served as a teachers' aide and office aide.

She plans to attend Arizona Western College and get a part-time job.

Sun Scholar 2007: Career - Science

Hector Manuel Gaspar

Kofa High School senior Hector Manuel Gaspar enjoys science because "it is a field that is constantly changing and improving."

The son of Sandy Gaspar, he is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, Skills USA and the French and Electronics clubs.

He was nominated by Debbie Gardine, who wrote, "Although Hector Gaspar comes across as a quiet, shy gentleman, he is a true leader, leading by example rather than words."

Gaspar's academic awards include National Hispanic American Educational Fund Scholarship, Math-Science Honors Program and the Top 10 Honors Program.

"He has been an exceptionally determined and talented science student throughout his high school career," Gardine wrote.

Gaspar plans to attend Arizona State University and pursue a master's degree in electrical engineering.

Sun Scholar 2007: Career - Science
Jessica Campa

Jessica Campa has a simple explanation of why she likes science: It allows people to discover how and why everything in the world is the way it is. The San Luis High School senior has done her best to learn those things and has excelled in science courses, according to Denise Davis, Science Department Chair at the school.

In her nomination letter, Davis said Campa prefers honors classes over regular courses, has excellent study skills and a drive for success. "Jessica is currently taking Bio(logy) 2 - Anatomy and Physiology, a college prep class and is #2 in the class. Her work is insightful, reflective and genuine."

In addition to studying for her science classes, Campa finds time for Video Club, Literary Book Club and community service activities through her church. She is the daughter of Francisco and Luz Maria Campa. After graduation, Campa plans to enroll at Arizona State University and hopes to become a teacher.

Sun Scholar 2007: Career-Science

Jalissa Younger

Jalissa Younger said that what she likes most about science is the ability it gives students to learn about what makes the world we all live in.

Debbie Friar, Younger's child development teacher at Yuma High School, calls Younger a mature, responsible adult who is optimistic, outgoing and enthusiastic. Friar said Jalissa, unlike most high school students, has no problem stepping in and taking control of a situation.

Younger's extracurricular activities include cheerleading, DECA and the National Honor Society.

She is a member of the Yuma High "A" Team, an honor roll student and appeared in "Who's Who among American High School Students." She is the daughter of James and Darlene Younger

Her plans for the future include a career in medicine, which she will begin after graduation as a pre-med student at the University of Arizona.

Sun Scholar 2007: Career-Science

Hanna Tapia

Hanna Tapia said that what she likes most about her field is that it educates her on things that are important, like matter and the human body.

Richard McClure, Tapia's chemistry teacher at Cibola High School, said he nominated her because of her tenacity and perseverance. He said she is a leader in laboratory situations who can organize and coordinate with her partners to ensure accurate and precise results.

Tapia is involved in drama, the Interact Club and is a member of the Student Council. She has been honored as a Math Student of the Week at Cibola and is on the honor roll. She is the daughter of Gloria Tapia Lopez and Jesus Lopez.

After high school, Tapia plans to begin her postsecondary education at a community college, then transfer to a university and become a doctor.

Sun Scholar 2007: Career-Science

Keila Luna

Keila Luna enjoys experiments, observing and analyzing, which helped her achieve the science nomination.

Dennis Weber, a science teacher at Antelope Union High School, stated in his nomination letter that Luna "will finish a task once she has begun it, no matter how difficult or challenging it may be."

Luna has been named the Science Student of the Year for the 2007 graduating class, and she is also the salutatorian.

She is involved in student council, Future Farmers of America and volleyball. She is the daughter of Luis and Evangelina Luna.

She plans to attend college and pursue a career in forensic science.

Sun Scholar 2007: Career - Science

Renee Paden

Finding out how and why things work is why Calvary Baptist School student Renee Paden is interested in the field of science.

Paden, who according to her nomination letter has an exceptional understanding and motivation to pursue various fields in science, excels in chemistry and physics.

In nominating Paden for the science award, Laila Meyers wrote, "(Renee's) positive disposition is a beacon to other students and she sets an example that science is fun."

Also named a Goal Setter, Paden has received a dean's scholarship from Northern Arizona University and has won first place in a regional poetry contest.

A senior, Paden plans to attend Arizona Western College in Yuma for a year before transferring to NAU to pursue a nursing degree. She is the daughter of Ronald and Lynn Paden.

She is also a member of the String Ambassadors of Yuma and the Yuma Civic Orchestra.

Sun Scholar 2007: Career-Science

Thomas Petersen

A school project involving Pascal's Principle, a hydraulic jack and a heavy truck earned Thomas Petersen a nomination for the science award.

For the project, the Yuma Catholic High School student connected hydraulic pistons to bicycle gears as a way to reduce the force or effort involved.

"This kind of outside-of-the-box thinking is desirable but rarely achieved. Thomas does it," wrote Joseph Mitchell in his nomination letter.

The student has earned an academic letter, been named a chemistry student of the year and a provost scholar.

Petersen's school activities have included cross country, track and mock trial.

The son of Kim and Martin Petersen, he plans to attend a four-year university. He has narrowed his options down to Arizona State University or University of Virginia and Cornell University.