Karen Peralta - Sun Scholar Award 2008: Science
Studying science is preparing Karen Peralta for college and a career in medicine.
A mature young woman who maintains high academic standards, Peralta has earned the respect Yuma High School faculty, staff and students, wrote Christie McMorris, director of guidance.
"Not only does she expect the best from herself, she also brings out the best in others around her. She is a leader by example, and her energy and dedication are contagious.
"With the maturity and motivation that Karen exhibits today, I have no doubt that her future success in the medical field is ensured."
Peralta's academic awards include Criminal Student of the Month, A-Team and Honor Roll. Volleyball, National Honor Society and Student Council are among her extracurricular activities.
She plans to attend Arizona Western College, transfer to the University of Arizona, then attend medical school. Her parents are Edith and Manuel Peralta.
Studying science is preparing Karen Peralta for college and a career in medicine.
A mature young woman who maintains high academic standards, Peralta has earned the respect Yuma High School faculty, staff and students, wrote Christie McMorris, director of guidance.
"Not only does she expect the best from herself, she also brings out the best in others around her. She is a leader by example, and her energy and dedication are contagious.
"With the maturity and motivation that Karen exhibits today, I have no doubt that her future success in the medical field is ensured."
Peralta's academic awards include Criminal Student of the Month, A-Team and Honor Roll. Volleyball, National Honor Society and Student Council are among her extracurricular activities.
She plans to attend Arizona Western College, transfer to the University of Arizona, then attend medical school. Her parents are Edith and Manuel Peralta.
Marlene Gonzalez - Sun Scholar Award 2008: Science
Marlene Gonzalez has been nominated for the Sun Scholar Awards in the science category.
"I like being able to understand basic elements of life in our world and how we humans were meant to function," she wrote in her
nomination form.
"She impressed me as a freshman who arrived that fall as a mature and responsible student," wrote Sister Jan Villemure, science teacher at Yuma Catholic High School.
Though Gonzalez began her school career as a child of migrant workers and attended 10 schools her first 13 years of school, she learned well and loved to learn, Villemure said.
Gonzalez, who studied for one year in Italy, aspires to enter the medical field as a nurse, Villemure said.
Gonzalez's academic awards include Academic Honor Roll and National Honor Society. Her extracurricular activities include serving as a Healthcare Explorer and visiting San Luis orphanages and RTA Hospice.
Her post-graduation plans are to attend Arizona State University to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. She is the daughter of Tony and Elena Gonzalez.
Marlene Gonzalez has been nominated for the Sun Scholar Awards in the science category.
"I like being able to understand basic elements of life in our world and how we humans were meant to function," she wrote in her
nomination form.
"She impressed me as a freshman who arrived that fall as a mature and responsible student," wrote Sister Jan Villemure, science teacher at Yuma Catholic High School.
Though Gonzalez began her school career as a child of migrant workers and attended 10 schools her first 13 years of school, she learned well and loved to learn, Villemure said.
Gonzalez, who studied for one year in Italy, aspires to enter the medical field as a nurse, Villemure said.
Gonzalez's academic awards include Academic Honor Roll and National Honor Society. Her extracurricular activities include serving as a Healthcare Explorer and visiting San Luis orphanages and RTA Hospice.
Her post-graduation plans are to attend Arizona State University to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. She is the daughter of Tony and Elena Gonzalez.
Lorena Valle - Sun Scholar Award 2008: Science
According to Lorena Valle, "Science allows students to expand their knowledge of the elements that make our unique world function."
The Antelope Union High School student was nominated for the Sun Scholars Award in the science category by Dennis O. Weber, who taught her chemistry and physics.
"In both of those courses, she was at the top of the class in her academic work. She is an exceptional student with a bright and inquiring mind, with the added virtue of an excellent work ethic."
Valle's extracurricular activities include Student Council, Key Club and Border Patrol Explorers.
Her post-graduation plans are to pursue a degree in psychology at Arizona State University. She is the daughter of Rosa Rojas.
According to Lorena Valle, "Science allows students to expand their knowledge of the elements that make our unique world function."
The Antelope Union High School student was nominated for the Sun Scholars Award in the science category by Dennis O. Weber, who taught her chemistry and physics.
"In both of those courses, she was at the top of the class in her academic work. She is an exceptional student with a bright and inquiring mind, with the added virtue of an excellent work ethic."
Valle's extracurricular activities include Student Council, Key Club and Border Patrol Explorers.
Her post-graduation plans are to pursue a degree in psychology at Arizona State University. She is the daughter of Rosa Rojas.
Marilyn Cruz - Sun Scholar Award 2008: Science
The thing that Marilyn Cruz likes most about science is that there is always something new to learn and discover.
When the Kofa High student first took an advanced class in anatomy and physiology, it was a foreign world, said Mickey Mclean, science teacher.
But she "took the challenge and has excelled in her understanding of the human body. She helps others and is well liked by other students ... (and) is a pleasure to teach."
Soccer and Sports Medicine Club are among her extracurricular activities.
She plans to major in the medical field in college. Her parents are Adela Villapudua and Carlos Cruz.
The thing that Marilyn Cruz likes most about science is that there is always something new to learn and discover.
When the Kofa High student first took an advanced class in anatomy and physiology, it was a foreign world, said Mickey Mclean, science teacher.
But she "took the challenge and has excelled in her understanding of the human body. She helps others and is well liked by other students ... (and) is a pleasure to teach."
Soccer and Sports Medicine Club are among her extracurricular activities.
She plans to major in the medical field in college. Her parents are Adela Villapudua and Carlos Cruz.
Bernardo Aceves - Sun Scholar Award 2008: Science
Bernardo Aceves says "The complexity of the most simple matter of life" is what he likes most about science.
He is one of the best all-around science students at San Luis High School, wrote Denise Davis, Science Department chair, in her nomination letter.
"He is a very intelligent young man and a natural problem solver. He has a gift for communicating his thoughts and has excelled in every science course he has taken."
He has received awards for Student of the Month and from the National Honor Society. He is president and captain of track and field. Other extracurricular activities include National Honor Society and Arizona Boys State.
He plans to attend Arizona State University to major in biochemistry. He is the son of Jesus Aceves.
Bernardo Aceves says "The complexity of the most simple matter of life" is what he likes most about science.
He is one of the best all-around science students at San Luis High School, wrote Denise Davis, Science Department chair, in her nomination letter.
"He is a very intelligent young man and a natural problem solver. He has a gift for communicating his thoughts and has excelled in every science course he has taken."
He has received awards for Student of the Month and from the National Honor Society. He is president and captain of track and field. Other extracurricular activities include National Honor Society and Arizona Boys State.
He plans to attend Arizona State University to major in biochemistry. He is the son of Jesus Aceves.
Denise Alarcon - Sun Scholar Award 2008: Language Arts
To obtain a high school diploma, Denise Alarcon had to overcome language barriers and many familial barriers.
Now a senior at San Pasqual Valley High School, Alarcon has earned one of the top academic positions in her class in addition to demonstrating leadership skills.
"Denise is a person who negotiates barriers with tact and grace to overcome obstacles that may stand in the way of successful project
completion," said Christine Webster in a nomination letter.
Alarcon said that the creativity of stories and history that's put on a piece of paper and then in books is what she likes most about language arts.
"Denise demonstrates a talent for both analytical and creative work," Webster said.
Alarcon is involved in the Wisdom Exchange Mentoring Program and is Associated Student Body president and FFA secretary. She earned the Presidential Award, High Honor Roll and is honorary secretary for FFA. She is the daughter of Maria Alarcon.
After graduation, she plans to go to college and become a therapist in psychology.
To obtain a high school diploma, Denise Alarcon had to overcome language barriers and many familial barriers.
Now a senior at San Pasqual Valley High School, Alarcon has earned one of the top academic positions in her class in addition to demonstrating leadership skills.
"Denise is a person who negotiates barriers with tact and grace to overcome obstacles that may stand in the way of successful project
completion," said Christine Webster in a nomination letter.
Alarcon said that the creativity of stories and history that's put on a piece of paper and then in books is what she likes most about language arts.
"Denise demonstrates a talent for both analytical and creative work," Webster said.
Alarcon is involved in the Wisdom Exchange Mentoring Program and is Associated Student Body president and FFA secretary. She earned the Presidential Award, High Honor Roll and is honorary secretary for FFA. She is the daughter of Maria Alarcon.
After graduation, she plans to go to college and become a therapist in psychology.
Ashley Rae LaBar - Sun Scholar Award 2008: Language Arts
Ashley Rae LaBar is always willing to help her friends and cheerfully greets new students at school. Her smiles are given freely to everyone, said her English teacher, Robert Qualls.
It's no wonder the Kofa High School senior was named "Miss Congeniality 2008" in the Miss Yuma County Pageant.
The language arts award nominee said, "I'm most interested in the expression of human morals and emotions through a written medium."
LaBar will further her education by attending the University of Arizona in the pursuit of nursing degree.
At Kofa, LaBar is captain of the cross country team and was ranked sixth in the region. She is also a Relay for Life volunteer and is involved in Dance Club and Yuma Regional Medical Center Junior Volunteer Summer Program.
She is the daughter of Edward and Grisilda LaBar.
Ashley Rae LaBar is always willing to help her friends and cheerfully greets new students at school. Her smiles are given freely to everyone, said her English teacher, Robert Qualls.
It's no wonder the Kofa High School senior was named "Miss Congeniality 2008" in the Miss Yuma County Pageant.
The language arts award nominee said, "I'm most interested in the expression of human morals and emotions through a written medium."
LaBar will further her education by attending the University of Arizona in the pursuit of nursing degree.
At Kofa, LaBar is captain of the cross country team and was ranked sixth in the region. She is also a Relay for Life volunteer and is involved in Dance Club and Yuma Regional Medical Center Junior Volunteer Summer Program.
She is the daughter of Edward and Grisilda LaBar.
Antony L. Grassi - Sun Scholar Award 2008: Language Arts
When it comes to writing, Antony L. Grassi enjoys writing about any subject, especially in the persuasive style.
But his English teacher, Mary Heard, said the Antelope Union High School senior "is well versed in all areas of English literature."
In class, he often shares his love of literature, books and reading, Heard wrote in a nomination letter.
Grassi is in the "A" Honor Roll, National Honor Society and is an Eagle Scout.
According to Heard, Grassi is constantly striving to gain knowledge through exploring new ideas and theories.
"One of the qualities I respect the most from this young man is his own quest to learn," Heard wrote.
Grassi is also involved in Venture Crew, Boy Scouts of America and Knights of Columbus.
He is the son of Virginia and Anthony Grassi.
After graduation, he plans to attend Arizona State University or the Reserve Officer Training Corps in the Air Force.
When it comes to writing, Antony L. Grassi enjoys writing about any subject, especially in the persuasive style.
But his English teacher, Mary Heard, said the Antelope Union High School senior "is well versed in all areas of English literature."
In class, he often shares his love of literature, books and reading, Heard wrote in a nomination letter.
Grassi is in the "A" Honor Roll, National Honor Society and is an Eagle Scout.
According to Heard, Grassi is constantly striving to gain knowledge through exploring new ideas and theories.
"One of the qualities I respect the most from this young man is his own quest to learn," Heard wrote.
Grassi is also involved in Venture Crew, Boy Scouts of America and Knights of Columbus.
He is the son of Virginia and Anthony Grassi.
After graduation, he plans to attend Arizona State University or the Reserve Officer Training Corps in the Air Force.
Keely L. Misenhimer - Sun Scholar Award 2008: Language Arts
For Keely L. Misenhimer, the English language is a defining factor in who people are as individuals and Americans.
"Being able to express yourself with something that is uniquely yours is empowering," she said.
The Yuma Catholic High School senior has been nominated for the Sun Scholars English award by YCHS English department chair Donald Gilbert.
Gilbert wrote, "She is taking AP Literature and Composition and consistently earns high grades. She has impressed me with her writing ability."
Misenhimer is one of the best writers in her class, according to Gilbert, contributes many insights during class discussion and often argues her point with classmates using careful analysis of text.
Misenhimer, daughter of Diana Crites and D. Page Misenhimer, earned the Chapman University Presidential Merit Scholar Award, Texas Christian University Provost Scholarship and Academic Pin (A-Team).
She's involved in Ballet Yuma and National Honor Society and is a pre-ballet teacher's assistant.
Misenhimer plans to attend Chapman University and double major in graphic design and dance.
For Keely L. Misenhimer, the English language is a defining factor in who people are as individuals and Americans.
"Being able to express yourself with something that is uniquely yours is empowering," she said.
The Yuma Catholic High School senior has been nominated for the Sun Scholars English award by YCHS English department chair Donald Gilbert.
Gilbert wrote, "She is taking AP Literature and Composition and consistently earns high grades. She has impressed me with her writing ability."
Misenhimer is one of the best writers in her class, according to Gilbert, contributes many insights during class discussion and often argues her point with classmates using careful analysis of text.
Misenhimer, daughter of Diana Crites and D. Page Misenhimer, earned the Chapman University Presidential Merit Scholar Award, Texas Christian University Provost Scholarship and Academic Pin (A-Team).
She's involved in Ballet Yuma and National Honor Society and is a pre-ballet teacher's assistant.
Misenhimer plans to attend Chapman University and double major in graphic design and dance.
Rebecca Lynn Sorenson - Sun Scholar Award 2008: Language Arts
Rebecca Lynn Sorenson of Cibola High School has been nominated for the language arts award.
"I enjoy using language arts to express my thoughts and feelings to others," Sorenson wrote.
The senior is on Cibola High's honor roll, and her extracurricular activities include ballet with Ballet Yuma, Student Council as student body secretary and youth group with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
She is the daughter of Beth and Richard Sorenson and plans to attend Brigham Young University.
Rebecca Lynn Sorenson of Cibola High School has been nominated for the language arts award.
"I enjoy using language arts to express my thoughts and feelings to others," Sorenson wrote.
The senior is on Cibola High's honor roll, and her extracurricular activities include ballet with Ballet Yuma, Student Council as student body secretary and youth group with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
She is the daughter of Beth and Richard Sorenson and plans to attend Brigham Young University.
- Reader Services
- E-mail Alerts
- About Us
- RSS Feeds
- Coupons
Copyright © 2008
Privacy Policy | User Agreement | Advertising Info | Business Listings | Site Map
Autos | Homes | Jobs | Classifieds | Sun Jobs
