Holy Family High School

Julia Grace Hoffman

Tell us a little bit about yourself

Throughout high school, I was involved in various clubs, sports and academic activities, creating connections and learning to be independent. I played volleyball and was a student ambassador my freshman year. In the following years, I played Varsity tennis, was a member of the National Honor Society and Student Council and participated in Culinary and Mission club. During the summertime, I swam for a league team and had a part-time job at different businesses. In the fall, I will be attending the University of Arizona with a major in Physiology and medical sciences. 

What is the most enduring memory from your high school career?

The most enduring memory from my high school career actually just happened. My prom was on Saturday, May 6 and during one my favorite songs, my friends and I made a little dance circle and swayed to the song. Not only is it one of my favorites, but we all love it and I started to tear up a bit. As a senior, prom is the last school function before all of the graduation activities. 

Talk about your role in society going forward. What issues do feel drawn to address post-graduation and how do you plan to do that?

After I graduate from college, I plan on going into the health field. I have always felt drawn to medical issues and science. I plan on being as organized and focused as possible in my studies and taking part in internships to get some experience. Additionally, I am paying for part of my tuition to learn the value of money and my education. 

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

In 20 years, I want to have completed all my degrees and have a stable job as a physician's assistant at a high-end dermatologist's office. I have had this goal for about a year now, but have always been passionate about skincare and any skin issues. My grandfather suffered and passed from skin cancer and this is part of where my interest stemmed from. I want to make people more aware of the danger of cancer, and new ways to prevent skin damage. 

Marissa Gray 

Tell us a little bit about yourself

My name is Marissa Gray, and I am a senior at Holy Family High School. During my time at Holy Family, I was a cheerleader for three years and an active NHS member. I curated articles for the HF Lamppost, and a poem that I wrote was featured in the school’s literary magazine my junior year. During my senior year, I was a member of the yearbook staff that produced an amazing final product. After high school, I will attend Texas A&M University to study English. Later, I hope to attend law school. 

What is the most enduring memory from your high school career?

My most memorable moment from high school is the 2022 state cheerleading competition. The support from my team, friends, and community was astounding. I will never forget winning second place and how hard the team worked to get there. 

Talk about your role in society going forward. What issues do feel drawn to address post-graduation and how do you plan to do that?

After graduation, I feel drawn to address issues such as poverty through my involvement in policy-making and government.

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

In 20 years, I will be 38 years old. At this point in my life, I see myself with a big loving family and many dogs. 

Horizon High School

Johnny Serna

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I’m an active member of the National Honor Society, La Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica with a seal of biliteracy in Spanish, Student Government and held the office of Vice President my Junior Year, LINK leader and commissioner, helper in the Unified Club and our mascot Huey the Hawk for four years. I am also a recipient of the Daniels Scholarship. After graduation I plan to attend CU Boulder to major in Leadership and Community Engagement with a double major in Political Science and a minor in Business.

What is the most enduring memory from your high school career?

I have a lot of good memories from high school, but my favorite memory has to be being our mascot Huey the Hawk for four years. Through that experience, I was able to make so many new connections and ways to bring about school spirit. I thought it was really cool that I was able to rally a whole crowd of people without saying a single word.

Talk about your role in society going forward. What issues do feel drawn to address post-graduation and how do you plan to do that?

Going forward, I plan to work towards bringing communities together for the better and addressing the issues of concern within them, such as playgrounds that are not equipped for those with special needs or streets where speed bumps are needed. I will use the leadership skills that I have gained through High School as well as the opportunities and experience that I will gain in college to accomplish my goal.

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

In 20 years I see myself living in Boulder as a successful entrepreneur working towards creating a better society. I also plan to stay involved in both the Daniels and Boulder Alumni Associations and possibly have a position within CU itself.

Grace Fairchild

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I am involved in the National Art Honor Society, LINK Crew, National Honor Society, Graphic Design at Future Forward/Bollman, National Technical Honors Society (for Future Forward), Yearbook, SOAR (Students Of Academic Rigger - honors program), Gifted Talented, and Photography club. However, in previous years I have also participated in GSA (Gender Sexuality Alliance) and Anime Club. Post graduation, I plan to participate in a Badminton club and potentially some form of gardening club/beekeeping at Rochester Institute of Technology.

What is the most enduring memory from your high school career?

One of the most endearing memories I have from high school occurred in my senior year. November 1st was the early decision deadline for my top college and I was extremely stressed trying to wrap up art pieces for my portfolio. With this in mind, my counselor excused me for the entire day to work. My counselor (Mrs. Neumann) allowed me to completely rearrange her office to set up a mini-art-and-still-life studio. She even asked my former AP Biology teacher if I could borrow some bones to draw. Her actions were extremely endearing.

Talk about your role in society going forward. What issues do feel drawn to address post-graduation and how do you plan to do that?

As someone who grew up between “categories”, from being mixed racial to being bisexual, and as someone going into an art and science major in college, I am personally drawn to the issue of making “in between career options” more known and available. This issue drew me to pursue a career in medical illustration, as more than likely people will see the results of medical illustration without knowing the career behind it. Thus going forward, I want to either through public presentations or some form of publication, express to people, particularly kids, that they don’t have to pick between options. 

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

In 20 years I see myself gradually building my portfolio and gaining work experience by using various 3D and 2D art programs. After obtaining my degrees – Bachelor and Master along with the potential of a CMI certification (Certified Medical Illustrator)– I plan to either utilize my skills for my own medical illustration and graphic design company, work with or lead a team of medical illustrators at a hospital, and/or work for various law firms in aiding legal imagery.

Juliann French

Tell us a little bit about yourself

What is the most enduring memory from your high school career?

The most enduring memory from my high school career was being a part of all the organizations that I’m in, including the National Honor Society, Math National Honor Society, French National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Vice President of National Art Honor Society, dance, Knowledge Bowl, and Unified Club. Through all of these organizations, I have been more involved in my community and school. I enjoyed getting to help the special needs kids with sports and getting to know them more, spreading French culture, making the school more colorful and inviting, and spreading Hawk PRIDE.

Talk about your role in society going forward. What issues do feel drawn to address post-graduation and how do you plan to do that?

After I graduate I am going to attend Florida Institute of Technology to get a BS in Genomics and Molecular Genetics. I still want to volunteer and be a part of my community, especially when it comes to people with special needs. I want to continue to improve the involvement of the special needs population and keep working with the Adaptive Inclusive Recreation program in Colorado. I hope to find a similar program in Florida.

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

In 20 years I see myself living in Colorado again working as either a cytogenetic technician or genetic counselor. I hope to pursue a side job becoming a para to help special needs students or work with more organizations and schools to fund high school Unified clubs and other inclusive programs. Additionally, I hope to still be involved in the dance community in some way either by helping teach classes or taking classes myself. 

Legacy High School

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I am in the L2k STEM program which developed my love of STEM–specifically math and physics. I love reading and helped Legacy win the district Battle of the Books tournament last year. For most of my life, I have played club, high school and beach volleyball while coaching younger players. I play violin in Legacy’s Symphonic Orchestra and was honored as Outstanding Violin in 2022. I am a recipient of the National Hispanic Recognition Award, AP Scholar Award with Distinction, and National Merit Commended Scholar. I will pursue a degree in Computer Engineering at Harvey Mudd College.

What is the most enduring memory from your high school career?

I will never forget playing on the Legacy varsity volleyball team my senior year with 10 other driven and fun seniors. We had an amazing winning season with record crowd sizes, especially when we came from behind to beat our cross-town rivals for the first time in 15 years. This was an initial goal we set, and our win signified how much our mental and physical game grew. We made our last season the best, and I am so lucky to have been a part of the incredible community built over the last four years.

Talk about your role in society going forward. What issues do feel drawn to address post-graduation and how do you plan to do that?

Being a Latina in STEM, I seek to improve my professional environment. Having similar people in the driver's seat of innovation leads to narrow solutions incompatible with broad populations. Although a complicated issue, I believe that making STEM careers seem more appealing and feasible to all demographics will increase representation. The odds can be stacked against minority students with a lack of tools or discouragement by stereotypes. I hope to show underrepresented kids that their capabilities are limitless no matter what they have been told, so I will continue active mentorship with school/local organizations as a direct way to contribute.

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

After eight weeks of a summer engineering internship at FormFactor in Boulder, I worked on a cryostat, learned SolidWorks CAD software and the basics of programming. I enjoyed working on both the hardware and software, especially seeing how they work together to produce an outcome. This encouraged me to pursue Computer Engineering because I want to get involved on both sides of quantum computing (an interest I have had since 15!) in order to help make it a revolutionizing reality. It’s an exciting new frontier, and I see myself pushing this technology forward in real-life application and impact!

Zoey Wilson

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I'm Zoey Wilson and I am a senior attending Legacy High School. During my years here I've enjoyed dancing and doing theatre inside & outside of school. After high school, I plan on majoring in both Dance & Psychology. 

What is the most enduring memory from your high school career?

During my time at Legacy, I have made so many memories within theatre but the most fulfilling one was playing the lead role of Ariel in Footloose the Musical. Amazingly enough, I was able to leave a huge impact on people of color and express to them that there is a great big stage up there waiting for them too. They can do anything they set their mind to, no matter what the challenge.  

Talk about your role in society going forward. What issues do feel drawn to address post-graduation and how do you plan to do that?

I have always wanted to help people in any way possible and in both of my majors, I can do that. I want to keep inspiring others and change the world for the better. I want to encourage people to not merely survive in our already complex society but to live and prosper to the fullest. To do that, I want to create an accessible, cost-effective and safe space for all dancers so they can express themselves and be comfortable in their own skin. Life is already difficult but I'm hoping I can make it a little easier.

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

In 20 years, I see myself doing what I love with the people I love and truly living the life that I have worked so hard for. By creating a non-profit arts program where I will be able to share my passion for dance and create a safe, low-cost program for kids from all walks of life. Overall, I hope to tour and travel with a dance company within the performing arts, as well as leave my mark by helping people in the way I always knew I could. 

Northglenn High School

Iliana Balderas

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I want to go to college to become a medical assistant. I would like to thank counselor Danielle Chavez for the amazing support, for being patient and for helping me find what interests me the most. I knew from the start I wanted to go to college because I would be the first to graduate high school and go to college from my family. I want to make my parents proud because they came to this country with nothing and always made sure I had it all. I want to make my parents proud. Seeing them happy gives me life!

What is the most enduring memory from your high school career?

The best memory of high school would have to be my senior year. My senior year I really started appreciating everyone around me, from my teachers that do so much for me and all of their students. I will always remember creating new amazing friendships that I hope to have in the future.

Talk about your role in society going forward. What issues do feel drawn to address post-graduation and how do you plan to do that?

To do my part in making society a better place, I will continue to be the good person I am and try to influence the people around me to do the same. Being a good person will pay off at the end of the day. I will also plan on making society a better place with my future career. Ever since I was little I have always wanted a job that was going to help people feel better and happy, and as a medical assistant, I will always make sure to put a smile on everyone's face.

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

In 20 years I hope to be a stable medical assistant with a family and my dream home!

Prairie View High School

Manny Aguilar

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I have been in the photography club in the past. I have participated in boxing, soccer and wrestling. I have worked on the yearbook, taking photos and conducting interviews. I plan to attend college and start a small business doing photography. I also hope to establish a career as a Wildlife Biologist.

What is the most enduring memory from your high school career?

I was at a homecoming football game. I was there mostly to take photos for the yearbook. Being there and seeing people cheering for the same thing was a really cool experience. I love the feeling of community coming together and being united. 

Talk about your role in society going forward. What issues do feel drawn to address post-graduation and how do you plan to do that?

I feel very strongly that homeless veterans should not exist. Many veterans have served this country, often sacrificing everything, and are just left to live on the streets without shelter, food, or help. All efforts should be made to get every single veteran off the streets and into facilities where they are safe and given any care that is needed. This is nothing less than they deserve. I hope someday to be able to volunteer in some capacity with the VA or some other organization that helps veterans.

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

In 20 years, I see myself being very busy with a family and a successful career in wildlife biology, as well as working as a photographer and working with veterans. I am optimistic that I will have a very full life that enables me to give back to the world. 

Wyatt Ortiz

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I spend much of my time helping out family members and working at King Soopers. After graduation, I would like to find my career as a mechanic or something in construction. 

What is the most enduring memory from your high school career?

My favorite memories include hanging out with friends and playing basketball. 

Talk about your role in society going forward. What issues do feel drawn to address post-graduation and how do you plan to do that?

I want to live my life as a man of God. My life would involve taking care of my wife and anyone else I come in contact with. I want to keep my faith in both my words and my actions. 

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

At Church. I will go wherever God leads me. 

Thornton High School

Amy Pallares

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I am in IB Art which challenged me, but it helped me express myself in a creative way. After high school, I am attending Community College to major in Business and Finance.

What is the most enduring memory from your high school career?

Junior Homecoming was memorable because of my friend group and the vibes that other students brought to the dance. Another memory that was special to me was getting an award and recognition for my art. Art is my favorite class, and it meant a lot to me that people enjoyed my work. 

Talk about your role in society going forward. What issues do feel drawn to address post-graduation and how do you plan to do that?

Issues that I am drawn to consist of inspiring individuals to find their passion in life. I want to influence others by opening my own Art Studio, so beginners can experiment with art materials and learn how to express themselves through their work.

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

In 20 years, I dream of opening my own tattoo shop, so I can create art for customers to admire tattoos that they will enjoy for the rest of their lives. I want to influence people to let their creativity shine even if is not the path they had in mind.

Johanna Castaneda Valdez

Tell us a little bit about yourself

Involved in Yearbook, Photography, and Soccer. 

What is the most enduring memory from your high school career?

My senior year has been the best year of my entire high school career. I am a photographer for sporting events and other extracurricular activities at my school. Being a photographer on the field at games has helped me see the excitement when everyone is there and supporting the teams. I love photography and going to rivalry games.

Talk about your role in society going forward. What issues do feel drawn to address post-graduation and how do you plan to do that?

I want to help address mental health (specifically athletes) because I know that sports are a big role in a lot of people's lives. Mental health is something that is very important, and people forget that athletes are humans. Athletes not addressing their mental health can impact their ability to perform as well as their relationships with others. For an athlete, dealing with mental health makes them more prone to burnout. 

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

I am not 100% sure where I see my life in 20 years, but I want to take it step by step, so I have the opportunity to travel the world as a photographer. But eventually finding a country I love and want to live in for the rest of my life is important to me. I do hope that I have a career that I love, and am passionate about.

Zoe Weickum

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I am currently in Yearbook and Art class at Thornton High School. I enjoy creating jewelry and drawing. After high school, I plan to attend school at Elevate Salon to be an Esthetician.  

What is the most enduring memory from your high school career?

I have a lot of memories from attending Young Life because I met new people from different schools, learned how to connect with people that were different than me, and I could be myself around them.

Talk about your role in society going forward. What issues do feel drawn to address post-graduation and how do you plan to do that?

I am drawn to helping individuals determine who they are. I use artwork to encourage them to find their true self and express their feelings. I address it by sharing my artwork with others.

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

Working my dream job as an Esthetician, living every day to the fullest, and making sure I am financially stable to do the things in life that make me happy.