SALUTE TO SENIORS ’94 : PROFILES FROM THE CLASS OF ’94

Soon, they will be moving on--to college, into the workplace, away from home. Whatever their destinations, the members of the Class of ’94 will be taking with them their high school experiences.

Many have already helped give direction to their generation--from helping conduct AIDS research to breaking down the walls of racism that divide schools and communities. Others have given disaster victims critical assistance or joined to fight the onrush of gang violence. Some have helped spirits soar with their art and music.

The members of the Class of ’94 are entering a world with larger freedoms and responsibilities, of possibilities and problems. For this third annual Salute to Seniors, The Times invited Orange County high schools to nominate students who have distinguished themselves in the areas of leadership, academics and the arts.

From those nominees, one student from each school was chosen to be featured in today’s edition--students who may or may not be their school’s “top” student, but who by their involvement and accomplishments seem to especially represent the hopes of the future.

The Times salutes these students and their classmates who form Orange County’s graduating class of 1994.

ANAHEIM HIGH SCHOOL

Susan S. Lin

Susan did research in the field of biology under the National Science Foundation Young Scholars Program at CSU Fullerton and went on to present her findings to the Southern California Academy of Sciences.

She served as campus president for both the National Honor Society and the Key Club, and she held the student council post of commissioner of chemical use prevention. She is a member of the California Scholarship Federation and an academic decathlon medal winner.

She has played varsity tennis for four years, worked as an assistant to Anaheim Councilman Frank E. Feldhaus, has volunteered as a tutor and worked with the Paint Your Heart Out Anaheim anti-graffiti effort.

She has a 4.44 weighted grade-point average.

Susan, an Anaheim resident, plans to attend UC Davis to pursue studies in biology and math.

BOLSA GRANDE HIGH SCHOOL

Minh Van Ngo

The top academic student in his graduating class of 350, Minh has a passion for literature and philosophy. He likes the works of Dante, William Shakespeare and Robert Frost. His favorite philosophers are Hume and Kant.

Minh has been a member of the academic decathlon team, chess club and civics club and has participated in the Citizen Bee and the Orange County and California science fairs.

Minh, a resident of Garden Grove, has a 4.37 weighted grade-point average. He plans to attend Duke University in North Carolina, majoring in law and economics.

BREA OLINDA HIGH SCHOOL

Carl W. Daucher

Named valedictorian of his class, Carl has been a leader in many areas. He is president of the Associated Student Body and has been team captain and most valuable player in three sports.

He was a founding board member and first president of the California Assn. of Student Leaders. He also served as Associated Student Body vice president and was president of his freshman and sophomore classes.

Carl, who has a 4.5 weighted grade-point average, is a member of the California Scholarship Federation, the National Honor Society, Key Club, Letterman’s Club and the School Site Council.

He was named Lion’s Club student of the month, Scholar Athlete, Xerox Scholar and a Hearst Foundation scholarship recipient.

His sports included basketball, track and cross-country racing. Awarded the Daniel O. King cross-country scholarship, he was also named to the All-Orange League Boy’s Cross-Country Team.

Carl, who lives in Brea, plans to attend Brown University in Rhode Island.

BRETHREN CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL

James T. Ayres

James is a top student as well as an excellent athlete who has competed in football, soccer, track and cross-country. He has also been active in youth programs at his church.

An outstanding math student, James has participated in numerous math competitions, including this year’s Cerritos College Math Field Day. He has also been a member of his school’s academic decathlon team.

James, a resident of Westminster, has a 4.24 weighted grade-point average and plans to major in engineering at UCLA.

BUENA PARK HIGH SCHOOL

Alberto Morales

Alberto has been an all-around student, having been voted this year’s Associated Student Body president and being named a member of the California Scholarship Federation and the International Hispanic Club. He was also on the school’s Mock Trial team.

An avid sports fan, Alberto plays tennis, soccer and volleyball. He loves music, too, and has been a member of the school marching, pep and jazz bands. He has a 3.75 weighted grade-point average.

Alberto has volunteered for anti-graffiti campaigns, earthquake and disaster relief efforts and a visitation program for residents of the Orangewood Children’s Home.

A resident of Buena Park, Alberto plans to enroll at UCI or USC.

CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL

Douglas G. Shiery

For four years, Doug was quarterback of the football team and catcher for the baseball team. He played on the basketball team for three years. He was elected Student Council president this year, at a time when the school was making a transition to a new location. In August, the school moved from its Huntington Beach campus to Wildomer, a town near Lake Elsinore.

Doug has a 3.87 grade-point average.

A resident of San Marcos, he plans to pursue an engineering degree at the Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee.

CALVARY CHAPEL HIGH SCHOOL

Katie Prigmore

Katie is a lover of Southern California’s sun, sand and sailing, and her athletic excellence helped her make her mark at Calvary Chapel High.

She played varsity volleyball for two years, and also competed as a member of the track team. Katie has been most successful in maritime sports--she is a member of the Southern California Youth Yacht Racing Assn. sail team, and she races single-hand sail boats at national-level competition.

Katie has also been active at school, holding the post of Associated Student Body president and a spot on the academic decathlon team. She made an outreach trip to Hungary and has been a counselor for her church’s youth group.

Katie, a Tustin resident, plans to attend junior college with the goal of transferring to a university.

CANYON HIGH SCHOOL

Angeli Achrekar

Elected Associated Student Body president as well as Miss Anaheim Hills this school year, Angeli is involved in many on- and off-campus activities.

She has spent three of her spring breaks participating in a program to build housing for the poor in Mexico.

An International Baccalaureate candidate, Angeli has been a Girls League officer and is a three-year member of the National Honor Society. She was sophomore class president and played three years on the school’s soccer team.

Angeli, whose interests include the classical dancing of India, lives in Anaheim. She has a 4.35 grade-point average and plans to attend UCLA.

CAPISTRANO VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

Osvaldo Emilio Pereira

Osvaldo, named valedictorian of his class of 558, has been a member of the California Scholarship Federation for four years and this year was selected as a National Hispanic Scholar and Advanced Placement Distinguished Scholar by the College Board.

He has been a member of the academic decathlon team for the past three years and is a member of the Future Business Leaders of America and the Philosophy Club. He has a 4.33 weighted grade-point average.

As a sophomore, Osvaldo went to Russia as a member of the Los Angeles Times-Lufthansa Ambassadors in Education program. For recreation, he jogs, cycles and programs computers.

A resident of Mission Viejo, he plans to attend Harvard and major in mathematics and physics.

CAPISTRANO VALLEY CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL

Stuart Callaway

Stuart enjoys expressing himself through his artwork, often taking his inspiration from nature. He works in charcoal, oils and watercolor. For six years, he has been a part of the stage crews working on the Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach.

In addition to his artistic interests, he has played on the school’s football team for the past two years and works part-time at the Wherehouse.

A resident of Mission Viejo, he plans to attend Saddleback College.

CENTURY HIGH SCHOOL

Alma Elizalde

Alma made her mark at Century by developing a post in student government dedicated to enhancing awareness of cultural diversity and building bridges between students of different backgrounds.

As the commissioner of cultural diversity, Alma translated bulletins, posters and school announcements in Spanish and Vietnamese, while as co-chair of International Week she worked to help her peers appreciate different heritages.

Alma, who finishes with a 3.8 grade-point average, participated in Mock Trial, National Honor Society and the Math Club. She played for the varsity squads in soccer, track and cross-country, and was in the school orchestra and a church choir.

A resident of Santa Ana, Alma plans to attend UC Berkeley and aspires to become an attorney.

CLAREMONT HIGH SCHOOL

Sajjad Haroon

Sajjad, who hopes to become a computer engineer and hardware designer, has already put his computer skills to work for his school. Working with a teacher, he helped re-establish the school’s library by computerizing and organizing files so students could easily retrieve information. He also worked as an assistant in computer classes, installing hardware and programming, and has tutored other students in math.

A member of the International Club, he moved here from Saudi Arabia two years ago. He played on the school basketball team last year, earning the Coach’s Award. He also enjoys table tennis and cricket.

Sajjad, who has a 4.13 grade-point average, is valedictorian of his class.

The Garden Grove resident plans to attend Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa and later transfer to the University of Texas.

CORNELIA CONNELLY HIGH SCHOOL

Elena Schuber

Elena’s interests range from academics and theater to tennis to gardening. She was Associated Student Body president and junior class president. She participated in National Honor Society, Junior Statesmen of America and the California Scholarship Federation. She has a 3.6 grade-point average.

Outside the classroom, Elena landed a spot on the varsity tennis team, plays softball and enjoys running in 5K races. She is a member of the Long Beach Yacht Club junior sailing team and works with the Long Beach Light Opera Youth Conservatory, the Performing Arts Juniors Guild of Orange County and school theater productions. Her talents have landed her some small roles in television, film and commercials.

She was a member of the school gardening team that won an Anaheim Beautiful award for its work, and she has logged many volunteer hours at a Santa Ana homeless shelter, the Anaheim Therapeutic Center and a convalescent home.

Elena, a Long Beach resident, plans to attend Southern Methodist University.

CORONA DEL MAR HIGH SCHOOL

Kristen Campbell

Kristen has demonstrated her leadership skills in many ways, including being captain of the Corona del Mar High School girl’s volleyball team, which won the state champion- ship and finished the season ranked No. 1 in the country.

Kristen was student body president during her senior year and as a junior was class vice president. She has been in Girl’s League throughout her high school career and participated in Students Against Drunk Driving.

Kristen has been a member of the National Charity League for six years and has won service awards for her volunteer work at the Ticktocker Thrift Shop, Day Care Center, Orangewood Center for Abused Children, Childhelp USA, Goldentimer’s Senior Citizen Center and High Hopes.

She is active in her church and has traveled to Africa, Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean.

The Corona del Mar resident’s volleyball talents earned her a full scholarship to Duke University in North Carolina.

COSTA MESA HIGH SCHOOL

Chad Van Sweden

Chad is Associated Student Body president, played varsity basketball this year and was co-editor in chief of the campus yearbook. He attended Cornell University last summer to study human genetics and English.

He has helped organize the campus blood drive the past two years and when the earthquake hit the Los Angeles area in January, Chad volunteered with relief efforts for victims.

Chad has been a member of the California Scholarship Federation and has won academic and leadership awards on and off campus. An active member of his church’s youth group, he recently received the Les Miller Award for leadership and community service.

A volleyball and tennis player, Chad also enjoys hiking and rock climbing.

He lives in Costa Mesa and has a 4.0 grade-point average. His college plans include studying pre-med at Cornell beginning in January.

CYPRESS HIGH SCHOOL

Tammy Gavel

Tammy hopes eventually to make children’s movies using the cartoon characters she has created. She loves art--computer art, particularly.

She recently placed second in a countywide poster competition.

In addition to art, Tammy’s interests include reading and watching the ocean. She is a member of Cross Connections, a Christian club in her school. She has traveled to Mexico as member of an outreach mission from her church.

Tammy, a resident of Cypress, plans to enroll in a junior college and then transfer to a university, where she hopes to major in computer science.

DANA HILLS HIGH SCHOOL

Alfredo Almejo

Alfredo has met with success in athletics as well as academics and the arts. He competed in boys cross-country racing and track and field events, holding a spot on both of the school squads each of his four years at Dana Hills High. He has demonstrated his talent as an artist, designing, among other things, the cover of the school’s curriculum guide.

Alfredo, who finishes with a 3.2 grade-point average, also works full-time.

The Dana Point resident plans to attend Saddleback College in Mission Viejo and later transfer to a four-year university.

EDISON HIGH SCHOOL

Grace S. Chiu

Grace has achieved academic success and contributed her energy to a variety of community projects. She is her school’s valedictorian, graduating with a 4.64 weighted grade-point average.

She has volunteered for Project Cherish, the Red Cross and the Boys & Girls Club of Huntington Beach. She has also worked as an aide in the principal’s office.

During her senior year, she has been an Associated Student Body senator and a commissioner for academics. She is also a member of the model United Nations and was on the staff that prepared the school yearbook.

Grace is a member of the Cal-Nev-Ha Keywanettes district board. She enjoys singing and playing the piano.

Grace, a resident of Huntington Beach, plans to enroll at Stanford University and pursue a career in law or business.

EL DORADO HIGH SCHOOL

Kiran C. Jain

When Kiran was 11 years old, her sixth-grade teacher took her to a rally in Santa Ana for then-presidential candidate Michael Dukakis. The experience kindled a fascination with politics that Kiran says has grown stronger through the years. Now, she says, she wants to pursue a political career.

Two years ago, she volunteered for the Clinton/Gore campaign and organized a youth workshop at the Orange County Democratic Party convention.

Last summer, she attended the Junior Statesmen Summer School at Yale University, where selected high school students from around the country and U.S. territories learn about government. She was elected Speaker of the House.

Kiran is interested in a diplomatic career, sparked by a trip to Europe in which she visited England, Sweden, Denmark and Russia.

A resident of Placentia, Kiran plans to attend Barnard College at Columbia University, where she intends to major in English and environmental science.

EL MODENA HIGH SCHOOL

Courtney Lynn Petar

In addition to excelling in academics and participating in student government, Courtney plays three sports-- cross-country, soccer and track.

She was elected Girls’ League president and has been a member of Site Council (a community/campus policy-making body), French club and campus Christian club. She is a four-year member of the California Scholastic Federation and a three-year National Honor Society member.

Courtney has been a volunteer at Mary’s Kitchen, a homeless center, and teaches Sunday school.

Elected homecoming queen this year, Courtney has participated in the school’s Arrive Alive and Stay Alive drug and alcohol programs, was a member of the Earth Club and organized numerous campus social activities.

A Santa Ana resident, Courtney has a 3.72 weighted grade-point average and plans to attend Westmont College in Santa Barbara.

EL TORO HIGH SCHOOL

Jason Pitts

Jason acted as student liaison to the Lake Forest City Council while also serving his peers as Associated Student Body president. He was president of his sophomore and junior classes and served as a 1993 California Boys State Representative, a member of the Saddleback Valley Interschool Council of Students and vice president of his school’s German club.

Jason, who has a 4.19 weighted grade-point average, was a volunteer tutor for two years with the Saddleback Valley School District.

He has also worked as as a lifeguard at Wild Rivers Waterpark in Irvine.

He was a three-year varsity letterman in soccer at his high school after nine years of participating in club soccer leagues. He also played varsity football and held spots on the school’s cross-country, track and volleyball squads.

Jason, a Lake Forest resident, plans to study biology at UC Davis.

ESPERANZA HIGH SCHOOL

Angelika Rampal

Angelika has been president of the Creative Impulse literary magazine and leader of the campus’ Students for Political Action. She is interested in cultural dancing and performed volunteer community work to prepare for a career in the health field.

She has been a volunteer for the American Red Cross and the UCI Medical Center in Anaheim and participated in the Volunteen program organized by the city of Yorba Linda.

Angelika, who has a 4.51 weighted grade-point average, is a member of the National Honor Society, the California Scholastic Federation, the Girl’s League, the Mock Trial program and the speech and debate club. She also volunteers as a Bible school teacher during vacations.

The Yorba Linda resident plans to attend Stanford and hopes to pursue a medical degree following her undergraduate work.

ESTANCIA HIGH SCHOOL

Jesse Economokos

Jesse has excelled in drama, art and music. He has his own band that performs at school programs and at local clubs.

He played with the school jazz band for four years and with the marching band for three years. He was a member of the pit orchestra on several school plays, including “South Pacific,” “Pippin” and “History of American Film.”

He also was a member of Estancia’s drum line called the Screaming Eagles and has worked in the art department.

Jesse, a resident of Huntington Beach, plans to attend Golden West College before transferring to a four-year college.

FOOTHILL HIGH SCHOOL

Al Rasouli

Al was one of several high school students invited this year to participate in a research project at UCI. He has spent 20 weeks on the project, which studied the HIV infection.

In his junior year, he was a member of Sharing Ideas in Science, a group that publishes the Scientific Anteater, UCI’s biomedical journal.

At his high school, Al also formed a science club, the Associated Foundation for Scientific Awareness, and put out a science newsletter called the Generation.

A National Merit Scholar, Al has won Most Outstanding Student awards in science, English, Social Science and French. He has also been a member of the track-and-field team.

Al is valedictorian of his graduating class.

A resident of Irvine, he has a 4.81 weighted grade-point average and plans to major in biology at Stanford.

FOUNTAIN VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

Brian Grams

When he was 9 years old, Brian learned to play the saxophone and it still is his passion. He plays with the school’s marching, symphonic and jazz bands as well as the school orchestra. He dreams of one day having his own jazz band.

Brian has also achieved academic success. He was a member of the California Scholastic Federation for four years, and with a 4.15 weighted grade-point average he will graduate among the top of his class of 586 students.

A resident of Fountain Valley, Brian plans to attend UC San Diego and major in English or philosophy.

FULLERTON UNION HIGH SCHOOL

John Heiney

John is ranked first academically in his class and has earned a full diploma candidacy in the International Baccalaureate college preparation program. In addition to academics, John excels in music, leaving the school with four years as a member of the marching and concert band and the jazz ensemble.

He has a 4.62 weighted grade-point average.

A member of the California Scholarship Federation and vice president of the National Honor Society, he also participated in the Orange County Academic Decathlon.

John is involved in volunteerism locally and abroad through the Mormon Church. He is president of his church’s youth committee and is a volunteer in the Fullerton Adopt-a-Park program.

A Fullerton resident, John plans to attend Brigham Young University in Utah.

GARDEN GROVE HIGH SCHOOL

Jeff Cottonaro

Jeff, whose interests range from theater to science, is one of two valedictorians of his graduating class of 390.

This year, he starred in a school presentation of “Of Mice and Men” and won a gold medal in the Science Olympiad.

For the past four years, Jeff was president of the California Scholarship Federation and since 1992 has been a member of the National Honor Society. Last year, Rep. Robert K. Dornan (R-Garden Grove) nominated him for West Point.

Jeff’s interests include membership in the Chinese, Spanish and computer clubs, and he has taken independent studies in calculus. He has been involved in the school’s tutoring program for the past two years, volunteering two to three hours each week.

A resident of Garden Grove, he has a 4.15 grade-point average and plans to attend either UCLA or Harvey Mudd.

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL

Alisia Kean

In addition to her academic achievements, Alisia has excelled in sports and drama. She was elected this year’s Associated Student Body vice president and has been president of the school choir, the drama club and editor of the school yearbook.

Alisia, who was a cheerleader, also was captain of the volleyball team and a member of the basketball and softball teams. She has a 3.46 grade-point average.

She is a choir member at her church, where she also volunteers on youth programs.

A resident of Yorba Linda, Alisia plans to major in English at Master’s University and hopes to play on the school’s varsity basketball team.

HUNTINGTON BEACH HIGH SCHOOL

Michelle Toy

In her senior year, Michelle decided to form a group to honor Huntington Beach students for outstanding community service. She became the Humanitarian Award’s first chairwoman.

In other leadership positions, Michelle headed the Red Ribbon and Distinguished Oiler celebrations. She was president of two student clubs, a representative to three other organizations.

The top singles player on the varsity tennis team, she was honored as the top student athlete this year. She has been a congressional intern, volunteered as a Little League coach, and served a Spanish interpreter and for the March of Dimes.

Michelle, a resident of Huntington Beach, has a 4.60 weighted grade-point average and will graduate salutatorian in a class of 493.

She plans to attend UCLA, majoring in business and economics.

IRVINE HIGH SCHOOL

Andrea Harzstark

Andrea, who is is her class valedictorian, was captain of the academic decathlon team last year and a National Merit finalist. She has worked on her class yearbook over the past four years, including as editor-in-chief, and has been president of her school’s Activists for Political Awareness club.

In addition, she spent a year on Irvine High’s drill and flag team. She is a member of the math team, the California Scholarship Federation and was secretary of the French club.

She directed a play at a local elementary school this year, tutored fellow students on various subjects and helped with the Sheriff’s Department anti-drug program for teens.

Andrea, who lives in Irvine, has a 4.0 grade-point average and plans to attend Stanford to study medicine.

KATELLA HIGH SCHOOL

Lori H. Yamato

In addition to earning a 4.26 weighted grade-point average, Lori worked on the school yearbook, marched in the band, took college classes and was active in singing, dancing and playing piano.

At school, she served as vice president of the United Cultures Club and secretary of the Spanish Club and was on the Orange County Academic Decathlon team. She also was in the National Honor Society and California Scholarship Federation.

Outside of school, Lori was an intern at Opera Pacific, a stagehand at the Rancho Santiago College fall dance show in 1993 and performed community service with the Girl Scouts.

Lori lives in Anaheim and plans to attend New York University, where she will study arts management.

JOHN F. KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOL

Mintak Joo

Mintak finishes high school with a 4.7 weighted grade-point average and as a National Merit Scholar. He is campus vice president of the California Scholarship Federation, president of the Future Business Leaders of America, leader of the science club and captain of both the academic decathlon and the Kiwanis Bowl teams. He also was a member of the speech and debate club, the computer club and a class representative in the Key Club.

Mintak was captain of the varsity tennis team and is an avid player of basketball and ice hockey and is a cyclist. He has put in more than 160 volunteer hours at a youth day camp and more than 200 hours as a hospital volunteer.

Mintak, a resident of La Palma, plans to study biology at Stanford as he works toward medical school.

LAGUNA BEACH HIGH SCHOOL

Jessica Yadegaran

Speaking out on a variety of issues, Jessica’s voice has been heard on campus and as far as Washington. She represented Orange County at the National Leadership Forum in Washington, served on the Summit on Youth and Violence committee, participated in the campus Cultural Diversity Student Forum, and has been opinion editor for the student newspaper.

Jessica, who has a 3.6 grade-point average, also served as student representative to the Board of Education, Associated Student Body Commissioner of Student Opinion and Welfare and co-president of the school Environmental Club. She is a runner on the cross-country team.

Jessica has also worked with the Laguna Canyon Conservancy, the Drug Use Is Life Abuse campaign, the SafeRides program and various Laguna fire relief and beach clean-up efforts.

She enjoys poetry, dance, travel and studying foreign cultures and languages--she speaks French and Farsi.

Jessica lives in Laguna Beach and plans to attend UC Irvine or UC San Diego.

LAGUNA HILLS HIGH SCHOOL

Adam W. Calliham

Adam has been recognized with many awards for his flute playing, including the John Phillips Sousa Award. He was in the All-Southern Honor Band and played first flute with the CMEA All-California Honor Orchestra.

He was in the school’s marching band, symphonic band and orchestra and first flute in the Saddleback School District Honor Band and district Honor Orchestra. Away from school, he has performed with the Pacific Symphony Orchestra, the Orange County Youth Symphony Orchestra, the Orange County Junior Orchestra and at area weddings.

Adam, who has a 4.14 weighted grade-point average, also played two years on the varsity tennis team and spent a year on the volleyball squad.

A resident of Aliso Viejo, Adam plans to pursue a double degree major of music and business while attending the Eastman School of Music and the University of Rochester in New York.

LA HABRA HIGH SCHOOL

Brendan Mahon

Brendan will graduate among the top students in his class with a 4.39 weighted grade-point average. He is a member of the California Scholarship Federation and was named this year to the National Honor Society. He was captain of the varsity track and field team and volunteered more than 200 hours at Friendly Hills Hospital, while holding a part-time job. This year, he was elected secretary of the Associated Student Body and president of the Interact Club. He was also a member of the Spanish Club and the prom committee.

A resident of La Habra, Brendan plans to attend either the University of Notre Dame or the U.S. Naval Academy.

LA QUINTA HIGH SCHOOL

Young Jenny Park

Jenny ends her years at La Quinta as a top scholar and with well-developed interests in sports and music. She maintained a 4.38 grade-point average and has played junior varsity basketball, varsity track and sang in the a capella choir.

She was chairwoman of the Students Against Drunk Driving organization on campus and was selected to the National Honor Society three consecutive years. She also participated in her high school’s Korean and German clubs.

She is one of five class valedictorians.

Jenny, a resident of Fountain Valley, plans to attend UC Berkeley next fall and is considering a career in business.

LIBERTY CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL

Matthew Winters

Matthew finishes his years at Liberty Christian High School with a 3.99 grade-point average. He is the student council chaplain and the school yearbook computer editor.

He describes himself as an animal lover, especially of North American wildlife and farm animals, which relates to his fascination with the history and the culture of the Old West. He considers being a Christian the most important thing in his life.

He has worked at Knott’s Berry Farm and at a summer camp.

A resident of Westminster, Matt wants to study communications or animal science but has not decided where he will attend college.

LOARA HIGH SCHOOL

Yong Kim

Yong played varsity football during his sophomore and junior years and wants to go into architecture. He would like to design buildings that blend his Korean culture with Western architecture.

For four years, he was the artist of his school newspaper. In his senior year, he also became the features editor.

He has been a member of the California Scholarship Federation since his sophomore year and was named this year to the National Honor society. He also was a member of the Key Club and the Gate Club for two years.

Yong, a resident of Anaheim, plans to study at the Rhode Island School of Design.

LOS ALAMITOS HIGH SCHOOL

Phoebe Shackeroff

Phoebe is Associated Student Body president at her school and is a top scholar. She was class president her freshman and junior years, a member of the California Scholastic Federation for four years.

This year she was an executive board member of her school’s Inter-Cultural Relations Club and helped organize the campus Drug Alternative Nights and Counseling Events (DANCE), a joint school-community program offering Friday night activities for youths. She is also a member of the school ecology club.

Last summer, Phoebe was one of 14 students nationwide to participate in a Finland-U.S. Senate Youth Exchange Program. Off campus last year, she was a partner in a small hand-crafted jewelry business in Long Beach.

Phoebe, who lives in Seal Beach, has a 4.29 weighted grade-point average and plans to attend Yale University and study creative writing and film.

LOS AMIGOS HIGH SCHOOL

Tuong Xi Tran

Tuong, who will graduate salutatorian in a class of 411, has won awards in science, algebra and writing and has been on the principal’s honor roll for five semesters. He also was voted to the Who’s Who Among American High School Students.

In addition to his academic accomplishments, Tuong has been president of the Key Club and member of the Asian Student Union, French Club, Environmental Club and front-page editor of the school paper.

He has volunteered for the March of Dimes, Bolsa Chica Wetlands cleanup and Newport Back Bay cleanup. He has helped remove graffiti and clean up the back yards of elderly people in Huntington Beach.

Tuong, a resident of Santa Ana, plans to study medicine at Claremont McKenna College.

LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL of ORANGE COUNTY

DeAnna Luedtke

DeAnna finishes her high school career with a 4.08 grade-point average and varied other achievements. She served in student government as spiritual life commissioner for two years and performed with the Chapel Praise Band. Her talents helped her land a part in the school production of “The Importance of Being Earnest” and a spot in “Unlimited Warranty,” a contemporary Christian singing group. She also competed on the varsity softball and track teams and enjoys gymnastics.

She helped organize three school blood drives and has helped with vacation Bible schools in California, Oregon and Mexico.

A resident of Orange, DeAnna plans to attend Valparaiso University in Indiana.

MAGNOLIA HIGH SCHOOL

Mohammad Helmy

The top academic student in his graduating class, Mohammad has also excelled in sports and has been an active community volunteer. He was this year’s president of the school’s National Honor Society and a member of both the California Scholarship Federation and the International Club for the past four years.

Mohammad was on the school academic decathlon team for three years, was top singles player of the varsity tennis team and was named in his junior year as the team’s most valuable player.

His volunteer work includes beach clean-ups, tree planting, tutoring. He participates in Islamic Youth conferences and religious activities at his mosque.

The Anaheim resident has a 4.64 grade-point average and plans to attend UCI.

MARINA HIGH SCHOOL

Leslie Cho

Leslie is the valedictorian of her graduating class at Marina High School, earning a 4.57 weighted grade-point average. In addition to her studies, she has been in Key Club, was founder and president of the Korean Club and a member of the Chinese Club, participated in the Mock Trial program, Theatre-Goers Anonymous and served on the Student Curriculum Committee.

Leslie was on the school tennis team for two years and on the swim team for three.

During the past two years, Leslie served as a volunteer at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach. During her junior year she was a student intern at McDonnell Douglas Aerospace Company.

Leslie lives in Huntington Beach and will attend Stanford in the fall. She hopes to become a physician.

MATER DEI HIGH SCHOOL

Adam J. Harris

Adam, who has excelled in baseball as well as the classroom, received the Mater Dei Top Scholar Award this year. He is a Villanova Scholar, two-year member of the National Honor Society and a four-year member of the California Scholarship Federation. He has a 4.63 weighted grade-point average.

Adam served as health and safety commissioner for the Associated Student Body and is a member of the political science club.

He played baseball for four years, including pitching three shutouts to tie the school record.

Adam has also volunteered nearly 300 hours at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange and was involved in the school’s Thanksgiving food drive and Christmas Gift Sharing program last year.

A resident of Villa Park, Adam plans to attend Stanford to study economics and play baseball.

MISSION VIEJO HIGH SCHOOL

Matt Reisdorf

Matt has been active in his school’s Model U.N. program and various academic competitions. He was named an Advanced Placement scholar with distinction and a National Merit Scholar. He has a 4.86 weighted grade-point average

During the past four years, Matt has won awards at 17 Model U.N. conferences statewide. He was Model U.N. undersecretary-general, one of three students in charge of planning and running a 100-student debate conference.

He has participated in the mock trial program and was a finalist last year in the countywide Citizen Bee.

His volunteer work includes two years in the Safe Rides program, creating a computer database to assist the local American Youth Soccer Organization in keeping track of its sponsors and helping with a nursing home prom that matched students with residents.

Matt, who lives in Mission Viejo, plans to attend Rice University to study chemical engineering.

NEWPORT HARBOR HIGH SCHOOL

Nicole Frydman

Nicole has met with success as a stage performer and in academics at Newport Harbor. Besides roles in school productions, most recently the role of Florence in the musical “Chess,” Nicole has been a part of the school speech and debate team, the dance team, the cheerleading squad, the Thespian Society and the Associated Student Body.

Her theatrical abilities helped her land a spot with the South Coast Repertory’s Young Conservatory Players. She also shares her talent with audiences of youngsters through the Barnes and Noble Reader’s Theater.

Nicole’s community involvement includes volunteer work at a skid row mission and participation in “Kids Who Care,” an environmental and social science club.

A Newport Beach resident, Nicole plans to study at the Stella Adler Conservatory at New York University.

OCEAN VIEW HIGH SCHOOL

Renee Kornicks

Renee finishes her career at Ocean View High with an eclectic list of activities and a reputation as both a scholar and campus leader.

Beginning with her stint as freshman class president, Renee has been a hard-working and enthusiastic student leader. She served as sophomore class president, commissioner of communications, commissioner of dance and yearbook editor-in-chief. She also spent four years in the debate program and was chairman of several campus conferences.

Renee has a 3.43 grade-point average. She was named homecoming queen in her senior year. She was also a member of the California Scholarship Federation, the Key Club and the junior varsity cheerleading squad. She was also active in the community, helping with food drives and a campaign to wrap gifts for the homeless during the holiday season.

The Huntington Beach resident has plans to attend Arizona State University to pursue a degree in business.

ORANGE HIGH SCHOOL

Edward Gutierrez

Since he was in the seventh grade, Edward has been singing at church choirs.

That experience ensured he was well-prepared for the bit part he played as a choir member in the Whoopi Goldberg movie “Sister Act II.”

His passion for music is matched by his love for drama. This year, he appeared in school productions of “Annie” and “The Music Man.” He also enjoys photography, dancing, drawing, and writing.

With a 4.2 grade-point average, Edward is in the top 10 of his graduating class of 495 students. He was a member of the National Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation, and was awarded a UC Regent’s scholarship.

He was a member of several clubs, including Latinos United for Peace, and has volunteered for various church and community programs.

Edward, a resident of Garden Grove, will attend UC Riverside, where he plans to major in biomedical science.

PACIFICA HIGH SCHOOL

Ian Cheesman

In addition to maintaining a 4.05 weighted grade-point- average, Ian served as captain of the school volleyball team and co-captain of the water polo team. He is working toward a black belt in karate. He was a two-time most-valuable player on the water polo team and sportsman of the year in volleyball in 1992.

Off the field, he served as senior class president, four-year member of the California Student Federation, plus two years in the biology club and two years as a lunchtime tutor.

Ian is also very active in his church, serving as a peer minister in training and a volunteer in the church youth program.

A resident of Cypress, Ian will attend UC San Diego in the fall.

RANCHO ALAMITOS HIGH SCHOOL

Khue Do

Community service and academic excellence have marked Khue’s years in high school. She has been named outstanding student in English, science, U.S. history and Spanish. In state exams, she has won honors in biology, U.S. history and chemistry.

She has been on the principal’s honor roll since she was a freshman. She has been honored as student of the month and Octagon of the month for her work as a community volunteer. She has been a tutor and worked with community groups that provide food for the homeless and gifts to poor families.

With a 4.36 weighted grade-point average, Khue is ranked second in her graduating class of 256 students.

Khue, a resident of Garden Grove, plans to attend UCI and major in biology.

ROSARY HIGH SCHOOL

Ingrid Dombrower

While at Rosary High School, Ingrid excelled both academically and musically. She earned a 4.2 grade-point average while participating in the Campus Ministry and the Science and Spanish clubs. She was in the Associated Student Body cabinet and a member of the National Honor Society. She is also a National Merit Scholar and Negro Achievement Scholar.

She also sings and plays the recorder in the Claremont Performing Ensemble.

A resident of Diamond Bar, Ingrid plans to attend Harvard-Radcliffe in the fall.

SADDLEBACK HIGH SCHOOL

Melani Clarke

Melani served as Associated Student Body president and was a member of the California Scholarship Federation, Girls League, Mock Trial, science club and the Orange County Academic Decathlon team.

She was also a member of the varsity tennis team, volunteered at a convalescent home and served as the Saddleback Girls State delegate. She enjoys swimming, public speaking and reading.

Melani finishes with a 4.161 grade-point average. She received letters in academics, athletics and leadership.

The Santa Ana resident plans to attend UC Berkeley.

SAN CLEMENTE HIGH SCHOOL

Michi Wiancko

Michi has been a concertmaster of her school orchestra since her freshman year. She participated in her school’s “Fiddler on the Roof” performance and won the Disneyland Creativity Challenge Competition this year. She plays the violin.

On the academic side, she has been on the honor roll throughout her high school career.

She is a member of the American Youth Symphony and has been concertmaster of the Pacific Symphony Institute at Cal State Fullerton for a year.

In addition to her involvement in Amnesty International, she has volunteered for the past 10 years at local adult day-care centers, where she plays her violin for seniors.

Michi, who lives in San Clemente, has a 3.87 grade-point average and plans to attend the Juilliard School or the Cleveland Institute of Music.

SANTA ANA HIGH SCHOOL

Ana Luz Gonzalez

Ana, who is senior class president, has committed herself to studies, campus politics and social activities. She has been on the Principal’s Honor Roll for four years and served as junior class president and sophomore secretary. This year she was named student of the month for Business Social Science and GATE and has been a member of the California Scholastic Federation for the past year. She represented her high school last year at Girls’ State.

She is a three-year member of the Math Engineering Science and the French clubs.

She has also participated in statewide high school talent show competitions.

She helped with the school’s annual Thanksgiving food and Christmas toy drives and worked on this year’s Special Olympics at Santa Ana High School.

Ana, who lives in Santa Ana, has a 3.6 grade-point average and plans to study business at UCI.

SANTA MARGARITA HIGH SCHOOL

Patrick B. Strader

Patrick was Associated Student Body president last year, spent two years as captain of the varsity football and soccer teams and two years on the school’s cheerleading squad. He has been a member of the National Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation and has participated in his school’s environmental club and drug and alcohol awareness program. He has a 3.83 weighted grade-point-average

He is a member of his church’s youth council, was a volunteer instructor with Junior All-American youth football in Mission Viejo and has been a six-year member of the Orange County Performing Art Center’s youth program.

Last year he was awarded a scholarship to the California Youth Citizenship seminar at Pepperdine University.

Patrick, a resident of Corona del Mar, plans to attend UCLA and major in political science.

SANTIAGO HIGH SCHOOL

Nenette P. Luarca

Nenette graduates as a two-time president of the Associated Student Body and the Girls League. She has been a varsity cheerleader for four years and played four years on the school basketball team as well as holding spots on the varsity track and volleyball squads.

She is a member of the National Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation and has a 3.98 weighted grade-point average.

She was named homecoming princess as a junior, the same year she won the Xerox Humanitarian Award.

Nenette hopes to pursue a career in the field of physical therapy and sports medicine. The Santa Ana resident plans to attend USC.

SAVANNA HIGH SCHOOL

Mary Claire Gatmaitan

Mary has been Inter-Club president, International Club president and vice president of the National Honor Society during her senior year.

She is the sports and opinion page editor of the school paper and is a member of the environmental club, Rebel League, pep club, MeCha and the Senior House. She is on the varsity volleyball and softball teams and was this year’s homecoming queen.

On weekends, she has volunteered at the St. John of God Nursing Home in Los Angeles and participated in numerous projects, such as graffiti removal, tree planting and tutoring.

Mary has a 3.89 weighted grade-point average. She plans to enroll at UC San Diego, majoring in international studies with emphasis on business.

SERVITE HIGH SCHOOL

Buck Mason

His mother is the Olympic gymnast Cathy Rigby, and Buck says he doesn’t mind following in her footsteps. So he is into track and field, gymnastics, singing, dancing, acting. He is a member of the Young Americans, a performing group that raises funds for charity. He also toured with his mother in a production of “Peter Pan.”

Buck has been involved in all Servite’s theater productions.

A resident of La Habra Heights, he plans to attend Chapman University.

SONORA HIGH SCHOOL

Jody Greenberg

Jody leaves Sonora with a 4.75 grade-point average and academic honors.

He is a full International Baccalaureate diploma candidate, a National Merit finalist and the Bank of America plaque nominee for science and math.

Jody also was an officer in both the math and ski clubs and a member of the National Honor Society, the academic decathlon team and the campus trivia team. He played on the school baseball team for a year and spent two years in both the school’s ice hockey and scuba diving programs. He also enjoys playing the guitar.

Jody has worked as a camp counselor for Fullerton Parks and Recreation and the Magic Camp program, and he performed volunteer work during his senior year for the Easter Seals campaign.

The La Habra Heights resident plans to attend USC, UC Berkeley or Cornell University in New York.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL

Rosiland Blames

Rosiland has combined academic excellence with her interest in athletics and the arts. She finishes high school with a 3.61 grade-point average and numerous achievements. She played for both the school’s varsity volleyball and basketball squads and enjoys playing the piano, singing and drawing.

She also provided her peers with a strong example of success, her pastor, Bob Barnett, said.

A West Covina resident, Rosiland plans to attend Oral Roberts University to pursue degrees in political science and law.

ST. MICHAEL’S HIGH SCHOOL

Joel F. Santos

Joel has been either student body president or class president for five straight years. Each year of his high school career, he has worked on both the school yearbook and the student newspaper. He maintained a 3.75 grade-point average and has been in the Junior National Honor Society and National Honor Society for five consecutive years.

Joel’s interests include art and basketball.

A resident of Baldwin Park, he plans to attend USC in the fall.

ST. MARGARET’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

Caroline Metherell

Though Caroline feels most comfortable on the stage, she has also performed well elsewhere. She earned a 3.56 cumulative grade-point average, played on the school’s junior varsity volleyball team and served on the yearbook staff.

But her real love is the theater--both attending plays and performing in them.

Her credits at St. Margaret’s School include “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “The Sound of Music.” She has also performed in numerous community theater productions and has done a cable television commercial.

Outside school, she was a counselor at the Special Camp for Special Kids.

She has also been president of the Ambassador Service Club. Caroline took second runner-up at the Miss Teen USA, North Orange County Pageant.

A resident of Laguna Beach, Caroline will attend UC Irvine in the fall.

SUNNY HILLS HIGH SCHOOL

Hasmig Minassian

Hasmig has been committed to academic excellence and bridging the gap between different peoples in her time at Sunny Hills High. She has worked on the school’s Inter-Ethnic Relations Committee and Values Study Group and was Associated Student Body president in her senior year.

Hasmig served for three years on the Associated Student Body executive cabinet and was a member of the California Scholastic Federation, the Spirit Club and the French Club. She competed as a varsity swimmer and enjoys photography. She has a 3.83 weighted grade-point average.

Outside school, she has twice traveled to Mexico with missionary aid ventures and has worked as a lifeguard for the City of Fullerton. She has an interest in studying and preserving traditions of her Armenian heritage.

The Fullerton resident hopes to pursue studies in education or the law when she attends UC San Diego.

TRABUCO HILLS HIGH SCHOOL

Radoslav Mladineo

Radoslav is a member of the California Scholastic Federation and the National Honor Society, and this year he was named a National Hispanic Scholar and an AP Scholar with Distinction. He has a 4.62 weighted grade-point average.

Last summer, he was first runner-up in an essay contest sponsored by Columbia University, and in the summer of 1992, he co-authored “Discover America,” a U.S. history prep book sold by the Social Studies School Service nationwide.

This year he was a member of the team that placed second in the Orange County Academic Decathlon. He was also Key Club president, volunteering 160 hours of community work.

As a sophomore, he was on the junior varsity wrestling team and was named most-improved cross-country runner.

Radoslav lived for four years in Chile, where he learned Spanish and two years in Brazil, where he learned to speak Portuguese.

A resident of Santa Margarita, Radoslav plans to attend Harvard-Radcliffe.

TROY HIGH SCHOOL

Joyce Matsumoto

Joyce placed first this year in the state Science Olympiad competition and placed fourth in a similar national contest. In addition to participating in her school’s Tech Magnet program, she had a senior internship through the Young Scholars Program at Cal State Fullerton, where she participated in graduate-level research in immunology.

Valedictorian of her class, Joyce has a 4.76 weighted grade-point average and is a National Merit Scholarship recipient. She has tutored fellow students in chemistry through the National Honor Society.

She helps with a children’s summer reading program at the Placentia Library and participates in a program with her church to provide cardiovascular exams for the Japanese-speaking community.

Joyce, who lives in Yorba Linda, would like to become a physician and plans to attend Pacific Union College.

TUSTIN HIGH SCHOOL

Meghan E. O’Brien

Meghan has expressed her talents as an artist and scholar and has shown a keen interest in environmental activism and athletics. She finishes with a 4.67 weighted grade-point average and school records in three swimming events. Meghan has been a member in the UC Irvine Student Involvement League, the school recycling club and was vice president of the campus ecology club. She also volunteered as a Shadetree Partnership Community forester.

Meghan’s other activities include serving as class senator and as delegate to the school Model United Nations and participating in UC Irvine’s High School Scholars Program. As an athlete, she was a member of the varsity swim team and earned both All-SeaView League and CIF finalist honors. Meghan is a national-level cyclist and member of the Canyon Velo Elite team.

Meghan, a resident of Tustin, plans to attend UC Berkeley.

UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL

Heather Clayton

In a match for her interest in a career in public service, Heather was appointed by Gov. Pete Wilson to be representative to the State Board of Education in Sacramento. This year, she has been flying to the state capital each month to attend board meetings.

She maintains a 4.27 weighted grade-point average and is currently the president of the Associated Student Body. Last year she was the Orange County president of the California Assn. of Student Councils.

Heather has also volunteered at the Irvine Medical Center and in the office of Rep. Christopher Cox (R-Newport Beach).

A resident of Irvine, Heather plans to attend Harvard in the fall.

VALENCIA HIGH SCHOOL

Glenn Gaza

Glenn has excelled in academics as well sports. He finishes at Valencia with a 4.47 weighted grade-point average and as captain of both the varsity water polo and swimming teams. He was nominated for CIF Male Student Athlete of the Year and won his school’s Desire, Dedication, Discipline awards for both his sports.

He served as an Associated Student Body senator in his junior year and held the treasurer’s post in the National Honor Society. Glenn also received Distinguished Scholar honors, was a Boy’s State representative, competed in the Chemistry Olympiad and earned membership in the California Scholarship Federation.

Glenn has been active in his community as an Eagle Scout and as a volunteer in both the American Red Cross and the Anaheim ReLeaf program. He received the National Exchange Club’s youth of the year award.

VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

Chau Luong

Chau’s classroom successes have earned her a 4.32 weighted grade-point average, but she has distinguished herself additionally in extracurricular activities.

Chau is president of the campus Vietnamese Club and a member of the Vietnamese Buddhist Youth Assn. She is also a Student Congress representative, vice president of the College Partners Club and a member of Future Business Leaders of America, the speech team and Key Club.

She took part in Orange County’s Academic Decathlon and the Kiwanis Quiz Bowl and participated in campus Drama Club productions. An avid tennis player and member of the Valley T’s tennis team, she also enjoys bowling, ice skating and karate.

Chau has performed volunteer work at both the Public Law Center and the Jerome Youth Center and participated in a walk-a-thon to aid boat people.

The Santa Ana resident will attend UCLA, where she hopes to work toward entrance to law school.

VILLA PARK HIGH SCHOOL

Shang-Lin Chuang

Shang-Lin, whose 4.87 weighted grade-point average is evidence of her academic diligence, has also learned valuable lessons outside the classroom. She worked with the disaster coordinating branch of the American Red Cross during both the Northridge earthquake and the Laguna Beach firestorm. During the disasters, she worked with the volunteers who plan, set up, operate and dismantle emergency aid stations. She has served as adviser to the campus Red Cross club for three years.

She also worked as news editor for the school newspaper, the Oracle. She is a member of the National Honor Society, the California Scholarship Federation and has participated in a variety of campus groups, including the math, science, Key, Spanish and Asian clubs.

Shang-Lin is an assistant manager of a computer store and she has taught English during summers in Taiwan.

A resident of Orange, Shang-Lin plans to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to pursue a degree in biochemistry.

WESTERN HIGH SCHOOL

Shawn Ledbetter

Shawn leaves Western with varied academic accomplishments. He competed in Mock Trial and the Kiwanis Bowl, and qualified for the Academic Decathlon. He is a member of both the National Honor Society and the California Scholastic Federation.

He has volunteered his time to community projects and has participated in the school’s Friday Night Live program, a support group for students. Shawn enjoys working with computers.

Shawn, a Buena Park resident, plans to attend UC Berkeley.

WESTMINSTER HIGH SCHOOL

Rodolfo A. Villicana

Rodolfo was elected Associated Student Body president this year and will graduate among the top students in his class. He has been recognized by teachers and students for his leadership qualities.

He was voted to the Who’s Who Among American High School Students and participated in the Southern California Youth Citizenship seminar, sponsored by Pepperdine University.

Rodolfo has been a member of the California Scholarship Federation and was named to the UCI Scholar-in-Training program. He joined the varsity football team as a junior.

Rodolfo, a resident of Westminster, plans to attend UCLA and major in physiological science.

WHITTIER CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL

Jonathan Su

Jonathan, who was named to the National Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation, has a 4.31 grade-point average. He was this year’s Associated Student Body treasurer and was a member of the Spanish and Red Cross clubs.

He was a staff member of the school’s newspaper and played on the varsity tennis team. He played the role of Bland in a school presentation of “Seven Keys to Baldpate.”

Jonathan lives in Whittier and plans to attend UC Berkeley.

WOODBRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL

Linda M. Chen

Linda was voted this year to represent minority groups in the Associated Study Body. It is role she relishes because of her pride in her native culture--she immigrated to this country from Taiwan 10 years ago. In addition to her studies at Woodbridge, she attends a Chinese school in Irvine every week.

She is a member of the California Scholarship Federation and placed third in the state finals of this year’s Science Olympiad. For the past two years, she has been a volunteer at the Irvine Medical Center. She has also helped in the Rotary Interact Club food drives.

She has performed at the Irvine Barclay Theatre and the San Gabriel Civic Auditorium during Chinese New Year presentations and likes to create works in ceramics.

Since January, she has tutored students with limited English skills for at least four hours a week.

Linda, a resident of Irvine, has a 4.20 grade-point average and plans to major in psychology at UC Berkeley.