Alyssa Clay, 15

El Dorado Hills

“Teenagers have more power than they think,” says Alyssa Clay with confidence. “They don’t have to wait until they’re older—they can make a difference now.” 

Practicing what she preaches, this 15-year-old has been “making a difference” ever since she was a little girl. Instead of putting up a lemonade stand like other kids, Clay chose to bake dog treats and sell them, in order to donate blankets and dog toys to local animal rescues. Her deep love for animals and advocacy of animal rights has also led to her becoming a vegetarian—despite coming from a meat-loving family. 

“I’ve always loved animals—I was born that way. I empathize with them, and I want them to have safe and loving homes,” she says. Her latest accomplishment has been to organize the Bow Wow Brunch—a fund-raiser to help Foothill Dog Rescue of the Sierras. 

Clay is also an accomplished contemporary dancer and has been dancing ever since she was two years old. She now belongs to two competitive dance troupes and competes statewide. With dogged determination, Clay does it all. 

“My faith keeps me going,” she says. “I also find inspiration in my family, friends and, of course, my dogs!” —Tara Mendanha

FAVORITES

Escape: Twain Harte

Guilty pleasure: Chocolate

Meal in town: Sizzling Fresh Mongolian Grill

Local landmark: Skunk Hollow

Movie: Stardust

Musician/band: Frank Sinatra

Saying: “Every 60 seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you never get back.”

---

This month, in Style’s annual compilation of high-achieving high school seniors, we give you each school’s selections for local teens setting the pace—whether in academics, athletics, philanthropy, or all of the above. Read on and get inspired by the words and achievements of these 2015 super grads.