Jesar Shah
Roseville High School

What local charities/causes are close to your heart and why?

The Roseville Police Activities League is an organization that holds special importance to me because its purpose and actions in the community help to make it a better place. RPAL's main goal is to foster positive relationships between police officers and youth in the City of Roseville. Their summer program provides children the opportunity to spend their time productively during the day by organizing activities for them. It is truly a community-centered organization that works for the benefit of the youth in Roseville.

How has living in the community shaped you as a person, and how do you feel it will affect the way you contribute to the world in the future?

Roseville has been the most generous and supportive community, encouraging me to discover more about myself each day. This experience has made me strive to become an encouraging, appreciative and respectful person.

What’s one thing that not many people know about you?

Not many people know that I represented the first women’s cricket team for the country that I moved from – United Arab Emirates. (Cricket is a sport similar to baseball, but with only two bases.) Playing for UAE gave me the opportunity to go to different countries and take part in international cricket tournaments.

What advice would you give to incoming high school students?

High school is YOUR time to shine and stand out. Join several clubs, get involved, stay committed and always be ready to take on any challenge. High school might seem overwhelming at first, but if you give 100 percent from the start, you can conquer anything that comes your way. It is truly an amazing experience and it is YOURS to own.

What has been the most memorable event of your senior year?

There are too many to choose from. However, the anticipation that builds up during the wait to hear from colleges and finally getting acceptance letters from different colleges is worth looking forward to.

Describe your career aspirations.

After four years of undergraduate study, I hope to get an MBA and work for a Multi National Corporation (MNC). I also hope that I get a chance to travel the world through my work.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

I would travel to South Africa and take a tour of Europe.

Who is your role model?

My role model is my sister. She has taught me how to stay positive and make the best out of every situation. Her motto: keep laughing.

Brian Del Rosario
Roseville High School

What local charities/causes are close to your heart and why?

I believe the American Cancer Society would be close to my heart because I feel that they are always trying to make a difference and giving hope to those that need it.

What’s one thing that not many people know about you?

I achieved a black belt in Taekwondo at the age of eight.

How has living in the community shaped you as a person, and how do you feel it will affect the way you contribute to the world in the future?

Living in the community has shaped me to become more outgoing. Because I have such amazing friends and family, I can try to make a positive impact in the world by living my life to the fullest.

What has been the most memorable event of your senior year?

I would have to say that my friends and family make every day of my senior year memorable.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan on going to Sacramento State and enrolling into their nursing program to pursue a career in nursing.

Who is your role model?

My father would be my role model. He puts my family before himself and is always trying to better himself as he tries to better our lives. It seems as if everyday he demonstrates how to be well-rounded, hardworking and respectful.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

I would travel to the Philippines to visit the family I have there. I want to educate myself about my family roots.

Austin Diemer
Rocklin High School

What local charities/causes are close to your heart and why?

The local causes that I am involved with include baseball camps and coaching clinics for children in the Rocklin community. I enjoy working with the kids and being a positive role model for them. There is nothing better than helping the kids succeed.

How has living in the community shaped you as a person, and how do you feel it will affect the way you contribute to the world in the future?

Without living and growing up in Rocklin, I would not be the person I am today. I have had tremendous support from family, friends and teachers in everything that I do. There is never a moment that I doubt the support of the community. I have received an outstanding education at Rocklin High School and know that I would never have earned the same one anywhere else. The enthusiasm of teachers including Mr. Hardy, Ms Padilla, and Mr. Trejo allow me to thrive in my education and to always be motivated to learn. These teachers motivate me to continue my learning. Coach Roc Murray has truly helped shaped me into the man I am today. Every day, he teaches our baseball team a life lesson and these lessons constantly run through my mind. Coach Murray is so effective in his ways because he always wants the best for his players. I have never met anyone like him, and he will always be an influence in my life. Many of the lessons he’s taught me will allow me to be a better human being. He has always taught me to get the job done no matter what, have no excuses and to be humble.

What’s one thing that not many people know about you?

Besides my passion for baseball, I love to dance. Many of my favorite memories have come from school dances. I have not missed a dance since freshman year and have been in the 2010 and 2011 “Mr. Thunder” competitions at Rocklin High School, which involved an opening-scene dance routine. I love to have fun and be myself while dancing with my friends.

What advice would you give to incoming high school students?

Take a breath and slow down. It’s the end of senior year and I can’t believe the time that has past. I would enjoy having another year in high school because of all of the memories it produces. There should be no rush in high school; enjoy each moment as it comes because before you know it, it will be gone. The second piece of advice I would give is to be organized. My planner has saved me in remembering homework and important dates. Without it, I would not have made it through high school.

What has been the most memorable event of your senior year?

November 10, when I signed my letter of intent to play baseball at Cal State Fullerton. I have played baseball my entire life and it has always been a main passion of mine, so I am very blessed and honored to be able to play baseball at the next level. Baseball always puts a smile on my face and there is no other feeling like it. It has always been my dream to play college baseball and I am excited to have the opportunity to do it.

Who is your role model?

My sister, Alexandra. She is three years older than me and ever since high school we have shared a very special relationship. She has been through everything before and therefore can help me with anything I need. She is always looking out for me and is one of the hardest workers I know; she makes me want to work as hard as she does. I look up to her in everything that she does. Another key role model in my life is Pat Stover. Pat graduated Rocklin in 2009 and is currently playing baseball at Santa Clara. We met my sophomore year and he is the person that taught me how to work hard and have a strong work ethic. He taught me no matter what the situation is, to keep working. He enjoys helping others succeed and is always there to help someone no matter who they are.

Describe your career aspirations.

I want to continue to play baseball after college, eventually playing professional baseball in the Major Leagues for a living. I have a passion for baseball like no other and would love to continue playing it. After baseball, I want to get involved in sports broadcasting; therefore, I will always be involved with the game.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

I’ve always wanted to travel to Greece. It seems like a beautiful place with a rich culture.

Kathy Hong
Rocklin High School

What local charities/causes are close to your heart and why?

I’ve volunteered with the American Cancer Society for a long time at both events, and at the Discovery Shop in Roseville. Since I started working with them, I’ve really grown a bond with the cause and have realized how amazing of an organization it is; they work so hard and really do help to make such a great impact, and I really respect it for doing so. To be selfless and caring are two great qualities that I always aspire to possess.

How has living in the community shaped you as a person, and how do you feel it will affect the way you contribute to the world in the future?

I’ve learned to connect with others and to give and share. In the future, I really want to help others. I want to give back and continue to make a change.

What’s one thing that not many people know about you?

I’ve always wanted to live near a nice beach and just relax in the warm sand and clear waves every day.

What advice would you give to incoming high school students?

Just go for it. For all you incoming high school students, make sure you make the most of everything. Join clubs, do sports, make new friends and get involved, because you will really make some amazing connections to your school and to other people; and that is what you’ll remember years from now.

What has been the most memorable event of your senior year?

I love just being able to spend this last year with my friends and having a good time.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to go to college and study economics and business.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

I would love to go back to China and visit my family and experience my heritage. I miss seeing my family and it’s definitely somewhere that I don’t get to visit often.

Who is your role model?

My mom – she has always encouraged me to dream big and go after what I want. Living a life very different from mine, she has worked extremely hard to help me and she is my motivation.

Minnaal Ali
Oakmont High School

What local charities/causes are close to your heart and why?

I am a strong supporter of Interact and UNICEF simply because I have been a part of these programs since my freshman year and I admire the devotion to community service that these clubs foster.

What’s one thing that not many people know about you?

I have lived in Pakistan, England, Arizona, Ohio, Texas and Southern California before moving to Roseville.

How has living in the community shaped you as a person, and how do you feel it will affect the way you contribute to the world in the future?

Living in this community has made me a humble and social person. The community has given me the opportunity to practice leadership and become an overall better person. I want to be very involved my community, regardless of where life takes me, and I am motivated to leave behind a legacy.

What advice would you give to incoming high school students?

Enjoy the time you have here because it goes by incredibly fast; work hard because it will pay off; and get involved because you will have the best possible college experience.

What has been the most memorable event of your senior year?

The first day of school, it felt so different to come back on to campus as seniors and think that we were going to experience the same things that we looked up to. The rest of the year has been busy, but a lot of small occurrences have made it great – simple events like passing friends in the hall, decorating for dances, setting up for rallies, preparing for debate tournaments, etc.

Who is your role model?

My mom. She is always supportive and has never failed to be the perfect muse that I can only hope to strive to become in the future.

Describe your career aspirations.

I watched as my cousin persevered through medical school, while I was growing up. The instant I had the opportunity to hear and see her work firsthand, I was convinced that this was what I wanted to do. It is the perfect balance of everything I want to be doing with my life; I will be able to help patients in some of the toughest times of their lives, meet with different specialists, continue my education and remain a leader in the process.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

I would go back to Pakistan because most of my family is still there and I would love to visit them!

Jazmin Harper
Oakmont High School

How has living in the community shaped you as a person, and how do you feel it will affect the way you contribute to the world in the future?

The Roseville community has given me the opportunity to excel in school and sports. I think that this will provide a solid foundation to help me as I continue to pursue academics, athletics and many other goals in life.

What’s one thing that not many people know about you?

Most people do not know that I am French and Cherokee Indian.

What local charities/causes are close to your heart?

At several youth camps where I volunteered, I found that many children and teenagers are hurting because they are not consistently being shown love; I want to help spread love to the youth in our community.

What advice would you give to incoming high school students?

I would tell incoming high school students that although the road may get tough, if they persevere, they will see that in the end everything is going to be just fine.

What are your plans after graduation?

I will be attending Stanford University, but before I start school I want to travel with my family and spend more time with family that I have not seen in a while.

Who is your role model?

My role model is Jesus Christ, because every day I am learning more and more about his amazing sacrifice and love. He gives me hope to continue on.

Describe your career aspirations.

I am still not sure what I want to do yet, but I am interested in majoring in political science or international relations.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

There are so many places that I want to travel and some are right here in the United States. However, my first choice would be to travel to France, because from what I have seen it is a beautiful country filled with rich culture.

What has been the most memorable event of your senior year?

When I signed my National Letter of Intent (NLI) to Stanford University for track & field. I was amazed at the crowd that showed up to watch me sign the letter – it was a blessing to see all of the support that people gave me.

Junior Dominguez
Woodcreek High School

What local charities/causes are close to your heart and why?

I support the Ride to Walk charity because they assist children with mental and physical disabilities to cope with everyday life challenges. Before working with this organization, I had no idea what challenges these children faced or how compassion toward animals could be so therapeutic.

How has living in the community shaped you as a person, and how do you feel it will affect the way you contribute to the world in the future?

I feel that the community has helped shape me into the man I am today through positive exposure. My friends include the sons and daughters of nurses, doctors, policemen and policewomen and numerous others. I have been exposed to hardworking men and women who volunteer countless hours organizing shows of all genres like theatre arts, musical theatre, dance, band and choir. This exposure has made me the devoted, hardworking person I am. My positive attitude and work ethic will help me accomplish my goals both in school and out.

What’s one thing that not many people know about you?

I am afraid of dogs.

What advice would you give to incoming high school students?

I would advise to find your calling and stick to it. High school goes by faster than you think, so enjoy the time you have because you’ll never get it back.

What has been the most memorable event of your senior year?

Winning a scholarship for acting and getting to go to the State Capitol to perform for the state legislatures and senate members.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to go straight to college and get my own apartment, then finish my schooling and start a family.

Who is your role model?

My role model would be a singer by the name of Jonny Craig. He is my inspiration because he grew up with little to nothing and became one of the greatest singers of his time. Anything can be possible if you go for it, and nobody should stop you from accomplishing your dreams.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

I want to go on a cross-country road trip from California to New York and see everything in between.

Allison Poehling
Woodcreek High School

How has living in the community shaped you as a person, and how do you feel it will affect the way you contribute to the world in the future?

I think living in a community like Roseville and going to a school like Woodcreek has really affected who I am as a person. My school has pushed me to become the best I can be and to involve myself in the community; because of that it has also driven me to want to contribute as much as I can in the future.

What’s one thing that not many people know about you?

One thing people might not know about me is that (usually) I'm really good with computers! I really enjoy designing things like t-shirts for school and making other things related to graphic design.

What has been the most memorable event of your senior year?

My most memorable event is probably making it as far as we did in the basketball playoffs and being a member of the Black Mob, our fan cheering section. I have some really good friends on the team and it was great to see them go as far as they did. They deserved it!

What are your plans after graduation?

My plans for after graduation are to attend a four-year college at either Boise State University or CSU Fullerton; I'm still undecided at this point!

Who is your role model?

Besides my fantastic parents of course, my role models are everybody in my student government family. They really are the best people I know. Each one of them is committed and driven in their own way, and they push me to be the best I can be!

What advice would you give to incoming high school students?

Get involved! It really helps you to grow as a leader and a person, and you can meet a ton of really cool and driven people that way! 

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

I'd go to the moon!

Dominic De Marco
Granite Bay High School

What local charities/causes are close to your heart and why?

My church, Saint Joseph Marello, has supported many efforts to spread the faith and improve the quality of life of our fellow human beings. To me, my faith is everything; it has helped me fight through hardship and overcome adversity. Necessarily, I support any and all efforts of the Church to share His loving-kindness and His message. That is the most important cause in the world.

How has living in the community shaped you as a person, and how do you feel it will affect the way you contribute to the world in the future?

The lessons I have learned in my childhood from the members of my sphere of influence have confirmed my belief that a life lived for others is the key to happiness.

What’s one thing that not many people know about you?

I maintain a fascination of all things that fly, and I am currently working to earn my pilot’s license.

What advice would you give to incoming high school students?

Keep your head up and focus on the prize (graduation and/or postsecondary education). There are plenty of temptations in high school that may seem appealing in the moment, but never sacrifice the permanent on the altar of the temporary. Some cheap pleasures just aren’t worth it.

What has been the most memorable event of your senior year?

In all honesty, the entire experience has been memorable. To focus on any one specific event would unnecessarily undermine the significance of all the others.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to attend a four-year university and study chemical engineering. Currently, I am considering attending the University of Southern California, but I am still waiting until late April to solidify any commitments to any schools.

Who is your role model?

I admire my great-grandmother, an impoverished, hardworking Italian-American immigrant. Although I never knew her, I respect what she represents and the opportunity she has given my family and I. She gave everything she had to make it to this country and to make it in this country, never once doubting her faith in God to see her through her tribulations.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

The Amalfi Coast. I have had the opportunity to visit Italy twice, and each was an adventure. If I’m able to return one day, I would love to explore the wonders and treasures hidden in rural, antiquated Italy.

Stacey Wong
Granite Bay High School

What local charities/causes are close to your heart and why?

I love singing with the seniors at the Sierra Hills Retirement Home. They all have amazing life stories to tell, and I feel like I’m really connecting with another person when I interact with them.

How has living in the community shaped you as a person, and how do you feel it will affect the way you contribute to the world in the future?

Living in such a tight-knit community has shown me the power of support. I would not be who I am today without my friends, family and teachers, and I’m determined to pass along that compassion to those who need it most.

What’s one thing that not many people know about you?

I’m still afraid of the dark.

What advice would you give to incoming high school students?

Step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Go to every single dance, football game and rally. Join new clubs, and make a new friend every month. High school is exponentially more memorable when you’re involved.

What has been the most memorable moment of your senior year?

I’ll never forget the excitement at Senior Sunrise, where our entire class came together after a busy summer to usher in our final year of high school.

Who is your role model?

I really look up to my mom, who’s given up her career as a successful attorney to support us at home. Her love is unconditional, her determination is impressive, and her support is never ending.

Describe your career aspirations.

In second grade, I wanted to be a movie star or a lawyer when I grew up. For those who know me, the former option is a laughable idea – my “acting skills” are so terrible that I can’t lie with a straight face! My interest in litigation, however, has continued to develop. At first I only considered law because my mom’s an attorney. Throughout high school, though, I’ve developed a passion for logic and argumentation. I find rapid-fire discussion and intellectual dissection invigorating, and I would love to have the same type of exchange as an attorney deeply involved in litigation.

Debate has also inspired within me an insatiable interest in international relations and public policy. I’m a total current events nerd – I love The Economist and Foreign Affairs, and I spend hours on The Christian Science Monitor Web site. I would find few things more exciting than exploring, discussing, and shaping policies as a political advisor; or being a think-tank researcher would be a dream job as well.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

China – I’d love to discover my heritage.