Josh Pfeffer

Vista del Lago High School

Tell us about yourself.
I’m a senior at Vista del Lago High School where I’ve attended all four years. I could not ask to go to a better high school. When I’m not studying or playing sports, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, listening to music and lifting weights.

What accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
In early September, I tore my right knee’s ACL during my team’s second football game. I underwent reconstruction surgery in October, and I was recently cleared to begin practicing baseball with my team. This injury has tested my ability to overcome adversity and has required me to maintain a positive attitude.

What are your school interests, involvements and hobbies?
I’m a three-year varsity football and baseball player and have received various accolades, including All-League, All-Metro and Offensive Player of the Year. I founded my own community service club, Junior Civitan, and also participate in other clubs such as National Honor Society and California Scholarship Federation.

What’s one thing that not many people know about you?
Few people know that I dislike mustard, raw tomatoes and onions, and almonds. These everyday foods have never appealed to me simply due to their taste and texture.

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on attending a four-year university (likely a UC) to study computer science. I will live on campus wherever I go, and I may try to walk on their baseball team.

Who is your role model?
It’s undoubtedly my dad, Todd. From a young age, he instilled in me that academics should always precede athletics. He has single-handedly made me the studious, yet athletic person I am today. I have always strived to make him proud in everything that I do.

Describe your career aspirations.
I intend on pursuing a software engineering job after receiving a bachelor’s degree in computer science. My dream would be to work at Google.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
I would visit Washington, D.C. I’ve always wanted to visit the White House, the Lincoln Memorial and the city’s various museums.

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See more 2014 Student Spotlights here:

7th Annual Student Spotlight - Folsom
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 2014 super grads. Read more