Hallie Piper Daly

Vista del Lago High School

Tell us about yourself.
I’m very clumsy, drink a lot of tea and coffee, love my friends and family with my whole heart, and love to learn.

What accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
I have completed more than 200 hours of community service at the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, Agee Memorial Wildlife Fund, and for Operation Access with Kaiser Permanente.

What are your school interests, involvements and hobbies?
I’ve been playing cello since fifth grade and the saxophone since my sophomore year. I have participated in Vista’s string orchestra, full symphony orchestra, pit ensembles for musicals, concert band, pep band and drumline; what’s more, I even conduct the ensembles on occasion! In addition to music, I have been in drawing, painting, French and photography courses all four years of high school.

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to attend a four-year university and get my bachelor’s degree in biology (with an emphasis in wildlife conservation) and minor in photography; participate in music ensembles, drawing and painting classes; and study abroad. I eventually want to get a master’s degree.

Who is your role model?
Steve Irwin—he dedicated his life to wildlife and I plan on doing the same. He had such a beautiful view of the world, which he passed on to millions of people who watched him and his endeavors on television.

Describe your career aspirations?
In 2010, I worked with endangered leatherback sea turtles in Costa Rica. I still remember the immense amount of love and joy I found in my heart while working with such beautiful animals. The first moment I laid eyes on one of the turtles, I was succumbed by this epiphanal feeling of place and purpose. Since then, it has been my biggest dream to dedicate my life to the research and conservation of endangered species. I want to make a positive impact on our world of decreasing biological diversity.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
I want to travel everywhere! I love learning about new cultures, meeting new people, eating ethnic foods, learning about native species, learning about a country’s government and economy, and truly getting to know its people. I just want to be a big sponge and soak up everything there is to know about the world.

---

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