Sarah Peterson, 17

Rocklin

Sarah Peterson’s proudest achievement thus far has been her mission trip to Kerala, India, in order to build a school that serves 500 children. 

“I wasn’t just able to serve people, I was able to see myself grow in trust and love,” says this insightful Rocklin teen. 

Her need to assist has also taken her to the Dominican Republic where she served as a Spanish translator for medical personnel. For these accomplishments and more, Peterson won the Forman Award at her school, John Adams Academy, for exemplifying core values and the mission of the school. 

In addition, she also serves as the scholar body president and is the varsity volleyball captain. When she’s not playing the piano or babysitting, she’s tutoring a ninth grader in English and history. She’s also helped pack food for the nonprofit Feed My Starving Children, and organized school-wide service projects like a pajama drive at Christmas. 

“I work hard to accomplish my dreams and do my best to help others around me,” she says. After all, in Peterson’s own words, “Kindness is more powerful than anything else.”