Ambitious and straightforward, Molly has her sights set on becoming a professional horseback rider. “I love horseback riding. I have three horses: Scooter, Piper and Lindy,” she shares. In addition to being selected as an El Dorado All Star Ambassador and junior counselor for the El Dorado County 4-H Camp, she started an Equestrian Club at Ponderosa High School. “I am most proud of training both of my horses. It is so rewarding seeing the progress I can make with an animal so powerful,” says Molly. Her role model in the equestrian world is Vicki Wilson, who competes on the Grand Prix show jumping circuit in New Zealand, and has trained wild Kaimanawas (the New Zealand equivalent of mustangs). Molly hopes to visit New Zealand one day to meet her. Another dream Molly has is to go to Stanford, as she says she loves science. What’s more, Molly is vice president of the French Club, takes all advanced classes, is partaking in the spring musical and maintains over a 4.0 GPA. “Work hard; be smart,” is her mantra—and it seems to be working perfectly for her.—TM

“I’m most motivated by achieving my own goals,” says Zoya. “Like when you climb a mountain and look back at everything you’ve done—when everything you’ve worked for happens. That’s such a vital feeling for me.” Zoya’s long-term goal is to become a lawyer. She’s already seen farther inside the legal system than probably everyone her age. Just 15 years old, Zoya has taken a seminar with a college law professor to understand more about the field. She’s also participated as a volunteer at Teen Court, where she helped decide sentencing like community service and rehabilitation for real juvenile cases. “I’ve said I’ve wanted to be a lawyer since fourth grade and I’ll probably say it until I pass my bar exam,” she says. As far as free time, she writes a monthly column for a community magazine and for the last five years has volunteered at El Dorado County German Shepherd Rescue, where she is now the volunteer coordinator and helps with volunteer recruiting, scheduling and task organization, making sure that other young people have a chance to help rescue dogs find their forever homes. Homework, tests and attendance aside, Zoya recommends that people her age get better about declaring what they don’t want to do in life. She says, “Life is too short to hang out with people you don’t want to hang out with.”—DS

 Andrew Greer  //  18  //  El Dorado Hills

 Gabriel Garcia  //  18  //  El Dorado Hills

As the ASB president at Oak Ridge High School, a student member for the El Dorado Union High School District Standards Instructional Leadership Team, and the 2015 American Legion Boys State representative, it’s easy to see why Gabriel made this list. He’s also part of Oak Ridge’s National Honor Society, Link Crew, the Community Culture Task Force, and Site Council. Additionally, he’s a student leader for Help Mito Kids, which spreads awareness about mitochondrial disease and supports affected families. “I have always had a passion for leadership, and I make every effort to place myself into a position where I am able to help create change and help others. I do what I do because I love it,” he says. Currently, Gabriel works as a weekend receptionist at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in El Dorado Hills, and aspires to major in political science, attend law school and pursue a career in government. Ambitious and courageous, no obstacle is too great to overcome for this teen. “It is important to realize everything happens for a reason…never be afraid to take an opportunity and try something new.”—TM 

Emily was named “Student of the Year” all three years of middle school with a 4.0 GPA. What’s more, she sits on the Charter Advisory Committee and is in leadership. She also participates in Teen Court, which is a section of the regular court system that allows teenagers to go through training to become attorneys for other teen defendants. Achievements aside, she describes herself as a “spiritual, nature-loving hippie…I’m also a make-up loving, sarcastic teenager,” she adds. Emily is drawn to biology and creative writing, but nothing makes her happier than river rafting, singing and helping others. “My hope for the future is not to be the president or to be a successful lawyer, but rather to make myself and others enjoy life. I’m simply looking to have a good life,” she states. After overcoming the high expectations she had for herself and some difficult days in middle school, Emily is now on the path to self-discovery. “What makes you a good person is how you treat others, of course, but also how you treat yourself.”—TM 

Always on the move, Evan thrives off of the many activities that fill his day. “I’m not a sit-down-and-do-stuff person. I’m a person who likes being up and active, so I fill my days 24/7,” he shares. From waking up at 5 a.m. to feed his pet pig to working at Lees’ Feed and Western Wear in the evening, he keeps himself occupied doing what he loves. Raising a market hog and selling it for a profit is among his accomplishments, and he hopes to one day own his own dairy farm. He also wants to become a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent and possibly a U.S. Marine. When it comes to school, Evan attends Ponderosa High School in the morning for his agricultural leadership class and then goes to Independence High School for the rest of the day. He also attends an Advanced Education course at Folsom Lake College twice a week. His biggest passion is the FFA (Future Farmers of America), and he loves to snowboard, fish and shoot. Always cheerful, he’s friendly and easy to get along with. “I’m a very outgoing kid who loves people and loves to lend a helping hand to anyone who asks,” he says. Evan has a zest for life—despite his diagnosis of soft tissue cancer at age 10—and he has this to say: “Fear no one but yourself. You are your biggest enemy.”—TM

Sports-lover Jessica has played soccer for Union Mine High School, club rugby, and dabbled in basketball and track. She is now part of the National Honor Society, California Scholarship Foundation, Ornithology Club, Cinematic Arts Club, and has participated twice in the Math Steeplechase. “I enjoy trying new things and meeting new people,” she says of her varied interests. Also an exceptional student, Jessica carries a grade point average above 4.0, and helps other students as a tutor. Academics apart, Jessica plays keyboard, drums and bells, and is part of the adult worship team at a local church. Starting in her freshman year, she participated annually in a mission trip to Mexico where she and a group of young people built an 11’ x 22’ house for a deserving Mexican family. Most notable though, is Jessica’s contribution to the upbringing of the many foster children who go through the Prichard home. She’s a great helper with the younger ones, and they form an important part of her life. “My hope for the future is that I might be able to positively impact as many people as my mom and grandma have.”—TM

“I intend to major in neuroscience when I go off to college this summer,” says Meghana, a young woman who has already had some incredible life experiences. Born in Phoenix, Meghana moved to India as a very young child and went to elementary and middle school there. Her family moved to Folsom for her high school education. Meghana participates in school plays, is the treasurer for the school’s anti-bullying campaign, teaches English and science to underprivileged students during her summer travels to visit her grandparents in India, and volunteers at Sister Nora’s Place, a Sacramento-based women’s shelter. “These are women who have dealt with abuses past and are seeking refuge,” says Meghana. Her volunteer efforts have had a direct impact on how she approaches her natural knack for biology. “Neuroscience is the understanding of the brain and all of its potential. I can bring about a better understanding of us as a society and as a people that will bring an end to all of this violence and make a more peaceful society.” With the brain the final frontier of medical research and new discoveries being made all the time, neuroscience is not at all an unlikely place to turn for the study of peace and violence. Recently, Meghana had too many stressors on her plate and contracted pneumonia during testing for four AP classes. She had to learn the hard way that not being too hard on yourself is a part of persevering. “I do believe perseverance is the key to success,” she says.—DS

 Sean Vajanaphanich  //  17  //  Roseville

Sean is proudest of becoming varsity football captain and receiving league honors, which he credits to a very strong personal  work ethic. “When I was little I always played a lot of sports. I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I grew up,” Sean says. When his father passed away during his sophomore year, Sean suddenly had to shoulder household responsibilities, in addition to the trauma and grief. Financial management, federal taxes, insurance bills—Sean had to learn them all, while helping translate for his mother. “It was a wake-up call for me about everything that was done for me and it gave me a clearer future,” Sean explains of the loss of the father who left his native Thailand and became a doctor in the U.S., where his children would have access to top educations. Commuting to take an environmental sciences class at a different high school, Sean’s passion for the subject grew and he now intends to choose it as his major when he goes off to college in the fall. The Vajanaphanich family often travelled to Koh Samui, Thailand, to visit with loved ones, but Sean didn’t make the island trips all about vacation. With his sister, he formed Books for Koh Samui, a program that takes book donations and funds from the Roseville area to Samui elementary schools, where kids can pick up the books and receive English lessons. The resilient teen has an incredible outlook. His advice to those his age? “Don’t waste a moment of your day.”—DS

Cassidy Sidhu  //  17  //  Folsom

When Cassidy was 11 years old, her first friend at UCSF Medical Center, a nurse, showed her a picture with the following quote: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain.” at the time Cassidy was at the beginning of her battle with brain cancer. Following six weeks of radiation, a year and a half of chemotherapy, and two brain surgeries—Cassidy was declared cancer-free and returned to her classmates at school and the activities she’d loved since she was four years old: dance, softball and horseback riding. As the captain of her school dance team, Cassidy pursues her passion for jazz, hip-hop and pom. She also lends her personal triumphs to the Kickin Cancer Club at school by mentoring local kids with cancer and helping their families create special memories. Recently, they gave a little boy undergoing chemo and his family a trip to a Giant’s game. “My plans for the future are to go to college and major in child development, then continue on to earn my masters in child life and become a child life specialist in pediatric oncology,” says Cassidy. She clearly remembers the child life specialist who helped her understand her treatment at UCSF, and knows that because of her experience, she can help other children fighting cancer as well as their family members.—DS 

Taylor Bartosh  //  17  //  El Dorado Hills

Taylor describes herself as being outspoken, outgoing, headstrong, passionate, musical- and science-orientated, and a feminist. “I strongly believe in fairness and equality,” says this multifaceted teen. So far, she’s won the Hope for America Award from the Placerville Kiwanis Club, was selected to be the recipient of Comcast’s Leaders and Achievers Scholarship, and is the Key Club president, having put in over 400 hours of community service. Her proudest achievement though is representing the girls of Ponderosa High School at American Legion Auxiliary’s Girls State program in 2015 where she participated in an all-women political conference in Los Angeles for a week. She’s also taken part in the California Forestry Challenge, was named Outstanding Drama Student at Ponderosa High School, and has received the Outstanding Art Student Award at a fine arts camp. As a science enthusiast, Taylor has her future all chalked out. “I am going to school for my bachelor’s degree in biology and to get my teaching credential,” she says. “I’m constantly inspired by the advancements that the scientific community is making and especially motivated to help the environment and endangered species in any way that I can…my biggest hope for the future is to inspire and help others as a scientist, teacher and as a mother.”—TM 

 Josh Vega  //  18  //  Roseville

Outside of school, wrestling takes up all of Josh’s time. Long practices, tournaments and championships add up to a schedule that requires planning and dedication. “I’ve had the goal of wrestling in college since I first started,” says the four-time league champion. Now acceptance letters to schools with excellent wrestling teams are coming in and he’s charged with picking the next destination where the sport will challenge him. With him, he’ll carry his outstanding work ethic. “I like to know that I’m doing my best to outwork everybody else,” he says. “I may not be at the top of the class as far as GPA, but as long as I’m working hard, that’s what motivates me. I like to be right there with everybody else who is succeeding.” He’s also no-nonsense about taking advice from his dad and coaches. Respect goes a long way, and he works for the support of his elders. Josh says a coach taught him that it’s in his own best interests to please those in charge by showing up on time and doing what’s asked of him. “I [want] to set an example for my younger brother and let him know that I’m there for him,” he says of passing that advice along. Having his brother in his life motivates him to keep a calm attitude during any times of uncertainty.—DS 

 Luke A. Rogers  //  15  //  Pollock Pines

Luke’s interests and accomplishments are endless. This straight-A student has golfed in the Greater Sacramento Junior Tour, completed seven oil paintings, played baseball with Snowline Little League for eight years, played the piano for four years, acted in an Imagination Theater production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, participated in the AWANA Bible program for three years and danced with On Stage Productions for six years. Currently, Luke has his sights set on architecture, and plans to become a home designer or architect. “I have always loved designing plans for T-shirts, gardens and things that I want to build. One day, I saw a floor plan of a house and began buying graph paper and drawing homes. A family friend then called, asking me to help him on a house he was building and I did, for about two months, which motivated me to draw up more plans,” he says. Luke is a self-assured young man, who is grounded in his faith and values. It’s no wonder then that a teacher once commented that he was “wise beyond his years.”—TM 

 Aaron Phillippi Jr.  //  17  //  Placerville 

When asked to describe his accomplishments, Aaron quotes Lao Tzu. “Accomplish but do not boast, accomplish without show, accomplish without arrogance, accomplish without grabbing, accomplish without forcing.” That being said, Aaron has proven to be more than accomplished in many areas. He recently became a junior guide for the non-profit organization Project Great Outdoors—which takes underserved young adults rafting down the American River. As well, he plays the viola for his school’s orchestra and is part of the varsity Upper Natoma Rowing Club. “I am hard-working…it doesn’t matter if I enjoy what I’m doing or learning, I must always put forth my best effort,” Aaron says. He’d like to go to the Naval Academy and become a biochemist in keeping with his love for chemistry. Aaron would also like to be part of the Naval crew team, and hopes to be a good family man someday. His advice to his peers is: “Always try your best, never give up, always be your best self. Don’t let others determine how you feel about yourself. They have their agenda not yours.”—TM

Mason Hall  //  17  //  Cameron Park

Not only does Mason serve as a student member on the El Dorado Union High School District Board of Trustees, but he’s also his school’s ASB vice president. “I was drawn to leadership simply by the desire to get involved and make a difference on campus. Leadership has since provided me countless opportunities to impact my school and community in a positive way,” says the born leader. He received a congressional nomination for the United States Air Force Academy from Congressman Tom McClintock earlier this year, and went on a service pilgrimage to Lourdes, France, last year to help the sick and disabled with the Hospitalité Notre Dame de Lourdes organization. In his free time, he enjoys making rap music videos with his friends and performing in poetry slam competitions. With a 4.33 total GPA throughout his four years of high school, he wants to attend the United States Air Force Academy, Santa Clara University, or anywhere else he can make a difference, to study economics or political science. After all, he says, “There are countless opportunities to change your life and the lives of others around you each and every day. Don’t wait to seize those opportunities, learn to seize them now.”—TM 

 Bryce Kreiser  //  17  //  Folsom

Known for positively building up Vista del Lago High School’s culture, Bryce is an active part of Vista’s Unity Project, which fosters relationships between upperclassmen and the nearby middle schools, as well as with incoming freshmen. “Everyone in the club knows it can be an awkward time,” Bryce says. “We just try to ease that transition.” The program enables students to visit with those outside of their grade in a classroom setting during the weekly advisory period. In addition to prioritizing the creation of a welcoming atmosphere, Bryce also enjoys playing sports. He does track and field, recreational basketball and competitive soccer. Bryce chooses to improve on his greatest academic strength, math, by continuing with calculus and joining his fellow math club teammates in mathlete competitions. Though not sure what the future holds, Bryce is smart and strategic about keeping his options open. “Even though I don’t know what I want to do now, I will eventually, so I’m doing my best at school. When I do know, I’ll be in a position to achieve it.” His advice to others his age is to also set themselves up for opportunities. “You don’t want to have regrets once you do have a goal.”—DS 

Averi Hutton  //  16  //  Folsom

Averi learned the lesson of dedication at a very young age. The Folsom sophomore participates in the club sport of crew, rowing with her teammates in a shell at Lake Natoma. “Crew is intense,” says Averi. “It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done.” Three-hour long practices start right after school every single weekday. And on Saturdays, the team practices for one hour. “Because of how demanding crew is, it has really taught me about mental strength. There are so many times you want to quit, but it teaches you how to push through that,” she says of the sport. That level of mental endurance helps her in her role as class president and keeps AP classes a manageable priority—classes that foster an inspiring environment for Averi because she is surrounded by high-achieving students who truly want to be there and who push each other to work harder. Averi also knows how to positively approach downfalls. “For what looks like a setback, I ask myself, ‘How will it affect me in the long run? How can I use this and learn from it?’” The sixteen-year-old has a passion for helping and protecting others, and her proudest accomplishment is serving as a lifeguard at the Folsom Aquatic Center.—DS

Katelyn Crowley  //  17  //  Shingle Springs

Katelyn has always been intrigued by science, ever since her days at Cedar Springs Waldorf School. “I can still remember the day we learned about light,” she recollects. The windows were taped with large black tarps, and everyone sat in utter darkness. The teacher then slowly turned the light on, and asked the students questions. “We were never simply told how our eyes worked…we had to think independently from a textbook, seeking answers for ourselves. These experiences were the defining moments in my education,” says the teen. So it comes as no surprise that she’s completed a 10-day biotechnology conference at UC Berkeley through National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC), maintained above a 4.0 GPA throughout her high school career, and received general excellence in all eight semesters. What’s more, she’s president of the Young Republicans Club at St. Francis Catholic High School and travelled to Tanzania last summer on a community service trip, building new bathrooms and repainting a local schoolroom. Ever the perfectionist, she describes herself as being eclectic, unique and driven, and has big dreams for herself. “My biggest hope for the future is to contribute to the field of medicine through my studies and work in biology, and to continue to serve both my local community and communities abroad through volunteer work.”—TM 

Emma Hinkle  //  18  //  Folsom

“I found a love for being given a project and then carrying it to the bitter end,” says Emma of her time spent serving in student government throughout all four years of high school. As the ASB president, Emma oversees 40 officers and thrives on the fact that everything they achieve is a group effort. She recognizes that while their work is on the small playing field of high school, student government is about a way larger phenomenon. “I’m surrounded by people who want to make a positive difference at the school and in the community. It’s so respectable,” she says. One way she works to improve the lives of the students and foster positive school culture is through the “Kidnapped” program, where student videographers go into classrooms and surprise-interview students who are doing exceptional things—be they academic, athletic or artistic. The video then gets aired to the entire campus,” Emma explains. Serving as president has seriously upped her organizational skills. When faced with a project, she thinks collaboratively. “I have to problem-solve and put plans together that are going to work universally. Here’s our end goal and here are all the steps that need to be accomplished before we can get to that point.” In college, Emma intends to seek out more project management and collaborative leadership roles.—DS