Q. In what grade are you currently enrolled?

A. I am currently a senior at Emmaus High School.

Q. What is your favorite subject? Why?

A. My favorite subject is biology because of the diversity of the topics that we cover. It’s interesting to learn about all the different aspects that make up life on Earth.

Q. Have you received any special awards or recognition?

A. I am a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist and a National Hispanic Scholar. Last year, I won second place in the statewide Penn State Essay Contest for High School Writers, as well as two Student Keystone Press Awards, one in the Feature Story category and one for Ongoing News Coverage.

Q. Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?

A. I am the managing editor of news for The Stinger, as well as a section leader in the EHS Green Hornet Marching Band. I am a member of various musical ensembles, where I play the clarinet. I participated on the debate team for three years and I am also involved in Model UN and National Honor Society. Outside of school, I volunteer with the first grade Sunday school class at my church and work at Stoltzfus Amish Deli in the Allentown Farmers’ Market.

Q. What is your next goal after high school?

A. I plan to attend a college where I will be able to explore my interests and come up with a more concrete game plan for the future.

Q. What do you consider your biggest challenge to date?

A. My biggest challenge has been trying to manage my tendency for procrastination.

Q. For what would you like to be remembered?

A. I hope to be remembered as a helpful friend and a hardworking student.

Q. Who is in your family?

A. My parents are Lydia and David and my younger siblings are Mia and James.

Q. Whom do you admire? Why?

A. I admire Irena Sendler, who risked her life to rescue children from the Warsaw Ghetto during the Holocaust. She was an extremely brave and inspirational woman and I wish more people knew her story.

Q. Do you have any advice for your peers?

A. Don’t join tons of clubs and activities just to pad your resume. It’s a great idea to try many activities at first to find what piques your interest, but it’s okay to narrow it down so you can make sure that you are getting the most satisfaction out of your valuable time. You will be much happier when you can focus on pursuing activities that you truly enjoy.