2009 Guatemala Leader Week Attendees

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DANYA POMPEYA ANOUTI
Phoenix, Arizona | Arizona State University

Danya is a first generation American with a multicultural heritage and strong aspirations. "My father is Lebanese and my mother is Mexican-German. I am stuck between my parents' ideals and those shown to me by this amazing country, but the product of this mix is quite beautiful, because I get the best of all worlds. I am a feminist. Women are still oppressed in many ways all over the world, and I want to fight for the equality that is justly theirs."

Danya is also an outstanding student and community servant. She has a perfect 5.0 at one of Arizona's top high schools. She takes a full slate of advanced placement courses and plans to take AP and international baccalaureate exams in a variety of subjects.

She has won three state swimming championships and, as captain of her swim team, enjoys giving teammates a "motivational note and snack" before each meet. A two-time recipient of the Scholar Athlete Award at her school, Danya has also twice received the Pride, Hustle and Desire Award for her outstanding drive. Her coach has presented her the Coach's Award, and her team received the All American Team Award.

At school, Danya is vice president of the National Honor Society and participates in several other organizations such as her school's fashion club, the International Club and the knitting club. "I joined the knitting club in hopes of learning a new skill (but) most of the organizations I participate in focus on community service,” says Danya.

Outside of school Danya volunteers with the Arizona Humane Society in the cat adoption center. She also works as a trapper, capturing stray cats so they can be spayed and neutered by the AZ Cats organization. Danya also volunteers at a local hospital, running errands for the staff and assisting in the patient discharge process.

Danya has had part-time and full-time jobs, where her rapid learning style and skills have attracted notice. The national chain bookstore where she currently works, recognizing her customer service talent and competence, took the unusual step of sending her to advanced training so she could help train new staff members at the store. Such training is normally reserved for seasoned full-time employees.

KYLE FENTON BALDWIN
Fairfield, California | Bryant University

If the achievements of individual Boy Scouts were reported on the sporting pages like baseball statistics, Kyle's records would not only be making daily news but would one day land for him an honored place in the Hall of Fame. To say that he is an Eagle Scout is not enough. To say that he has earned all 121 merit badges offered by the Boy Scout program is still not enough. Both Kyle and his brother have been awarded the Hornaday Medal by the Boy Scouts. To receive this incredible award the recipient must undertake and complete four major conservation projects, each of which is the equivalent of an individual Eagle Scout Project. The Hornaday Medal has been awarded only seventy times in the past 100 years! "My brother and I are the most successful scouts in the country – no other brothers have earned every merit badge and the Hornaday Medal," writes Kyle.

Kyle, active in 4-H, is currently vice president of his local chapter and serves as a teen leader and member of the Incentives and Recognition Committee for the county 4-H program.

Through his scouting and 4-H activities Kyle has a monumental community service record. He has collected thousands of pairs of used eyeglasses for the Lions Club; built bat boxes and trail signs at a local park; developed a solar energy program for high school students; organized and conducted a "Clean Up Green Valley Creek" litter removal and prevention program at a local elementary school; and has engaged in a myriad of other service projects.

Kyle and his brother started a non-profit organization called "My Own Book,” devoted to collecting and distributing books for needy kids in his area. They have distributed over 5600 books; have spoken to Rotary and Lion's Club luncheons about the program; have enlisted the assistance of Fairfield's mayor and fire chief in the effort; and recently received a Youth Literacy Grant from the National Education Association and the Dale Earnhardt Legend Leadership Award in conjunction with the program. "The children who receive books are delighted,” says Kyle. The brothers have also begun a business called Baldwin Farms, which sells holiday wreaths, eggs, and produce during the summer.

Kyle, a top student in his class, is a candidate for the International Baccalaureate Diploma. He tutors math and captains of the varsity tennis team. He is treasurer of Junior State at his school, president of the National Honor Society and a member of the school Academic Decathlon team. "I competed on our school's Scholar Bowl team at the National Honor Society Conference and we won fifth place overall in the nation," he reports.

MARIELA LIZET CASTILLO
Washington, D. C. | Worcenter Polytechnic Institute

Mariela was born in Washington, D. C. but lived in El Salvador until she was twelve. When she returned she had no knowledge of English. Banneker is a top school in the D.C. area, but it doesn't have an ESL (English as a second language) program. "I had to take regular classes when I wasn't fully prepared for them," says Mariela.

But today, just five years later, Mariela is a top student at her high school, takes International Baccalaureate courses and is also an inventor. As a participant in two science programs at her school, FIRST Robotics Competition and InvenTeams, she has designed, built and applied for a patent on a security device for cell phones. She has discussed her invention before groups at the Air and Space Museum, the Smithsonian Museum of American History, the Old City Museum and at various other engineering and technology conferences. "By giving presentations," she says, "money is donated to the team."

Last summer she worked at the Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs as an administrative assistant and performed community outreach functions such as voter registration. She has volunteered at the Bead Museum operated by The Bead Society of Greater Washington. As a volunteer, she translated brochures into Spanish, gave Spanish-language tours and helped teach children bead work.

KEM CHATFIELD, JR.
Miami Gardens, Florida | University of Florida

Kem is not easily deterred from his goals. If he wants something, he will go out and make it happen! At one time, Kem concluded that the clubs and activities available to him were insufficient, so he took it upon himself to expand the possibilities. Founder and president of his school's Social Studies Honor Society, he also revived two organizations which had become inactive: his school's Key Club, and The Boys' Mentor Group, which works to guide and tutor at-risk inner city boys.

As vice president of his church's youth group, Kem has organized a variety of fundraisers and community service activities. He also participates in an organization called My Backyard, through which he tutors and mentors middle school students.

Not only a skilled leader, Kem is also an excellent student who ranks in the top 5% of his class and is a member of SECME, a technology-oriented program through which he is able to broaden and expand his science and math skills.

In his free time, Kem has a new twist on the “three Rs.” He loves to read, write -- and wrestle! His stories have earned many awards and, through them, Kem has found a way to inspire others. Wrestling gives him a way to test and improve his perseverance and endurance, and to prepare himself to take on life's obstacles.

JOHN HANQING CHEN
Troy, Ohio | Vanderbilt University

John ranks first in his class of 335, has set a goal of taking every honors and advanced placement class offered at his school, and has nearly perfect SAT scores. He has won various school and state-level math contests. Recently he was selected to be a member of the Ohio team to participate in the annual American Regions Math League (ARML) contest – an event that features the nation's top secondary school mathematics students.

But academics are not John's only passion: he writes, draws and plays piano. "I began my life-long love affair with the piano a decade ago," he writes, and has achieved concert-level skill as a pianist. John has performed at the Dayton Art Institute Young Artist Recital and competed in the Buckeye State Piano Competition. As a writer, John has had work published in the Ohio Association of Gifted Children (OAGC) Review and won first place in a regional writing contest called “Imagine If.” One of his pointillist paintings was selected for display at the Hayner Cultural Center and the local Board of Education displayed one of his chalk pastel works.

John is vice president of the math club, and a member of the speech and debate club, Rhetoric Society, Key Club, National Honor Society, Junior State of America and Young Democrats. He also founded and serves as president of the school chess club.

John has a strong record of community service. He helped plan a fund raiser to help a student at his school who was involved in a serious automobile accident, organized efforts for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts and worked to support the House of Bread Homeless Shelter in his community. He has played piano for residents of a local nursing home and at a local church – not to mention the fact that he is the accompanist for the school choir.

SHEN CHEN
Chapel Hill, North Carolina | McGill University

“After watching a documentary during the World Cup on the poverty level in one of Ecuador's national players' hometown, I was moved and inspired to act” says Shen. And act he did. The documentary brought a face to the poverty levels in that area of the world, but as a soccer player he felt a connection. As a result he co-founded SweatSpots, an organization that donates soccer equipment to needy places around the world. So far, Shen's group has organized soccer equipment drives, collecting shoes, shin guards, balls and other items. “The hope is that by the end of the year, we will have ten boxes full of donated soccer equipment.” In addition to the soccer organization, last year Shen organized and implemented a food drive for AIDS patients living in his region, with the cooperation of local food stores such as Whole Foods. He has served as a Special Olympics soccer coach and YMCA basketball coach, and has received the Hard Corps Volunteer Award and Rotary International Youth Leadership Award.

While Shen takes advanced placement courses in a number of subjects, it is his “strong interest” in social studies and geography that have resulted in his greatest honors. He placed in the top five at the AAA Travel Challenge and took honorable mention in a contest sponsored by the UNA-USA West Triangle. He also received the Frederick Douglass and Susan Anthony Award in Humanities and Social Studies. His interest in geography is partly a practical one. “I have been quite the world traveler…constantly on the move. To date, I have lived in three different continents and six different cities.”

Shen is both an athlete and a musician. As an athlete, he played soccer for his school, contributing to a conference championship, and for the Durham-Chapel Hill Strikers soccer club. He was also a member of the varsity track team. As a musician he has earned the Royal Conservatory of Music Piano Grade 9 with Honors certificate. At his school he founded Quiz Bowl, helped recruit 20 members and currently serves as its captain. He is co-president of his school's Habitat for Humanity chapter, spearheading fundraising drives at college football games and helping to build houses in his community. During summers he volunteers at the Durham VA Hospital. For his services he received an outstanding community service award by the mayor of Durham. This in turn led him to be named to the Student Action Board of Durham, a committee involved in helping the community through volunteering and creating service projects.

MARGARET CHIU
Gahanna, Ohio | California Institute of Technology

“I see violence as a pebble dropped in a pond whose ripples have far-reaching effects,” writes Margaret, who has a passion for eliminating youth violence. She had seen violence in her own school and wanted to send positive messages encouraging nonviolent behavior. As a result she designed a media campaign promoting nonviolence, which featured a contest to select the best posters and public service announcements submitted by students at her school. Margaret is vice chair of the Columbus Youth Commission and has worked on various projects addressing youth violence. She chaired the In School Nonviolence Project, which was given a $10,000 budget by the Columbus City Council. “I am proud that I am able to serve my city and society and potentially make our world a better place.”

At school she is ranked first among 650 students and has exceptionally high SAT scores. However, she sees grades and class rank not in competitive terms but as an indication of her excitement at the process of learning. “Because I love what I do -- learning -- I am able to perform well in my classes,” she writes.

Margaret participates in the National Honor Society, the student council, the Superintendent's Advisory Council, and the School Climate Committee, an organization devoted to reducing student violence. She plays golf on the varsity girls' golf team, captains the speech and debate team, and is an accomplished violinist who serves as concertmistress of her school's orchestra. Selected to be part of the All-State Orchestra, Margaret uses her musical skills to give back to her community by teaching violin and performing for charitable events and nursing homes. She has also been a key member of the GenerAsian NeXt Youth Leadership Conference planning committee, an annual event designed to help Asian youth bridge the cultural divide.

With a love of science and exploration, Margaret has spent her summers working in a science laboratory. Through the Clark Scholars Program, Margaret received a science work-study fellowship to perform research at Texas Tech University during summer 2007.

RYAN GRANT FLOREK
Post Falls, Idaho | Tulane University

“I am motivated by a burning desire to find the kind of success that comes with helping people make their lives better…the next generation must work together to ensure that the promises of our forefathers will be extended into the future,” writes Ryan. Ryan's desires have pushed him to overcome many obstacles in order to achieve the very dream our forefathers had in mind.

“I learned that I had Tourette's Syndrome when I was in sixth grade…Physical and vocal tics and OCD are challenges I face daily.” Despite these challenges Ryan has become a leader at his school. He was chosen to be the Idaho representative to the Hugh O'Brian Youth World Leadership Congress, he hosted a weekly news segment called Eye on Idaho, where he informed his school of the political happenings in the state, and he took first place in the Veterans of Foreign Wars' “Voice of Democracy” essay competition. His winning essay focused on the rule of law and on maintaining liberty even during trying times. Ryan also went to State as a member of the Post Falls High School Quiz Bowl team.

Ryan doesn't let financial obstacles stop him from getting the experience he needs to become a young leader. Not only does he work at the Kootenai Animal Hospital to make some extra money, he has single handedly raised over $1,000 in order to take part in his eighth grade trip to the East Coast, and in the Hugh O'Brian Youth World Leadership Congress in Washington D.C.

Ryan is an active participant in Post Falls High School activities. He is a junior class representative in the Associated Student Body, a member of the National Honor Society, and a member of the cross-country team. In addition, he is a talented musician and has played the piano for over five years. He was featured in the 2007 spring recital hosted by his piano teacher.

JORDAN FRANKS
Gresham, Oregon | Rice University

Jordan is an exceptional student with a 4.0 grade point average who likes to go beyond his many high grades to seek extra knowledge. Not only is he taking all the AP classes offered at his school, he also takes independent Latin and travels to the local community college to take chemistry. “Chemistry has been a love of mine since I picked up and read my father's college textbook,” says Jordan.

His interest in science goes beyond his courses. Jordan is president of the Science Alliance Club at his school, organizing and leading science experiments with other students. As captain of the Science Bowl team, Jordan has also made school announcements, constructed and administered a selection test, and led team meetings.

School and science are not the only areas in which Jordan excels. He is also a talented musician. He was selected to be saxophonist for the Mt. Hood Jazz Festival All-Star Band and the All-Northwest Honor Band, where he was one of only two baritone saxophone players selected from seven Northwest states. He is vice president for bands at the high school and was a member of a saxophone quartet that played at the Oregon Symphony. In addition to his music, Jordan has found time to be a member of the high school football, soccer, basketball, and track teams.

During his free time Jordan works as both a tutor and a saxophone teacher giving private lessons, and also volunteers in his community. In 2006 his band ran a fundraising campaign in which cookie dough was sold. Jordan was uncomfortable with encouraging people to buy food containing hydrogenated oils and preservatives, so he made a deal with a local fruit grocer and sold boxes of fruit instead. In the end he raised almost $300 for his band without compromising his core values!

FARIHAH KHAN
Miami Gardens, Florida | University of Florida

Not only is Farihah president of both the SECME and Science Honors Club at her high school, she's also a National Honor Society Member and ranks first in her class academically. She has received awards for church and stage performances, and her artwork has recently provoked the interest of some prestigious institutions of higher education.

Although successful in all of her academic subjects, Farihah feels that her "motivation and success [come from her] community service projects." In August 2006, she created Project Pinch a Penny to raise money for starved and malnourished children in the African nation of Congo. She has also participated in Project Downtown, which feeds and clothes the homeless in downtown Miami, and in fundraising for the Ronald McDonald house. Says Farihah: "These projects provide me with a sense of pride and meaning.... I feel as though the 'big picture' of me is nothing without them."

TAYLOR YEAGER MATALONE
Seattle, Washington | University of Washington

“I live a life full of passion,” writes Taylor. “My life is made up of a huge patchwork of dreams, hobbies, [and] ambitions. My music, my family, my writing, my friends, my tennis, and my aspiration are all pieces of the puzzle that make up the ‘big picture' of me.”

Taylor's “patchwork” of activities makes for a pretty impressive resume! She is currently ranked number one in her high school class and is a two year member of the National Honor Society. She takes the heaviest class load available, including upper-level science, math, and language.

Taylor is captain of the girls' tennis team; she received the first-place team and second-place overall speaker award at the Metro Novice Policy Debate Championship; she was selected as a top student in her class by faculty, and she participates in the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra as a classically trained clarinet player.

Beyond her personal achievements, Taylor works hard to give back to her community. She spearheaded the organization, production, and creation of an awareness assembly for the Darfur Genocide in Sudan. As a two-year board member of the West Seattle National Honor Society, she has organized large service projects, created a merit-based senior scholarship fund, oversees the budget and helps to construct the bylaws of the Society. In addition, Taylor volunteers at the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop and has led a school-wide Red Cross Refugee Welcome Kit Drive. She is also a member of the Greenwood Concert Band, a group of 60 musicians who give their time to provide free outdoor summer concerts across the greater Seattle area.

JILLIAN MARIE OGREN
Stillwater, Minnesota | Marquette University

Jillian has a perfect grade-point average, takes advanced placement and honors courses and is first-ranked in her class of over 700 students. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), secretary of the student council, and captain of the school's speech team.

“My biggest personal achievement centers on me being part of the speech team,” states Jillian. At an early age, she had a speech impediment which required therapy. However, she overcame the difficulty and has gone on to become a confident public speaker. She has won many ribbons, medals and trophies for her speaking engagements and made it to the finals of a regional tournament last year.

She is a member of the Spirit of Christian Youth (SCY), and participates in a number of community activities through SCY and on her own. She volunteers at her town's annual Lumberjack Days festival, at a local hospital during summers, and is incoming president of the St. Croix Area Youth United Way. In this role she will also serve on the adult board of the regional United Way chapter, and will be in charge of numerous fundraising efforts in support of local youth charities during her senior year. In addition, Jillian is starting a nonprofit organization, Lidz for Kidz Made by Kidz, whose purpose is to make hats for children who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment.

DONNA QUACH
Seattle, Washington | University of Washington

Donna is a successful scholar-athlete and is committed to serving her community. She is an academic star at Franklin High School and has received the Paul Robeson Scholar Athlete Award on several occasions. Donna's election as captain of her soccer team reflected her outstanding ability to communicate with others, her enthusiasm, and her passion to succeed.

Donna displays dedication to her community through both school-related and outside activities. At her local community center she is a member of Junior Achievement, holding the position of marketing manager. She and her fellow JA members donated a significant portion of their earnings to the local community center to fund recreational activities for teens. In addition, Donna is an officer of the Key Club, the Asian Student Association and the National Honor Society. With these clubs she has participated in numerous fundraisers for organizations including UNICEF, the Salvation Army, Puget Sound Blood Center and Northwest Harvest.

Outside of school, Donna volunteers at Jefferson Park and Recreation. She has worked with them for four years and participates in projects that benefit the local community. As coordinator of the Teen Advisory Council, Donna has organized many community events and even wrote a grant application that earned the organization a $3,000 award!

AMELIA KATHLEEN RAPP
Huntington, West Virginia | University of Pittsburgh

Amelia is in the Honors Program, was secretary of the Student Council, vice president of Key Club, vice president of the National Honor Society, treasurer of the Beta Club, president of the Latin Club, was on her school tennis team and is registered in Who's Who Among American High School Students. She is on the National Honor Roll for exceptional performance, will attend West Virginia Girls' State in summer 2007; was chosen to attend the WV Governor's Honors Academy and also the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) seminar program. She recently earned the Girl Scout Gold Award – the highest award conferred by the Girl Scouts of America. Most recently Amelia received the Harvard Book Prize and the President's Volunteer Service Award, and was elected senior class president. And, if one couldn't guess, Amelia is one of the top students in her school, taking honors and advanced placement classes.

“The achievement I am most proud of is my ability to speak in public,” says Amelia. As captain of her school's speech and debate team she has committed to working daily with other team members. As a result, this spring her team placed third in the state.

Outside of school, Amelia volunteers at St. Mary's Medical Center and has participated in fundraising efforts to help area homeless people. Many of her community service efforts have been in conjunction with the Girl Scouts. These include: Operation Shoebox, neighborhood cleanup efforts, participation in multi-cultural fairs, nursing home projects and helping younger scouts get a good grounding in scouting activities. Her Gold Award project involved assisting county middle school students' transition to high school. She did this by conducting a club fair and by designing a brochure about life in high school from a student's point of view.

KYLA JEAN SOMMERS
Kansas City, Missouri | George Washington University

“I am a sixteen-year-old redhead bursting with energy, motivation, and passion,” Kyla writes. Kyla is the very definition of “well-rounded.” She is an academic, athletic and musical success and works to give back to her community.

Achieving a 4.0 average, Kyla is a member of the National Honor Society and always takes the most rigorous schedule possible. She is also a talented athlete who captains both the cross-country and track team. “The challenge and work I've put forward to overcome asthma has given me a great sense of achievement and pride,” says Kyla. She never let her battle with asthma slow her down and was the first Oak Park girl in ten years to qualify for the state cross-country competition!

Kyla is also an accomplished musician. She is a top student at her piano studio and has received high honors from the Mid America Music Association and the Piano Guild.

In addition to her athletic and artistic achievements, Kyla is dedicated to her school and her community. Competing on her school's speech and debate team, she has gained a passion for politics and public policy, and worked hard to establish a political club at her school.

Through her church and through her schools Student Service club, Kyla works hard to give back to her community. She volunteers weekly at her church and has participated in fundraisers that brought in over $20,000 to support her missions trip. Through the Student Service Club, she has volunteered with a variety of organizations including Synergy, Della Lamb Community Services, soup kitchens, Special Olympics, ReStart, and Relay for Life. In addition, Kyla serves as one of 12 young women on the Girls' Grant Project, whose task is to review grant applications and choose how money donated by the Women's Foundation of Greater Kansas City will be used.

EMMA ANNETTE STOCKDALE
Knoxville, Tennessee | Rice University

“I am a hard worker, and I know how to separate work from play,” says Emma. “I am diligent, thoughtful, tactful, analytical, optimistic, and persistent.” This seems to be the perfect description of Emma as it would take all those traits to succeed in the way that she has. Her achievements are many and multifaceted. She maintains a 4.2 GPA while participating in just about every club one can imagine, from Student Government to Spanish Club. She is president of the National Honor Society, secretary of the Student Government Association, senior class treasurer and secretary of the Spanish Club.

Among her many interests, Emma has a special passion for technology. As the CEO of her group at the Governor's School for Information Technology Leadership Competition, her team took second place for its business plan. Her interest in science and technology is further developed through her work experience. During the summer, when many students are taking a break, Emma works hard at her full-time job at the Knoxville Eye Surgery Center. There she acquires both medical and administrative experience. “I do not work to support my family,” writes Emma, “[but] I work for experience, self-satisfaction, and to build up my savings account for the future.”

Emma believes that community service is an important way to give back and make a difference. She is the president and founder of a Lions service club called The Westside Leos. With this group, Emma plans and participates in fundraisers for a variety of causes including cystic fibrosis, cancer, and children's organizations. As a part of Student Government, Emma is very much involved in raising money for the community. In the spring of 2007, she and her classmates organized a game night to support the National Breast Cancer Foundation in memory of a recently departed member.

ASHLEY BLAINE TATE
Abingdon, Virginia | Christopher Newport University

“The single most important thing that motivates me is my desire to help others; when I get discouraged, I have to remind myself of who/what I am out there for,” says Ashley. In the last few years, true to her word, she has been instrumental in raising more than $120,000 for organizations such as the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association and the March of Dimes. In the last year alone, she has volunteered over 800 hours in order to raise the money dollar by dollar.

The fundraisers that Ashley manages are large in scale and creative. For the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, she has organized an entire girl's softball tournament every summer for the past seven years. She spends approximately 400 hours each summer on the tournament alone, making it almost a full time job!

In addition to her softball tournament, Ashley was named the 2007 American Heart Association “Queen of Hearts.” During this campaign, Ashley organized and managed a photo fundraiser, a beauty pageant, a pizza fundraiser and two fashion shows; ran an American Heart Association Sweetheart campaign, and started a small business selling candy arrangements. In two short months Ashley was able to raise $30,000!

On top of all her fundraising, Ashley also has an impressive lineup of personal achievements. She was named a WTFM Hometown Hero and selected for Who's Who Among American High School Students, Washington County Community Scholars and All-District Band. A recipient of the Virginia Attorney General/Troutman Sanders “YOUTH” award, she has completed requirements for the Congressional Award Gold Medal, and was chosen to represent the Tri-City area as a student ambassador with the People to People International Student Ambassador program.

“I live with both my parents…without their support both emotionally and financially, I couldn't accomplish the things I do,” says Ashley. She is most influenced by her mother who has “done everything she could to help me and always tries to keep my spirits up.”