A strong leader and active student, Danie Altidor is a credit to Miami Central High School. As junior class president, Danie has had the opportunity to learn valuable lessons about leadership. In addition, she has founded several school clubs, such as a breast cancer awareness group. Danie leads the ecology club and is member of countless others. She also participates in a sign language interpretation group at her church. Danie’s role model is her sister, who overcame tragedy to pursue her dreams. Eventually, Danie hopes to practice corporate law and continue to exceed expectations.

Anthony Angiuli has clocked more than 500 hours serving his community as a student at Cardinal Newman High School. An active member of the National Honor Society and Key Club, he has given many hours of assistance to Quantum House, a local Ronald McDonald house. Anthony also spearheaded a project to collect welcome baskets for the families that stay there. Recently, Anthony attended the Florida Key Club convention with his school club where he helped give a presentation on their project “Hunger Never Takes a Holiday,” for which they received the highest award, the Governor’s Citation Award. After graduation, Anthony hopes to find a way to combine his two passions—basketball and medicine—into a career.

Nidhi Avashia is making a difference as a senior at Lake Region High School. She founded the first Habitat for Humanity high school chapter in her county and serves as its director, where she helps those in need and reaches out to her community. She has served as president of her National Honor Society, in leadership for student government and as a student representative on her school’s strategic planning committee. Nidhi has also been a member of the academic team, Mu Alpha Theta and the varsity tennis team. Her volunteer work includes helping at a local hospital, interning with a cancer research center, tutoring students in math and helping with a school for disabled children. Nidhi hopes to pursue a medical degree following graduation.

“I believe it takes honor, courage and commitment to lead,” says Thomas Dean Brooks, Navy JROTC commanding officer at Ridgewood High School. In this role and as student government president and captain of his football and weightlifting teams, Dean has shown his ability to lead others. He was also a Boys State delegate and attended the 2003 Emerging Leaders Conference. When his parents divorced when he was 13, Dean says he had to grow up and be the “man of the house.” This experience helped shape the man he is today and taught him the value of hard work in reaching his goals. Dean plans to attend the University of Florida and major in criminology with the ultimate goal of becoming a lawyer.

Jessica Burkhart of Keystone National High School and Stone Ridge Homeschool is an avid writer and has been published in several magazines. She also is collaborating on a new publication for teen girls that will feature materials for and by other teens. Jessica also loves giving her time to community causes. She has accumulated more than 1,700 hours of service to her local humane society while fostering animals and aiding with promotion of the society’s services. She also works with the Shriners Hospital by e-mailing patients to talk about her own experience as a patient there when she had spinal surgery. By talking with the patients, she brings hope and comfort to others. Currently, she is finishing high school as a homeschooler while working on an associate’s degree in English. Jessica hopes to continue on to a four-year college with a double major in
journalism and English literature.

Artistic and talented, Sean Croft of Melbourne Central Catholic High School plays four instruments, acts in school productions and creates art. As a freshman, Sean stepped into the spotlight when he had to take over as lead in the school play halfway through rehearsals. Last summer, he studied drama at Oxford University in England, where he performed in Henry IV parts one and two and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He also performs viola in the Brevard Symphony Orchestra. In addition, Sean excels at tennis, writes for the school newspaper and is a member of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. Following graduation, he plans to attend a liberal arts school in the Northeast and major in music, drama or history.

Pedro Diaz has shown his leadership skill as drum major of the Poinciana High School band as a junior and senior. He has also distinguished himself as an academically talented student and member of the soccer and track and field teams. Pedro is also a member of the Beta Club, National Honor Society and is a teen court jury member. He will continue to develop his leadership skills as a cadet at West Point. Pedro says that September 11 made him realize that the freedoms he cherishes cannot be taken for granted, and the event influenced his decision to attend the military academy. He hopes to pursue a political career.

Deltona High School senior C.C. Engilis stands out as a leader and a high achiever. She is class salutatorian as well as a varsity tennis and golf player. In her role as president of the student body, C.C. led the organization of homecoming festivities for more than 3,000 students. She is also involved in the Model U.N. club, National Honor Society and volunteers with her church. C.C. credits her mom with helping her succeed. “She truly showed me love in every way, and I am the person I am, with all the confidence and ambition I have, because of her,” says C.C. She plans to attend the University of Florida and pursue a degree in medicine. Voted “Most Likely to Succeed” by her class, C.C. is sure to continue to be a leader.

Thalia Escobedo says moving to the U.S. from Mexico had the greatest impact on her life. Learning a new language and a new culture has helped her to realize her own inner strength and her ability to achieve her dreams. Currently she is class president and a member of the marching band and National Honor Society. She is also very active in her church youth group and the Fellowship of Christian Students. Thalia will attend Florida Southern College and will major in psychology with a minor in music or music education. She plans to minister in churches and youth groups.

Mt. Dora High School’s Frank Fogarty is the founding member of the Medical Explorers of Lake County club, which brings together young adults interested in medicine with professionals in the field. He is an active volunteer with the Central Florida Zoo as a docent, teaching others about animals and conservation. Though he is the youngest docent at the zoo, his expertise is highly regarded by the staff. Frank also plays golf and piano for both the concert and jazz bands. He is co-captain of his school’s quiz bowl team and participates on the math team. Frank plans to pursue his love of animals by obtaining a degree in zoology and/or veterinary medicine.

Charisma and determination are two qualities that define Adam Grizzle of Fort Walton Beach High School. As the president of his school’s Beta Club, Adam has been exposed to his community and the importance of character. “It has created a fire within my heart to continue to serve others by leading and to be the strongest leader that I am capable of being,” he says. He also gained a desire to be involved in public policy and service through internships with a congressman and his district superintendent. Voted “Most Likely To Succeed,” Adam plans to attend the University of Florida and continue to Georgetown University with the hopes of becoming a congressman.

Determination and dedication describe Amy Hernandez’s attitude toward life. Voted “Most Athletic” and “Best All-Around” of her class at South Dade High School, she is captain of the varsity volleyball and basketball teams. Amy is also a member of many clubs, including Key Club, National Honor Society and student government. She is also the leader of her church youth group. Amy has also volunteered many hours for a variety of causes, such as wildlife rehabilitation and cancer research. She credits her parents with supporting her and helping her to pursue her goals. “They told me I can do anything I want to do as long as I apply myself no matter how difficult the task is,” she says. After graduation, she plans to attend a university in Florida and major in pre-med or biology.

Vince Hosaflook of Belleview High School is recognized for his honesty and desire to attain excellence in all he attempts. As a pitcher and outfielder for his school’s baseball team, Vince shows leadership on the field and off. His athletic pursuits include karate, volleyball and basketball, as well. Vince also excels in Web design and as a member of the video production club. He credits his parents for his success. “They provide for me and make sure that I set high goals,” he says. “With their love and support, there is nothing that I cannot conquer.” Others, such as his middle school principal, have also noted something special about this fine young man and have helped to build his confidence to continue to reach for higher levels. Following high school, Vince will pursue a career in engineering and hopes to work for NASA or in computer animation.

“Leadership is not just a title,” says senior Cecilia Kolstad. “It is the example one sets and the goals one achieves by motivating others.” She practices this as president of the student body and other leadership positions in the Spanish National Honor Society, Model U.N., volleyball team and many other activities at Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School. As a leader, Cecilia tries to exhibit perseverance, respect, tolerance and responsibility and develop programs to help her fellow students develop these skills. Following high school, she hopes to continue helping others with a career in medicine.

Bay High School student government president Brooke Longshore raises school spirit, encourages volunteerism and leads students toward their goals. She leads by example as an active participant in numerous school clubs, including the varsity cheerleading team. In addition, she models volunteerism through her more than 800 hours of personal involvement. A favorite quote of hers is that “if you fail to try, you are trying to fail.” By seizing opportunities and making the most of them, Brooke is on the way to success. She will attend the University of Florida and major in pre-medicine with the goal of becoming a pediatrician.

Nundia Louis of Freedom High School is senior class vice president and a member of the Spanish National Honor Society and National Society of High School Scholars. She credits the aunt who has raised her since her mother’s death for inspiring her to follow her dreams to become a doctor. Originally from Haiti, Nundia is the founder of a club at her school that celebrates her native culture. In addition, she has also helped start a club that focuses on people with depression and eating disorders. She plans to go the University of Central Florida and become a neurosurgeon.

Christy McCool of Niceville High School stays active as the captain of the varsity soccer team and member of the varsity volleyball teams. She is also second in her class of more than 500 and has performed more than 600 hours of community service. Christy participates in the Student Government Association, Key Club, math team and is vice president of the National Honor Society. After graduation, she plans to attend the University of Notre Dame on an Air Force ROTC scholarship and major in electrical engineering. She will then enter the United States Air Force and serve her country as an officer.

Living with purpose is what motivates Sobia Ozair of Florida State University School. Through multiple internships with physicians and in hospitals, Sobia discovered her purpose is to work in health care. “I want to be remembered as someone who had a purpose and was able to fulfill that purpose after hard work and perseverance,” she says. Sobia’s club involvement includes Mu Alpha Theta, Brain Bowl, Key Club, HOSA, National Honor Society and Latin Club. As president of the math honor society, Mu Alpha Theta, she was challenged with increasing participation in the school’s calculus team. Through promotions and her work to increase student incentives for participation, she boosted membership significantly. “I learned that there is always a way to success, as long as you stay focused on your goal,” she says. Sobia plans to major in biology and pursue a medical degree.

Eagle Scout Mitcheal Pearl is active in community affairs beyond his accomplishments at Manatee High School. For his Eagle Scout project, he organized a team to update a pavilion at a local park. “This project allowed me to give back to the community a fresh, updated pavilion where families could go to enjoy themselves,” he says. Mitchael also has worked with the Humane Society for six years, for which he has participated on the executive board, assisted with animal care and organized fund-raisers. He has also helped animals by promoting adoptions on air with a local TV station. Mitcheal also participates in TV production at school, where he serves as the weatherman and has been a producer for the morning show for that past two years. Mitcheal plans to pursue a degree in journalism and continue volunteer projects with animals.

Cyprus Creek High School senior Rita Perez enjoys serving her community as an active member of the Interact Club. As the chair of the club’s decorations committee, she helped organize a Halloween party for homeless children. Rita is also a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club and Business Professionals of America. “I want people to remember how motivated and hardworking I am as well as my love for helping out others,” she says. After graduation, Rita plans to attend the University of Central Florida and pursue a degree in hospitality in order to open her own event-planning business.

Outstanding student Andre Rand excels in class and out. An accomplished saxophonist, Andre served as drum major for the Fletcher High School marching band and led it to the 2003 National Band Championship in Arizona. In addition, he is the first African-American elected senior class president at his school. He also holds leadership positions in Key Club, National Honor Society and the Multicultural Club, which he founded. Andre grew up in a military family and lived for four years in Germany and traveled extensively. “Living in Europe taught me that people are more alike than different no matter where they live in the world,” he says. Andre plans to attend the University of Miami and major in music engineering.

Carolina Ruiz speaks the language of success. As a member of Lake Worth High School’s sign language club and a Spanish translator, Carolina helps to bridge the differences between individuals. In addition, she is an active participant in many community service activities, such as assisting with her school’s blood drive. Overcoming her own fears, she donated blood herself and also encouraged others to give the gift of life. After graduation, Carolina plans to attend Keiser College in Lake Worth and become a massage therapist. “My goal is to be successful in life and to be able to help my family,” she says.

B.T. Washington High School junior Steve Smith plays varsity golf, stays active in his church and is in the top five of his class. He also participates in his school’s Youth Leadership Pensacola (LEAP) program and attended the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership program. Steve serves as junior class president and is vice president of Interact Club. Serving as business manager for his school’s noted literary magazine has been a major learning opportunity for him. Under his leadership, the staff was able to raise $5,000 for production and printing. He was also selected to serve as a district representative for the Florida Scholastic Press Association and help plan the annual convention. Steve wants to attend a liberal arts university and major in business.

Alexander Wales attends the International Baccalaureate School, a rigorous program that challenges students in many academic areas. He is well-placed, having earned perfect scores on both the ACT and SAT. This remarkable young man also excels in music as a pianist and in video production and has won numerous awards in each. Alex participates in many school clubs and helped initiate a mentor program among students in the IB program. A compassionate young man, he helps with an outreach program for mentally handicapped individuals at his church, which has made a great impact on his life. Alex plans to attend a liberal arts college and pursue a service-oriented career.

Curiosity, intelligence and compassion set Rachel Zelkowitz apart from her peers at Lake Brantley High School. Her enthusiasm and love of learning extends to science, math, literature, music and other subjects. As drum major in the marching band and president of her National Honor Society, Rachel leads others with her contagious spirit. In addition to participating in numerous school activities, she also tutors, serves as an attorney for the Teen Court program in her county and performs research in the field of plant pathology. She also went to Pacific Rim countries on a scientific exchange program. “I hope that I will be remembered as someone who managed to balance life inside and outside of the classroom and who derived satisfaction from all her endeavors,” says Rachel, who is ranked number one in her large senior class. After graduation from her school’s bio-tech dual enrollment program, she hopes to study biology and pursue a career as a medical researcher or physician.