Discus Award Winner
Winners Gallery
PHOTOS
Esmeralda Abarca
12th Grade, CA
ATTRIBUTES
Athletics
I ran Cross Country my first two years, and Track and Field all three years. I caught pneumonia at the end of my sophomore year but it did not stop me from setting high expectations for myself. I have a great passion for running, but until this year's Track season I finally accomplished my goals. I broke two school records; the 100m Hurdles and the 300m Hurdles. I gave it full commitment and dedication. I am now the top Hurdler in my school which makes me proud of all the hard work both physically and mentally I put into the sport. I admit I have a great talent as a hurdler, but my skills have drastically improved through the years thanks to the support of my coach and of course, my team.
Academics
My eighth grade algebra teacher has been my biggest inspiration towards academics. I graduated from John Liechty Middle School as a valedictorian with a 4.0 GPA. Once i started high school, my mind was set to attain a high GPA. By the end of my sophomore year i had a 3.96, and decided to take two AP classes. I took AP U.S. History and AP English Language and Composition. I did not pass the AP history exam; however, I did pass the the AP English exam. I feel very proud of myself for all the time I dedicated to those two classes without taking any time away from the rest of my classes. I now have a 4.0 GPA once again and plan to keep it there or higher. I am taking three AP courses my senior year and plan to keep learning and exploring past high school and college.
Green
My older sister Guadalupe has motivated me into conserving a clean and healthy environment. She is currently studying Environmental Economics at UC Berkeley. I am part of Urban Empowerment, a school club designed to help our environment and our community by doing monthly street clean-ups, weekly recycling, gardening, and volunteering at a homeless shelter. This school year two of my friends and I will take lead in the club and take responsibility. I plan to increase the number of street clean-ups and gardening. We will also encourage students and staff to reduce the number of recycling items by choosing to reduce and reuse first as it has proved to be a wiser choice to help the environment.
