2019 High Schoolers Who Will Change The World
Meet 25 high schoolers who put the “bright” in future. Our annual batch of seniors who are most likely to change the world are smart, talented, driven and have glowing ideas of what the world should look like in 2030 and beyond. Talk about the bright side.
Jeniel Zimmerman — 2019 High Schoolers Who Will Change The World
Jeniel Zimmerman Mountain View High School Parents Erin & Russ Zimmerman Jeniel Zimmerman wears her heart on her signs. And she doesn’t just express concern — she takes action for the issues held close to her … well … heart. Mini-resume Voter registration coordinator for Mountain View, March for Our Lives, Orem Youth City Council, member […]
Kenzie Wilkinson — 2019 High Schoolers Who Will Change The World
Kenzie Wilkinson Salem Hills High School Parents Heidi & Jeron Wilkinson In today’s world, it’s uncommon to sew your own clothes. But Kenzie Wilkinson takes it a stitch farther by designing her own patterns for fabric and then turning that fabric into a work of art — coming to a store near you … soon. Mini-resume […]
Ethan A. Whitlock — 2019 High Schoolers Who Will Change The World
Ethan A. Whitlock American Leadership Academy Parents Leslie & Edward Whitlock Ethan A. Whitlock is all business. When he came to the Utah Valley Magazine offices for his photo shoot, his eyes were drawn to covers of BusinessQ — our sister publication dedicated to entrepreneurs in Utah County. “I want to be in that magazine,” said […]
Kalina Toluta’u-’Ulunga — 2019 High Schoolers Who Will Change The World
Kalina Toluta’u-’Ulunga Timpview HIGH School Parents Sione & Teresa Toluta’u-’Ulunga Kalina Toluta’u-’Ulunga brought two props to the photo shoot that aren’t often associated — softball equipment and a cello. Kalina has broad interests and a desire to excel on the field and in the concert hall. Mini-resume 3.9 GPA, student government cultural representative, softball, philharmonic […]
Percy Ofa Ki Skyview Toki — 2019 High Schoolers Who Will Change The World
Percy Ofa Ki Skyview Toki American Fork HIGH School Parents Felifa Huhane & Alipate Toki The more things change, the more they … change. Percy Toki moved to Utah from California before his junior year with 3.5 credits toward graduation. The new environment placed him on a path none of his siblings have been on […]
Derek Sowards — 2019 High Schoolers Who Will Change The World
Derek Sowards Spanish Fork High School Parents Lori & Kurt Sowards With no previous drama training, it was out of character for Derek Sowards to audition for his school’s spring musical. But his role in Newsies developed his range as an actor and as a person. Bravo! Mini-resume Mr. Spanish Fork, 4.0 GPA, 27 ACT, student […]
Divinia Smith — 2019 High Schoolers Who Will Change The World
Divinia Smith Rockwell Charter School Parents Karin & Derek Smith A woman with many balls in the air, Divinia Smith is an athlete, dancer, journalist and academic standout. However, her most helpful interest may be medicine. Divinia plans to become an ICU nurse, giving her the chance to help thousands of families. Point, Divinia! Mini-resume Captain of […]
Daniel Seaman — 2019 High Schoolers Who Will Change The World
Daniel Seaman Timpanogos High School Parents Daylyn & Clark Seaman If there’s someone in need of help, you will probably find Daniel Seaman nearby. He’s loved community service since elementary school and wants to be president of the United States someday. Watch for campaign Seaman 2036. Mini-resume 4.0 GPA, 30 ACT, HOPE Squad president, student […]
Zachary Reed Sabey — 2019 High Schoolers Who Will Change The World
Zachary Reed Sabey Westlake High School Parents Kerrianne Sabey & Brian Sabey Zachary Sabey’s personal motto is that hard work is the key to success. Well, he’s started the ignition on his future through his efforts in a number of areas — from the soccer field to the classroom. Mini-resume AP scholar with distinction, senior class […]
Rachel Ricardez — 2019 High Schoolers Who Will Change The World
Rachel Ricardez Merit College Prep Parents Raquel & Raul Ricardez Rachel Ricardez sees the world through a different lens. She focuses on photography and also loves to help others, which is why she’s zooming in on a life of service. Mini-resume Co-teacher (with her mother) of religious education, Honor Society, Sterling Scholar (business and marketing) semi-finalist, humanitarian […]
Ethan Rasmussen — 2019 High Schoolers Who Will Change The World
Ethan Rasmussen Lone Peak High School Parents Megan Ann & David Rasmussen Ethan Rasmussen is an anomaly. He’s a gifted high schooler who is most comfortable working outside with his hands. Instead of looking for a career that will keep him cool and comfortable, Ethan hopes to use his mind to find efficient and effective answers […]
Vanitzia Ortiz — 2019 High Schoolers Who Will Change The World
Vanitzia Ortiz Provo HIGH School Parents Maria Payan & Dony Ortiz Vanitzia Ortiz will graduate high school with two degrees this spring — a diploma from Provo High and an associate degree from UVU. She’s ahead of the curve and poised for a career in medicine. Mini-resume HOSA vice president, Gear Up Leadership Council, Latinos […]
Keylla Ortega — 2019 High Schoolers Who Will Change The World
Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy Parents Zulema & Jose Ortega Keylla Ortega goes to the library each night to do her homework — free from the distractions of home and friends. This mature habit shows dedication to academics. But she’s not just book smart. She was also a two-year captain of the tennis team, where […]
Sami Nobuhara — 2019 High Schoolers Who Will Change The World
Sami Nobuhara Maple Mountain High School Parents Jana & Larry Nobuhara Sami Nobuhara is a triple threat. She’s the student body president at Maple Mountain, ranked No. 1 academically, and is also a star on the soccer and basketball teams. But her life motto is surprisingly simple and comes from the advice her mother used […]
Caleigh Elise Bybee Kerr — 2019 High Schoolers Who Will Change The World
Caleigh Elise Bybee Kerr Liahona Prep Parents Shalane & Jon Kerr A leader from the start, Caleigh Kerr was elected student body president as a sophomore. After a successful year, she set aside the presidency to give opportunities to others while she ran for vice president and secretary in subsequent years. Mini-resume Theater, student body president, other […]
Esther L. Hammon — 2019 High Schoolers Who Will Change The World
Esther L. Hammon Walden School of Liberal Arts Parents Doriann Peck & Milton Hammon Esther L. Hammon is curious. She’s toured NASA facilities, lived in Spain, explored Ecuador. Oh … and she’s a boxer. So, it’s no wonder she’s not sure exactly how she will change the world. What’s not in doubt is that she […]
DJ Gray — 2019 High Schoolers Who Will Change The World
DJ Gray Skyridge High School Parents Stephanie Dixon & Neil James Gray Look for DJ Gray in a theater near you. The man behind the camera plans to be on your screens and is getting experience as the producer of the student-run “The Ridge” weekly broadcast. Ready, action! Mini-resume Producer of “The Ridge,” 3.97 GPA, Hope […]
Kaden Garcia — 2019 High Schoolers Who Will Change The World
Kaden Garcia Springville High School Parents Holly & Jorge Garcia Kaden Garcia isn’t one who is waiting for the future to change the world. He started a business with his father — Your Tribe Clothing — to expand the conversation about suicide. His efforts even landed him in Utah Valley Magazine’s Fab 40. #twoinarow Mini-resume […]
Leah Gale — 2019 High Schoolers Who Will Change The World
Leah Gale Orem High School Parents Jennifer & Adam Gale Leah Gale dives into the deep end — both in the pool and in life. This swimming champion takes life one stroke at a time. Mini-resume 4A state champion (50 freestyle), Academic All-State selection, student council athletics representative, Young Womanhood Recognition, 34 ACT, 4.0 GPA, big sister […]
Alexis Chen — 2019 High Schoolers Who Will Change The World
Alexis Chen Meridian School Parents Jui-Mei Cheng & Tse-Hsu Chen Questions are a running theme through the life of Alexis Chen. Whether in class, his free time or in conversations with friends, Alexis is continually pushing the limits of his knowledge — and imagination — through the advice his father gave him, “Ask more questions and improve […]
Justin Chadwick — 2019 High Schoolers Who Will Change The World
Justin Chadwick Independence High School Parents Christine and Jerry Chadwick Justin Chadwick is most happy with a lacrosse stick in his hand. He spends hours sharpening his skills to achieve his goal of playing college lacrosse. His plan is to become a Wolverine to study and play at UVU. But for now Justin spends hours on […]
Devin Bunnell — 2019 High Schoolers Who Will Change The World
Devin Bunnell Pleasant Grove High School Parents JoLene & Brent Bunnell Sure, Devin Bunnell is a state record-holder in the pool … and the choir president … and an ultimate Frisbee champion, but he might be most recognized as the school’s mascot — complete with Viking shield he made himself. Mini-resume Spirit secretary on student […]
Madison Brown — 2019 High Schoolers Who Will Change The World
Madison Brown Lehi High School Parents Paige & Nathan Brown Madison Brown puts the “S” in STEM. This scientist performed an experiment for her talent in the school’s Homecoming Pageant and has genetically engineered a glow-fish, mapped her own mitochondrial DNA and tested her blood type. No wonder she is Lehi’s Sterling Scholar in science. […]
Logan Bennett — 2019 High Schoolers Who Will Change The World
Logan Bennett Payson High School Parents Kim & Brian Bennett Whether it’s through his service as student body president, his “Sterling” abilities in skilled and technical science education, or his laps in the pool, Logan Bennett builds the Payson community. Mini-resume Student body president, captain of the swim team, two-time All-America High School Film Festival finalist, […]
Rachel Andersen — 2019 High Schoolers Who Will Change The World
Rachel Andersen American Heritage School Parents Decia & Grant Andersen Rachel Andersen is focused on good things — seeing the good in others, finding the good in challenges and being a good solution to the world’s problems. She’s driven to become better through setting goals and moving forward diligently until the goal is met. She’s clearly […]