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• Abigail enjoys practicing yoga, gardening, reading, playing music, and baking.  As a dedicated member of her school’s Amnesty International chapter, she has been involved in raising awareness about important human rights issues such as girl's and women's rights in Afghanistan and Pakistan.  She is also passionate about environmental conservation and plays the violin, piano, and clarinet.
• What is your favorite quote?"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world" -Anne Frank
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• Abigail Hindson

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• Adam is passionate about art, athletics, and his community. During high school he led the school cooking club, helped teach photography, and, as captain of the squash team, he organized a community service initiative in Harlem housing projects. Adam is also a talented saxophone player.
• What three qualities do you admire most in others?
  I admire people who can forgive others, who can turn sorrow into inspiring art, and who can build and fix things with their hands.
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• Adam Horowitz

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• In high school Adolfo has enjoyed participating in Summer Search and Upward Bound. He loves hiking in national parks and playing the acoustic guitar – either soft rock or Dominican bachata songs. On a trip to the Dominican Republic teaching geography at an elementary school, Adolfo fell in love again with his first language, Spanish, and since then has been dedicated to traveling to discover different cultures.
• If you could change one thing about your home community, what would it be? I would stop the young gang activity going around.
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• Adolfo Leon Jr

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• Alba is a hard working, couragous, independent female who loves to give advice and express herself through out her poetry. She is proud to have acted, directed, and designed costumes in many of her schools productions, and is passionate about increasing awareness about teen domestic violence.  Most importantly she loves to live her dreams and make a change. In her spare time, Alba loves to paint inspiration, go to the beach, stay active, shopping, and pageantry!
• If you could teach one class at your high school, which would it be? My class would be math class, because I love finding ways to solve problems.
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• Albamarina Nahar

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• Friends, family, and teachers describe Alberto Koji Servín as a well-respected individual with strong values. He is a dedicated volunteer in the community through his church and other organizations like Sacred Heart. One of his accomplishments was being accepted to the Summer Math and Science Honors Academy, a 3-year long college-level program at UC Berkeley. Alberto is also proud of his impact on his high school’s music program. With his school recently reopened, Alberto’s leadership developed the program into the envy of rival schools in the district.
• What's the best nugget of advice you've ever heard? "Never wrestle in the mud with a pig. You both get dirty, but the pig likes it."
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• Alberto Servin

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• “When you’re challenged…a different side of you is exposed. I want to be able to show my community that with just a high school diploma, with just one year there’s so much you can do.” In the words of one teacher, "Alec is the embodiment of a rare combination of intellect
• "When you're challengedÉa different side of you is exposed. I want to be able to show my community that with just a high school diploma, with just one year there's so much you can do."
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• Alec Yeh

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• Originally from a small town in Guyana, Alexis now lives in Columbia, Maryland, where she has become deeply involved in her community. Alexis serves as the president of Delta Scholars, a program promoting leadership, scholarship, community service, and humility among minority females, and as the president of the class of 2011 at her high school. One of her proudest moments was being elected the student member of the board of education of her county.
• How do you rejuvenate yourself? Blasting 90s music with my eyes closed
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• Alexis Adams

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• Amanda has a passion for telling stories. She served as Editor of her school newspaper’s Features section as well the Editor-in-Chief of the yearbook. Her literary talent has sent her to several national competitions where she received the Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award for her center spread on the 2008 presidential race. Amanda also has a keen interest in music, poetry, and visual arts.
• If you could teach one class at your high school, which would it be? I would teach English. The subject leaves room for creativity. Words are extremely powerful. I would want to teach students how to use our 26 letters in a meaningful way.
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• Amanda Brinegar

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• Ananda attended Raleigh Charter High School where she was exposed to the idea of global citizenship. There, she devoted much of her time to competitive year round soccer alongside coaching a young girls team. Coming off of her GCY experience, she holds a passion for improving the quality and impact of social work. Presently she is working closely with social entrepreneurship ventures at UNC-CH while working to promote and support gap years locally and nationally. Ananda adores etymology, cuisine, being outside,witty jokes, and random facts.
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• Ananda Day

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• Throughout high school Andre has been active in the performing arts, graphic arts, and martial arts. He loves writing and performing spoken word poetry, and recently had one of his poems published in a state literary magazine. Andre has invested himself in his community of Columbia, South Carolina, serving as a Columbia Hero with City Year, volunteering with “Get Out the Vote” campaigns, and serving as a Peer Leader with College Summit, Inc. He is also passionate about animal rights, and hopes one day become a veterinarian.
• What are your favorite things to read?My favorite genre is fantasy fiction.
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• Andre Olden

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• Described as spontaneous and empathetic, Annie is the Captain of her cross country team, the founder of a volunteer organization at her school called the Greenbrier Group, and a flautist. Annie believes that laughing is the best part of her day and she’s committed to making people feel at home by making them crack up – even if it’s at her expense.
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• Annie Plotkin

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• Driven by a love for the performing arts, Tonino, as he is known, serves as the Drum Captain for Elsie Allen High School drum line and performs in two of the school’s choirs. After participating in an exchange program in Chile, Tonino decided to take a gap year, hoping to gain perspective and change his outlook on the world while contributing to the global community.
• What are you passionate about? I am deeply passionate about music and the beautiful effects and experiences it can yield. I constantly study and perform music.
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• Antonio Peluso

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• Aubrey is a musician/singer and tap dancer. She also has participated in school musicals in addition to serving as the photo and graphics editor of her school newspaper. Passing the time hiking and swimming in the local mountains, Aubrey also has a passion for math and science.
• What's the best nugget of advice you've ever heard? Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly" from Robert Kennedy. You'll only get somewhere if you're risky enough to try.
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• Aubrey Haddard

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• From Brooklyn, New York, Brian has most recently lived in Orange, Connecticut. He has an active imagination and loves to express himself by drawing. Brian has worked as a camp counselor in the summer, performed in plays in a neighborhood theater group, and helps his family raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
• What three words would your best friend use to describe you? Three words my best friend would use to describe me would be fun, loyal, and fresh.
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• Brian Baylor

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• After living in France for 5 years, Cameron moved to New York for high school and became a true student-athlete. She played forward on her high school basketball team and could be found reading and writing short stories off the court. She also served as the editor of the school yearbook. During the summer after her junior year, Cameron worked for a month in the Katmai National Park in Alaska on an environmental conservation project.
• What was the best day of your life? Hard to say but I would say one of the days spent in Katmai, Alaska last summer working with the Student Conservation Association.
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• Cameron Kaufman

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• Caroline is a dancer and a gymnast with a strong interest in art. She shares her love of tumbling by working with children as a gymnastics instructor. A graduate of R-S Central High School, Caroline was the Winner of Rutherford County’s Junior Miss Scholarship Program and the First Finalist in North Carolina’s Junior Miss Scholarship Program.
• What truly inspires you? I only have a small amount of time to make my mark on the world- I want to leave it knowing that I had a positive impact in every way possible.
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• Caroline Pocock

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• Charlotte’s intense curiosity about other countries and cultures has led her all over the world, and her time at the United World College in New Mexico has only intensified her interest in international issues. Charlotte has a passion for spending time in the wilderness and learning about nature, and she is excited to observe the native plant and animal life in her Global Citizen Year placement.
• What are you passionate about? The Earth: I feel connected to and spend lots of time exploring nature. I want to preserve wild places so others that follow might also discover nature's beauty and power.
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• Charlotte Benishek

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• Chloe\'s passion for changing the world inspired her to become involved in her high school\'s chapter of \"Youth in Government\"" and serve as president of her school’s Student Congress. Chloe has an unyielding passion for education: During her junior year of high school
• How do you rejuvenate yourself? Reading, writing, painting, tie-dying, learning, meditating, laughing, creating, walking, singing, Tetris-ing, taking in the beauty that is all too often forgotten.
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• Chloe Bobar

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• Despite attending three different high schools in three years, Clara graduated a year early and took the lead in creating several internationally focused clubs and organizations. Clara was the founder and president of the World Health and Medicine Club, the Red Cross Club, the Model United Nations Club, as well as the Face Aids and WorldLink Youth chapters at her high school. These clubs, as well as her internship with Leadership Initiatives, sparked her interest in international development. In addition to being an accomplished fencer, Clara is an avid reader, writer and photographer.
• Dostoevsky said "To be sure, I won't break through such a wall with my forehead if I really have not got strength to do it, but neither will I be reconciled with it simply because I have a stone wall here and have not got strength enough."
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• Clara Sekowski

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• Cooper is a talented trumpet player and has taken lead roles in multiple school jazz band performances. He is also passionate about photography and has recently began experimenting with painting and drawing. His high school career culminated with his photo dissertation on life in Harlem, New York. Cooper also played on his school's lacrosse team.
• It's the year 2050. What's your favorite mode of transportation? Still the subway. I can't think of anything I like more than riding the subway because everyone is so different and you encounter some really interesting people.
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• Cooper Wright

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• A German-American, Elias embraces his bi-cultural background during his travels, using his fluency in German and Spanish to make cross-cultural connections. He is an avid social activist, and is highly engaged with both his local and global communities. Elias was the Social Action Coordinator of his church’s youth group, leader of Community Building in his high school's student government, and has worked on projects in Niger and Guatemala. In his free time, he is a seasoned soccer player and runner as well as a fan of jazz, R&B, and hip-hop music. He is also an occasional poet and writer.
• How do you rejuvenate yourself? I go run or kick a soccer ball around, releasing the stress from my body. I step outside into the yard to read and just listen to the city's sounds.
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• Elias Estabrook

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• From Chiefland, Floria, Beth couldn’t be more excited to be joining Global Citizen Year. Beth is a co-captain of her school’s cheerleading squad, was in her schools annual Pow Wow skit for four years, loves to read, sing, dance and is currently learning to play the acoustic guitar; but her true passion is raising awareness about Autism and special needs in children.
• "I don't need easy, I just need possible"
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• Elizabeth Warren

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• Emily Hess comes with a deep interest in global issues and notable leadership experience. She served as the vice president and secretary of the Japanese National Honors Society at her high school (2009-2010) and as a participant in the 2009 Model UN Conference in Chicago. She is passionate about politics, theology, and literature and spends her time reading, playing guitar, researching, and blogging.
• What really, truly inspires you? Seeing someone smile with true, wholehearted happiness.
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• Emily Hess

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• A life-long resident of Seattle, Emily loves the outdoors, volunteering, reading, and the arts. She was inspired to take a gap year by her involvement as a volunteer counselor at YMCA Camp Orkila and her experiences teaching school in rural Cambodia in the spring of 2010. A graduate of The Overlake School, Emily hopes to pursue a career in education focusing on women in the developing world.
• What is your favorite quote? "Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." -The Dalai Lama
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• Emily Hanna

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• After an eye-opening visit to rural Uganda, Erica has been dedicated to addressing issues of poverty around the world, serving for two years as president of Students Helping Eliminate Poverty and Hunger at Ames High School. Erica is also dedicated to the arts, spending her time leading the marching band as a drum major, playing bassoon in the band and orchestra, and performing mime pieces that she has written and directed herself.
• If you could teach one class at your high school, which would it be? I would teach Non-Western World. There is not enough emphasis placed on the history, culture, literature, and religious traditions of any place except the U.S. and Europe.
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• Erica Anderson

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• Starting at a young age, Erin participated in many activities and sports, but mainly spent her time in a studio as a ballet and modern dancer. She was fortunate enough to train mostly with Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre\'s Student Company (G2), located in Carmel, Indiana. She also participated in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, and ballroom dancing with The Academy of Dance Arts and Ballet International. Erin studied abroad in France with IU Honors Program, where she discovered her love of languages and culture. She started an organization for French Immersion Classes in her home town, and was the head of the French tutoring program at her high school.
• What is the compliment that you have been paid that you are most proud of? Who gave you the compliment? "You have a real heart and gift in education." - Joan Jackson, Teacher
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• Erin Lang

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• Galen loves being outdoors, helping others, and learning. For the past three summers, she has volunteered in national parks in Vermont, Alaska, and California with the Student Conservation Association. She has also volunteered at children\'s summer science camps at a local museum and worked with a professor studying aquatic turtle populations. Her passion for traveling has taken her to many exciting places in the United States and Canada, but she has never been out of the country and is thrilled to make her first foray into the international world.
• What's the best nugget of advice you've ever heard? Do one thing every day that scares you.
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• Galen Burns-Fulkerson

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• In the words of her French teacher, \"Gaya\'s voice
• "What matters to me most is consciousness: the awareness I have gained of worlds beyond my own, other vantage points from which to consider my life, and my role in the worldÉto act with honesty and integrity and move forward."
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• Gaya Morris

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• Greg Kristof writes from China where he is teaching English during his gap year before he enrolls at Harvard in the fall of 2011.
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• Greg Kristof

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• Through his participation with Seeds of Peace, an organization dedicated to giving youth the tools to resolve conflict around the world, Gus formed relationships with people on all sides of the Israeli - Palestinian conflict and as a result developed a passion for conflict resolution and international relations. Gus’ love of theater and music led him to write a rock opera over the course of his senior year. Writing both the book and the score, Gus eventually produced Madhouse, with his fellow students serving as the crew, cast, and band.
• What's the best advice you have ever been given? "You have two ears and one mouth. If God wanted it another way He would have made it that way."
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• Gus Ruchman

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• Heather is an actress, musician, and athlete. An assistant leader to a Daisy Girl Scouts Troop and recipient of the Girl Scout Gold Award, she spends her time whitewater kayaking, mountain climbing, playing piano, and practicing percussion, which she has performed in All County competitions and at solo festivals. Heather has also completed an Iron Girl Triathlon, proving her athletic versatility and drive.
• If you could change one thing about your home community, what would it be? I would create a community center for teens to have a safe place to go for fun.
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• Heather Kurtz

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• An experienced world traveler, Henrietta has an unyielding curiosity and a zest for life. She is a six-sport athlete and was elected captain of the Volleyball team. Recently she has developed a passion for agribusiness in developing countries, initiating her own experimental project growing Amaranth in Botswana. She looks forward to overcoming language barriers and to experiencing on a more intimate level the different challenges that exist in unfamiliar parts of the world.
• If you could teach one class at your high school, which would it be? Unconventional Cooking: How to prepare an edible meal with available resources, no recipe, and no measuring devices.
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• Henrietta Conrad

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• Hilary is an inquisitive learner, an understated leader and a dedicated community volunteer. After a successful campaign to convince her parents, Hilary raised and trained two guide dogs for blind fellow residents through her work with Guide Puppies of Seattle. The dogs were a full-time job, even attending school at Hilary's side. As a weekly volunteer at Seattle Children's Hospital, Hilary further witnessed the direct, immediate impact of her energy. Hilary also surpassed her own physical barriers, pursuing her passion for dance despite severe scoliosis. According to a teacher, Hilary, "strives to have a lifetime of understanding and to fulfill her own intellectual curiosity."" Deeply interested in science and the environment
• "Being aware of others' needs and consistently striving to fulfill my responsibility as an able citizen will continue to be a guiding factor in my life."
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• Hilary Brown

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• An artist at heart, Holli’s two deepest interests are singing and photography, though she also enjoys acting in school plays and playing the guitar. She has been a vocal performer for eight years and now spends much of her time capturing images and telling stories through her lens. Voted President of her school’s Spanish Club, Holli recently led her class on a trip to Mexico and has also visited Brazil and Costa Rica.
• What are you passionate about? I am passionate about singing, taking photos, skydiving, practicing guitar, traveling the globe, and helping other people to see the beauty of the universe the way that I do.
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• Holli Sullivan

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• Ian found his calling as a student leader. As Class President throughout his four-year high school career, he championed ethics, financial sustainability and equity. He rallied his peers around budget cuts that would affect teachers and course offerings as well as organized the most affordable and highest attended prom in over 20 years. Ian was later elected as Speaker of the House as part of New Hampshire’s YMCA Student Government where, in the words of his advisor, he “was an eloquent speaker who mesmerized his audience by the sheer volume of information he possessed.” Ian also channels his voice through his band, Modo Forte, which has won awards, released a CD, and performed numerous benefit shows.
• "Politics has always struck me as incredibly interesting as a basic means by which people make decisions. I have always sought to understand why people make the choices they do."
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• Ian Zimmermann

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• Jake, always adventuresome, has spent time volunteering to rebuild homes in New Orleans post-Katrina. There he discovered a responsibility to those in need, and returned home to found a disaster relief club that gathered over 150 student members. After studying international relations in Washington D.C for a summer, Jake was inspired to travel and learn more about international issues. Jake plays sports and guitar, and really wants a motorcycle license.
• What are you afraid of? Monday mornings.
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• Jacob Stern

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• Jake is a committed hockey player and a musician. During his senior year he earned a position as the starting goalie on his school's team. Jake also has a love for playing jazz piano. His decision to join GCY was due in part to his experience as an intern in South Africa where he worked for two months with an HIV/AIDS support program.
• What is your favorite word? And, your least favorite? My favorite word is defenestrate: to throw something out a window. Such a classy word for something so decidedly un-classy. My least favorite word? Homework.
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• Jake Filderman

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• Jean Ulysse is passionate about film as a way to communicate the stories of others. After traveling to Guatemala in 2009 to work on an education project, Jean completed a short documentary about water problems in the community. Originally from Haiti, Jean moved to New York as a child and grew up in Brooklyn. Already fluent in French, Spanish, and Creole, Jean looks forward to learning a new language this year.
• If you could be on the cover of any magazine 10 years from now, which magazine would you choose? What would the headline be? New York Times Upfront: "If I can do it, you can do it!"
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• Jean Ulysse

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• From Indonesia and Huntington Beach, California, Joan is the Editor-in-Chief of her yearbook, a pianist for the Academy for the Performing Arts, and the Secretary General of her Model United Nations program, a position that allows her to shine as a leader while using skills in writing, speaking, and researching. Joan also works as a Youth Worship and Ministry leader at Hope Chapel Huntington Beach, and volunteers as a candy striper at Hoag Hospital.
• What is your favorite quote?"The young do not know enough to be prudent, and therefore they attempt the impossible and achieve it, generation after generation." Ð Pearl S. Buck
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• Joan Hanawi

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• In his spare time, Joe enjoys fencing, acting, and writing creative fiction. Joe played the role of Malcolm in his school\'s rendition of Macbeth. Joe also founded a social-networking website called Origins Archive in order to connect with friends at different schools. In addition he enjoys indulging in what he refers to as “mild nerdiness” playing Magic: the Gathering.
• What 3 words would your best friends use to describe you? Enthusiastic, Creative, and Empathetic.
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• Joe Giallo

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• Born in Germany, Johannes spent most of his childhood growing up on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. There he developed a love for sailing and photography. During high school, his experiences with people with HIV/AIDS in Uganda and those with leprosy in the Dominican Republic opened his eyes to the challenges that still exist in many parts of the world.
• If you could teach one class at your high school, which would it be? I would create a new class. It would encompass economics, political science, ethics, philosophy, and international relations all focused on social justice. I would, however, first like to take this class.
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• Johannes Raatz

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• During his four years at Far West High School, Josh fostered his passions for acting, drawing, biking, and running. Last year, he was awarded the lead role in a one-act play at the Berkeley Repertory School of Theater.
• Have you ever started something? This past school year I started my own mentoring group for young men, looking to motivate and inspire them to be leaders in their own individual way.
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• Josh Hamilton

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• Justin is a talented violin player, an avid bicyclist, and all-star skateboarder. His inspiration to become a GCY Fellow came from his summer in Bolivia after his junior year where he trekked the Andes and spent time in a remote farming village. Justin spent this past summer interning with a non-profit called Communities in Schools that is focused on reducing drop-out rates in schools across the country.
• What really, truly inspires you? When somebody has a passion or an idea, runs with it and takes it to an extreme that I wouldn't have been able to imagine otherwise.
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• Justin Moore

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• Karina spent time in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina working with Habitat for Humanity, which gave her a new perspective on activism and made her an advocate for human rights and cultural understanding. Now dedicated to volunteer work, Karina has also been active in the I Have A Dream tutoring program, helping young students realize their academic potential, and participates in her community’s Latino Cultural Celebration each year.
• What are your favorite things to read? I prefer the mythical world of immortal creatures, fairy-tales and magic. But everything works!
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• Karina Rodriguez

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• Originally from London, England, Karyn now lives in Raleigh, North Carolina where her varied interests include cooking, running, singing, and writing. She served as the Associate Editor for her school’s newspaper and held a lead role in the school band as a clarinet player. Karyn also volunteered with Helping Horse, a local therapeutic riding program, throughout high school. She has been fortunate enough to travel a lot growing up, giving her an international perspective that she is excited to expand upon in the coming year.
• What is the best piece of advice you have ever heard? "Cultivate yourself so you can then help others."
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• Karyn Miller

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• Kaya lives in Utah and spends her time creating art, enjoying nature, and cooking. After opportunities to spend time in India and Europe, she has realized a passion for the excitement of travel and the challenge of cultural immersion. She served as the Vice President in her student government, organized her own non-profit organization branching off of Invisible Children, and regularly volunteers at local soup kitchens and museums.
• How do you rejuvenate yourself? Being out in nature really does the trick. Deep breaths of fresh air and admiration of the beauty of the earth
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• Kaya Hartley

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• A committed community member and artist, Kedisha spent her time in high school working with the program, buildOn, and creating artwork in the school\'s International Baccalaureate Arts program. She also volunteered as an intern at the law firm Holland & Knight where she worked on a pro bono case.
• What was the best day of your life? The day I kayaked along the coast of Alaska because I found myself doing something I never envisioned I would ever do.
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• Kedisha Samuels

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• Having lived and studied in India, Oxford, and Washington, D.C., Kirin has learned firsthand the value of international education outside the classroom. She has been a world traveler for much of her life, spending time teaching in the Indian Institute of Cerebral Palsy, hiking in Nepal, living in China, and traveling in Western Europe. An accomplished writer, Kirin served as the Editor in Chief of her local Oakton Outlook, and has been published in anthologies of both short stories and poetry.
• If you could be on the cover of any magazine 10 years from now, which magazine would you choose? What would the headline be? Time. My headline, I know, is yet to be determined.
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• Kirin Gupta

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• According to friends and teachers, Laura is \"vivacious
• "I want to become more confident about the way I see the world and what I can do to change it. I want to show other people that what I do this year is something they can do too."
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• Laura Keaton

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• Laura is currently raising her 5th dog for Guide Dogs For The Blind. Laura is also passionate about food and the environment and has served as a volunteer on multiple political campaigns. In addition, she is an experienced viola and violin player and is now learning to play the piano.
• What really, truly inspires you? Good food. Cooking for and eating with people I care about. Food is a social lubricant, I've noticed it has the power to bring people together.
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• Laura Rohrer

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• Lily is a resourceful, energetic, and determined young leader. As a senior, she co-taught a PACE (Personal and Community Awareness for Everyone) class to high school sophomores. In addition, she served as one of two student directors for the community service office and coordinated Theatre Troupe! a weekly workshop for middle school students. Lily also has a passion for music. She was a co-head of the the female cappella group at her high school and she plays piano, guitar, ukulele, and French horn--she's hoping to learn a new instrument in Ecuador! In her free time, Lily can be found writing music and poetry, reading, playing ultimate frisbee, cooking, or practicing yoga.
• What's the best nugget of advice you've ever heard? "Your calling is where your greatest gifts meet the world's greatest needs."
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• Lily Shaffer

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• Lily’s interest in global issues was sparked by travels with her family to Nepal, Cambodia, and Italy as well as participation in a humanitarian aid delegation to Cuba with fellow Spanish language students. She was co-leader of the Global Citizens Club at her school, which raises awareness and funds for UN action days on AIDS and hunger. Lily also loves viewing and making art.
• What is the compliment that you have been paid that you are most proud of? Who gave you the compliment? An English teacher mentioned my perspicacity. After consulting the dictionary, I was pleased to learn she thought I was mentally perceptive and brought keen insight to my peer editing work.
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• Lily Ellenberg

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• Lily has more hobbies than she can keep track of. She enjoys making jewelry, biking, camping, reading, writing, singing, cooking, filmography, caring for animals and more. Underlying all of these diverse interests is a creative spirit and a deep love for nature. Lily was the Vice President of her school’s Outdoors Club. She is very supportive of conservation and wants the world to be more environmentally aware.
• How do you rejuvenate yourself? I do something active, or I write. Take a walk, a bike ride, rock climb. Write poetry. Or have some fun with my friends, maybe just talk and laugh.
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• Lily Goldberg

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• From the San Francisco Bay Area, Lindsey has been active in the College Track program, serving as a Senator in the student government and helping to lead a backpacking trip in the Tahoe Mountains. Her parents moved to the United States from Mexico, and on visits to parts of Mexico she has realized the challenges that other communities face and the importance of global interdependence.
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• Lindsey Sepulveda

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• Liza is active in her school’s drama department, has a passion for visual art, and a love for literature. Liza is also interested in languages and was active in her school's Spanish club. She enjoys many outdoor activities and is aware of environmental concerns. Finally, on a trip to Israel after her junior year, she came to realize the importance of different perspectives. This realization led her to pursue becoming a Global Citizen Year Fellow.
• How do you rejuvenate yourself? I sleep. Then I am back in action
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• Liza David

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• From Oakland, California, Lucias attended Mandela High School Law and Public Service Academy where he played leadership roles in multiple school- and community-wide organizations. Passionate about social justice, he is a tireless advocate for the rights of people of all colors and sexual orientations. He is currently a Lead Student organizer in Youth Together, where he educates his peers about the inequities of the education system; a Student Ambassador for Project Soar; and a founding member of the Homie Empowerment Project based in East Oakland. In his free time, Lucias enjoys writing poetry inspired by current events.
• What are your favorite things to read? Books that have to do with society and human interaction. My favorites are "Things Fall Apart" and "1984".
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• Lucias Potter

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• Lucy realized the importance of becoming a global citizen after spending a summer teaching in Ghana. A dedicated actress, Lucy has experience on stage playing a lead role in Carlos Goldini’s “Servant of Two Masters” and Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” and loves the creative collaboration required to put on a successful play. Lucy was also the founder of her school’s Improvisation Club.
• If you could change one thing about your home community, what would it be? If I could make people realize how one simple action could impact their world, be it turning off a light, composting, or volunteering for a day, I would feel good.
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• Lucy Blumberg

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• Lukas is a free spirit who loves music, dancing, and the beauty of the world that is often overlooked. From Stinson Beach, California, Lukas loves biking and exploring the outdoors. One thing many people don’t know about Lukas is that he can do fire poi, a type of traditional Maori performance art.
• How do you rejuvenate yourself? I ride my bike, go contra dancing, play music, go surfing, and do chi gung.
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• Lukas Brenard

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• Rarely found without her camera, Lydia also has a passion for language and art. When not taking photographs or working on sculptures, Lydia can be found participating in her school’s theater productions and helping with the library as the President of the IMC Aides Club. She was recently awarded the Artè Award for indispensable contributions to the theatre.
• What is your favorite quote or poem? "This is my letter to the world That never wrote to me The simple news that Nature told With tender majesty." -Emily Dickinson
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• Lydia Crush

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• Madeleine has distinguished herself among her peers as an athlete on the lacrosse field and an activist raising money for the American Cancer Society. Madeleine\'s lacrosse team won the State Championships three times, and she received All American First Team recognition her senior year. As a sophomore, Madeleine started the Relay for Life of Culver which raised over $340,000 for the American Cancer Society in the three subsequent years.
• What is the best nugget of advice you have ever heard? "Every no brings you closer to a yes. If you work hard enough, you can do anything." -My dad
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• Madeleine Balchan

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• Hailing from Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Maddie is passionate about international politics and economics and likes to stay informed about global issues through frequent reading. During her senior year, she participated in protests with public workers in Wisconsin in defense of their collective bargaining rights and she has been active in several other local political campaigns. In addition to engaging in political activism, Maddie also enjoys drawing and can often be found with a sketchbook in hand.
• How do you rejuvenate yourself? I peruse the non-fiction section of the library for new subjects. There are no search engines, no ads, and no links. And every book has something to say.
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• Madeline Campbell

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• Madeline is dedicated to community service both in her global community and her local community of Lincoln, Nebraska. She has spearheaded a campaign to raise money for the American Red Cross, organized volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, worked as a camp counselor at the Muscular Dystrophy Summer Camp, and traveled on many domestic service trips with her church’s youth group. Madeline served as the 2010-2011 Nebraska DECA State President and placed in the top ten of the international DECA competition. In her spare time she has managed to cultivate an impressive talent for hoola-hooping.
• What are your favorite things to read? I recently developed an obsession with Science Fiction novels; it's the "what if?" they pose that makes them so interesting to me.
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• Madeline Ripa

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• Marguerite's unique high school experience confirmed her commitment "to engage in a globally aware education that would develop my role as a citizen of the world."" A visit to Heifer International World Headquarters at the start of her freshman year -- to simulate the experience of global poverty -- was
• "I admire people of character who pursue knowledge ruthlessly, give love and hope generously, and commit themselves to an ideal of peace."
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• Marguerite LeLaurin

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• Mariah has been on her debate team for the past four years. She coaches and judges freshman debate, served as a captain of the debate team her senior year, and is proud to have recently received a bid to the Tournament of Champions. She also has a great interest in politics and economics, and someday hopes to become a United States Senator.
• What are you passionate about? I am passionate about learning and understanding more about the world. I want to leave the world better than it was before, even if it means only changing one person's life for the better.
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• Mariah Donnelly

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• Mariela is passionate about politics, technology, and student government. As a student leader, she was Junior class Vice President and Senior class President. Mariela also has a talent with words, earning her a spot on the Mock Trial Team and the 2010 Gunderson Poetry Slam finals.
• If you could change one thing about your home community, what would it be? We're just a bunch of similar houses that share a street name, not a 'community'. It'd be nice to reshape that.
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• Mariela Garcia

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• Mathew is a born educator, an exceptional communicator and a tireless activist. Growing up in the impoverished inner city, Mathew developed early an awareness of injustice and oppression. He turned his sights on working with neighborhood organizations to build a sense of community pride and educate others about leadership and change. He has supported and led efforts around urban gardening, crime and blight, and public school conditions. An artist and a writer, in high school Mathew discovered the power of spoken word and began organizing his peers through poetry slams. Mathew has won awards for his poetry and has established himself as a youth leader in the movement for democratic education.
• "The reason why expression is so important is because without a voice people don't get represented. Once someone is exposed they have the choice to live in ignorance or fight for freedom."
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• Mathew Davis

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• Meaghan's many opportunities to travel the world have shaped her interest in global issues, cultures, and languages. Meaghan now lives in Massachusetts and is an accomplished a cappella singer, sketch artist, actor, photographer, and cook. She served as the Vice President of her student government, and Community Service Officer, where she led the school’s philanthropic efforts, organizing events both on and off campus, from singing in retirement homes, to participating in blood drives, organizing fund drives, and visiting the elderly on Sundays.
• What three qualities do you admire most in others? Perseverance, Patience, Empathy
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• Meaghan Lueck

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• Meg developed a passion for addressing global poverty after traveling to the Dominican Republic and Haiti several times. She was a Student Ambassador at the World Affairs Council in San Francisco and a Global Citizen Corps Leader with MercyCorps. After volunteering on the Obama campaign, she interned for Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey. In addition, Meg has been paddling on a Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe team for the last seven years and was on her school's swim team.
• What three words would your best friend use to describe you? The general consensus was that "ambitious", "Irish", and "adventurous" describe me well.
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• Meg Healy

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• Megan has lived in many parts of the United States, and briefly in Colombia, and is currently in New York. In her words: “I like to consider the world my hometown”. She is passionate about immigrant rights and access to education, and strong believer in the importance of creating something beautiful. She lives this belief by embracing art in its many forms – as a belly dancer, singer, fashion designer, and musician – and looks forward to this year as an opportunity to strengthen her sense of global citizenship.
• What are your favorite things to read? French fashion blogs, the Economist, Kurt Vonnegut, magical realism, the laundry tags on clothes printed in different languages, and poetry by Pablo Neruda and Jose Mart’.
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• Megan White

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• Mike is interested in sports, music, outdoors, and education. He was sports editor of the school newspaper, captain of the varsity tennis team, and his high schools representative to the Board of Education. His passion for education led him to pursue three teaching internships, most recently teaching 7th grade social studies.
• It's the year 2050. What's your favorite mode of transportation? Running. I hope humanity does not lose the need for physical movement. I don't want to have a machine do everything for me.
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• Michael Stivers

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• Michael dreams of using technology and innovation to solve social challenges. An aspiring entrepreneur, Michael holds a strong belief in the power of social business and intelligent systems to effect significant social change. After witnessing stark social and economic divisions between his hometown and Appalachia, Michael dedicated his high school years to building bridges and fostering respectful communication across diverse communities. As an Elder in his Presbyterian Church, Michael made his mark by advocating for social justice in his community. Michael’s recent first international experience in Trinidad solidified his desire to learn firsthand from effective, community-based social entrepreneurs.
• "I'm struck by the universality of generosity. In service work, I have found that people who I'm supposed to be "serving" are often even more generous even though they have fewer means."
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• Michael Wilson

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• Originally from Tennessee, Michael has spent the past two years of high school at Li Po Chun United World College in Hong Kong. He recently led his school’s delegation at the Hong Kong Model United Nations, where his team won an award for Outstanding Delegation. Having studied French and Chinese and lived with students from all over the world, Michael has embraced the international education he has received so far and looks forward to immersing himself in a new community and culture during his Global Citizen Year.
• What are you passionate about? Social justice. I want to see a more equitable world where all have equal access to the opportunity to do the things they want with their lives.
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• Michael Ratliff

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• Michael devotes himself to a number of community service projects in the Chicago area including buildOn, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Garden Buddies, a program teaching kids about the environment, healthy eating, and growing plants and vegetables. During his junior year, Michael was a leader in a dating violence prevention campaign, where he used his art skills to design the t-shirts and posters for the program.
• If you could teach one class at your high school, which would it be? Art has a way of moving people; if I could teach any subject in high school it would be art.
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• Michael Winfield

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• Michaela is a true internationalist. She spent the greater part of her childhood moving back and forth between Germany and America and traveling through Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa. She also served as Vice President and Publicity Director for her high school's Central Asia Institute Club, an organization which raises money to build schools and improve the lives of females in Afghanistan and Pakistan. She is also semi-obsessed with cinematography.
• What three words would your best friend use to describe you? Eccentric, Stubborn, Idealistic (I would like to add that I am also fiercely independent.)
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• Michaela Kobsa Mark

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• Mitchell is a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, equally comfortable playing saxophone, strumming folk music, or arranging a composition for his jazz ensemble. Friends and professors describe Mitchell as kind, intelligent, and curious. He is also interested in psychology and sociology, which he has explored through his school’s Psychology club and his own reading.
• If you could change one thing about your home community, what would it be? I would introduce every person to every other person on their block. People don't interact face to face nearly as much as they should.
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• Mitchell Mankin

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• Molly is an athlete, artist, and activist. At her high school in San Francisco, Molly was elected captain of the volleyball team and the softball team, and also helped lead her fellow students in environmental activism in the Ecology Club. Molly’s artistic spirit has found a home in the Bay Area, where she has taken art classes such as graphic design, photography, fashion design, and film.
• What are your favorite things to read? African American Women's Literature, Fortune Cookie Fortunes, Thoughtful Birthday Cards
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• Molly Owens

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• Naomi is an avid ultimate frisbee player, amateur photographer, and spoken word artist. She is also an activist - when students from three area high schools became frustrated with their respective drama departments, Naomi assisted in the creation of an independent student-run theater company and acted in its production of The Laramie Project.
• If you could change one thing about your home community, what would it be? I would work to grow the relationship between generations, which could help transfer knowledge and preserve the future.
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• Naomi Wright

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• An accomplished sailor, Natalie has been captain of her high school sailing team for three years and coaches at a sailing camp in the summer. When she’s not on the water she enjoys drawing, painting, and ceramics. She also served as chair of the Health and Wellness committee on the San Francisco Youth Commission, and she loves spending time with her dogs.
• What three words would your best friend use to describe you? Curious, adventurous and reflective
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• Natalie Davidson

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• Nic is described by friends and teachers as an idealistic adventurer with an entrepreneurial spirit. He is involved in ARC, an organization that provides support for adults with developmental disabilities, and VisionSpring, a social enterprise that supplies women in the poorest areas of the world with equipment and training to sell eyeglasses. Nic’s creative mind is almost always at work on some form of art, and science is also one of his passions. He built his own robot this year, knows computer programming, and is currently reading a book about superstring theory.
• What are you passionate about? Nature, Adventure, the Outdoors, Exploring, Learning, Art, Building/Creating, Helping People, and Traveling.
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• Nicolas Freschi

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• After overcoming a series of challenges in his hometown of Richmond, CA, Omar helped jump-start his school’s mentoring program. As a Peer Listener, he mentored students in a one on one setting and helped them find solutions to their personal and academic problems. As a result, Omar developed a passion for education and psychology.
• What is the compliment that you have been paid that you are most proud of? Who gave you the compliment?"I'm proud of the fact that you're broadening your horizons." - My mother
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• Omar Arteaga

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• Paulina is passionate about human rights and environmental sustainability and hopes to study international development in college. She is a member of the training staff for a non-profit called Amigos de las Americas and also traveled with them to Mexico, where she helped organize a community-based initiative to build eco-friendly stoves. A dedicated dancer, Paulina has performed with a folk dance group for the past three years, and also takes ballet classes.
• If you could change one thing about your home community, what would it be? I would work to bring the different ethnicities in San Francisco together, because at times it can feel like the neighborhoods are too racially segregated.
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• Paulina Personius

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• During his time at Lexington High, Peter served as sophomore and junior class president, orchestrating student-led events, fundraising initiatives, proms, and community service. His involvement earned him his high school\\\'s highest honor: the opportunity to address his class as the keynote speaker at graduation. Peter rounds out his talents as an avid guitar and basketball player.
• What three words would your best friend use to describe you? (If you don't know, ask him/her!) Dedicated, uplifting, independent
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• Peter Saudek

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• At home in both San Jose, California, and Varanasi, India, Priyanka is truly bi-cultural. She enjoys journaling, dancing, and writing poetry. She helped start a Reading and Writing Club at her school, and her love of creative writing recently took her to the final round of the Gunderson Poetry Slam.
• What is the compliment that you have been paid that you are most proud of? Who gave you the compliment? My mother has said I have "a heart of gold". Though simple, I value this most since it highlights the qualities I am most proud of: compassion, effort, and perception.
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• Priyanka Rao

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• Russell’s friends and family describe him as a passionate, affable, and hard-working young man with a diverse array of interests. At Lexington High, he was a member of both the Peer Mentoring and Leadership programs, led the school’s oldest all-male a cappella group (Pitchpipes), played varsity soccer, and was a captain of the lacrosse team. His other various passions include: hiking, Environmental activism, playing guitar and singing in a local folk-rock band. His summers are spent working at Camp Becket in the Berkshires, a sleep-away camp that has been Russell’s home away from home for the past 8 years.
• What are you passionate about? Helping and interacting with kids. I'm an oldest sibling so it is something that I'm very experienced with and really love to do.
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• Russell Bollag-Miller

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• A true internationalist, Sam was born in Brazil, grew up in the United States, and lived for a time in Micronesia as a child. A dedicated visual artist, Sam also enjoys drama, playing guitar, and running on the track team. After spending last summer in Brazil, he rediscovered his first language of Portuguese and a love for the people and culture of his birthplace.
• If you could teach one class at your high school, which would it be? Drama! Self expression is the key to the manner in which you live out your life--plus it's just a fun class.
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• Samuel Parson

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• Originally from Ohio, Sarah now resides in Rutherfordton, North Carolina where she enjoys swimming, running, and helping others in her community. Sarah is a passionate individual and a strong advocate for young women, providing a voice for young girls at the GS National Convention in 2008 and volunteering during the local election campaigns in her community this past year. Sarah is also an accomplished musician and has traveled to Russia, Walt Disney World, and Washington D.C. with her school’s band and orchestra throughout her high school career. During her year abroad with Global Citizen Year, Sarah is excited to meet similarly passionate people while at the same time harnessing her own passions to make an impact in the global community.
• If you could teach one class at your high school, which would it be?Learning debate teaches civility, where people are taught to express their views in the absence of anger. I would like to be apart of that process.
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• Sarah Coyne

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• Semira, also known as Sammi, has a passion for working with people in her community. She volunteers as a camp counselor in Maine, works in homeless outreach programs near her home in Tampa, and dedicates almost every Saturday to working at a Senior Citizen Center where she organizes activities and enjoys listening to stories. Sammi also serves as the secretary of the Spanish Honor Society.
• What three words would your best friend use to describe you? Vivacious, comical, and loving.
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• Semira Sanchez

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• A native of Southern California, Sienna is both a dedicated surfer and accomplished ballroom dancer. For the past two years she has held the position of a Naviance ambassador, encouraging marginalized students in Los Angeles county to plan for the future, and has also volunteered with the Palos Verdes Assembly teaching kids how to ballroom dance. Sienna’s love of travel has already taken her to Costa Rica, Mexico, and South Africa--and she hopes these are just the first of many more destinations to come.
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• Sienna Walker

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• Stephanie is proud of having been the president of the French Club for the past two years, walking in white at her graduation, and speaking at her high school\\\\\\\'s Baccalaureate service. Stephanie is passionate about helping others. She has given blood and tutored peers in a variety of classes, including math, French, and Spanish.
• What are you passionate about? I am passionate about learning and teaching others. I love being able to help people understand the world around them especially, and helping people communicate with others.
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• Stephanie Dunning

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• Stephanie attended Oakland’s Mandela High School Law and Public Service Academy, where she is proud to have been involved in the Homie Empowerment Project. Through this project, Stephanie fought for social justice and human rights for undocumented workers by helping lead a 100-block march to Oakland City Hall and organizing a Day Laborer food program. In addition to her work with the Homie Empowerment Program, Stephanie also enjoys playing volleyball, softball and soccer for her school and performing community service.
• What are you passionate about? I am passionate about learning my history to get a sense of who I am from the knowledge of my culture and who my ancestors were.
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• Stephanie Zambrano

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• Taylor Lawson loves dreaming big and problem solving. In high school, they worked to promote social justice through a number of local organizations, like Youth Empowerment Council and the Latin American Coalition, as well as through school clubs like Gay-Straight Alliance and Diversity Club. In their spare time, Taylor enjoys knitting, playing D&D, writing, and making music. Taylor plays a number of instruments, including violin, viola, cello, guitar, ukulele and piano.
• What are you passionate about? I'm most passionate about learning new things (especially on my own).
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• Taylor Lawson

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• As an accomplished writer, Tess served as Editor-in-Chief of her school newspaper and contributed to her local newspaper on several occasions. She also served as a Peer Leader, where she taught a class of 15 freshman students, and as a tutor to students with mental disabilities.
• What three words would your best friend use to describe you? (If you don't know, ask him/her!) Confident, Idealistic, Selfless
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• Tess Langan

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• Three passions drive Tessalyn: traveling, art, and medicine. Last year she received the Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange Scholarship to live in Germany for one year, where she witnessed the ability of intercultural experiences to foster global understanding. Tessalyn is the President of her school’s Model UN Club, a violist, an avid painter, and a lover of old maps.
• What is the compliment that you have been paid that you are most proud of? Who gave you the compliment? A week before I left Germany, a German friend told me, "I don't care if we have 50 exchange students next year. No one replaces you."
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• Tessalyn Morrison

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• Tom is passionate about global economics, math, and physics. He as been playing violin for the past 10 years, but beyond his dedication to music, he has been involved in several clubs. Most notably, Thomas served as Public Forum Debate Coordinator where he taught debate and helped organize tournaments.
• What's the best nugget of advice you have ever heard? "Never take life too seriously. After all, no one gets out alive."
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• Thomas Linford

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• Jay’s passion is for the arts. He dances, writes, acts, puppeteers, and reads. He can usually be found reading or volunteering at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, GA as a Museum Docent.
• What's the best nugget of advice you've ever heard? Learn to love yourself.
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• Thomas Jay Clark

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• Toni\'s leadership is reflected in her service at Mott Hall Bronx High School, where she served for three consecutive years as class representative and two with the organization Build On. This past year, she was promoted to the Global Education position where she apprised the fellow members on current global affairs. Her interest in the world led her to spend last summer in South Africa with the organization, Summer Search, and ultimately become a GCY Fellow. Toni is also a talented painter.
• What three qualities do you admire most in others? Determination, wisdom, knowledge. I truly admire when a person is able to recover from a setback and become a better person. To me a person is not defined by their struggle but how they react to that struggle.
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• Toni White

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• Trevor has a passion for poetry, conservation, and the culinary arts – especially baking. His love for animals took him last year to South Africa, where he worked with penguins and other sea birds with the South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds. Trevor enjoys the creative process in its many forms, whether crafting a poem or concocting a dessert.
• What is the compliment that you have been paid that you are most proud of? Who gave you the compliment? Just a simple "I'm proud of you," from parents, or friends is something I consider very precious.
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• Trevor Porter

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• Whether excelling at martial arts, volunteering at Greater Boston Foodbank, or leading the Connecting with Elders Club, Victoria dedicates her energies toward inspiring, challenging and engaging herself and others. She spent her summers mentoring physically and mentally disabled children with the Jason Roberts Challenger League baseball team. During a class trip to Eastern Europe, Victoria underwent an emotionally transformative experience learning about and seeing firsthand the effects of the Holocaust.
• "I can't think of anything I want more than to know that I've changed someone's life for the better, that I've educated others about what needs to be changed in the world, or that I've even inspired someone to help a cause."
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• Victoria Tran-Trinh

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• A dedicated musician and performer, Welcome sings and plays the guitar, ukulele, and mandolin. He has served as Class President, Captain of the Quiz Bowl team, and Governor of New Hampshire Boys State. He has also found time to play soccer, run track & field and cross country, and play Captain von Trapp in a recent production of The Sound of Music. A vegan and an activist, Welcome is passionate about sustainability and conservation, particularly with regards to agriculture and the environment.
• What are you afraid of? Leeches. I would rather run from a grizzly bear with sacks of meat strapped on my body than have to deal with a single leech. This is NOT an exaggeration.
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• Welcome Frye

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• Winson serves as his school’s Student Body Secretary and co-leader of the Random Acts of Kindness Club. A dedicated student and member of the community, Winson is passionate about education, social justice, and leading a conscientious life. He grew up speaking a dialect of Chinese called Teochew and attended the School for Ethics and Global Leadership in Washington DC.
• If you could teach one class at your high school, which would it be? The one class that I would teach at my high school is Global Health, which is an interdisciplinary class that serves as an introduction to our world's leading health issues.
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• Winson Law

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• An energetic, passionate “mover and shaker,” Zuleika's multicultural upbringing and early international experiences drew her to Global Citizen Year. Zuleika moved from Venezuela to California as a freshman in high school. While she learned English in school, she sought out deeper, more spiritual means of connecting with others. Through the mentoring program Summer Search, Zuleika distinguished herself as a natural leader through her introspective nature and her guidance toward younger participants. On a social justice and community service trip to India, Zuleika had a transformative experience working with young children affected by HIV/AIDS.
• "My background lets me connect with other people in a way that wouldn't have otherwise happened. From there I bring compassion and a wish to make a difference."
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• Zuleika Lewis