James Renfrow

Sparks High School

“I’m moving on to the next stage. It hasn't really fully hit me yet. It’s going by all so fast, so you know, once I take a minute to process, to sit down and actually think, I think it'll actually hit. And yeah, it's been a long journey!”

Paulina Zamarripa

Hug High School

“I plan on attending the University of Nevada, Reno. I'm first-generation. I'm going live on campus to get all the help that I need. I'm going to try to make connections with my professors – I feel like that's what I'm already really good at. I plan on doing my undergrad in Pre-nursing, and then my major is going to be nursing. So I'm going to be a registered nurse, and I plan on working at Renown as a labor and delivery nurse.”

Bryn Rosemore

Innovations High School

“I did grow up in a system where if it wasn't adults telling me I couldn't do it, it was people that were my age telling me I couldn't do it. I think that's kind of shaped me into wanting to be a prosecuting attorney, and wanting to advocate for other people who can't advocate for themselves.”

Leo Grass

Spanish Springs High School

“The work ethic that I mostly took was: if you're not gonna do anything 100%, or try, then you're kind of wasting your time, because like, you’ve got to do your best on everything and give it 100%. And even if you're not very good at it, people see that you're trying, and they salute you for that.”

Angel Barboza

Reed High School

“I don't know, I would say I'm just driven. I've always been set on my goals. I have on my mirror, I have my goals written out, like long-term, short-term. So, I’d say ‘driven’ is probably the best word. Short-term goals right now: get an A in AP stats. Long-term: get into medical school. My dream is to go to Stanford, actually, so that's probably a long-term goal for me.”

Thierry Shema

RISE Academy for Adult Achievement

“It's definitely satisfying to know that I'm a step closer to achieving my dreams. Back when I was in Kenya, I felt like it was just a dream, just aiming for the stars, which I would probably never make. But now, when I got here and saw all the opportunities, I'm starting to gain hope, I'm thinking that I can do it. It's been work and struggles, balanced, a lot of ups and more downs. It's been challenging, but I'm glad that God helped me make it.”

Destini Keesee

Gerlach K-12 School

“I read like so many books a month I could barely keep count when I was a kid. There's a lot of books over here in the young adult section that I've read five times before. Even now, I still get like the giddy feeling when I find a book I love, then I have to read it now!”

Cindy Hernandez

North Valleys High School

“My biggest advice for someone that I have learned from past experiences is that your voice matters, and you have as much value as you give yourself. As long as you believe in yourself and you know that you are doing what makes you happy, then that is all that you need at the end of the day.”