PROFILE

Oscar Castaneda is rapidly approaching his final weeks as a senior at George Washington High School. There, Castaneda received recognition for his accomplishments in AVID that include Best AVID Brother, AVID Student of the Month, the AVID Letter and was also recognized with an Academic Letter for maintaining a competitive GPA for an entire school year. He is a member of AVID Club, the National Honor Society and is actively involved as a member of the Varsity Soccer team. He has a 3.74 GPA and is planning to attend either Adams State College or Saint Mary’s University. He is bilingual.

FAVORITE BOOK

“Goal! The Dream Begins,” by Robert Rigby

FAVORITE MOVIE

“The Hangover”

FUTURE CAREER

Dentist

HERO

My parents (Maria and Oscar) and professional soccer player, Andrés Iniesta.

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“Nothing is impossible.”

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Castaneda was involved as an assistant coach for his brother’s soccer team. Most recently, he spends his time reading to elementary students at the Denver Green School. “Not only does it give you a chance to help others but it helps you to see real life — to become responsible and see life is not always as you think,” Castaneda said about volunteering. He referenced the moments he spends reading to children as a factor where he learns about others plights. “The institutions [where one volunteers] see that you care,” he said, that you are “not selfish.”

IF I COULD IMPROVE THE WORLD . . .

“I would make sure that every student gets the same education.” Castaneda said when he was growing up that he did not experience the same “benefits” as other students and also witnessed favoritism.