PROFILE

Diana Arriaza has shown great commitment to both her academics and community service. She is a senior at Thornton High School and plans to attend the University of Washington at Seattle. She is ranked in the top ten of her graduating class, has received straight A’s throughout most of high school and scored an outstanding 4 in her Advanced Placement Psychology exam. Arriaza is a member of the National Honor Society, Speech and Debate, Student Council and Unicef Club. She maintains a 3.905 GPA, is bilingual and works part-time.

FAVORITE BOOK

“The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” by Stephen Chbosky

FAVORITE MOVIE

“Oldboy”

FUTURE CAREER

Genetics engineer

HERO

My sister, Alejandra.

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“If you are not going to be honest and compassionate the first time don’t even try it the second time.”

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Arriaza’s volunteer work includes spending time with senior citizens at Alpine Retirement Center. There, she and other high school students provided company to elderly and participated in holiday activities like building ginger bread houses. She provided assistance during an annual relay at Lyons Club Relays where elementary-aged children participate in track competitions. She previously helped to fundraise for military families through Family Readiness Group. “It really raises the atmosphere that a community has; it raises how a community acts toward one another and it makes it a better place to be,” she said about volunteering.

IF I COULD IMPROVE THE WORLD . . .

“I would stress tolerance.” Arriaza referenced the intolerance that is often felt such as toward the elderly and in youth graffiti.