Selecting students for the Morgan Hill Times’ annual senior spotlight honor is no enviable task. That’s why we make the principals, school counselors and staff sort it out (and they resent us for making them narrow it down to one!). These students have navigated the labyrinth of high school hurdles, and we are inspired by their optimistic outlook, refreshing attitudes and heartfelt honesty. We celebrate them, their families, their mentors and all the graduating seniors in the Class of 2016.
Kristin Rebozzi, 18, Ann Sobrato High School
What are your plans after high school?
My plan after high school is to attend California State University Monterey Bay for the next four years. I will be achieving a Bachelor’s in Cinematic Arts and Technology. I will be living on campus in the dorms for my duration at Monterey Bay.
What is one of your fondest memories from high school?
The Sobrato Girls Varsity basketball team has a huge part in my high school experience. When I’m not in school or at home, I’m with my team. My fondest of memory in high school was having team bondings before game day and lunch with my team on game days.
Who was your favorite high school teacher and why?
My favorite high school teacher would have to be Travis Pappa. He is a CP and AP Physics teacher at Sobrato. Not only is he a great person, but he makes a subject that could be difficult really fun. He’s always thinking of his students and keeping a positive energy in the room.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I would like to become a movie and/or television producer. I plan on working my way up to producer level, through working in internships. Working in the film industry, I will need to work well with people and form connections that will help me in my career.
If you could leave one piece of advice for an incoming freshman, what would it be?
In high school, I wasn’t confident in my ability to make it to a four-year college. With the help of my counselors, I was given the motivation to try to apply to four-year colleges and pushing through to the end of the year. To incoming freshman, you only miss the shots you don’t take.
What are your plans for this summer?
This summer I will be possibly working a basketball development camp for the South County Basketball Association (SCBA). This would be my second summer coaching kids in the fundamentals and teamwork. It’s important for me to give back to the program where I learned the amazing sport of basketball.
Favorite movie, book or song: pick one and explain what it does for you?
My favorite song is “Saturn” by Sleeping at Last. The song is a man asking someone on their deathbed the secret to life and the universe. He’s saying that he will now continue to share what s/he taught him about how people are wonderful and life is a beautiful thing until he breathes his final breath.
Alex Holmstrom, 18, Live Oak High School
What are your plans after high school?
I am going to attend UC Santa Barbara in the fall. I am planning to major in physics.
Favorite high school memory:
It’s hard to pick just one—probably getting dressed up in a white tux and going stag to prom with my best friend, Cameron.
What was your biggest challenge in high school?
My biggest challenge in high school was taking 5 AP courses my junior year and trying to make it through all the work each day.
Extracurriculars:
I tried different sports. I did cross country for two years, water polo for one year, and lacrosse for one year too. I found my place on the badminton team and played for all four years of high school. Boy Scouts was one of my main extracurricular activities, and I achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. I was an officer in Key Club and Math Club and a member in FBLA.
What inspires you?
My family and our values matter to me. In particular, my older brother has done the most to influence my life. Whenever he got into a sport or program, I always followed. He motivates me: struggling together helps keep us both going because we know the other won’t give up.
What’s your dream career?
I am not completely sure what I want to do yet. I like the idea of doing research in unexplored areas of physics. I am looking forward to learning more about career options when I go to college.
Christopher Fuentes Lopez,18, Central High School
What are your plans after high school?
I am joining the U.S Army and will be going for basic training two weeks after graduation. After the military, I plan on studying business and also get my contractor’s license.
What is one of your fondest memories from high school?
One of my best memories was receiving motivation from each one of my teachers which helped me push through and do my very best. Before that I never received that push at my other school or even felt welcomed, but at Central I felt very welcomed.
Who was your favorite high school teacher and why?
My favorite teacher was Mr. Lines because he motivated me to get my work done and taught me never to give up and to always do beyond what I can do. If it weren’t for Lines, I wouldn’t be the person I was today.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I see myself still in the military doing something I believe in.
If you could leave one piece of advice for an incoming freshman, what would it be?
One message to freshmen would be to never give up and always keep going forward and always do your best and don’t blame others for your actions
Favorite movie, book or song: pick one and explain what it does for you?
Of tops, my favorite movie is “My Family” because it’s a movie that talks about the different generations of Chicanos, and it is a heartwarming movie.
