Lauren Hoffman Lauren Hoffman, daughter of Derrick and Ingrid Hoffman, earned highest honors in all four years at Grace Brethren.

She received awards for excellence in English, Spanish and science, and won third place in the school science fair as a sophomore. She is a lifetime member of the California Scholarship Federation. Lauren served as president of the National Art Honor Society and volunteered as a technician at a local veterinary hospital for more than two years.

Lauren said her favorite classes were biology and anatomy because she enjoyed learning about life. After graduation, she plans to travel through Asia and Europe with her best friend, Yoora Kim, then attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the fall to study preveterinary medicine.

The 18-year-old said the biggest influences on her life have been her parents.

"They have always been there for me and encouraged me to try my best in everything I do," she said.

Sam Leffler, son of Larry and Kathy Leffler, earned the Association of Christian Schools International achievement award in athletics, performing arts and academics.

Sam Leffler He was on the Grace Brethren honor roll all four years of high school, was the football team's Lineman of the Year and took part in two of the drama department's musical productions. He also participated in golf, soccer, ASB and Leadership.

Sam plans to study communications at California Lutheran University, after which he plans to attend Eternity Bible College to study and become a youth pastor.

The 18yearold said his favorite class at Grace Brethren was choir with Ms. Brooks, and the biggest influence on his life so far has been his mother.

"She always pushed me to be the best I could be and supported me in everything I did. I know she will always be there for me, and I love her for all the work she has put into me," Sam said.

Garrett Manley, the son of Greg and Marla Manley, is the valedictorian of Grace Brethren's class of 2008.

Having earned highest honors through all four years of high school, Garrett is a California Scholarship Federation Lifetime member and received outstanding achievement in academics from the Association of Christian Schools International in his junior and senior years.

Garrett Manley He played on the school basketball and volleyball teams and was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Youth Group Leadership.

Garrett plans to attend UC San Diego and pursue a career in engineering.

The 17-year-old's favorite class was Spanish III with Mr. Bailey.

"Although the nine people in the class would have probably never talked to each other otherwise, we probably became the closest class I've ever had," he said.

Yoora Kim, daughter of Heebum and Hyekyung Yeo Kim, earned the Distinguished Christian High School Student award in academics and leadership from the Association of Christian Schools International.

She earned highest honors through all four years of high school, was a Gene Black Medical Career Program participant with the Los Angeles Pediatric Society and was named an allAmerican scholar by the United States Achievement Academy. Yoora is the chapter founding president of the National Honor Society and served as ASB president at Grace Brethren.

Yoora Kim The 19-year-old will major in bioengineering: pre-medicine at the Jacobs School of Engineering of UC San Diego, with hopes of one day becoming a pediatrician like her father.

Yoora said the most powerful influences in her life up to this point have been her parents because they were always "role models of life, of dedication and diligence, and an endless source of encouragement and love." Jeff Ostrich, son of Richard and Betsy Ostrich, is the salutatorian of Grace Brethren's class of 2008.

During high school, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America, earned the California Scholarship Federation lifetime member award with highest honors and received certificates of merit from the California state Senate and state Assembly. He served as vice president of the National Honor Society and was a member of the Encore Show Choir and Thespian Society at Grace Brethren.

Jeff Ostrich Jeff will major in politics at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He hopes one day to work as a staff member for a United States congressmember or senator.

The 17-year-old said the biggest influence on his life is friend and fellow Eagle Scout, Kevin Slack.

"Kevin taught me, both directly and indirectly, valuable leadership skills which I use to this day and will use for the rest of my life."