Simi Valley High standout seniors

Gerardo Sanchez

Gerardo Sanchez, son of Carmela and Everardo Sanchez, participated in Renaissance all four years at Simi Valley High School while earning a 3.9 GPA.

He was in the Safe School Ambassador club, which gives advice and support to fellow students. The 17yearold also helped paint murals on the walls of the school.

Gerardo expects to attend Moorpark College before transferring to a local college like Cal State Northridge or Cal Lutheran and earning a bachelor's degree.

His favorite class was government/economics with Mike Weber, and the biggest influence on his life at the school was Elizabeth Brown, a counselor.

"She's always had faith in me," Gerardo said.

When he graduates, he wants to take with him the lessons he learned from Safe School Ambassador.

"I want to give back to the community and support the future generations of kids to come."

Meghan, daughter of Debbie and Jay Allen, was ASB secretary, senior class secretary and junior class vice president.

She earned an award for having the most school spirit and was a semifinalist for the Prudential Spirit of Community Service honor. The 18-year-old was also manager of Simi's varsity softball team, which won 30 straight games and earned a trip to the CIF-Southern Section Division I championship game.

Meghan Allen

Meghan's favorite classes at Simi were anatomy and physiology with Tom D'Errico. She also enjoyed learning from government and economics teacher Ken Hibbits, who "unfortunately is retiring this year. He made learning fun and through his excitement and passion, we learned more," Meghan said.

Meghan plans to attend California Lutheran University to study biochemistry and molecular biology. She would eventually like to attend Harvard Medical School and become a neurosurgeon.

"When it comes to school, my mom truly has always been the one that has taught me to do my best," Meghan said. "She was valedictorian when she graduated, and I really feel I learned a lot from my mom."

Brett, son of Peggy and Mike Hale, led the Simi Valley High School varsity baseball team to a CIF-Southern Section Division I baseball championship. The team captain played centerfield for the Pioneers, who finished 25-8 overall.

Brett Hale

Not surprisingly, Brett, 18, said baseball was his favorite activity at Simi Valley. In 10 years, he said, he hopes to still be playing baseball, perhaps professionally.

"(I enjoyed playing) baseball for Coach Matt La Belle because every day was fun and I got to learn and improve on things," Brett said.

The senior said the biggest influences on his life are his mother and father.

"They were always helping me and encouraging me to graduate," he said.

Spencer Nagy, son of Anthony and Jessica Nagy, earned the Simi Valley High School Trail Blazers Award.

After he graduates, the 18year-old hopes to attend Moorpark College and travel.

Spencer said history is his favorite subject because "it is always interesting to learn about the past and compare it to the present."

The senior said he's grateful for the guidance and support of counselor Judy Melanson and the positive encouragement of his parents.

Spencer Nagy