Editor's note: Senior standouts are compiled from questionnaires filled out by the students themselves

Tyler GearhartTyler Gearhart, son of Bill and Lisa Gearhart, wants to pursue a career in the performing arts. A member of the Drama Club in high school, he also participated in Safe School Ambassadors and the Christian Club.

In addition, he planned and implemented youth activities at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Simi.

Tyler achieved Renaissance from 10th through 12th grade, and he said his favorite class was play production/drama under the direction of Sharon Crane.

"Mrs. Crane has been the biggest influence on me because she has made me love drama," Tyler said. "She taught me to do what I love, and (I) can't thank her enough for it."

The 18yearold plans to attend Moorpark College to obtain his associate of arts before transferring to a four-year university. In 10 years, Tyler hopes to be performing onstage in musicals or acting in front of the camera for TV and film.

Monica Esswein Monica Esswein, daughter of Robert and Denise Esswein, was involved in many clubs and organizations at Simi High, including Key Club, Operation Smile, Culture Exchange Club, track and field, soccer and marching band, for which she was the flute and piccolo section leader.

She also started a paper recycling program on campus, volunteered with the nonprofit animal welfare organization Pet Stop Rescue and is a member of the California Scholarship Federation.

The 18-year-old said she most looks up to her father, who she said has always supported her and motivated her to do her best both in and out of school.

Monica will attend UC San Diego, where she will major in bioengineering and biotechnology. She plans to work in the field of gerontology and try to find a cure for diseases of the mind, such as Alzheimer's.

"In 10 years, I see myself studying gerontology and doing research to find a cure for common mental diseases," she said. "I also see myself trying to discover a way to slow down the aging process and keep the population younger."

Michael Peddycoart Michael Peddycoart, son of Steve and Ana Maria Peddycoart, spent much of his time in high school making music. The tenor saxophonist was a member of Simi High's Latin Band, Big Band and Instrumental Music Council. He received numerous accolades for his musicianship, including the Woody Herman Jazz Award and the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award.

He also won the Ventura Music Festival's second student jazz competition this year, which afforded him the chance to play in concert with Grammy winner Paquito D'Rivera.

Michael excelled academically as well, serving as a 2008 delegate to the California Boys State, receiving an academic letter in high school and gaining membership into the California Scholarship Federation. He is headed to Stanford University in the fall.

The 18yearold said his father has had the biggest influence on his life so far.

"He taught me the value of hard work and integrity," Michael said. "He is a constant example of what it means to be an honest man."

Jessica Capaldi Ten years from now, Michael sees himself working for the federal government in a foreign country, perhaps as the next James Bond or Henry Kissinger.

Jessica Capaldi, daughter of Mark and Catherine Capaldi, has a passion for politics and medicine.

During the past four years, Jessica participated in LeadAmerica's Global Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., and New York, attended a Republican Women's Advocacy Trip to Sacramento, debated on Simi High's mock trial team and volunteered at UCLA Medical Center's rheumatology department for the Tsao lab, which conducted genetic research on lupus.

The 18-year-old said she is anxious to start classes this fall at the University of San Diego, where she will major in international relations while completing her pre-med course work.

"I yearn to immerse myself in foreign cultures by studying abroad and by providing service in any way that I can in order to gain a deeper understanding (of) human interactions based upon the differing governments, religions and traditions of each unique society," Jessica said.

Kyle Witt Her ultimate goal is to work for Medecins Sans Frontieres, or Doctors Without Borders, as an infectious disease specialist.

Jessica will go on a DWB trip to Mexico in July with members of Simi's St. Peter Claver parish.

Kyle Witt, son of Robert and Janet Witt, credited the "love and support" of Simi High's counseling office for helping him make it through senior year.

To graduate on time, Kyle took four classes at the Simi Valley Adult School as well as three online courses. His favorite subject at Simi High was government and economics taught by Mike Weber, who Kyle said "treats every senior as a senior, not as a child."

The 18-year-old said he hopes to attend a four-year university and then transfer to a dental school program in Seattle.

Kyle said his mother has had the biggest influence on his life so far.

"Her and I have been through so much together, from seven states to seven high schools . . . but she has still managed to go back to college and graduate dental school," he said. "We have been through hard times, but we've always had each other's backs."

Kyle said he is confident that in eight years he will be graduating dental school and starting his own practice in Seattle. He also plans on owning a loft apartment and a candy-apple red Pontiac GTO.