Senior standouts: Apollo High School

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

Chelsie Rogers Chelsie Rogers, the daughter of Greg and Melanie Davidson, earned an Outstanding Citizenship Award and academic achievement honors in English and U.S. History this year at Apollo High School.

The 17-year-old honor student is a member of the choir, vice president of the Interact Club and part of the school's Leadership Team. Her favorite class is English with Kateri Mattila.

Off campus, Chelsie volunteered her time at the Cajun Creole Festival, Simi Valley Days and the Women's Club luncheon.

Chelsie plans to attend Moorpark College before transferring to California Institute of the Arts to earn a degree in animation. She would like to work for Disney or Pixar Animation Studios.

Chelsie wanted to thank her whole family because "they've stuck by me and supported me in my goal to finish high school."

Kelly Gray will graduate from Apollo High School as valedictorian of the 2009 class.

Kelly Gray The senior has earned excellent attendance awards and academic achievement awards in economics and parenting.

The 17-year-old participates in track and field and is involved in the Minor Parent Program on campus.

After graduating from Apollo, Kelly would like to earn a master's degree and focus her studies in the medical field.

The senior said the person who's had the biggest influence on her life is her 1-year-old daughter, Daniella June Perrin.

"She has changed my direction of life in a positive way," Kelly said.

Danny Williams, son of Dan and Christian Williams, will enlist in the U.S. Army after graduation and pursue a career in the armed forces.

A Safe School Ambassador, Danny earned outstanding attendance and citizenship awards. He's been a member of the Leadership Team and a volunteer for a soccer team.

The 17-year-old plays baseball as well as indoor and outdoor soccer for a club team.

The soon-to-be soldier said his favorite classes were government and U.S. History with Nancy Lee.

Danny Williams "She listens to her students . . . and she's a good teacher," Danny said of Lee.

Danny said his parents have had the biggest influence on his life because "they support me in everything I do."

Chris DeLapp, son of Ray DeLapp and Tammy Slivar, earned academic achievement awards in U.S. History, government, algebra and geometry. He is a recipient of Apollo's Star Scholar Award.

The class salutatorian, Chris played baseball, basketball and volleyball.

He plans to attend Moorpark College before earning a degree at a four-year university.

When asked who has influenced him, Chris said, "I feel I've influenced myself the most, because what I do is totally up to me."

In 10 years, Chris sees himself immersed in his career and living independently.

Shantel Gonzales earned academic achievement awards every quarter she's been enrolled at Apollo.

Shantel, who has a 15month-old son, is involved in the Minor Parent Program and in leadership, where she helps organize school activities.

Chris DeLapp She said she cares for all the babies and toddlers in MPP daily.

Shantel would like to attend Moorpark College and focus her education on early childhood development.

"My long-term goals involve (earning) a business degree that will enable me to open my own day-care center/preschool," she said.

Shantel said every teacher she had at Apollo helped her succeed.

Her son has had the biggest influence on her life so far.

"He inspires me to accomplish my goals," Shantel said, "and to never quit."

Shantel Gonzales