Gabriela Simone Gabriela Simone

Gabriela Simone, daughter of David and Giselle Simone, spent her high school years volunteering for the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District.

Over the past three years, Gabriela did some office work for the district, helped host the teen hangout called Club Envy and dressed up and worked the booths at the annual Halloween carnival.

Gabriela said her favorite class in high school was Chemistry of Foods, but she’s also very fond of math. In fact, the 18-year-old is considering a career in accounting.

“I either want to be a psychologist or an accountant when I grow up. I’m trying to decide between the two,” she said. “But I really like working with math, and I can kind of see myself as having an easier career being an accountant.”

Katey Dager Gabriela credited her older brother, Eddie Becdach, and her favorite teacher, Marina Campanella, for helping her get through high school after transferring from Santa Susana to Monte Vista. She said Becdach helped her create a plan to tackle all the classes she needed to make up and Campanella motivated her to complete her work.

Gabriela plans to go to Moorpark College for two years before transferring to her brother’s alma mater, Cal State Northridge.

Katey Dager

Katey Dager, daughter of Mike and Wendy Dager, completed high school three months early and is already enrolled at Moorpark College.

While in high school, Katey kept busy outside of the classroom, performing at elementary schools with a children’s theater group in ninth and 10th grades and serving as secretary for the Circle of Friends club.

She also spent time practicing for her future profession: Katey was a member of Santa Susana High School’s mock trial team in 11th grade. Not surprisingly, the aspiring lawyer said her favorite subject in school was American government because she enjoys studying the Constitution.

The 18-year-old plans to attend Moorpark College for two years before transferring to a university— preferably one that is close to home. Then she hopes to attend law school, probably one on the East Coast.

Katey said her mom has been the biggest influence on her life so far.

“She always supports me and helps me while still encouraging me to be independent and make my own decisions.”

—Carissa Marsh