Lauren has accomplished many things to get to where she is today.
She completed her four years of high school with high scores and received her International Baccalaureate diploma. With rigorous academic work and a 4.1 grade-point average, Lauren graduated toward the top of her class.
"I enjoyed the four years that I spent in the IB program," she said, "and I can say that the environment at Modesto High and the coursework itself helped to shape my academic and cultural learning and was an amazing experience."
Lauren is involved with the California Association of Student Councils, a student-led nonprofit organization that helps promote activism and leadership in students across the state. In early 2008, Lauren applied for and was chosen to be the Region 5 president. She worked with the state Legislature and the Stanislaus Country Office of Education to represent California students in education policy.
"CASC has changed my life in that it has shown me that even as a young person, I am empowered to make possible the changes that I want to see made reality," she said.
In her junior year, Lauren was chosen to represent her school in Girls State and serve as a delegate to the Girls State Conference. She participated in forming a mock government and getting hands-on experience as to what it's like to work for the government. The program allowed her to see firsthand how the political system works.
Lauren has traveled outside the country to broaden her education and experiences. Through the Rotary Exchange Program, she went to Italy for three weeks, where she stayed with a host family in Milan. During her stay, she was able to see for herself the culture of Italian youth.
Lauren also spent five weeks in Costa Rica with Royal Servants, an international missions organization. She was able to immerse herself in the daily lives of people who aren't given the same opportunities that we are in America. "I now realize and appreciate the value of those freedoms," she said.
Lauren also has taken part in extracurriculars. She has worked with Habitat for Humanity and was a student in Stanislaus County's Leadership Academy. In her junior year, she attended a Rotary camp. "(It) taught me a lot about leadership in group settings and was a lot of fun as well," she said.
Lauren is attending the University of California at Santa Barbara, where she is going to pursue a degree in political science.
PARENTS: Curt and Sharyl Nitta
SIBLING: Paige, 7
HOBBIES: Running, traveling, shopping, spending time with friends
BIGGEST INFLUENCE: My dad
LAST BOOK I READ FOR PLEASURE: "Blink," by Malcolm Gladwell
FAVORITE TV SHOW: "Burn Notice"
FAVORITE MOVIE: "The Hangover"
FAVORITE MUSIC: I listen to pretty much everything, but I'm currently hooked on the band Owl City.
BIGGEST FEAR: Ax murderers
WHAT I'D TELL THE PRESIDENT: Learn from the past; it influences the future.
ADVICE FOR KIDS: You only get one chance to live each day, so enjoy it to the fullest.
ADVICE FOR ADULTS: Give your kids the freedom to be kids, don't pressure them with future expectations.
WHERE I'LL BE IN 10 YEARS: Honestly, I have no idea, I can only say that I'm excited to discover where life will take me, hopefully somewhere with lots of adventure and excitement.
— LOUISE RAMOS/TEENS IN THE NEWSROOM
The Teen Hall of Fame honoree receives a $100 check from E.&J. Gallo Winery, movie tickets from Dr. Randy Winter with the Modesto Arts Medical Group, a gift card from Yogurt Mill and bowling passes from Yosemite Lanes.
To nominate a student, visit www.modbee.com/service/teen_fame.pdf.
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