Teen Hall of Fame: Mariah Vitoria, CSU Stanislaus

A recent graduate of Hilmar High School, Mariah sure made the most of her high school years.

Not only did she graduate with a 3.9 GPA, but she was involved in numerous clubs, such as the California Scholarship Federation, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, foreign-language club and poetry club.

She also was involved in leadership and student government and served as the commissioner of music.

When it came to sports, Mariah participated on the varsity soccer and basketball teams — she was the captain of both.

She also loves to give back to her community and throughout the course of her high school career donated more than 450 hours of her time to various organizations.

When she wasn't busy doing homework for one of her four Advanced Placement classes or volunteering her time, she could be found on the soccer field and basketball court practicing for her next big game. Throughout her four years at Hilmar High, Mariah won awards including most spirited, all-league for soccer, student of the month, the Intelijacket Award and the Western Athletic Conference Scholar Athlete award.

One of the most humble and well-rounded girls you will ever meet, Mariah sure has a bright future ahead of her. She is a sophomore at California State University, Stanislaus, where she is majoring in business entrepreneurship.

PARENTS: Paul and Janet Vitoria

BROTHER: Julian, 15

HOBBIES: Sweepstaking, running and sports

BIGGEST INFLUENCES: Many of my hard-working family members, and Tim Tebow

LAST BOOK I READ FOR PLEASURE: "Heaven is for Real," by Todd Burpo

FAVORITE TV SHOWS: Anything on ESPN, and "The Bachelorette"

FAVORITE MUSIC: Anything from Christian music to R&B

FAVORITE BANDS: Too many to list

BIGGEST FEAR: Hitting a pedestrian in my blind spot

WHAT I'D TELL THE PRESIDENT: Please do America the favor of not running for the next election.

ADVICE FOR KIDS: Focus on your goals and focus on making yourself happy instead of those around you.

ADVICE FOR ADULTS: Raise your kids to be independent, hard-working individuals who understand the value of a dollar.

WHERE I'LL BE IN 10 YEARS: Making a difference through my passions, and starting a business of my own.

To nominate a student, go to www.modbee.com/buzzz and click on the Teen Hall of Fame link.