Teen Hall of Fame: Emily Regalado, Freshman, University of Colorado

MODESTO -- Teen Hall of Fame: Emily Regalado, Freshman, University of Colorado

A freshman at the University of Colorado, Emily Regalado is a force to be reckoned with. Her ambition and drive are what landed her in the marketing program, specializing in entrepreneurship.

This drive was clear at Central Catholic, where she maintained a 3.8 grade-point average, taking challenging courses including honors English II, Advanced Placement European history, AP U.S. history, AP government/honors economy, AP calculus AB and a few courses at Modesto Junior College. These advanced courses led to Emily earning an Academic Block C and WAC Scholar Athlete award.

Even with her heavy workload, Emily managed to nurture her athletic skills. She was a cheerleader her freshman, sophomore and junior years and ran track her senior year. She received a varsity letter during her junior year.

Emily also made time to be a part of several clubs and community service projects. She was a member of Social Justice Club, Eco Club, Key Club, the National Honors Society, associated student body, yearbook and senior ministry team.

She aided the Ronald McDonald House charity, acting as a locker assistant at her school, along with a charity started by her family called The Lost City. Its goal is to distribute presents to children of immigrant families during the Christmas season in the migrant housing in Patterson.

Emily also presented The Lost City project to the Diocese of Stockton her junior year.

Emily has dreams of attending culinary or pastry school after finishing college at the University of Colorado in Boulder, and hopes to own a bakery.

PARENTS: Teri and Arnold Regalado

SIBLINGS: Joseph, 20, and Isabella, 12

HOBBIES: Baking, running, and spending time with friends and family

LAST BOOK READ FOR PLEASURE: "The Great Gatsby"

FAVORITE TV SHOWS: "Master Chef," "Pretty Little Liars" and "Grey's Anatomy"

FAVORITE MOVIE: All of the Harry Potter movies, "Space Jam" and "Juno"

FAVORITE MUSIC: Steve Aoki, Timeflies, The Fray and Safetysuit

BIGGEST FEARS: Spiders and dying

ADVICE FOR KIDS: Always be an individual

ADVICE FOR ADULTS: Life's too short to be stressed out — remember to chill out every once in a while.

WHERE I'LL BE IN FIVE YEARS: Graduated from college and going to culinary school

BIGGEST INFLUENCE: My parents