AARON GONZALEZ, Pitman High School graduate

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Although he is now graduated with a 4.4 grade-point average and is headed for the University of California at Merced, Aaron's high standards for himself remain unchanged.

So does his sense of spirituality and religion.

Aaron takes initiative and never ceases to instill much passion and hard work into everything he does, be it taking part in athletics such as football, trying his best at school, or even helping out at church. Aaron takes pride in teamwork and helping others achieve in life.

"I guess it is important to take pride in what you do, for spending time with others can give you perspective on yourself, doing your best at school helps you to set yourself up for other life experiences, and setting time aside for church helps me maintain the important relationship I have with God," he said.

What sets Aaron apart from many other teens his age is, in fact, his lack of hesitation to involve God in all his decisions. Aaron always recognizes the importance that his religion holds to himself, as well as his peers, stating, "A lot of people my age have come to me when it comes to things like peer pressure, and my spirituality tends to help in offering guidance to those who ask for it."

As a starting nose tackle on the varsity Pitman High School football team, Aaron realizes that in order to be good at what you do, you must work hard. Asked about his experiences and memories of the football team, it was not the victories he remembered most clearly, but "the good times shared at practice and before the games."

Outside of school, Aaron also remains very involved in church youth groups at Sacred Heart and St. Stanislaus Catholic churches, stating that this work "helps to keep me in constant prayer, as well as reinforcing my relationship with God."

Aaron believes that helping out with these youth groups is a way to remind himself of the gifts he is given and no longer takes for granted.

• • •

FAMILY: Parents, Arturo and Carmina Gonzalez; brother, Brian, 20

HOBBIES: I enjoy playing all kinds of sports, as well as collecting comic books. My favorite comic book is definitely "The Avengers," by the way.

BIGGEST INFLUENCE: My biggest influences have been and always will be my parents and God. Without them, nothing in my life would be worth achieving.

LAST BOOK I READ FOR PLEASURE: The last book that I read for the enjoyment of it was "In Cold Blood," by Truman Capote.

FAVORITE TV SHOW: "House" is by far my favorite show on television right now.

FAVORITE MOVIE: "The Rock"

FAVORITE MUSIC: Anything in the genres of classic rock and oldies; my favorite band would probably have to be the Eagles.

BIGGEST FEAR: The feeling of fear itself is my biggest fear.

WHAT I'D TELL THE PRESIDENT: "You just have to keep going when the going gets tough."

ADVICE FOR KIDS: Always chase after your dreams, and if you fall, pick yourself up and keep running.

ADVICE FOR ADULTS: Set the example for younger people that your parents set for you.

WHERE I'LL BE IN 10 YEARS: I really hope to be an orthodontist.

— KEVIN DAVIDSON / TEENS IN THE NEWSROOM