Melissa Ainsworth, Davis High School Graduate

Teen Hall Of Fame

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Melissa graduated from Davis High School with a 3.9 grade-point average, was nominated for homecoming royalty and received a Spartan Award for being an all-around good student with good character.

However, her biggest achievement lies in the fact that she will be the first person in her family to go to college.

Melissa plans to attend University of the Pacific and study psychology. She hopes to pursue a career in criminal psychology.

Melissa Ainsworth, 18, of Modesto, CA., poses for a photograph at the Modesto Bee on Wednesday, July 8, 2009. (DARRYL BUSH/dbush@modbee.com)

She has a strong track record of volunteer work. Melissa has served as a member of her school's Public Safety Academy for four years, completing some 100 hours of community service with the organization. She served food at crab feeds and worked at a career expo for eighth-graders.

Her experience with the Public Safety Academy helped her determine what she hopes will be her future career.

"It's good to start knowing what you want to go into," she said. "For the longest time, I thought I wanted to be a lawyer, but I realized it wasn't what I really wanted to do."

Melissa also worked part time for two years at John's Incredible Pizza.

"I think the most valuable thing I learned from this experience is the value of money," she said. "It wasn't too easy, but I got the hang of saving money."

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FAMILY: Parents, Julie and Mike Ainsworth; siblings, Maria, 14, and Michael, 12

HOBBIES: Spending time with my family and friends and listening to music

BIGGEST INFLUENCE: My mom because she works really hard to provide for us and she has taught me how to make it through anything

LAST BOOK I READ FOR PLEASURE: "Dolores Claiborne," by Stephen King

FAVORITE MUSIC: I listen to all types of music, but lately my favorite rapper has been Tech N9ne.

FAVORITE TV SHOW: "The Game"

FAVORITE MOVIE: My favorite movie of all time would have to be "Selena."

BIGGEST FEAR: Not being as successful as I can

WHAT I'D TELL THE PRESIDENT: Keep doing what you're doing, because you've come so far.

ADVICE FOR KIDS: Don't give up on anything you want.

ADVICE FOR ADULTS: Listen to your kids, and help them with their dreams.

WHERE I'LL BE IN 10 YEARS: A college graduate and a successful criminal psychologist

— REBECCA MEARS / 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.