Thursday, Aug. 06, 2009

Teen Hall of Fame: Hayley Gordon, Johansen High Graduate

Hayley is the epitome of the perfect student. From academics to sports to volunteering, Hayley excelled at everything she committed to.

And -- even after balancing academics, sports and volunteer activities -- she still found time to bring her grandparents dinner every day.

Hayley graduated with a 4.22 grade-point average and straight A's last semester. She was ninth in her class.

"It made the extra work in high school worth it," she said.

She also earned many awards, including Johansen High School's Academic Block, Academic Emblem and Aim for A's, and is a lifetime member of the California Scholarship Federation.

In addition to these academic awards, Hayley also received varsity letters in cross country, basketball and track, and awards for most improved and most valuable athlete.

One of her teachers said that when it comes to sports, Hayley likes to tell younger players that she wasn't always the best athlete, but she always tried her best and supported the team.

Hayley has been involved in many volunteer activities but spent the majority of her time in the Empire 4-H. Hayley was president of the club for two years, during which she helped to raise $10,000 for the club's activities. She was also part of the team that won the 4-H Stanislaus County Knowledge Bowl.

"Being in 4-H has taught me about leadership, public speaking and responsibility and work ethic," Hayley said.

Her other volunteer activities include serving as a student guide at the Monterey Bay Aquarium last summer and volunteering at Modesto's Memorial Medical Center for two years. She was even given an award for outstanding service there.

Hayley was selected for the Stanislaus County Office of Education Leadership Academy, where she met community leaders and learned about government.

"At the Leadership Academy, I learned to be successful in life, you have to love what you are doing and that our community has many great people, businesses, organizations and leaders," she said.

Hayley will attend University of California at Santa Barbara in the fall and was named a UC Regents Scholar. As far as what she has decided to study in college, "I haven't decided yet, but I hope it will be something I love and can make a career of."

FAMILY: Parents, Bonny Jewell and John Gordon; no siblings, but cousins Paul Gordon, 12, Madeline, 11, and William Jewell, 9, are like brothers and a sister to her.

HOBBIES: I love to read and take long walks around our ranch with my dogs. I also probably watch too much TV.

BIGGEST INFLUENCE: My parents, because growing up, they always were my "parents" as well as friends.

LAST BOOK I READ FOR PLEASURE: "The Last of the Wine," by Mary Renault

FAVORITE MUSIC: Right now, I am really into classic rock and The Rolling Stones.

FAVORITE TV SHOW: "Scrubs" and "Dexter"

FAVORITE MOVIE: "The Life Aquatic"

FAVORITE AWARD: Third place in the Stanislaus County Youth Art Show for a mask I made in ceramics because I had been working all year in class to make beautiful pottery after my not-so-beautiful first projects.

BIGGEST FEAR: Not enjoying my life as much as possible.

WHAT I'D TELL THE PRESIDENT: Would you please play basketball with me?

ADVICE FOR KIDS: It is really worth it to challenge yourself, put in the extra work and do your best.

ADVICE FOR ADULTS: Support your kids and help them to make good choices.

WHERE I'LL BE IN 10 YEARS: Happy, healthy and living in Hawaii

-- 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.