Agoura’s top grads make the grade




Gilbert Bao

Gilbert Bao

Editor’s note: Senior standouts are selected by their school and profiles are compiled from questionnaires

GILBERT BAO

At 17 years old, Gilbert Bao has already made a mark in environmental science.

He spent two years at a university research laboratory and created new methods to augment common wastewater treatment methods and effectiveness.

His findings on the global clean water crisis were published in one of Harvard University’s research journals, and Gilbert was listed as co-author.

An entrepreneur, Gilbert founded and is the CEO of a solar energy company that has been nationally recognized by the Green Business Bureau. The company won a national Gold level award for offering services that are sustainable.

He installs free solar panels for low-income homeowners in Los Angeles to decrease carbon dioxide emissions and cut electricity costs.

Gilbert earned the Los Angeles Jazz Society Scholarship, recorded an album and studied jazz at the Colburn Conservatory of Music.

He also founded a nonprofit music group that raises funds for senior living homes and people who have Alzheimer’s disease.

Gilbert will attend the University of Chicago in the fall and study environmental science and economics.

He joked that in 10 years he’ll be “rocking out the occasional wedding band gig,” and will be a “trophy husband.” But, most likely, Gilbert will find success as an investment banker.

STEPHANIE CLABEAUX

Valedictorian Stephanie Clabeaux is a scholar, a thespian and an athlete.

She earned AP Scholar with Distinction recognition and graduates as a CSF Gold Seal Bearer.

A member of the thespian troupe 1814 and her school’s drama club, Stephanie hopes to one day win an academy award.

She was honored with the Outstanding Performance award for her role in “The Crucible.”

She is a member of the English Honor Society and the school’s tennis team. She earned the distinction of scholar-athlete and received a letter of commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Program.

A volunteer with the National Charity League, Stephanie won an award for her work.

She says English teacher Deb Frank inspired her to learn about world issues, and drama teacher Diane DeLaurentis introduced her to the world of performing arts.

Stephanie hopes to be a professional actress or to work in film production. She will attend Chapman University in the fall with plans to complete the Screen Acting Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

“I want to be making movies that inspire me and are voices of change,” she said.

MARK MILLER

Mark Miller is an academic, an accomplished musician, an upstanding citizen—and an advanced diver.

A valedictorian, Mark graduates as a California Federation Gold Seal Bearer for academic honors and community service.

He was one of 200 students as a UC Berkeley Regent and Chancellor Scholar, an elite scholarship offered to incoming freshmen.

The 19-year-old is a member of the Math Honor Society and serves as a math tutor.

A bass trombone player, he has been a member of various wind ensembles as well as a member of the Studio Jazz Band, which won first place for three years at the Swing Central competition in Savannah, Ga.

An Eagle Scout, Mark organized a group to rebuild and repair the fencing and windows at Paramount Ranch as his community project. He has served as treasurer for his troop and as senior patrol leader. He is now mentoring younger Scouts.

Mark says his father has inspired him to pursue science and value moral behavior.

He will study genetics and bioengineering in college and expects to one day use “emerging technologies in practical ways that make people’s lives better without taking unjustified risks.”

HEATHER GORYOKA

Heather Goryoka is a valedictorian and a CSF Gold Seal Bearer. She has been active in Agoura High’s leadership programs as well as a committed activist and athlete.

Heather has participated in many community events at her school. She served as secretary and vice president of the Associated Student Body, and was the ceremonies chair for the school’s Relay For Life fundraiser. She also served as co-president of “A Sole for the Soul Club” for four years.

Heather, 18, was a member of the school’s volleyball team for three years. She won the Coach’s Award in her freshman year and the Captain’s Award during her sophomore and junior years.

Advanced Placement English and chemistry classes have been among Heather’s favorites. She credits teachers Deb Frank and Cathy Prater for inspiring her love of English and science. Both teachers, she said, helped her grow as a thinker.

Heather says her parents are her biggest influences.

As for what she hopes to accomplish in 10 years, Heather says she hopes to be happy and to make an impact in whatever she pursues.

Heather will attend UCLA in the fall as a business-economics major.

STEVEN KING

Steven King graduates as a valedictorian. He received the Burger King Scholar’s Award.

A trombonist with the Studio Jazz Band, Steven has been the recipient of many wind ensemble honors.

He earned the top honor of Eagle Scout after completing a project at Agoura High School. He and 100 volunteers renovated an area of the school for the science department to use as an outdoor classroom.

A firm believer in serving his community, Steven has participated in the annual Relay For Life fundraiser for cancer research and education, and has walked for a cure for diabetes with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Steven has had many positive influences in his life. He points to Chad Bloom, his music teacher, as a favorite because of his enthusiasm and dedication to students, and to his family for their constant support in all of his endeavors.

Steven, 18, will follow in the footsteps of many family members. A third generation Bruin, Steven will attend UCLA in the fall. Although he has not yet declared a major, Steven is confident that whatever course of study he selects, he will enjoy.

“I see myself pursuing success in whatever career field I ultimately choose.”

Stephanie Bertholdo


Stephanie Clabeaux

Stephanie Clabeaux

Mark Miller

Mark Miller

Heather Goroyka

Heather Goroyka

Steven King

Steven King

 

 

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