* Personal:
Age 18; daughter of Benjamin Jr. and Shirley Samonte of Lanai City; enjoys dancing Tahitian and hula, tennis, cruising with family and friends.
* At School:
Article Photos
SABRINA LYNN ALCONCEL SAMONTE
Senior class president; LEO Club president at Lanai High and treasurer for District 50 (state of Hawaii); Lettermen's Club (varsity tennis, pep squad and cross country); school Academic Excellence Award in grades 9 to 12; HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) excellence award, first place in state medical assistant-clinical category, national competitor and recognition of achievements from the Hawaii Department of Education and Maui County Council; Maui Rotary Youth Leadership award; homecoming class representative as a senior and freshman.
* Off Campus:
National Society of High School Scholars; NIH (National Institutes of Health) Step-Up Program and award of outstanding achievement; Maui Community College Upward Bound Program; Close-Up Foundation government studies participant; Sacred Hearts Church youth ministry; volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, Pacific Whale Foundation, Lanai Little League and cleanups and other community service activities on Lanai, Maui and Oahu; Tamatea Nui halau member; Lanai Filipino Community Council youth dancer; summer internship with John A. Burns School of Medicine; does baby-sitting and did clerical work for mother's SAS Enterprises business.
* Beyond High School:
Plans to attend University of Hawaii at Hilo or Oregon State University and major in biology or pre-pharmacy with the goal of obtaining a doctorate in pharmacy.
* Who is your personal hero and why?
"My personal hero is my mother. She is always here for me, especially when I need her assistance. She supports me in all of my activities, including academics, all of my extracurricular activities and leadership roles. My mom encourages me to be involved in a lot of positive activities. She teaches me to try new things because you never know what is out there and the wonderful opportunities there are. She has taught me to never settle for less, and to succeed in whatever it is I do."
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The students in this weekly feature are selected by officials at their respective high schools. "Student Spotlight" recognizes students of good character who are involved in school or community activities such as athletics, clubs, student government and volunteer work.
