Personal: Age 17; son of Cresencio and Elvie Cabading of Lahaina; enjoys traveling and experiencing new things, spending time with family and friends, exercising, writing short stories and sketching pictures to go with them.
At School: Maui District Student Council Organization vice chairman, Academy of Hospitality and Tourism assistant director of activities, Distributive Education Clubs of America, Japanese Club, Aloha Club, Student Council executive board, Kokua Krew, Homecoming Committee and Junior Prom Committee, sophomore class leadership team, Ka Leo Luna news writing staff, Junior Prom Court member.
Off Campus: Rally for America, Youth Relay For Life, Lahaina Beach cleanup, Aloha Aina Earth Day recycling project, Stomp Out Hunger, Maui Charity Walk, Maui Marathon volunteer, West Maui phone book delivery, Sacred Hearts School Bazaar volunteer and homeless shelter volunteer, worked at Hula Grill Kaanapali as a greeter and logo booth attendant, Lahaina Filipino Catholic Club, Maria Lanakila Church youth ministry.
Article Photos
Kristel Jay Dela Cruz Cabading
Beyond High School: Short-term goals - To double major and receive a bachelor's degree in business administration and travel industry management. Would like to earn a master's degree in business administration. Long-term goals - To own and operate a business, preferably a restaurant.
What do you think is the biggest problem facing youth today?
"Their lack of self-confidence. Many dwell on their mistakes instead of learning from them which decreases their confidence level. The youths begin to think that they can't do anything correctly resulting in fear of trying out new things or making any attempts to improve. In reality, people are always experiencing new things so if you fear it, you can't and you won't go anywhere. 'Keep moving forward' is my favorite quote and I use it to motivate me; to tell me that no matter how hard things are, I should just 'keep moving forward.' ''
