Chamberlain High School: Tribune scholars profiles and essays

More than 200 of Hillsborough County’s top high school seniors from 35 public and private schools accepted an invitation to share their accomplishments and take part in an essay contest through the 2021 R.F. “Red” Pittman Tribune Scholars program. Their profiles and essays are published here, just as the students submitted them. To search all schools, click here.

Dayana Figueredo Perez

School activities and accomplishments:

- Student government (2 years): President of student body

- National Spanish Honor Society (3 years): 2018 Officer, 2019 Vice President, 2020 President.

- Youth Climate Action Coalition (YCAC) advocate 2017- Present

- National Science Honor Society member

- Volunteer support staff at the Health Care District of Palm Beach County

- Certified online tutor for those seeking to learn Spanish. (Tutors.com)

College or other post-high school plans:

I intend to major in Political Science and minor in Law Justice and Advocacy at the University of Tampa.

Tribune Scholars Essay:

It is extremely important to acknowledge that during the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone around the world received different guidelines and mandates from authorities at the federal, state, and local levels. Such variance is what ultimately led to the breakthrough of some countries, cities, and towns, and the hinder of others.

Today, we have the gift of modern medicine and technology, the gift of fast-working and efficient scientists who worked endlessly during a global pandemic to deliver to us what we strongly wished for: a vaccine. Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent infections and, in my idea, the main factor in ultimately putting an end to COVID-19. Despite our country’s efforts in rapidly delivering a medical solution, the people of America are scared; with media corruption, vaccination rumors, spread of erroneous news, and lack of accurate research from trusted sources, people grow scared and have trouble fully trusting the vaccine.

Due to this, people should be bombarded with accurate facts and statistics regarding the vaccination process. Public and private schools, educational institutions, places of employment, local and private domains, along with others, should promote COVID-19 vaccination and immunization. In having calm discussions to properly inform fellow students or workers, using platforms to educate the public and spreading facts rather than rumors, the propagation of accurate information will facilitate immunization and allow us to put an end to COVID-19.

Jeisly Hernandez

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School Activities and Accomplishments:

1. Valedictorian, graduating in honors.

2. AP and Honors student since freshman year.

3. Art Club throughout high school- Senator for 2 years.

4. Science Academics club.

5. Over 100 hours in community service in Caring Angels Assisted Living Facility.

6. Dual Enrollment student registered in HCC since freshman year.

7. Planning on graduating high school with my A.A from HCC after this last semester at HCC (spring 21′).

College or other Post-High School Plans:

I got accepted in USF for the summer term of 21′ for biomedical sciences as my major. After completing my bachelors degree at USF I aspire to continue at the university and enroll in their programs to complete medical school. During my time in medical school I would either pursue dermatology; to which I will be striving to obtain a PhD degree.

Essay:

As an individual my contributions to this global pandemic may seem miniscule, however I believe that if each person did their part, the mass majority would reap the benefits. To lower my presence in this pandemic some of the things I have done and expect from others is to always wear my mask and most importantly, keep social distancing.

Other things I have done regard engaging the people around me in my community by using my social media accounts for posting articles explaining tips for staying clean, and encouragement for the vaccine. I believe spreading awareness is a key factor in solving this formidable challenge. Something as simple as sharing an article regarding for example a new fashion line of masks could further encourage the people who now view this post to purchase the masks and thus doing their part by wearing it. A more behind the scenes suggestion I would also make key in overcoming this pandemic would be washing your hands frequently throughout the day. Collectively If we all washed our hands more often then we would limit exposure to the virus through contact; thus, lowering cases.

Lowering cases through close contact-which the CDC says most infections to be caused by- however, would be through ensuring that people are wearing their masks and maintaining social distancing both indoors and outdoors. I believe people should abide to these said standards in order to stay safe during the pandemic and not only protect themselves but the people around them.

Serenity Jaenichen

School Activities/ Accomplishments:

1. I will be graduating high school with a 5.9 GPA.

2. I have been a part of the NHS since junior year.

3.I was and still am captain of the varsity softball team my junior and senior year.

4. Volunteered for multiple years as a camp counselor to help kids to learn how to play baseball and softball

5. Volunteered for the past 3 years at the Outback Bowl beach day

College or post high school plans:

I will be attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a scholarship to play softball. After four years at Embry-Riddle I will go to PA school to achieve my dream and become a Physician’s Assistant.

Essay:

The first thing to help stem the spread of Covid-19 is to be smart about it. Being smart about it is to make sure you are doing everything correctly and rethinking if the activities you will be doing is safe. Now the physical steps to take is the normal wearing our masks and making sure you are social distancing of course. But now going into depth about that is to be mindful of where you are going. For example, there are things you want to be extra careful about for when there are big crowds, this means to just take some extra steps and sanitize things. Other ways you can do to stop the spread is to stay home and away from people when you are feeling sick and if the symptoms are still there get tested right away. You would want to get tested right away so you can inform others that you came in contact with, so they won’t spread it to anyone else. By taking these steps people can help stop the spread of covid-19 and the world can go back to normal again.

Shannon L. Stahl

School Activities and Accomplishments:

-National Honor Society, two years

-Science National Honor Society, 2 years

-Positive Coaching Alliance, one year

-Lettered in varsity cheerleading, 4 years

-Agriculture Associate Certified

-4th in my graduating class

College or other post-high school plans:

Nursing, University of North Florida

Essay:

As the coronavirus is starting to plateau, I think that there are still important steps that should be taken to stem the spread of the coronavirus. Yes, masks are a mandate, but there are many of those people who do not wear them correctly and that enhances the spread of the virus.

In order to help the spread, I think there should be given tickets, or a fine, to people who do not wear a mask correctly or to those who decide that they are special enough to not wear a mask at all. This would make it, so people are forced to wear a face covering of some sort and help combat the spread.

There could be someone in that store that has an elderly family member at home and is more likely to contract the virus and could potentially die because of it. Many people believe that they don’t have to wear a mask because it is a free country, but that just shows that they do not care about any other people and are selfish. If they had somebody at home who was older and more likely to contract the virus, they would actually care and want to wear a face covering.

Malina Seldes

School activities and accomplishments:

1. National Honor Society

2. Art club all 4 years/Officer (junior and senior year)

3. Swim Team all 4 years (Co – Captain senior year)

4. Mayor Youth Core Graduate

5. Salutatorian 2021

College or other post-high school plans:

I plan to attend University of Florida starting Fall 2021.

Valerie Paredes-Caballero

School activities and accomplishments:

1. Art Club Officer (Junior and Senior Year)

2. Art Club Co-President (Senior Year)

3. NSHSS member (3 Years)

4. NHS Member (2 years)

5. NSCS member (Senior Year)

6. AP/Dual Enrollment (4 Years)

College or other post-high school plans:

I plan to attend HCC and get an Associate’s in the Arts, and then transfer to an Art College to get a Bachelor’s in Animation. I hope to be able to have my own Animation Studio one day.