“My homegirl Gely, because she’s funny. Every time we go out she makes it happen. It’s fun when we meet guys and she helps me with my problems.”
–Shonreh Youssofia, 16, Hamilton HS
“My friends have made a big difference in my life. They’ve helped me out in school and other times when I’ve needed them.” —Evelyn Mendez, 18, Birmingham HS
“Kurt Cobain because he didn’t care what people thought. He’s beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.”
–Reyna Lugardo, 16, Palisades HS
“My parents because of all the things they have done for me.”
–Taleisha Payne, 15, L.A.C.E.S
“My mother because she’s intelligent, hardworking and sweet.”
–Patricia Sis, 16, El Camino HS
“Myself because I’m smart and handsome.”
–Jason Bell, 15, L.A.C.E.S.
“God because he created me. I have a strong relationship with my God. He’s loving, forgiving and graceful.”
–Jay Chung, 17, Palisades HS
“My dad because he works hard. We get along well and he’s there for me.”
–Maria Penado, 14, El Camino HS
“I admire my mother because she handles everything the right way. She is special, chic
and wonderful.”
–Jessica Salguero, 16, El Camino Real HS
“My dad because we have the same interests and we spend a lot of time together.”
–Keoni Ceballos, 15, Fairfax HS
“My second grade teacher has been a great inspiration. She had polio but didn’t consider that a handicap. She was the only adult that I could talk to and who really understood the things I was dealing with. She was the one who helped me make my decision to be a psychologist when I grow up. I attended her funeral when she died.”
–Hollie Shin, 15, Bravo Medical Magnet HS
“I admire my mom because she has been a good role model and has inspired me with her career as a teacher. She has taught me morals, how to respect myself and others, how to be bold, to not be afraid and to stand up for what I believe in.”
–Priscilla Rodriguez, 18, Cal State Fullerton
“Jackie Chan because he’s strong, physical, spiritual, and has accomplished so much.” —Daniel Poulos, 17, Daniel Murphy HS
“I admire Will Smith because he is funny, smart, cute and well-built. When-ever I’m de-pressed, he’s there to cheer me up.”
–Sarah Choi, 17, El Camino HS
“My mom. She’s not gonna do me wrong because she loves me and she is very understanding. She is beautiful, strong and the bomb.”
–Josyel Castellon, 16, LAUSD USC MAST
“Firemen because they risk their lives for others and they help others. They’re nice, courteous and cute.” —Yelba Castellon, 15, LAUSD USC Math and Science Technological HS