• LSP Home
• 2007 COHORT
• 2006 COHORT
• 2005 COHORT
• 2004 COHORT
• Alumni

2007 COHORT

Khaerannisa Cortes Hello! My name is Khaerannisa Cortes but everyone just calls me Nisa! I'm half Hispanic and half Asian and I come from a wonderful big family. I've been active in leadership programs since I was in 5th grade. I founded my high school's editorial board (we were in charge of the newsletter, yearbook, picture day etc) and was editor through all the years I attended. Also, I was an active Student Council member and was president my senior year. I graduated from Arizona Cultural Academy with a class size of FOUR. So I am VERY excited to be attending ASU and just as excited to be apart of such an amazing program like LSP. But I think most of all I'm anxious to start working towards my life long dream of becoming a pediatrician...what can I say, kids are my life!

Alec Thomson Hi everyone! My Name is Alec Esteban Thomson; I am from Nogales, Arizona a small border town about 60 miles south of Tucson. I recently graduated from Nogales High School, home of the Apaches. Throughout my high school career I was actively involved in various on and off campus activities. I was an editor for the school newspaper, President of the Gay Straight Alliance and a member of the National Honor Society. My greatest passion was student council where I served as Freshman Class President, Sophomore Class Representative, Junior Class Treasurer, and as Student Body President. I was also a member of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Juntos Unidos Youth Group. Throughout high school I volunteered for the American Red Cross, the Democratic Party and at local elementary schools. Beginning in my sophomore year I started working a part-time job at the Rio Rico Fitness Center as a front desk clerk and continued working there through my senior year. I am thrilled to be starting at ASU. I am even more thrilled to be part of the Leadership Scholarship Program, I am confident that it will make my experience as a Sun Devil even more fulfilling.

Amber Bren Hey! My name is Amber Bren and I recently graduated from Millennium High School in Goodyear, Arizona. I was born and raised in Nebraska until 2001 and I love to travel. I've been to the 48 continental states and I'm headed to Europe in summer 2007. I'm a very energetic and enthusiastic person with a passion for helping others and teaching children. I was very active in High School and hope to continue this at ASU in the Fall of 2007. I'm a double major in Elementary Education and Psychology with a minor in Spanish. I'm ready to set out on the next chapter of my life with all of you at ASU!! Go Devils!!

Gillian Coffinger Hi! My name is Gillian Coffinger, a graduate from Desert Vista High School. I am an Arizona native who finds the dry heat soothing (maybe the heat makes me crazy). In high school, my claim to fame was student council, or maybe as the crazy girl running around at assemblies. I served as the Student Body President, but also had other passions such as Best Buddies President and Key Club VP, and a camp counselor. Outside of school, I was very involved in Relay for Life Phoenix and served as a Luminaria Chairmen. Athletics are a joy in my life and you could always find me running with a big group of also crazy girls (cross country), playing soccer, and most definitely lacrosse. In preparation for the exciting adventure of LSP, I love to ride my beach cruiser and take naps, which I figure will come in handy for a busy, yet FUN next four years at ASU. I'm coming in the whole experience studying global studies/global leadership and minoring in spanish with hopes to going to law school, but only time will tell where this girl will go! Yahoo LSP! :)

Ileana Salinas Hola a todos! Like it says above my picture, my name is Ileana Salinas. I graduated from Westview High School in Avondale, Arizona. Being the first in my family to graduate from high school and pursue a college degree, I have faced challenges that have strengthened my character. I consider myself an optimistic, honest, tolerant, perseverant and committed young Latina leader. Through many experiences I have learned that the attitude I hold every day, and my determination are the keys to overcome any challenge and reach my goals. I want to do so many things in life…I want to become a successful writer and motivational speaker, represent the Latino community in this country, contribute to the community that raised me, and be part of a positive change in our society. I strongly believe that education is the key that opens doors to great opportunities. More than a dream, earning a Ph. Degree is a goal that I want and will achieve. I commit myself to be an outstanding student contributing to ASU and to our community. I am aware of my potential as a human, and I am convinced that every single individual in this world has the ability to influence other people‘s lives in a positive way. I have a passion for singing, writing, reading and running. I like to meet new people and I love the name game… I am always “Improving Ileana”!! There is still much more I want to learn – still so much I wish to experience. That is why I am so happy for achieving my goal to attend Arizona State University and becoming a Sun Devil! And of course, I am very proud and excited to be part of a wonderful program like LSP. I can’t wait until graduation! ;) I’ll see all of you there my friends!

Jesse Bradbury Hey Guys! My name is Jesse Bradbury, I’m a secondary education major, with an emphasis in business. I grew up in Tempe, just one block away from ASU. I graduated from Tempe High School. I love music! I love listening to music, playing music, writing music, everything about it. I currently play guitar, bass, trumpet, and percussion. I plan on being in the ASU marching band. I also love the outdoors, like biking and hiking. I’m so excited about getting to know all the other LSP members and sharing some great experiences with all of you!

J’shon Lee Hello everyone! My name is J’Shon Lee and I was born and raised on the White Mountain Apache Reservation in Northeastern Arizona. As a graduate of Blue Ridge High School, I was involved with Student Council, Native American Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and a member of the National Honor Society. I played softball and volleyball and ran cross country. I’m currently a representative for UNITY (United National Indian Tribal Youth). Traveling, having fun conversations, singing, and learning about different cultures can interest me at any moment. My family and Native heritage mean the world me! Well I plan to major in Business Management and later attend Law School (am I the only one who thinks that’s a weird combination?) Like everyone in LSP I love giving back to my community and I can not wait to see what the program holds for me. I’m all about leadership and I’m definitely excited to meet everyone!

Kaetlynn Daoust Get on a plane and fly north for about three hours and as you see the ground below you turn green and the skies ahead start to pour rain, land at the Seattle-Tacoma airport. Proceed to drive two more hours north and cross a bridge to a tiny town called Anacortes on beautiful Fidalgo Island located in the San Juan Islands. There you will find me playing soccer with friends, driving around town, being generally loud, laying out in the grass, or rowing on the ocean. My name is Kaetlynn Daoust and although I love the northwest, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity presented to me through the Leadership Scholarship Program. I was extremely involved in my high school, participating & serving as officer in everything from Broadcast Club, Drama (inspiring me to pursue the major of Broadcast Journalism and minor of Theatre), Honor Society, Rowing/Sailing Crew, Knowledge Bowl, Women's Varsity Soccer, and Key Club, of which I just completed a term as Pacific Northwest District Governor. My passions include acting, singing out loud obnoxiously to musicals, laughing, leading, shopping for vintage dresses, traveling to visit friends, driving my wagon Big Bertha, Seattle, getting & sending mail, dancing (especially in the rain), folk/indie music, photobooths, sleeping, and spending time with people who make me smile and laugh uncontrollably. I can't wait to meet all of you and begin making unforgettable memories at ASU!

Kathryn Sitter Born and raised in the rural Midwest, I graduated from Ortonville High School in Ortonville, Minnesota. In my small town and school I became known as the girl that does everything. I have been very involved throughout my high school career in many activities including Awards Association, Knowledgebowl, football and wrestling cheerleading and Student Council where I served as Class President each year until my senior year when I was elected Student Council President. While attending W.P. Carey School of Business at ASU, I will be working to earn a degree in Business Marketing but my plans are not yet concrete, as I have interest in many different fields of business, as well as in politics. I also hope to earn a degree in Vocal Performance. I have been extremely drawn toward music my entire life. I am a very musical person and I love the performing arts as well. . Key Club has been a main focus. Near the end of my junior year I was elected to serve as Governor for the Minnesota-Dakotas District of Key Club International. I truly have considered this to be the best experience of my life thus far and have been very grateful for each opportunity that has presented itself because of it. I still have much to learn but am more than willing to do so in Arizona. As a part of LSP, I know I will be far from home, but I will always have a family nearby. I am equally excited to meet each of you, to begin fresh, and to make a name for myself at ASU.

Katie Dreeland Hello! My name is Katie Dreeland, and I am an Arizona native. I live in Corona, which is a small community about 25 miles southeast of Tucson. I’ve been in the same school district my entire life, and I just graduated as co-valedictorian from Cienega High School. Most of my classmates say I’m going to the “dark side”, but I am really looking forward to going to ASU and LSP. Currently I’m planning on studying Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology, and while that may change, I do want to study a genetics-related field. I am a 13-year Girl Scout, and I have also led the 4H club I helped start for the last five years. Tucson has an organization call the Metropolitan Education Commission, which is a county/city group dedicated to improving access to and quality of education. I’ve been a Commissioner for two years, and I have also been a part of their Youth Advisory Council/Tucson Teen Congress for the last 6 years. Science Olympiad and Foreign Culture Club were my main in-school activities, and I also love to sew, quilt, cook, shoot, and do photography.

Kylee Gauna Hi Everyone! My name is Kylee Gauna and I was born and raised in Yuma, Arizona. If you have ever traveled to San Diego, I am sure you have passed through YumaJ I am a happy, enthusiastic, hard-working 2007 graduate of Cibola High School! At Cibola I was involved in a variety of activities throughout my 4 years. I was the Student Body President, class president for three years, a member of the National Honor Society, a Thespian Troupe Member, participated in drama productions, and was Secretary of the Raider Nation Spirit Club. I also was able to be part of the Cibola Television Production Program and took AP and Honor classes. In the community, I was actively involved in 4-H where I took cooking, quilting, and arts and crafts. The best part of my 4-H experience was representing Yuma County as a 4-H Ambassador. I will be majoring in Broadcast Journalism and I am looking forward to being apart of the Cronkite School. I am very excited about becoming a Sun Devil and being involved in the LSP Program at ASU! I cannot wait to meet everyone and start my college experience!

Larry Dorame My name is Larry A. Dorame III; a native of Tucson, Arizona. I recently graduated from Salpointe Catholic High School, where I was student body President of the Senate, an honors student, counselor for the Salpointe Institute, campus minister and a member of the teenage republicans. Other proud accomplishments that I have met are that I am a local council president for young adults in Tucson with the League of United Latin American Citizens, received the Ray Davies Humanitarian award, and Congressional Achievement award from Congressman Raul Grijalva- AZ-07. I’m a very hardworking student with a lot of enthusiasm; when I believe in something it is completed beyond expectation. I love spending time with my family and friends. I have spent time in Australia being an ambassador for people to people; interned for congressman Jim Kolbe-AZ-08 before he retired in Jan.07. My current plan is to major in political science, but may change to Business administration. I’m very excited to become an ASU Sun Devil and become a family member of LSP!

Laura Holso Hey everyone! My name is Laura Holso and I’m from Mesa, Arizona. I graduated as a Toro from Mountain View High School. During my three years I joined a variety of clubs but held leadership positions in the Link Crew, National Honor Society, and Life Teen Club. However, my time was mostly dedicated to AP classes. I really enjoy working with kids and spend time volunteering at the Child Crisis Center, with Edge Youth Groups, and at Stapley Junior High. I guess I’m really just a big kid myself. I’ve already changed my major once so far, but right now I plan to study business marketing and finance and eventually work for the Walt Disney Company. In my spare time, I love to cheer on my favorite team- the Arizona Diamondbacks. It may not be evident from my appearance, but I’m a dedicated and loud fan. I really enjoy playing sports, being with family and friends, and shopping. And although I am only from Mesa, I love country music and you may even catch me slipping a “ya’ll” into a conversation. My sister may go to the U of A, but I’ve always known I was a sun devil. I’m so grateful to be part of LSP and can’t wait to meet the other “LSPers”!

Adam Morales My name is Adam Morales and I am from Scottsdale, Arizona. I graduated from Coronado High School from the Class of 2007. I played Varsity Basketball all four years, and Varsity Baseball for three years (including freshmen baseball). We won the 4A-2 State Championship for baseball in 2007! I was inducted into the National Honor Society my 10th grade year, and became the President my senior year. I was the Senior Class President, and the Key Club International Vice President during my senior year. I have been coaching at SSLL for the past five years, and plan to assistant coach the all-stars this summer. I have been accepted into the Barret Honors College. I plan on majoring in political science, and getting involved in politics. I feel that my Hispanic heritage, being involved in so much leadership, and the increase of Hispanics in Arizona is not a coincidence. I want to get involved in this state and country to make a difference. I plan on studying ABROAD in Spain, and hopefully earning an internship in Washington D.C. My favorite movie is the Godfather and my favorite rap artists are Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, 50 cent, G-unit, and Ice Cube. I love to go hunting and fishing with my father and grandfather. I was raised to always help people no matter the circumstance and live life to the fullest. Being a part of LSP is very exciting because everybody in the program is the "best of the best", and I plan on learning a lot of new things from these great people, and becoming a better person. I had a gut feeling about ASU, and know that being a Sun Devil is the right choice for me.

Raza Mushtaq Hello, my name is Raza Mushtaq and I am a graduate of Chandler High School class of 2007. I plan on double majoring in biochemistry and biology and a minor in mathematics in next two year, and hopefully get accepted in a medical school. My ultimate goal in life is to become a neurosurgeon. French philosopher, Voltaire, once said, “Perfection is attained by slow degrees; it requires the hand of time.” I aim for perfection in everything I do and attempt to utilize time to the best of its value. Consequently, during my high school career, I was involved with numerous organizations and academic institutions such as International Baccalaureate, Biodesign Institute, and Academic Decathlon. As one chapter of my life has ended with high school, I look forward for the new beginning and hope that I will always be able to cherish this period of my life.

Rudi O’Keefe-Zelman Hi! I'm Rudi O'Keefe-Zelman and I just graduated from Mountain Pointe High School in Phoenix, AZ. I'm so excited to be going to ASU and to be a part of LSP! In high school I was involved in various activities and served as class president, editor-in-chief of the yearbook, an officer in National Honor Society, and co-captain of the varsity badminton team (yes…it's a real sport!) where I was fortunate enough to be part of two state championships. As of now I plan on majoring in political science, but I'm sure I'll change that a few times as I figure out what I want to do with my life! I love meeting new people and in my free time I like to be with my wonderful family and friends. I look forward to meeting the rest of LSP and having a great four years as a Sun Devil!

Taylor Barnwell Hi! My name is Taylor Barnwell. I graduated from Westwood High School in Mesa, Arizona. I served as student body president, wrestled, and was a member of the Honor Choir and National Honor Society. I had an awesome life-changing experince traveling to Africa during the summer of 2005. I love the beach, going to the lake, paintballing and riding dirtbikes. I am SO excited to attend ASU! I'm currently indecisive in what to major in, but I want to explore and do something in the medical field. I am so excited to make new friends, get involved, and be in this amazing program! GO DEVILS!

Thomas Hooker What’s up everybody! My name is Thomas Hooker from Chandler, Arizona. I recently graduated from Hamilton High School as the Student Body President, a member of the National Honor Society, and as a husky! The goal I have set for myself is to major in Spanish and minor in Chemistry. I enjoy golfing, weight lifting, Texas Hold`em (poker), and most all hanging out with friends! In my spare time I enjoy volunteering at Banner Desert Hospital as a transporter working with patients that have recovered from surgery. Around Christmas I also contribute my time towards the Christmas Angel Tree Program for the Salvation Army. I can not explain how excited I am to be apart of the LSP as well as being a proud Sun Devil as well!

Joe Pettinato Hello, my name is Joe Pettinato and I recently graduated from high school in the small town of Bradford, Pennsylvania. In high school I was a involved in marching band, National Honor Society, Key Club, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and Boy Scouts of America. In my spare time there is nothing I enjoy more than spending time with my family and friends. I also like to play drums, tennis, or read a good book. I plan to major in Political Science in an effort to someday work as an advisor to an elected politician. Even though I am a small town kid who has lived in the Alleghany Mountains my whole life, I couldn’t be any more excited to move to a big city in the desert! I look forward to becoming part of the LSP family and a true Arizona State Sundevil!

Tyler Libey Hello. My name is Tyler Libey. I graduated from Basha High School in Chandler, AZ, way down south by the cow farms. During my high school career I participated in Marching Band, National Honors Society, and International Thespian Society. I like mangos and long walks in the rain. I also enjoy cooking and my favorite thing to watch on TV is the Food Network. I plan on studying Bioengineering at ASU because of my love of science and technology. I am very excited to be a Sun Devil and I can't wait to meet the rest of the LSPers!!

Elsie Canale Hello, my name is Elsie. I was originally born in Nogales, Arizona, but moved to Phoenix when I was about 2 years old. I attended Bourgade Catholic High School, where I had the opportunity to become a strong leader and grow in my faith with God. I was very involved in Student Council, National Spanish Honor Society, National Honor Society, and Earthwatch. I also was a part of my school’s Dance Team all four of my high school years; it was so much fun! For these next four years of college, I plan to find my passion for what I want to do in life (career wise). As of now, I am undecided of my major, however, I do know that I would like to minor in Spanish, definitely. Whatever I decided to “become,” I know that I want to help others, and I want to do good for others and my community.

Chase Wright Hey guys! I’m Chase Wright and I am from Page, Arizona (otherwise known as Lake Powell). I graduated as valedictorian from the one-and-only Page High School. In high school I was pretty much a music freak. I was in the marching, concert, and jazz bands where I played the saxophone,(yes, I was/am a band geek) and I was also in the national champion Winter Guard International (an indoor percussive theatre) where I played the marimba, and other percussive instruments. Besides all of the music I was in National Honor Society, Student Government, Leadership CPA, AVID Tutoring, Nursing Club, and all that other good stuff. In addition to school I love art, music, concerts, enjoying the lake (I really do enjoy long walks on the beach) and just having a really great time. I was accepted into both the Barrett Honors College and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and I plan on eventually attending medical school to become a doctor. I am so stoked to be a part of LSP this year and I cannot wait to get started!

Justin Hoffman Hailing from the land of cheese and cows I am read to make a splash at ASU. My name is Justin Hoffman and I am most definitely from the state of Wisconsin. In high school I participated in many extra curricular activities; some of these include cross-country, track, Student Council, National Honors Society, Link Crew, and Key Club. Now that high school is over and the cows are milked, I am excited to head to Tempe to continue my education as a Sun Devil. At ASU I plan to major in Finance and one day work in the business world. Until that day, I am honored and excited to join the LSP program and cannot wait to meet everyone!

Charlie Jannetto I am honored to be a member of Desert Ridge High School's graduating class of 2007. At a new school in the ever-expanding Valley of the Sun, we were only the second class of students to spend all four of our high school years with the wonderful and inspiring faculty of Desert Ridge. I have to admit; together we accomplished some pretty incredible things. As a committee chairperson for the Relay for Life of Gilbert, I helped make our school's event the most successful in Arizona, raising more than $225,000 to help fight cancer. I also participated in and pioneered several programs on our campus that helped set a standard of compassion that continues to permeate the student body. But enough about high school; it's time to pour my energy into the rest of the world, and ASU is a great place to start.