They have big plans for the future and aren’t afraid of the personal commitments that are required. Their starry eyes are bright with anticipation and they are prepared to work hard to make our world a better place. We salute them and wish them all the success in the world.

Beverly Rainey, Emcee

Bev Rainey hosts a popular 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. radio program on KBQI, the Big I 107.9, leading Arbitron ratings in most demographics in the Albuquerque metro area.

Bev is also regional director of commercial production for 18 Clear Channel radio stations in New Mexico. She enjoys radio and TV voice-overs for local and national businesses and owns a small production house with her husband. She was recently chosen “Favorite Woman Radio Personality” in the New Mexico WOMAN ’s Ladies Choice Awards.

She has recently started a project at McArthur Elementary School for young students, taking a portable recording studio and teaching the kids how to write and produce commercials in their class- rooms. Each student voices a commercial and takes a CD home to their parents. Bev continues to play an important role in the Big I’s annual radiothon in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Tammi Lambert, Keynote Speaker

A member of the Jicarilla Apache Nation, Tammi M. Lambert, J.D., was appointed director of the Governor’s Office of Victim Advocacy in January 2004 by Governor Bill Richardson. She is a graduate of the University of New Mexico, with a B.A. in political science, and a Juris Doctorate with a certificate in Indian Law. Tammi has structured and implemented policy objectives to facilitate Governor Richardson’s commitment to victim’s rights in the criminal justice system. She was instrumental in the passage of the Victim’s Rights legislation and she initiated and developed the Victim Rights Alliance, created by the Governor’s 2005 Executive Order.

Lambert was the 2002 recipient of the Women’s Bar Association “Power and Caring Award,” and the 1999 recipient of the “Elizabeth Ann Randall Award for Initiative and Innovation Toward Race and Gender Justice.” She has spoken locally and nationally, and has been highlighted in national and local publications. Lambert has promoted the effective administration of justice as it affects victims of crime, through representation, training, advocacy, collaborative efforts with state agencies, and community involvement.

Brianna Chavez

South Valley Academy , Senior, 17

Parents: Katherine Chavez and John Chavez (deceased)

Nominated by : Dawn Stracener, Ph.D., teacher

Clubs/organizations/sports: National Honors Society, South Valley Women in Action, Health Careers Academy, National Youth Forum on Medicine

Volunteer work/community service: Tutor at Kit Carson Elementary School and West Side Community Center, volunteer at Carrie Tingley Hospital, Red Cross, and UNM Child Life, intern with Dr. Schneider

In view of all the world problems we face today, what could you do to affect some degree of social change?
I have volunteered at UNM Child Life and Carrie Tingley Hospital. I have learned that the support and love of others inspires and motivates children to get well and helps to provide them with the tools for success and happiness, and willingness to help others. I hope to affect social change by providing minimal or no-cost medical services to families in need. I also hope to create a scholarship fund for underprivileged children. I define social change as challenging social norms for the benefit of those who are oppressed.

Lauren Alisse Deveraux

La Cueva High School, Freshman, 14

Parents: Michael and Tsenre Deveraux

Nominated by: Mary McAfee, administrator

Clubs/organizations/sports: Competitive Dance Teams, Student Council (past president), Marching Band, International Order of the Rainbow for Girls

Volunteer work/community service: Food Drives in Student Council, reading to children, cleaning up parks, food drives, Make-A-Wish, Rainbow for Girls

What are your hobbies and why do you enjoy them?
My hobbies are dancing, reading, playing the trumpet, and playing with animals. I enjoy them because dancing gives me a chance to perform and entertain, reading allows me to relax and use my imagination, playing the trumpet gives me a chance to make music, and playing with animals prepares me for a career as a veterinarian.

In view of all the world problems we face today, what could you do to affect some degree of social change?
I would teach people to be leaders, not followers. Followers go through life unaware of the evil in the world, but leaders are those who stand up to evil.

Lisa Kathryn Domme

Georgetown University, Washington D.C., Freshman, 18

Parents: Thomas and Martha Domme

Nominated by: Chandra Manning

Clubs/organizations/sports: President of Debate Team, president of the National Honor Society, president of the Advanced Chemical Society, La Sociedad Honraria Hispanica, Model UN

Volunteer work/community service: Empty Bowls Project/Project Share 2004 & 2005, art auction to benefit the homeless

What are your hobbies and why do you enjoy them?
I enjoy belly dancing to stay active and connect with women from different backgrounds. I can be creative and express my opinions and ideas using a unique medium through ceramics.

In view of all the world problems we face today, what could you do to affect some degree of social change?
The best way to affect social change is to become an educated global citizen. Knowledge and understanding are the most effective ways to create a stable global community, and this knowledge can be achieved when one approaches problems with an open mind and new insights. After college, I plan to attend graduate school. I hope to travel extensively and experience many new cultures.

Kim Espinosa

Hope Christian High School , Junior, 15

Parents: Karen and Chuck Espinosa

Nominated by: Suzanne Winsor, friend and Girl Scout leader

Clubs/organizations/sports: Asbury United Methodist Church Youth Group, Girl Scouts, Hope Christian Varsity Softball

Volunteer work/community service: I am working on my Gold Award in Girl Scouts, training my dog to be a pet therapy dog, camp for younger Girl Scouts, camp for mentally impaired children, Operation Pencil Box, the American Diabetes Association

In view of all the world problems we face today, what could you do to affect some degree of social change?
Although social changes are hard to effect, I think the easiest way to make a difference is by bringing up the mood of the people around you. If you brighten someone’s day, they will feel compelled to brighten someone else’s. I went to Ecuador on a mission trip and spent two days cleaning and painting a church and a school. I love Ecuador and I left my heart there. It is an amazing country with amazing people.

Shayla Flores

Cibola High School , Junior, 16

 Parents: Bobby and Leona Gonsalves (Uncle and Aunt, guardians)

Nominated by: Lori Stephenson, varsity basketball coach

Clubs/organizations/sports: I am involved in soccer, basketball, and track for Cibola High School

Volunteer work/community service: Breast cancer walk, Special Olympics torch run

In view of all the world problems we face today, what could you do to affect some degree of social change?
I would try and solve world hunger by making donations or bringing food myself. I would do anything in my power to make sure kids and people don’t starve.

Tell us something about yourself that no one else knows.
I love my family and friends. My love runs deeper than blood for all of them. I absolutely hate drama! I’m always willing to help others. I’m very outgoing and love meeting new people. I am always here to talk to and to listen. I can relate to a lot of different situations. Every day is a new day and I try to live life to the fullest no matter what challenges it brings.

Katie Gilliam

La Cueva High School, Senior, 17  

Parents: Paul and Marlene Gilliam

Nominated by: Kathleen Holt, Key Club Advisor

Clubs/organizations/sports: Key Club, AP Book Club, Science Bowl, Kenpo Karate, Model UN

Volunteer work/community service: Alzheimer’s Memory Walk, American Heart Association Go Red for Women, Counselor at Camp Rising Sun for Autistic Children, Roadrunner Foodbank

In view of all the world problems we face today, what could you do to affect some degree of social change?
I don’t believe that such a beautiful place (the world) should be in widespread turmoil. Something must be done about the environmental crisis and I hope to become involved in biological and other scientific research. Improved diplomatic relations would make the world a better place. Research for my Model United Nations team made me aware of many international problems. I would love to become involved in international diplomacy and relations. I have been fortunate to travel to England, France, Italy, Spain, and Australia and I discovered the treasures and wonders of the world and its cultures.

Leahness Isanya

University of New Mexico , Sophomore, 19  

Parents: Milton Isanya, Monnic Smith

Nominated by: Ann Githinji, mentor and president of Women Can International

Clubs/organizations/sports: Women Can International, Peer Advocates Understanding Students Experiences (P.A.U.S.E.)

Volunteer work/community service: NMAS AIDS Walk, AIDS Day Health Presentations, World Food Day, Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Conference, Baptist Student Union International, UNM Fair Trade Music Festival, African Cultural Event.

In view of all the world problems we face today, what could you do to affect some degree of social change?
I would do everything I can to increase mutual understanding through politics, religion, values, beliefs, and cultures. This would give society a different mind in the way they look and feel about others. Many people are afraid of what they do not know, and are close-minded to new and different things. They fail to understand that their way is not the only way and is not always the best or the right way. A clearer understanding might create peace and unity and a stronger and better respect for society.

Graciela Raquel Sedillo Lopez

American University , Freshman, 18

Parents: Victor Sedillo Lopez and Antoinette Sedillo Lopez

Nominated by: Sharon Kayne, acquaintance

Volunteer work/community service: Amigos De Las Americas, founder and president of Highland Students Against Sweatshops, president of the Key Club, MESA

In view of all the world problems we face today, what could you do to affect some degree of social change?
I traveled to Costa Rica and Panama in 2004 and 2005. I learned about new cultures and met amazing people. I participated in U.S. Against Sweatshops (USAS) and worked with an independent union as well as the Center for Workers’ Support. I am aware of the wage gap between rich and poor, but this summer I experienced it. I lived with a rich uncle in Mexico City. Then I lived with Dona Rosa, a factory worker in Mexico. I met people who work with 11- and 12-year-old children in factories and people who earn $3 a day. I am almost overwhelmed with the problems of the world. I believe that I must use my voice to make the world a better place.

Johnise Pena

West Mesa High School , Freshman, 14

 Parents: Klarissa and Johnny Pena

Nominated by: Carlos Contreras, foster brother

Clubs/organizations/sports: Basketball and track and field, Scholastic gifted program-honors classes, youth representative on the board of directors for Youth Development Inc. (Y.D.I.)

Volunteer work/community service: Alamosa Neighborhood Association, South West Alliance of Neighbors (SWAN), City of Albuquerque Luminaria Tour, neighborhood cleanups, newsletter distribution, and the ANA Community Fiesta. I spoke at a city council meeting to request support for West Central Redevelopment. When Mayor Martin Chavez hosted his first Town Hall meeting, I emphasized the need for a skate park for children and teens in the Southwest Mesa. The skate park is under construction and should be completed soon.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about yourself, your family, your pets, your teachers, or your friends?
My foster brother Carlos nominated me for this award. He has cerebral palsy and we are very close. We play basketball together and he is always pushing me to do better whether it is with academics or sports.

Jessica Stringfield

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, New Mexico, Freshman, 18

 Parents: Jim and Jo Ann Stringfield

Nominated by: Joy Sypher and Bobbie Snediker, Girl Scout leaders

Clubs/organizations/sports: National Honor Society, Rio Rancho Tennis Team, Key Club, Senior Girl Scout, Chaparral Council Board of Directors, Desert Rose Service delegate, and National Youth Science Camp

Volunteer work/community service: Girl Scout Gold Awards for community service, Senior Troop Assistant, Science Fair at Rio Rancho High School, Junior Expo judge, Hot Heads or Hot Cars-Aggressive Driving in Teens

In view of all the world problems we face today, what could you do to affect some degree of social change?
Stereotypes. This is our world’s biggest problem. I think I can help affect social change by educating those around me about different types of stereotypes. My Girl Scout Gold Award project was about hate crimes in high school and included teacher training and enactments of how “hate speech” and sexual slurs can escalate into violence. People use foul, mean spirited language that degrades all of us. With education, we can stop stereotypes in the world.