Super Students
Saturday, May 9, 1998
Name: Lauren de la Cruz
Age: 18
School: Lanai High and Elementary
Favorite subject: English
Pastimes: Running
Future: Computer specialist
Attending a small school on Lanai has actually helped Lauren de la Cruz become active in school and community activities. Someone you can count on
"Because if I don't do it, there's not many people who will," said de la Cruz, one of about 40 graduating seniors at Lanai High and Elementary School.
De la Cruz, who has a 3.8 grade-point average, is the senior class president and student representative for the School Community Based Management Council. She's also part of a work development committee involved in improving employment opportunities on Lanai.
Aside from doing well in school, she loves sports. De la Cruz won the coach's award in both the varsity cross-country and swimming teams last year and took up paddling for the first time two weeks ago. On days she's not paddling, de la Cruz does weight training three days a week in preparation for an ROTC physical fitness test next year.
De la Cruz plans to attend the Illinois Institute of Technology in the fall and major in computer science. After graduation, she expects to join the U.S. Air Force and become a computer specialist.
Scott Saiki, one of three senior class advisers, said de la Cruz demonstrates exemplary leadership skills and takes initiative on most projects. When her graduating class was having trouble planning this year's high school prom, for instance, de la Cruz came to the rescue. "We wouldn't have gotten through this year without her," Saiki said.
Shirley Iida, Star-Bulletin
