School: Olympia High School in Olympia
Parents or guardians: Joe and Debbie Molenda
Best personal achievement: During eighth grade, I raised a little under $6,000 for a European excursion organized by the People to People Student Ambassador Program. I raised the money by creating a one-woman show and performing it at certain local venues. I consider this experience to be my best personal achievement because I was able to accomplish something I thought was impossible.
How I spend my time: Whenever I am not doing homework, working or memorizing lines for the next play I am in, I could be found hanging out with my friends, walking around downtown Olympia (possibly taking photographs), seeing a local play, reading my favorite book, watching old movies, listening/singing to music, or volunteering around the community.
Favorite subjects: Drama, psychology, German and math.
Favorite movie: “Gone with the Wind.”
Favorite book: “Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl” written by Anne Frank.
Dream job: Professional actress in New York on Broadway.
Someone I respect: There are many people in my life that I can say I respect. However, the person I respect the most would be my mother.
The hardest part of being a student is: Juggling homework, work and your social life all at the same time.
My future ambitions or career aspirations are: Being a professional actress in New York, opening a clothing boutique and opening a community children’s theater.
Someone famous I would like to meet: Tom Hanks.
Someday, looking back on my life, I will be able to say: “I am glad that I made every moment count and took a hold of every opportunity because those moments and opportunities made me who I am today: a successful, optimistic and happy person.”
Biggest challenge facing teenagers today: Not knowing what to do with their lives or having someone to look up to. Kids nowadays need support and encouragement in whatever endeavor they choose to take on.
One thing in the world I would change if I could: Child labor. Currently in many foreign countries, children are being forced by big corporations to mass-produce items for very little money. ... To me, and many other people, this type of labor is inhumane and must be stopped.
Nominated by: School counselor Dave Forrester. He wrote: “I wish all of my students were like Deanna. She is kind, thoughtful, smart and a great person. Deanna is an excellent student and very talented. She has been performing in plays since she was 9. Deanna has also participated in clubs and activities such as Drama Club, and German Club. She will make an excellent candidate for any college/university she plans to attend in the near future.”
