Student Spotlight for Dec. 9

Name: Zoltan Talaber. Age: 17.

School: Northwest Christian High School in Lacey.

Grade: 12.

Parents or guardians: Katalin and Attila Talaber.

Best personal achievement: Consistently getting good grades throughout middle school and high school, achieving my junior black belt at World Martial Arts, and winning the Washington State Knowledge Bowl Championship during my junior year.

How I spend my time: Playing video games, going to the movies, relaxing with friends and contemplating the future.

Favorite subjects: World and United States history, and public speaking.

Favorite movie: “Star Wars.”

Favorite book: “Halo: Ghosts of Onyx” by Eric Nylund.

Dream job: Head of my own video game studio.

Someone I respect: Ronald Reagan.

The hardest part of being a student is: Remembering why you’re in school — to learn, not just to get the grades.

My ambitions or career aspirations include: Being the entrepreneur of a successful business; inventing something in the field of technology; and leading a good, moral, Christian lifestyle all the way through.

Someone famous I would like to meet: Jesus Christ.

Someday, looking back on my life, I’ll be able to say: “I lived a full life, accomplished all of my main goals, and influenced the lives of many in a positive way.”

Biggest challenge facing teenagers today: Immorality. It’s so pervasive in modern culture that it’s hard for teens to resist the temptations of sex, drugs and violence.

One thing in the world I would change if I could: I would free the citizens of oppressive and totalitarian nations, and establish democracy in every country.

Nominated by: Literature teacher Kathie Ketchum, who wrote, “Zoltan is a gifted student who appreciates all academic challenges. Eager to learn, he consistently pursues more information and deeper answers in order to satisfy this thirst for knowledge. Zoltan is committed to excellence and has systematically demonstrated his abilities with a gracious and humble spirit, all the while maintaining significant friendships with his classmates. Quick to encourage and assist others, Zoltan is very kind, and always willing to help a fellow student in need. While quite secure in his own world view, Zoltan is never judgmental of those who think differently and will explore others’ ideas in an effort to understand and appreciate the complexities that make the world such a diverse and interesting place to live. Zoltan serves Northwest Christian High School as the Associated Student Body treasurer and is involved in community service through the National Honor Society as well as his church. It is truly a pleasure to be Zoltan’s teacher.”

Nominations: To nominate a ninth- to 12th-grade student for Student Spotlight, email the following information to lpemberton@theolympian.com, fax it to 360-357-0202 or mail it to P.O. Box 407, Olympia, WA 98507, attention Lisa Pemberton, education reporter. Selected students must submit a photograph and fill out a questionnaire.

Provide the student’s name, age, grade, school name, telephone number and/or email; a quote about the student from a school staff member; and the name and contact information of the nominee.