Age: 16
Parents: Rose and Steve Hummel
Inside the classroom: Hummel hasn't always been a model student — she once earned C's and D's — but she saw the error of her ways. She now maintains A's and B's and participates in her school's drama and German clubs and writes poetry.
Favorite class: Advanced drama and a college preparation American Literature course.
"I am able to express my creativity and be who I am in both classes," she said.
Table for two: Hummel is a hostess at TGIFriday's, where she works 10 to 20 hours a week.
"At first I thought I hated working in a restaurant," she said. "But the people there are great."
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Behind the scenes: The school's theater group, Stagelings, recently put on a production of "Steel Magnolias," and Hummel helped with the sound and props. Next, she will serve as the technical director for "Cinderella."
Hummel has been involved in theater since fifth grade — performing on stage and working backstage. So what's her preference? "I find glory in both," she said. But landing the lead in a school production of Neil Simon's "Fools" in eighth grade is a highlight of her career.
Who would play you in a movie? Hummel would rather play herself, but if she had to cast someone, it would be one of the Simpson sisters, Jessica or Ashlee.
"She is not the best actress ever, but I actually adore Ashlee Simpson," Hummel said.
Hidden talent: She can touch her nose and chin with her tongue.
Words to live by: "It doesn't matter who you are or where you come from. If you set your mind to something, you can achieve anything and be absolutely anything you want to be. Keep your worries small and your dreams big."
Hummel recites those words to remind her of what she wants to accomplish in life.
College plans: Hummel is ready to pack up and attend an out-of-state college when she graduates from high school. "I want to get out of Arizona as soon as I can," she said. Her current plans have her looking at Air Force ROTC colleges in Boston, California or colleges outside the United States. She wants to major in psychiatry. "I love the mind and how it works," she said.
Career aspirations: Her lifelong goal is to open a psychiatric home.
Sound bite: "She has been through a lot in her personal life and she keeps it together," said Shannon Kerstetter, Hummel's advanced drama teacher. "She is a really hard worker. She is always in good spirits. She is one of my best."
