Rachel Kester
Wilson K-8 School, eighth grade
Age: 13
Parents' names: Don and Ruth Kester
Favorite class: Humanities
Activities in school: MathCounts club, National Junior Honor Society treasurer, Teen Court, Youth ambassador in Leadership Program, library aide
Activities outside of school: Competitive swimming, dancing and liturgist, youth group member and child care provider at St. Mark's United Methodist Church. She also is a community volunteer with Oro Valley's Buffel Busters, Mountain View Care Center and Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society.
Whom would you have lunch with if you could have lunch with anyone? Jesus. "I choose him because he can answer questions I have about life and world issues."
People are also reading…
What books are you reading now? "Welcome to the Ark" by Stephanie S. Tolan and "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak.
Whom do you admire most? "My family friend and 'second mother,' Jan Gonzalez, because she is a kindhearted person who loves children and is so giving."
What's your favorite song? "Beautiful Day" by U2. "It reminds me of what's truly important in life."
Plans after high school: Getting accepted into the United States Air Force Academy and the F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences to become a military doctor.
Dream job: Optometrist with her own practice.
Dream car: A blue 1990s Toyota Tundra.
Favorite place in Tucson: The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, because the animals live in a natural desert environment. Among her favorite activities is viewing the animals, especially the owls, at night.
Hidden talents: She is a good speller, is well-organized and is skilled in computer graphics.
Vouch: "Rachel is a top student. However, she isn't just a student. She dances and swims … she is a leader in her peer groups. She is a kind, caring student who will help others in need," says Anne Held, who teaches humanities to gifted students.
Carmen Duarte
Student of the Week runs every Tuesday through May. Each student receives a plaque donated by Tuller Trophy and a certificate from the Office of the Pima County School Superintendent. Plaques must be picked up at Tuller Trophy, 525 N. Sixth Ave.
To nominate a student, go to www.azstarnet.com/education and fill out the form. Students also must fill out a form there.
