Grade: 12

Family members: My mother, Katherine Gonzalez; my father, Roberto Marrero; my sister, Maricelys, 15; and my dog King

Favorite subject: Throughout elementary and middle school, mathematics and English were my favorite subjects because I easily did well in them and they kept me engaged. However, when I reached high school and my curriculum was expanded, I developed a strong liking of the social sciences. My favorite subject is social science because it exposes me to both theory and experimentation.

Activities: I am a member of the National Honors Society, president, captain and member of the debate team; captain of the Mock Trial team; captain of the varsity cross country team; member of the indoor track and field club; member of the varsity outdoor track and field team; outside school, a student and assistant instructor of a Shotokan Karate-Do group/school; a student and instructor of an Okinawa Taira-ryu Kobudo group (traditional Okinawan weaponry martial art); a volunteer at Northeast MS assisting my eighth grade math teach Mrs. Zoudeh; president of the Latino Youth Leadership Club at LHS; member of the National Hispanic Institute; a member of the Law Explorer's Post; a shadow at the Broughal and DeVitto Law Firm; member of a discussion panel for incoming Liberty HS freshmen at Northeast MS; a student of the multicultural Leadership Conference at Lehigh; member of the LHS cheering section.

Next steps: My next steps are hopefully to attend either Stanford University, USC, University of Miami or UCLA to pursue an undergraduate degree, then to attend law school. I plan on running in college and becoming involved in many clubs, teams and organizations.

Career goals: I plan on becoming an attorney, most likely a criminal trial attorney, hopefully working in Los Angeles or Miami. After a few years of practice, I plan on opening my own law firm. I also plan on either coaching track and field at a high school or possibly opening my own karate school. After a number of years of experience, I plan on becoming part of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Heroes: I have two simple heroes in my life; two strong, caring and affectionate individuals. My heroes are my mother and father. I consider them my heroes because of every sacrifice they have made for me, because they always go the extra mile for me, because they have done and will don anything for and help me succeed. I've seen my father wake up at 2 or 3 a.m. simply to go to work to put food on the table. I've seen my mom stop doing what is most important to her, so I can do what is most important to me.

Hobbies: I love running and enjoy practicing my karate and kobudo. Other than that, I like to hang out with my friends and have fun. I'm a very 'outdoorsy' person. I am a car-loving guy and enjoy working on my car and attending car shows and race car events.

Current job(s): I work at the Hotel Bethlehem as a houseman. I set up, rearrange and tear down for banquets, conferences, weddings and other private events.

Julia Swan coordinates student profiles for the Bethlehem Press.