American Senior High School (ASHS) has nominated two students for the Silver Knight Award. The award is given to students around South Florida who not only excel in their studies, but in community engagement as well. For the Athletics category, ASHS chose Paula Mendoza as their nominee. Additionally, Desiree Thomas was the nominee for the General Scholarship category.
Thomas was born in Miami and was raised in a household with her parents and older brother. Currently a senior, her goals for the future are to major in Biological Sciences and take part in college life through extracurricular activities. During her time spent at ASHS, Thomas participated in clubs like the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Premedical Honor Society and the Key Club. She was also involved in school sports like track and field.
After college, Thomas plans on going to medical school to earn the title as a general surgeon. Thomas describes herself as positive and determined, which shows in her leadership skills in the clubs that she joins. Outside of school, Thomas uses her free time to give back to the community through turkey drives or feeding the homeless.
Mendoza is also a senior at ASHS and is currently an honor roll student and a national qualified athlete in the National Physique Committee. She has taken part in Teen Court, Mock Trials, Technology club PEEP and basketball. As a dedicated, passionate and hardworking student, Mendoza is regarded highly by fellow class mates and teachers alike.
In freshmen year at ASHS, Mendoza took a shining to body building. She has earned first place awards as a teen bikini competitor as well as a novice in class B and open class C. Her passion for fitness goes far beyond what people expect. Her goal is to live a healthy lifestyle and become a professional to help others in their journey into fitness. She’s disciplined herself to follow a meal plan and train every day she can. For two years, she has dedicated her free time to her fitness and bodybuilding competition training.