Micah Isabel DeGorostiza Sarmiento, 2012 Seymour Award Winner

"Don't forget to smile" is Micah's philosophy. She believes that "anyone can inspire, anyone can spread hope, and anyone can bring out the happiness in his or her life", which she shares with us in her personal statement. Citing her experiences in CSF as helping her grow, Micah believes her involvement as a member and elected officer have prepared her for what's to come in life.

Andrew Frogue, adviser of chapter 389s at Covina High School, writes, "I have known Micah for four years now and can say without a doubt that she's one of the most intelligent, hard-working, and selfless students that I've ever had the pleasure of teaching." Mr. Frogue is proud to say that the chapter has grown from a "small introverted chapter into a large, outgoing club that now boasts over 100 members," all under Micah's leadership. "Micah has been instrumental in not just increasing the numbers of CSF members in our chapter, but also in expanding the role in our community that CSF plays," writes Mr. Frogue.

Donna Oshiro, of the Covina High College & Career Center, says of Micah, "(She) has demonstrated outstanding leadership and a genuine concern for others." Earning the respect of both peers and teachers, Micah "takes her responsibilities seriously" and does so with integrity. As a role model, "She is an asset to the success of the club, its projects, and to her community."

Micah is very interested in biochemistry, with a goal of becoming a doctor who can work with children with cleft palates. She is currently awaiting news from colleges such as University of Southern California and UC Santa Barbara, and has been admitted to UC Irvine and CSU Long Beach.