Audrey De Los Reyes is an exceptional young woman. Her teachers consistently describe her as outstanding, responsible and passionately aware of the "big picture." She embraces her role as a leader and model to others with her actions, not just words. She volunteers in her community, even with a rigorous academic and athletic schedule that leaves her little free time. She is an unassuming leader, a powerhouse of an athlete and a star performer.
Although Connelly does not rank its students Audrey has the highest grade point average in her class (4.58), and has managed to maintain this exceptional GPA in spite of her many commitments and demanding selection of AP and Honors courses. She has received Honors with Distinction each semester and she is a Commended Student through the National Merit Scholarship Program. Additionally, she has been nominated for the National Association of Secondary School Principals Award based on her remarkable leadership skills, community service, and academic record.
As a member of ASB, Connelly's student leadership team which meets before school twice a week, Audrey also volunteers many hours after school and in evenings on committees, planning events. This year, Audrey served as an Interschool Representative - the liaison and coordinator with our brother and sister schools - planning major events such as Homecoming, Sadie Hawkins and Prom. The work requires finesse, commitment to details and incredible time management and Audrey makes it look easily to juggle so many tasks.
She is leading a team of Connelly students and family members who will walk together in the April 16 Walk Out of Poverty event sponsored by Concern
America. The event raises money to fight disease and bring safe and reliable water sources and sanitation systems to impoverished communities across the globe.
Audrey volunteers as a counselor at her church's two-week Bible camp in the summers, leading children ages 5 to 12 and having fun learning about God. She also volunteers in the Confirmation program. She cleans local beaches monthly with the Connelly Surf Club and she helps with Project Achieve, a group at her church that cooks and serves food to homeless families. As a member of the National Honor Society, she tutors her peers needing academic support. . She went above and beyond her secretary-treasurer duties for NHS, when she helped organize Connelly's Koala Bowl - an academic and physical competition for junior high school students.
Audrey is a competitive athlete. She spends about 16 hours each week, year-round dedicated to gymnastics. She is a Level 9 (10 levels total) champion - Gymnastic State Champion 2010 - despite experiencing a set-back of an injury last June.
Audrey sings with Connelly's award-wining and internationally touring Advanced Women's Ensemble. She traveled to
China with the group in 2008 and sang at many churches and venues including the Great Wall. In June and July 2010 she traveled with the choir to
England and
Ireland to sing. She is the Choir President and a four-year member of the choir.
It is rare to find such a student who is extremely accomplished and so often called upon by her peers to lead, but does so without even a hint of pretentiousness, arrogance and entitlement. Audrey is gracious and kind and well-liked and respected by faculty and students at Connelly. For her, it isn't about being in charge or commanding attention. It IS about leading by example, with actions and humility. It is an honor to nominate Audrey De Los Reyes as a candidate for OC Family's Shining Students.
