A look at two of Henderson’s finest students

By Mandy Walton

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008 | 6:06 p.m.

Henderson is tops when it comes to our students. Just recently seniors Leah Yaffee and Naomi Okada were selected as National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists.

"I am very happy that I am a national merit semifinalist, because the national merit program provides many scholarship opportunities, and I feel honored to represent my school and community," said Yaffe, a Green Valley High School student.

"I would like to have a career that deals with international peace and conflict resolution," she said. "I think it would be very interesting to work at the United Nations."

Yaffe is part of the International Baccalaureate program at Green Valley and is enrolled in advanced placement classes. She is a member of Green Valley's Psychology Club and National Honor Society. One of her favorite activities at Green Valley is forensics (speech and debate), and this year she is the president of the forensics team.

Yaffe has also played piano since she was four, and says "it has become an important part of my life."

Yaffe says she's applying mostly to schools on the East Coast. "I would like to experience a culture change," she says. She is considering studying diplomacy and international relations with an emphasis on developing countries, and is also interested in studying music.

Naomi Okada is a senior at the Henderson campus of the College of Southern Nevada High School and also a National Merit Semifinalist.

Counselor Melanie Fleck says, "Naomi has genuine concern for others and enjoys working as a tutor in the CSN math and science lab."

She takes education seriously and plans to eventually earn a doctorate in biochemistry or some related field. She would love to participate in important scientific research, with a dream of taking part in a manned Mars mission. Naomi also loves music.

"She always keeps us guessing in regards to her hair color," Fleck said. "It is subject to change on any given day."

Okada says, "So far it has been blue, purple, pink, red, teal, green and screaming yellow."

CSNHS in Henderson is extremely proud of Naomi and wants to offer a big congratulation to her for achieving this position as a national Merit Semifinalist.

"We are all exceptionally proud to have her here on our campus," Fleck said.