Aurora Griffin Aurora Griffin, Oaks Christian's valedictorian, was the orchestra's first chair viola for four years, a member of the National Honor Society, a National Charity League debutante and founder of the Interscholastic Equestrian League Club.

The 18-year-old was named top junior for athletics, academics and character by Oaks Christian, and earned team and individual gold medals at the 2007 Junior Jumper National Championship.

Junior-year English, taught by Ryan Summer, was Aurora's favorite class.

"It was the first time I was asked to clearly and logically define my opinions about life, nature, truth and, well, everything," Aurora said.

Aside from her parents, Paul and Marsha Griffin, Aurora's best friend, Kristen Kruger, has been "a blessing," she said. "Her love and support have been invaluable to me."

Aurora will attend Stanford University, where she will major in biomedical engineering and literature. She hopes to pursue a medical career in either cardiothoracic surgery, radiology or dermatology.

Jules Sharpe A high achiever with top grades, Jules Sharpe, 17, is a scholar athlete who is on the Headmaster's List and whose favorite class at Oaks Christian High School was AP physics because of the many labs and activities.

His accomplishments in varsity track and basketball include first place in high jump and triple jump for CIF, Ventura County Championships; first in the 2009 All League and All County basketball team. Jules was named Farmer's Student Citizen Athlete of the Week.

Jules participated on a mission trip to China in 2008 and has volunteered at the Woodland Hills Food Pantry. He performed as a pianist and dancer in school musicals and concerts.

The biggest influences on his life are his parents, Bill and Elga Sharpe, Jules said.

"They have raised me to be the person that I am today," he said.

Jules will attend Stanford University, where he plans to compete in track and field. He will pursue an engineering degree and hopes to participate in the 2016 Olympics.

David Phillipps David Phillipps' top grades in many classes, including AP Statistics, earned him awards and a place on the Headmaster's List for the past three years. The 18yearold has led devotionals, Bible study and chapel services at Oaks Christian and participated in several mission trips to Mexico, where he helped run a basketball camp and built homes for those in need.

As a senior he was a founding member of the school's Men's Ensemble and the ComedySportz team.

David's favorite Oaks Christian class was theater, taught by Rosalind Enciso. He performed in three school productions, including a leading role as Lysander in "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

"Onstage I learned to be transparent and share my heart with the audience," David said.

David credits his father, the Rev. Paul Phillipps, with being the biggest influence in his life.

"He has always taught me biblical truth, corrected me when I was wrong and shared his wisdom for living life to glorify God," David said.

Grant Gonzalez David will attend The Master's College. He hopes to pursue a career where he can help people in some way.

In high school, Grant Gonzalez found time for everything—sports, academics, community service and leadership.

The 18-year-old son of Miguel Gonzalez and Linda Mott has a long list of athletic accomplishments: JV and varsity football for two years each; lacrosse for four years, three of them as captain; a scholar athlete for four years; defensive MVP; and awards for conditioning, scholarship and leadership.

A National Honor Society member, Grant participated in several service missions in Mexico and Costa Rica. He served as a member of Oaks Christian's Honor Board, a court of student government charged with maintaining school integrity.

His favorite class was AP chemistry because of the subject matter and the students in the class who "bonded closely," Grant said.

He does not identify any one person who has served as a role model for him.

Ben Fischinger "I am the sum of all who have influenced me," Grant said.

Grant will attend Harvard University, where he will major in engineering. He plans to pursue a career in nanotechnology.

Ben Fischinger, 18, loves film and photography, and hopes to become a movie director.

Ben has won several photography contests, including best photography student in 2008 and best photograph in 2009 from Oaks Christian.

Ben has worked on several videos and photo projects for Oaks Christian and for the community, including the school's annual auction, theater performances and advertisements.

Ben has traveled to China on an Oaks Christian trip to teach English to Chinese children.

He credits his mother, Lisa, with having an "enormous impact" on his life. His father, Mark, passed away in October.

"I value family a lot and am lucky enough to have a truly amazing family that is very extended," Ben said.

He will attend Santa Barbara City College and hopes to transfer to Chapman University or the University of Southern California to pursue a film major. His goal is to make movies with messages.

"I want to make films that entertain but that also make people think," Ben said.