Susy Reyes is recognized for her leadership in reducing small-scale conflicts among her peers as one step towards creating a more peaceful world.

Susy’s school counselor, Shannon Kamenick, tells us Susy has not always had the luxury of time and resources that other students may enjoy. This makes her willingness to extend herself to help others even more impressive.

She juggles school and three jobs as an IT intern at the Smithsonian Institute, as a barista at Starbucks and assisting on her family’s farm. Her tenacity, acceptance of responsibility and willingness to work hard contribute to making her a student leader.

Her counselor says, “She leads by example because she knows how to do the right thing. What makes Susy special is that she doesn’t even realize the impact she has made on others. Other students have reported how she is able to diffuse contentious situations with ease and aplomb.”

For example, when she sees a classmate looking “down,” she’ll try to cheer her up. Susy has also provided informal mentoring and encouragement to younger students. She says she is motivated by her own experience as a self-described undistinguished student until she “found herself” freshman year -- discovering she was smart with previously unrecognized academic ability.

Outside of school, Susy has devoted considerable time helping her extended family run a small farm under challenging circumstances. Because her family is so important in her life, she has been glad to devote much time and energy to this work, which has greatly assisted the family farm’s operations.  In conclusion, Susy believes she can contribute the most by doing what she can to help family, friends, and classmates when they need assistance.