Joanne Cross, age 17, is a member of the Academy Seventh-day Adventist Church and a senior at Broadview Academy. The daughter of Gevin and Shona Cross, Joanne was born in Edenvale, South Africa. In the United States just six years, Joanne wants to become a registered nurse. She also wants to continue studies in music, with an emphasis in instrumental music.

Joanne finished her junior year with a 3.73 GPA and was winner of the Carl Jorgensen Memorial Scholarship. She has served her school as yearbook editor, student association secretary, and vice president of the junior class. She would like to win her bid this year to become senior class president.

"Dependable, completely dependable," Joanne’s teachers say about her. Willing to take on just about anything, Joanne is not only dependable, she is optimistic and has a terrific attitude. Leadership and prayer conferences are important to Joanne, especially when she can represent her school, Broadview Academy, like she did at the Pathfinder camporee in Oshkosh, Wis., and most recently at the General Conference Session in St. Louis, Mo.

From running the sound booth to working on the grounds with tractors, Joanne enjoys everything she finds to do. "Things happen," she says, "it’s how you respond to them that makes a difference."

Alex Grozdic, age 15, is a member of the Hinsdale Seventh-day Adventist Church. He attends Morton West High School in Berwyn, Ill. The son of Dean and Heidi Grozdic, Alex is serious about his studies and his relationship with God and His church.

An energetic young man, Alex finished his sophomore year not only as vice president of his class of 900 students, but with a 4.6 GPA in all honors classes. His favorite class is math. "Numbers are interesting, and it is challenging to figure out problems," he remarked.

Not only is he involved in scholastic activities, the student council, and class cabinet, Alex also finds time for sports and church activities. "Being involved in church keeps me closer to God," explains Alex when he talks about all the things he does with his church. A few of those things include being actively involved in Praise Sing; participating as teen staff for the Hinsdale Trailblazers Pathfinder club; serving food at the local soup kitchen; and many other things. His most memorable experience came in Oshkosh, Wis., where he gave prayer before 30,000 people at the Pathfinder camporee.

"The most important thing I’ve learned," states Alex, "is to, no matter what, stick up for what you believe; just don’t follow the crowd."