Hometown: Lombard

Class: Senior

Parents: Lauren Cheeks and Jason Leighton

Sponsor: David Krodel

Community service: Glenbard East Theatre Program, directed and produced a show to raise money for suicide prevention; Reality Illinois and the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists; Glenbard East Choir Program; Madison Elementary School, helped with classroom activities and school events; GBE Senior Leaders

Personal statement: “No matter what field of study I end up choosing to major in at college, and no matter what programs I become involved with when I leave high school, I am positive that my end goal in all facets of my journey will be to use whatever skills I develop to help others and create positive change in the world. Volunteering is not just something I do. It is how I live.”

Sponsor’s endorsement: “In the time I have known her, I have found Renata to be a student of diverse interests and varied talents and abilities who has a true passion for learning, an inherent curiosity about the natural world, a wonderful sense of compassion for others.”