Hometown: Glendale Heights

Class: Senior

Parents: Marlo and Tess Panganiban

Sponsor: Trudy Rigney, director of guidance

Community service: Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital volunteer; Boy Scout project, organizing effort to repair bleachers at school’s tennis courts; Service project for a church; helped Community Emergency Response Team at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church; assisted an Eagle project

Personal statement: “My life goal is surprisingly the same goal I had as a child. I want to become a superhero. I longed for the feeling of special powers and the pride to protect everyone. Sadly, the world today only has those in movies, TV shows, and comic books. However, during my high school years, I realized that I can be still be hero: volunteering and doing service for others.”

Sponsor’s endorsement: “His character is top notch, he has earned the respect of his teachers and peers, and he serves as a terrific role model in his school and community. Furthermore, AJ has made volunteerism a big part of his life — it’s what he does.”