Teenagers may not always come to mind when one thinks of a good citizen, but in reality many youth exemplify what many twice their age only hope to become. Woodlake High School seniors, Karla Thompson and Zak Alsumari are two such examples.

Karla Thompson exemplifies the term “good citizen” in every way. Her ethical behavior and willingness to help make Woodlake a better place to live makes her an outstanding role model for other students. She has maintained a 3.60 (and above) GPA while taking rigorous academic classes, as well as being involved in extra-curricular activities such as Art Club, Yearbook Editor, Tennis and Career Day Committees.

Karla made her first appearance on June 9, 1990 at Kaweah Delta District Hospital. Her favorite

pastimes as a child included playing with her cousins, reading, drawing, painting, following her parents and grandparents around to volunteer and playing tennis. When she turned 13, Grandpa Jay came through with her first .22 rifle. She was thrilled. After all, the person Karla admires most is Calamity Jane!

Her favorite places are the mountains, the beach, Old Sacramento and Kaweah Lake. Karla loves to draw and paint. She remembers going to her first Redbud Festival in Three Rivers a few years ago where she made $40.00 selling her art work. That was really something for Karla, because she's usually doing her artwork on children's faces as a volunteer.

To say that Karla is a “history buff” is an understatement. Both of her parents served in the U.S. military, her mother still serves in the Navy Reserve, and her father's family can trace their history back to the American Revolution, netting her the Daughters of the American Revolution's Good Citizen Award this year. Her interest in history led her to participate in Civil War re-enactments with her mother and extended family members, specifically in the California Historical Artillery Society (CHAS). They literally have a blast at what they do! She has given numerous presentations to Kiwanis and Rotary clubs, as well as to several U.S. History classes at WHS.

Woodlake High School students are required to do 85 hours of community service as a prerequisite for graduation. Karla has turned in 505.5 hours - three times the requirement. But somehow she balances her time between sports, community activities, extra-curricular involvement and academics. Knowing her limits, she will not promise to take on a project for which she does not have time. She is more responsible than many adults. Another thing Karla enjoys is being a weekend counselor at Camp Zapalac. In addition to her countless volunteer hours helping Kiwanis, school clubs and fellow-students, Karla has shared her artistic talent, completing a mural at the Visalia Oaks Ballpark, as well as painting the Soap Box Derby ramp used during Woodlake's Western Week. She also donated her artistic gifts to the WHS Theatre Arts department in “Heart of the West” and “Harvey.” Karla knows her future will include something in the field of art. Her plans include attending College of the Sequoias in Visalia and then - who knows? She attributes her success to Mrs. Bowers, WHS Art teacher, who constantly inspires and motivates her, and to her mom, Terry and dad, Mark, whose love and unconditional support has given her courage to attempt new things.

Zakaria “Zak” Alsumari brings a smile to the face of anyone who knows him, whether he is behind the pizza counter at Woodlake's Pizza Factory, patrolling at football games with the Woodlake Police Explorers or just walking down the street.

An all-American boy, Zak was born July 4th, 1989 in Visalia. His family has lived in Woodlake since. A special childhood memory was when he took part in the Talent Show in fifth grade, singing N'Sync's “Bye, Bye, Bye”. His tastes in music have changed a bit as Zak has since become a country music fan. In high school, he jumped at the opportunity to be part of the Woodlake Police Explorers and plans on a career in Criminal Justice.

“Zak is the first to volunteer for duty and assignment,” said Woodlake Police Chief John Zapalac. “In the four years that Zak has been part of the Explorers, his dedication and professionalism have been remarkable. He also makes it a priority to help with litter removal and graffiti clean-up. He is a gentleman and a perfect role model for young people.”

Zak has taken a leadership role in WHS Career Day as well as being a “mover and shaker” in the Leadership Class. He has amassed 188 community service hours during high school. He was honored by his peers this last October when they elected him Homecoming King.

“Zak is truly an ambassador to the world,” said WHS Counselor Steve Katz. “His infectious smile and wonderful personality bring joy to everyone he comes in contact with. He has been a student at our Assistance Service Dog Education Center where he has spent many hours training a dog to help a handicapped person. His kindness and generosity consistently spreads his feeling of joy and compassion to the students at WHS.”

The foothills of Woodlake are Zak's favorite sight when he is not busy playing football, tennis, summer basketball, or swimming. And even though he has been making pizza at the Pizza Factory for more than two years, pizza remains his favorite food. He also likes watching the sci-fi channel on TV. And Zak's favorite saying? “Once a tiger, always a tiger!” Among his special abilities he lists that he understands a little conversational Spanish, but is fluent in both English and Arabic. Zak has taken part in Woodlake FFA, raising an animal for the Tulare County Fair and as an officer. He enjoys cooking and loves little kids.

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