Meet Cinthia Vazquez

Whiz Kid's name: Cinthia Vazquez

Whiz Kid's age: 17

Whiz Kid's school: Clover Park High School

Whiz Kid's accomplishment: Cinthia, a senior, was recently selected as Clover Park’s Daffodil Princess, an honor bestowed upon one female student in the senior class. She is president of Clover Park’s National Honor Society, a Senior Class representative, Vice Unit Commander for the school’s Air Force Junior ROTC and a member of the Lakewood Youth Council.

In her spare time, she tutors at Park Lodge Elementary through the YMCA’s after-school program, and volunteers at Tillicum Elementary through Communities In Schools.

Cinthia, who attends Pierce College through the Running Start program, will graduate in June with both a high-school diploma and an Associate’s Degree. She plans to attend a four-year college such as Whitworth or Seattle University and major in pre-law. From there, she hopes to attend law school, become an immigration lawyer and eventually open her own law firm.

Whiz Kid's key to awesomeness: Cinthia said that what makes her stand out is that she cares about her community and is willing to take the time and effort to make it better. Her efforts are supported by her parents and teachers, which she said she greatly appreciates.

Her favorite thing about being a senior is knowing that the future is right around the corner.

“I am allowed to be more independent,” she said. “And I love driving on my own!”

Winning Clover Park’s Daffodil Pageant was a great honor for Cinthia, who said she embraces the opportunity to represent the school’s diverse community. She will compete for the title of Daffodil Queen and represent her school in the annual Daffodil Festival in the spring.

The festival started in 1933 as a tribute to the Puyallup Valley Flower industry and has grown to be one of the largest festivals and parades in the nation.

“When my name was called, I could not believe it,” Cinthia said. “Sometimes, I still can’t. This journey seems unreal, and even though I am going to be extremely busy, it will all be worth it.”

She credited her parents for keeping her feet on the ground, but jokingly admitted, “I get the chance to be a role model and wear a tiara at the same time! What more could I ask for?”