* Personal:
Age 17, son of Rufino and Maria Tagatac of Lanai City; enjoys spending time with friends and family, competitions, traveling, and watching movies and TV.
* At School:
Article Photos
RYAN MARK TAGATAC
Student body president as a senior and vice president as a junior, Maui District Student Council representative as a sophomore and freshman class treasurer; yearbook staff; Lettermen's Club (has participated in varsity cross country, paddling and tennis, and earned Coaches Award for paddling as a junior); scholastic honors, including Academic Excellence Award winner in grade 9 through 11; Close Up participant as a junior; HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) treasurer as a sophomore.
* Off Campus:
University of Hawaii at Hilo Upward Bound program; Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF; cleanups and other community service activities on Lanai, Oahu and Hawaii; works as a cashier and server in The Sweetest Days Ice Cream Shop.
* Beyond High School:
Plans to attend the University of Colorado Denver where he will enter the physician assistant program or major in chemistry with the goal of being a family physician.
* What would you do to improve education in Hawaii?
"To improve education in Hawaii, I would have all schools or islands offer the same opportunities and electives. For example, Lanai High School has only one world language class offered, whereas Moanalua High School on Oahu has about four world language classes. Also, Lanai City doesn't offer much internship programs, while Oahu has more internship programs. Students in Lanai City can participate in more internship programs only by traveling to other islands or places. Students need more electives and opportunities to broaden their choices of education, better prepare themselves for college and, ultimately, better prepare themselves for life."
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The students in this weekly feature are selected by officials at their respective high schools. "Student Spotlight" recognizes students of good character who are involved in school or community activities such as athletics, clubs, student government and volunteer work.
