* Personal: Age 17; daughter of Martin Cooper of Waikapu and Karen Cooper of Makawao; enjoys playing volleyball, painting, drawing and going to the beach.
* At School: Volleyball varsity team captain, student government president, on Headmaster's List.
* Off Campus: Member of Waipuna Chapel Youth Group and Hawaiian Style Volleyball Club, assistant coach for Aloha Volleyball, volunteer at Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center and Hui No'eau Visual Arts Center.
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Ashley Cooper
* Beyond High School: Her short-term goal is to go to college on the West Coast and possibly study communications.
* Who is your personal hero and why? "My personal hero is my older sister, Sarah, because she always stands up for what she believes in. I've learned how to deal with difficult situations through watching her go through similar things. She always encourages everyone around her to find ways to be happy with themselves. She has helped me to be less afraid of failing, because I've seen her always learn from her mistakes. I think that those are very valuable things to be reminded of at such a difficult time for so many people. As we and people around us struggle to keep jobs and housing and other crucial things, it is important to keep sight of positive things. I admire my sister because she planted the idea in me that I can always find a away to stand back up after being knocked down."
Fact Box
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.
