Student named to state honors

During the application process, Nairi had to demonstrate academic achievement, an interest in politics, leadership qualities, extra-curricular activities and community service to be considered for the program, she said.

The process was easy for Nairi, who is also the president of the Latin Club and the California Scholarship Federation, and is student advisor of the Future Business Leaders of America Club, she said.

"My No. 1 job is to be a student," Nairi said. "I like to get things done fast and I've always been a really organized person all my life."

She plans to pursue a career in oncology, but also has an interest in politics, she said.

"I always thought I would mesh those two together," she said. "I can't define my purpose but I can define it as I go along."

Nairi will travel to Sacremento to be recognized by the State Board of Education during its meeting on Jan. 10.

"We are really excited for her receiving this honor," her mother, Armineh Hartooni, said. "She has got the talent and she can use it for something productive."