National Merit Commended Scholar, AP Scholar, HOSA President. Aimee Pepper's resume of awards, accolades, and involvement from Westside High School is indeed impressive. Yet, those who have the privilege of getting to know the North 2 senior, also know that she should be awarded another commendation: amateur comedienne. When mentioning her interest in pursuing a degree in the medical field, Aimee facetiously remarked that she would have to answer to Dr. Pepper-a name she knew would inevitably make everyone chuckle. Her witty delivery of such a lofty goal encompassed the kind of young woman Aimee has become: serious and sunny, focused and funny, curious and compassionate. Aimee Pepper is the Spotlight Student of the Month because she is a multi-talented Westside High School student who will indubitably make her alma mater quite proud when she heads to UC Berkeley this fall.

Aimee Pepper's quest for excellence started early in her high school career. As a freshman, she was a member of the WHS band when they became the first 5A band in HISD history to advance to the area marching competition. 

"I remember huddling up in a big circle, before the directors delivered the news," Aimee said. "We all went crazy. Some of us even started crying." 

To Aimee, the band is more than just a social or extracurricular organization-it is "its own community within the school." Aimee has been an integral part of that community during her four years at Westside, serving as woodwind section leader, uniform crew member, and uniform manager.

Aimee has also been an active member of HOSA and Student Council throughout high school. She has served as the V.P. of Activities in WHS Student Council her junior and senior years. As for HOSA, it has helped to shape her future. 

"When I entered HOSA as a junior, I didn't really know what I wanted to do with my life," Aimee said. "Through my experiences with HOSA, I have come to realize that as a doctor, I can help people and pursue a career in the subject matter I am passionate about."

Aimee will continue her educational career at her dream college: The University of California at Berkeley. Last year, she visited the Bay Area and knew that she wanted to return for her post-secondary schooling. Aimee will be majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology, and she hopes "to pursue a medical degree after I complete my undergraduate studies, and to do a Doctors Without Borders trip sometime in my lifetime." Her initiative to succeed is more than intrinsic-it's genetic. Two of the biggest influences in her life are her older brothers, Ross and Kyle. 

"[Ross] was always a role model for me and inspired me to work hard and dream big. He encouraged me to apply for colleges slightly out of my reach," Aimee said. [Kyle] has inspired me to have fun and enjoy high school while it lasts."

Obviously, Aimee has been able to take advice from both brothers and meld it into purpose-driven four years at Westside. Aimee Pepper will soon trade the hallways of Westside for the West Coast, but the wolf prints she leaves will be hard to fill!

Filming segments around the world, Mr Karz made his stop in Houston, where Inertia, and their families danced for hours at Discovery Green, while cameras recorded the day. The finished project will air on PBS next February.

It was a great way to end the year, as he had Inertian's past present and future, mom's, dad's, brothers, sisters and cousins all dancing together and celebrating the day.