Pleasanton Whiz Kid: Rahael Borchers

Name: Rahael Borchers

Age: 17

School:

Accomplishments: Vice Chair of City of Pleasanton’s Youth Commision, Chair of the Youth Master Plan Implementation Committee and is a member of the AVHS Competitive Civics Team. Also volunteers as the senior defense advocate for the Tri-Valley Youth Court Program, an alternative justice program for first-time offenders identified by school districts, local police or Alameda County Probation.

She is also a National Merit Scholarship Finalist.

Key to Awesomeness: Rahael Borchers is humble when it comes to her achievements, of which she has many. This week she participated in the city's annual  at which students shadow city and school district leaders.

She also serves as a representative in the high school's School Site Council and participates in the high school’s UNICEF club. She was also on the Mock Trial Team and marching band (playing the flute) through her junior year.

Recently, Rahael and her AVHS Competitive Civics teammates secured the 2011 California State We The People Championship. They move to the 2011 We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution National Finals in late April and early May.

Time management is not a challenge for this busy teen. While Rahael acknowledged her schedule often results in stressful nights, she said the experiences she gains from being so involved are fun and worthwhile.

“People ask why don’t I just enjoy my senior year. I wouldn’t change a thing. I do it because I love it,” she said.

Rahael has yet to decide what university she will attend but says she wants to study international relations with a possible concentration in human rights so that she can make a difference.