Jenesis Peregrina said she just wants to help people.
The 16-year-old Pioneer High School senior said that's why she wants to work with juveniles when she gets her criminal justice degree. It's why she helps take care of an 18-year-old man with Down syndrome, she said.
She will be one of 30 students participating in Pioneer High's 10th graduation Monday.
Peregrina said she came to Pioneer this year because she felt overwhelmed at her old school. She took extra credits to finish school early.
Peregrina liked the small classes and flexible schedule at Pioneer. She could get credits for a number of activities outside of school.
Peregrina, the second oldest of five children in her family, said she hadn't thought about college until she took a class on higher education preparation at Pioneer. She said she didn't know about the financial aid available to help her get a degree in criminal justice at Western Nevada College.
"I was like, 'Yeah right. I can't go to college, I can't afford it,'" she said.
She said she hopes she can use her degree to stop gangs, fights and drugs in Carson City.
"There's a lot here in Carson," she said. "I feel like I'd be able to help."
Principal Jason Zona said Peregrina is a "phenomenal kid" and "one of the reasons we're here."
"Jenesis has a positive attitude and has become a good role model through her academic success and leadership skills," he said in a statement. "As a member of Pioneer's student leadership, she has helped the school and the community through volunteer projects and student activities."
Pioneer High School is part of the Carson City School District. It accepts students by application. The school emphasizes small class sizes and curriculum customized to students' needs.