2000 high school graduate takes on life with gusto

"p>Editor's note: Today marks the debut of a new feature called Star Students in the Federal Way Mirror. The feature highlights the accomplishments of youth in our community. By LIZ ABERGStaff writerFor Hagen Ganem life is a canvass to be painted with infinite possibilities. Before graduating from Federal Way High School this spring, he tutored and mentored children, earned his Associate of Arts degree from Highline Community College, served two consecutive years as his class president and graduated from the 9-month-long Federal Way Chamber of Commerce Advancing Leadership program. When he describes his accomplishments Ganem sounds like a motivational speaker.I don't like to settle for average. I saw what I wanted to do and I did it, Ganem said. I wanted to make a mark in high school, something that would say, 'Hagen was here.'Ganem began leaving that mark early in high school. By his freshman year, he'd made the varsity baseball team. He also began exploring the idea of taking college classes through Federal Way's Running Start program. As junior class president, he set and achieved a goal to double the revenue the class before him made. By his senior year, he'd helped to manage three fund-raisers that raised $20,000 for his class. The money went toward senior activities such as dances and graduation. Ganem could have graduated high school by winter quarter of his senior year. However, as class president he felt it was necessary to serve his commitment to his class and his school. In the fall, the 18-year-old will enter the University of Washington's business school as a junior. When he graduates, he hopes to enter law school at Stanford University. Driving at warp speed isn't anything new to Ganem says his father, Joe.Since he was a little boy the one thing that was clear was he never ordered off the child's menu, Joe Ganem said. He's approached life that way.Joe Ganem says his son's maturity has shown through in every project he's undertaken. He's never satisfied with the status quo, Joe Ganem said. He's always wanted to achieve.Ganem's desire for achievement also caught the respect of Federal Way Chamber of Commerce president Alison Corrigan, who calls Ganem a shining star.What impressed me most was his ability to assimilate with the rest of the people in the (Advancing Leadership) program, Corrigan said. He has a wonderful mix of personality, poise and charm and he has a great work ethic.Ganem says he isn't happy unless he's pushed himself beyond his comfort level. To him, that means trying harder than anyone else and succeeding when others tell tell him he can't.I'm really proud of how things have gone, Ganem said. I'm alive and I'm happy. ---------------Send us a starTo nominate a Star Student, write to 1414 S. 324th St., Suite 210, Federal Way, WA, 98003 or e-mail editor@fedwaymirror.com."