"Never stop smiling" said the class of '09 valedictorian Ashley Ambrosio with a full smile. With a solid 4.400 G.P.A and an enormous amount of extracurricular activities behind her, she is ready to become a future bear at UC Berkeley. 

"I wanted to try new things, wanted to do well, and get into good colleges" said Ambrosio reminiscing about her transition into high school from middle school. At Venice High she participated in Mabuhay, Heal the Bay, Chatelaines and Esquires, Sports Medicine, Aloha, Knights and Ladies and was a member of the basketball team during her freshman and sophomore years. But due to an injury, she switched her sports aspiration to Sports Medicine. Ambrosio has also been '09 treasurer during her junior and senior year.

Ambrosio participated in many activities outside of school including being a "Young neighbors in action" missionary in Mexico, a private tutor, a tutor for homework club at St. Mark's School and a teacher for a 3rd grade religion class since she was 12. 

When asked how she deals with all these challenging tasks, she said "It's hard. Sometimes I take a step back and reorganize my thoughts and my life."

She also didn't want to disappoint her parents and others. The desire to be successful gives her the motivation to push forward and not give up. 

Ambrosio is well settled at Venice on a routine after four years. She said that she'd miss her friends most when she leaves Venice. Her ultimate plan is to become a doctor, so she's majoring in Cell and Developmental Biology at UC Berkeley.

"Find balance. Know what you are capable of doing and drinking coffee totally helps," advised Ambrosio for all upcoming seniors, juniors, and sophomores.