Editor’s note: The Auburn Reporter salutes some of the best graduating seniors from each of the Auburn School District’s four high schools. The top graduates were selected by their respective schools.

Anthony Tordillos

Dynamic and ambitious, Anthony Tordillos is ready to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.

“I’m probably a dreamer,” said the 18-year-old Tordillos, who is bound for Yale University, a prestigious Ivy League school in New Haven, Conn., on scholarship this fall to study political science. “I like to think big. … If you want to get somewhere, you have to believe that it is possible.”

Tordillos has made things possible at Auburn Riverside High School, where he excelled in rigorous studies, musical theater and choir. A 3.97 student, he posted high SAT scores.

In whatever capacity, Tordillos showed the desire to be the very best.

“It’s definitely been a journey,” he said.

Tordillos, son of Robert and Sandra Tordillos, chose Yale over several heralded schools that accepted him – Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, Brown, Columbia and the University of Chicago.

He ultimately wants to make a difference in other people’s lives – perhaps as a science administrative advisor, politician or ambassador – by studying advances in technology and science and the effects they have on public policy.

Such an amibition was spurred by his father’s plight, which became the subject of his college essay. Robert Tordillos, a longtime machinist, suffers from arthritis. No longer able to work, he participated in a drug trial to alleviate the symptoms. Placed on disability, he is receiving proper treatment but without the benefits of the workplace.

“He’s doing well, but it’s been hard. He wants to work and better his circumstances,” said Anthony Tordillos.

Perhaps one day, the young man will show the way and promote change.

Elise Jones

She looms tall at 6-foot-2, but her reach is far greater.

Whether it’s in the classroom or on the athletic field, Elise Jones stands out in a crowd.

“I like to set high goals for myself and dream big,” said Jones, 18, who is ranked atop her senior class at Auburn Riverside with a 4.0 GPA and a long list of outstanding academic achievements. “I get down to the business and do whatever it takes to accomplish what I want.”

Exceptional in calculus and physics and intrigued by design and structure, Jones is ready to take her talents to Washington State University this fall and pursue architecture. A Washington scholar, Jones earned a four-year Regents scholarship to attend school in Pullman.

She will follow her parents as proud Cougars. Tim Jones is an electrical engineer at Boeing. Nancy Jones is a para-educator in the Auburn School District.

Her parents have been a strong influence and steady supporters of her exceptional performance in high school.

The well-rounded Jones is outgoing and friendly, intensely driven and optimistic. An honors students, she excelled in music as a state-class sax soloist. She played in the school’s wind ensemble for four years. She also was involved in student government and school clubs.

In sports, she was a two-time captain of the track and field team. She culminated her career by clearing a personal-best 5 feet, 4 inches in the high jump and earning a state berth. She also played soccer and ran cross country.

Jones has been active in many community volunteer efforts. She worked with elementary students in children’s theater, and joined her church group on outreach projects. She also participated in Special Olympics.

This summer Jones and her church group will help rebuilding efforts in a storm-damaged city in New Mexico.

Whatever the challenge, Jones stands ready to help build a future for others, whether its structural or spiritual.

Her high school experiences helped put her on the right path.

“It’s been really fun,” she said. “It has changed my life and opened my eyes to a lot of great things.”