Alex Onish, 17

"For as long as I can remember, vocal performance has been my one true love," says Alex, who sings constantly, whether in All-State Chorus or just with friends. Alex says he has a passion for life that "stems from my ability to make friends wherever I go. More importantly, I know what it's like to struggle, so I enjoy life more than most people." One of his life-changing struggles has been growing up gay. "It's a task I wouldn't wish on anyone," he says, "but my struggle has made me the person I am today: confident, outgoing, and loyal."

April L. Lane, 17

A senior from Camden, New Jersey, April is the last of eight children. Her interests include reading, doing hair, and spending time with her family. At school, she's involved with student government, the school management team, science and math bowl teams, and youth-to-youth mentoring. "A few words I could use to describe myelf are quiet and funny. And one thing I can't forget to mention is my love for God and my church, where I sing in the choir."

Elizabeth Marchetta, 17

The fourth of six children, Elizabeth says she's a "natural compromiser." A senior, she looks forward to pursuing a communications degree at college. Elizabeth is student council secretary, and a defender on her school's varsity field hockey team. She also volunteers at her local hospital. This is Elizabeth's second year on the SEX, ETC. board. "The first was exciting and taught me that through one newsletter, I have the opportunity to empower other teens and make a difference."

Joleen Rivera, 17

"If my friends were to describe me, they would most likely use the word 'unique,'" says Joleen, who listens to different music, loves vintage clothing, and enjoys writing random poetry verse in the middle of class. During junior year, Joleen found her passion: writing. She edits the opinion section of her school newspaper and pursues independent study in poetry. She entered a couple of poetry contests this year and, to her surprise, got a few poems published.

Kirsten Schmitt, 17

"Hidden under black fonts and white paper lies my treasure in life: writing," says Kirsten, a senior. "Writing pours energy into my soul and makes me complete." In addition to writing, Kirsten also dances, plays piano, and is a cheerleader for football and basketball. An understanding and fun-loving person, Kirsten spends her most joyful moments with family and friends. "My goal in life is to live my own dreams," she says.

Lee Hernandez, 18

Lee enjoys playing basketball and going to Broadway shows or comedy clubs in New York City. "I love to do pretty much anything as long as I'm having fun," he says. A high-school senior, Lee is involved in journalism and the Future Business Leaders of America club. His long-term goal is to go the University of California, Los Angeles, to major in film. "I hope to someday be a big-time filmmaker," he says.

Maheshwari Mistry, 17

A senior, Maheshwari is a member of numerous clubs, including the National Honor Society. She's also the photographer for her school's key club and staff writer for the newspaper and yearbook. An avid reader, Maheshwari also finds "relief in writing." She loves to paint and dance, too. "Like any normal person," she says, "I hope to get a head start and launch my journalism career as a SEX, ETC. editor."

Sarah M.G. Otner, 17

Sarah is a self-proclaimed travel junkie, and her favorite part of any journey is the return home. After traveling to South Africa, she set a goal of visiting every continent by her 18th birthday. (She has one leg to go.) During the school year, Sarah is immersed in school and community. She volunteers with abused and battered children through Kids Who Care, Inc., and teaches French to grade-schoolers. She's also captain of the Academic Quiz Team and president of the National Honor Society.