Although Alvarez still receives special education services, she uses the tutoring for her gifted and talented and advanced placement courses at Kahuku High School. And her memory has served her well enough that she can memorize complicated routines of the marching band and Color Guard.

Even if some things don't come easily, "I don't want to be restricted," she said.

Alvarez is an accomplished artist who paints, sketches and sews. She designs her own clothing and handbags, a skill she hopes to turn into a career.

Now $27,500 in scholarships from the state and national Discover Card Tribute Awards will help her to achieve her dream of studying design at Fashion Institute of Technology's campuses in Italy and New York.

"It was really exciting. I actually got to go to Chicago for the awards ceremony," Alvarez said. "It was really neat and honorable to be one of the nine that was chosen."

Diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency at age 3, Alvarez had to endure years of doctors visits and daily shots, but the paddler and water polo player now stands 5 feet 4, taller than any other girl in her family.

Birth complications probably led to Alvarez's severe learning disabilities, her mother, Pam, said. Over the years, Alvarez has learned to compensate for her difficulties by emphasizing her strengths and asking for help when she needs it.

She also is willing to put in whatever time it takes to accomplish goals and is not easily discouraged.

"She works hard and she doesn't waste time. She doesn't watch a lot of TV, doesn't do a lot of frivolous things," her mother said.

For relaxation, Alvarez usually turns to her art or textile projects. "She just seems able to use the hours in her day efficiently," Pam Alvarez said.

Her strong spirit also helps her, and Alvarez also won't let anybody put her down. "She's a fighter," Pam Alvarez said. "She won't just go into a corner and mope."

Mariko Jackson, Alvarez's English teacher, said Alvarez might have to work harder than anyone else in the class, but she has proved capable of accomplishing anything. While Alvarez sometimes struggles to understand the text at first, when she's done, she generally has a deeper understanding of a story's characters than her classmates do, Jackson said.

"She's very sensitive to what's happening. She really does put herself into those situations," Jackson explained. "She's very eloquent in the way that she describes her association with the characters."

Alvarez's sensitivity also is revealed in her poetry. "She's more in touch with her own feelings and is more willing to kind of put them out there," Jackson said. "I think it's a reflection of all the challenges she has been through."

Not satisfied with improving just herself, Alvarez helps her community, participating in clean-ups on campus and at the Waimea Falls Audubon Center. With her church youth group, she has collected food for the needy and done chores for the elderly. She also has helped organize a Christmas swap meet where poor children can get donated gifts to give to their family.

After her freshman year, she went to Wyoming to help renovate a summer camp for children with Down Syndrome.

The Discover Card award isn't the only recognition Alvarez has received. She received state recognition in the 2002 Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest and along with her brother traveled to Washington, D.C., to compete as one of 15 finalists in the 2003 National History Day contest.

• Who helped you? "There's been so many people, but probably my family (parents Pam and Sal and older siblings Ashton and Amber)," she said. "They're very supportive."

• Do you have any advice for other kids who want to follow your example? "Be strong. I think they can do anything if they put their heart into it and try really hard."

To nominate someone for All-Star Kids, send your e-mail submissions (with photos) to tshapiro@honoluluadvertiser.com or mail them to:

All-Star Kids
The Honolulu Advertiser
605 Kapi'olani Blvd.
Honolulu, HI 96813