Natashalynn Ah Nee, a senior at 'Aiea High School, speaks openly about how drugs and domestic violence affected her family.

But she never uses it as an excuse to not be the best student — or person — that she can be.

"Coming from a rough background, I wanted to change my outlook on life," Ah Nee said. "Just because you come from a low-income family — from poverty, drugs — you can come out of that and make your own path," she said.

Ah Nee was one of 44 Hawai'i public high school students honored yesterday at the 2008 Citizenship Awards, created by The Advertiser's Newspaper in Education program and the Hawai'i Hotel and Lodging Association.

The program recognizes Hawai'i seniors who best exemplify the state Department of Education's "vision of a public school graduate." Attributes include the attitudes, knowledge and skill necessary to compete in a global society and to be an effective family member.

Each winner receives a $1,000 scholarship. The students were recognized yesterday at the Hilton Hawaiian Village before education officials, business and community leaders, friends, parents and teachers for their community involvement and academic achievements.

"These students have demonstrated a sense of community. They are demonstrating all the qualities we want in our graduates," schools superintendent Pat Hamamoto said.

Hamamoto said the awards go beyond recognition of academic achievement. They honor students who care about their communities and are working to make a difference.

QUALITIES OF A LEADER

Ah Nee's social studies teacher, June Chang, said 'Aiea's teachers and administrators nominated her for the award because of her qualities as a student leader.

Ah Nee, who is one of five children, is senior class president and the vice chairperson of 'Aiea High's school community council.

"A lot of young people from her background would have given up," Chang said.

Mallory Miner, a senior at Kaua'i High School, said she has a natural inclination to be involved in school activities and the community.

"I'm a people person. I love to spread aloha," said Miner, who is a member of Kaua'i's school community council and various student organizations.

Miner said she gets personal satisfaction and joy from volunteering with organizations such as Kaua'i's Food Bank and the Salvation Army.

"I think we all have a responsibility to share. I've been so fortunate in my life and it makes me happy when I am able to share with someone less fortunate," Miner said.

It's Miner's selfless qualities that make her stand out from other teenagers, said Linda Smith, principal of Kaua'i High.

"She is not a 'me'-oriented person," Smith said.

NOT JUST FOR RESUME

Many students do community service work because it looks good on college applications or a resume, Smith said. But that was not Miner's motivation.

"She really wants to make a difference. It's never about her," Smith said.

While Lahainaluna High School senior Matthew Lawless is a standout athlete, he's also demonstrated academic achievement and a dedication to his community, said Michael Nakano, principal of Lahainaluna.

"He has all the qualities of an excellent leader," Nakano said.

Lawless plans to attend Vancouver Film School and study digital design. He credits his parents for instilling in him values of discipline and respect.

"I live in this community and I want to make where I live a better place," he said.