Successes, Leaders Are Worth Looking Up To

L.A. Times Archives

Nov. 8, 1990 12 AM PT

When faced with serious decisions, we often look to others for advice or to see how they’ve handled similar situations.

Hot Topics wonders, “Whom do you look to as your role model?”

“Everybody who has ever succeeded in life.” Jeremy Ussher, 16, sophomore, St. Michael’s

“Spud Webb because he overcame his lack of height to dominate professional basketball.” Christina Chen, 14, sophomore, Connelly

“Spike Lee on two accounts: He is a leader of the oppressed people of America, telling them to rise up and claim what is theirs. And he is an African-American filmmaker in a business that is predominantly white. It is time minorities take advantage of the freedom America gives them. Spike Lee has opened the door.” Paul Wu, 16, junior, Woodbridge

“My father--he is no superstar or anything, he is just a great guy. He has always been there through thick and thin to help me out. And when I grow up, I hope to be just as good a father as he is.” Bill Walker, 16, junior, Mater Dei

“The explorers of modern science because they paved the way for our lives.” Mark Grant, 15, sophomore, Los Alamitos

“My sister because she is a compassionate person whom I can truly admire. She is like a best friend.” Jenny Hsieh, 16, junior, Irvine

“Jesus Christ--do you know how hard it is to follow his footsteps? It’s a big challenge, but one that can bring lots of happiness.” Joan Jung Chang, 17, senior, Valencia

“Rod Carew because he cares about kids, he’s never let money put him on a higher pedestal than the rest of us, and because he can look a 17-year-old kid in the face and call him a friend.” Jason Hodges, 18, senior, Esperanza

“Leonardo da Vinci because he dominated all fields of humanities--arts, science and engineering. He was truly a well-rounded individual.” Jane Oglesby, 16, senior, Connelly

“John Lennon because he took a stand and kept on believing, despite what people thought of his opinions.” Lisa Montagne, 15, sophomore, Woodbridge

“My teachers because they help you along the way and show you what’s going on in the world.” Duc Truong, 16, sophomore, Saddleback

“My mother--she is a full-time mother, has a full-time career and is a full-time wife. She makes sure she doesn’t neglect anyone that needs her, even when time is tough for her.” Susanna Henson, 17, senior, Mater Dei

“Madonna, because if she wants something, she gets it by fighting for it. She’s strong and she speaks her mind.” Omar Herrera, 16, junior, Santa Ana Valley

“Michael J. Fox because he is a person who has a lot of money and fame and yet can live life the natural way.” Lisa Choi, 16, junior, Irvine

“Martin Luther King Jr. because of what he preached about equal rights and freedom for all.” Lisa Virgil, 17, senior, Mater Dei

“Karch Kiraly because he’s a stud at volleyball, indoor and outdoor, and he’s been to the Olympics twice and won a gold medal both times. Plus, he could have any girl on the beach that he wants.” Jason Galeener, 17, senior, Esperanza

“My grandpa because he always has the right answers and is good to everyone.” Kathy Carlson, 16, junior, Connelly

“Tommy Lee for being crazy, Nikki Sixx for having an incredible talent for writing lyrics, and my mom for being there for me.” Javier Martinez, 15, sophomore, Saddleback

“Joe Montana because he tries to succeed at whatever he aims for.” John McClane, 17, junior, Mater Dei

“Wayne Gretzky because of the many outstanding achievements he has had in the sport of ice hockey.” Heather Franklin, 17, junior, Santa Ana Valley

“Andrew Dice Clay because he’s funny.” Kris Cash, 16, junior, Los Alamitos

“My best friend Dave because of his persistance and diligence in everything he does.” Casey Dignan, 17, senior, St. Michael’s

“My water polo coach, Mike Guest, because he upholds good moral standards and sets a fine example for high school kids.” Julie Sweil, 17, senior, Valencia

“My father because he’s a great man who anyone can look up to.” Farshad Firouznam, 17, junior, Esperanza

“Michael Jordan because he only strives to do the best he can. He has worked hard all his life and never been stopped by obstacles. He’s not only an individual, but a team player. He helps his community as well.” Nicole Schwartz, 17, senior, Woodbridge

“My aunt because she’s always well-liked and she likes helping others.” Marina Silva, 16, sophomore, Saddleback

“Natalie Merchant of the band 10,000 Maniacs because she sings all her opinions of this world. Also she is well aware of the problems.” GeChee Chang, 16, junior, Santa Ana Valley

“My brother because he’s successful in everything he wants to accomplish.” Nicole Lejuwaan, 14, freshman, Esperanza

“My parents because no matter what you do, they still love you.” Francisco Fimbres, 15, freshman, St. Michael’s

Next Week’s Hot Topic: What do you collect? Why?