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Senior Spotlight: Daniel Curtis Truax: Surfing Sensation
By Leslie Estrada, Editor-in-chief
Daniel Curtis Truax was born to Susan, a public relations
representative, and Tim Truax, a lawyer, on May 23, 1989 in the city
of Santa Monica. He moved to El Segundo when he was a mere 2 years
old. Daniel has two brothers, John, who is a sophomore and David,
who is in the 3rd grade. "When we were little, [John and I] would
always compete in everything. We still do to this day". Truax has
been known around the school as the lanky red-haired boy with a
smile on his face, but he was not always like that, "Before high
school, I wouldn't say I was a loser; I was chunky and awkward. It
was different. Middle school, I was really good friends with Pat
Boyles". Truax says that his parents have been the most influential
people in his life, "I love my parents, they're awesome and I
couldn't ask for anything better. I do have a curfew but I would
rather have that than parents who don't care at all. My parents
trust me more now, and they treat me more like an adult".
One special thing that stands out
about Truax is that he has been very much involved with a more
extreme sport- surfing. He has been a member of the Varsity El
Segundo Surf team for four years and has received many awards
because of his talent, "When I was a sophomore, I was 'Top
Longboarder', and when I was a junior, I had 'Most Points Overall'
[in competition]". Now that Daniel is a senior, he once again has
the 'Most Points Overall', and is the Varsity team Co-Captain, "I've
been on the longboard team and we have been undefeated this season".
Another one of Truax's
diversions is paddleboarding, which is paddling while on your knees
on an elongated board in the ocean. "I got into it through Junior
Lifeguards; over the summer, I was on the winning relay team in the
state competition and also got 2nd place in the national individual
race". Truax always wanted to become a lifeguard, so he began with
the program of Junior Lifeguards, "I started in the summer of 2000,
and it made me love the ocean. Through the cadet program which is
part of the Junior Lifeguards, I helped teach younger kids for the
past two summers". He really looks up to lifeguards and are very
lucrative to his life, "My heroes would be my dad and the L.A County
Lifeguards".
When Truax has some free time on his
hands, he is usually hanging out with his best buddies, seniors
Scott Craig, Casey Garrett, Ashley Cordobes and junior Marcie
Giovannoni. "He's a pretty funny guy and fun to chill with. Tall,
dark, handsome; and ladies he's single and ready for you", said
senior Casey Garrett. "One time, I was teaching Casey and Scott to
drive stick shift, then the cops came because they were driving
crazy". Scott Craig said of Truax, "He's a 6 foot 3, quirky red
head, what's not to like? The guy never fails to make me laugh, and
doesn't mind if I'm really just laughing at him. He's a good guy,
I'm glad he's my friend". If he's not out getting into little tiffs,
then Truax is found playing football, surfing, driving and listening
to music, "My favorite bands would include AC/DC, Guns N Roses,
Social Distortion, Jack Johnson, Slightly Stoopid, Slackstring and
Pink Floyd". This 17-year old enjoys Mexican, Italian, Chinese and
barbeque. Even though Truax seems to be having fun with surfing and
paddleboarding, he finds time to maintain a part-time job. "I've
worked at Tyler Surfboards and now I work at Justa Pizza as a
delivery boy". He keeps up very well with his academia. "My favorite
teachers have been Mr. Harris in Geography, Mr. Cousins for World
History and Mr. Bufano for AP US History".
With a very good grade point average
and an SAT score of 1950, he seems to be on his way of continuing an
educational career.
Truax plans on leaving the school
with great memories, "My favorite high school moment probably hasn't
happened yet. It might be graduation because it's going to be the
end of our journey or whatever, but I'm going to be stoked and
everything. I'm not worried [about leaving high school], but I'm
going to miss it. I'm stoked about leaving for college. I'm going to
miss the people more than anything". Truax is preparing himself a
fun-filled summer, "I passed the L.A county life guard test, so I
will be a beach life guard summer of 2007". Upon embarking his
collegiate career Truax says, "I'm hoping I get into San Diego State
University and major in sociology. After I graduate, I hope to go to
grad or law school and become a lawyer or a teacher". When asked
where he sees himself in the future he says, "I see myself living in
El Segundo and raising a family". What advice does Daniel Truax have
for all underclassmen? "Go big, or go home".
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