top of page

Hi, I’m Karis.

I am a senior at Costa Mesa High School. I'm passionate about community activism., student civic engagement, mock trial, and the performing arts.  I am the founder of OC Indivisible Youth, the first student-led chapter of Indivibsle in California. We organize students across Orange County to protect democracy, advocate for equality and human rights, and fight facism. You can learn more at indivisibleocyouth.com.

​

My theatrical resume is here.

​

Karis Headshot 2024 (2).jpg

Here are some of the extracirriculars I'm involved in . . .

President, Mock Trial (11, 12; Member 9, 10)
Led practices, mentored younger members, organized case preparation, and helped guide the team through competitions.

 

President (12), Social Media (11), Actor and Director (9-12), CMHS Theater Department
Performed in plays and musicals in both ensemble and lead roles while serving in a leadership role, directed one-acts and student-written plays.

 

Lead Organizer, CMHS Voter Drive (11, 12)
Led a schoolwide voter registration drive in partnership with Resilience OC.

 

Vice President, Madrigals Choir (12; Member 10, 11, 12)
Performed in concerts and community events with my school's advanced choir while helping coordinate rehearsals, create social activities, and support the leadership team.

 

Cheerleader/Dance Team Member (9, 10, 11, 12)

Performed at games, pep rallies, Dancing with the Teachers, and three annual dance showcases. 

 

Storyteller, The Moth StoryLab (11)
Participated in a student storytelling mentorship, developed an original personal narrative, and performed it at a youth StorySLAM.

 

UCLA Global Studies Pre-College Program (11)

Awarded a scholarship to attend a UCLA college-level summer program focused on global studies and academic research, and developing skills in critical thinking, international analysis, and scholarly writing. 

 

Human Relations Ambassadors Program (HRAP), Groundswell (10)

Selected for a year-long leadership and social justice program. Developed projects that promoted equity, civic engagement, and positive social change. 

     Work Experience

​

​

Costumed Performer, OC Fair | Summer 2023-2026

Performed as the OC Fair's signature mascot, using physical comedy, expressive movement, and audience engagement to create memorable experiences for guests.

​

Babysitter/Mother's Helper | 2023 - Present

Provided childcare for 12+ neighborhood families with children ages newborn to 12, while also offering paid home organization and cleaning services.

​

​

Volunteer Experience

 

 

Founder/President, Indivisible OC Youth (11, 12)

Founded and lead a student-run chapter of the national Indivisible movement. Organized and empowered high school students across Orange County to advocate for inclusivity and take part in political action.

​

Lead Organizer, CMHS Voter Drive (11, 12)

I run a voting drive at my school in partnership with Resilience OC.

​

Assistant Director/Stage Manager, Davis Elementary School and Costa Mesa Middle School (10, 11, 12)

I volunteered at my local elementary and middle school theater departments to assist in their twice-yearly theater productions, helping as both assistant director, stage manager, and in any other capacity the director needed help with.

 

Volunteer, Olive Crest (10)
During my winter break I volunteered with Olive Crest, a non-profit that places at-risk children into foster families through DCFS.

College-Level Coursework 

*Associate of Arts anticipated concurrent to high scool graudation (Spring 2027)

college coursework GPA = 4.0

 

SPAN C180 Elementary Spanish 1, Coastline College, Summer 2023, 5 units

SPAN G185 Elementary Spanish 2, Golden West College, Summer 2024, 5 units

GLBL ST 1 Introduction to Global Studies, University of California, Los Angeles, Summer 2024, 4 units

CMST C100 Interpersonal Communication, Coastline College, Fall 2024, 3 units

GEOG G100 World Regional Geography, Golden West College, Winter/Spring 2025, 3 units

CMST G255 Intercultural Communication, Golden West College, Winter/Spring 2025, 3 units

GEOG G180 Physical Geography, Golden West College, Winter/Spring 2025, 3 units

THEA G100 Introduction to Theater, Golden West College, Summer 2025, 3 units

ENGL C100 Academic Reading and Writing, Coastline College, Fall 2025, 4 units

ETHS G120 Geography of Race and Ethnicity in the U.S., Golden West College, Fall 2025, 3 units

GEOG C180L Physical Geography Lab, Coastline College, Fall 2025, 1 unit

MATH G115 College Algebra, Golden West College, Winter/Spring 2026, 4 units

STAT G160 Introduction to Statistics, Golden West College, Summer 2026, 4 units

POLT 101 American Government, Santa Ana College, Summer 2026, 3 units

ENGL G110 Critical Thinking and Writing, Golden West College, Fall 2026, 4 units

HIST G175 U.S. History Since 1865, Golden West College, Fall 2026, 3 units

BIOL C102 Introduction to the Concepts of Anatomy and Physiology, Coastline College, Fall 2026, 3 units

bottom of page