Kayla's interest in psychology started in her freshman year, when she volunteered to help young children who were dealing with the death of a loved one.
She worked with 4to 9-year-olds, helping them work through their feelings during support groups at Community Hospice. It wasn't exactly a happy time, but it was worthwhile.

"You can make such a difference in a kid's day," she said.

Kayla went on to land a paid job as a counselor with a program called Safe Health Awareness Done Easy, or SHADE, run by the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency. She and other teens talk to people their age about preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, among other topics.

Kayla, 17, also counsels teens each year when it comes times for sports physicals. Her mom, a school nurse, thought it might help students to hear information about things like proper stretching and the importance of sunscreen from someone their own age.

At school, Kayla has been a cheerleader for four years. She is a member of the California Scholarship Federation and has a 4.0 grade-point average.

She is a member of Centenary United Methodist Church and is part of the youth group there. She and other youth group members recently organized a Christmas festival for younger children.

FAMILY: "My mom's name is Penney Weinheimer. My dad is Kurt Weinheimer. I have one brother, Kyle. He's 20."

HOBBIES: "I like to hang out with my friends, I like to shop. I really like to read and knit."

BIGGEST INFLUENCE: "Definitely my mom. She's always there for me when I have a bad day. I don't really like to talk about it, but somehow she always gets it out of me."

LAST BOOK I READ FOR PLEASURE: "'A Child Called It.' It wasn't a fun book. It was really sad."

FAVORITE TELEVISION SHOW: "'The O.C.' We have 'O.C.' parties, me and my friends. Every week, we get together and watch it."

FAVORITE MUSIC: "I like Jessica Simpson and I like Ashlee Simpson, too. And I like Maroon 5."

ADVICE FOR KIDS: "Listen to your parents. They know what they're talking about."

ADVICE FOR ADULTS: "Listen to your kids. Get to know them."

EDUCATION PLANS: "I'm going to go to college. I'm not sure which one yet. It's kind of between UC Santa Cruz and Long Beach State. I want to study psychology."

WHERE I'LL BE IN 10 YEARS: "I hope to be living in LA and I hope to have my own psychology office."

The Teen Hall of Fame honoree receives gift certificates worth $50 provided by Vintage Faire Mall and the Modesto Teachers Association and $50 from E.&J. Gallo Winery, movie tickets from Dr. Randy Winter with Modesto Arts Medical Group and bowling passes from Yosemite Lanes. Do you know a student who should be recognized in the Teen Hall of Fame? Call 209-578-2310 for a nomination form.