Dakota Lee Staren is 17 years old, and currently a senior at Deer Valley High School in Glendale. She enjoys being involved in the track team, and serving as an officer in Interact Club and the National Honors Society. She is a member of the Society of Female Scholars at Deer Valley High School. With a passion for church leadership, Dakota faithfully serves as the West District Youth Council President, Covenant Council Youth Representative, Social Holiness Chair and Co-Chaired the Young People's Convention for two consecutive years. She loves the church, and finds opportunities everywhere for growth and prosperity.
In the fall of 2012, Dakota will start her freshman year of college at the University of Arizona as a Pre-Public Health Major. She plans on going to medical school, and opening health clinics in third world countries post-graduation. She aspires to remain active within the United Methodist Church as a member of the UMCOR staff. Dakota strives to follow God's call where ever it takes her.