Class of 2017 | Profiles of
Success
Viridiana Bonilla Ortega COLLEGE ATTENDING Colorado College ACTIVITIES PreMed Club, National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, Tennis SERVICE Church Volunteer THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA I loved my time here at St. Mary’s Academy. I felt like I was surrounded by such great people that wanted me to succeed. I learned to always persevere and ask for help if I ever need it. ________________________________________
Daria Boulos
COLLEGE ATTENDING George Washinton University, Elliott School of International Affairs, Globalization, Economics, and Business Cohort in the Women’s Leadership Program ACTIVITIES Model UN, Mock Trial, Tennis, Volleyball, Spanish Club, Diversity Club, Journalism Club, The Quill, Ambassador Program, Literary magazine, CSW Conference, Student Association SERVICE A Precious Child, AMIDEAST THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA I liked going to MUN meets/acting in the play. I learned that I have to hold myself accountable for things and sometimes you have to accept the blame for things that aren’t necessarily your fault. Ms. Iswari really changed the way I look at math and helped me realize that I can accomplish something if I set my mind to it. ________________________________________
Kaile Brogan
COLLEGE ATTENDING Loyola University ACTIVITIES Volleyball, Tennis, Marine Biology Club, Ukelele Club THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA I learned to self advocate and I will do the same in college.
Gillian Burnham
COLLEGE ATTENDING Colorado School of Mines, Biochemistry ACTIVITIES Volleyball, Student Association, Mock Trial, National Honor Society, FOR Club, Literary Magazine, Pre-med Club
SERVICE The Lighthouse Women’s Center, Clothes To Kids Denver, Loretto Motherhouse Service Trip, Colorado Mission of Mercy, Metro Caring THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA Best Memory: Performing with STUCO in the talent show. Teachers: Mrs. Iswari, Ms. Ehrlich, and Mrs. Pfeiffer were my favorites! All three share a strong enthusiasm for their subject, and their high expectations for their students made me work hard to make them proud. Learned: How to connect and listen to people. ________________________________________
Lauren Carroll COLLEGE ATTENDING Villanova University ACTIVITIES Cross Country, Basketball, Student Association, STUCO, National Honor Society, Orchestra, Environmental Club, Pre-med Club, Tri M Honor Society
COLLEGE ATTENDING CU Boulder ACTIVITIES Soccer, Basketball, Field Hockey, Life Skills Club, Outdoors Club, Marine Science Club, Student Council, STUCO
SERVICE Food Rescue, Women’s Bean Project, Special Olympics, Costa Rica Service Trip THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA I loved my time at SMA. One of my favorite memories was scoring the overtime goal my freshman year at Kent Denver. I am thankful for learning to be a strong leader and empowered woman. My teachers helped me gain the skills I will need in college to be a confident leader. ________________________________________
Sarah Cowden COLLEGE ATTENDING University of Denver, Biochemistry & Mathematics ACTIVITIES Economics Club SERVICE Hawaii Service Trip, Mexico Service Trip, Costa Rica Service Trip, Habitat for Humanity, Rosie’s Ranch
SERVICE SaddleUp! Foundation, Clothes to Kids of Denver, Loretto Motherhouse Service Trip, Peru Service Trip, Whiz Kids Tutoring THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA Favorite Memory- waterfall hike with my friends at junior retreat. Going to SMA was one of the best decisions I have ever made because the environment here taught me so much about confidence, leadership, and character, and that has made me into such a stronger person than I would have been at another school. Teachers helped me grow in my leadership abilities and confidence. They always encourage a positive mindset, and they made SMA a great environment. ________________________________________
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Rachel Cella
I loved the freedom. In the high school, kids are trusted to take responsibility. I wouldn’t change a thing about SMA.
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THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA I have spent twelve years at SMA and most of my childhood memories surround the school. It has been my home away from home for many years. ________________________________________
Brionni Dawkins COLLEGE ATTENDING University of South Florida ACTIVITIES Nerd Club, Latin Club, Art Club, Academy Singers, SAIMARAC, Tennis SERVICE Costa Rica Service Trip, Project Angel Heart THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA My favorite memory of SMA was anytime I spent time with my friends. I learned to be independent and that it was okay to speak up if I wanted to say something on my mind. My teachers helped me by allowing me to understand deeper topics and situations in life and that it was okay to ask for help.
Aracely Franco-Ugarte COLLEGE ATTENDING CU Denver – Animation and Chemistry
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I love the sense of community at SMA. I feel safe and at home here. I cannot think of one thing I would change.
ACTIVITIES Latin Club, Model UN, Robotics, Nerd Club, Mock Trial, Debate Club SERVICE Children’s Hospital, Denver Public Library
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THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA I quite enjoyed attending SMA because of the number of friends I have made and the number of different experiences I have had, such as joining as many clubs as I could. At SMA, I learned what I am truly passionate about - animation and art. Teachers helped me by being there when iI needed it. Furthermore, they constantly encourage me when I’m feeling down. ________________________________________
Adrea Gentry
Tate Given
COLLEGE ATTENDING Trinity College ACTIVITIES Marine Biology Club, Outdoors/Life Skills Club, National Honor Society SERVICE Mile High Rowing Club Learn to Row Camps, Special Olympics, Project C.U.R.E. THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA I like that the teachers have very small classes which allows them to focus and give more individual attention to students. This helped me gain confidence and become a better student.
COLLEGE ATTENDING Regis University ACTIVITIES Diversity Club, Basketball, Open Studio Club, Card Club, Empty Bowls Club SERVICE Food Bank of the Rockies
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THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA I have been at SMA for thirteen years now and I have truly loved and appreciated all thirteen. My teachers have shaped me to be everything I am today. The biggest take away from my teachers is the value they instilled in me of learning to think for myself. I knew it was always okay to believe what I believed and it was okay to disagree. I will be forever thankful everything this wonderful community has given me.
Kate Golinvaux
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SERVICE Warren Village, Denver Rescue Mission
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You are constantly encouraged to be yourself, and to continue to find who you are supposed to be. I truthfully wouldn’t change a thing about SMA. For me this is the best place I could have spent the last 13 years.
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COLLEGE ATTENDING Santa Clara University ACTIVITIES Mock Trial, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Outdoors Club, Lifeskills Club, National Honor Society, French NHS, Student Council
THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA Saint Mary’s Academy was a truly unique high school experience where I was able to focus on my academics and my relationships with my friends. I enjoyed my Mock Trial experience the most, and was very fortunate to be able to go to State Competition with my team this year.
Gabrielle Guliano ACTIVITIES Robotics, Model UN,Tennis, Cross Country, Environmental Club, Engineering Club, Card Club
SERVICE Clothes to kids, Escuela de Guadalupe, Metro Caring THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA My favorite memories are the experiences I had on the Robotics team and the Cross Country team. I loved running with my Cross Country team and having the two best coaches. It make my experience at SMA so much better! Robotics was also a great experience because as a co captain this year, I had a big say and played an important role in our performance this year. My co captain and I got along very well. Here, I learned leadership skills and gained knowledge about STEM fields. Our teacher mentor was very important and was essential for our team. He taught me a lot! ________________________________________
Amanda Hall
COLLEGE ATTENDING Merchant Marine Academy ACTIVITIES Field Hockey, Basketball, Mock Trial, Robotics SERVICE Special Olympics THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA I will remember the slide on field day. I loved seeing everyone being tough enough to slide even though it was cold outside. My teachers showed me that I am an auditory learner and I will use that information in the future. ________________________________________
Emmy Hamilton COLLEGE ATTENDING Westmont College ACTIVITIES Outdoor Club, French Club SERVICE Childrens Hospital, Save the Bay, Habitat for Humanity THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA SMA was great. The teachers are awesome and super supportive. I learned a lot about taxes and credit cards.
Rachel Henderson COLLEGE ATTENDING University of Northern Colorado, Nursing Program ACTIVITIES Volleyball, Spanish, Empty Bowls Project, Pre-med Club SERVICE St. Elizabeth Church, Children’s Hospital THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA SMA has helped me prepare for college in many ways. Some of my favorite memories are hanging out with my friends during our breaks and having small classes. I have learned the importance of having a relationship with your teachers and will continue to value that in college. The teachers are very supportive and have always been here to help when we need them. ________________________________________
Annie Hess
COLLEGE ATTENDING Colorado State University, Equine Science & Biology ACTIVITIES Lacrosse, Model UN, The Quill SERVICE Zuma’s Rescue Ranch THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA My favorite memory was calculus class. ________________________________________
Macey Hills
COLLEGE ATTENDING CU Boulder - Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences ACTIVITIES French Club, Theater, Drama Club, Tri M Honor Society, SAMIRAC SERVICE Food Bank of the Rockies, Fox Creek Elementary School THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA I learned a lot about myself and I grew as a person so much while attending SMA. I found an amazing group of friends whom I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. The teachers at SMA are the most amazing people, they constantly made me smile and always helped me with whatever I needed assistance with, no matter the situation.
Reese Hopp
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ACTIVITIES Orchestra, Field Hockey, Golf, National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, Sutdent Government
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I love the all girls environment and the confidence I have gained.
COLLEGE ATTENDING CU Boulder, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
SERVICE Clothes to Kids Denver, Costa Rica Service Trip, Food Bank of the Rockies THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA I have been a part of the St. Mary’s Academy community for the past thirteen years, having been there since kindergarten. I have always appreciated how welcoming the SMA community has been and how there is always friendly faces all over campus. SMA has helped me develop into a confident woman who wants to make a change in the world. My teachers have pushed me to help me become the strong student I am today. ________________________________________
Delaney Huffman COLLEGE ATTENDING University of Miami
Caroline Jeffords COLLEGE ATTENDING Colorado School of Mines, Civil Engineering ACTIVITIES Volleyball, Basketball SERVICE American Heart Association, Arapahoe Library, Costa Rica Service Trip THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA SMA has helped me come out of my shell. As a sophomore, transferring, I was very shy. Over the years I have opened up, and I will take these skills into college. My favorite memory is a few months ago, after we pulled out the win over CA, there was a great feeling in the gym. This sense of community, I will never forget. I have learned a lot of leadership skills that will help me in the future. My teachers have prepared me for college. I have learned skills that will help me be successful in college. ________________________________________
ACTIVITIES Diversity Club, Outreach Club, Volleyball, Tennis, National Honor Society, Spanish NHS
Eleanor Kim
COLLEGE ATTENDING Gap Year/USC
SERVICE Gabriel Project, Christmas Stocking Program, Diaper Drive THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA My favorite memory is making all the friends I have now through the years through sports, service, and academics. My friends and my teachers have taught me resilience, responsibility, and loyalty. My teachers have helped me take accountability for myself and once I do that I can achieve anything I want to. ________________________________________
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I love SMA in it’s entirety. I really can’t single out one thing because it’s all woven together into an awesome school.
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ACTIVITIES Marine Biology Club, Diversity Club, PreMed Club, Leader of Roundtable Discussions, Student Association SERVICE Metro Caring THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA I have been at SMA since kindergarten and my memories are endless. Here in the high school, my favorite memories are the spirit weeks because it unites the student body. We all participate and bring money for good causes, seniors and freshmen dress up together, and it creates a wonderful environment. I have also helped in organizing some of the major dances like Fall Ball and Prom, as a part of student association. In the future, I will be able to use my leadership and organizational skills in any situation. The teachers here helped immensely in not only preparing us for college, but also supporting us every step of the way. I am very grateful.
Maggie Longnecker COLLEGE ATTENDING Creighton University ACTIVITIES French Club, Veterans Club, Golf, National Honor Society, Mass Choir, Mass Gift Bearer SERVICE Warren Village, REVEL THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA My teachers cared about me as a whole, not just academics. ________________________________________
Gabriella Lorance COLLEGE ATTENDING Marquette University ACTIVITIES Field Hockey, Basketball, Tennis, Amnesty Club, Orchestra, Tri-M Honor Society, National Honor Society, Pre-med Club, Student Association, Student Council, Yearbook SERVICE Memories in the Making, Swedish Medical Center THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA During my time at SMA, my confidence in my high school decision has only grown. One of my favorite memories has to be field day of my junior year because I just had the best time with my friends. I definitely learned to be more confident and open-minded, which I think will benefit me in the future, and my teachers constantly challenged my perspective and helped me grow immensely as a student and person. ________________________________________
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The open and accepting learning environment that St. Mary’s offers fosters both collaborative and individual growth on an immense scale. The diversity of classes and clubs the school offers allows students to discover new passions and delve deeper into those they already know.
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Miranda Loughry
Lexi Maerz
ACTIVITIES Literary Magazine, French Club, Comic Club, AfricAID, Engineering Club, Jazz Band, Astronomy Club, The Quill, Robotics, Web Design Club (founder), Speech and Debate, Colorado Junior Classical League, National Honor Society, French National Honor Society, Tri-M Honor Society, Diversity Club
ACTIVITIES National Honor Society, Eucharistic Minister, Environmental Club, Pre-Med Club, Student Ambassador, Yearbook, Literary Magazine, Cross Country, Lacrosse, Mock Trial, French National Honor Society, Student Association, Student Council, Club Lacrosse
COLLEGE ATTENDING University of Oxford
SERVICE SaddleUP! Foundation, Sir Thomas More Food Truck, Anchor Center for Blind Children, McTeggart School of Irish Dance, Colorado Talking Book Library, Colorado VisionWalk, Foundation Fighting Blindness THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA St. Mary’s Academy has helped me further my understanding of history, literature, language, and philosophy, and it also helped me realize my passion for such disciplines as physics, genetics, chemistry, biology, and astronomy, which I would have never before thought possible. Perhaps more crucially, however, St. Mary’s has helped me learn to advocate for myself, a necessary skill especially because of my eyes. My mentors and friends at St. Mary’s will forever shape my worldview, and I hope to remain a part of the community for years to come. ________________________________________
Marla Loya
COLLEGE ATTENDING Colorado School of Mines ACTIVITIES Volleyball, Basketball, Lacrosse, Outdoors Club, Marine Science Club, Student Association, Student Council SERVICE Food Bank of the Rockies THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA I’ve had the time of my life these last four years. There really is no better place I could have chosen to attend high school. What I will miss the most and will always find the most memorable is those SMA dances. They’re an absolute blast and I know I won’t encounter anything like that anywhere else. Because of the environment of SMA, I feel like I have really been able to find who I am and who I want to be, and that is what I am the most thankful for. My teachers helped me succeed in every possible way. They’re dedicated and really build great relationships with the students.
COLLEGE ATTENDING University of Washington, College of Engineering
SERVICE Sunrise Assisted Living, Whiz Kids Tutoring THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA I loved the environment. I learned confidence and how to speak up. I became more sure in my academic abilities and my willingness to work. Ms. Iswari specifically taught me this. She is incredibly dedicated and willing to help me in any spare time she has. ________________________________________
Alaina Massood COLLEGE ATTENDING CU Boulder ACTIVITIES Art Club, Pre-Med Club, Tennis SERVICE Metzler Memory Care, Castle Rock Adventist THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA St. Mary’s Academy is a really good school. I learned a lot going to this school. St. Mary’s Academy taught me how to be responsible and how to be organized and deal with problems. Teachers helped me by supporting me with my decisions and encouraging me to succeed. My favorite memory is probably senior lock in. I got to be with my classmates and get to know them better. I also really enjoyed the dances. ________________________________________
Emma McGhee COLLEGE ATTENDING University of New Mexico ACTIVITIES Robotics, Nerd Club, Latin Club, Studio Art Club SERVICE SaddleUp! Foundation, Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Dez Mullins
COLLEGE ATTENDING Creighton University ACTIVITIES Thespian Troupe/Theatre Department, Latin Club, Nerd Club, Astronomy Club SERVICE Food Bank of the Rockies, Church Volunteer THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA My time at SMA has been absolutely amazing. I think one of my favorite memories is the Senior lock in. It was a lot of fun to just hang out with my class and play games all night. My teachers taught me a lot about time management and how to deal with the workload when I get to college. ________________________________________
Jordan Pearson COLLEGE ATTENDING Colorado State University ACTIVITIES Golf, Outreach Club, Speech and Debate, Veterans Club, Yearbook SERVICE Food Bank of the Rockies, Whiz Kids Tutoring THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA I liked SMA. My favorite memory was the retreat at the beginning of my senior year at the YMCA. I really liked the campfire. My teachers were all very nice and helped me. ________________________________________
Celine Rojel
COLLEGE ATTENDING Colorado State University ACTIVITIES Nerd Club, Golf, Volleyball, French Club SERVICE Sunrise Senior Living THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA SMA is my favorite school and it allowed me to break out of my shell. This allowed me to make more friends and branch out to become the senior class president. I have learned to become myself and have never become another person for anyone else.
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I love how close and strong the community is at St. Mary’s. I transferred to St. Mary’s junior year, and I was immediately welcomed.
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Jessica Santos COLLEGE ATTENDING Colorado State University ACTIVITIES Student Association, Environmental Club, PreMed Club, and Basketball SERVICE Archdiocese of the Sister Mary THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA I’ve had a great time at SMA. SMA has prepared me and I know I’m ready to go to college and it’s all because of the school but also all the teachers that have helped me get to where I am today. ________________________________________
Ceili Sauer
COLLEGE ATTENDING University of Washington ACTIVITIES Robotics, Life Skills Club, Astronomy Club, Jazz Band SERVICE Battle of the Books, Habitat for Humanity THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA I haven’t been at SMA for very long but I wish I could’ve come sooner. I loved being involved in the Robotics team, and I had a really good time participating in Jazz Band as well. I learned a lot subject-wise at school, but I also learned important lessons about time management, failure, and other life lessons. My teachers were very helpful in giving me guidance when I wasn’t sure what to do, for supporting me when I needed it, and for pushing me to do more when they knew I wasn’t working to my full potential.
Ellie Seabaum COLLEGE ATTENDING University of Wyoming ACTIVITIES Varsity Golf SERVICE SaddleUp! Foundation, Costa Rica Service Trip, Habitat for Humanity. THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA I think that St. Mary’s Academy is a very good school, and I think my favorite memories are meeting some of my best friends while attending school here who i think i will be friends with for a very long time, even after high school hopefully. My teachers helped me by making sure i was always on top of things and having the best grades possible for me and my teachers really helped me and made me have a much better time in high school and make my good grades possible. ________________________________________
Kaya Shearer COLLEGE ATTENDING University of Colorado Boulder ACTIVITIES Open Studio Club, Outdoors Club, French Club, Card Club SERVICE Ten Thousand Villages THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA I learned good social skills and how to be confident. I also learned how to self advocate and that it will get me far. ________________________________________
Angela Sofia-Colorado COLLEGE ATTENDING Wesleyan
ACTIVITIES Soccer, Dance, Model UN, Mouse Mischief, Orchestra, Pre-Med Club, Wed design Club, 3D Art Club SERVICE Escuela de Guadalupe THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA I have really enjoyed my time here at SMA. I think some of my best memories come from being with my friends in class laughing with a teacher about something or another. Some things that I have learned that will definitely help me in the future is that I don’t have to be a perfectionist, do what makes me happy, and that math is awesome. There at two teachers that I have found to be particularly impactful and really helpful not just in class, but in teaching life strategies as well, are Ms. Iswari and Ms. Rogers.
Ambar Solis-Fuentes COLLEGE ATTENDING Case Western Reserve University, Biochemistry & Pre-med
ACTIVITIES Volleyball, Basketball, Lacrosse, Diversity Club, Environmental Club, Pre-med Club, Empty Bowls Club SERVICE Children’s Hospital THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA My best memories at SMA are with my friends. I learned to be more confident with myself and how to express myself as well. Some of my teachers were very helpful with giving not only advice that would help in the classroom but advice that is very helpful for life and the future in general. ________________________________________
Hannah Staker COLLEGE ATTENDING Iowa State University ACTIVITIES Spanish Club, Ukulele Club, Model UN, Cross Country, Lacrosse, Tennis SERVICE Guatemala Service Trip, Church Volunteer THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA The dances and senior lock in were my favorites. I also loved my Cross Country races, snack attack, and many of the different traditions like field day or small things the seniors do. I learned how to be confident as a woman and to stand up for myself and when to ask for help. My teachers were very encouraging ________________________________________
Jeeyu Sung
COLLEGE ATTENDING Penn State University, Mechanical Engineering ACTIVITIES Robotics, Engineering Club, Studio Art Club SERVICE Phillipines Service Trip THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA I learned how I have to live as a women in the future.
Sarah Sutherland
Courtney Wilson
ACTIVITIES Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Mock Trial, Outdoors Club, Environmental Science Club, National Honor Society
ACTIVITIES Nerd Club, Drawing Club, Ukulele Club, Debate Club
COLLEGE ATTENDING Colorado College
SERVICE Food Bank of the Rockies, A Little Help, National Sports Center for the Disabled
COLLEGE ATTENDING Arizona State University
SERVICE Project Angel Heart, Gateway Highschool, Team Rock
THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA SMA taught be the importance of female friendships and helped me to recognize what I am passionate about
THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA I really learned about organization and I think that that will be very helpful over the next four years and so on. My teachers have been helpful by pushing me to do better and not give up because it is difficult.
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Annie Tobler
Laura Windler
ACTIVITIES STUCO, Student Association, Outdoors Club, Diversity Club, Varsity Volleyball, Varsity Golf, Basketball, National Honor Society
ACTIVITIES Mock Trial, Model UN, Soccer, Cross Country, Swimming, Pre-Med Club, Spanish Club, Student Ambassadors, National Honor Society
COLLEGE ATTENDING Xavier
SERVICE Women’s Bean Project, Guatamala Service Trip THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA I loved it. If I could go back and do it all again, I would. My favorite part was meeting friends I will have for life. I am thankful and truly blessed to have the friends I do. ________________________________________
Ciela Vega
COLLEGE ATTENDING Boston University ACTIVITIES Basketball, Soccer, Robotics, Diversity Club, AfricAid Club, Debate Club, Student Ambassador, Student Association, El Paso Sister School Trip, Kentucky Motherhouse Trip SERVICE Daycare Center, Loretto Motherhouse Service Trip, Women’s Habitat for Humanity THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA One of the best pieces of advice I received during my time at St. Mary’s Academy was from my coach who said “It’s all about your mental toughness”. When you know the difference between how far you are able to push versus how far you are willing to push, it makes it a easier to work a little harder than you expected yourself to be able to.
COLLEGE ATTENDING UCLA
SERVICE Volunteers of America, St. Vincent De Paul, Soldier’s Angels in Los Angeles, The Food Bank in Denver and Los Angeles THOUGHTS ABOUT SMA I loved SMA because of what I made it. My favorite memory was the amount of bonding in my calculus class and on the Cross Country team I am appreciative of learning how to do presentations, how to be open about my life, etc. Ms. Iswari taught me most of what I know. She taught me to grow a spine and how to be a strong person. ________________________________________
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I loved being able to choose my path in classes instead of being completely assigned to course I might not want to take. Although the courses are challenging, I would not change a thing about SMA. It has provided a home away from home for me for the past thirteen years, and has challenged me the whole way.
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