Sara Maldonado: 'Be yourself'
Sara Maldonado
Monterey High School
Class of 2024
Monterey High School Senior Sara Maldonado’s goal for this school year is to strengthen the school community. “I really love the school. It’s really an amazing school and I hope I strengthen it. I am really looking forward to graduating and leaving a legacy -- having my impact on the school,” she says.
If she could impart one thing on her peers that is to “be yourself.” She quotes Hamlet, “To thy own self be true,” and encourages peers to “live out what they want to be and not focus on what others think and say.”
Sara comes from a long line of family members who attended Monterey High School. In fact, her number one goal was to follow in her aunt’s footsteps and come to Monterey High School and cheer. As a little girl, she used to dress up in her aunt’s MHS cheer uniforms.
Not only does Sara participate in cheer, but she serves as Associated Student Body vice president, co-president of the Latino Club, and is a scholar in the MAOS (Monterey Academy of Oceanographic Science) Academy.
Sara’s leadership journey began in elementary school at Monte Vista and continued through middle school at Walter Colton. She enjoys feeling a part of the campus, connecting with students, and connecting with administration. She says she is inspired, “to be part of a school community and connect with it.”
“Being connected to the school community makes a difference during tough times,” she says. “I have those people around me and can go to teachers with problems. The teachers at Monterey High try to make an impact. There are so many teachers who (notice) if you’re having a bad day and they ask if you’re okay and what they can do to help you.”
Upon graduation, Sara plans to attend a four-year college and pursue a degree in nursing or accounting. She is in the thick of the application process currently. Outside of school, her family is her number one priority. She also enjoys hanging out with her friends and going shopping.