Gianna Baiardo, ninth grade
Freshman Gianna Baiardo brings warmth and curiosity to her school community. Her favorite subject is Spanish, as she loves learning new ways to connect with local community members and is building a foundation for Italian — another language she is working at. Outside the classroom, Baiardo enjoys baking creative dessert combinations, cooking and diving into good books, especially when she can discuss them with friends or compare them to film adaptations. A fun fact about Baiardo is that she was born on Christmas Day. She looks up to her grandmother, Gemma, for her constant guidance, as well as activist Emma Watson. Her future goals include attending a college that helps her explore her passions, with sights set on a career in English. Teachers Ed Danahey and AJ Crowley describe Gianna as a conscientious, helpful and a welcoming presence, and someone who instantly brightens any room.
Josephine Brasier, 10th grade
Sophomore Josephine Brasier thrives at the intersection of structure and creativity, listing math and art as her favorite subjects. Beyond her schoolwork, she stays busy crocheting, painting, drawing, practicing archery and reading. Brasier looks up to her art teacher, Ms. Carpenter, who has taught her the importance of self-compassion. Proud of her Cherokee heritage, Brasier dreams of visiting the Cherokee Reservation, as well as studying abroad, traveling the world and simply spending time restoring cars with her dad. Teachers Carmen McCracken and Michael Black praise her as a kind, caring and thoughtful student who consistently shows respect for others.
Eric Barajas-Medina, 11th grade
Junior Eric Barajas-Medina excels in English class, where he feels in his element, expressing his ideas through writing. When he isn’t in class or working outside of school, Barajas-Medina loves playing soccer. He draws his inspiration from his mother, admiring her strong work ethic and how she taught him to be a caring, supportive person. Driven and ambitious, Barajas-Medina is striving for a 4.0 GPA, while building toward a stable future career. Teachers Meg Ravenscraft and Mary Groome have been thoroughly impressed by his rigorous study habits and exam scores, noting that he is genuinely kind and always steps up to help others without being asked.
Viri Chimal Moreno, 12th grade
Senior Viridiana “Viri” Chimal Moreno finds her passion in anatomy and physiology, captivated by the inner workings of the human body. The oldest child in her family, Chimal Moreno spends her free time reading and journaling about her daily experiences. She credits her hard-working parents as her greatest role models. Her primary goal after graduation is to pursue a career path she truly loves. Described by teachers Leslie Keery and Eric Sgambati as a curious and natural leader, Chimal Moreno is known for her helpful nature and her exceptional ability to lift up the students around her.