Great Oak Gazette

Clarabelle Alvarez’29

Staff Writer

Our school is full of individuals who are involved, athletic, academically driven, and kind. These students embody balance and integrity, leading them toward success—yet we may not always recognize their efforts as much as we should. In my spotlight labeled “Student Shoutout,” I strive to celebrate these scholar-students and athletes so we can better appreciate the considerable effort they devote to their demanding schedules. 

Today, I’m featuring one of my friends who I believe is truly deserving of this honorable title and balanced enough to be in the spotlight: Mianna Castillo. Mianna is an outstanding  student with a 4.1667 GPA, consistent A to A+ grades, and active involvement in school. To maintain such excellence she relies on effective study techniques proven to  enhance both her memorization and critical thinking skills. When asked about her methods, Mianna explains, “I usually use class notes to study concepts and topics I struggle with. For vocabulary, I like to create my own Quizlet to test myself and memorize/learn new vocabulary quickly before upcoming tests.” 

To sustain her success, Mianna draws motivation from a clear sense of purpose. She explains, “ I know that excelling in the things I love to do will open greater opportunities for me.” This mindset perfectly reflects her determination and persistence to reach her goals, knowing that her hard work will lead to a successful future. 

On top of her academic success,  Mianna also manages to balance her multiple sports.  She runs varsity cross country and is currently training for winter, where she’ll play on the girl’s soccer team. She even plans to add track to her schedule in the spring. With so much on her plate, one can’t help but wonder-how does she manage it all? 

Mianna explains, “Balancing sports and academics is a bit challenging for me; however, I overcome this with scheduling designated times to work on homework after my afternoon practices. As soon as I come home from practice, I immediately eat dinner, prepare my bags, pack my breakfast/lunch, and set out clothes for the next day. Then, I work on my homework.” 

When it comes to staying focused, she shares an additional strategy: “I usually work in a quiet room without any distractions…”  Overcoming procrastination is never easy,  but Mianna’s approach serves as a great reminder that structure and discipline make it possible to stay on track. 

In the end, Mianna is a true example of determination-she fully embodies the meaning of hardwork and balance. And she’s not alone; many other students deserve recognition for their dedication as well. As  Mianna wisely puts it, “Always stay determined and hardworking, even when things are hard. The struggle is part of the process in order to succeed.”