2016 in Review- #belleoftheweek

Karen Villatoro, green tie ’17, is in the Arts Career Path Program and Health Careers Program. She took AP Studio Art in Drawing last year and is taking AP Studio Art in 2D Design this year. To round all that off she is also a very active member of the SMArtbots Robotics Team and the senior class Vice-President!

Kynnedy Oden, green tie ’17, is in the Arts Career Path Program. She took acting her freshman year and is now a teaching assistant in acting class as well as one of our anchors on our news show, SMA Today. We look forward to many entertaining performances from Kynnedy this year.

Alejandra Duran, green tie ’17, drew a shoe without looking at her paper. It’s a technique called blind contour drawing. It forces you to use the right side of your brain and draw what you see, not what you think things should look like. Try it, it’s fun!

Amy Pinto-Quintanilla, green tie ’17, is part of the Engineering Career Path Program and a member of SMArtBots, our robotics team. Here she is helping make parts for the robot.

Bethlehem Seifu, gold tie ’18, was featured on the local news at the beach clean up this past weekend. Bethlehem is in the Arts Career Path Program as a performing arts student and got a little taste of being “on air”.

Juliana Baltadano, gold tie ’18, is always willing to share the gift of her heavenly voice. She graced the community with song as prayer at a recent donor appreciation dinner and at the Hispanic Heritage assembly as well.

Victoria Bravo, green tie ’17, is a participant in the Engineering Career Pathways program. She is a member of the school’s robotics team, SMArtbots, serving as the head driver and programmer under the mentorship of two engineers from Raytheon. Victoria completed an eight week internship with the Naval Surface Warfare Center through the Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program. Following graduation, she plans on continuing her academic studies in mechanical engineering.

Jessica Laar, gold tie ’18, is a participant in the Health Career Pathways program. She maintains a strong competitive GPA and is as an active member in the Anime Club and Student Leadership Council. She volunteers weekly at a community medical center and plans on becoming a Psychiatrist. She appreciates how a Catholic education has provided her with a welcoming environment, supportive teachers, and a genuine sisterhood to support her personal growth.

Mia Muir, blue tie ’20, is exploring opportunities with the Career Path Programs. She participates in the athletic program by playing volleyball and running track. Mia pursues her creative talents through singing, writing stories, and drawing. She attends Church on a weekly basis and is proud to be the second generation in her family to attend SMA.

Alexis Cortez, red tie ’19, is an active participant the Health Careers Pathway Program. She serves as a Student Ambassador, a member of the Health and Wellness Club and plays for the soccer team. She recognizes that her academic courses and extra-curricular activities have helped her excel in the classroom and be an active student leader. Alexis is proud to call herself a SMA Belle where she is part of a sisterhood that lives, loves, learns and serves others in the community.

Jennifer Alvarado, green tie ’17, is a participant in the Health Career Pathways program. She spends time volunteering with health care organizations and community hospitals. Jennifer is a resident of Watts and attended Title 1 elementary and middle schools. She appreciates how SMA’s classroom structure and sisterhood bonds have improved her leadership skills and confidence in expressing her thoughts and ideas.

Natasha Roberstson, green tie ’17, is our Executive President for the Student Leadership Council. She is called to serve as a student leader in her school and local community, a talent that has been nurtured by faculty, staff, and administration. As president she plans to organize student social events, assemblies, rallies, and fundraisers. She’s also a student ambassador, helping with recruitment activities and alumnae events.

Briaunna Picart, blue tie ’20, is a freshman in the Engineering Program who has a strong interest in building things and enjoys using logic to solve problems. She has grown tremendously in her drawing abilities and shows great potential in the areas of math and science . She is focused on succeeding and puts her best foot forward every day in her Intro to Engineering Design course.

Sadira Hayes, blue tie ’20, is a freshman in the Arts Career Path Program. She is currently taking drawing and has shown great skill along with creative solutions to assignments so far. Sadira hopes to be a fashion designer in the future. We look forward to see how she continues to grow and what she produces in the arts for all to enjoy.

Angelica Valenzuela, Blue Tie ’20, is a bright and talented freshman in the Health Careers Program. She has shared with the school her gift of music by performing at shows, mass and prayer services. Thank you, Angelica!

St. Mary’s Academy has a long history of educating young women throughout generations of families from grandmothers to cousins to sister-in-laws to siblings. It truly makes SMA a special place when family members are tied together by the bonds of traditions, sisterhood, and tie colors. Green Tie ’17, Lourdes, and Red Tie ’19 Giuliana, are sisters who are very involved with their academics, they’re both in The Health Careers Program. They also both serve as Student Ambassadors for SMA.