HUMILITY, FAITH, WORK ETHIC and leadership are the significant qualities St. Joseph School (Placentia) principal Amanda Hawley used to describe eighth grade student Sam Mendoza.
Hawley cited Mendoza’s work as Student Council president as a platform where her leadership skills particularly shine.
“She leads with kindness and interacts effectively with all students,” Hawley said. “She is thoughtful with her words, deliberately choosing them carefully and meaningfully.”
Vice Principal Laurie Cantrell, who currently serves as co-moderator for Student Council, has been actively involved with Mendoza in various roles. She describes Mendoza as a loving, compassionate student with a strong love for Jesus. Cantrell said like St. Joseph, Mendoza is a “humble servant with a servant’s heart.”
Mendoza started at St. Joseph as a kindergartener. Her mother is an English Language Arts (ELA) and Religion teacher at the school and her two sisters are students there as well.
Mendoza has excelled in many subjects, but she likes ELA and Math the most. She likes Math because she said, “it is challenging and develops critical thinking.”
As Student Council president, Mendoza has many opportunities to display her leadership skills. She acts as the emcee for the Courtyard event, which includes morning prayer, announcements, birthday acknowledgments, the pledge of allegiance and more. As president, she also leads the planning and implementation of school assemblies.
Mendoza is involved in many other school activities. She is a member of the girls volleyball team, where she was co-captain during the Fall season and helped the team to a league championship. She is also involved with a girls Bible study group. Outside of school, she participates in club volleyball team and is an altar server at her home parish, St. Paul The Apostle in Chino Hills. After graduating from St. Joseph, Mendoza wants to continue her Catholic education at Rosary Academy. At Rosary, Mendoza would like to play volleyball and be involved with drama club. She also might potentially take photography and graphic arts courses.
Role models have been instrumental in Mendoza’s life. She cites her parents for “modeling the importance of education and what a loving Christian marriage can look like.”
Sr. Maria Goretti, an Italian virgin martyr of the Church, has also positively influenced Mendoza by being one of the youngest saints.
Many aspects of St. Joseph School have left a strong imprint on Mendoza.
“I love the small community, with everyone knowing each other and being able to attend Mass together.”
Her eighth-grade classmates have also made a lasting impression on Mendoza.
“With a small class of only 11 students, we have a great bond and have made many memories together.”
Whether volunteering, facilitating the many responsibilities of a Student Council President, or simply encouraging, welcoming and sharing her faith with others, Mendoza wants to exhibit what she calls the most important trait of a leader – ” humbleness.”