CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN Orange County are building leaders in and out of the classroom.
Long before Americans cast their votes in the 2024 Election, students in several high schools were chosen by their peers to serve as class presidents.
At Cristo Rey Catholic High School, sophomore Amalia Orendain put posters up throughout her campus and delivered a speech in her school hall before being named the class president. Now, she’s hoping to make a difference for all of her classmates.
“We really want to have the opportunity to build our school up,” Orendain told Orange County Catholic, “and create a culture for our present students and for our future students.”
In honor of Decision 2024, OC Catholic chose to spotlight seven students making a difference as school leaders. Their enthusiasm and dreams prove the future is bright.
SANTA MARGARITA SENIOR CLASS PRESIDENT CLARA CESTONE
“I love collaborating with my peers and fellow Associated Student Body (ASB) members to create a memorable year for the seniors,” Cestone shared. “In representing the senior class, I am able to develop leadership skills while serving the SMCHS community and leaving behind a legacy for future Eagles.”
After serving as a student leader, Cestone — who is also a member of the school’s song team — plans to major in biomedical engineering with a concentration on computer applications. Until then, she hopes future students will consider Santa Margarita as their next home.
“Santa Margarita is rich with opportunity; from the robotics team to its MUN program, there is a niche for everyone to explore and develop their interests,” she said. “Take advantage of the resources SMCHS gives you and be willing to give back to the school community in the same manner.”
SANTA MARGARITA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY SONG MEMBER CLARA CESTONE ALSO SERVES AS THE SCHOOL’S SENIOR CLASS PRESIDENT. PHOTO COURTESY OF SANTA MARGARITA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
ROSARY ACADEMY ASB PRESIDENT MARISSA VALENCIA
At Rosary Academy, the student council consists of elected ASB officers who help plan and implement key events like Red Ribbon Week, Teacher Appreciation Week and more.
“My favorite part about being president at Rosary Academy is overseeing all the activities that I loved as a freshman, sophomore and junior such as the Haunted House during Halloween, making posters for rallies and promoting school spirit,” Valencia said. “I now lead morning announcements, sharing the different activities around campus. My role allows me to become closer with my peers and teachers during my final year of high school.”
Before she studies biomedical engineering in college, Valencia wants future Rosary Academy students to know the school is a comfortable and safe academic and social environment.
“Rosary is a place where everyone belongs and where every girl truly is your sister who wants the best for you,” she said. “You have the chance to follow your wildest dreams and even nurture new ones.”
SERVITE HIGH SCHOOL PRIOR GENERAL PIERRE BALTA
Students at Servite High School have the opportunity to participate in the Priory Leadership Program, which is a comprehensive, hands-on leadership experience.
The goal is to give students the opportunity to learn and practice leadership through peer accountability and increased responsibility in all components of the student experience.
“At Servite, the title of a leader is not an ‘end’ but a ‘means’: a position in which growth is always possible,” Balta explained. “In taking leadership roles in Priory and school-wide clubs, I’ve not only grown in my leadership skills but have learned more about both myself and others.”
With aspirations to become a business leader and entrepreneur, Balta is grateful to have spent his high school years at Servite thanks to its priority of brotherhood, fraternity and service.
“With a unique all boys atmosphere, being a student provides an experience like no other: one filled with growth and the idea of surpassing limits,” he said. “Servite proves a quintessential factor in creating a high school experience that develops leaders in the image of God whilst fostering the idea of serious fun.”
PIERRE BALTA AND THE SERVITE HIGH SCHOOL PRIORY LEADERSHIP COUNCIL POSE FOR A GROUP PHOTO. PHOTO COURTESY OF SERVITE HIGH SCHOOL
CRISTO REY SOPHOMORE CLASS PRESIDENT AMALIA ORENDAIN
“My favorite part about being class president is that I get the opportunity to work and collaborate with my peers to create the greater goal, which is a great school year for everyone,” Orendain said. “I have the opportunity to be able to build the school culture because we’re so new.”
Although she’s only a sophomore, Orendain hopes to attend an Ivy league school and major in neuroscience with a minor in business, all while keeping “Christ at the center of my success.”
“I want future students to know about how much they’re supported here at Cristo Rey,” she shared. “Through our corporate work-study program, you have the opportunity to build your college resume with that support, and you just get more experience.”
CRISTO REY SOPHOMORE CLASS PRESIDENT AMALIA ORENDAIN SHOWS OFF HER SCHOOL PRIDE IN THE CLASSROOM PHOTO COURTESY OF CRISTO REY HIGH SCHOOL
JSERRA CO-ASB PRESIDENTS ELLIANA CASTRO AND OLIVIA CANCELLIERI
If you experience a student event at JSerra, chances are Elliana Castro and Olivia Cancellieri played a role in putting it on.
“My favorite part about being ASB president is having the opportunity to provide fun activities for the entire school and seeing my peers enjoy the events and pep rallies,” Olivia shared.
Elliana agreed and said representing her class has allowed her to grow and “represent a school that constantly strives for faith, intellect and character in each student.”
“I would want future high schoolers to know that JSerra is one of the best schools when it comes to opportunity,” she said. “At JSerra, the teachers and staff all work really hard to prepare us for adulthood and give us every chance to succeed later in life. At JSerra, they offer opportunities for us to each grow in our faith, academics and athletics.”
ELLIANA CASTRO (LEFT) AND OLIVIA CANCELLIERI (RIGHT) SERVE AS JSERRA’S CO-ASB PRESIDENTS. PHOTO COURTESY OF JSERRA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
MATER DEI ASB PRESIDENT DANIEL CONTRERAS
Before graduating from high school to pursue a career in sports management, Contreras is making sure students have the best experience at Mater Dei.
“My favorite part about being president is how I can be a voice for other students and collaborate with both faculty and my fellow officers to bring about positive change on campus,” he said. “I would like future high schoolers to know that Mater Dei is a great place to get involved. Due to the school’s diversity, there are a number of opportunities to try new things and to discover what you are passionate about.”
MATER DEI ASB PRESIDENT DANIEL CONTRERAS ATTENDS MASS AT HIS HIGH SCHOOL. PHOTO COURTESY OF DANIEL CONTRERAS