EIGHTH-GRADER SYDNEY de Leon has honed her leadership skills during her tenure at St. Cecilia Catholic School.
Teacher Gabriele Nguyen described her as “diligent, thorough, joyful, self-motivated, thoughtful and mindful, especially when interacting with her classmates.”
Sydney leads an active life within the St. Cecilia community. She is involved in leading morning assemblies as part of her role with Student Council and helps organize the All School Virtues and Practices Assemblies.
She also serves as an altar server at school Masses and is on the school basketball and volleyball teams.
She cites her favorite academic subjects as English and History.
“I like to read,” Sydney said. “With History, I like learning about historical events.”
These subjects have prepared her for involvement in the Academic Decathlon program.
“Initially, I wasn’t interested, but in sixth grade, I was recruited by the group’s advisor, Mrs. Teresa Ibbetson. I have enjoyed it ever since.”
Next year, Sydney plans to attend Troy High School in Fullerton, where she will be part of the Troy Tech Magnet program. She would like to continue with swimming and join Troy’s team, as well as try new activities. She hopes to one day become a medical doctor. Her 4.0 GPA has her on track for the rigorous academics ahead.
Many people have mentored Sydney in her life. She calls her dad a key role model.
“He has many positive personality traits, such as determination and perseverance,” she shared. “He has used these traits to be successful in his life, and I want to adopt those in mine.”
She also lists Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a historical role model.
“He always stood up for what was right,” she added.
When reflecting on leadership, Sydney believes she and her classmates can be every day leaders on the St. Cecilia campus.
“Be the best you can be — be kind and help those in need,” she offered.
Now in her final year at St. Cecilia, Sydney wants to make the remaining months as memorable as possible. When asked what she would like to say to her classmates in this final year, Sydney replied, “You will not always get what you want, but always strive for your goals.”