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Meet Our Students

Georgia

Freshman boarding student

Right when I arrived at school on the first day, my "big sister" was there to greet me. She made me feel very welcomed and not as nervous about coming to boarding school.

Georgia

Hometown: Mamaroneck, New York
Activities: Lady Rhythmics (a body percussion club), community service, volleyball, and lacrosse
Favorite Place on Campus: The Hacienda is so beautiful. One thing that I find special about the Hacienda is that there is this really pretty garden behind it. It is almost hidden. There is a huge mural and roses everywhere. Whenever I go there, all my stress goes away and it makes me appreciate how lucky I am to be going to Santa Catalina.

What are some ways to make friends from different classes?
The Big Sister/Little Sister program helped me bond with the senior class. I also attend monthly community service events at a local elementary school, which is where a lot of Catalina students get to help amazing young girls. Through all of my activities, I made friends with many different people, in all four classes, with similar interests as me.

Ana Sofia

Sophomore boarding student

There’s always something going on in the theatre! Whether it’s rehearsals for the current play, the Shakespeare Festival, or a guest speaker, every time you go to the theatre you have a completely new experience.

Ana Sofia

Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico
Activities: I’ve always liked being busy, so I’m involved in a lot of activities. I currently spend most of my time in rehearsal for the play. I took the lifeguarding course, and I did horseback riding almost all of last year, as well as sailing on Saturdays. I’m part of Mock Trial, Lady Rhythmics (a body percussion group), and TEDx.
Favorite Place on Campus: Definitely Study Hall—there’s always someone there who you can have fun with.

How did the environment at Catalina support you in your journey to the stage?
It is always hard to be rejected, but when you are, you can either give up or keep on trying. Luckily, the environment at Catalina is the one that pushes you to keep trying. My first audition was scary and not my best. I didn’t get into the play that time, but I met with the drama teacher and she gave me tons of tips and feedback. I started taking singing lessons and going to dance classes whenever I could. The great thing about Catalina is that it offers so many different classes and coaches that can help you with anything you need. After working hard I finally got into the spring musical, and I loved every second of it!

Maya

Senior day student

Catalina has given me the opportunity to create a club that brings art and art history to low-income elementary schools. When I see these young students display excitement and intellectual curiosity, these are the moments I know that my peers and I are making a positive impact.

Maya

Hometown: Monterey, California
Activities: I participate in monthly community service events with a local elementary school. Inspired by this, I founded the Art and Art History Club, which works to increase art and art history awareness in local elementary schools that lack funding for these classes. During my junior year, I started a nonprofit organization called Bringing Art History to Schools. I have also been a part of Catalina’s varsity tennis team since my freshman year.
Favorite Place on Campus: The art studio. When I make art, I relieve stress and release emotion. I go to the art room when I want to relax and take a quick break during the school day.

How has participating in service inspired you?
Being exposed to community service at Catalina sparked my passion for teaching. Working with elementary school students in Seaside and Salinas has helped connect my world with theirs. The bonds we’ve created through art are stronger than our different socioeconomic backgrounds. These young students are just like me: interested in learning, eager to form friendships, and excited to explore. In addition to providing education, these visits allow us to become mentors, friends, and even big sisters. These experiences have further confirmed my desire to earn a Ph.D. and become a university professor in art history.

Angelia

Sophomore boarding student

The Marine Ecology Research Program is a unique experience—we go into the field and work on projects that can help protect the marine ecosystem. Most high school students don’t have this kind of opportunity.

Angelia

Hometown: Jinan, Shandong province, China
Activities: Mock Trial, Model U.N., Student Senate, National Honor Society, Smile Fund, Mosaic, tennis, dance, musical theatre productions, and MERP. I am also a tour guide and volunteer at a local hospital.
Favorite Place on Campus: My favorite place after school is the Hacienda, and my favorite place during the school day is the second floor of the Math and Science Center.
 
What is it about Catalina that encourages you to try new things?
Catalina is definitely a great place to pursue what you love because it provides students with many opportunities. What allows me to participate in different activities is the support from my friends and teachers. They encourage me to try new things and discover what I truly like to do, no matter if it’s just my interest or if it’s something that can help me to further develop my career path in the future.

Julia

Junior boarding student

My teachers are very supportive and attentive. They view me as an individual and meet me halfway to help me progress in their class.

Julia

Hometown: Manteca, California
Activities: Violin, track and field, Prom Committee, Senate, Mock Trial, Model U.N., Catalinan (yearbook), and Lamplighter (student newspaper)
Favorite Place on Campus: Sister Kieran Library

How would you describe the classroom experience?
It's fulfilling. The supportive environment encourages me to share my thoughts and ask clarifying questions during class, which allows me to gain a complete understanding of the topic.

Grace

Junior day student

Being a day student at a boarding school has been one of the most valuable and enriching parts of my Catalina experience. Meeting girls from around the world has broadened my perspective and helped me recognize the importance of celebrating diversity.

Grace

Hometown: Seaside, California
Activities: Golf, lacrosse, theatre, Lady Rhythmics (a body percussion club), B.U.R.R.I.T.O (improv group), TEDx, and the Health and Wellness Committee
Favorite Place on Campus: Sister Claire and Sister Christine Mathematics and Science Center

What have you learned by being a part of Catalina's athletics program?
Catalina's athletics program has allowed me to not only grow stronger as an athlete, but to witness how dedicated practice can pay off, whether in victories or in the camaraderie of a team. Additionally, the athletics program has allowed me to improve my time management skills as I balance my schoolwork and my other activities while practicing and competing regularly in sports.

Marina

Sophomore boarding student

Being at Catalina, away from home, it is up to me to push myself daily to be the best person I can be. This fosters my creativity in that I need to find ways every day to improve myself in various aspects of my life: studying, my room, friends, family, health.

Marina

Hometown: Biel-Benken, Switzerland
Activities: Last year, I took part in tennis and robotics. This year, I chose to have more time for my artwork and have enjoyed yoga and strength training.
Favorite Place on Campus: My favorite place on campus is the front lawn when it is dry and the sun is out. You can lay on the warm grass, look up and see the clouds moving by. It is beautiful.

How would you describe Santa Catalina's art program?
I like the art department because it offers classes that allow students to explore varied art forms. The teachers are helpful and supportive throughout our art projects by guiding us along the way. I also very much appreciate that the art facilities are open during off hours so we can utilize the space and the art supplies.