THE SEMINOLE TIMES

THE SEMINOLE TIMES

THE SEMINOLE TIMES

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AUGUST SPOTLIGHT: VALERIE GONZALEZ

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Seminole High School is home to hundreds of outstanding and courageous students. One of these students has graced Seminole with her remarkable leadership capabilities and generosity in various clubs and organizations. The Class of 2012 continuously gives their appreciation to senior Valerie Gonzalez for her numerous contributions on campus and in uniting the current seniors for the past three years.

Gonzalez has served as president for the past three years for the class of 2012 and will be serving as president this year. She was a Beta Chi officer her freshman and sophomore years, became president of the club last year, and will be serving again as president this year. This will be her second year in National Honor Society and Leadership. The clubs that she is keenly involved with have planned everything from fundraisers to community service projects, pep rallies to homecoming, and even prom. She was also a member of Seminole’s elite math group Mu Alpha Theta her freshman year and Salvation for a Nation her freshman, sophomore, and junior years. The list of organizations she is involved in is endless and continues to amaze students and administration.

As students can see, Gonzalez’s active participation throughout the student body has propelled her in becoming an inspiration and role model to others. Senior Nicole Fansler admires her fellow classmate, saying, “I think she’s a hard worker and very intelligent.” She always lends a helping hand to every student on campus and even on her Facebook account which she updates continually with activities on and off campus. “It’s never annoying having people ask me for information or help. I actually feel good about being able to help them.”

Even if she does not know the answers to student’s questions, she devotes her time to finding out the information students need to know. Over the past three years, she has planned dozens of activities for all students to take part in. “I really enjoy the time I share with my classmates and friends planning, organizing, and pulling off all the successful events [over the past years].” She is firmly establishing her legacy as part of Seminole’s student body and community, wanting people to remember how much she truly loves everything she has done for Seminole. “I want people to remember that I cared and participating [has] made my high school experience exciting, fulfilling, memorable, and completely worthwhile.”

“Being so involved in school and with the students [here] has really kept me busy and filled me with a great sense of pride for Seminole,” Gonzalez says. Not only does she continue to lead Seminole’s class of 2012 but one of her proudest moments was being elected as 2011’s Miss Seminole High School. Her personality, beauty, and friendly smile will brighten up the day of any student on campus. “She’s definitely one of those genuinely nice people that you don’t really find too often,” says senior Alexa Williams. “She’s ambitious and she strives for the best always.”

Gonzalez loves attending meetings for the many organizations that she participates in, and likes meeting other students from other schools. Though she is constantly busy with school activities, she takes time for herself. “When I am stressed, I usually sit down and write in a journal. I make sure I list everything I have to do and what I am thinking, and that helps me not worry about missing something in the rush. I listen to music, and workout.” Gonzalez says she also goes to her mother for advice and even a warm meal, saying, “she helps me put things in perspective and makes me one of my favorite dishes!”

Gonzalez will be focusing on graduation this year and continuing to provide students with fun activities such as helping with the class of 2012 senior cruise setting sail after graduation. She motivates other students, especially freshmen, to get involved. “My only advice is to go for it. Do it. Start your freshman year, do not wait. The more you participate and get involved, the more you get out of it.”

Gonzalez says that getting involved has opened her eyes to so much about real life and world situations that students often face after high school. Students enjoy her presence and look to her for her motivation and drive. “She’s unlike any other person I’ve met,” says senior Maya Louis. “I look up to her because even with all she does, she always manages to have a smile on her face and never gives up on any sort of task.” Although like others, her life is far from perfect, she takes on every task and stays in the positives no matter what. “In the end, knowing that I am truly loved and can always rely on those closest to me fills my life with happiness, security, and confidence I need to continue chasing after my dreams.”