Some people know her as an athlete, guiding the basketball team to its Valley Championship. Others know her as a leader, serving as student body president to oversee and innovate the year’s events. But now she will be known for something else: academics.
The individual in question is — who else? — senior Tatiana Fontes, one of the most active members of the FC community. In addition to her other achievements, she will be honored as salutatorian for the class of 2010.
Before she graduates and leaves the campus forever, I made sure to have a chat with her and glean as much wisdom as I could.
Ward: What does being salutatorian mean to you?
Fontes: It’s an honor to be recognized for the hard work put in over the years academically, and allows me to be seen in another light, not just student body president or basketball player.
Ward: During your high school years, had you anticipated being salutatorian or valedictorian?
Fontes: I knew it would be possible, but with our academically competitive class, nothing could have been set in stone.
Ward: What motivated you to succeed academically?
Fontes: My parents have motivated me the most, never allowing me to slack on assignments or just get by; they have taught me a good work ethic.
Ward: How were you able to play varsity sports, lead the student body through ASB, and still maintain a GPA high enough to merit salutatorian status? That sounds like quite a difficult task, to say the least.
Fontes: I never thought of it in that way. I just had the mindset that they were things that I enjoyed but things that I also had to get done. I didn’t give myself a choice because I knew that it was best for me.
Ward: What accomplishment are you most proud of? Why is it significant to you?
Fontes: I am most proud of my basketball team and our first Valley Championship title, even though it has been said many times. Like being salutatorian, it was something I had worked for over the course of four years with my teammates. I put the most energy and commitment into that area and it had all built up to that moment. It is most significant for these reasons and the fact that it represents something bigger than me and my capabilities — it was a team and group effort.
Ward: Which individual on campus — say, a teacher or coach — had the greatest impact on you?
Fontes: It’s difficult to choose one: every administrator has had an impact on me the last four years. But one that has stood out to me and has taught me things I will carry past education is my basketball coach, Josh Tosland. He taught me the importance of team work and unselfishness, even when it’s difficult to put others before yourself. That’s the only way you will succeed.
Ward: In looking back on your high school years, what are some of your fondest memories?
Fontes: Enduring cross-country my junior year, planning and attending formal events, and Sadie Hawkins at Magic Mountain.
Cross-country was the most challenging experience, mentally and physically; but enduring it with my two best friends, Kayla Haydock and Chelsea Shuman, made it worthwhile. The formals and Sadies were special because I was behind the scenes and made the magic before it happened. No other students have the chances to experience such things; FC is special in that aspect.
Ward: What is the most important lesson that you learned from your education?
Fontes: I learned that it’s okay not to be perfect and worry about every little detail or assignment. Work your best and sacrifice to do it all, but we are all human and can only do so much.
Ward: Do you have any regrets? What are they, and how might you advise others to avoid the same mistakes?
Fontes: I regret not forming friendships with those I am unfamiliar with, not completely reaching out to those outside my circle of friends. Don’t be scared of what people may think of you for doing that, because you will do more good for yourself and that person than harm. It can’t hurt to be friendly.
Ward: How does it feel to have finished high school?
Fontes: Like any accomplishment, it is a relief. It feels good to finish strong and be successful. It is also good to know that the fun times aren’t over and that I have much to look forward to.
Ward: What is your impression of the school? How may it have impacted your life, choice of college and future career, if it all?
Fontes: High school was a time for me to learn how to work hard but also have fun. Especially at FC, there is no other place where we can be on such a close level with classmates and teachers and enjoy everyone. It is an understatement to say that FC has helped build my spiritual life and relationship with Christ — that is its biggest impact.
Ward: I understand that you’ll be attending the University of California, Santa Barbara. Why did you pick that school, and what will you major in?
Fontes: I chose that school because it is well-known academically, but also it is full of fun — I mean, it is on beach. Santa Barbara is beautiful, the perfect distance from home, and a place where I could see myself for the next 4-6 years. I am undecided in my major but am leaning toward business.
Ward: About four years ago, you were a freshman beginning your first year of high school. You were probably shorter, you may have been a bit shy, and you certainly knew less than you do now. But now look at you
Noah Belmont • Feb 21, 2011 at 12:02 am
Hahahaha, I’m voting for Tyler on this one!