Senior Spotlight Isabella Calise

High School Senior Spotlight 2021

Saint Raphael Academy Isabella Calise

By L.A. Reilly

I attended the Commencement for the Class of 2021 for Saint Raphael Academy on Sunday June 13th at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Providence, RI. Listening to the Salutatorian address by Isabella Calise, I was extremely impressed not only by her accomplishments but also by her presence, con dence and her loving personality that just can’t help put a smile on my face. Her achievements are astounding and I felt this bubbly senior should be recognized for all her hard work and determination.

LA: e list goes on & on for what you have achieved over your four years of high school. Tell me what awards you’ve won, extracurricular activities you’ve been in.

IC: I was on the Lasallian Youth Leadership Team for 4 years. A community outreach leader. I helped students nd community service opportunities near them and I got to work and talk to a lot of people that I really enjoyed. I did Mock trial for 3 years where I served as an attorney and it brought me into the courtroom and assured me that’s what I wanted to do in the future. I did Drama for 2 years which included three plays which helped me get out of my shell. I was Captain of the Golf Team for 3 years where I played as an independent. I was the rst female golfer in the history of Saint Rays! I was Editor-in-chief for the Saint Sentinel school newspaper, which was my favorite leadership role. I love to write and edit. I love to “Be in charge” so it was the perfect position for me. It was a role I had worked for and really happy to do. I was the Student Ambassador for 4 years where I spoke on the radio for open houses, volunteered for open houses, made instructional videos and gave private tours. I was Class President my Junior & Senior years. I am a member of the National Honor Society, RI Honor Society, Foreign Language Honor Society, International espian Honor Society, Moore Scholars, Summa Cum Laude. Awards include the Harvard Book Award, e Leona Rogers Memorial Award, and the highest award given by Saint Rays: e Edith Peck Phillips Memorial Award. I was also awarded Excellence in eology, English and Social Studies.

LA: Unbelieveable! Now what made you nally decide on Boston College and what do you plan to study?

IC: Well, my dad worked in law enforcement so I always had familiarity with the justice system. When I was in middle school learning about the constitution and government it peaked my interest. I was always told growing up that I would make a great lawyer because I “Had to know the answer to everything” I knew I wanted to be a lawyer by age 11. I want to major in Political Science. I feel political science encompasses not just government but also the people. I’m interested in how government shapes people. Boston College is great for this major because they have a political science curriculum that is really open to what YOU want to get out of it. I really like the exibility of BC. ey also have a great minor there called “Managing for Social Impact in the public good”

LA: What do you think makes you stand out from all the other salutatorians?

IC: I am a huge people person. ere are a lot of people that make up my success and I recognize that. I want to be known not just for my academic achievements but also that I am a good people person. I try to treat everyone well. I’m not just all brains. I have a good smile too!

LA: You de nitely have a smile that lights up a room! What has been the highlight of your senior year?

IC: It has to be Prom. It felt the most normal and I know that all my hard work paid o . It all came together, being part of every bit of the planning process I think prom was the highlight because I got to enjoy it. It was a milestone that I felt so privileged to celebrate and be a part of. You don’t always get to see your hard work pay o . To know you put your heart and soul into something and see other people enjoy it. Seeing it all come together and have a great time.

LA: Who gave you the best advice and what did they say?

IC: My father. He said “Work for yourself because you’re what will get you through life” Something I always re ect on is that the best work you can do is for yourself. If you’re working for everyone else in life then what are you doing for yourself? I’ve done all of these accomplishments and it’s great to think I did it for myself because I wanted to work this hard.

LA: I knew you were going to say your dad! Describe a dramatic experience that has changed your life.

IC: Growing up until the age of ten I wanted to be a vet. en one night I got attacked by a German Sheppard and it bit o my ear. I had two surgeries and looking back on it I feel everything happened for a reason. I like to think I had that experience for a reason. Why did God let this happen? It was very traumatic. It was a lot for a ten year old kid to go through. I think of it as a way of God turning my course of life.

LA: What is your greatest fear and have you ever had to face it?

IC: I would have to say working your absolute hardest and having it not work out for you. Am I going to op? Freshman year my dream was to go to Harvard and be Valedictorian and neither of these things happened but I faced that fear and realized that things happen for a reason. God doesn’t always give you what you want. He gives you what you need.

LA: Is there someone that you will never forget?

IC: My grandfather. ere are few people in your life that are actual angels. ey couldn’t do anything wrong. Everything that comes out of their mouth sounds like it was spoken directly from heaven. I will never forget him because he’s always been my biggest supporter and always given the best advice.

LA: What advice do you have for incoming freshman?

IC: “Work for yourself”

LA: Ok Bella, last question. It’s a big one. What dreams do you have for the world of tomorrow?

IC: I hope that everyone grows in understanding that the world is so complex. Experiences are unique to each individual that you do not see. I think if everyone took the time to understand what another person was going through whether you agree with them or not. e world just needs to understand each other before we act against each other.

Isabella or “Bella” Calise that she is called by her peers has made an impression on me. Enough to make me write my July article on her. Besides everything she has accomplished, which is over the top, she is humble, outgoing, generous and a friend to everyone. I have spent quite a bit of time with Bella this year as she was the “Little Red Head Girl” in the virtual play You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown that she was in with my daughter who played Lucy. Bella is wise beyond her years and has become not only a friend to my daughter but myself as well. Boston College is gaining a “Top of the Class” student and I can not wait to see her y.