life. The rigorous AP courses I have taken have also prepared me for tough college classes. I also made life-long friendships while I pushed myself to grow through my rigorous course load.” Best wishes to Grace as she heads to University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign this fall.
Eden Cayabyab UC Berkeley Eden Cayabyab knew she wanted to stay in California for college, so she applied to six University of California schools and Claremont McKenna College. “The most important thing for me was being able to get a quality education while having a fun experience, and every one of these colleges offered that.” Eden’s involvement beyond academics at Justin-Siena varied from dance to Kairos, each having a unique impact on her preparedness for college. “Because of the service-oriented atmosphere at Justin-Siena, and especially because of my Senior Service class this year, I realized that my desired future plans need to involve serving others. That could mean a lot of things, but I think (at least for right now) I want to serve others by being a doctor.” Eden looks forward to pursuing a degree in Public Health at the University of California Berkeley. She has a great community of high school friends she hopes to stay in contact with when she heads off to Cal this fall. “Justin-Siena provided me with a great high school experience. I met some amazing and beautiful people, I learned a lot more than I ever thought possible, and I had a fun time participating in dance and theatre productions.” Best wishes to Eden as she heads to UC Berkeley this fall.
Isabella de Bruin UC Berkeley Isabella de Bruin is thrilled to have found the perfect balance of all her interests at the University of California Berkeley. “During my time at Justin-Siena, I think I have become
more open to new experiences and ideas.” Her passion for politics and environmental preservation, along with the high value she places on intense academics and athletic competition makes pursuing a degree in Environmental Science at Cal the right fit for Isabella. She knows herself well, has enjoyed being challenged, and is ready to branch out. “I am prepared to begin life on my own and seek new experiences in college. I want to grow and learn from my own mistakes while pursuing the things I love. I know that I can do what I put my mind to, thanks to these past four years at Justin-Siena.” This consummate student and athlete found her “perfect mix of hippy and competition” at UC Berkeley. “As I grew in high school, I realized that there was so much more to me than being nerdy. I liked being social. I liked being athletic and enjoyed the thrill of competitions. At Cal I found the balance between the different parts of myself.” Best wishes to Isabella as she heads to UC Berkeley this fall.
Jordan Celaya Brigham Young University A large university with solid programs in athletics and music was important to Jordan Celaya in his college search process. But it was also the comfort he felt with a faith-based institution that resonated with Jordan, and he attributes the importance of such to his time at Justin-Siena. “The influence of religion in the Justin-Siena environment has been something I have treasured and loved during my high school experience. I’m not Catholic, but I am Christian, and the feelings of love and comfort I have felt on the Justin-Siena campus, resulting from this Catholic influence, are things with which I would not want to part.” Jordan developed a passion for music and history in high school and plans to pursue both on his Pre-Law path at Brigham Young University, following in the footsteps of his parents. He feels his time at Justin-Siena and the high standards to which he was held have prepared him for this next chapter. “I feel very prepared for college thanks to the wonderful teachers and my parents. My time at JustinSiena has been wonderful in every way. I have enjoyed my classes, built life-long relationships, and have been able to participate in almost every
co-curricular activity out there, because JustinSiena has provided that possibility. Expectations were high, but that’s why I feel prepared.” Best wishes to Jordan as he heads to Brigham Young University this fall.
Emma Duge Colgate University Having enjoyed small class sizes and a personalized experience at Justin-Siena, Emma Duge knew that a small liberal arts college on the East Coast would provide her with a setting in which she could thrive. “I knew Colgate University would ensure a very personal setting for learning and access to one-on-one attention with my professors rather than having a teaching assistant lecture my college classes.” Emma’s love of student life, athletics, and challenging academics also factored in as she took advantage of these sorts of opportunities in high school and wanted to continue that level of involvement in college. “Colgate has great school spirit and is a D1 school. I cannot wait to go and support the school’s teams just as I have done here at Justin-Siena for the last 4 years.” Emma’s all-in attitude will no doubt serve her well on her PreMed path that includes molecular biology and environmental studies as well as joining the golf team. “Justin-Siena has allowed me to develop my academic, athletic, and leadership skills to their fullest potential. I am constantly being given opportunities to grow in these ways. I don’t think Justin-Siena could have done a better job of preparing me for college. I have received AP credit in classes pertaining to my major and will enter college already a step ahead of many other students. The Braves’ girl’s golf team is the best in the region, and I am fully prepared to play on Colgate’s D1 golf team next spring.” Best wishes to Emma as she heads to Colgate University this fall.
justin-siena Avanti summer 2016
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