Araceli Tapetillo

Parents: Beatriz Tapetillo and Lino Garcia

GPA: 3.98

Class rank: 3

Co-curricular activities: Marching Band, Cross Country, Concert Band, Track, Quiz Bowl.

Community activities: Food Bank of Iowa Volunteer, High School Football, Basketball and Archery Concession Stand Volunteer

Future plans and goals: I plan to graduate with an Associate of Arts degree this summer from Indian Hills. I will attend Simpson College, with the intention to run cross country and track.

How will your high school experiences help you in the coming years? My experience in high school has taught me the essentials of being a successful student, whether it was practicing time management, communicating with teachers and classmates, or committing myself to be a dedicated student.

Fondest memory of high school: Creating meaningful friendships and relationships with my friends and teachers throughout the years.

Which teachers have had the biggest impact on you and why? My Spanish teacher, Mrs. Marshall, was the first person I went to when I had trouble. Through our talks, I had the assurance that I could talk to her about anything. She is incredibly thoughtful, sympathetic, and wise. My math teacher, Ms. Hays, taught me that it is okay to fail. With her genuine support, Ms. Hays helped me grow into a more confident student than I was as a freshman.

Who is your role model and how did they influence you? My role model is my mom--without a doubt. Despite the difficulties she has faced, my mom is definitely the strongest, most humbling, and persevering person I know.

What is special about your high school? I could not imagine a more perfect environment than Cardinal. Almost everyone knows one another, and the community is a great support system.

If you go back to when you were a freshman, what advice would you give yourself? For those who will begin high school or are sophomores or juniors, I encourage you to read more, engage in topics you are not familiar with, go out and find your passion, and dedicate yourself to being the best you can be. Most importantly, use your time wisely.