Mariana Alemany: Senior Spotlight
What grade level did you start at The First Academy?
9th
What were the reasons you or your parents chose The First Academy?
My parents chose The First Academy for the excellent education and for an environment where I could grow in my faith.
Are you involved in extracurricular activities? If so, what are they and have you received awards in these activities? (These can be affiliated with TFA or outside of school)
I have been involved the past four years with varsity softball and I have won Most Improved Player (10th grade), Most Valuable Player (11th grade), and District 4A All-State Infielder (11th grade). I am a biology tutor for the 9th-grade students and donate my time during lunch to help them. I am the NSHS president and the Senior Student Organization Leader.
Which colleges are you planning to apply to or have you applied to thus far?
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, University of Florida, Florida State University, and the University of Central Florida
What do you plan to study in college and what are your long-term career goals?
I plan on majoring in biology and minoring in art. I plan on going into medicine and becoming a doctor.
Who are some of your favorite TFA teachers, and why? These can be K4-12.
Mrs. Oswald and Ms. Pierre-Louis have been some of my favorite teachers because they pushed me to be my very best and field my passion for science. Mrs. Collins showed me how to use my left side of the brain and help channel my artistic capabilities in AP 3D Art.
In one sentence, what did being a student at The First Academy mean to you?
Being a student at The First Academy means that I have the honor to learn from some of the best teachers out there.
How has TFA made a difference in, or impacted your life?
Going to TFA has given me the chance to get a well-rounded education and to challenge myself with challenging AP classes.
Do you feel that The First Academy has prepared you for life after graduation?
I feel very ready for college and whatever comes next. I feel grounded in my faith and in God.
What is your favorite memory at TFA?
One of my favorite memories at The First Academy was hitting my first home run at Payne Stewart Athletic Complex.
How have you grown in your walk with Christ since coming to TFA?
I have grown closer to God these past four years than I have ever been. There were ups and downs, but His unfailing love was always present.
What was one spiritual insight you gained at TFA that has impacted your life the most?
I learned that it’s okay to not be okay because God is in control and sovereign.
What does the school year them, “Stronger Together,” mean to you and how have you incorporated in your day to day life this year?
“Stronger Together” means that we are stronger and united under God. I have incorporated this into my daily life by trying to make underclassmen feel welcomed and to do everything that I can to be a servant leader and create a united student body.