Los Altos High School’s SCL understands the importance of feeling appreciated. They finished 2024 honoring three students who they thought best represent the school’s spirit.

During September, October and December of last semester, teachers were able to nominate a student that they thought embodied the “belief of the month.” The beliefs changed month to month, representing the core values of LAHS, including respect, commitment, and positivity. The students with the most nominations are honored by being featured on the SCL instagram and daily newsletter. 

“It’s a great way to recognize students outside of academic and athletic abilities, but more on the qualities we want to see going into the real world,” Los Altos Cares Committee Leader junior Diana Halimah said.

The student of the month program is new to SCL, though the idea has been previously implemented by the MVLA newsletter, which also highlights a student each month from both Mountain View High School and LAHS.

September – Leadership

Junior Vedanth Rajan believes his work in Spanish classrooms made his mark on LAHS. Being in AP Spanish, Vedanth tutors students in earlier levels. 

“It’s nice because I get to see other people go through what I had to go through,” Vedanth said. 

Vedanth has also played on the JV tennis team for three years and participated in cross country this year. 

“It was really nice because I got to connect with a lot of people,” Vedanth said. Team sports in general are just a great way to get more involved in the school community.”

October – Empathy

Exchange student senior Serena Giubilato moved to the U.S. from Italy in 2024. While being in a vastly new environment, Serena was able to do well in her classes despite language barriers, make many new friends and participate in cross country. 

Serena has been involved in cross country since she was seven and the sport ended up being the highlight of her semester. 

“All my life, all my friends have been from cross country,” Serena said. “You share everything with them — the good, the bad, the funny — so it creates really strong relationships.

The environment LAHS teachers foster also helped her move to the U.S. go smoothly. 

“Every teacher is so nice and helps me whenever I ask,” Serena said. “It’s perfect here.”

December – Commitment

Freshman Beatrix Parker was recognized by her teachers as a dedicated student. She spent the final month of the first semester working to raise her grades, while balancing time participating in extracurriculars.

While being involved in clubs like SAGExLAHS — a club aiming to give STEM opportunities to young women — and planning to take a leadership position in the new UNICEF club, Beatrix’s true passions lie outside of school. 

Ice hockey has been a major part of Beatrix’s life for over seven years. Her fondness for the sport has led her to play for multiple organizations such as the San Jose Jr. Sharks High School League and the Pacific Girls Hockey League. 

“I’m really passionate about ice hockey, it’s one of my favorite things,” Beatrix said. “My dad played too, so it’s important to my family.”