Maria Castro is a name most associated for her talent. She is a senior at MHS, who is involved in just about everything. Not to mention, she’s president of several club’s she’s enrolled in. She doesn’t let her talent’s go to waste, academically and musically. Maria’s academic accomplishments, her views on winning the award, and what she plans for her future summarizes who she is as a student. She stated, “I’m very involved in the Manville high school community, I’m president of the forensics speech debate team, student council, gender sexuality alliance, future business leaders of America. (My 4 years of high school) have been character building. I think a mixture of academic courses I took with all the extra curriculars I was in allowed me to not only better myself academically, but connect with a lot of people I never thought i would have and grow as a person from that.

One class she credits with helping her move forward this year as a student is her AP Psychology course. “Going into it, I didn’t really know what to expect, but it’s honestly really enriching and it’s taught me a lot about people, and also Gottfried’s a really good teacher, so.. I always look forward to going to that class.”

With only four years left in her high school academic career, Maria already has an idea of what she wants or her future once her graduation is complete. “I’ve been looking at Rutgers, Rider, NYU, the New School in New York, Boston University, Pace, I’m trying to stay close to home but I’m also looking at schools that have an environment that I will feel comfortable in.” She wants to thank her teachers and the administration for recognizing her incredible work ethic, and awarding her as student of the month for January. Winning such award in such a competitive environment is no easy accomplishment, so it’s fair to say that her praise is nothing short of well-deserved.