The announcement of Aliso Niguel’s “Wolverine of the Year” finalist was officially announced on April 27. The Wolverine of the Year is an award that students of Aliso Niguel High School can receive for being an honorable member of the ANHS community. Students must display great academic excellence, athletic achievement, leadership and overall a contribution to the community with their high school career.
This year’s finalists consist of seniors: Jaslene Massey, Gabriella Gulini, Gavin Gabal, Camila Arbarca and Kolbie Maranowski.
Each of these students has displayed great excellence through their four years at Aliso, whether it be volunteering, maintaining grades, ASB or sports, every finalist has contributed to the livelihood of Aliso Niguel.
When asked what motivated her throughout her four years, Gabriella Gulini (12) shared, “I would definitely say my parents have been my greatest motivators. But along with that, when I began volunteering within my community, starting in freshman year, I saw that there was just an immense need for community service and volunteerism. And behind all of that, I also noticed how there were many students, like myself, who had no idea where to begin, so that really motivated me to try and become a facilitator for volunteering and get myself involved.”
Aspiring to grow and challenge themselves was a recurring theme among many of the finalists. Many credited their success to motivation, family, friends and their teachers.
Being a finalist signifies more than just individual achievement; it reflects a commitment to positively impacting the school and local community.
There is an absolute determination amongst these finalists to make the most of their high school experience, which has been evident not only in grades and test scores, but in the way they uplift the environment around themselves.
While only one winner will be selected amongst these five, it has been clear that they are all deserving of the recognition.
Massey, Abarca and Gabal have spent their careers within the sports realm of high school, with Massey’s commitment to the University of Oregon as a D1 track star. But behind that, they have also dedicated so much time to improving the livelihood of the campus. Their academic and athletic achievements motivated others to try their best during their high school experience and embrace the Wolverine culture.
With Koblie Marnowski, she has dedicated much of her time to the Best Buddies program, to enforce inclusion within the campus and spread positivity throughout the campus. Gabriella Gulini spent her final year in ASB giving back to the community, but before that initiated students to volunteer by creating the “Community Care Club.”
Each finalist truly brings something unique to the table. They each had a drive to do their best and be their best. They all ultimately encapsulated what it means to be a Wolverine.
The Wolverine of the Year award winner will be announced at the Senior Awards, which will take place on Wednesday, May 20.
