Kiwanis Student of the Month October 2024: Sae Garcia

Ferndale High School senior Sae Garcia has been a part of the school leadership program for three years. In that time, she’s helped plan last year’s Multicultural Night event and freshman orientation, and taken a mentorship role with the program’s underclassmen. Garcia said that being brave enough to become a leader at FHS is something she’s very proud of. 

“I used to be afraid of others’ perceptions of me due to anxiety, but I was able to overcome it and do what I love!” she said. 

Garcia is a talented musician, playing cello and bass for FHS’ honors orchestra and performing in the state Solo & Ensemble competition last winter. 

“I gravitated towards bass and cello because of the deep sound (and because cello is the closest stringed instrument to the human voice!),” Garcia said. “I love the cello and bass, but I also love playing the guitar in my free time because it's so calming.” 

If Garcia could solve any one problem in Ferndale, it would be to make sure that every student feels like they belong in school. 

“I wish for our school to be a place where students get to be their authentic selves freely,” she said. 

Outside of her family members, Garcia said that the most influential person in her life was her English and social studies teacher at Vista Middle School, Kristle Craft. 

“She really supported me during the hardest time in my life,” Garcia said of Craft. “She brought me out of my shell and gave me a reason to try. I owe my life and love for learning all to Mrs. Craft.” 

After graduating this June, Garcia plans to attend a four-year university to study a science program like microbiology, marine biology, or ecology. She hopes to start a career in a science and technology field, preferably working with oceanic life or helping mitigate climate change. 

“I am fascinated with the ocean,” Garcia said. “So much of it has never been explored and there is so much to learn.”