Personal: Age 17; daughter of Crisanto and Lily Gutierrez of Paia; enjoys playing flute and piano, going to the beach, eating, laughing, hiking, snorkeling, rock climbing, graphic designing, learning how to cook, reading, sewing, scrapbooking, hanging out with friends and family.
At School: Band president, member of marching/pep and symphonic bands, student body community service chairwoman, Filipino Club president, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) tutor, Leo Club historian, Key Club, Hiking Club, Quilting Club, Best Buddies, cafeteria clerk, Student Senate, Graduation Committee, honor roll, Advanced Placement classes.
Off Campus: Becca's Closet student coordinator, Holy Rosary Church flutist and bazaar volunteer and youth ministry group member, Maui Music Conservatory student, member of National Honor Society of High School Scholars, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, alumna of National Youth Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., Day of Hope Marathon, Salvation Army bell ringing, Maui Memorial Medical Center junior volunteer, American Cancer Society Relay For Life, Student Leadership Workshop at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and UH-Maui college classes.
Article Photos
Gabrielle Lacuesta Gutierrez
Beyond High School: Plans to attend UH-Hilo and transfer to a school on the Mainland to earn a master's degree in physical or music therapy. Hopes to travel and explore the world; would like to return to Hawaii to help aging people and the community in general.
Who is your personal hero and why? "True leadership is to sacrifice your own needs for the benefits of others. Through the uncertainty and hardships of securing a job as the band teacher, he placed the students first and continued to teach us as if he had the job permanently. Mitchell Ota is my personal hero. He inspires me to accept my limitations and go beyond them. Even though our band is small, he motivates me to reach my full potential. Good enough is never good enough. Mr. Ota also taught me to take P.R.I.D.E. (Participation, Relevance, Integrity, Dedication and Excellence) in everything I do."
Fact Box
The students in this weekly feature are selected by officials at their respective high schools. "Student Spotlight" recognizes students of good character who are involved in school or community activities such as athletics, clubs, student government and volunteer work.
