Meet Our Students & Staff

What makes you proud to be a SHS Falcon?
I am proud to be an SHS Falcon because of how inclusive the school community is, and how I am always supported by the staff and my friends. I've learned how to become a better person and leader from the people I've surrounded myself with at SHS.

Who is your hero or inspiration?
My inspiration is my brother because he approaches every challenge head on, with a smile, and the motivation to work as hard as possible.

Do you have any hobbies/extracurricular activities you do outside of school? 
I am an actor, director, and VP for the SHS Drama Program, one of ten CA state thespian officers, president of Democracy Matters Club, one of 8 officers for Indian Cultural Awareness Club, Co-President of Slime Club, and I am a volunteer for SNAPKids, a program focused on on teaching neurodivergent and differently-abled students how to swim.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In ten years, I see myself studying Civil Rights Law and working on a political team trying to make progressive change on social issues that I am passionate about, while living in New York City!

About Nila:
Nila is an exceptional student and leader who brings positive energy, humor, and genuine joy to classrooms and across the Saratoga campus. She is deeply involved in student life as President of Democracy Matters, Co-President of Indian Cultural Awareness, Co-President of Slime Club, Vice President of Drama Club, a Board Member of the Anti-Racism Task Force, and one of only ten California State Thespian Officers. 

Beyond campus, she volunteers with SNAPkids teaching neurodivergent and differently able students how to swim, reflecting her commitment to inclusion and service. Nila balances an impressive AP course load while keeping learning in perspective, thriving academically and as a dynamic contributor to discussions, labs, and group work - always with her signature high energy, big smile, and witty sense of humor. 

Whether she’s leading major events like Bombay in the Bay, writing for Quad Day, supporting Speak Up for Change week, or creating a memorable experience for our guests from New Taipei by showing them how to make slime, Nila consistently goes above and beyond to make Saratoga a welcoming, inclusive, and fun place for everyone.

What makes you proud to be a LGHS Wildcat?
Being among such dedicated, intelligent, and expert teachers. They inspire me to refine my craft every day.

What was your 1st job?
Janitor, dishwasher at a restaurant.

What are your words of wisdom to live by?
"Tikkun Olam," Make the world a better place.

What's something we might not know about you?
I'm allergic to shrimp.

About Mr. Yanowsky:
A talented and inspiring educator, Mark brings an uplifting spirit and steady, kind presence to our campus each day. He skillfully balances a substantial teaching load - from Art 2 through AP Studio Art and Multimedia Production - while remaining deeply attentive to his students’ academic and emotional needs. 

Through thoughtfully designed projects and inclusive classroom practices, he empowers students with voice, choice, and confidence in their creative expression. 

Beyond his classroom, Mark is a trusted mentor and collaborative colleague, known for his wisdom, generosity, and authentic support of both students and staff. Whether guiding a young artist or offering encouragement, he consistently makes every student feel seen, valued, and capable. 

Staff share that they are grateful for the passion, care, and excellence he brings to our LGHS community!

What makes you proud to be a SHS Falcon?
All the kindness and support I've been shown since my arrival has made me proud to be a SHS Falcon.

What was your 1st job?
Helping my Dad shoe horses as a teenager .

What are your words of wisdom to live by?
Be kind to others and treat them the way you would like to be treated. 

What is something we might not know about you?
I love to cook, garden and fish.

About Joseph "Sep":
Sep takes genuine pride in everything he does, approaching each task - whether a major project or a small, often unnoticed detail - with enthusiasm, professionalism, and a great sense of humor. Sep understands that the “little wins” matter and that they build toward big results for his Falcon Family. 

During Saratoga’s Plant Supervisor’s paternity leave in November and December, Sep stepped up in a significant way, coordinating with contractors, managing Akita Box requests, and responding to unexpected needs with reliability and professionalism. He consistently seeks to grow his skills, knowing that continuous learning strengthens both his own contributions and the entire teams. 

Sep represents the facilities department exceptionally well at Saratoga and with community events, ensuring every detail is handled with care and hospitality. If you call his name on the radio, there’s a good chance he’s already on his way before you finish the sentence. He is always willing to pause what he’s working on to happily jump in and support someone else. Not reluctantly. Not halfway. Fully engaged and ready to help. It’s almost like he collects “assists” the way some people collect trophies. 

What makes you proud to be a LGHS Wildcat?
I think what makes me proud to be a LGHS Wildcat is the community. Teachers and students come together and build a learning environment that makes it so that it can be 7th period on a Monday or Friday, and I am still laughing while learning. Teachers say hi to their students in the halls and students visit their old teachers just to pop by. I'm also proud that I get to go to school in a community where freshmen feel safe enough to come up to me and ask me where their next class is. Its the type of school that completely subverts bad high school stereotypes; people are genuinely kind to each other and there's friendships that span grade levels.

Who is your hero or inspiration?
I have a couple of heroes that inspire me to be my best self, in all senses of the phrase. One of those is my brother who is a LGHS alum. As a kid, I saw him go through high school, and I watched as he made the best of it. I saw him put all his effort into his classes and I heard him telling funny stories about school. He is someone who is a self-described introvert but has a way of pulling others to him, because of his intellect and because of his personality. Then there's my grandfather. He was someone who was tenacious and determined, who kept studying even when times were hard. He was an honest, hardworking, and incredibly smart person and every time I learn something new, I try my best, because I know that somewhere, my grandfather is smiling.

Do you have any hobbies/extracurricular activities you do outside of school?
A lot of my extracurricular activities are tied to LGHS. I've volunteered once a week at Cats Homework Help, for two and a half years helping Wildcats with classes that I've taken. I am a member of Helping Hearts Club, where we make care packages for sick children and visit a local hospital once a month. Outside of LGHS, I tutor a kid from another school district, and I altar serve at my church every other Sunday. For hobbies, I enjoy reading. I am an avid reader that has read a lot genres from high fantasy to non-fiction autobiographies, and will recommend series non-stop until I have a buddy to book club with.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I hope to have completed medical school and I hope to be just starting my residency to become an attending doctor. I have yet to decide my specialty, but wherever I decide to go, I hope to be helping others as much as I can. In 10 years I also hope to still be in contact with (and organizing hangouts with) my best friends.

About Fernanda:
Fernanda is an exceptional 11th-grade student at Los Gatos High School whose curiosity, intellect, and joy for learning set her apart. Across a wide range of rigorous courses—from AP English Language and AP Biology to AP Calculus BC, AP Physics 1, Anatomy & Physiology, AP U.S. History, and Honors French 4—she brings infectious enthusiasm, academic confidence, and a deep love of learning, tackling complex questions with preparation, insight, and humor. Teachers share that Fernanda is academically gifted, always prepared, and unafraid to tackle the toughest questions.

Equally impressive is her character: kind, hardworking, and widely respected by peers, Fernanda is a natural leader whose joyful presence, thoughtful engagement, and commitment to equity consistently elevate every classroom. Through her curiosity, positivity, and willingness to make a difference, she truly embodies what it means to be a LGHS “Roaring” Student of the Month, and we are proud to honor her and excited to see her continue to shine.

What makes you proud to be a SHS Falcon?
I feel very fortunate to be able to work at Saratoga High School. Our school is defined by hardworking students, a collaborative staff committed to excellence, and a deeply supportive community. Being part of this ecosystem is inspiring, both personally and professionally.

What was your 1st job?
My first job was teaching physics and chemistry in San Diego.

What are your words of wisdom to live by?
Rather than carrying the weight of things beyond my control, I’ve learned to channel my energy into the actions I can take. This shift in perspective doesn't just make me happier; it allows me to show up more fully and use my time to make a meaningful impact.

What is something we might not know about you?
While I grew up in Oregon, my childhood Christmases were spent in Cupertino visiting my grandmother. My brothers and I loved trading Oregon winters for t-shirt weather and daily visits to Linda Vista Park. It still feels surreal to me to now be working so close to the neighborhood where those memories were made.

About Mr. Welander:
Matt Welander represents the very best of what it means to be an educator at Saratoga High School. A thoughtful and principled leader, he elevates the STEM and science departments through collaboration, integrity, and quiet, steady leadership while empowering colleagues at all experience levels. 

A cornerstone of the STEM program, Matt has mentored multiple AP Physics teachers, built and sustained exemplary AP Physics 1, 2, and C curricula, and provided essential support during the pandemic and beyond. His legendary organization, calm expertise, and tireless work ethic set a standard for the campus, while his clear, student-centered instruction makes challenging concepts accessible and engaging, earning him deep appreciation from students year after year. 

His classroom is a destination for visiting educators - including recent guests from New Taipei Municipal Bei Da High School - and his contributions extend beyond the classroom through support of Physics Olympiad, Regeneron applicants, MSET robotics, letters of recommendation, and his leadership as STEM Department Chair. 

What makes you proud to be a LGHS Wildcat?
The staff and students at Los Gatos High School are very friendly. Everyone helps create a welcoming place in which students can learn and we build each other up.

What was your 1st job?
In high school I started working at AMC movie theaters as an usher.

What are your words of wisdom to live by?
As a Theatre Manager I am concerned with peoples safety in the theatre. 

What's something we might not know about you?
Once when I was in middle school we had a scarecrow building contest in which the winning class would get some pies. I said we should have a person dressed as the scarecrow. I ended up as the scarecrow and won the contest.

About Tim:
Tim Nielson exemplifies what it means to serve a high school community with excellence, heart, and humility. As a member of the Instructional Technology team and as Theater Director and Technical Director, Tim approaches every challenge with calm persistence, creativity, and fairness. 

A master problem-solver and the dependable backbone behind countless events, performances, and presentations, he quietly ensures that technology, logistics, and learning run smoothly—from complex tech setups and backup microphones to WiFi access and student Chromebooks—earning him the reputation as the “Engine Control Unit” that keeps Los Gatos High School running. Nowhere is his impact more evident than in the Prentiss Brown Theater, where he is the heart and soul of the program, devoting evenings and weekends to directing productions, managing sound, lighting, sets, props, ticket sales, and mentoring students with patience, humor, and genuine care. Through every challenge, Tim’s professionalism, generosity, and positive attitude create a space where students thrive, staff feel supported, and creativity flourishes; the thousands of lives he has impacted stand as a powerful testament to his unwavering commitment and well-deserved recognition.

What makes you proud to be a SHS Falcon?
I am so grateful to have such a supportive and affirming environment, whether it's the motivation from my friends and teammates or the guidance from my teachers and coaches. These positive relationships inspire me to give my best effort in the hobbies I engage in and allow me to navigate through the complex high-school experience. I truly value how our community celebrates each others' accomplishments, creating new learning opportunities through academics, athletics, and more. Being part of the varsity basketball team, SHS VEX, leadership, and other school activities testifies to how much Falcons collaborate with each other to achieve new heights.

Who is your hero or inspiration?
My parents are my greatest inspiration. They always prioritize my brother's and my interests above their own, emphasizing the importance of caring for others. This value has stayed with me throughout my life, directing how I approach my relationships and extracurriculars.

Do you have any hobbies/extracurricular activities you do outside of school? 
Outside of school, you can find me shooting hoops on the basketball court with the varsity team or fine-tuning our team's robot in the VEX room. I also enjoy volunteering at the IRA robotics academy as a STEM teacher and managing communications for the Art4Hearts nonprofit organization.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I don't have a specific job or path in mind yet, but in 10 years I hope to be doing something that gives back to the community while also being a pursuit that I genuinely enjoy.

About Aidan
Aidan Liu exemplifies the excellence and spirit of Saratoga High School. A standout scholar with a demanding course load, he also dedicates countless hours to improving the school community through his leadership roles. He serves as Junior Class Treasurer, Hardware Lead for the VEX Robotics Club, Co-Vice President of the Art4Hearts service club, and is one of the top players on the Varsity Boys Basketball Team. Aidan’s contributions reflect not only talent and commitment, but also a deep desire to give back to his peers and campus.

More importantly, Aidan is known for his exceptional character. He is kind, compassionate, humble, and consistently puts others before himself. Students praise him for his genuine interest in people; teachers and coaches admire his willingness to help anyone in need, take on any task, and always redirect credit to his team. Whether in the classroom, on the court, or in robotics, Aidan leads quietly but powerfully—modeling integrity, humility, and collaboration. He lifts others up simply by being who he is, and he embodies the qualities we hope all young people strive to emulate.

Teachers and staff consistently describe Aidan as brilliant, hardworking, and deeply caring. They note his thoughtful participation in class, his steady confidence in athletics, his supportive leadership in extracurriculars, and his daily acts of kindness—such as checking in on teachers after long practices or offering encouragement to classmates. His dedication, positivity, and humility make him not only an exceptional student but an exceptional human being. 

What makes you proud to be a LGHS Wildcat?
The amazing support and genuine interest that our community and school show for our student-athletes. Los Gatos is a very unique place. From teachers and staff, to administrators and community members — each and every person takes pride in what our students do both in and out of the classroom. Having taught at other schools and in other districts, I can confidently say that what we have here is very, very special.

What was your 1st job?
My first job was working construction during the summer of my junior year. I’d go to football practice in the morning at Los Gatos and then spend the rest of the day on the construction site.

My first teaching job was as a long-term substitute in the Special Education Department at Los Gatos High School back in 2005.

What are your words of wisdom to live by?
Always start with what’s best for students. When we make decisions through that lens - every time, without exception - we create opportunities, build confidence, and help young people discover who they can become. If we begin with students first, everything else will fall into place.

What's something we might not know about you?
Los Gatos High School has been a part of my life since 1989 - from playing Pop Warner football on Helm Field, to attending LGHS as a student in the late ’90s, to returning as a teacher in 2006. I’ve been fortunate to serve this school in many ways: as a wrestling coach, a football coach, and now as the Athletic Director. For 35 years, this place has always felt like home.

What makes you proud to be a SHS Falcon?
For sure the opportunity to be a part of this vibrant and spirit lifting community, and a chance to help our wonderful teachers and students.

What was your 1st job?
During my college years I was working as a draftsman in the Cultural Monument Protection Institute in my home town Novi Sad, Serbia, Europe. That was very rewarding experience since I had an access to many old buildings and people who lived there for generations. So, besides collecting all necessary measurements, I heard a lot of interesting stories regarding those buildings and city in general.

What are your words of wisdom to live by?
There is no boring task or project – always strive to find a joy in an effort to make improvements on the way of perfecting the process.

What is something we might not know about you?
I like to spend time in the kitchen baking cakes and desserts for my friends.

What makes you proud to be a LGHS Wildcat?
I am proud to be a part of the amazing community that has been created at LGHS. At LGHS, all the students and staff are super supportive and caring. There has never been a day at LGHS when I have not had someone say “hi!” to me with a giant smile upon their face! It feels great to be a part of a community where all students and staff feel valued.

I also enjoy the many opportunities that are available to students! Our school has something for everyone, from a variety of championship-winning sports to over one hundred clubs to an award-winning drama program. I think it’s great that we have so many options that students can choose from that allow students to find out more about themselves and express themselves!

Who is your hero or inspiration?
My parents definitely inspire me. They have done so much for me, that I am forever grateful for them! They are definitely my main source of motivation to work hard toward my dreams!

Do you have any hobbies/extracurricular activities you do outside of school? 
Inside and outside of school, I am a part of many activities! This is currently my third and final year in LGHS Leadership. For the past two years, I was part of the Advertising Commission, where I helped create the school's Video Announcements (You’ve probably seen me during your sixth-period classes!). This year, I have the role of ASB Support Officer, where I help the ASB commission, as well as the ASB President and ASB Vice President, with anything they need, such as planning the Blood Drive!

I am also a part of the LGHS Key Club! I have been part of this club for four spectacular years! This is currently my second term as President, where I have been able to achieve 200+ service hours for my club! I work very closely with the Kiwanis Club of Los Gatos, so you may have seen me at some of the events they host around Los Gatos. Outside of school, you can find me volunteering around Los Gatos or attending one of the many divisional events that Key Club hosts with other local schools!

I am also Co-president of the school's Asian American Association, where we help spread Asian culture to the LGHS community. I am also a member of the school’s Japanese National Honors Society!

A few hobbies I have include hanging out with my friends, reading, listening to music, and thrifting!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I see myself either becoming a toxicologist or a meteorologist. I would also like to uphold the amazing friendships I have created in high school, and to have created many new ones!
 

What makes you proud to be a SHS Falcon?
I feel very lucky to work with such wonderful teachers who always support each other. Along with being hardworking educators, they also truly care about helping their students become respectful, honest, and resilient individuals. Being part of a team that values both learning and character makes me proud to be a Falcon.

What was your 1st job?
My first job was as an electrical engineer, specialized in ASIC design for communication systems. It helped me build a strong foundation in problem solving and teamwork.

What are your words of wisdom to live by?
Never stop learning and always do your best in everything you do.

What makes you proud to be a LGHS Wildcat?
What makes me proud to be a Wildcat is the thoughtfulness and kindness of the students I get to work with each day. Seeing students make connections across texts with universal themes in literature—and how these apply to our current society—warms my English teacher heart! The supportive staff at LGHS also fills me with pride, as I get to work alongside them toward a common goal of making students successful.

What was your 1st job?
Babysitter and house cleaner

What are your words of wisdom to live by?
I will defer to Simone de Beauvoir — the French philosopher and writer: “Authentic love must be founded on mutual recognition of two liberties.”

What's something we might not know about you?
I'm 14 minutes older than my twin sister. :)

What makes you proud to be a SHS Falcon?
I am proud to be a SHS Falcon due to the academically proficient and accepting community that this school has fostered.

Who is your hero or inspiration?
Neil Armstrong

Do you have any hobbies/extracurricular activities you do outside of school? 
I'm starting Defensive Tackle for our school's Varsity Football team, ranked 4th in tackles per game. I'm an active member in our school's theatre community; currently Community Outreach for the Drama Club and planning on auditioning for the musical Urinetown. I'm also going to be directing and producing my own production scheduled for February 27-28 (be there or be square!). I've been an Eagle Scout for 4 years after creating a new map of Downtown Saratoga (which is still up to this day) for my Eagle Project. I also enjoy stargazing and long walks on the beach. My favorite constellation is Scorpius.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself looking out at the Earth through the cockpit of a rocket ship as I travel to a world beyond our own.

What makes you proud to be a LGHS Wildcat?
The staff at LGHS truly care about our students. It is wonderful to work with these amazing people. My two sons are currently attending LGHS and it is such a special opportunity to be here and a part of their journey.

What was your 1st job?
My very first job was as a babysitter. I have always found working with kids incredibly rewarding.

What are your words of wisdom to live by?
You can never go wrong by being kind.

What's something we might not know about you?
I have a huge collection of Archie Comics. They were my favorite books to read as a kid.

What makes you proud to be a SHS Falcon?
SHS is the most inclusive and welcoming place I've ever worked. From students to staff, admin to parents, everyone supports and encourages each other. I think it's our greatest strength and I'm proud to be a part of it.

What was your 1st job?
I started working at age 15. I worked on a grounds crew for the Hearst family. I mowed lawns, weeded, cleaned pools, and did general maintenance. I also worked in the kitchen washing dishes for the family chef.

What are your words of wisdom to live by?
Life can get pretty challenging at times. Don't stress or put energy into things that are out of your control. Instead, focus on what you can control or influence in response to those things, and just do your best.

What is something we might not know about you?
I come from a family of educators. My mom retired after 30 years as an elementary/middle school aide. My grandfather, his brother, and both of their parents, were all teachers on Maui.

What makes you proud to be a LGHS Wildcat?
I am proud to be a LGHS wildcat because of how great the community is here at LGHS. I love how much the teachers care about their students, how the principal, assistant principals, and staff care about student well-being, and just how much everyone has a chance to share who they are in such an inclusive community! I love being able to join the sports that I love, golf (as the varsity captain) and track; being able to attend and be part of so many different clubs, especially STEM related ones; being in Leadership, which allows me to plan and organize so many different activities for the students, and so so much more. There are so many opportunities that are presented to us here at LGHS, and each of them brings me into a new community. Being a Wildcat makes me proud because of how much our school has to offer, and how much our school cares about its students, staff, and faculty.

Who is your hero or inspiration?
My inspiration is definitely my parents. They did so much and worked so hard to get to where they are today and to provide for me and my brother. The reason why I am where I am today is all because of what they have done for me, and I will be eternally grateful towards them. My mom is always busy because of us, but is still a passionate career woman. My dad is the first doctor in his family, and came to America to chase his American Dream. Because of my parents, I work hard in everything I do so I can make them proud one day!

Do you have any hobbies/extracurricular activities you do outside of school? 
Outside of school, I love playing golf for fun. I am the captain of the girls varsity golf team, but even when the season is over, I am still always practicing at the range at night, or playing on courses with my dad. I am also a cofounder of a Nonprofit Organization called the Youth Sleep Initiative, which aims to combat problems in youth sleep! You might remember the survey that was sent out at LGHS, which we conducted to find problems and solutions to help our youth community. Hopefully we will be able to implement solutions at LGHS and SHS soon! Out of school, I also love interning and shadowing at medical offices and hospitals because that is what I want to do in the future :) Little hobbies that I have include listening to music (especially R&B, indie rock etc), reading comics, writing poetry when I feel like it, etc!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In ten years, I see myself finishing medical school and being on my next step to becoming a doctor. My dad is my biggest inspiration for that. Just like how doctors saved me when I was young, I also want to do the exact same in the future for others, and to be on the track to be doing great things by saving lives.

I would love to have also become a scratch golfer in 10 years, but I doubt I would have much time since all the classes and trainings I would have to take!

Lastly, I would love to still be in touch with my friends and teachers and staff members whom I am close with today.

Takako Hasegawa is the heartbeat of the Saratoga High School Music Department. For more than three decades, Mrs. Hasegawa has given selflessly of her time, care, and talents to support our students, staff, and community. What began as volunteer work while improving her English soon grew into a lifelong commitment to our schools, and since 2009 she has served as an indispensable classified staff member. Her dedication behind the scenes - whether organizing rehearsals, managing instruments, or caring for students on international tours - has made her the backbone of the music program.

Takako’s impact goes far beyond logistics. She is known for the extraordinary care she shows students, often working late into the night to ensure their well-being on trips, and always making sure every need is met with kindness and humor. Her ability to orchestrate field trips for hundreds of students across the world, while treating each child as her own, is nothing short of remarkable. Every other school that encounters her wishes they had “a Takako,” but we are the lucky ones. She embodies hospitality, resilience, and selflessness, serving as a friend not only to students and staff, but also to parents and visiting music programs alike.

Simply put, the Saratoga High School Music Department could not function without Takako. From maintaining hundreds of instruments, to coordinating international tours, to building relationships across the globe, she does it all - and more - with humility and grace. Her work ethic, compassion, and unwavering support are a model for the kind of people we hope all of our students become.

What makes you proud to be a Wildcat?
My colleagues and the students that I get to work with.

What was your 1st job? 
I worked at a pizza shop in high school. I always smelled like onions.

What are your words of wisdom to live by? 
You can accomplish anything. The key is to never give up on yourself. You are stronger thank you think.

What's something we might not know about you? 
I have a deep love of art and try to incorporate it into just about everything that I do.

What makes you proud to be a SHS Falcon?
I am proud to be an SHS Falcon because of my friends and classmates. Everyone is so hardworking and ambitious within their own niche, and no one hesitates to be friendly or provide support for their peers.

Do you have any hobbies/extracurricular activities you do outside of school?
Outside of school, I love to do art! I enjoy doodling and sketching, as well as painting and creating digital art. I often enter my art into competitions, and have won a national medal in Scholastic Art Awards. I also help create public art for several cities, such as designing a street banner in Los Gatos Downtown or making posters for the county. Outside of managing several school clubs and organizing additional events for those clubs, I further exercise leadership by serving as the co-president of the Saratoga Library Teen Advisory Board.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I hope to have completed my higher education and find an occupation that combines engineering with art and design. I would like to continue making art recreationally, and hope to join more communities and make more personal connections through art. I plan to continue learning and growing via reading books, meeting new people, and expanding my interests.
 

What makes you proud to be a LGHS Wildcat?
I'm proud to be a LGHS Wildcat. I love our school spirit and the way everyone supports each other. Being part of this school makes me feel connected and proud to be a Wildcat.

What was your 1st job?
I was 7 years old when I worked as a waiter in Guadalajara, Mexico, at a place called El Parian.

What are your words of wisdom to live by?
Assist others whenever they need help.

What's something we might not know about you?
Something you might not know about me is that I have a passion for music and even enjoy mixing my own tracks. It’s a creative hobby I truly love, and I've been DJing since I was 13 years old.

What makes you proud to be a SHS Falcon?
Our students never cease to amaze me. We have talented musicians, artists, sports players, mathematicians, engineers, and more! They are also the kindest humans, and it warms my heart when I see a student offering to sit with someone who’s found themselves alone, or to help another learn a difficult concept. Our students are incredible, and our staff is just as great!

Our administrators are so supportive- they make sure we have the resources we need and go out of their way to get us what’s needed- even if it means driving 20 minutes to and from Costco to pick up a lost pizza order for our freshmen class. They lead by example in helping others, and have truly cultivated a supportive, nurturing environment on our campus. Teachers at SHS take teaching to the next level- they are dedicated to the learning process and go the extra mile to make sure students understand the concepts they present. They truly care about their students and want them to succeed—not only in academics, but in finding balance in life as well. Our classified staff are just as great- they work so hard and support us all from behind the scenes with smiles on their faces and a positive attitude. I feel so fortunate to get to work in such a wonderful community.

What was your 1st job?
I worked as a gymnastics instructor and ran gymnastics camps at a tiny gymnastics studio in Felton, CA.

What are your words of wisdom to live by?
Always be kind- you never know the battles someone else might be facing.

What is something we might not know about you?
I was a gymnast until I was about 20 years old, and while I no longer feel confident flipping in the air, I can still hold a headstand for close to a minute!

What makes you proud to be a LGHS Wildcat?
I am proud to be a Los Gatos Wildcat and the ability to experience an amazing education, with inquiring peers, bright teachers and staff, and outstanding athletics! I am also proud to be able to participate in activities around the school that connect me with my peers and help me get to know the LGHS community better! Whether that's being involved in the community, being a team player on the field, or remaining inquisitive while learning! The school spirit at LGHS is unlike any other school; it's one of a kind and it makes me proud to represent what it means to be a Wildcat! I also enjoy having other peers who challenge and compete with me whether that's in my sports or in the classroom at LGHS. I am also proud to go to LGHS because of its reputable success with its students and I strive to be the best version of myself that I can be.

Who is your hero or inspiration?
My inspiration is my parents! They are the hardest working and dedicated people I know! They inspire me daily to push myself to be better, to do things outside of my comfort zone and to not be afraid to fail; as long as I get back up. They inspire me daily with how they love their family, treat others, and their determination and grit to accomplish their goals! encourage me to be kind to others, and to treat others with the same respect they are given. Always showing up daily for our family, and sacrificing so much for those they love. also inspire me to travel and to experience new cultures, and meet new people through those experiences. They inspire me to put myself out there and to get involved with new activities. They also inspire me to persevere through the obstacles I face and to hurdle my way through life!

Do you have any hobbies/extracurricular activities you do outside of school? 
I am currently involved in many activities outside of school! I am a three sport athlete, and I play field hockey, soccer and run hurdles in track and field. I have been a three sport athlete my whole high school career at LGHS! I also play competitive soccer for Los Gatos United and have been playing for their club since middle school! I also partake in NCL, (National Charity League) a philanthropic organization led by mothers and daughters. I am currently the VP of Leadership in my chapter. That means I help plan events to bond our chapter, plan leadership activities, and organize speakers to speak at our meetings.

I am also involved in FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) at LGHS! This is a student-led organization at schools and in communities that uses sports to unite students with a shared faith in Jesus Christ. I am the Co-President and we are currently working on planning a Field of Faith at LGHS. A Field of Faith is where we have students from around the area gather at our school to listen to a professional athlete speak about their faith and athletic journey. We are hoping to host it at Los Gatos Football Field this year!

I am also involved in Interact club which is sponsored by Rotary. It is a club where we do lots of community service involvement and service projects. I recently attended Rotary's ELC (Enterprise Leadership Conference) last March. It was a three day conference where Junior students from all different schools came together to develop and present a business plan to foster leadership and presentation skills. It was also a really cool opportunity to learn more about entrepreneurship, and meet new people, and I was super grateful for the experience!

I am also on the MOSAIC (Making Our School An Inclusive Community) Club where we help plan the lessons for MOSAIC, and find different activities and lessons that will get students more engaged in the lessons at LGHS.

I am also very involved at my church! I was on the student leadership team for my youth group and I helped get new students involved with our ministry, helped set-up events, led games, and encouraged people to come! I also regularly volunteer on Sunday's at my church! Where I volunteer in the nursery some days and other days I volunteer with the five year olds!

During the winter season, you can find me at Black Road Christmas Tree Farm on the weekends working from 7am-6pm helping regular and new customers find the perfect Christmas tree! This job has really helped me gain knowledge about Christmas Tree's and how the farms are run. As well as how to run a successful business, and all the working parts it takes to make everything move smoothly.

I have also been in Leadership at LGHS for the past four years and am currently the Senior Class President! I help plan a lot of the Senior class activities, and fundraising for our events like Senior prom, etc. I think it's a super fun way to get involved even more at LG and to make the experiences of the seniors last a lifetime!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In ten years I see myself becoming a pediatric registered nurse (RN). I also see myself starting my own organization. The organization would be made to help impoverished villages in Africa. The reason I want to do this is because I actually have a sponsored child that I sponsor and he lives in a small village in Africa, called Malawi. He lived in a very poverty stricken area and I was more than happy to sponsor him! I have seen all the amazing opportunities that he has been given after becoming sponsored and I want to give other children those same opportunities that he has been given! I would also want to work at my organization as a RN helping the children. The organization would consist of giving children access to education, healthcare, clean water, food, and ministry! The reason I want to do this is because I love helping others and want to make a difference for the lives of those who need it the most!

What makes you proud to be a Falcon?
The students and staff are always positive and helpful to others. I’ve had students help me clean and come to me to thank me for all I’ve done especially in the music department. The students and staff always give me a positive attitude everyday and that motivates me to work harder and help any way I can. 

What was your 1st job?
My first job was working in concessions at the cinemark theaters in Mountain View, CA 

What are your words of wisdom to live by?
Be respectful, be kind to others, help others and show initiative. Work hard to accomplish any goals in life and you will see hard work does pay off. 

What's something we might not know about you?
My main hobby is gardening. I’m always working on the weekends on my backyard and every month I add a new plants or fruit trees to my backyard. My main thing is planting exotic fruit trees and I’ve been planting them all around my backyard yard fence. My wife calls it a jungle. 

What makes you proud to be a Wildcat? 
I love our school spirit and community. From my experience, people at LGHS constantly try to help each other. I am proud of being part of our community. 

Who is your hero or inspiration? 
I think my mom is one of my biggest inspirations because she is able to do so much without breaking a sweat.

Do you have any hobbies/ extracurricular activities you do outside of school?  
I spend a lot of my free time working on entrepreneurial projects. Some I try to turn into real startups and try to achieve a level of success with them. Others, I am just tinkering with something I find interesting. My current obsession is seeing whether I can build a fully-fledged application using no-code tools. 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I'd love to be doing something with startups or work in marketing at a company/cause I care about and believe in.