Bishop's Scholarship Candidate | Aquinas High School
My name is Alyssa and I’m 14 years old. I’m the oldest of four children, I have 2 younger sisters and 1 brother. I’m currently in 8th grade at St George School in Ontario, CA and hope to soon be a freshman at Aquinas High School in San Bernardino. Being the oldest child has taught me responsibility and is constantly teaching me how to be a good example. I try to take the lessons learned at home into every aspect of my life and as it turns out, these have been valuable skills for me as Vice-President of Student Council. At school, I also participate in Yearbook, which taps into my creative flow. My passion is playing softball. I play travel ball with the Cruisers in Claremont, CA. For fun, I also enjoy playing volleyball and I had the opportunity to play for my school team. Both of these activities have further taught me what it means to be part of a team and how important it is to work together as one. During my free time, I volunteer at my local library. Here, I’ve gotten to meet new people and learn new skills.
Where it began
Catholic Foundation
"From a very young age, my parents have taught me the importance of values like patience, respect, perseverance and responsibility."
My early Catholic education at St. Madeleine helped shape who I am today. Being part of a small and caring school community taught me how important it is to be kind, respectful, and responsible. I learned about my faith through daily prayer, religion class, and attending school Masses, which helped me understand how to live out Catholic values in everyday life. The liturgy was a regular part of school and helped me feel connected to my faith in a meaningful way. My teachers made learning fun while also encouraging us to always try our best and treat others well. Even during Covid, the community stayed supportive, and when the school eventually closed, it marked the end of an important chapter in my life.
After spending some time away from Catholic school, I realized how much I missed it. I missed praying during the school day, talking about God openly, and being around people who shared the same values as me. Coming back to Catholic education at St. George helped me feel that sense of community again. My time at St. George has helped me grow not only academically, but also in my faith. I have enjoyed being part of such a welcoming community, building strong relationships with my teachers and classmates, and participating in school traditions. Being at St. George has helped me become more confident and reminded me why Catholic education is so important to me.
Lectoring & Faith Leadership
Early Liturgy Reading
Present Liturgy Reading
Over the years that I have received a Catholic education, that Catholic education has helped shape who I am and how I treat others. Being a part of a school community that is based on faith has taught me the value of responsibility, kindness, and service. It has provided me with chances to develop as a leader, take part in volunteer work, and strengthen my values both within and outside of the classroom. These opportunities have shaped the way I connect with people in my everyday life and support my school community.
I have learned a lot about perseverance, teamwork, and dedication from playing volleyball and softball. Being a part of a team has taught me the value of helping people and communicating clearly, both on and off the field. Sports have also helped me stay disciplined, overcome obstacles, and share in my accomplishments with others. All things considered, playing volleyball and softball has made me a more dependable, accountable, and productive person.
"My dad has taught me that to be a great athlete, I can’t focus on the past. He taught me that even after continuous practice, I will still make mistakes—the key is to shake off the frustration."
"I think of my team and my coach; they would be proud of me for working hard. Shaking off frustration is how I help my team succeed on the court."
Continuing my Catholic education in high school would let me strengthen the values I have developed. It would help me grow stronger in my faith through prayer, learning, and service while being guided by teachers and peers who share these values. This environment would further reinforce and build upon qualities like confidence, compassion, and my ability to leave a positive impact on others beyond school. In order to truly leave an impact on society and further fulfill the Diocese of San Bernardino's Mission, I plan to absorb everything Aquinas has to offer and share those blessings with everyone that God sends my way.
My family and school community have shaped who I am by teaching me important values and supporting my growth. At home, my parents and siblings have taught me resilience, patience, and kindness, while my school has helped me develop responsibility, confidence, and faith. Together, these influences have helped me grow academically, socially, and personally.
My strongest influence begins at home with my parents, who consistently support and encourage me, helping me become more confident during times when school or sports feel overwhelming. They never let me give up but guide me to work through challenges step by step. From my mom, I’ve learned resilience by watching her balance work, our household, and four kids while staying strong under stress. From my dad, I’ve learned patience and hard work, especially through sports, where he taught me that mistakes are part of growth. His guidance helps me focus on improving rather than dwelling on errors, managing frustration to stay focused and perform better both in the classroom and on the field. Together, my parents have shown me how to push through challenges, manage stress, and believe in my ability to succeed.
Beyond my parents, my siblings have played an important role in shaping who I am. From my sister Aileen, I’ve learned commitment by watching how seriously she takes her schoolwork. Her dedication motivates me to stay organized and put effort into my own assignments. Danielle reminds me not to take life too seriously. When I’m stressed, she helps me relax and remember that it’s okay to enjoy the moment. My brother Dean has taught me kindness. His encouragement and affection remind me to be supportive and caring toward others. Growing up in a busy household means learning how to compromise, forgive quickly, and appreciate the people around me. These experiences have helped me communicate better and be more understanding in my friendships and on my team.
In addition to my family, my school community has strongly influenced my growth. My teachers hold me accountable and expect me to take responsibility for my work, which has helped me become more organized and independent. Because of their guidance, I have learned how to manage my time, meet deadlines, and take ownership of my education. When I struggle with a concept or assignment, my teachers encourage me to ask questions and keep trying rather than giving up. This has helped me develop confidence in my abilities and a stronger work ethic. Connecting our learning to our Catholic faith has also played an important role in shaping who I am. My teachers use faith to create a supportive and respectful environment where students are encouraged to treat each other with kindness. This sense of community has helped me feel comfortable being myself and has encouraged me to support others as well. The values I learn at school influence how I act both in and out of the classroom, helping me make thoughtful decisions and treat others with respect.
In conclusion, my family and school community have played a major role in shaping the person I am today. My family has taught me resilience, patience, responsibility, and love, while my school has helped me grow academically, socially, and spiritually. Because of these influences, I am more confident in myself, better prepared to face challenges, and ready to continue growing into a responsible and determined young woman. I pray that everything that I have learned in my short 14 years of life, will continue to shape me into a person that not only my siblings can look up to, but also all those around me and that I can be a person my parents can be proud of.
Respectfully Submitted,
Alyssa Murillo Alba