LA Upstander: Sanaia W.

As soon as Sanaia joined the school community this year, her presence was felt. Sanaia is an energetic and outgoing person. During the first distribution of technology to incoming freshmen during the summer, Sanaia told principal Kristin Botello that she wanted to be class president. Sanaia always has her camera on in class, unmutes frequently to share her thoughts, and is constantly spreading positivity in the chat. In an African American Student Achievement meeting, a student with special needs shared about struggling with her grades and learning remotely. Immediately, Sanaia volunteered to tutor her. This was moving because Sanaia has never met most of her peers in person.

Sanaia stands out because she has stood up as a leader and as a beacon of positivity in her grade level. Sanaia has had her own struggles during the pandemic, yet she looks for ways to lift her peers up and help everyone succeed. Her impact has been felt by all her teachers, her administrators and her peers. She did become the 9th grade class president, as she had promised, after being voted in by her peers. Sanaia has been a north star for her grade level.