LBHS Salutatorian Aspires to Parents' Work Ethic

Story by Rosemary Leonetti

At first glance it is hard to categorize the varied traits and talents that make Long Beach High School salutatorian Carlo Sevilla such a unique individual. 

His friends describe him as shy but talented, smart but humble, and quiet but crazy at times. His fascination for biology and his head for math have led him to pursue a major in biomedical engineering at the Macaulay Honors College at the City University of New York, which he will attend this fall on a full scholarship. But Carlo, who also loves to dance, is equally at home performing on stage.

“I will remember my participation in Class Olympics as one of my proudest moments, because it allowed me to show my talents and express my personality,” said Carlo. “My struggles with public speaking encouraged me to express my ideas through another form, which is why I love dancing so much.”

Carlo is equally proud of being named salutatorian because it gave him recognition for his academic efforts and his dedication to education. Over the years, his parents have influenced him through their fine example. 

“They are the reason I have tried so hard,” he explained. “They have supported me through stressful times and inspired me to become a better person. I aspire to inherit their work ethic. They deserve to be so happy, but still ask for so little.”

An International Baccalaureate diploma candidate and member of the National Honor Society, Carlo received a certificate of excellence in Spanish from the Foreign Language Honor Society. A member of the Asian Culture Club, he performed in the Hope for Japan Talent Show to raise money for the Red Cross Japan Relief Effort in 2011. Active in the theater program, he has showcased his musical and dance talents every year in the high school’s musical productions. He also plays on the varsity badminton team. 

Outside of school, Carlo has volunteered his time for the Long Beach Leos and at the Summer Festival at St. Mary of the Isle Church in Long Beach.

Looking back on all of these accomplishments, Carlo concluded, “One of the most important lessons I learned in high school is that grades, although important, are not the only indication of your abilities as a student. In the IB program we were encouraged to become involved in community service and extracurricular activities. Without these activities, my life in high school would have been very uneventful.”

As he prepares to move on to the next stage of his life, Carlo imparted these words of wisdom to incoming freshmen: “Try hard in and out of school. Grades are important, but they are not everything. Become involved in as many extracurricular activities as possible, and make friends along the way. Without friends, you will not enjoy high school at all.”

As an experienced senior, Carlo also had a wise piece of advice for juniors as they begin their college application process. “Start as soon as possible and do not procrastinate,” he warned. “Time management is a lesson that must be learned. Procrastination has caused me many sleepless nights and stressful mornings.”

 With all of the knowledge and wisdom that he has acquired during his years at Long Beach High School, Carlo should be more than ready to meet the new challenges that await him as he starts the next important chapter of his life.

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