Page 2 - 2023 EOY GPS Magazine

Focused On The Future

raduating Seniors Lucia Banos, Gabriel Barrero, Alleya Jackson, and Terrance McAdams
are looking ahead, toward continued excellence. Their sights are set on Duke University,
GWest Point, a future in healthcare, and a career in real estate. However, as they are
focused on their future and ending their formative high school years, Banos, Barrero, Jackson,
and McAdams sat with us to share how Galena Park ISD (GPISD) has impacted their outlook,
expanded their focus, and shared some points for growth with their peers.

Lucia, how did North Shore Senior High School prepare you for
acceptance at Duke University?
I began my school years in a private school and eventually
enrolled in GPISD. I really looked forward to enrolling at North
Shore Ninth Grade Center [and eventually North Shore Senior
High School] because I knew the various academic options
and career pathways would prepare me for my future. There
were lots of opportunities like elective courses, dual credit
classes, advanced placement opportunities, lots of clubs, and
plenty of sports. All of these educational and extracurricular
opportunities set me on a path to gain the skills I would need

Lucia Baños to be successful in my future at Duke University.

Who, in GPISD, had an impact on your high school years?
That’s easy; my Theatre Director, Ms. Veronica Stell. We have very similar backgrounds, and
the culture in my home is just like how she grew up. I have been able to talk to her without
judgment or even fully explaining some of the cultural nuances I navigate. Plus, her own
personal story also impacted me to refuse complacency. Sure, North Shore is big with a lot of
students, and it would have been very easy for me to just blend in and do the bare minimum
to graduate, but I think about Ms. Stell as she began working in the Valley and then worked
her way to Houston, Texas, and then to North Shore. So, rather than blend in, Ms. Stell has
unintentionally given me the courage to stand out.

Gabriel, how did Galena Park High School prepare you for your
future?
I learned to work with diverse people, and when working with
people who are different from me, I found that we had more in
common than we had differences. This type of communication
and work ethic also prepared me for my future because
I am certain I will meet even more people with different
backgrounds and varying cultures at West Point. Learning
about differences develops character, and as my mom told
me, I must first “develop character before you are able to be a
leader.”
Gabriel Barrero
What advice do you have for your peers?
It is important to be yourself. When I began to branch out and spend time with new people, I
began to mature and expand my thoughts. Soon, I was more confident and outgoing. So, I say
to all my friends and high school classmates, be yourself and enjoy who you are!