And make a difference she has. Maria has excelled in every academic challenge, balancing a rigorous AP schedule with leadership roles in HOSA–Future Health Professionals and NJROTC, where she now serves as Commanding Officer. She’s also known for her creativity and joy—starring as SpongeBob at Youth Theatre Carson City, volunteering for state-level boards and committees, and stepping up whenever her peers or school community need her. Whether it was helping classmates self-study for an AP course or filling in last-minute for a national ROTC competition, Maria leads with both intelligence and heart. She boasts a 4.9 GPA, is ranked in the top 5 of her class, successfully completed dual credit classes during the summer, and has passed six AP courses with top scores (with 3 more coming this year!). 
Her courage, however, extends far beyond academics. Maria is a leader in her tight knit family, and is cheered on through encouragement from her incredible mother.  Her younger brother is following in her footsteps as well at Carson High School and is already a highly involved member of the Senator Family as a  result. Maria's beloved birds, Peanut and Stacie, are also testament to her commitment to all living things around her.