Leatumalama leads and prospers with happiness

Leatumalama+leads+and+prospers+with+happiness

Photo by Gigi Downey

Story by Maricruz Reyes, Centerspread Co-Editor

   The one and only vegetarian legend, Malama Unutoa, is the sole embodiment of everything vibrant at MHHS. Unutoa hustles nonstop to get the most out of her high school experience: from playing in varsity softball for all four years to taking multiple AP classes; from being a Link Crew leader to becoming a member of the National Honors Society.

  “My greatest influences throughout high school were my parents, friends, and teachers. Mrs. Markgraf was one of my favorite teachers ever, because she gives her students so many opportunities to better prepare themselves,” Unutoa said.

  Aside from her rigorous academic workload, Unutoa has invested endless hours in ASB to ensure that all events that have been planned run smoothly.

  “What I’ll miss most about MHHS is being a part of ASB, because it allowed me to become involved in all the pep rallies and football games. I loved these events so much, because I would always dress up in spirit gear with all my friends,” Unutoa said.

  As the school year comes to an end, Unutoa is looking forward to continuing her studies at Palomar College. After receiving her associate degree, she plans on transferring to a four-year university—preferably in San Francisco—to major in nursing.

  “Something I want to leave off with, though it’s pretty cliche, is knowing how to love life and everyone that’s in it. Life is too short, so it’s important to find joy in what makes you happy,” Unutoa said.