Standout Spartan does amazing work.
Photo by Rebecca Holt
Junior Leanna Ramirez has been presented with many challenges throughout her life, but with the help of her mentor Christa Lyons, and her faith in God, Ramirez has turned the power of her hardship into positive work for herself and her community.
Ramirez said she experienced some transition problems as a freshman at TJ, but has matured and embraced the high school experience. “I no longer care about what others think of me, and I am focusing on the important things in my life: education, family, friends, and helping others to overcome their problems,” said Ramirez, who has committed to serving her school and community. Ramirez takes part in community service activities with her youth group at the Church of the Risen Christ. “I like participating with my youth group. They feed the homeless and every summer they have a mission trip in a different place and do service acts around that community.” Ramirez plans to go on her first mission trip to Mexico this summer with her youth group. “I have met so many people and we all talk about faith in our lives and how it’s important to us. We interact with each other; whether it’s going to the movies or bowling, we all have the same things in common when it comes to faith and religion, so that makes it that much better and fun,” said Ramirez, who is also is involved with the Unified Sports class at TJ, where special ed and mainstream students come together in one physical education group. “I play games and interact with the special education children. It makes me feel good to help out because I am helping people who really need it, and making a difference in how people should interact with people who have disabilities,” said Ramirez.
Aside from helping out in her community, Ramirez plays basketball for the Spartan Girls’ JV Team. This is Ramirez’s second year playing basketball for TJ. “I played my freshman year, but not my sophomore year because I needed to focus on grades, along with other things outside of school, like church and horseback riding competitions,” said Ramirez, who added that she is glad to share the opportunity of playing basketball with her teammates.
Ramirez took horseback riding and equestrian lessons for six years, but unfortunately had to stop because of her busy schedule. “It was an intense experience because of the adrenaline rush from the thrill of the rides, but most of all it was amazing to have the ability to control an animal that was much bigger and stronger than me. I wish I could still compete today, but I can’t. I’m just glad that I had the opportunity to do that,” said Ramirez.
Academically, Ramirez excels, carrying a 3.2 GPA. She is currently taking Spanish 3 X with Mark Mallaney, and AP Language with Jeffery Almond. “I really love my Spanish class because Mr. Mallaney makes class fun and he makes you want to be there and learn the language,” said Ramirez, who added that her favorite teacher is Jeffery Almond. “I like his humor and the way he connects with his students. He understands what it’s like to be a teenager in high school.”
Almond had nothing but good things to say about Ramirez, as well. “She is an outgoing and hard-working student, and always maintains a positive attitude in class. She has a great work ethic and has high standards for herself. Leanna is the type of person who will frequently check with somebody to see if she is on track with her learning. She is patient and can take criticism very well,” said Almond, who also said that he sees a lot of potential in Ramirez’s life because of the way she carries herself, and because of her self confidence. Outside of the classroom, Almond is impressed with the way Ramirez carries herself. “She has a great personality and gets along with most people. She is not intimidated by anybody and handles herself in a mature manner around adults. Leanna is a proud person and I think she has a bright future ahead of her,” said Almond.
One thing that has helped Ramirez excel in her life is being a part of the Denver Kids program, which is a mentor program that works with children to help them succeed in their lives. “I like the program. My mentor, Christa Lyons, helps me out with a lot of things and she makes sure I’m staying on top of my priorities. She helps me out with scholarships and I am glad to have her as a mentor,” said Ramirez, who also said that she would recommend anybody to this program. “This is a great program. It has helped me stay on the right track throughout my life. The mentors are great and are great friends to have in your life. Even if you already have support in your life, I would still recommend this program to you,” said Ramirez.
After high school, Ramirez hopes to attend CU Boulder, but isn’t sure of what she wants to major in. “CU has a really good medical program that I am interested in, and I want to be a doctor when I finish college,” said Ramirez.
As with many great leaders in the world, Ramirez has an inspiration in her life that help keeps her on track with her goals and priorities, and that is God. “Whenever I have a problem or I’m feeling down, I always look to God to help solve my problems. I believe that anything is possible through Him, and without believing in God, I would not be who I am today, or in the position I am in,” said Ramirez.
Over this upcoming summer, Ramirez is going to Guatemala to visit a child named Evelyn (6-years-old), who she is sponsoring. While she is there, Ramirez also plans to help build houses for those who are less fortunate. “I’m glad to have this opportunity to spend time with Evelyn, and to help those in need. I’m excited to travel the country this year, because it’s going to be a fun, new experience for me,” said Ramirez.
