Alyana León is a senior at Questa High School. She is 18 years old and the daughter of Diane and Ricardo León. She lives with her mom, dad, and 16-year-old brother Ricardo Jr. in Cerro, New Mexico.
Upon meeting León, you are immediately left with the impression of a very confident, self-aware individual. She is a very determined 18-year-old. She’s one of those types of people who know themselves very well and have confidence and a wittiness about them that keeps you on your toes.
Sports and academics aside, León has the heart of a nurturer. Many of her friends would call her the responsible one, or the one who’s always checking in on them. One might say that these are traits passed down from generation to generation.
When it comes to academics, León excels. She’s in the top tier of her class and is working on obtaining an associate’s degree concurrent with high school graduation. She is currently enrolled in six college courses at UNM-Taos and has been a member of the Honor Society since 7th grade.
Being a member of the Honor Society comes with a hefty amount of community service hours. One of the community activities that León says she enjoys the most is helping at the local food pantry. “I love to see the smiles on people’s faces when they get what they need,” says León.
Sports play a big part in León’s life. She participates in volleyball, cheerleading, and basketball at Questa High. Being a multi-sport athlete can be difficult at times, but she seems to manage her busy schedule as well as make time for the things that are most important to her—time with friends and family.
When she’s not at school, participating in sports, or hanging out with friends and family, León loves to hunt, but her most cherished hobby is art. Following in her father’s footsteps, León’s favorite hobby continues to be cultivated by Ms. Vialpando’s challenging art assignments at Questa High. León prefers using pencil but welcomes other media and techniques.
As the daughter of an educator and a natural resource manager, León’s career path is not set: it’s yet to be determined. “I want to do something in the medical field… I’m interested in being a diagnostic sonographer,” says León.
Someone León mentioned as inspirational is her mother, Diane. “My mom is always putting others before herself. She also instilled her work ethic in me, teaching me that there is always a way to get things done,” she says.
León works at the Wildcats Den, where her boss, Miguel Rael, offers encouragement when it comes to keeping her Catholic faith at the forefront, even for a busy teenager. “He’s always encouraging me to sing in the choir and participate in pilgrimages,” says León.
One thing that León is very excited about is her trip to Greece and Italy this summer with a few of her classmates and friends. “I’m excited to see how the trip inspires me and encourages me to take the next step after high school.”
When asked what advice she would give to younger classmen, León says, “Don’t let the pressure ‘pressure’ you, and try not to let other people’s thoughts or perceptions of you bother you.”
