Superintendent’s Superstar October: Dedicated to making sure all students feel safe, valued

Elena Padilla is a senior at Riverdale High School and the ASB President. In her role as a school leader, she believes holding school events not only promotes school spirit, but also provides a way to unite everyone in a common cause. She also participates in tennis, soccer, basketball and softball and is taking Advanced Placement courses. 

Elena is dedicated to making sure all students feel safe at school, no matter their beliefs or preferences. Her commitment to school and community service has inclusion and acceptance at its center. As a member of the Leo’s Club, she has helped at the Riverdale Rodeo Association’s Spaghetti Dinner and participated in town clean-ups and at the Wellness Center. During the summer, she sorted eyeglasses to provide to those in need. She is also active in Community United in Lanare, helping to provide backpacks and lunches to low-income families.

The National Alliance for Mental Illness Club is close to her heart because she believes in helping others who need support during difficult times. NAMI is planning a butterfly release and Elena is taking care of the eggs with great tenderness and compassion, just like she offers to everyone in her life. NAMI is important to her because it provides a support system and lets people know they matter. Elena wants to be part of the positive change!

Her future goal is to major in business management and marketing, travel the world, buy a house for her parents and eventually start her own non-profit in Riverdale and other small communities to give back. She said, “Everyone deserves a chance at a good and comfortable life.”