Sofia Zuniga

SOFIa zuniga

College Choice: University of Notre Dame
College Major: Global Affairs

This senior epitomizes school spirit, so how befitting that she serves this year as the school’s Pro Tempore, cheering on and highlighting all our teams and students at games and assemblies! Throughout her years at McGehee, Sofia Zuniga has explored many interests in sports, academics, and the arts and realized that what she really wanted was to make a global impact. After taking a social entrepreneurship class, she learned more about how entrepreneurs applied business models to address societal problems and this piqued her enthusiasm for applying her creativity to propose innovative and effective solutions. She credits her AP Government class and a summer course in International Relations for pointing her in this direction.

Sofia commented, “My experience at McGehee has taught me to become a leader in and outside of the classroom. In class, I have always been emotionally supported and academically challenged to succeed. Outside of the classroom, I continue to hold myself with integrity and honor to rise to my full potential.” She complimented her teachers at McGehee. “The faculty is especially interested in their students, both as individuals as well as learners. They want you to succeed and will go the extra mile to help you do so, whether it be meeting outside of class or messaging over the weekends. While I have learned so many invaluable lessons from the faculty at McGehee, Ms. Thompson has left a special imprint on me. After taking her AP US Government and Politics Course, Ms. Thompson’s vibrant and vivacious personality brought the coursework alive. Her enthusiasm for politics and social justice was so infectious that she has inspired me to pursue Political Science and Global Affairs in college and beyond.”

When asked about her favorite school tradition, no one will be surprised to learn that Sofia’s favorite is Spirit Day, an all-school community bonding event which invigorates school spirit. As the Protem she had the privilege to spearhead the day for all.

She is thrilled to be heading to Notre Dame and remarked that after visiting their campus, she knew it was the place for her. “The school's inherently positive yet ambitious atmosphere, its mission as a force for good, and the new Keough School of Global Affairs made Notre Dame the perfect fit,” wrote Sofia. She plans to pursue a career in politics and to become a social entrepreneur, hoping to make a difference, addressing inequities, across the globe.

Grade Started at McGehee: 4th
Activities and Awards at McGehee:

Pro Tempore (12th)
High Honor Roll (9, 10, 11, 12)
National Honor Society (10, 11, 12)
Beta Club (10, 11, 12)
Student Ambassador (12th)
Spirit of ‘76 Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizenship Medal (11)
Tulane Book Award Recipient (11)
Silver “M” Recipient (10)
Art Award (10)
Physics Award (9)
Girls Learn International Club Leader (12th)
Environmental Preservation Club (12)
International Friends Club (12)
Relay For Life (9, 10, 11, 12)
Funds and Flags Founder and Captain (11th, 12th)
Track Team Manager (11, 12)
Peer Support Leader (11, 12)
Prom Captain (11)
Executive Committee Representative (10)