Chloe Garcilazo

Junior Chloe Garcilazo always knew she’d attending Roger Bacon. As an eighth grader at St. Gabriel, she researched local schools, and was drawn to Roger Bacon’s small size, co-education environment, and the Assisi Scholar program she had heard about. When she shadowed with then freshman Kayla Kilgore, her choice was confirmed. “It was pretty obvious, just from how welcoming everyone was, and how kind they treated each other. I knew I wanted to be a part of this, and that this was also a school I could come play volleyball, and be part of this incredible Honors program,” shared Chloe.

Three years in, Chloe has loved every minute of her time as a Spartan. She is indeed a member of the Assisi Scholar Program, has participated in God Squad, is a Student Ambassador, a rising Senior Leader, and a member of the girls’ volleyball team that brought home a state championship last October. “That was just the best feeling ever. To be able to win state with my best friends, and to be able to bring that back to this Roger Bacon family, not just the students, but the larger RB family, it just meant so much,” explains Chloe. “It is just different when you win here!”

When reflecting on those things that make Roger Bacon so special, a moment right before the state championship stands out. Shares Chloe, “One of the things that made state so special, is that the team got letters from the 2005 state championship team before the game. They were so encouraging, and got us so hyped up for the game, but they also reminded us we were part of this incredible family we were representing.”

Chloe’s favorite class so far has been AP Government, and but she has had too many great teachers to pick a favorite. States Chloe, “There are so many great teachers! I probably could name them all. Any list would definitely need to include Doc (Wittekind), Mr. Kathman, Mr. Hetzer, Mrs. Welt, really, I could name them all. They all bring something special to each class.”

As she finishes off her junior year, Chloe is intent on finishing strong, and is looking forward to being a senior. “Junior year is really challenging academically, especially in the Assisi program, so I am just looking forward to finishing as strong as I can, with class, AP exams, and projects,” shares Chloe. “I also want to enjoy the fun stuff, like Prom! And of course, next year I can’t wait for my senior volleyball season, the pilgrimage to Assisi, and all of the fun of being a senior.”

Looking ahead also means planning for life after Roger Bacon. “I’d love to go to Harvard, no lie,” exclaims Chloe, “but I also will be looking at schools like Ohio State. I am really interested in their Radiologic Sciences program.”

For those students that will begin their own high school section process next year, Chloe offers the following advice. “Roger Bacon is a great school. It is just so comforting here. It is a warm place to go after grade school, and know you will be supported and cared for and that you will find a family,” shares Chloe. “You will definitely be pushed, and you will definitely be challenged to become the best version of yourself, but you will also excel here, and have opportunities to do things you maybe never dreamed you would, whether that is a trip to Italy, or even winning state!”