Each year, Cumberland County Schools names a graduating senior at each high school as a Standout Senior. The 17 2023 Standout Seniors are bright, hard-working students who have overcome the odds to graduate and dedicate themselves to serving their community.
To learn more about their plans to attend college, serve in the military or begin their careers, go to www.ccs.k12.nc.us/graduation.
Maria Chao will graduate from Terry Sanford High School. She answered these questions about her education and her future.
I am most proud of conducting research and eventually getting my research paper published. My manuscript, titled “The Impact of Grocery Stores’ Marketing Strategies on the Purchasing Decisions of Consumers,” was published in Volume 11, Issue 4 of the Journal of Student Research — High School Edition.
I will be attending UNC-Chapel Hill and majoring in biology, placing me potentially on the premedical track.
I have accrued 140 volunteer hours.
My favorite extracurricular activity is varsity women’s lacrosse. The environment is very inclusive and always a fun time with my teammates.
“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, and others make it happen.” — Michael Jordan
I feel like CCS has given me opportunities like research and collaboration to help prepare me for college and the future ahead of me.
My lacrosse coach taught me to always have confidence in myself and play the best I can, no matter the outcome.