Gabriel Oliveira- Windermere High School

Gabriel Oliveira is a budding senior high student with a very happy spirit and an unwavering commitment to community service and remarkable leadership abilities. He grew up in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro and witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by people in need, which fueled his desire to be a catalyst for equity, social justice, civil rights, educational advancement, economic literacy, and multicultural acceptance. Gabriel quotes that Dr. King stood for inclusion and respect for those who were marginalized, therefore, he tries to live by that principle. He works hard every day to approach and connect with students in school who perhaps dress differently and seem to be ostracized by others, those who sit alone during lunch and in class, or feel that they don't belong. Everyday moments teach Gabriel how a simple act of kindness can create ripples of inclusion. He strives to live up to these values by  showing kindness to those who are marginalized, and by building trust through compassion.  Gabriel is very passionate about giving back and joined several programs like, Latinos In Action, a club to empower Latino youth to be college and career-ready through culture, service, leadership, and excellence in education. Gabriel seeks opportunities to tutor Latino students in elementary schools who need help with their language. He joyfully remembers the first time his student wrote his first sentence in English without assistance. Gabriel is extremely passionate about helping others and trying every way possible to improve their quality of life and to make their environment a better place to be.

Favorite MLK Quote: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that"

Future Aspirations: Congressman, Lawyer