West Chicago Community High School has selected Dayanna Sanchez of West Chicago as Student of the Month for February 2023. Sanchez was selected by her teacher who said, “Dayanna is an amazing young woman who is destined to succeed. A talented student leader, she treats each challenge with enthusiasm and perpetually puts forth her best effort, even when the most difficult tasks confront her. These high standards she sets for herself consistently epitomize the principles of not only a successful student but also a dynamic leader in her community. Dayanna is an outstanding asset to her community; she poses insightful questions, provides intelligent and thought-provoking ideas, collaborates with peers and adults effectively and constructs quality work.”

Sanchez, a senior, has been on Regular or High Honor Roll every semester at WCCHS, earning a cumulative weighted grade point average (GPA) of 5.040. She is a member of the French Honor Society and the National Honor Society.

Throughout the year, Sanchez volunteers with organizations like Healthy West Chicago, Feed My Starving Children, Cardz for Kids and the City of West Chicago. She has previously interned for State Senator Karina Villa, giving back to her community and organizing events. Sanchez currently works part-time at the DuPage Children’s Museum in Naperville where she enjoys implementing the early learning stages of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM).

 “My favorite High School memory has to be one that just happened,” said Sanchez. “ROAR hosted the Upstate 8 [Leadership] Conference here at WeGo and we got a chance to show those in our conference what our community is like here at WeGo through ROAR. The day ended on a highly positive note, majority of students and adults approached me and were expressing how much of an impact ROAR has made on them and how this is an important moment because now students, who are typically in rival schools for WeGo, get a chance to realize that there are actual people behind the competition. Overall, it was a great moment to be in when seeing leaders come together and become friends!”

Sanchez has this advice for future Wildcats, “Don’t be intimidated by a challenge, be confident in your work and words. Because at the end of the day you are your biggest supporter. Never back down from a challenge, instead overcome it by being your true confident self. And when you face a roadblock, ask for help. Don’t be stranded by yourself. Know that we’re all human and therefore will face challenges, but never back down from one.”

After graduation, Sanchez plans to attend a four-year university to double major in Biology and Neuroscience on a pre-med track.