Returning kindness motivates Moncayo

There aren’t many people who are as bright and involved at Boulder City High School as Velzani Moncayo. Student body president, prom queen and volleyball player — this senior has done it all.

Moncayo moved to Boulder City from Mexico a day before her sixth-grade year, and the kindness and support that she experienced from our community is why she is so involved today. “Ever since (then) I wanted to be involved and give back in every way I could,” she said.

And give back she did. Moncayo is a volunteer at the Special Olympics and the Boulder City Elks Lodge and was a link crew leader (a group of upper classmen who make freshman feel welcome) at Boulder City High. Not only does she volunteer her time to these organizations, she was a senior counselor at Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, a Rotary leadership camp for juniors, and part of a group that went to Belize for a mission trip.

In addition to her volunteering, she is a member of the Boulder City High girls volleyball team. She has played volleyball since seventh grade and has held the position of middle blocker.

“I love my team, and best of luck to all the ladies in the program in the years to come,” she said.

Moncayo also was a lifeguard at the municipal pool and a key member on Boulder City High’s student council. “She’s passionate about student council … truly wants everyone to feel a part of Boulder City High School,” said Cheryl Herr, student council teacher and adviser.

With her being the class president for her first three years and student body president her senior year, Moncayo has thrown herself into her school completely. She is always making an effort to talk to anyone who is alone, and is always happy to lend a helping hand. She is everywhere — from the school’s blood drive to sitting in the bleachers supporting sports teams at their home games.

“The trust and respect her peers have placed in her is truly remarkable, and Velzani deserves credit for having earned it. I have never heard a student make an unkind remark about Velzani, nor have I ever heard Vel speak ill of another. She is genuinely liked for her kind, diplomatic nature toward all she encounters and respected for the high standard and accountability to which she holds herself,” said Rebecca Ballister, her high school counselor. “This is just another example of her giving nature, and how she has earned respect from her peers by her involvement in school activities.”

While most seniors have decided to take a relaxing path to graduation, Moncayo has gone above and beyond, challenging herself with Advanced Placement English classes to keep improving her language skills as English is not her first language. She is determined to excel in everything she does.

Ekaterina Shirbroun is a senior at Boulder City High School. She has lived in Boulder City for four years. After graduation, she will attend Southern Utah University, where she will major in theater arts education and minor in journalism.