Moments at the Mount

Student Spotlight: Gabriella Marquez

When Gabriella Marquez first stepped through the history-rich halls of Mount St. Mary Catholic High School in 2023 as a freshman, she had no idea how quickly the school would become her second home.

Now a sophomore and a proud alumna of Saint Philip Neri Catholic School, Marquez is deeply involved in both athletics and academics, embracing opportunities that allow her to use her God-given talents.

One of the main aspects that drew Marquez to Mount St. Mary was the school’s commitment to fostering student talents – both creative and athletic.

She said she particularly appreciates the flexibility of MSM’s signature block schedule, which closely mirrors college and university schedules, helping students prepare for higher education. Also, the ability to take athletics as a class during the school day, rather than solely as extracurricular activities, enables students to balance their interests more effectively.

For Marquez, it means she can dedicate time to both volleyball and powerlifting while also pursuing another passion in a creative writing class.

As an active athlete, Marquez said she values the strong sense of community at MSM, which is reinforced by the school’s dedication to maintaining small class sizes. 

“I get to see my friends in the mornings at practice and then continue to see them in class throughout the day,” she said. “Partnering with them both athletically and academically has been a truly positive experience for me.”

She also appreciates the tight-knit student body, which stands in contrast to larger public schools in the Oklahoma City metro area. 

“Being around the same people every day pushes me out of my comfort zone and allows me to be myself without fear,” Marquez said. “My teachers and friends genuinely look out for me, so I never feel anxious or embarrassed when I let my personality shine.”

Beyond athletics, Marquez has a strong creative side. 

“I love to write,” she said. “During my freshman year, I wrote a lot of short stories and poetry in a creative writing class.” 

Her writing is known for its beauty and, at times, haunting depth.

One particularly memorable piece was a memoir recounting her 10th birthday, the last day her beloved chickens roamed freely before an unfortunate encounter with her dogs. She explained that writing the piece allowed her to reflect on the experience from the perspective of being someone nearly a decade older. Through writing, she has found a powerful outlet for expressing her emotions and creativity.

Marquez enjoys the diverse opportunities available at Mount St. Mary, allowing students to explore their interests beyond traditional academics. She participates in school events and forms lasting friendships that extend beyond the classroom.

“There’s always something happening on campus, whether it’s a school spirit event, a volunteer opportunity, or a club meeting,” she said. “It’s easy to get involved and find something that speaks to you.”

Most importantly, Marquez said she is grateful for the way Mount St. Mary fosters students’ faith, both in God and in their intellectual pursuits. 

“Shoutout to all my teachers,” she said. “They have helped me develop a profound understanding of how God wants us to love ourselves as he loves us,” Marquez said. “They have also shown me that every little moment in life, no matter how small it may seem, has meaning, especially in our journey toward Heaven.”

Emma Bowman is a senior at Mount St. Mary Catholic High School.


Photo: Gabriella Marquez. Photo provided.