At 17 years old, Michael Orona is wrapping up his Senior year at Grand Terrace High School with a solid academic record and a wealth of extracurricular achievements. Michael holds a commendable 3.0 GPA and balances his busy schedule with commitment to his studies and sports. From a young age, Michael has been deeply involved in athletics. He started playing baseball and soccer at just six years old, showing promise on the field and dedication to his teams. In high school, his passion for sports intensified when he joined the football team as a freshman, later adding track and field to his repertoire during the football offseason. Outside of academics and sports, Michael enjoys lifting weights and playing games with family and friends, keeping a close-knit community of support and camaraderie around him. A highlight in his athletic career came when he was part of undefeated teams in both little league baseball and soccer, an achievement he still cherishes. More recently, he earned a spot as a starting player on the Grand Terrace Varsity Football team, a role that underscores his skill and determination. When asked about his greatest influence, Michael spoke with heartfelt pride about his grandfather, whom he credits as the foundation of his journey in sports. "My Grandpa is the biggest influence in my life. He was my biggest supporter, showing up to all my games, no matter the drive. He shaped my journey to continue playing football to the best of my ability and was supportive no matter if we won or lost. I couldn’t have done any of this without him, and he will always be missed,” he shared. Michael also expressed his gratitude to his mother, acknowledging her unwavering love and support. “She is the person who made me who I am today, and I couldn’t have done any of this without her. “I love you, Mom,” he added, emphasizing the importance of family in his life. Looking ahead, Michael’s ambitions reflect his dedication to service and personal growth. He plans to join the Marine Corps and, after his military service, pursue a career as a police officer. With aspirations to travel the world and experience new cultures, Michael is excited for the journey that lies beyond high school. As a final message, Michael shared a favorite quote that resonates with his self-driven philosophy: “If you always compare yourself to other people, you will always end up in last place.” We would like to wish this Titan all the best in his future. The best is yet to come!

GTHS Athlete of the Week Michael Orona