Kimberly Quintanilla ︳Chalmette, LA

Kimberly Quintanilla

Kimberly strives for excellence, both for herself and others. Her commitment to personal growth and involvement in various extracurricular activities reflects her dedication to making a positive impact in her school community. As the captain of her high school's cross country team, she ensures her teammates feel supported and valued. Kimberly is passionate about history, particularly American History, with a keen interest in U.S. presidents and historical museums. 

Kimberly has had a long, rewarding journey with Academic Games, an educational competition dedicated to developing critical thinking skills in mathematics, language arts, and social studies. This year, her team finished in 2nd place at the national championship tournament. This experience has allowed her to connect with teachers, coaches, and teammates who have shaped her into a better player and a better individual. Beyond competitions, Kimberly finds joy in giving back to the organization as a volunteer mentor to younger players, allowing her to share her love for Academic Games and cultivate the love of learning in the next generation of players. 

As a first-generation Hispanic-American, Kimberly deeply values the inspiration and love she garners from her own close-knit family, including those who still live in their home countries outside of the U.S. Following her father’s passing, Kimberly's mother became her ultimate role model, demonstrating dedication and passion in everything she does. Her example has shaped Kimberly's outlook on life, realizing that setbacks are redirections. Kimberly is grateful for the guidance and encouragement she has received from her mentors, who have helped her navigate challenges and expand her horizons.