Ask anyone at Shorecrest about Cecilia (Ceci) Garcia and themes of academic achievement, respect, kindness, and determination immediately arise. “Ceci is an extraordinary young woman-- hard-working, humble, talented, infinitely professional,” sayid Bill Leavongood ‘78, Ceci’s Theater Instructor. “She not only brings a smile to everyone's face, but she is always available to help others while still maintaining the beat of her own drum.”
Like many of her classmates, she has left an indelible imprint throughout the campus. In the classroom, she has achieved great success in a variety of different classes but also adds a passion and curiosity that creates an amazing tone for the class. Ceci was named the Class of 2020’s Salutatorian.
Ceci was born and essentially raised in central, rural Kansas before moving to Florida to begin her sophomore year at high school. When she transferred to Shorecrest she already maintained a strong GPA. She comes from a close knit and supportive family of five where education receives top priority.
Ceci is gifted with a sharp intellect, but she is also very perceptive. Add to that an ability to comprehend material and situations and it brings us to astute. Ceci has the ability to accurately assess information, situations and people and turn this to her advantage in the classroom and in life. While most students struggle to make the transition to Shorecrest’s rigorous curriculum, Ceci excelled. Notably, junior year was one of her best, where she earned a near-perfect GPA, all without taking any free periods (something very few students choose to do at Shorecrest).
Ceci has found her passion in musical theatre. Being a part of Upper School Performing Arts is a 24/7 commitment; and rehearsal schedules rival those of working professionals in the industry. Even when she isn’t working on a show, Ceci participates in dance and vocal lessons outside of Shorecrest. Using the stage as a platform to convey messages is a key reason that Ceci wants to pursue a degree in Musical Theatre.