Sharon Gaona

Hometown: Dallas, Texas

School: School for the Talented and Gifted

Sharon Gaona is a collage of everyone in her community. She grew up with mostly African American friends, is surrounded by Mexican and Chicano culture, and inspired by her Salvadoran family. She was born and raised in North Texas and loves everything Southern. Growing up she was instructed to always look out for herself but most importantly her community. She was taught as a child that service is the most essential skill in life; Como dice el dicho, “El que no vive para servir, no sirve para vivir.” Upholding her parent’s teachings, Sharon has done community service internships in Texas, El Salvador and Guatemala to give back to the communities that shaped her. Thanks to those values instilled in her she was even able to earn the Congressional Award Gold medal.