In fifth grade, Lorenzo Zapata was a quiet kid in class. Now a freshman, Zapata grew into a kid who changed into a suit and gave a strong, outgoing speech in the fencing studio, which earned him the title of ninth-grade class president. He went from having little voice of his own to being the voice of his whole grade.

Zapata has become a passionate leader. He attributes most of that growth to his four years in Masters middle school. Looking back, the community he established there is what built so much of who he is. Zapata mentions getting ‘Hi’s’ in the hallway and doors held open as signs of how accepting this community was from the beginning..

Zapata also states how forgiving the Masters school is: “I can keep on trying and failing something and know I can get back up again… I always feel like the school has my back in some type of way.” 

Even today, Zapata still describes himself as sometimes more introverted. However, being part of this powerful community encouraged him to step out of his comfort zone.

Now, starting his freshman year, Zapata has shifted into a new profile. Freshman Freya Snilsberg described Lorenzo as, “iconic, funny, and when he needs to be, serious and empathic.” She added, “With Lorenzo, I always feel welcomed and like I could tell him anything.”

Clearly, he has made a strong impression on both his old and new peers. Out of eleven candidates, Zapata won one of the two freshman class president roles. With a passion to improve the community and deliver on his promises, Zapata is planning to fix the common areas — including the ping pong tables and spike ball nets — fix the Wi-Fi, create Freshman Friday discounts and plan a class trip. 

“[Being a leader] honestly just came from me. I like seeing people happy. If you’re happy, I’m happy. And I also want to give back to the community that gave so much to me,” he said.

 Zapata has a strong connection to Masters, and it has had a strong impact on him for his first years here. For the next four years, he will lead his own initiative to make a difference. That initiative goes beyond winning the class elections. It’s a promise Zapata is making to lead his class with purpose and truly be a power for good.