Student Spotlight: Mariana Leaver, Class of 2026

Mariana Leaver joined Living Wisdom as a sophomore in 2023 and quickly came to cherish this tight-knit community. Here she discovered a love of learning and a deep intrinsic motivation that has shaped her high school years and inspired her aspirations for the future.

Passion for Science Chemistry has become Mariana’s academic joy. By junior year she was already diving into two college-level chemistry courses and now serves as a Teaching Assistant in our chemistry program. Beyond the classroom, she has immersed herself deeply in the medical sciences, attending brain cuttings and conferences at the Stanford VA under the guidance of Dr. Sobel and Mr. Sanchez, director of the morgue. Her dedication led her to a summer anatomy and physiology program at Georgetown University’s medical academy, the Stanford VAMPP summer internship, and countless hours shadowing doctors, learning, and even assisting in autopsies. Mariana hopes to continue on a pre-med track in college, majoring in chemistry.

Spirit of Adventure Mariana’s high school journey has been just as full of adventure as it has been of academics. She treasures immersion days at Ananda Valley Farm and the outdoor adventures she has shared with classmates and faculty. From hiking through the night to reach the base of Half Dome in her sophomore year, to helping support a 20+ mile trek across Yosemite’s backcountry as a senior, Mariana has shown determination, resilience, and a joyful spirit untethered. Her junior year also carried her abroad with the Global Connections Academy service trip to Italy, where she explored Rome, Assisi, and Florence.

Commitment and Community Outside of school, Mariana dedicates herself to competitive gymnastics, spending countless hours training with her team. She has also immersed herself in the Spanish-speaking world through study abroad trips to Costa Rica and Ecuador, deepening her connection to Hispanic language and culture. This fall she was recognized as a Commended Student in the National Merit Scholarship Program, placing her among the top 2.6% of test takers nationwide.

At Living Wisdom, Mariana is known not only for her bright mind and strong will, but also for her laughter, sincerity, and the way she shows up as a caring friend. We are glad to celebrate Mariana and excited to see the many ways she will thrive on her path ahead!