People with whom we connect often have one unifying spark, and for senior and former Student of the Month Caleb Zapata, that spark is his passion for music. Whether he is practicing instruments day in and day out or lending a hand to those looking to match his level of skill, Caleb wants to experience music to the fullest, both with and without a classroom.

Music has been the center of Caleb’s life since he was born. It is what drives him “24/7,” and ultimately, his long-term plan is to pursue a career in music education to help others develop in the same way he has. When he isn’t at school, Caleb is usually found practicing music, gaming when he can, and occasionally spending time with friends. Still, he describes his life as “boring.”

He attributes his growth to the people around him. Caleb's friends who made him seriously consider college and his band directors, Mr. Gurk and Ms. Cordell, as mentors, teachers, resources, and support. Their impact was exemplified by Caleb’s progress in both music and academics.

Caleb had a lot of difficulties this year. Academically, this was at least a challenge for him. He didn’t care about grades during the first years of high school, and he had to work hard on lifting his GPA. He was also playing more challenging pieces of music. It was also a challenge for Caleb to juggle his music, school, and memorized pieces. Balancing school and band was not an easy task, but Caleb made it.

It was after he returned to the band following a summer break during sophomore year that he became even closer to music. Though he didn't have much enthusiasm for rejoining at first, the atmosphere, leadership opportunities, and community in the band pulled him in. Drum major and teaching others, he found that he loved leading and inspiring people through music.

Instruments Caleb plays: alto, soprano, tenor, and baritone saxophone, along with percussion ensembles, piano by appointment, and he has previous experience with trumpet and euphonium. Caleb is a versatile musician who strives to constantly improve.

Learning he’d earned Student of the Month was a shock to Caleb.

As it was to his surprise, his election as Homecoming King taught him that people took notice of his efforts to become a better all-around student and person. While he considers himself quite introverted, teachers and classmates alike say he’s outspoken, helpful, and diligent.

But in the future, Caleb is ready to be the kind of person he hopes to inspire. He wants students to understand that a lot of effort can pay off, even if it takes some time to reap the benefits. His words of advice to others are simple: no matter how long you feel you’re behind, people are there to help you, and you can always get better if you care enough to work on yourself.

Caleb Zapata’s journey has been about growth, perseverance, and discovering his passion, and clearly, he’s just beginning.