Tulalip Heritage High School senior Mikaylee Pablo is involved in school activities including ASB, cheerleading, volleyball and the Tulalip Youth Council, yet still finds time to be a mentor to elementary students.

Tulalip Heritage High School senior Mikaylee Pablo is involved in school activities including ASB, cheerleading, volleyball and the Tulalip Youth Council, yet still finds time to be a mentor to elementary students.

Tulalip Heritage High senior focuses on community, helping youth

TULALIP — Mikaylee Pablo is a senior at Tulalip Heritage High School. Teachers say 17-year-old Mikaylee is always willing to volunteer her time to give back to the community. She is a good mentor to younger students.

Question: What is your favorite class?

Answer: My favorite class is probably Native Arts. I like drawing. It’s an escape for me.

Q: What activities are you involved with at school?

A: Cheer and I did volleyball. I am the ambassador for ASB. I’m on the Tulalip Youth Council. I’m the co-chair for the council.

Q: How long have you been a cheerleader?

A: This was my first year. I love music and dancing. I’m known for my dancing.

Q: How long did you play volleyball?

A: Two years. It’s a fun sport.

Q: What is the Tulalip Youth Council? How are you involved?

A: It’s a youth organization outside of school for grades sixth through 12. We are a group who works to better our community and make a better path for generations behind us.

Q: How did you get involved?

A: It’s held at the youth center, and I’ve been going there for years. I ran for co-chair. I had to write an essay and it was like a job interview. I help write the agenda and run the meetings.

Q: What kind of activities does the youth council take part in?

A: We helped name the skate park. We do community clean-ups. We meet with other youth councils and we’ve hosted other tribes here as well. We attend (Tulalip Tribes) Board of Directors meetings and are the voice of the youth.

Q: Why did you get involved?

A: My dad encouraged me to do it. My dad thinks me and my sister should be that voice and help make changes.

Q: How are you involved with ASB?

A: I’m the ambassador. I have to go once a month to school board meetings to tell them what we’re doing and what they should change.

Q: It’s sounds like you’re comfortable with public speaking. Is that right?

A: Not really. It depends on where I’m at.

Q: What are your plans after high school?

A: I really don’t know. I know I’m going to go to college. I don’t know where or for what. I’m leaning toward early childhood development or cosmetology. I know, those are totally different.

Q: What is your favorite way to spend a Saturday?

A: At my house we stay home and watch movies. I like to hang out with my family.

Q: Do you have a big family?

A: A huge family. I have five brothers and I have four sisters. On my mom’s side I have 25 first cousins. It’s about the same on my dad’s side.

Q: What’s it like to come from a big family?

A: There’s always someone who’s going to be there for me. I know I’ll always have support.

Q: Do you go to school with many relatives?

A: I think I’m related to about 95 percent of the people here. I think that’s pretty cool. There’s always someone to eat lunch with.

Q: How would you describe your high school?

A: It’s a closely-knit family community. We are really close here. Students call teachers by their first names.

Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463; hefley@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @dianahefley.

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