Melannie Castro '25

The image features a young woman in a white graduation gown and cap, smiling confidently against a backdrop of a brick wall with the word %22Impact%22 prominently displayed.
A young woman with long brown hair stands in the foreground, smiling, with a historic brick building with a green copper dome in the background.

From the first day she walked through Tepeyac’s doors, Melannie Gonzalez embodied everything it means to be a Tepeyac Girl. Always smiling and always willing to serve, Melannie has been a joyful, dependable presence in our school community.

A natural leader with exceptional people skills and a warm, welcoming presence, Melannie served as a Student Ambassador, sharing her Tepeyac experience with middle school girls with warmth and authenticity. For four years, she was also a ¡Creemos! Student Host, welcoming donors and representing Tepeyac with pride.

Melannie’s talents shined brightly on stage as well. She generously shared her beautiful singing voice at school Masses and our annual fundraiser, while also performing in numerous community and Chicagoland productions.

Her academic journey was not without challenges, but Melannie worked hard—pushing herself to do her best and seeking, trusting, and acting on the support of Tepeyac teachers. She was a four-year scholar through the Madonna Foundation, where she embraced mentoring, career and college exposure, and opportunities to grow as a confident, service-minded leader. Her determination has paid off in a remarkable way: she has earned a full tuition scholarship to Arrupe College of Loyola University Chicago, where she will pursue her dream of becoming a music teacher.

Melannie’s success has been strengthened by the unwavering love and support of her parents, who have encouraged her every step of the way. She is a perfect example of a Tepeyac Girl—gracious, hardworking, talented, and ready to make her mark on the world. Her Power. Her Future.

“TEPEYAC HAS TAUGHT ME TO COME OUT OF MY SHELL AND HELPED ME BECOME THE PERSON I AM TODAY. BEING A TEPEYAC GIRL MEANS MAKING NEW CONNECTIONS, BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS, TAKING ADVANTAGE OF OPPORTUNITIES, AND CREATING AMAZING MEMORIES ALONG THE WAY! THOSE ARE THE THINGS THAT MAKE ME THE PROUDEST TEPEYAC GIRL.”
A young woman wearing a maroon college sweatshirt and holding a folder with the college's name on it, standing in front of a plain wall.