Occupation: I am currently a senior at Newtown High School this year, preparing to head to college. I am also working part-time at Newtown Pizza Palace.

Family: My mother, Viviana, is a stay-home mom, because she’s always taking the most care of our family. My father, Julio Sr, is a project manager for a construction company in New York, as well as the owner to his newly made company, J. CAM Painting. As well as living with my parents, I am very fortunate to have my little brother, Cristian. He currently is attending Newtown High School as a sophomore.

Pets: We have one dog, two cats, and many chickens. My dog Luna is a 7-year-old Lemon Beagle, who loves to be outdoors, adventuring every little corner she can see. We’ve recently adopted two cats, named Bruno and Ernesto. They are both 5-month-old brothers that love to play with each other.

How long have you lived in Newtown? We moved to Newtown in 2014, which makes it our eighth year here.

What do you like to do in your free time? Usually, my favorite thing to do in my pass-time is volunteer work. I always feel a sense of accomplishment every time I go out and help people, one way or another. I also love to go out with friends and family to just have a great time with them.

What is your favorite book? The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena. I remember when my cousin had lent me the book to read, I couldn’t let go of it. It was such a thrilling and suspenseful book that it led me to read more of Lapena’s work.

What organizations are you part of in Newtown? I am part of Students Advocating for Diversity & Equity, as well as Newtown International Center of Education. I am also a member of the United Youth Ministry at St Rose Parish. But what I mostly spend my time with is Isle of Skoo, a musical puppetry program run by Ben’s Lighthouse. Ever since 2019, I have volunteered with them for over 120 hours.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life? My parents are the biggest influences of my life. They have worked their hardest to make my brother and I who we are today, and I’ll forever be grateful for that.

If you could spend the day with one person, who would you choose and why? I would love to spend a day with Eminem. He’s my favorite musical artist of all time.

What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever been given? If I strive for what I want in life, I will get it.

What is something you cannot live without? It would have to be my family. I love them too much to just not be with them.

What is your proudest accomplishment? Feeling like I’m an important piece of Ben’s Lighthouse.

What is a meal/recipe your family has passed down to you? A Guatemalan dessert called Manjar. It’s a vanilla pudding with cinnamon sprinkled on top.

What is a tradition your family does that is important to you? We try to go at least once per year to see a Yankees game. It has been a tradition since I was little.

What would you like The Newtown Bee to cover in the future? More on programs Ben’s Lighthouse has worked on in Newtown.