Winton Woods High School senior 9 News' Student of the Week

FOREST PARK, Ohio - This week's student of the week is an involved member of her Winton Woods High School community and a role model to her peers.

Maria Diaz isn't your typical student. She was born in Mexico and came to the United States when she was six years old.

Evelyn Gibfried, a guidance counselor at Winton Woods, recalls seeing Diaz in the hallways.

"The first thing I noticed about her was that she always had a smile on her face," Gibfried said.

Maria started out struggling with English, but now she's thriving.

"I think a lot of students would definitely look up to her as a role model," Gibfried said.

Maria carries a 4.2 GPA and has won several academic awards. She is a Key Club member, a student ambassador and finds time to help out in the community.

Diaz is very soft spoken, but says helping others makes her feel good inside.

"I feel like I'm doing something good for others," she said.

"I'm very proud of her, just being Hispanic, and being a leader," Gibfried said. "I think she's a great representation of our students here at the school."

Diaz knows she has had some help along the way in her becoming such a positive and giving student.

"I just want to thank all the teachers who have helped me from first grade all the way up to high school because it's because of them that I'm on this path," Diaz said. "They've been very supportive and I really want to thank them."

Maria isn't done yet. She's a mentor for other students and even started a new club on campus.

Congratulations and good luck to our student of the week, Maria Diaz.