When you learn that Gracie Martinez is the student body president for Page High School, you’ll think, “Yeah, that sounds right.” And when you hear that Martinez was a cheerleader at Page High School, you’ll think, “Yeah, that sounds right.”

Martinez possesses the qualities that make her excel at what she chooses to do, whether she’s leading a group in her role as student body president, or cheering on others in her role as a cheerleader.

“Gracie is one of the most genuine people I’ve ever encountered,” said Megan Moore.

Moore works closely with Martinez in her role as Page High School’s student council advisor.

“She really just wants to help people and make a difference in our school, both students and teachers. She will not leave my classroom unless she comes to me, and asks me if I need anything from her, or is there any way she can help me,” Moore said. “And she means it. She wants to help. I bet if you talk to any one of her teachers, she probably makes a point every day to talk to them and thank them. She’s just very genuine that way.”

That is just who Gracie is, Moore said.

“She’s not helping out because she’s the student body president, she’s doing it because she’s Gracie. But I think the position of student body president has elevated her to make her even more generous, kind and caring,” she said.

Martinez is a senior at Page High School. This is the first year in six years she hasn’t been a cheerleader. Due to unusual circumstances, Martinez has been a varsity cheerleader for Page High School since she was in seventh grade.

“I had a unique opportunity with cheerleading,” Martinez said. “When I was in seventh grade, the high school cheer coaches came to the middle school cheerleading squad and asked if any of the middle school students would join the high school cheer squad because there were not enough students to make a varsity squad. I did varsity high school cheer, from my seventh grade year all the way until COVID changed everything.”

Martinez chose not to do cheer this year so she could focus on student council and her AP classes.

“This was not an easy choice,” said Martinez. “I had to decide on an extracurricular activity I already knew I loved or a role with a lot of responsibility. I know myself, and I was nervous, but knew I would love to make the school more conscientious of social acceptance, communication, and understanding. I choose to take on a new and more challenging role, student body president.”

Gracie is well-known to her peers for being a cheerleader in real life, too, encouraging others to give it their best, give it another try, or keep their chin up if they’re having a rough day. 

“Any time she sees an opportunity to make someone feel better, she’ll take it,” said Moore. “People recognize her as their boost of confidence, their supporter and their go-to person. I think part of that is in her capacity as student body president, and some of that is because she’s a genuinely caring person.”

Martinez has several priorities she’s focused on in her capacity as student body president. 

“Some things I hope to accomplish in this position would be increasing school spirit, making the high school feel more like a community, shining light on mental health, being a safe place for the students, and giving students more opportunities to be understood and accepted, even though we are all different,” Martinez said.

“The reason I chose to be student body president was because I feel like I have a lot of valuable insights and new ideas that can benefit the school before I move on to my next big adventure. I have a drive and feel motivated to make a real difference for students just like myself. I hope that I am a positive role model and that being kind changes someone’s day.”

Martinez plans to attend a four-year college after graduation but hasn’t yet decided what school she’d like to attend.  

“I have always gravitated to leadership roles naturally,” said Martinez. “This is why I am taking time deciding my next major step in life. I will choose the best opportunity. I have an idea of my course of study. I am thinking of getting a degree in public administration and a minor in chemistry. These degrees will set me up for a career in leadership.”

Her parents are Gregg and Jessica Martinez.

“They are the reason I am where I am today,” Martinez said. “They motivate me to become the best version of myself I can be. Without their guidance, love and support, I wouldn’t be as certain about my future. I grew up with a lot of adversity and they showed me how to walk through it with grace.”

With the additional stresses students are feeling this year, Moore said Martinez’s caring style of leadership are just what Page High School needs.

 “She works so hard to make high school an enjoyable experience for everyone,” said Moore. “She thinks of others beside herself, and she wants to make sure they know they’re welcome.”