Sayralisset Ibarra is a senior student at Granite Hills High School, who is known for being a role model to the young students she works with and a great friend.
Growing up in Porterville, Ibarra has always been passionate about teaching younger kids and wanting them to be outstanding students throughout their academic life.
At 17 years old, she juggles her high school studies and working at a preschool to prepare herself to teach children in school as a career when she graduates from high school and college.
“I enjoy teaching because I like seeing others pursue their education,” Ibarra said. “I want to become a teacher because I want students to have a fun time in learning and not a bad one.”
Ibarra shines in a classroom, especially in her favorite subject, history.
Ibarra is not part of any extracurricular activities, but has received two Principal Awards and two Cardinal Awards. Principal Awards are when you get a 4.0 GPA for a semester, and Cardinal Awards are when you have a 3.5 GPA for a semester.
Her favorite teacher is Mrs. Navarro, who has inspired her by being very one-on-one with students and being very easy to talk to, along with how much she cares about her students.
“Sayralisset is a great student to have in the classroom. She has a great personality, is a fun student to have, very respectful, and always wants to learn,” Navarro said.
Ibarra is determined to graduate in the 2026 class along with her peers.
“She’s smart and a great influence, she helps when I struggle at work, and she’s always a great support to those around her,” said friend Daisy Cruz.
Ibarra dreams of being an elementary school teacher to inspire the young and watch them grow into outstanding people in society.
She plans to attend a four-year university after high school to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher. She is stuck between going to CSU Bakersfield and UC Santa Barbara.
In 5-10 years, Ibarra said she sees herself working somewhere outside of Porterville.
“I see myself somewhere far away from Porterville, having a job as an elementary school teacher to teach kids and introduce them to new things and dreams, in hopes of inspiring them to be outstanding students like I was,” she said.
