For Liliana Ramos, communication is everything. Whether she’s competing on the speech team, sculpting in the art studio, or diving into literature, she thrives in spaces where she can express ideas, challenge perspectives, and create something meaningful.

As a senior at Byron High School, Liliana has spent the last four years immersing herself in activities that push her to grow. She just wrapped up her season on the speech team, where she competed at the state level, placing 14th in her category—a major accomplishment in a highly competitive field. Her speech, a deeply personal and thought-provoking piece, tackled the idea of girls growing up too fast, exploring the societal pressures young women face in today’s world.

“I talked about how societal standards force girls to mature before they really should,” she said. “It’s something that affects so many of us, and I wanted to bring awareness to it.”

Her ability to communicate complex issues with clarity and emotion has been sharpened through years of speech competitions. Each performance isn’t just about memorization and delivery—it’s about refining arguments, receiving feedback, and constantly improving.

“You get critiques from judges at every tournament,” she explained. “Then you go back, make adjustments, and keep working on it. It’s a process that makes you a stronger speaker and thinker.”

Her coach, Mrs. McHale, played a key role in her success, providing both technical coaching and unwavering support.

“She’s been such an important influence,” Liliana said. “Not just for speech, but in helping me with applications, writing, and personal growth.”

Beyond speech, writing and literature have been equally impactful for her. As a student in AP Literature, she’s developed a deep appreciation for storytelling, analysis, and the ability to articulate ideas in writing.

“I love our English program,” she said. “The teachers here are incredible, and they’ve helped me become a better writer and communicator.”

That ability to express herself doesn’t stop with words—it extends into her art as well.

Liliana is an artist in more ways than one. While she enjoys drawing, sculpting and working in 3D materials are where she truly thrives.

“I love working with different materials and creating things that are tangible,” she said.

Through Byron’s art program, she has had the chance to showcase her work in competitions like the BNC Art Show, where students from multiple schools submit pieces for judging. She has also been inspired by artists like Dale Chihuly, whose blown-glass sculptures have influenced her own experiments with melted plastic sculptures.

“I took inspiration from Chihuly’s work,” she explained. “I’ve been using melted plastic to create spirals and abstract forms, kind of mimicking his approach.”

Her art teacher, Ms. Driscoll, has encouraged her to push creative boundaries, experiment with new media, and develop her own artistic style.

“It’s been amazing to explore different techniques and learn from incredible teachers,” she said.

As Liliana looks toward her future, her passion for communication and creativity is shaping her next steps. She has committed to Illinois State University, where she will major in elementary education, embracing a career that allows her to support, inspire, and guide young students.

“I’ve had so many amazing teachers who shaped my experience,” she said. “They’ve made such a difference in my life, and I want to be that person for someone else.”

Her decision was strongly influenced by Mrs. Fryer, Byron’s consumer science teacher, who leads the school’s education classes. Through courses like child development and child care, Liliana has gained hands-on experience working with students in elementary and middle school settings.

“I’ve been able to shadow teachers, observe classrooms, and even teach lessons,” she said. “It confirmed for me that teaching is where I belong.”

But beyond academics, Liliana has developed a deep appreciation for empathy and connection—values she hopes to carry into her future career.

Throughout her high school years, Liliana has come to see empathy as one of the most important qualities a person can have.

“I think it’s so important to connect with different kinds of people,” she said. “In today’s world, there’s so much happening—so many struggles that people face. We’ve lost some of our ability to be empathetic, and that’s something we need to work on.”

She believes that true understanding comes from listening, learning, and being open to different perspectives—whether through speech, literature, or simply personal interactions.

“I want people to know that they have someone who supports them,” she said. “When I have my own classroom, I want my students to feel like if they don’t have anyone else, they have me.”

For Liliana, education isn’t just about teaching facts—it’s about helping students find their voice, believe in themselves, and know they matter.

And as she steps into the next phase of her journey, she’s ready to be that role model, that teacher, that source of support—just as so many have been for her.