When Victor Diaz was named the STAR student at Yazoo County High School, it was an honor suited perfectly for him. The senior student truly shines with his academic success, commitment to athletics and outlook on life in general. There is something special within the 18-year-old that truly creates an aura within his presence.
He dedicates his time to achieving within the classroom. His passion for sports is contagious. He takes the time to think about his actions and speech. And his excitement about the future while appreciating the foundations created by those around him is noteworthy.
He truly is a star student and person in general.
The Yazoo County High School student is the son of Erta Ornelas and Victor Diaz Sr. Along with serving on the school’s Math Club, Beta Club and Student Government Association, he is also active on the track, cross country, tennis and soccer teams.
With a 3.97 GPA and an ACT score of 27, Diaz balances his hobbies, studies and athletics with precision. And his inquisitive spirit and desire to continue learning are two qualities evident in his speech and presence.
Diaz said he has a particular fondness for algebra and chemistry. While serving on the school’s Math Club, he had the opportunity to attend a competition where math problems weren’t the only lessons he learned.
“The way the math competition is structured brings out the creativeness with our team to help solve problems,” he said. “It’s a good practice to learn, how to work together as a team and groups.”
The concept of working as a team is nothing new for Diaz. It’s the comradery of the team that makes tennis, track, cross country and soccer so enjoyable for him.
“I especially enjoy tennis, not only for the comradery, but for the history of the sport as well,” Diaz said. “The different types of playing styles and techniques are what I like as well. I’ve played soccer all my life, which I also enjoy. But tennis holds a special place for me.”
Outside of school, Diaz also enjoys running leisurely.
“With track and cross country, running to me is like a metaphor for life,” he added.
After graduation, Diaz intends to attend Mississippi College to begin his pursuit in the medical field. For now, he wants to pursue a chemistry major with a medical science background.
“I am able to pursue a lot of different majors to get into medical school,” he said. “The deciding factor will be, if I don’t go to medical school, what else could I use as a degree to have a good career. There is a more analytical approach to science, so there are plenty of options which I will enjoy.”
Mentoring him in his career journey, chemistry instructor Gregory Winningham was selected by Diaz as his STAR Teacher when he earned the STAR Student honor earlier this year.
“Mr. Winningham was actually on track to become a dentist,” Diaz said. “Although I am not going into dentistry, I would like to go into medicine for either family medicine or psychology. Mr. Winningham is the chemistry and physical science teacher, and you can tell that he really loves what he is doing. He is a teacher who cares about the subject, the students, and how they learn. His applications and story mirror what I want to, and he was able to mentor me as well.”
And although Diaz admits he has a lot on his plate, he has not rushed through his high school career. He truly has made a commitment to soak up every moment.
“Something that I find myself trying to do a lot is to live in the present moment and absorb as much as you can,” Diaz said. “Always have a positive outlook to things. When things happen, never trust your first emotion. Always try to step back in retrospect and look at the bigger picture.”
When Diaz is not hitting the books or a field, he said he enjoys cooking with his mother.
“I love cooking, and my Mom influences me to do that as well,” he said. “I love having walks and cooking with her. I realize this might be one of the last times I get to do that with her, so I enjoy our times together.”
Diaz also enjoys writing and reading, especially author Ralph Waldo Emerson.
“Most of his work deals with nature, but it also teaches you to be bold,” Diaz said. “Don’t conform to the masses. Have a contrary view of a lot of things and to question what people say.”
Diaz was also one of two local students to attend the Cooperative Youth Leadership Program through Yazoo Valley. His academics and leadership and interview skills helped him be selected by a group of judges. After attending a workshop in Jackson among other winners from the state, he headed to Washington D.C., where he interacted with students from across the nation.
The future is truly wide open for Diaz. And with his determination, spirit and outlook, often credited beyond his years, the possibilities are endless.
