Though the number of our community members in attendance were limited, something that took place on the track surrounding the football field inside Santa Barbara Community College’s La Playa Stadium offered a unique glimpse into the world of multi-talented San Marino High School junior Stella Yao.
Representing both the Titan Marching Band and Titanium Robotics, Yao alternated between playing the flute and helping drive and launch from (Ti)Rone, the club’s t-shirt-firing cannon. Sometimes just a half a beat apart. The flute went down as Stella checked (Ti)Rone’s firing capability. A touchdown later, she rejoined the band.
And this is just the beginning of Yao’s exemplary skillset. She is an accomplished dancer, quietly participates in multiple charities and last weekend, was acknowledged at the Chinese Culture Development Center in Alhambra with an exhibition of her paintings and artwork.
Stella steadfastly follows an inspirational saying that encourages us to “Be Somebody Who Makes Everybody Feel Like A Somebody” and can be seen late at night in the Robotics room, safety glasses on, or course.
When the season came to an end last spring, she composed an uplifting letter to teammates, praising their spirit and enthusiasm – much of which emanated from her leadership.
In her spare time, Stella volunteers at the Pasadena Humane Society and bakes treats for dogs who are boarded there.
Her impressive body of work isn’t lost on her legion of fans and friends.
“Stella is a really committed and driven person,” said Brian Wu, a fellow junior. “She works hard and her attitude is amazing. She is really good at working in teams with people she may not necessarily know very well and that is representative of her compassion and caring nature to people in general. She’s kind and genuine, and really good at putting aside her own worries or problems to make someone else feel better or happier.”
Wu also mentioned Stella’s drum major candidacy, which he supports.
“For as long as I have known Stella, she is as hard working as anyone can be,” said senior Wesley Su, who was right next to Stella on the track in Santa Barbara repping both the band and Robotics. “She always has a smile on her face and is supportive of the people around her. She is an excellent artist and a phenomenal flautist. She has made my time in high school so much more enjoyable.”
Junior William Cockrum shares the sentiment.
“I have worked with Stella quite a bit in the school robotics team,” said Cockrum. “She is very good at what she does and has great knowledge of many mechanical subjects, so I know I can always rely on her if I need help. She has a great energy and every time she is around, something fun is happening.”
Senior Raymond Liu is also “Robotics buds” with Stella.
“Her attitude is delightful, all the time,” said Liu. “It’s infectious. Her work ethic is ridiculous, it’ll be her fatal flaw, for she actually doesn’t give up. She wins armfuls of trophies in dance, studies watercolor under George Zhou and her pumpkin pies are great.”
Rumor has it that her Snickerdoodles are of equal quality.
Stella is the daughter of Tracy and Jack Yao.
