She is a jack of all trades and a rare master of them all as well, and for her substantial accomplishments, San Marino High School senior Skyler Pak last week was named Rotary Student of the Month for October.
“This is a great honor,” Skyler told The Tribune. “The activities I immerse myself in are ones I do because I love them; I don’t do them for recognition. However, it’s heartwarming to see that my contributions to the community make a difference.”
Skyler is in her second year as editor of San Marino High School’s Titan Shield newspaper, was a member of the Student Wellness council for a year, served on the school’s WASC Accreditation Committee and is in her second year as a Link Crew leader. She is also a member of the Titan track team and is in her second year as varsity sprints captain. Skyler was also a competitive gymnast for nine years before she packed away the chalk.
“I loved it and am grateful for the experience, but training for 36 hours every week didn’t give me much time to participate in school activities.,” Skyler said. “I’m glad I can still be in touch with sports, but now I can also be actively involved with my community.”
In that tone, Skyler is a member of National Charity League, an organization for which she expresses a great deal of passion.
“I enjoy volunteering at Main Street Attraction—a thrift shop our San Marino Chapter runs—Los Angeles County USC Medical Center, the Pasadena Senior Center, the Pasadena Ronald McDonald House, Ability First and the San Marino Unified School District’s kindergarten classrooms.”
She also volunteers for “Down But Not Out,” a nonprofit organization that provides support to the homeless on Skid Row.
“I go to Skid Row on Thursday nights with my mom to distribute clothing, hygiene products, and food,” Skyler said.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, running, hiking, reading, and writing.
Skyler is the daughter of Charles and Rene Kae Pak. Her sister, Blake, is a junior at San Marino High School and Skyler hopes to attend USC and major in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics after graduation.
“It’s called PPE,” Skyler said. “It’s all one major.”
Until then, Skyler majors in “leadership.”
“Over the last few years, I have enjoyed being a leader and role model at SMHS,” she said. “I want to continue leading by example in college and ultimately, I just want to help people and spread a little more joy into the world. This is always how I have approached life, and I intend to continue to do so.”
