Ariella Punaro discovered a passion for social justice in seventh grade through participation in their middle school Human Rights Club. That early experience sparked a commitment to advocacy and inclusion that continued throughout high school and shaped many of their leadership experiences.
During high school, Ariella worked to make their school community more welcoming and supportive for all students. They served as president of their school’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA), were an active member of the National Honor Society, and represented students on the district’s Inclusion and Belonging Committee. Through these roles, Ariella advocated for greater accessibility by supporting efforts to bring Braille signage into district schools, volunteered at local community events, and promoted the use of preferred names and pronouns to foster a more inclusive environment.
Ariella’s dedication to leadership, service, and academic excellence earned them several honors, including the Gianna Ondesko Memorial Scholarship, the Presidential Academic Excellence Award, the American Legion Growth Award, the Outstanding English Language Arts Student Award, and the Musician of the Year Award. These achievements reflect both their commitment to personal growth and their passion for improving the communities around them.
Throughout high school, Ariella worked to ensure that others had safe and welcoming spaces where they could feel valued, supported, and empowered to be themselves. As they begin their journey at Ithaca College, they hope to continue fostering inclusive communities, advocating for equity and belonging, and creating opportunities for others to thrive.