As the school year proceeds Eagles at South El Monte High School continue to excel. Cielo Portillo student athlete of SEMHS has been involved in sports for the last three years and continues to do so this year.

 Sports have always been a part of Cielo’s life. When Cielo was a child she was part of a gymnastics and soccer team. As she began middle school however she began to show interest in wrestling. This interest led to her appreciation for the sport. Cielo has practiced wrestling at SEMHS for three years now. She is the female captain of the wrestling team and led the team to CSF last year.  Cielo currently has a GPA of 4.15. After high school she plans on continuing her education in college. 

She like other students, has faced challenges too. Her biggest regret goes back to freshman year. She explains how the second semester of freshman year she failed academically due to the loss of her beloved grandmother. This academic challenge has followed her throughout the years. She has had to work twice as hard to make up for the work she missed. 

On another note, Cielo likes to stay home and relax. She is in fact excited for graduation day. She states, “For senior year I am excited for graduation day because I am excited to see what the future holds for my life.” Cielo is ready to start focusing on her career however she will miss wrestling at school. 

She does want to thank her mom for being her number one supporter throughout her high school career, in addition to her aunt and uncle who have been there for academic support. Coach Ray has also been an important figure for Cielo. She claims, “ He’s a father figure to everyone and is the most dedicated coach and school staff member.” Cielo has proven with her perseverance that adversity is part of the process on the road to success.