PERSONALITY. Senior Lupe Yamauchi is a proud polynesian women who is determined to leave Fort Osage better than she found it. “Hope people see me as kind or funny and that I just want them to know I have a can do attitude,” Yamauchi said.

Senior La’ulupelele Yamauchi wakes up with one goal in mind: to make someone smile today. She believes building a positive environment for herself and others is the foundation for progress and growth. She understands that school can be difficult at times, and she is determined to be the light at Fort Osage during her senior year.

Yamauchi looks up to her mom and gives her credit for the person she is today. Her mom inspired her to run for Student Council (STUCO) president as her mom was also STUCO president when she attended Fort Osage.  Yamauchi believes her main duty is to be a strong voice for students and staff. Some of Lupe’s president duties involve speaking at convocation before the school year and then completing little tasks for the district as the year goes on. Lupe desires a legacy she can be proud of during reflection.

“I hope I’m satisfied with how my legacy turns out on the school and I hope whenever I look back I can be happy with who I became and who I was,” Yamauchi said.

Lupe enjoys looking out for younger students. Freshman Emily Winingar has known Yamauchi for 4 years through basketball. More recently Winingar was able to reconnect with Yamauchi through working on the same STUCO committee. Winingar knows she can count on Yamauchi to listen and help her no matter what and believes her positive energy will be missed next year.

“She’s kind and caring and always checks up on me,” Winingar said. “I think she’s made it more positive and encouraging for people to show up.”

Lupe’s peers see her as a light in the school. Senior Seina Sullivan has known Yamauchi since elementary school. Sullivan remembers Lupe as being a leader and a positive person to look up to.

“ Lupe has been impacted by just being the light in our school ever since elementary school. She has just been so kind and thoughtful,” Sullivan said. “She’s been a great leader throughout my life.”

Yamauchi thanks her family, friends, and teachers for all the support they provide her. Yamauchi is also very proud of her Polynesian culture and strongly involved in outside activities to express her heritage and religion. While at Fort Osage Lupe has been involved in Choir, Rugby, Volleyball, Basketball, You Be You, National Honors Society, and Student Council. Yamauchi feels it’s important to connect with all students, even freshmen, and help them learn from your experiences.

“Get your work done early, don’t procrastinate,” Yamauchi said.

After graduation, she plans on going on a mission trip for the church of Jesus Christ of Nazareth and after returning go on to attend college. Her environment around her will change but her goal of being a light for others will remain the same.