Stella Paccione is stellar. In every sense of the word, Stella is an exceptional person who’s had an exceptional impact on our school. Whether she is fighting for what she believes in or just hanging with friends, Stella brings a positive energy to everything she does.

Anyone that knows Stella knows that when she cares about something, she puts her all into it. As president of the Amnesty International club, a student organization focused on social justice and advocacy, she spearheads meetings focused on educating members about human rights injustices around the world.

Stella’s activism extends far beyond the club, though. Over her summer breaks, she volunteers with Refugee Hope Partners, a Raleigh organization working to support refugees through their transition to life in the United States by providing resources and community to families. She also volunteers with Duke’s Smile Together program, which works to help kids with cleft and craniofacial conditions. The organization connected her with a 10-year-old to mentor, but Stella says, “[my kid] honestly mentored me more than I mentored her, I learned so much from her.”

Long time friend Savannah Gazda says that the two frequently converse about social justice, “I have seen [Stella] go on tangents and tangents about the things that she cares about, the things that she wants to change, and the things that she wants to do for the world.”

What does Stella care about? What does she want to change about the world?

To sum it up, a lot. Savannah notes, “It’s hard to think of something she wouldn’t be passionate about.” Much of Stella’s activism is focused on equality in education but she also takes interest in mental health and disability advocacy, and global human rights issues. Mainly, Stella says that she just wants to help people in any way that she can.

Some may argue that Stella is already well on her way to completing this goal of helping people. As a friend, student, and member of Enloe’s community, her positivity radiates well beyond herself and impacts anyone who interacts with her. 

Her friend, Ananya Menon says, “She’s just so perceptive to others’ emotions, she always knows the right thing to say.” Savannah echoes this sentiment, “She’s probably the most considerate person I know, she’s always the first person to ask how you’re doing.”

Even past her intentional acts of kindness and friendship, there’s something about Stella that immediately lights up rooms when she enters. In fact, Savannah literally describes Stella as “magical,” saying, “She’s just a magical person, I don’t know how else to describe it.” Stella’s former teacher, Mr. Landesman describes her similarly, “She is one of the most positive people I have ever met and she just brings a light to the day.” 

Mr. Landesman also describes Stella as “incredibly hardworking, but not to the point that it stresses her out.” Stella notes that she has struggled with the balance between working hard in school/extracurriculars and taking time for herself. She says one of her biggest accomplishments in high school was her personal growth, “I’ve become more comfortable in who I am and accepting that I don’t have to be the perfect student, I can be nerdy but also disorganized at the same time.”

In her free time, Stella loves to read, listen to music, and watch TV. Specifically she enjoys rewatching her favorite sitcoms/shows like “Modern Family,” “Schitt’s Creek,” and “Bluey”—her love of “Bluey” is especially important to note, influencing at least one of her friends to watch the show. 

Stella has so much ahead of her and no one has any doubt that she will reach her goal to help people and change the world. Whether she becomes a lawyer fighting for human rights or the leader of a non-profit, she’ll put her best effort forward and create meaningful change. 

We at The Eagle’s Eye wish her well wherever she goes to college and in her future endeavors, wherever they may take her. We know you’ll do great things Stella, but don’t take it from us.

“The world is at [Stella’s] feet and I see her as someone that’s truly going to break the glass ceiling. I am extremely proud of her.” – Mr. Landesman

“I have no doubts that [Stella] will get her opportunity to take big action and help to end major world issues.” – Savannah Gazda

“[Stella] is really just such a force to be reckoned with, I know she’ll be successful no matter what.”  – Ananya Menon