Giovanna Hunter has a love for leadership. If there’s an opportunity, she’ll take it! Hunter was voted as one of Millbrook’s Outstanding Seniors for the class of 2025. It was well deserved, and Hunter has made a significant impact at Millbrook in her four years. She’s involved in several leadership roles within the school, and participates in athletics, all while maintaining impressive grades.
Hunter’s most significant accomplishment at Millbrook is her involvement in the Student Council. Hunter was elected freshman, sophomore, and Millbrook Executive Board (MEB) President. Her commitment to bettering student life was her motivation, “I just love making school exciting for students, we come here to learn, but it doesn’t hurt to have some fun!”
Throughout her years as president, Hunter planned Homecoming, Winterfest, and Donation Drives. Senior Dulce Marban, MEB’s Vice President along with Hunter said, “Serving on the Millbrook Executive Board with Giovanna has been amazing. She makes sure no one feels alone in any situation or circumstance. I don’t think I can imagine anyone else being president as she does an amazing job.”
Hunter has extremely dedicated herself to Millbrook student life, and she was officially recognized for her hard work at Millbrook’s Senior Assembly last year where she received a ceremonial gavel. Senior Lucy Ellis, who also serves on MEB, said, “Giovanna is hardworking and cares about people. She’s the kind of person who truly listens.” Hunter is also a part of the Millbrook Ambassadors program. As an ambassador, she talks to parents and answers questions about Millbrook. Hunter describes her experience as “I’ve been involved in virtually every aspect of Millbrook which gives me the ability to answer most questions parents have. I love talking about Millbrook and representing the school!”
Hunter’s leadership doesn’t stop in school. Hunter is a Youth Attorney and was a governor’s page. Hunter plans on majoring in political science, and then going to law school so she can become a lawyer and eventually a politician.
Inside the classroom Hunter is a high-performing student. She’s a member of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program. Which is a very rigorous curriculum that involves a heavy workload and a 4,000-word extended essay that is written over the course of two years. Lauren Geneskey, Hunter’s IB Language and Literature Two teacher said, “Giovanna is very welcoming to all students, she engages group members and always seeks a challenge. She’s the type of person who will explain a concept to a struggling classmate with clarity and compassion. I think that’s what makes her stand out, she’s just always willing to help people.” For her IB CAS project, Hunter worked with fellow senior Nick Ward and interviewed two of her favorite anthropologists and two city council members about gentrification in NC and how it disproportionately affects black individuals. When asked what she likes about learning, Hunter said, “I love a good challenge, and I get that every day I enter the classroom. I don’t mind being pushed, and it’s honestly so fun since I get to solve problems alongside some of my closest friends and favorite teachers.”
Hunter is also heavily involved in Millbrook athletics. She’s been a part of the softball team since her freshman year. A journey that involved a lot of growth. Hunter played softball before she entered high school, however, it was two years on the school’s team that pushed her to take it more seriously, “I just really wanted to improve my skills, so I joined a summer softball travel team, putting in that work made me significantly more competitive when I returned next year.”
Hunter played on the varsity softball team, and she was awarded the Academic All-Conference. Hunter comes from a sports background, with an older brother who played collegiate lacrosse, so she always found enjoyment in sports. When asked what her proudest moment has been on her softball journey she said, “My junior year when I hit my first triple, I felt really proud of myself since I had put so much work in prior.” Hunter’s dedication and grind for her sport is admirable, and shows that she isn’t afraid to venture out. That’s why her junior year she also participated in the Powder Puff football game, which led to this year trying out for the Millbrook’s Girl’s Flag Football team. She made the team and started as a linebacker.
“I had so much fun playing flag football this year, I was so excited to learn new skills.”
Needless to say, Hunter has had a very successful time at Millbrook. She was accepted into the University of Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), and is feeling hopeful about some of her other schools. Her kindness and leadership will forever be appreciated!
