Arlette Saavedra

It should really come as no surprise Nacogdoches High School junior Arlette Saavedra has been named a Distinguished Student Leader.

“I love helping people,” Arlette said during an interview last week, while along the way, perfectly defining the idea of servant leadership.

To be named a Distinguished Student Leader, Arlette successfully completed the NatStuCo Student Leaders Program, earning national recognition as a National Student Council Distinguished Student Leader. Arlette is one of roughly 800 students in the nation to achieve this recognition. The program is sponsored by the National Student Council and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

Arlette’s involvement at NHS spans a number of groups and clubs. She’s been a member of the Dragon band program since sixth grade but she also provides key leadership in the student council at NHS where she is the recording secretary. Arlette is also a member of Key Club, Anime Club, Interact Club, French Club and French National Honor Society.

And if that’s not enough, she’s taking Pre-AP and AP classes as well and is part of the Stephen F. Austin State University STEM Academy.

The Nacogdoches native is the daughter of Rita Alvarez-Espinoza and Raul Saavedra-Reyes. Arlette has a sister who’s a sophomore at NHS, and a four-year-old brother. In addition to the busy schedule kept at NHS, Arlette’s hobbies include reading and dancing.

“Arlette is a wonderful student who is actively engaged in so many areas here at NHS,” said Stephen Autrey, principal at Nacogdoches High School. “‘Student leader’ aptly describes the impact she has on her campus community.

“She serves as one more example of the kind of students we have at NHS and what they’re all capable of accomplishing.”