Martin Luther King Jr. said that one of life’s most persistent and urgent questions is, “What are you doing for others?”
This would be an easy answer for senior Regina Mora. Her high school career at Ozark Catholic Academy is full of examples where Mora has been doing for others and preparing herself for a career in service.
Mora attended St. Vincent de Paul School in Rogers, where she graduated. She said she chose to continue her Catholic education and go to OCA because she wanted to be able to continue to receive the sacraments.
“I also liked the smallness of the school and the personal relationships I could form because of the size,” she said.
Mora also wasn’t shy about getting involved. She participated in dance, archery and volleyball, while also expanding her horizons in clubs such as Letters of Love and the Art Club. Mora even pushed herself beyond her comfort zone to perform a monologue for her drama class’s production of “Evening of the Arts at OCA.”
But it was her role as president of the National Honor Society where Mora really flexed her leadership muscles.
College preparedness counselor Caroline Elser said, “Regina led several dozen high school students and that is no easy feat, even for adults…. She was the first person to volunteer and always followed through on her word. She has a heart for service.”
Through NHS, Mora organized students in making cards for the elderly at a local nursing home, hosted several fundraisers and sold candy-grams to increase friendship at the school.
Another class that Mora found herself enjoying while developing her photography skills was being on the yearbook staff. Mora was one of two photo editors, allowing the school to create two books in one year.
“Regina knows how to lead so that others will follow her,” faculty yearbook adviser Nicole Doke said. “Her sincere personality leads to a positive environment that others want to be a part of, and I imagine she will continue to evangelize through her future vocation in nursing.”
Following graduation, Mora, daughter of Jose and Maria Mora, plans to attend John Brown University in the fall to pursue a degree in nursing. Her goal is to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA).
Mora’s dedication to serving others has set her on a path to do more of the same in her career choice.
“Don’t worry about what others think of you, believe in yourself and work hard,” Mora advised.
Elser added, “As someone who has spent much of her time in high school volunteering and serving others, it makes sense that she is going into a profession dedicated to caring for others. She is humble and kind and is led in everything by her Catholic faith. She is just the kind of person you would want caring for you or a loved one if ill or injured.”
