For those who do not know Sascha Portero, she was the Puffins’ freshman class president and is now currently a sophomore ambassador. Besides her excellent leadership skills and focus on academics, her passion for music has created a new and exciting opportunity for her.

At Heritage Oak, Sascha’s elementary school, they taught all students how to play the violin; however, only a few people continued to play it outside of school. “I started playing the violin in second grade and have been playing it for eight years. I appreciate the discipline it showed me at a young age and the opportunities it has created for me now,” she reflected.

This past summer, Sascha had been auditioning for PYSO, the Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra. One of Sascha’s friends, Theresa Ceman, gives insight to how hard the process was for Sascha: “I know Sascha had to stay up really late to be able to practice the violin and finish her homework, especially on days she had cheer.”

Thankfully, all of the long nights and stressful practices paid off because Sascha was accepted into PYSO’s highest, most prestigious orchestra, the Pasadena Philharmonic. “The Philharmonic is really well known in the Los Angeles area, and it is a great honor to be a part of this orchestra,” Sascha explains. Many members of the Philharmonic get accepted into USC’s music program, which is Sascha’s dream school.

Sascha is extremely excited about her acceptance into the Philharmonic and the entire Rosary community is proud of her outstanding achievement.