2022 Graduate Spotlight - Delyla Merced

Check out our interview with Delyla!

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What is your favorite memory at St. John's? 

"This is a really hard question for me, especially because I've been here for quite a while. A lot of things have stood out to me at this school, but I think my favorite memory throughout my whole St. Johns experience wouldn't be just one moment. Honestly, any kind of quality time that I've spent with my friends starts to bring back so many good memories that I know I will cherish and appreciate for the rest of my life."

What will you miss most about St. John's? 

"Most definitely the people and environment. I love the community of St. John's, and how everyone feels like a family."

​What advice do you have for the incoming 8th graders? 

​"My advice is to be yourself, and to not change for others. Persevere through the tough situations because trust me, this next year will most definitely have it's challenges. Enjoy your last year here, and don't take anything for granted. Use this year to become the best version of yourself, grow in your faith, and set an example for those who look up to you."

Who would you like to thank at St. John's?

"Definitely Mrs. Runge, Mrs. Rocans, and Mrs. Johnson. Obviously, I appreciate all of my teachers, and everything they've done for me, but especially these three. They have been the biggest inspirations (spiritually) for me. I couldn't be more thankful to have so many encouraging people in my life, helping me grow in my faith, as a friend, student, daughter, sister, and as a person. There aren't really words to explain how much of an impact they've had on my life, and I will forever be grateful to all of the teachers, faculty, and my classmates here who have supported me throughout the last 10 years of my life."

What high school will you be attending in the fall? 

"I will be attending Schaumburg Christian High School."

What are you excited for in high school?

"New beginnings. I can't wait to start over, as crazy as that sounds. I'm not a huge fan of change, but I feel like St. John's has prepared me for the next chapter of my life. I can't wait to take all that I've learned here, and use those skills to exceed throughout this new, upcoming season."

What is one hope you have for your future?

"I've always wanted to be a teacher. Through teaching, I hope to be an encouragement in the same way that my teachers have been to me." 

What is your favorite Bible verse? 

Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

I also really love Hebrews 10:35-36 which says: "Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise."

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Delyla, we will miss you at St. John's, but we are excited to see where God leads you in the future!