Zach Michelena ’24 is an excellent teammate.

“Zach constantly shows he is a ‘Man for Others’ in both small and big ways,” said Mock Trial Head Coach Holly Stout. “Often, he’s the one anticipating what’s needed of his mock trial teammates and working through testimony with them. He also is the first one to offer help of any kind to any of his classmates or coaches.”

Zach leads by example, and David Soto ’24 admires Zach’s dedication to helping others.

“I know that when I’m with him, like in Mock Trial, I see him give his all for the team,” David said. “He’s always trying to make sure that everyone knows their part, and helping us if we don’t. He puts in the work 24/7 in order to make sure that he can give us the best that he has.”

Zach’s hard work isn’t limited to Mock Trial. His journey through Jesuit allowed him to find new passions and expand his world by developing an aptitude for music.

“The greatest thing I’ve probably done here is learning an instrument,” Zach said. “You know, coming into the school, I didn’t know how to play an instrument. And through Mr. Cargile, I really got to get into that new world. It’s something that I never thought was really possible at such a later stage. You’re starting in high school, but, over the years I’ve mostly taught myself how to play and perform.”

Zach’s new skills have allowed him to incorporate himself into various facets of campus life.

“I’m the horn sergeant [of the marching band],” Zach said. “I was the baritone saxophone player during the funk band, I’m also the flute player during the evening orchestra, and I’m a flutist during symphonic band.”

Zach’s exploration won’t stop with music; he plans to carry the “Man for Others” motto after graduation by venturing into the legal field professionally.

“My goal is to become a lawyer,” Zach said. “I plan on doing political science in college and then going into law school afterward. I love mock trials. I love doing law.”

As Zach embarks on the next chapter in his life, his fellow Marauders know he’s set on a path to success.

“In the future, I think that Zach would make a great lawyer, or be great at anything he does,” David said. “Zach is just one of those people where if he puts his mind to it, then he can basically do anything he wants. He has the will to do that.”