Mesa Verde 7th Grader Hopes to Sing, Write and Help Others

Posted on April 22, 2011

A future in singing, a career in journalism, traveling the world and helping people in need are just a few of 12-year-old Isabel Illingworth-Guerra’s future aspirations.

Illingworth-Guerra, a 7th grader at Mesa Verde Middle School in Rancho Penasquitos, was recently crowned 7th Grade Princess after being nominated by her homeroom teacher. The award is based on a student’s character and academic standing. Nominees are required to write an essay, which is then voted on by all 7th grade students.

“I wrote [about] how school is a priority, how I contribute to a positive social setting on campus, and what I do to help out in the community,” said Illingworth-Guerra, who is the daughter of Karla and Ken Hoelscher, and Gidalthi Illingworth.

But of all the things in the world, Illingworth-Guerra feels singing is her favorite. “I take vocal lessons…play guitar, and am currently learning piano,” she said, adding that she performed a solo at the school winter concert, and played the lead role in three different musicals – as well as the lead in “Macbeth Off Kilter” with the Mesa Verde Drama Troup.

In addition to singing, Illingworth-Guerra also loves to run, and plans to get into cross country events in the future.

In addition, the desire to help others is a huge part of Illingworth-Guerra’s personality. “I want to donate to charities, churches, shelters,” she said. “I want to open a no-kill animal shelter for any dog, cat or other animal in the future.”

Inspiration for Illingworth-Guerra comes from “God, my mom, step-dad, and Taylor Swift.” She finds encouragement from her family and church, who she said are always there when she needs them. In return, the pre-teen gives back by helping the kids in the ministry at Carmel Mountain Church where she “feels like a big sister to them.”