Morgan Russo
Finding My Place and Helping Others Find Theirs
At JPII, I found a place to belong, ways to lead, and a clearer path toward my goal of becoming a veterinarian.
At a glance
- Name: Morgan Russo
- Class of: 2027
- Hometown: Allen, Texas
- Before JPII: St. Mark Catholic School
- Activities: Varsity Soccer, Student Council, Ambassadors, National Honor Society, Cardinal Mentors
- Main passion: Animals and veterinary medicine
- Favorite JPII tradition: Homecoming Week
- Plans after JPII: Study animal science on a pre-veterinary track, attend veterinary school, and become a veterinarian working with large or mixed animals
Meet the People of JPII
Morgan Russo, Class of 2027, shares how finding a welcoming community at JPII led her to varsity soccer, student leadership, and Cardinal Mentors, while her lifelong love of animals is shaping a future in veterinary medicine.
When I first visited John Paul II High School, I felt welcomed right away. I first heard about JPII through a family friend, and my older sister, Taylor, also attended and graduated from here. But being on campus for myself made the biggest difference. It felt like a place where I belonged.
That feeling has stayed with me. JPII has helped me grow as a student and as a person. My teachers care about their students, and the friendships and opportunities I have found here have made my high school experience one I will always remember.
Home starts in Allen
I am from Allen, Texas, and my family is a big part of my life. My sister, Taylor, is now at Texas Tech University, where she is studying nursing. My mom joined the Army right out of high school, and my dad works in finance with Fisher Investments. My family loves JPII and tries to be involved as much as we can.
At home, I also have my dog, Ruby. I would say she is my best friend most of the time.
Finding my place by getting involved
One of the best ways I found my place at JPII was by getting involved. I play varsity soccer and take part in Student Council, Ambassadors, National Honor Society, and Cardinal Mentors.
Each activity has given me a different way to meet people and be part of the school. Being involved has also helped me build leadership skills and learn how to make a positive difference in my community.
For me, leadership is not just about having a title. I want to be someone who shows up, helps others, and sets a good example. That matters even more as I get closer to my senior year.
“JPII gave me a place where I felt welcomed. Before I leave, I want to help make sure other students can feel that same sense of belonging.”
The week I always look forward to
My favorite JPII tradition is Homecoming Week. I love seeing everyone take part in the themed dress days, cheer for our sports teams, and come together to celebrate Cardinal spirit.
That is one of the things I like most about JPII. There are students with all kinds of interests, but there are moments when the whole school feels connected. Homecoming Week is one of those times for me.
A future working with animals
Animals have always been a big part of my life, and veterinary medicine is what I am most passionate about. I have loved animals for as long as I can remember, and that interest has grown into something I want to make a career of.
Through volunteering and learning more about animal care, I have come to understand that being a veterinarian is about more than treating animals. Communication matters too. You have to help owners understand what is happening and what their animal needs.
There is still a lot I want to learn. I am especially interested in surgery and the different specialties within veterinary medicine.
After JPII, I plan to attend college and major in animal science on a pre-veterinary track. My goal is to continue in veterinary school, earn my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, and eventually become a veterinarian who works with large or mixed animals.
Trying something new
I know what I want to study, but I also want to keep trying new things.
Photography is something I would like to explore. I want to improve my picture-taking skills and learn to better capture moments.
I would also like to learn golf and become good enough to really enjoy it. It seems like something I could do with friends and family for years, even after high school.
What I want to leave behind
Before I graduate, I want to leave a positive impact on JPII by serving others and being a leader that younger students can look up to.
I also want to make the most of every opportunity during my senior year. I want to spend time with my classmates, try new things, and create memories that will last after graduation.
JPII gave me a place where I felt welcomed. Before I leave, I want to help ensure other students feel the same sense of belonging.
