If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to do it all, take a look at senior Gabi Balaratna ‘26. Whether she’s leading as Student Leadership Council President, performing on stage, or excelling academically, Gabi brings energy, passion, and purpose to everything she does.
At the center of it all is her commitment to the Dear Neighbor.
“I am passionate about serving the Dear Neighbor,” Gabi said—and at the Mount, that means every one of her classmates.
As Mount’s Student Council President, she has made it her mission to echo student voices and create a positive change within the school community. From bringing back beloved traditions such as Spirit Week kickoffs and Field Day to supporting student-driven initiatives, Gabi has focused on building a stronger sense of community.
That collaborative spirit defines her leadership style. She loves teamwork, always eager to hear others’ ideas and bring people together.
“I love a group project,” Balaratna said.
Under her leadership, she has not only strengthened school spirit but also raised funds for the Mount Mission Fund, helping provide opportunities for the entire community.
Gabi admits that time management didn’t come easily at first.
“I didn’t really have a choice but to figure it out,” she said.
Now, she relies on to-do lists and deadlines to stay on track.
Academically, Gabi has always pushed herself to thrive, receiving recognition as a National Merit Commended Student. While she loves math, her main passion is Spanish, where she has discovered a love for language and culture. Outside the classroom, she participates in activities such as Mathletes and Academic Bowl.
For Gabi, the Mount stage is home.
“The stage is where I truly feel the most like myself,” she said. From standout roles like Cosmo Brown in “Singin’ in the Rain” to her work as a student producer and director, Gabi has embraced every part of Mount theater. Her behind-the-scenes experience even helped lead to two sold-out shows—something the Mount theater hadn’t seen in years.
“She is so authentic on the stage,” Kaitlyn Cockerham ‘26 said.
Service is another important part of her Mount experience. Through programs like Women as Founders, Retreat leader, and the Arizona Immersion Trip, Gabi discovered a passion for immigration reform and social justice. These experiences pushed her beyond the “Mount bubble” and helped shape her perspective.
When asked to describe Gabi Balaratna in one word, Campus Minister Charlie Bates said, “Stupendous.”
Looking back, Gabi is most proud of her personal growth.
“I’ve learned not to be so hard on myself,” she said.
Over four years, she’s built confidence, resilience, and a stronger sense of who she is. If she had to sum up her high school experience in three words, Gabi chooses: busy, unforgettable, and friendship-filled.
