As part of our 20th Anniversary, we are proud to highlight former students of Holy Cross Anglican School and where they are today. Through their stories, we celebrate the impact of education, community, and the opportunities that have helped shape their journeys.
Viviana Paredes
My journey with Holy Cross has truly come full circle. I first attended Holy Cross during the 2007–2008 school year. Although I was only there for one year, the impact it had on my family and me has stayed with me ever since.
After my time at Holy Cross, I continued on to high school and later entered the workforce after graduating. While I may not point to specific academic skills gained during that year, what stands out most to me is the strong sense of support I experienced, especially through the school’s volunteers and programs that directly impacted my daily life.
One of the most important parts of my experience was the feeding program. It played a vital role in my life and my family’s well-being, ensuring that I had meals while my mother was working. This support removed a major burden from our household and made a real difference during that time.
Equally meaningful was the support provided by volunteers. Volunteers helped my siblings and me with our homework, which was especially important since my mother only speaks Spanish. Their patience, guidance, and willingness to help made a lasting impact on my learning experience and my confidence as a student.
I also remember that during my time at Holy Cross, volunteers were actively building new classrooms to expand the school. It was inspiring to witness that effort firsthand, knowing it would create more opportunities for children in the community to access education.
One of my favorite memories is the Easter egg hunt held on the empty lot next to the school. I remember the excitement of seeing so many eggs scattered across the property—it was a simple but joyful moment that reflects the warmth and community spirit of Holy Cross.
Another memory that always stands out to me is seeing crocodiles in the water next to the school. At that time, the campus was much smaller and built along the lagoon, so we could sometimes look out from our classroom windows and see them nearby. It was something we grew used to, but looking back, it was a very unique part of the experience. As the campus has grown, they are not as common or as close as they once were.
Today, I serve as the Office Manager for the Holy Cross Education Foundation, and I have now been working at the school for 10 years. Coming back to work here has been deeply meaningful, as it allows me to give back to the same community that once supported me.
Over the years, I have worked with many incredible children and families, and I am always happy to see them grow—whether in their education, their work, or whatever path they are now on. I truly enjoy seeing where life has taken them. I am also very excited about these features and stories, as they give me the opportunity to see and reflect on some of those journeys.
I have also had the opportunity to work with many incredible people and volunteer teams, especially in my role as volunteer coordinator. Through this work, I have connected with people from different backgrounds and helped facilitate meaningful experiences between volunteers, students, and the wider school community.
I truly value being part of the Holy Cross experience and being able to share both the school and the culture of Belize with others. Working alongside volunteers continues to be one of the most rewarding parts of my role.
My experience at Holy Cross didn’t just prepare me academically—it showed me the importance of community, support, and service. That foundation has influenced my career path and led me to work in an environment where I can now give back.
I also recognize that continuing education can be challenging for many families. The cost of schooling is a major concern, and I personally joined the workforce after high school because my family was not able to continue supporting my education. I hope to see greater access to resources and opportunities for students in the future.
My advice to current and future students is to set goals for themselves. These don’t have to be big life goals—small, positive steps can make a meaningful difference and help guide them toward their future.
Holy Cross has been an important part of my story, and I am grateful to now be in a position where I can give back to the same community that once supported me.
Gabriel Zetina
From a student who once disliked school to a national leader and entrepreneur, Gabriel Zetina’s journey is a powerful reflection of how the right environment can transform a life.
Gabriel began his time at Holy Cross in September 2007 and graduated in 2011. Before arriving, school was not something he enjoyed. In fact, he recalls struggling both academically and emotionally with the idea of attending classes. But that quickly changed.
“Coming to Holy Cross, I learned how important an education is,” he shared. “It went from feeling like I had to go to school, to actually wanting to go.”
This shift marked a turning point. With renewed motivation, Gabriel not only began to engage in his studies but also developed a genuine love for learning—something that would shape his future in meaningful ways.
One of his fondest memories is the school’s feeding program, which he describes as something truly special and unique. “I used to look forward to the lunches every day,” he said. Alongside this, the school’s computer lab stood out as one of the best in the country at the time, helping to nurture his early interest in technology.
Beyond programs and facilities, it was the people at Holy Cross who left the greatest impact. Gabriel credits several teachers for helping guide his path, especially Mr. Coba and Ms. Joy. “Mr. Coba made me love school again and kept me coming back,” he explained. “Ms. Joy gave so much of her time—staying after school, helping us prepare, even joining us in activities outside the classroom. They didn’t have to, but they did.”
Their patience, dedication, and belief in their students helped shape Gabriel into the person he is today.
After graduating from Holy Cross, Gabriel went on to complete high school and then entered the workforce. Today, he holds multiple roles, including serving as a Senator at the National Assembly—something he describes as his proudest achievement. In addition, he is a business owner and partner in several companies.
Reflecting on his journey, Gabriel is clear about the role Holy Cross played in his success. “If Holy Cross wasn’t there, I would have been in big trouble,” he admitted. “It completely changed my mindset.”
Looking ahead, he remains open to continued learning and would consider returning to school for specific courses that align with his interests.
Gabriel also offers thoughtful suggestions for the future of education. He emphasizes the importance of patience in teaching, noting how impactful it was in his own experience. He also encourages schools to expand their curriculum to include more creative and technology-driven subjects, such as photography, videography, and music—fields that are increasingly relevant in today’s world.
His story is a testament to the power of education, mentorship, and opportunity. It is also a reminder that with the right support, every student has the potential to succeed.
We are incredibly proud to share our own journeys—Gabriel Zetina’s and mine—and all that we have accomplished since our time at Holy Cross. Our experiences reflect the lasting impact of the education and supportive community that helped shape who we are today.
Stay tuned for next month’s “Where Are They Now?” feature as we continue to celebrate our graduates and the paths they are forging beyond Holy Cross Anglican School.
