Hi, my name is Cairo Sterns. Some of you may know my parents, Brigg and Endyia Sterns, even if you don’t know me personally. I’m a senior at Live Oak Classical School in Waco, Texas, graduating with the Class of 2026. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, and about two years ago my family moved to Waco to be closer to my grandparents as they got older. That move showed me how much my parents are willing to sacrifice for family, and I’ve seen them give of themselves over and over again, for my brother, for me, and for so many others. Because of that, I want to take responsibility and raise money for my senior trip to Italy instead of leaving the full cost up to them. I want this trip to be something I earn and a gift back to them.

Academically, I have a 4.0 GPA and was named a TAPPS Academic All-State Athlete for maintaining a 90+ average while competing at the state level. I’ve played varsity tennis all four years of high school and helped my team win the TAPPS State Championship my junior year. I also placed 3rd in Boys Singles at State and 1st at Regionals, and I compete nationally through USTA with multiple first-place singles titles.

I’m passionate about the arts and music. I’m the lead flutist and previously earned a Superior Rating at the National Trills and Thrills Festival. I'm a featured guest solo flutist with my school’s handbell ensemble, and I placed 2nd in Poetry Interpretation at the TAPPS Fine Arts State Championship. Service is important to me, and I received the St. Catherine of Siena Service Award after volunteering countless hours with organizations like the Waco Symphony Orchestra, Fuzzy Friends Rescue, Salvation Army, and others.

I’m also involved in leadership and mentorship programs through my school and church, where I get to support and serve younger students. In my free time, I enjoy classical music, anime, theology, philosophy, and coding.

This senior trip will take me to some of the most historic and meaningful places in the world, Rome, Assisi, Florence, Pisa, the Vatican, Capri, Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, and more. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime educational and cultural experience, and I would be incredibly grateful for any support in helping me earn my way there.

Thank you for reading and for supporting me in any way you can whether through donating or sharing!