“I want people to know me as a man of fe (faith) and alegria (joy),” Cervantes said. “And a man of musica (music).”

Cervantes, a senior at Fort Dodge Senior High School, has enjoyed his time as a Dodger, whether it be in band, on stage, singing, or just simply helping others.

But what drives Cervantes is his faith.

Cervantes and his friends enjoy Sundays in the church pews, attending each other’s churches and others.

“When I was younger I went to a Catholic church, I never went to other churches,” Cervantes said. “Until God called me to other churches. For Bible study I go to Trinity United Methodist Church where I made really good friendships with everyone at church.

“God has moved so much in my life. I’m really blessed and humble for his grace. I want to thank Laura Stover for making everything fun.”

Cervantes is heavily involved in music with band, marching band, and choir. He also enjoys time on the stage with fall plays and musicals as well as speech.

He is also in the Mejor Juntos club as well as Diversity Action Troupe and Dodger Senate.

In the marching band Cervantes has gained many friendships.

“The marching band means a lot to me,” Cervantes said. “Friendships grow and I’ve met new people throughout the marching season.

“I’ve built so many relationships with my friends. We built them through ups and downs in the marching season and it brings me so much joy and peace.”

In Mejor Juntos students help other students to speak English.

“Mejor Juntos es un club que ayuda a estudiantes de ingles como segunda lengua de cualquier nivel,” Cervantes said. “Tambien ayudamos a estudiantes de secundaria que no saben mucho ingles. Les ayudamos con las tareas y los acompanamos a clase si son nuevos en la escuela.

“Este club me da mucha alegria al saber que soy un modelo a seguir para los estudiantes mas jovenes.”

“It’s a club that assists ELL students from any grade level,” Cervantes said. “We also help high school students that don’t know much English. We help them with homework, taking them to class if they are new to the school.

“This club brings me so much joy knowing I’m a role model for the upcoming students.”

In DAT students learn about different cultures and share their thoughts.

“DAT (Diversity Action Troupes) means a lot where everyone can learn about other cultures,” Cervantes said. “In DAT we learn about culture from everywhere, we read poems, read books, we act and sing.

“Sometimes we do little festivals about cultures. Culture is a really important thing for me.”

On stage Cervantes has been in “Tuck Everlasting” and “Anastasia,” working on lights and sound.

“Musical and homework is my favorite type of combination,” Cervantes said. “It gets distracting when having practice, but I always find time to do my homework after practice or even during school.”

Standing behind a microphone was a suggestion from a friend.

“My friend Simeon (Roberts) got me into choir and he inspired me to join,” Cervantes said. “The thing I like about choir is the music we sing and the friendships you make when in choir. “Throughout choir I’ve made so many friends.”

Speech has also been a big part of Cervantes being able to grow.

“I like speech so much because it slowly opens up my shell a lot,” Cervantes said. “The acting, the reading and friendship really got me to open up to different things in speech.

“Fall play is a fun season, I have fun being in lights with friends and helping out others.”

Dodger Senate is another activity that allows Cervantes to show his helping and caring hands.

“Dodger Senate is run by students from ninth grade to 12th grade,” Cervantes said. “We plan an assembly for homecoming, prom and fun dress up days. We also decorate for Christmas and homecoming any big thing happening for the high school. It has always been a huge blessing being in the Senate.

“I get opportunities to represent my school and my class of 2026.”

Cervantes loves being involved in so much and being a part of the Red and Black.

“Being involved with school activities is a blessing for me,” Cervantes said. “I have so much fun and joy with friends around.

“Being a Dodger is a bundle of pride and joy. I enjoy all the sports, plays and musicals and the amount of pride I have when we are good at things.”

Cervantes’ love for music, school and activities have come from many different aspects of his life and friends and family have helped guide him.

“My biggest influence is my mom and my sister. They made me the man that I am today,” Cervantes said. “Also my teachers Mrs. Winter, Mr. Takatsuka, Mr. Drees and Mrs. Krug. My friends Eli Johnson, Jenson Litwiler, Simeon Roberts, Mateo Ron and Josh Shields.

“I’ve been so blessed to have all these people in my life to lift me up and to encourage me to do things outside my comfort zone — all love.”

After high school Cervantes plans on taking part in fashion.

Vacation destination: Mexico.

People I would like to have dinner with: Michael Jackson.

Performer that inspires me: Pharrell Williams.

It would surprise people that: I’m calm through trials tribulations or any situation.

My everyday role model: Jesus Christ.

Where do I see myself in 10 years?

Owning a loft in New York wearing clothing brands while getting paid.

What are you listening to right now?

Michael Jackson.

A show you binge watch: The Rookie or The Batman animated.

Dream piece: Abbot Elementary, I love the jokes in it and the humor.

Favorites …

Musical: Shark the musical.

Performance: Tuck Everlasting.

Music genre: Pop/Rock.

Song: “Remember the time” by Michael Jackson.

Movie: Black Panther movies.

Book: The Bible and The Energy Bus (leadership book).

Instrument: Alto Saxophone.

Phone App.: Instagram.

Class: Ethnic Studies.