She doesn’t just top the class; she redefines what it means to lead it. LBHS senior and Laguna Beach Rotary Student of the Month in math, Estella Newton, has spent the past four years quietly building a legacy rooted in curiosity, discipline, and genuine passion for learning.

In the fall, Newton will attend Harvard University, where she plans to major in mathematics and economics. “I have always been fascinated by how things move in space, especially their relation to the world we interact with,”  said Newton. 

According to Harvard University’s admissions page, the 2029 admission cycle had 47,893 applicants, with only 2,003 were admitted and 1,675 of them attending Harvard the next term. Ultimately, this leads the acceptance rate to sit around 4%. 

That goal didn’t come out of nowhere. Throughout high school, Newton immersed herself in serving as a peer tutor for English learners and volunteering with local researchers to find the root of helping extinct animals found in Chile. She was also an active member of the Queer Straight Alliance and many other clubs.

 “It gave me a community of people who shared my interests, and it pushed me to step outside my comfort zone,” said Newton. 

Her impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. College and Career Specialist Lynn Gregory described Newton as “the kind of student every educator hopes for—not just academically exceptional, but deeply engaged and compassionate with the people she engages with.” She adds, “She leads with humility. Whether she’s in the classroom or organizing one of her many clubs’ meetings, she brings people together in a way that feels natural and authentic”.

Newton credits much of her success to the teachers who supported her along the way and her friends who brought her a sense of community during her high school years. 

Despite her packed schedule, Newton made time for herself, too. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hanging out with her little sister, and going on long walks. “Those moments help me reset,” she said. “High school can be overwhelming, so it’s important to find balance”.

As she prepares to graduate, Newton isn’t just leaving behind a great academic legacy; she’s leaving behind a model of what it looks like to pursue excellence with purpose. 

“I’ve learned that success isn’t just about achievements,” she reflected. “It’s about always staying curious,” said Newton.