The Clarion is excited to introduce a new column called “Alumni Spotlight” showcasing graduates from Hawthorne High school. Next up, we have Hawthorne High School alumni, Isolde Baccay (Now Isolde Grande) from the class of 1992. Isolde is now married with two children, and works as an interior designer.

Clarion Interviewer: What did you do after high school?

Isolde Baccay: I attended college for 5 years and then moved to Brooklyn after I graduated. I was fortunate to have had a job right away in NYC in my field.

Clarion interviewer: Before graduating, what did you want to major in? What did you end up majoring in?

Isolde Baccay : Before graduating high school, I was very much interested in Fashion Design. However, by the time I was a junior, I knew I wanted to major in architecture, especially after attending a high school architecture summer program. I did end up majoring in architecture.  

Clarion Interviewer: What clubs/ sports did you participate in?

Isolde Baccay: I participated in the Marching Band, cross country, and track. I was also in student council, National Honor Society and SHARE.

Clarion Interviewer: How did HHS prepare you for college?

Isolde Baccay: I learned responsibility, discipline and time management. In preparation for college, I took honors and AP courses, I joined as many extracurricular activities and sports as I could, I had after school activities, a social life and a weekend job. I had to learn to juggle and balance my school work with everything else that was going on. I learned essential study skills. This sounds very basic, but it was really helpful for me to know how to take notes in class, how to write reports and papers, how to utilize the library for research projects and how to collaborate with my peers and be a part of a team. Finally, I learned about myself. For four years I tried new things, I discovered my likes and dislikes, what my interests are; my strengths and my weaknesses. I learned that I can stay committed to my goals even when time get challenging. I learned to cherish friendships and relationships.