Senior Spotlight: Natalia Vukotich

By Jacob Maciel, marketing and communications intern
Get to know one of our graduating seniors and her passion for the performing arts and mock trial.

Natalia “Talia” Vukotich ’20 began her journey at LJCDS in second grade and has grown up in the community since she was 8 years old. Dedication is in the fabric of Talia’s life. Her drive to excel is demonstrated through all of her accomplishments as a student, performing artist and leader. 

The performing arts have played a significant role in Talia's LJCDS career. She has been involved in almost every musical since eighth grade, served as president of the female a cappella group and was a member of the Madrigals Honors choir. 

Talia fondly remembers Grandparents and Special Friends Day as a Lower School student and the song she sang with the Upper School Madrigal singers. As a member of the Madrigals, she participated in the same event years later as an Upper School student and performed S’vivon for a final time. To have experienced an event at LJCDS during two different points in her life are moments she shares she will cherish forever. 

Talia is also co-president of Torrey Mock Trial and is the most decorated individual on the team, obtaining the most awards for her diligence, including best witness, most valuable competitor and best attorney. Mock Trial allowed Talia to develop her public speaking skills and the courage to confidently advocate for herself. “I really did not like public speaking and now I have no fear whatsoever speaking in front of a crowd and speaking my mind and thinking on the fly,” she shares. She also credits Mock Trial for teaching her to listen more to understand—to hear another person fully—rather than listen to respond. 

“I did not realize the capacity I had as a person and that Country Day had as a community to support me in doing all these things,” Talia shares.

Recognized for her work ethic and commitment to excellence, Talia serves as the chief operations officer for the Thespian Honors Society and was elected to serve on the Ethics Council.

The life lessons garnered throughout her experience at LJCDS have inspired Talia to make a difference in the lives of people, no matter how small. Serving as a camp counselor during the summers at LJCDS for the past five years provided a unique opportunity to bring joy to the tiniest of Torreys. 

Growing up in the LJCDS community, Talia is grateful for the people such as performing arts educators Mike Peveich and Robert Wagner, who have shaped her into the individual she is today. “Country Day is like a family,” Talia says. “You meet this community of people who come from different walks of life that want to support each other. It means so much to me to be a part of this community,”

Talia will be attending Davidson College in the fall.
 
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