Graduation for the University View Academy (UVA) class of 2024 is only a few weeks away. As we countdown to the ceremony, we continue our senior features. This week’s spotlight features Charlee Palma.
A resident of St. John the Baptist Parish, Palma enrolled at UVA in 2021 and quickly discovered that the flexible virtual environment suited her busy schedule. She enjoys staying active and is involved in many extracurricular activities in addition to her schoolwork.
Palma has played soccer since childhood and took up a coaching position for a local team three years ago. She has been involved in theater since kindergarten in both performing and technical roles. Palma has performed in shows with Missoula Children’s Theatre, the largest touring children’s theater in the United States. She also recently served as stage manager for a production in New Orleans.
“I don’t care how busy I am,” Palma shared. “I just like having fun and being everywhere.”
With coaching and stage management experience, Palma was a perfect fit for DECA. DECA is a student organization that develops marketing, management, and leadership skills. Palma served as Vice President of Leadership for UVA’s DECA chapter this school year and received several distinctions with the organization, including the Emerging Leader Honor award. She also placed as a finalist in two events at the state convention and finished second in a pitch competition alongside a teammate at the Louisiana DECA Sports & Entertainment Marketing Conference.
“Attending DECA conferences with my friends is my favorite memory of UVA,” Palma said. “I love networking and making friends from other schools.”
Palma is most excited about meeting new people and learning new things as she prepares for the next stage of her educational journey. She has been accepted to Louisiana State University to pursue a degree in civil engineering with a focus on coastal engineering.
“UVA has helped prepare me for college because I was able to complete most of my credits ahead of time,” Palma said. “It gave me freedom, and I was able to hold myself accountable. It’s gotten me out of my shell and gotten me comfortable with reaching out to my teachers for help.”
UVA is proud to empower Palma’s preparation for a career, for college, and beyond. She embodies future-readiness with her enthusiasm and discipline.
UVA senior Charlee Palma at various DECA events with classmates