Diego Cabanillas, a senior at Stepinac High School, Vice President of Student Government & a member of the Susan and Daniel P. Mahoney ’67 Health Science Honors Academy, is turning his passion for reading and service into real impact. What began as a book club he created at Stepinac grew into a series of book drives, and in 2024, Diego joined Pages for Hope as a volunteer. When he became president, he envisioned expanding the organization’s mission to Guatiguara, Colombia—a place close to his heart and part of his roots.
Weeks of preparation, meetings with council members, the Secretary of Education, school principals, and coordinators in Colombia were required to gain trust and approval to serve the community. Despite the challenges children face in Guatiguara, including swollen rivers that cut off access to schools and unpaved roads that make travel dangerous, Diego was able to bring books, school supplies, food, joy, and, most importantly, hope.
A particularly moving moment came when Diego shared his dream of becoming a doctor. A young boy eagerly raised his hand: “I want to be a doctor too!” Instantly, hands shot up across the room as other children shared dreams of becoming teachers, firefighters, and police officers. Diego encouraged them to study hard, be kind, and never give up on their dreams, a moment that left an impression on all who witnessed it.
While in Colombia, Diego also had the opportunity to shadow Dr. Barajas, an orthopedic and trauma surgeon, who praised his dedication:
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to Diego, a high school student with the dream of becoming a doctor, who accompanied me in the consultation room and in the operating room during these days. His interests, respect, and enthusiasm for learning remind me of the importance of inspiring new generations on the path of medicine. I am sure that, with his dedication and curiosity, he will achieve his goals and be a great professional in the future. It has been a pleasure sharing this experience with you, Diego.”
“Diego’s compassion, intellectual curiosity, and desire to serve others are exactly the qualities we hope to nurture in our Health Science Academy. His work in Colombia shows how one student’s vision can spark meaningful change,” says Veronica Smith, Co-Coordinator of the Susan and Daniel P. Mahoney ’67 Health Science Academy. “He is a remarkable example for his peers, and I have no doubt he will make an extraordinary impact in the medical field.”
The project is ongoing, and Diego remains committed to supporting the community in tangible and meaningful ways. A video capturing these unforgettable moments will be shared on Pages for Hope’s Instagram account: pagesforhope.
Locally, Stepinac community members are invited to support Diego’s mission by donating new or gently used books for toddlers through teens. Donations can be dropped off in the Stepinac lobby through October 31st. A Dress Down Day that will take place at Stepinac will also raise funds to directly benefit the children of Guatiguara, teaching students the power of empathy, generosity, and global citizenship.
“Diego represents the very best of Stepinac. His commitment to using his gifts to uplift others—both here at home and across the world—embodies our mission and inspires our entire school community,” said Principal, Paul Carty. “We are incredibly proud of the young man he is and the leader he is becoming.”
“Every book and every dollar makes a difference,” says Diego. “Together, we’re sharing the gift of reading and showing these children that their dreams matter.”