Family can play a big role in any student as they grow. They can impact a variety of different areas in the student’s life that will help them become better people in life. Matao Laguna is a student at Temple Public Schools and he says that he has someone in his life that has made a huge impact on him. 

“My dad is the most important person in my life,” he said. “He teaches me life lessons and gives me encouragement on everything. He pushes me to be a better man. He would always take me to go practice and he would always take care of me with whatever I needed.” 

Matao plays basketball and baseball for the Tigers. While he is not involved in any other extracurricular activities, Laguna still finds a way to impact his campus. 

“I’m not involved in any activities other than helping people and trying to make their day better by talking to them or hanging out with them.” 

Being the best when he plays sports is something that Laguna works hard to do. He says that his faith plays a big role as well. 

“It takes a bunch of risks,” he said. “You have to be willing to take chances you never made in your life and hopefully, it works out in your favor .I pray before every game and let God take me where I need to go.” 

During his career, Matao has had some memorable moments, but he has one that stands out as his favorite. 

“The highlight of my career would have to be when I dropped 35 points in a district game during my sophomore year,” he recalled. “It was exciting and it pushed me to work even harder every day and every game.” 

Representing his school and community is something taht Laguna sees as important and is proud to do. 

“It means everything to me,” he stated. “People always talk badly about Temple but it’s a good place. It’s actually pretty fun if you get to know the people and the teachers.”