Sartan Stories: Sabine Correra-Bruzzese '26
Rooted in Kindness, Growing Toward the World
When Sabine Correa-Bruzzese ’25 thinks about what it means to be a Sartan, one word rises to the top: kindness. It’s a value she’s carried into every classroom, friendship, and leadership role at St. Pius X School—and now, into a project that shows just how far kindness can go when paired with action.
In April of last year, Sabine watched a video about a Florida high school group that visited nursing homes to help residents with their phones and technology. The idea struck her immediately.
“It made me think about how I could give back to my own community in the same way, especially because the older generations have given mine so much,” she explains.
With the support of Ms. Dawn C’deBaca and the National Honor Society, Sabine rallied four classmates—Audrey Phelps, Miranda Barela, Manuel Morales Hernandez, and Ella Hill—and brought the idea to life. On Palm Sunday, the group set up outside Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, where Sabine once knew the pastor, Father Chike.
After Mass, she spoke to the congregation about their mission: to help with phone questions, share tips on avoiding scams, and—most importantly—bring a little light to the day. Armed with bilingual flyers and genuine enthusiasm, the students welcomed parishioners one by one.
“Many people came up to us with questions which we tried our best to answer,” Sabine recalls. “Overall, the day was a huge success. We helped many people and educated them on scam prevention.”
Though summer schedules put the project on pause, Sabine hopes to restart the program during her senior year—and eventually pass it down to younger students when she graduates.
This kind of initiative reflects what Sabine has been learning all along at SPX: that leadership and faith mean meeting people where they are, with humility and care.
“Everyone is going through something, and everyone deserves respect,” she says.
Her four years at Pius have been filled with growth in both academics and character. Once a straight-A middle schooler, Sabine found herself challenged by the rigor of high school courses. But instead of backing away, she leaned in—learning to ask for help and to see that courage is often disguised as vulnerability.
“I learned I’m capable of succeeding when I ask for help,” she says. “And that it’s okay to ask. That’s not weakness—it’s strength.”
Guided by the example of her parents—her role models of kindness, empathy, humor, and intelligence—Sabine is already looking toward a future that blends education, service, and global perspective. She’s considering the University of Arizona and St. Edward’s University, and dreams of using her gifts to help others wherever she lands.
For now, she finds joy in student leadership, time with her three-legged pit bull mix, Tom, and traveling whenever she gets the chance. Her advice to younger students reflects the journey she’s taken herself: “Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to live up to expectations—socially or academically. Try your best in everything you do, and have fun.”
