Stories
Meet Maria
We are thrilled to introduce you to Maria McDaris, an exceptional 16-year-old homeschooling junior who has a deep passion for art and photography. Maria's unique heritage and appreciation for diverse cultures are reflected in her art, especially her love for Guatemalan weaving and beading. What sets Maria apart is her kind heart and dedication to making a difference in the world, particularly for the elderly. She regularly visits nursing homes to spread joy and positivity.
Adopted from Guatemala at the age of two, Maria has a deep longing to reconnect with her birth mother and the orphanage where she first came into this world. Maria currently resides in Marshall, and she plans to return there someday. In the meantime, she finds that art, especially photography, is a way for her to explore the intersections between her Guatemalan and Appalachian identities.
Maria's experience with the PAGE program has been life-changing. When she started as a rising- 6th-grader, she felt nervous and shy. Over time, she grew more confident in meeting new people and learning to speak out more. Finding her voice was so important that she explored this experience in her digital story, "Speak."
As a homeschooler, Maria felt isolated and disconnected from her peers. However, PAGE has allowed her to expand her social circle and gain invaluable skills. The program has been a source of joy for Maria, especially during the pandemic-induced isolation. She has gained a plethora of ideas to explore, including culinary skills, enhanced photography creativity, and valuable tips on writing college resumes. We are excited to see Maria's continued growth and success, and we are confident that she will make a positive impact on the world. We are honored to have Maria as a part of our community.
This summer, Maria rejoined PAGE as a High School Fellow, gaining digital skills and mentoring younger students. Her return marked a significant milestone in her journey and brought her full circle. Maria's experience with PAGE has enabled her to grow emotionally and develop her technological capabilities, which she put to good use during the High School Fellowship and Future Pathways Programming. Maria was also emboldened to take the next steps in her pursuit of a nursing career and offered tangible planning guides to make her aspirations an achievable reality.