Jayla Malibunas of Dixon High School was honored as Young Woman of the Month for September. From left, Olivia Wasser of Dixon High School, Nikki Monk of Soroptimist Dixon and Jeanette Malbunas were present to honor the high school students' efforts. Photo courtesy of Soroptimist International of Dixon

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Jayla Malibunas is the Principal’s Choice for this month’s Young Woman of the Month. 

Malibunas is most proud of who she surrounds herself with. Malibunas said that the friends she has chosen to surround herself with bring out the best in her and are the primary influences in her life.

“I believe that who you spend your time with has a huge influence on how you behave, express yourself and shape your mindset,” Malibunas said.

According to Malibunas, her friends are inclusive, outgoing, sociable, respectful, humorous and mature. They always make the effort to greet someone, strike up a conversation or share a quick inside joke whenever they walk around school. Her friends have helped Malibunas become more mindful of making others feel valued and seen. They have taught her to laugh at everything, especially embarrassing moments, and to always live life to the fullest.

Malibunas is the daughter of Jason and Jeanette Malibunas. Malibunas has a younger brother, Jesiah. Malibunas grew up in Dixon, first attending Sunshine Preschool and then Montessori Charter School from kindergarten to eighth grade. She is currently a Dixon High School senior.

Malibunas enjoys being involved in her community. She has assisted with multiple fall festivals at Anderson Elementary and Dixon High School. Malibunas is an Ambassador of the Ram Vault Herd at Dixon High School and is in leadership. She is also Associated Student Body vice president, a member of the media club, a four-year member of the Dixon High School volleyball team and a student representative on the school board.  

As if this was not enough, Malibunas is the founder and co-president of the Asian American Pacific Islander Club. The new club’s mission is to create unity and appreciation among Asian American Pacific Islander  students. It hopes to provide incoming Asian American Pacific Islander students with a welcoming community that ensures they feel comfortable being who they are.

Malibuas’ hobbies include crocheting, which has evolved into making animal (amigurumi) plushies on Etsy. She also enjoys baking, hula dancing and playing the ukulele.

Dixon High School Principal Angela Brown recognized her as a dedicated student who demonstrates leadership and is outgoing and compassionate, with a strong commitment to Dixon High School. Malibuas has gone above and beyond in supporting and contributing to her school.

Although she does not have a clear plan, Malibunas’s motive after high school is to seek something that will have a great impact.  Malibuas’ dream is to work in the film production industry because, she said, the media industry is a good way to bring awareness to certain topics through symbolism in this technological generation.

Soroptimist International of Dixon members wish Malibunas the best in her future pursuits. We hope that she will continue to surround herself with people who share her values and inclusiveness.