Alphonsa Thomas, a sophomore at Winter Springs High School, thrives in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program as well as with her classmates. Though she may humbly describe herself as introverted, Alphonsa is beloved by many, friends and family alike. This school year, she seeks to thrive in her classes and is excited for her second year working with the WSHS Bear Truth News. She loves the class, finding joy in the supportive group of students as well as in her love of the craft. She hopes to deepen her writing skills in the 2025-2026 school year, as it is one of her many interest areas. She is unsure of her future, as are many, but aspires to study at University of Florida and is considering a career involving writing or scientific study. However, Alphonsa’s life is far from merely schoolwork.

Alphonsa is a talented part of our WSHS chorus. She enjoys classic musicals such as The Sound of Music and Hamilton, reading adventure novels like the beloved Percy Jackson series, and watching the hit show Gray’s Anatomy. Outside of school, Alphonsa frequently helps out in her family’s grocery store and takes calm walks, taking in the sun and sight of flowers. But deeper than the physical, she enjoys that warm and cozy 70’s vibe with warm scents like vanilla and fruity sandalwood. If she could vacation anywhere, she says she would love a trip to the crisp country of Iceland. 

Before now, Alphonsa was born in India and lived there up until age six when they moved to New Mexico.  She says that she “feel[s] like most of [her] childhood memories are from New Mexico.” In seventh grade, she moved to Florida. She remembers little about her old home in India, but she knows that it was beautiful and rich with life. Now, she lives with her mother, father, and older sister who studies at the University of Central Florida. Whatever Alphonsa chooses to do next, she will be surrounded by support from many.