St. Michael’s senior combines sports, stage, may study broadcasting

Gianluca Dinaro knows what it’s like to be outnumbered. He’s gone through high school being the only boy in his class.

Of course, his graduating class at Mount St. Michael’s Academy is just five students, but still being outnumbered 4 to 1, takes a certain amount of fortitude.

“The girls in my class are pretty much my sisters,” he said.

Located on a hill overlooking the city, the K-12 school is staffed by the religious order of the Congregation of Mary Immaculate Queen. This traditional Catholic school offers both religious and academic instruction.

Dinaro has appreciated the smaller class size.

“You definitely get to know everyone,” he said. “The teachers focus on you more. You get one-on-one attention. I got to learn more about myself in that environment.”

Sister Marie Vianney, the principal, said, “Gianluca handled being the only boy in the classroom very well. He’s amiable, genial and gets along with all the kids.”

In addition to his pleasing disposition, Vianney said Dinaro is a consistent and good student.

“He takes charge of what he needs to do,” she said. “He’s a gentle soul. He’s really good at including people. All the boys look up to him.”

His favorite subject is history – specifically ancient history.

“I learned a lot about biblical concepts and the beginning of the world,” he said.

As a fan of Roman history, he enjoyed his class trip to Rome this spring. However, it wasn’t his first visit to the fabled city.

“My dad is from Italy,” Dinaro said. “So I’ve been to Rome, but seeing it with my best friends was amazing.”

Dinaro is a huge soccer fan.

“We watch Italian soccer,” he said.

He not only watches it, he played it for many years.

“Sports has always been a major part of my life. I’m into soccer and football. I started playing soccer when I was 6. I love the rush of playing in front of people and the thrills of the cheering!”

He played premier soccer until last year when another extracurricular activity captured his attention – one that also involves performing in front of an audience.

“Gianluca got involved with our drama program,” Vianney said. “I think it was out of his comfort zone at first.”

Dinaro agreed.

“I never thought I’d be able to sing on stage,” he said. “I thought I might have stage fright, but the minute I stepped on stage, the fear left. It was a lot of fun!”

He said he enjoyed performing in two musicals and two murder mystery dinner shows. Last year he received the school’s drama award.

Dinaro is contemplating a career in sports broadcasting which would combine his two passions, but he’s not ruling out a career in sports medicine, either. He plans to attend Spokane Community College in the fall.

“I’m looking forward to the unknown – to the surprises around the corner,” he said.