Rodrigo Jáuregui ’26

What began as just for fun in fifth grade became one of the defining parts of Rodrigo’s high school experience. Rodrigo first began performing in elementary school, but it was not until his junior year at PVI that he started to see theatre as something more meaningful.

“I didn't start taking it seriously until my junior year when I was in Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. People said, ‘You might have a future in this.’”

Rodrigo has performed in four PVI musicals and one main stage play. One of his favorite memories was playing Captain von Trapp in The Sound of Music this past year.

“We had a really-tight knit cast,” he said. “Regardless of their role, people put in 110%.”

Music has also been a part of Rodrigo’s life since childhood.

“I've done choir since second grade,” he shares. “I was standing next to the music teacher at Mass singing hymns. I wasn't part of the choir, and later the teacher told my mom, ‘Your son can sing. He should come after school and start singing with us.’ I started singing with the middle schoolers in second grade, and I just stayed with it.”

At Paul VI, Rodrigo found mentors who encouraged him to grow personally and artistically. He credits Ms. Prince, Choral Music Director, and Mrs. d’Alelio, Director of Theatre Arts, for helping him discover his passion and potential.

“They gave me opportunities to hone my ability to perform, to take it from something that was just fun to something I really care about.”

While performance shaped much of his time at PVI, Rodrigo says some of his most meaningful experiences came through Campus Ministry, especially his role as an altar server.

“Going from a little freshman to becoming co-head altar server has been amazing,” he reflects. “It’s been the biggest blessing to be a part of the Campus Ministry community.”

He also appreciated the daily opportunities to grow spiritually, including morning Mass before school.

“It's a little reset at the start of the day,” he said. “You start the day in the presence of God, and then you stay in it.”

Next year, Rodrigo will attend The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he will major in vocal performance and minor in theology. Since operatic singing is highly physical, he jokes that he is “going Division 3 for singing.”

“Catholic’s music department gave me a great scholarship. God really provided.”

Looking ahead, Rodrigo will continue to follow wherever God leads.

“God gives us all gifts for a reason. Once I discern what that reason is, I'm going to take that horse and ride it to the river. We'll see what God throws my way.”

“My biggest aspiration for life is doing whatever God calls me to do and having the courage to say yes.”