The Tinsley Team Standout Student of the Month: Abby Carlo

By: Asanka Moehring

Abby Carlo, a senior at Ursuline Academy, moves through life with the grace of a dancer, the speed of a sprinter, the precision of an engineer, and the heart of a mentor. She doesn’t just explore different pursuits – she immerses herself in them, mastering each challenge with unwavering passion. Whether she’s coding robots, hurdling toward victory, or crafting compelling stories for her school’s magazine, she thrives in every arena she enters. She’s not just figuring out how to do it all – she’s already doing it.

She first stepped onto the stage of Irish dance in third grade, her feet instinctively beating out rhythms before she even understood the depth of the art.

“I danced competitively until 10th grade,” she shares, a nostalgic smile tugging at her lips.

The rhythm, the precision, the unyielding dedication – it all became second nature. At one point, she was poised to compete at the prestigious World Championships, a dream within reach. Then the pandemic hit, and everything changed.

“It all just stopped,” she recalls, a flicker of sadness in her eyes.

But while her rigorous competition schedule slowed, her passion never dimmed. The music still calls to her, and though she competes less frequently, she hopes to carry her love for dance into college.

Not only does she move with the poise of a dancer, but she also possesses the speed and endurance of a seasoned sprinter. A rare three-season varsity athlete, she has called the track home since eighth grade. By junior year, she added cross country to her training to sharpen her endurance, and now, as a senior, she proudly leads as team captain for both the winter and spring track teams.

Her accolades speak for themselves – an outdoor track All-Star since sophomore year, a state qualifier in the 400 hurdles, and a conference champion in the triple jump. But for Abby, true victory isn’t measured in medals; it’s found in mentorship.

“I looked up to the older girls when I was younger, and now I try to be that person for my teammates,” she says.

Her leadership extends beyond the finish line, shaping the team’s spirit as much as its success.

As if balancing athletics and dance weren’t impressive enough, Abby is also a rising star in engineering and robotics. A key member of Ursuline’s robotics team, she thrives on coding and problem-solving, eagerly preparing for an upcoming scrimmage.

“It’s really exciting,” she shares, her enthusiasm unmistakable.

Robotics ignited her passion for engineering, ultimately leading her to pursue a double major in computer engineering and linguistics at Washington University in St. Louis next year.

She vividly recalls the moment her passion for STEM was sparked—a visit from an engineer to Sheehan Elementary School as a young student. That day planted a seed of curiosity that grew into a deep love for engineering and robotics. Now, she has come full circle, inspiring young minds just as she once was.

Beyond her own studies, she is already shaping the next generation of innovators. As a coding coach, she introduces children as young as five to the world of technology, teaching them how to build robots, create their own Roblox games, and customize Minecraft.

“I love seeing the excitement on their faces when they code something and it actually works,” she says, her joy evident.

To these young learners, she isn’t just a teacher, she’s proof that dreams in STEM are worth chasing.

Her impact doesn’t stop there. A dedicated leader in her community, Abby serves as a faith formation mentor at her local parish, works as a counselor at a summer Bible school, and has volunteered at food banks and an animal sanctuary. Her compassion is as boundless as her ambition, and whether she’s guiding young athletes, aspiring engineers, or those in need, she does so with a heart full of purpose.

And just when you think her talents couldn’t be more diverse, she is also a gifted writer. A featured contributor to her school’s magazine and website, she finds yet another creative outlet in storytelling. Whether through code, competition, or words, she pours herself into every endeavor, proving that her creativity and drive know no bounds.

So, what’s next for this high achiever? With a bright future at Washington University ahead, she’s ready to take on new challenges in engineering, leadership, and beyond. Whether sprinting down the track, teaching kids to code, or stepping to the rhythm of Irish dance, one thing is certain—Abby Carlo is unstoppable. And the best part? She’s just getting started.

Congratulations, Abby, for being this month’s Standout Student! Nominate a future Tinsley Team Standout Student of the Month by emailing Diana Bezdedeanu at dbezdedeanu@bestversionmedia.com and if you’d like to give back to your community and sponsor a regular feature in Westwood Living, contact Tom Leyden at tleyden@bestversionmedia.com