Special thanks to Antwan Angeles for his help with this story.
From mariachi to musicals and choir to chamber ensembles, junior Milly Mora-Zarco has become a standout performer at West Chicago Community High School. A shy and reserved child, Mora-Zarco transformed into a confident and talented musician, earning a spot in the prestigious All-State Honor Choir while also landing leading roles in WEGO Drama. Now, as he looks toward his future, Milly is setting his sights beyond music—to the skies.
He wandered the halls, charming students and staff on Valentine’s Day with his vocals. He performed in the spotlight in front of hundreds of people. He qualified for the hardest student music conference in all of Illinois.
“I recognized Milly as being a very strong musician and singer for their age. We had a need for several more baritone voices in Chamber Choir, and I asked Milly to join to help strengthen that particular voice section,” Choir Director Brandon Fantozzi said.
Mora-Zarco’s journey began in fifth grade when his teacher encouraged him to join the Leman Middle School mariachi band. Though he hesitated at first, the experience boosted his confidence and opened the door to a world of musical opportunities.
“In fifth grade, when we were choosing our classes for middle school, I didn’t really look at the option for mariachi, but my teacher knew that I was learning how to play the guitar. So I was, kind of, I guess ‘peer pressured’ into picking it. They were amazing teachers, and I think they made it so much easier to be able to perform,” Mora-Zarco said.
By freshman year, Mora-Zarco had joined WEGO’s Honors A Cappella Chamber Choir—a rare accomplishment for underclassmen—and made history as the first WEGO student in years to qualify for the IMEC All-State Honor Choir.
“I got the news that I was selected for the Honor Choir, which was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. I was so happy and in disbelief,” Mora-Zarco said.
Although music has been a cornerstone of Milly’s high school experience, he has recently found a new passion: aviation. Inspired by a YouTube video about the military, Milly discovered the Air Force and realized he wanted to pursue a career that combined his love of airplanes with his desire to serve.
“I hope to join the military, specifically the Air Force…the Air Force has kind of stuck out. I’ve always been really interested in airplanes so I’m like, maybe I’ll give it a shot,” Mora-Zarco said.
Outside of choir, Mora-Zarco has also thrived in theater. In 2023, he debuted in WeGo Drama’s production of Freaky Friday and quickly advanced to leading roles, including Damien Hubbard in Mean Girls: High School Version.
“I always love whenever I get to work with Milly because he’s genuinely the nicest and most generous person I’ve ever met. He’s always prepared, so easy to get along with, and has the voice of an angel,” senior Francis Moffatt said.
Though Mora-Zarco describes himself as socially awkward, his warmth and kindness have endeared him to friends and fellow performers. Mr. Fantozzi has seen tremendous growth in Milly, both as a musician and as a person.
“I think the biggest change in Milly over the last couple years is that he’s grown into a leader and is kind of comfortable in that leadership position…he goes out of his way to build really positive relationships with his peers,” Fantozzi said.
In spite of his struggles in social situations, Mora-Zarco continues to be himself, and inspires others to be the best versions of themselves. His ultimate goal is not just personal success but to inspire others to push past their limits and realize their potential.
“Don’t be nervous or scared to put yourself out there. People are gonna judge you and people are not gonna like you for no reason. But just be yourself. Honestly. That’s all…that’s all I want other people to do. Be happy. Be proud of yourself for what you’ve accomplished. Don’t let other people bring you down,” Mora-Zarco said.
