Federal Way Public Schools Alumni of Note
Maureen Francisco
Reporter, Host, Actor, Model, Writer and Producer
Decatur High School
Graduate, Class of 1995
Most students are all butterflies and nerves as they walk into their classroom for the first day at a new school. Maureen Francisco was especially nervous. Not only was it a new school, but as a recent immigrant from the Philippines, Maureen didn’t even speak the language.
“I was scared not being able to express myself well. The teachers, however, were very encouraging,” Francisco said. “They were so nurturing to a young girl who was transitioning to a new homeland and culture. They gave me so much praise and support.”
After spending just over a year in an English Language Learners program at a different school within the district, Francisco returned to her neighborhood school and regular classes. Her grasp of the English language came so quickly that she became her class Spelling Bee Champion in fourth grade.
“There are resources within the Federal Way School District to help students and families transitioning to this country. It was these unsung heroes who helped me along the way,” Francisco said.
By the time she reached high school at Decatur, Francisco was proving herself to be a standout student. “My mom really stressed to me the importance of getting involved in school and not taking this education for granted. I didn't. By the time I went into high school, I was taking Honors classes, cheerleading, and participating in various clubs. This helped with my confidence too,” she said.
Francisco graduated from Decatur in 1995 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in print and broadcast journalism from Pacific Lutheran University. She has worked as a television news anchor, a reporter, an actress, a model, a reality television contestant and in various media roles. She is also the founder and CEO of Mo Productions LLC, http://www.maureenfrancisco.com.
“When I came to this country I couldn't speak English well,” Francisco said. “Here I am today, interviewing celebrities like comedienne Margaret Cho, E.T. The Extra Terrestrial star, Dee Wallace, and the first military woman to head the White House Medical Unit and doctor to three presidents, Dr. Connie Mariano.”
Francisco knew as a senior in high school that she wanted to pursue a career in journalism. “I was Miss Federal Way my senior year of high school,” she said. “I remember a reporter doing a story about me. As she was asking me questions, I thought ‘Wow, what a fun job to listen to other people’s stories.’ Today, I have a passion for storytelling in all forms of media.”
Francisco looks fondly back on her time in Federal Way. “Federal Way schools prepared me well thanks to teachers who cared and extra-curricular activities that attracted the national spotlight,” she said. “I was surrounded with talented students who were hungry to learn and excel in school, sports and other projects. There’s a saying that you’re only as good as your surroundings. Thanks to the Federal Way School district, I was prepared for the ‘real world.’ These things helped me rise to the top each step of my career.”
Participation in extracurricular activities, including Honors classes and cheerleading, helped fuel her success, Francisco said. “I left the Federal Way School District as a well-rounded person. I was exposed to people from all sorts of social, ethnic and economical backgrounds. It taught me life wasn’t fair. But I knew that I had a choice each day. I had a choice to work hard, focus and attack my personal and professional life with conviction.”
For current students, Francisco offers the following advice: “Don’t take your education for granted. The harder you work today, the sweeter the rewards will be later. Surround yourself with positive people. Have mentors.”