On the slopes, Aspen High School freshman MJ Mirano could look just like another snowboarder; however, with years of practice, dedication, aspiration, and ambition, Mirano rose up the snowboarding ladder and has been fortunate enough to join the High Society team.

Before he joined the team, he had been thinking about the possibilities of getting a sponsorship. “I had hope that one would but I didn’t think it was going to happen,” Mirano said.

High Society, based in Snowmass, Colorado, began in 2003. Their website includes a business and ethical synopsis, including, “HIGH SOCIETY is not limited by any single sport or culture, has no set course and no boundaries.  We are a community of socially aware, youthful minded individuals inspired by the spirit of possibility. The membership requirement is simple: Love what you do and challenge yourself to live better.

From the peaks to the streets… High Society.”

Eileen Knapp, a teacher at AHS, has been able to work with Mirano during multiple projects including many Dance Team performances. She noted that “[he] shows his perseverance…,” and that he also “takes risks to challenge himself…”

Videos and photos of Mirano on his Facebook wall show his ability including being able to frontflip, slide rails, and spin 360s while snowboarding.

Morgan Murphy, an AHS sophomore and friend of Mirano’s said, “He makes it obvious that he’s trying the hardest to achieve perfection.”

“My motivation in life is making myself and others feel good about themselves,” Mirano noted in an interview. He later emphasized his interest in snowboarding with “I love the feeling of not having to have a care in the world. When I’m on my snowboard I just feel so free and so happy to be where I’m at.”

The High Society Mantra states “We aren’t like the others.” Mirano embodies this unique spirit with his attitude, drive, and skill.