Mario Cortés Jr. is a Daniel Murphy Scholar. In addition he has been awarded the Ronald and Jeanne Picerne Scholarship for three consecutive years. Mario also has partaken in the workforce, having been an employee of Madison Dearborn Partners in Chicago, Illinois. Furthermore, he has made history at Nazareth Academy by being the first male individual to be in the Varsity Poms and Dance Team. In addition to dance, he has a background in martial arts, having attained experience and awards in Karate. Lastly, Mario is experienced in linguistics, being able to speak English, Spanish, and a limited amount of French.