2016 Recipients

Alejandra Hernandez
Nogales High Schooll
University of California, Los Angeles

Alejandra Hernandez has an impressive record of volunteerism and an equally impressive academic record. She has earned a 4.29 weighted GPA while giving back to her community by volunteering many hours at the local library and community center, tutoring, helping with environmental non-profits, and promoting the International Baccalaureate program. Alejandra got her drive to succeed from her mother, and Alejandra hopes to show her mother that her mother’s hard work raising their family on her own were not in vain. Alejandra has high hopes of achieving her doctorate degree and becoming an optometrist, and we have no doubt she will do all that and more.

Ivan Jimenez
Mountain View High School
Georgetown University

Ivan Jimenez knows what it’s like to overcome struggles to emerge as a leader. After learning English as a second language, he found inspiration through reading and grew his confidence through the Harvey Mudd College Upward Bound Program. Ivan has held leadership positions in the California State PTA, his school PTA, the Associated Student Body, Key Club, and the school newspaper, as well as a Youth Advocate for KCET television station. He also showed political leadership working as a legislative intern for the office of California Governor Jerry Brown and as a delegate to the very selective Boys State conference. In addition to all this, he graduated near the top of his class. Ivan hopes to return to his community in El Monte and serve as an elementary school teacher to help young kids overcome the early educational struggles he himself experienced. We cannot wait to see what Ivan accomplishes in the future.

Min Ju (Rachel) Kim
South Pasadena High School
University of California, San Diego

Min Ju (Rachel) Kim believes that changing the world begins with changing one’s community, and she intends to do just that. She is driven to succeed in college and eventually become a dentist serving immigrant communities due to the difficulties she has seen immigrants such as herself and her family face when trying to obtain medical and dental services. Rachel has a big picture approach and understands the systemic issues faced by immigrants such as racism, language barriers, and lack of civil rights. Rachel is already well on her way to achieving her goals with an impressive GPA, and a well-rounded resume chock full of extracurriculars, sports, tutoring, and volunteering. We believe that Rachel will change her community and change the world for the better.

Michaela Padua
Nogales High School
University of California, San Diego

Michaela Padua and her family immigrated to the United States only three years ago. But having to start a new life in a new country during her sophomore year of high school did nothing to slow her down. As Michaela put it, she has big dreams, and she believes that “if you want something, you have to work for it.” Fueled by a determination to be the first in her family to attend college, Michaela has worked hard to attain her goal of attending college and eventually medical school. She has maintained a GPA near the top of her class, with multiple extracurricular activities and leadership positions. We celebrate Michaela’s ambitious spirit, and we know that she will crush every goal she sets along the way to achieving her ultimate dream!