Location: Atlanta
Melanie Valencia (Atlanta, GA)
Alexis Anguiano (Atlanta, GA)
Adiela Vasquez (Atlanta, GA)
Kellie Monzón-Cruz (Atlanta, GA)
Max Pacheco (Atlanta, GA)
Estela Chávez (Atlanta, GA)
Ervin Erazo (Atlanta, GA)
Eduardo Santos (Atlanta, GA)
Angelina Flores
Angelina Flores
Angelina Suzette Flores, a South Gwinnett High School senior, has demonstrated outstanding dedication to her studies and community. Her academic record is notable: She has taken advanced and honors courses and achieved a weighted GPA of 3.1.
Angelina has not only excelled academically but has also demonstrated exceptional leadership skills. She spearheaded the Law Interest Group and played a pivotal role in the advanced choir’s leadership team. Her dedication to the Latino community is evident in her position as a board member of Latinos Unidos, a club that has significantly enriched her school life. Through this platform, Angelina has not only found a supportive community but has also been instrumental in ensuring the visibility and voice of other Latino students.
Angelina’s commitment to community service is commendable. She has actively volunteered with the Junior Cabinet StuCo and dedicated her summers to the legal services mentorship program. Her involvement in various clubs, such as the Environmental Club and Drama Club, further demonstrates her well-rounded personality. Notably, she has also earned important certifications like CPR and ‘Stop the Bleed ‘, showcasing her readiness to handle emergency situations.
Her passion for helping others extends beyond her school. As a first-generation immigrant, Angelina has faced and overcome numerous challenges. From a young age, she has played a crucial role in her family, translating formal documents and accompanying her parents to school and medical meetings. These experiences have shaped her desire to study Sociology and Latin American Studies in college, aiming to work in social work and support Latino families.
Angelina has also worked as a childcare provider since 2016, demonstrating her responsibility and ability to care for and educate children. Her experience and commitment to her community have tirelessly prepared her to advocate for equity and social justice.
Additionally, Angelina has been admitted to Oglethorpe University for the fall 2024 semester, where she plans to continue her education and advance her goal of supporting her community.
Angelina’s resilience and determination to overcome obstacles have inspired many. Her story is a testament to the power of education and the positive impact one can have on their community. With her dedication and passion, Angelina Flores is committed to using her education and skills to uplift others and foster positive change.
Heidy Bruener
Heidy Bruener
Heidy Carolina Bruner, a senior at Riverwood International Charter School, has embarked on a remarkable journey, navigating the complexities of multiple cultures with unwavering resilience and determination. Born in Nicaragua and transplanted to Costa Rica at the age of 11, Heidy swiftly adapted to a new cultural environment before embarking on another significant transition to the United States, where she began a new life with her adoptive family.
Heidy’s story is unique and moving. After facing a challenging childhood in Costa Rica, including the need to work from the age of six and living in a small girls’ home, she was adopted by a family in the United States. Initially, the adaptation was challenging, especially since she didn’t speak English and had to integrate into a completely new and diverse environment. Over time, thanks to her persistence and her adoptive family’s support, Heidy mastered English and thrived academically and socially.
At Riverwood International Charter School, Heidy has left an indelible mark as an inaugural member of the JROTC program, where she has showcased exceptional leadership skills. Her dedication and commitment to her education and community have been recognized with several awards, such as the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award and the Riverwood PTSA scholarship.
Heidy’s work extends beyond school. She has worked in various roles in local restaurants and is an artist at ThrillartsTattoos, creating custom tattoo designs. These work experiences have strengthened her customer service skills and her ability to work as part of a team.
Heidy has also found ways to integrate and celebrate her cultural heritage. She actively participates in Costa Rican community events in Atlanta and maintains strong ties with her family and friends in Costa Rica. This cultural duality has enriched her perspective on education and diversity, teaching her the importance of embracing and learning from different cultures.
Her teachers and counselors highlight her determination and ability to overcome significant challenges. Lorraine Benitez, her Spanish for Native Speakers teacher, describes her as an attentive and thoughtful student who always offers deep perspectives in class discussions. Erin Simone Kennedy, her therapist, praises her ability to maintain her identity while navigating the complexities of being adopted in a different country.
Heidy is eagerly anticipating the next chapter of her life. She has been accepted into the University of North Georgia, broadening her horizons for furthering her higher education with the support of the Reaching a Dream Scholarship. Her ambition is to pursue higher education and continue to be a bridge between cultures, illustrating that diversity and inclusion are essential to personal and community growth.
Heidy Carolina Bruner’s story is a testament to strength and perseverance. With roots deeply grounded in her cultural heritage and a clear vision for the future, Heidy is prepared to contribute significantly to society and continue inspiring others with her example.
Liliana Perez
Liliana Perez
Liliana Perez Vargas, a senior at Dunwoody High School, has shown exceptional dedication to her studies and community. With a weighted GPA of 4.2, Liliana has excelled in advanced and honors courses, including Chemistry, Physics, U.S. History, and Spanish for Native Speakers. Her commitment to academic excellence and leadership has led her to take on significant roles inside and outside school.
From a young age, Liliana was inspired by success stories on television, although she noticed the lack of representation of people from her background. This sparked a fire within her to be a role model for her community and honor her parents’ sacrifices. Throughout her school career, Liliana faced the challenge of balancing her cultural identity with her desire to excel in an environment where she didn’t see many like herself. However, her involvement in HoPe (Hispanic Organization Promoting Education) was a turning point that not only helped her reconnect with her heritage but also instilled a deep sense of pride in her identity, showcasing her resilience and determination.
In her junior year, Liliana was elected Vice President of Service for HoPe and later became President of the organization. In these roles, she significantly increased community service hours, leading her chapter to achieve the highest number of service hours in the southeastern United States. Under her leadership, HoPe has not only provided an inclusive and supportive space for Latino students at her school but also created a platform for them to make a significant impact in their community, demonstrating her exceptional leadership skills.
In addition to her responsibilities with HoPe, Liliana has served as editor-in-chief of the school yearbook “Chrysalis,” where she has demonstrated her writing, editing, and team management skills. Her work on the yearbook has been recognized for its quality and ability to capture the essence of the school community.
Liliana has also worked in various roles to support her community and gain work experience. As an administrative intern at Corners Outreach and a music teacher at Corners Music Academy, she has contributed to the education and well-being of many students. Her job at Publix as a cashier and customer service assistant has highlighted her dedication to service and her ability to create a welcoming environment for customers.
Throughout her time at Dunwoody High School, Liliana has accumulated over 350 hours of community service. She has been an active member of several honor societies, including the National Honor Society, Beta Club, Rho Kappa (Social Studies Honor Society), and Mu Alpha Theta (Mathematics Honor Society). Her participation in these organizations reflects her commitment to leadership and service.
Liliana’s academic journey has led her to a significant milestone-admission to the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) for the summer 2024 semester, where she plans to study Business Administration. This opportunity, at one of the country’s most prestigious institutions, is a testament to her exceptional academic performance and her potential to make a significant impact in the field of business. Her intention to use her knowledge to help her community grow economically and improve their well-being is a beacon of hope for a brighter future.
Liliana’s story exemplifies how education, leadership, and community commitment can transform lives. With her clear vision and dedication to making a difference, Liliana Perez Vargas is poised to continue her successful journey and positively contribute to society.
