My name is Angela Ponce and I am a recent graduate from the University of Arizona. I earned a Bachelor’s in Science majoring in Nutritional Sciences and minoring in Biochemistry. I was the first Cruz Scholarship recipient from Arizona and it has definitely been an honor! I am currently working at Abrazo Heart Institute while I wait to hear back from the Peace Corps and hopefully spend two years in Albania as a health volunteer. After that, I hope to apply to Physician Assistant school. I absolutely love to dance and have taught dance classes throughout the Phoenix and South Tucson area and plan to keep dance as a part of my life for as long as I possibly can!
Winning Year: 2014
Ivan Sanchez – Marietta High School (Marietta, GA)
Accepted to Emory University, Brown University, Georgia Tech and the University of Pennsylvania, this Marietta High School graduate and Gates Millennium Scholars understood very well when his mother told him, “la educación es la clave del éxito” Ivan Sanchez is not only a stand out scholar, but participates in countless student organizations and community service projects in his community, especially those that focus on elevating other Hispanic children. Proud of his Mexican roots, Ivan hopes to motivate other Hispanic students to “achieve their goals” despite the circumstances they might be facing. We are honored to have Ivan as a 2014 #CruzScholar. Congratulations Ivan!
Lizaremi Luna-Sousa, Chamblee High School (Chamblee, GA)
Lizaremi’s parents fled their poverty stricken village in search of a new and better life for their children. Seeing her parents struggle to make ends meet was not lost on Lizaremi, she used their hardship as motivation to excel in all of her academic endeavors. “There were many obstacles for me when I came to this country; language, culture, financial difficulties, but I knew there were only two choices, give up or persevere” Lizaremi’s commitment to education resulted in an impressive academic resume that includes membership in the National Governor’s Honors Program, National Honors Society, National Hispanic Honors Society and National Science Honors Society. She graduated as Valedictorian at Chamblee Charter High School and attended Cornell University to pursue a career in neurology. Because of her dedication to education, we were proud to honor her as a #2014CruzScholar
Carlos Escobar, Pebblebrook High School (Mableton, GA)
Transitioning to middle school was especially important for this 2014 Cruz Scholar because after two years struggling to keep up in school without speaking English, Carlos Escobar finally understood what his teachers were saying. With the help of classmates and caring teachers, Carlos caught on quick and in no time was making Honor Roll consistently. In 2014, Carlos graduated top of his class as Valedictorian at Pebblebrook High School in Mableton, GA. His journey has not been easy and he continued to work through obstacles in his quest for higher education. We salute your commitment to academic excellence Carlos. Congratulations!
Salvador Alvarado, Berkmar High School (Lawrenceville, GA)
“Lack of resources, a fragmented family and a violence infested community” are only part of the struggles that Salvador Alvarado, native of El Salvador, used as fuel to feed his strong appetite for success. This 2014 graduate of Berkmar High School understood that in order to bring change to his life he couldn’t conform to being a simple “bystander“ and as President of the National Honor Society at Berkmar, spearheaded many community service projects while maintaining a 3.91 GPA. Salvador later attended Mount Washington College in pursuit of a law degree. Congratulations Salvador!
Ivan Jimenez Pineda
Ivan Jimenez Pineda
Ivan Jimenez Pineda, a recent graduate of César Chávez High School, has proven to be an exceptional student with a fiery passion for engineering and the sciences. His academic journey began in La Guásima, a small ranch in the heart of Nayarit, Mexico, where he spent his early years exploring nature and developing his curiosity.
From an early age, Ivan showed interest in technology. A modest robot he received as a birthday gift sparked his fascination with engineering. This small toy became his constant companion, reminding him of his parents’ struggles and sacrifices to offer him a better life.
Ivan’s move to Phoenix, Arizona, marked a turning point in his life. Despite leaving behind his home and community, he found solace in his passion for science, particularly robotics. His dedication led him to immerse himself fully in his high school’s engineering program, where he excelled in competitions and projects. He designed and programmed a Sparks robot, which triumphed in multiple challenges.
In addition to his academic achievements, Ivan’s leadership skills shone through as he served as president and leader of his school’s National Honor Society. His work alongside Gravity Water to organize events and raise funds to provide clean drinking water to children in need is a clear demonstration of his ability to lead and make a positive impact in his community.
Ivan’s commitment to educational equity is not just a statement, but a lived reality. His participation in programs like the Academic Decathlon and the Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project, and his first place win in the regional winning team of the Arizona Academic Decathlon, are clear indications of his dedication to ensuring equal educational opportunities for all.
Despite the challenges and limitations he faced as an immigrant, Ivan’s unwavering determination and resilience never wavered. His relentless pursuit of his dreams and his exceptional academic success, including securing the top position in his class with a weighted GPA of 4.914, is a testament to his strength and character.
Now, Ivan embarks on a new adventure at Harvey Mudd College, hoping to continue his passion for engineering and make a difference in the world. With his commitment to educational equity and dedication to serving others, Ivan embodies the spirit of perseverance and overcoming obstacles that define his journey so far.
