Business & Finance
Education
Engineering
Entrepreneurship
Healthcare & Science
Media & Entertainment
Public Service
Social Justice
Technology
Business & Finance
Gold - Niheshly Quiñones
Major: Marketing
GPA: 3.80
High School: Colegio Católico Notre Dame
Heritage: Puerto Rican
“From playing pretend in my toy house and selling lemonade, to making bracelets and vending them to my friends in elementary school, selling or promoting a brand has unceasingly been what I have loved most,” says Guaynabo, Puerto Rico resident Niheshly. She has been navigating the world of business, exploring and learning about its different aspects through numerous pursuits from a very young age. One of these pursuits has been her involvement with the production of “Los Sábados Pa’ la Plaza,” a cultural event that brings together local small businesses and entertainment to celebrate at the Santiago Palmer Plaza every Saturday afternoon. At the event (currently on pause due to pandemic regulations), Niheshly serves as a guide, helping people from all over the world explore and find their way around. In the evenings, she lends a hand at Farmer’s Bite, her family’s homemade sweets business, where she engages with clients, sells and distributes merchandise. Most recently, she has worked as a videographer and editor for The White Golden Music, a budding music management and production company, where she has put her creative, strategic, and adaptive chops to use while shooting music videos. “Everyday, I wake up with the objective to help in any way possible,” says Niheshly, who is committed to giving back to her community. As part of her community service, she has volunteered at animal shelters, town cleanups, and dearest to her heart, she has assisted at Casa Cuna San Cristobal, a local children’s orphanage, helping the children foster a sense of belonging and home. She plans on studying Marketing at Pennsylvania State University, Lynn University, or Iowa State University.
GPA: 3.80
High School: Colegio Católico Notre Dame
Heritage: Puerto Rican
“From playing pretend in my toy house and selling lemonade, to making bracelets and vending them to my friends in elementary school, selling or promoting a brand has unceasingly been what I have loved most,” says Guaynabo, Puerto Rico resident Niheshly. She has been navigating the world of business, exploring and learning about its different aspects through numerous pursuits from a very young age. One of these pursuits has been her involvement with the production of “Los Sábados Pa’ la Plaza,” a cultural event that brings together local small businesses and entertainment to celebrate at the Santiago Palmer Plaza every Saturday afternoon. At the event (currently on pause due to pandemic regulations), Niheshly serves as a guide, helping people from all over the world explore and find their way around. In the evenings, she lends a hand at Farmer’s Bite, her family’s homemade sweets business, where she engages with clients, sells and distributes merchandise. Most recently, she has worked as a videographer and editor for The White Golden Music, a budding music management and production company, where she has put her creative, strategic, and adaptive chops to use while shooting music videos. “Everyday, I wake up with the objective to help in any way possible,” says Niheshly, who is committed to giving back to her community. As part of her community service, she has volunteered at animal shelters, town cleanups, and dearest to her heart, she has assisted at Casa Cuna San Cristobal, a local children’s orphanage, helping the children foster a sense of belonging and home. She plans on studying Marketing at Pennsylvania State University, Lynn University, or Iowa State University.
Silver - Andrés Rodríguez
Major: Sport Management
GPA: 3.60
High School: Radians School of Math, Science, and Technology
Heritage: Puerto Rican
Andrés got his first introduction to business while participating at a Harvard Business Academy hosted at his school when he was a freshman. This intensive three-day enrichment program equipped him with a general overview of business fundamentals through valuable hands-on experiences. The program challenged him, along with a group of his peers, to develop their own business idea and walked them through all the steps integral to establishing a business, from the generation of a business concept, the research, the business plan, to the most important components leading to the launching. This past summer, Andrés took part in the University of Massachusetts Sport Management and Leadership Academy, which provided him with a comprehensive view and understanding of the sports management industry, focusing on key aspects including sports marketing, player performance, data analytics, and sports economics over the course of three weeks. Giving back to his community is important to Andrés. “Giving back to the community is not something that people should find challenging. It is just something that you do to bring out happiness in people,” he shares. One of his most memorable experiences giving back took place a little over a year ago when his school helped a family restore their home. Through a labor of love and hard work, they came together to help a family in their community when it most needed their help. Andrés has continuously challenged himself academically, pursuing a rigorous schedule packed with AP courses and making Honor Roll multiple times over his high school career. He will attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of Connecticut, or Florida International University, where he will study Sports Management.
GPA: 3.60
High School: Radians School of Math, Science, and Technology
Heritage: Puerto Rican
Andrés got his first introduction to business while participating at a Harvard Business Academy hosted at his school when he was a freshman. This intensive three-day enrichment program equipped him with a general overview of business fundamentals through valuable hands-on experiences. The program challenged him, along with a group of his peers, to develop their own business idea and walked them through all the steps integral to establishing a business, from the generation of a business concept, the research, the business plan, to the most important components leading to the launching. This past summer, Andrés took part in the University of Massachusetts Sport Management and Leadership Academy, which provided him with a comprehensive view and understanding of the sports management industry, focusing on key aspects including sports marketing, player performance, data analytics, and sports economics over the course of three weeks. Giving back to his community is important to Andrés. “Giving back to the community is not something that people should find challenging. It is just something that you do to bring out happiness in people,” he shares. One of his most memorable experiences giving back took place a little over a year ago when his school helped a family restore their home. Through a labor of love and hard work, they came together to help a family in their community when it most needed their help. Andrés has continuously challenged himself academically, pursuing a rigorous schedule packed with AP courses and making Honor Roll multiple times over his high school career. He will attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of Connecticut, or Florida International University, where he will study Sports Management.
Bronze - Victoria Torres
Major: International Business with a minor in Economics or Marketing
GPA: 3.42
High School: Colegio Católico Notre Dame
Heritage: Puerto Rican
When speaking about Victoria, her guidance counselor thinks of the words “leadership, adaptable, organized, dedicated, focused, honest, hardworking, persuasive and motivated.” These are all qualities that define this Caguas, Puerto Rico native. Working with her school’s Student Council, she has organized a yearly 5K run, starting in 2019, with the aim of raising funds for the CAP Foundation. The CAP Foundation is a nonprofit organization that works to serve pediatric cancer patients at the Hospital Pediátrico Universitario Dr. Antonio Ortiz. Leading these organization efforts has helped Victoria realize she wants to pursue a career in business. “[It] helped me realize that I need to study something related to business. It opened a lot of doors for me, understanding the importance of sponsors in marketing, being on track of how much money we need or spend financially, and having the right amount and distribution of all the products,” she explains. Her event did not just open doors for Victoria. It helped her community, brought her school together for a cause, and inspired her fellow schoolmates to look for more ways to give back. Victoria enjoys taking on a challenge and does so with aplomb. She has challenged herself through high school by signing up for university classes, numerous extracurricular activities, and holding various leadership positions. She currently serves as the President of her school’s Student Council, President of its Entrepreneurship Club, Vice-President of its Orientation Club, Secretary of its chapter of the National Honor Society, and member of its Psychology Club. Community service has been vital to Victoria’s high school experience. She has volunteered cleaning school grounds after hurricane María, helping at a local nursing home, at Centro Criollo de Ciencia y Tecnología del Caribe (C3Tec), and Relay for Life, to name a few. Victoria wants to make a difference and vows to continue her commitment to serving her community wherever she goes. Her definition of being Latino is “being perseverant and always striving to give your all for your future self, family, and community.” That is what she plans on doing as she attends Bryant University, George Washington University, or Temple University, where she will major in International Business and minor in Economics or Marketing.
GPA: 3.42
High School: Colegio Católico Notre Dame
Heritage: Puerto Rican
When speaking about Victoria, her guidance counselor thinks of the words “leadership, adaptable, organized, dedicated, focused, honest, hardworking, persuasive and motivated.” These are all qualities that define this Caguas, Puerto Rico native. Working with her school’s Student Council, she has organized a yearly 5K run, starting in 2019, with the aim of raising funds for the CAP Foundation. The CAP Foundation is a nonprofit organization that works to serve pediatric cancer patients at the Hospital Pediátrico Universitario Dr. Antonio Ortiz. Leading these organization efforts has helped Victoria realize she wants to pursue a career in business. “[It] helped me realize that I need to study something related to business. It opened a lot of doors for me, understanding the importance of sponsors in marketing, being on track of how much money we need or spend financially, and having the right amount and distribution of all the products,” she explains. Her event did not just open doors for Victoria. It helped her community, brought her school together for a cause, and inspired her fellow schoolmates to look for more ways to give back. Victoria enjoys taking on a challenge and does so with aplomb. She has challenged herself through high school by signing up for university classes, numerous extracurricular activities, and holding various leadership positions. She currently serves as the President of her school’s Student Council, President of its Entrepreneurship Club, Vice-President of its Orientation Club, Secretary of its chapter of the National Honor Society, and member of its Psychology Club. Community service has been vital to Victoria’s high school experience. She has volunteered cleaning school grounds after hurricane María, helping at a local nursing home, at Centro Criollo de Ciencia y Tecnología del Caribe (C3Tec), and Relay for Life, to name a few. Victoria wants to make a difference and vows to continue her commitment to serving her community wherever she goes. Her definition of being Latino is “being perseverant and always striving to give your all for your future self, family, and community.” That is what she plans on doing as she attends Bryant University, George Washington University, or Temple University, where she will major in International Business and minor in Economics or Marketing.
Education
Gold - Julia García Galindo
Major: Comparative Literature, considering a minor in Latin American Studies
GPA: 4.0
High School: Escuela Secundaria de la Universidad de Puerto Rico
Heritage: Puerto Rican
When Julia heard that the kids at the elementary school next to her school did not have a library, she organized book collection efforts at her school, asking her community to donate any children’s books they no longer needed. After amassing a good quantity of books, they delivered their donation and made it a mission to return to their neighboring school to read to the kids every two weeks. This ignited a passion in Julia, which she continued to nurture through various activities. At Model United Nations, she debated on the educational policies of different countries, which allowed her to analyze how our own educational system could be altered to truly motivate and inspire students to remain in school. Through classes in literature, she studied the journeys of different characters and evaluated how their access to education had helped or hindered their development. These experiences led her to see and understand the impact lack of access to quality education has had on Puerto Rico. They led her to her current goal of further fostering her skills through education so that she may be better equipped to ensure more Puerto Rican students have access to quality education in the future. For Julia, community service is a way to make certain others have access to opportunities for advancement. One way she has given back is through her involvement with her school’s Student Council. As part of the council, she has led efforts to amend her school’s dress code, organized events with guest speakers, created competitions involving picking up trash to encourage cleanliness, among others. Yet, for Julia, nothing can quite compare to the work she has done to help close the technology gap at her school. When her school switched to virtual learning last year, she conducted a survey to get an idea of her peers’ access to a personal device. She found that over 70 students, out of 490, did not have access to a personal device. After meeting with her school’s administration to disappointing results, she established the UHS Computer Project (UCP), an initiative through which both students and alumni of her school can donate computers to help those who cannot afford one. So far, UCP has helped over 50 students gain access to a device. Julia is not only a remarkable leader; she is also an academically gifted student and maintains a perfect 4.0 GPA. She plans on majoring in Comparative Literature and is considering a minor in Latin American Studies at Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, or Columbia University.
GPA: 4.0
High School: Escuela Secundaria de la Universidad de Puerto Rico
Heritage: Puerto Rican
When Julia heard that the kids at the elementary school next to her school did not have a library, she organized book collection efforts at her school, asking her community to donate any children’s books they no longer needed. After amassing a good quantity of books, they delivered their donation and made it a mission to return to their neighboring school to read to the kids every two weeks. This ignited a passion in Julia, which she continued to nurture through various activities. At Model United Nations, she debated on the educational policies of different countries, which allowed her to analyze how our own educational system could be altered to truly motivate and inspire students to remain in school. Through classes in literature, she studied the journeys of different characters and evaluated how their access to education had helped or hindered their development. These experiences led her to see and understand the impact lack of access to quality education has had on Puerto Rico. They led her to her current goal of further fostering her skills through education so that she may be better equipped to ensure more Puerto Rican students have access to quality education in the future. For Julia, community service is a way to make certain others have access to opportunities for advancement. One way she has given back is through her involvement with her school’s Student Council. As part of the council, she has led efforts to amend her school’s dress code, organized events with guest speakers, created competitions involving picking up trash to encourage cleanliness, among others. Yet, for Julia, nothing can quite compare to the work she has done to help close the technology gap at her school. When her school switched to virtual learning last year, she conducted a survey to get an idea of her peers’ access to a personal device. She found that over 70 students, out of 490, did not have access to a personal device. After meeting with her school’s administration to disappointing results, she established the UHS Computer Project (UCP), an initiative through which both students and alumni of her school can donate computers to help those who cannot afford one. So far, UCP has helped over 50 students gain access to a device. Julia is not only a remarkable leader; she is also an academically gifted student and maintains a perfect 4.0 GPA. She plans on majoring in Comparative Literature and is considering a minor in Latin American Studies at Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, or Columbia University.
Silver - Pennelope Alers
Major: Special Education
GPA: 3.86
High School: Saint Francis School
Heritage: Puerto Rican
Pennelope’s favorite games growing up always involved her dressing up and pretending she was a teacher. Since elementary school, whenever she has had any free time at school, she has looked for ways to help her teachers, asking them for leadership roles and requesting their feedback and guidance as she performed her duties. Becoming an educator has always been part of Pennelope’s plans. “Having the opportunity to help others grow in the foundation of knowledge has been a goal of mine. I strongly believe that every person has the right to a good education and being part of that process motivates me,” she shares. She enjoys teaching and helping children and looks for every opportunity available to get involved in their learning. Back in 2018, Pennelope worked as a co-teacher for a 3rd grade Spanish and Social Studies teacher. Throughout the completion of the school year, she helped students with their homework, showed them new skills, and assisted the teacher with reviews, projects, and assignments for two-and-a-half hours daily after school. She has worked at a church’s summer camp for two years, serving as a camp counselor and as an art teacher’s assistant on separate occasions. Her church promoted her to serve as a teacher after she demonstrated her teaching abilities while serving as a teacher’s assistant in their after school tutoring sessions. Pennelope feels a sense of satisfaction every time she is able to help her community. Seeing how she can make a difference inspires her, whether it be through teaching, through coastal cleanups, collecting and distributing food, or providing support to families damnified by the natural disasters that devastated Puerto Rico in recent history. At school, Pennelope is a standout student. She has been recognized for her academic performance many times over the years and is currently ranked among the top 10% of students in her class. She will attend the Universidad de Puerto Rico, Universidad Ana G. Mendez, or the Universidad Interamericana, where she will pursue a degree in Special Education.
GPA: 3.86
High School: Saint Francis School
Heritage: Puerto Rican
Pennelope’s favorite games growing up always involved her dressing up and pretending she was a teacher. Since elementary school, whenever she has had any free time at school, she has looked for ways to help her teachers, asking them for leadership roles and requesting their feedback and guidance as she performed her duties. Becoming an educator has always been part of Pennelope’s plans. “Having the opportunity to help others grow in the foundation of knowledge has been a goal of mine. I strongly believe that every person has the right to a good education and being part of that process motivates me,” she shares. She enjoys teaching and helping children and looks for every opportunity available to get involved in their learning. Back in 2018, Pennelope worked as a co-teacher for a 3rd grade Spanish and Social Studies teacher. Throughout the completion of the school year, she helped students with their homework, showed them new skills, and assisted the teacher with reviews, projects, and assignments for two-and-a-half hours daily after school. She has worked at a church’s summer camp for two years, serving as a camp counselor and as an art teacher’s assistant on separate occasions. Her church promoted her to serve as a teacher after she demonstrated her teaching abilities while serving as a teacher’s assistant in their after school tutoring sessions. Pennelope feels a sense of satisfaction every time she is able to help her community. Seeing how she can make a difference inspires her, whether it be through teaching, through coastal cleanups, collecting and distributing food, or providing support to families damnified by the natural disasters that devastated Puerto Rico in recent history. At school, Pennelope is a standout student. She has been recognized for her academic performance many times over the years and is currently ranked among the top 10% of students in her class. She will attend the Universidad de Puerto Rico, Universidad Ana G. Mendez, or the Universidad Interamericana, where she will pursue a degree in Special Education.
Bronze - Rebecca Morales
Major: Comparative Literature
GPA: 4.0
High School: Colegio Católico Notre Dame
Heritage: Puerto Rican
Rebecca’s interest in education is bred out of a profound desire to find better methods to educate others, to help them achieve their full potential, and promote education reform. “If we want the future generations to really take on the world, we must allow a space that lets them develop new innovative thoughts,” says Rebecca, who is critical of a system she perceives is mainly focused on grades rather than in genuinely cultivating the minds and talents of our students. She is passionate about literature and sees it as a discipline that allows her to learn about the world from the perspectives of others, broadening her understanding via distinct points of view. She aspires to one day guide students as they navigate through the viewpoints of diverse writers and characters, hopeful they will also feel free to express their own worldviews in her class and enrich her class’s collective experience as she herself learns from her students. Being of service comes naturally to Rebecca. Most of her work giving back has involved being a leader and a teacher to younger children. She has volunteered at Campamento Colegio Católico Notre Dame, her school’s summer camp, where she led learning activities, served lunch, organized entertainment and recreation time, and lent a hand whenever needed. Last year, she also served as one of the captains/coaches of an elementary school cheerleading team and was in charge of choreographing and teaching the kids their routines. Rebecca is a straight-A student. She boasts a 4.0 GPA and is following her school’s Humanities Program, an honor program for students who want to challenge themselves and pursue their studies through an in-depth, intellectual approach. She will study Comparative Literature at the University of Chicago, Emory University, or the University of California, Berkeley.
GPA: 4.0
High School: Colegio Católico Notre Dame
Heritage: Puerto Rican
Rebecca’s interest in education is bred out of a profound desire to find better methods to educate others, to help them achieve their full potential, and promote education reform. “If we want the future generations to really take on the world, we must allow a space that lets them develop new innovative thoughts,” says Rebecca, who is critical of a system she perceives is mainly focused on grades rather than in genuinely cultivating the minds and talents of our students. She is passionate about literature and sees it as a discipline that allows her to learn about the world from the perspectives of others, broadening her understanding via distinct points of view. She aspires to one day guide students as they navigate through the viewpoints of diverse writers and characters, hopeful they will also feel free to express their own worldviews in her class and enrich her class’s collective experience as she herself learns from her students. Being of service comes naturally to Rebecca. Most of her work giving back has involved being a leader and a teacher to younger children. She has volunteered at Campamento Colegio Católico Notre Dame, her school’s summer camp, where she led learning activities, served lunch, organized entertainment and recreation time, and lent a hand whenever needed. Last year, she also served as one of the captains/coaches of an elementary school cheerleading team and was in charge of choreographing and teaching the kids their routines. Rebecca is a straight-A student. She boasts a 4.0 GPA and is following her school’s Humanities Program, an honor program for students who want to challenge themselves and pursue their studies through an in-depth, intellectual approach. She will study Comparative Literature at the University of Chicago, Emory University, or the University of California, Berkeley.
Engineering
Gold - Vanderlei Carvalho
Major: Civil and Environmental Engineering
GPA: 3.74
High School: West Hawaii Explorations Academy
Heritage: Puerto Rican and American Samoan
Vanderlei, of Puerto Rican and American Samoan descent, attends the West Hawaii Explorations Academy (WHEA) in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. At WHEA, students follow a project-based curriculum. They choose a topic of their interest and generate long-term projects based on real-world problems they would like to explore. “I found my passion three years ago while searching on Google Scholar,” tells us Vanderlei. “Within moments of reading a 2016 paper on mealworms and their novel ability to degrade plastics, I was astounded and motivated,” he recalls. The paper was a research paper written by Dr. Wei-Min Wu, a senior research engineer at Stanford University’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, on the biodegradation of plastic waste by mealworms. Thus began his environmental engineering project, a journey into the global issue of plastic pollution and how we could use mealworms to combat it. He now leads a team of six of his peers in collaboration with researchers from around the world, including Dr. Wu himself, to study mealworm plastic degradation as the President of the Bioremediation Project. Vanderlei sees his project as a way to help make the world a better place. “Think globally, act locally” is his motto as he conducts research locally that may one day have profound positive global implications. Besides the work he does with the Bioremediation Project, Vanderlei has also worked with an ecologist at the National Park Service to restore and manage multiple sites of Hawaiian historic and cultural importance, like the Aimakapa Fishpond. He has also worked at the Amy B. H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden, helping with the study and preservation of native plants. Vanderlei plans on continuing his research into finding a solution to our plastic pollution problems at Stanford University, Harvey Mudd College, or Northern Arizona University. He will pursue degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering.
GPA: 3.74
High School: West Hawaii Explorations Academy
Heritage: Puerto Rican and American Samoan
Vanderlei, of Puerto Rican and American Samoan descent, attends the West Hawaii Explorations Academy (WHEA) in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. At WHEA, students follow a project-based curriculum. They choose a topic of their interest and generate long-term projects based on real-world problems they would like to explore. “I found my passion three years ago while searching on Google Scholar,” tells us Vanderlei. “Within moments of reading a 2016 paper on mealworms and their novel ability to degrade plastics, I was astounded and motivated,” he recalls. The paper was a research paper written by Dr. Wei-Min Wu, a senior research engineer at Stanford University’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, on the biodegradation of plastic waste by mealworms. Thus began his environmental engineering project, a journey into the global issue of plastic pollution and how we could use mealworms to combat it. He now leads a team of six of his peers in collaboration with researchers from around the world, including Dr. Wu himself, to study mealworm plastic degradation as the President of the Bioremediation Project. Vanderlei sees his project as a way to help make the world a better place. “Think globally, act locally” is his motto as he conducts research locally that may one day have profound positive global implications. Besides the work he does with the Bioremediation Project, Vanderlei has also worked with an ecologist at the National Park Service to restore and manage multiple sites of Hawaiian historic and cultural importance, like the Aimakapa Fishpond. He has also worked at the Amy B. H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden, helping with the study and preservation of native plants. Vanderlei plans on continuing his research into finding a solution to our plastic pollution problems at Stanford University, Harvey Mudd College, or Northern Arizona University. He will pursue degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Silver - Kimberly Burgos
Major: Chemical Engineering with a minor in International Engineering
GPA: 4.0
High School: Liceo Aguadillano
Heritage: Puerto Rican
Aguadilla, Puerto Rico resident, Kimberly aspires to become a chemical engineer. Although her school has limited resources and opportunities and does not offer any AP or IB courses, she has looked for ways outside of school to set herself up for success in her future career as an engineer. She has participated in the Science and Technology Academies Reinforcing Basic Aviation and Space Exploration (STARBASE) Youth Program, a United States Department of Defense program that provides students with a hands-on approach to STEM education through fun learning activities that teach them real-world applications of STEM concepts. In the summer of 2019, Kimberly attended the Camp Kennedy Space Center. At this week-long camp experience, she further explored her interest in STEM through NASA-based challenges, labs, and simulations. Last year, she was the only Hispanic student selected to take the Introduction to Engineering Design course at Tulane University’s Pre-College Program. While enrolled in the course, she learned about the phases of the engineering design process, developed 3D printing skills, and created a microphone boom-arm prototype from scratch. Over her high school career, Kimberly has given back to her community in a multitude of ways. Some examples of how she has been of service include organizing a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, volunteering at her afterschool’s daycare center and local nursing homes, offering free tutoring services, and donating to local organizations in need. For Kimberly, the rewards of community service have come in the manner of personal growth. Community service has also opened her eyes to socio-economic inequality and income gaps and which has underscored for her the importance of carrying on with the duty of contributing to her community. An example of academic excellence, Kimberly has a 4.0 cumulative GPA and is ranked among the top 5 students in her class. She also serves as President of her school’s chapter of the National Honor Society. She will major in Chemical Engineering and minor in International Engineering at the University of Michigan, New York University, or the Georgia Institute of Technology.
GPA: 4.0
High School: Liceo Aguadillano
Heritage: Puerto Rican
Aguadilla, Puerto Rico resident, Kimberly aspires to become a chemical engineer. Although her school has limited resources and opportunities and does not offer any AP or IB courses, she has looked for ways outside of school to set herself up for success in her future career as an engineer. She has participated in the Science and Technology Academies Reinforcing Basic Aviation and Space Exploration (STARBASE) Youth Program, a United States Department of Defense program that provides students with a hands-on approach to STEM education through fun learning activities that teach them real-world applications of STEM concepts. In the summer of 2019, Kimberly attended the Camp Kennedy Space Center. At this week-long camp experience, she further explored her interest in STEM through NASA-based challenges, labs, and simulations. Last year, she was the only Hispanic student selected to take the Introduction to Engineering Design course at Tulane University’s Pre-College Program. While enrolled in the course, she learned about the phases of the engineering design process, developed 3D printing skills, and created a microphone boom-arm prototype from scratch. Over her high school career, Kimberly has given back to her community in a multitude of ways. Some examples of how she has been of service include organizing a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, volunteering at her afterschool’s daycare center and local nursing homes, offering free tutoring services, and donating to local organizations in need. For Kimberly, the rewards of community service have come in the manner of personal growth. Community service has also opened her eyes to socio-economic inequality and income gaps and which has underscored for her the importance of carrying on with the duty of contributing to her community. An example of academic excellence, Kimberly has a 4.0 cumulative GPA and is ranked among the top 5 students in her class. She also serves as President of her school’s chapter of the National Honor Society. She will major in Chemical Engineering and minor in International Engineering at the University of Michigan, New York University, or the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Bronze - Sebastián Pérez
Major: Electrical Engineering with a minor in Robotics
GPA: 4.0
High School: Centro Residencial de Oportunidades Educativas en Mayagüez (CROEM)
Heritage: Puerto Rican
“Scientific research and recent technological advances have always created a spark in me,” says Sebastián. He has wanted to be an engineer since he was a little boy. The learning experiences to which he was exposed as he grew up constantly reinforced his interest in STEM. In high school, he has been involved with various clubs, participated in summer programs, and taken classes that have further solidified his decision to pursue engineering as a career. Sebastián has been a member and has also served as Vice-President of his school’s Science and Engineering club. Thanks to his involvement in the club, he has learned how to design and create circuits and robots and has participated in Robot Makers PR, a robotics competition and workshop that aims to encourage students’ spirits of innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship through STEM in the island of Puerto Rico. Sebastián has also attended two summer programs at the Boston Leadership Institute, Electronics 101, and Electronics and Robotics. These programs have exposed him to the basics of electronics and the functionality of various electronic components, as well as allowed him to get creative while designing and assembling robots as he employed principles of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science. Last year, in the midst of the pandemic, Sebastián took on the challenge of starting a new club at his school. Because of his efforts and desire to promote interest and teach his peers about these fields, his school now has Computer Science and Engineering Club. The value of service has been instilled in Sebastián since childhood. This has made giving back a fulfilling practice for him. Throughout high school, he has been able to bring joy to orphan children, positively impact the Limaní community in Adjuntas, Puerto Rico, and help his school community as a tutor. Worried that students may fall behind after his school went virtual last year, he collaborated to organize an online tutoring program where he tutors his fellow schoolmates in math and sciences. Not surprisingly, Sebastián is an outstanding student and maintains a 4.0 GPA. He will attend Carnegie Mellon University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or Cornell University. He plans on majoring in Electrical Engineering and minoring in Robotics.
GPA: 4.0
High School: Centro Residencial de Oportunidades Educativas en Mayagüez (CROEM)
Heritage: Puerto Rican
“Scientific research and recent technological advances have always created a spark in me,” says Sebastián. He has wanted to be an engineer since he was a little boy. The learning experiences to which he was exposed as he grew up constantly reinforced his interest in STEM. In high school, he has been involved with various clubs, participated in summer programs, and taken classes that have further solidified his decision to pursue engineering as a career. Sebastián has been a member and has also served as Vice-President of his school’s Science and Engineering club. Thanks to his involvement in the club, he has learned how to design and create circuits and robots and has participated in Robot Makers PR, a robotics competition and workshop that aims to encourage students’ spirits of innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship through STEM in the island of Puerto Rico. Sebastián has also attended two summer programs at the Boston Leadership Institute, Electronics 101, and Electronics and Robotics. These programs have exposed him to the basics of electronics and the functionality of various electronic components, as well as allowed him to get creative while designing and assembling robots as he employed principles of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science. Last year, in the midst of the pandemic, Sebastián took on the challenge of starting a new club at his school. Because of his efforts and desire to promote interest and teach his peers about these fields, his school now has Computer Science and Engineering Club. The value of service has been instilled in Sebastián since childhood. This has made giving back a fulfilling practice for him. Throughout high school, he has been able to bring joy to orphan children, positively impact the Limaní community in Adjuntas, Puerto Rico, and help his school community as a tutor. Worried that students may fall behind after his school went virtual last year, he collaborated to organize an online tutoring program where he tutors his fellow schoolmates in math and sciences. Not surprisingly, Sebastián is an outstanding student and maintains a 4.0 GPA. He will attend Carnegie Mellon University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or Cornell University. He plans on majoring in Electrical Engineering and minoring in Robotics.
Entrepreneurship
Gold - Luis Bou
Major: Environmental Science with minors in Eco-Entrepreneurship and Social Enterprises
GPA: 4.0
High School: Colegio San José - Río Piedras
Heritage: Puerto Rican
Luis is interested in finding entrepreneurial solutions to tackle social and environmental challenges. The driving force behind his interest is a fierce and earnest desire to create a more responsible and sustainable world, reducing the negative impacts of consumerism on the environment while increasing its positive contributions through innovative solutions; social entrepreneurship with an eco-focus. Luis has proposed a sustainability plan for his school. If adopted, the plan would lead his school to use solar panels and windmills for electricity, harvest rainwater, and eliminate the need for single-use plastics on campus. Luis has participated in Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) environmental journalism competitions. YRE gives young people a platform to research and promote solutions to environmental issues through investigative reporting, photography, and video journalism. He produced a video on the sustainability of hemp, “The Key to Sustainability,” that has received local acclaim and recognition in his hometown of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. Luis has been a voice for the environment and for climate change and sustainability education in his community. He has given educational speeches on the subjects in presentations to his entire school. Throughout high school, he has also taken part in numerous acts of service, including visiting and providing company and assistance to residents at local orphanages and nursing homes. Luis is an exemplary student and leader. He holds a 4.0 GPA and is the Secretary of his school’s Environmental Committee and the President of its Ecology Club. He is also a member of its varsity cross country and track and field teams. He will continue his environmental advocacy efforts at Wake Forest University, Clark University, or the University of Pennsylvania. He wants to major in Environmental Science and minors in Eco-Entrepreneurship and Social Enterprises.
GPA: 4.0
High School: Colegio San José - Río Piedras
Heritage: Puerto Rican
Luis is interested in finding entrepreneurial solutions to tackle social and environmental challenges. The driving force behind his interest is a fierce and earnest desire to create a more responsible and sustainable world, reducing the negative impacts of consumerism on the environment while increasing its positive contributions through innovative solutions; social entrepreneurship with an eco-focus. Luis has proposed a sustainability plan for his school. If adopted, the plan would lead his school to use solar panels and windmills for electricity, harvest rainwater, and eliminate the need for single-use plastics on campus. Luis has participated in Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) environmental journalism competitions. YRE gives young people a platform to research and promote solutions to environmental issues through investigative reporting, photography, and video journalism. He produced a video on the sustainability of hemp, “The Key to Sustainability,” that has received local acclaim and recognition in his hometown of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. Luis has been a voice for the environment and for climate change and sustainability education in his community. He has given educational speeches on the subjects in presentations to his entire school. Throughout high school, he has also taken part in numerous acts of service, including visiting and providing company and assistance to residents at local orphanages and nursing homes. Luis is an exemplary student and leader. He holds a 4.0 GPA and is the Secretary of his school’s Environmental Committee and the President of its Ecology Club. He is also a member of its varsity cross country and track and field teams. He will continue his environmental advocacy efforts at Wake Forest University, Clark University, or the University of Pennsylvania. He wants to major in Environmental Science and minors in Eco-Entrepreneurship and Social Enterprises.
Silver - Elián Villarrubia
Major: Communication and Graphic Design
GPA: 3.87
High School: Carib Christian School
Heritage: Puerto Rican
Elián is enthusiastic about the fashion industry. “I find comfort within it and a place where my ideas can be expressed freely,” he shares. He dedicates his time to learning about every aspect of the fashion industry as if it were another subject in school. He conducts research, learns about its history and evolution through the ages, explores strategies and processes of design, manufacturing, marketing, and branding, and maintains himself up to date on the latest fashion developments and trends. He even challenges himself by testing his knowledge, as he would for any class in school. Elián understands the power of product placement as a modern merchandising strategy and tool for brands to reach audiences. He employs this method in his own social media posts to promote his favorite brands, magazines, and designers. Community service is a key component of Elián’s upbringing. He has been recognized for his commitment to service, more than once, with the Excelling Community Service medal. Prior to transferring to his current school, he used to tutor elementary school students every day after school. He would help them study, finish their homework, work on projects, and kept them entertained for two hours daily, teaching them dance routines and songs and cultivating a bond of friendship and trust with the children as he guided and encouraged them to succeed. Elián maintains a cumulative GPA of 3.87 and is one of the top students in his class. He is co-captain of his school’s varsity volleyball team. He is a member of its chapter of the National Honor Society and its Student Council. He was recently recognized for his performance at the National Honor Society Oratory Competition, where he competed against students from all over Puerto Rico. He will study Communication and Graphic Design at the School of Visual Arts, the New York Institute of Technology, or The New School’s Parsons School of Design.
GPA: 3.87
High School: Carib Christian School
Heritage: Puerto Rican
Elián is enthusiastic about the fashion industry. “I find comfort within it and a place where my ideas can be expressed freely,” he shares. He dedicates his time to learning about every aspect of the fashion industry as if it were another subject in school. He conducts research, learns about its history and evolution through the ages, explores strategies and processes of design, manufacturing, marketing, and branding, and maintains himself up to date on the latest fashion developments and trends. He even challenges himself by testing his knowledge, as he would for any class in school. Elián understands the power of product placement as a modern merchandising strategy and tool for brands to reach audiences. He employs this method in his own social media posts to promote his favorite brands, magazines, and designers. Community service is a key component of Elián’s upbringing. He has been recognized for his commitment to service, more than once, with the Excelling Community Service medal. Prior to transferring to his current school, he used to tutor elementary school students every day after school. He would help them study, finish their homework, work on projects, and kept them entertained for two hours daily, teaching them dance routines and songs and cultivating a bond of friendship and trust with the children as he guided and encouraged them to succeed. Elián maintains a cumulative GPA of 3.87 and is one of the top students in his class. He is co-captain of his school’s varsity volleyball team. He is a member of its chapter of the National Honor Society and its Student Council. He was recently recognized for his performance at the National Honor Society Oratory Competition, where he competed against students from all over Puerto Rico. He will study Communication and Graphic Design at the School of Visual Arts, the New York Institute of Technology, or The New School’s Parsons School of Design.
Bronze - Mortimer Lugo-Morales
Major: Business Administration, considering a minor in Marketing or Leadership
GPA: 3.70
High School: Colegio San José - Río Piedras
Heritage: Puerto Rican
Mortimer’s senior year has been a year of exploration into the world of business and entrepreneurship. His schedule for his final year in high school revolves around developing his interest and knowledge of these subjects. He is enrolled in Business Mathematics, Business and Accounting, and AP Microeconomics and Macroeconomics classes. Mortimer has also completed a virtual course on Economics Consumer Demand offered by Babson College. This course has taught him the fundamental economic principles of consumer demand and how the relationship between price, quantity, and demand affects the market. Mortimer has sought opportunities to grow as a leader throughout his academic career. The summer of 2019, he beat out hundreds of other students to participate in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s R2L NextGen Program in Washington, DC. The R2L NextGen Program provided him a week-long opportunity to learn about the importance of being civically engaged and how he can be an instrument for positive change in his community. Mortimer is an active member and leader in his community and school. He coordinates a morning news program, produced by students for students, as a member of his school’s Audiovisual Club. He has fundraised and spread awareness for cancer research as a member of his school’s Relay for the Life team. He has collaborated as a volunteer in several community initiatives and events through his involvement with the United Way of Puerto Rico. He has also contributed to the cause of environmental conservation on the island, offering his help collecting beach debris and garbage. As a Youth Ministry Group member, he is a retreat leader for the young students and assists in various religious activities. “I would say that community service has shaped me into the person I am today,” says Mortimer, who demonstrates a commitment to work, initiative, and compassion for others in all his pursuits. He will major in Business Administration and is considering a minor in Marketing or Leadership. He plans to attend Babson College, Bentley University, or the University of Rochester.
GPA: 3.70
High School: Colegio San José - Río Piedras
Heritage: Puerto Rican
Mortimer’s senior year has been a year of exploration into the world of business and entrepreneurship. His schedule for his final year in high school revolves around developing his interest and knowledge of these subjects. He is enrolled in Business Mathematics, Business and Accounting, and AP Microeconomics and Macroeconomics classes. Mortimer has also completed a virtual course on Economics Consumer Demand offered by Babson College. This course has taught him the fundamental economic principles of consumer demand and how the relationship between price, quantity, and demand affects the market. Mortimer has sought opportunities to grow as a leader throughout his academic career. The summer of 2019, he beat out hundreds of other students to participate in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s R2L NextGen Program in Washington, DC. The R2L NextGen Program provided him a week-long opportunity to learn about the importance of being civically engaged and how he can be an instrument for positive change in his community. Mortimer is an active member and leader in his community and school. He coordinates a morning news program, produced by students for students, as a member of his school’s Audiovisual Club. He has fundraised and spread awareness for cancer research as a member of his school’s Relay for the Life team. He has collaborated as a volunteer in several community initiatives and events through his involvement with the United Way of Puerto Rico. He has also contributed to the cause of environmental conservation on the island, offering his help collecting beach debris and garbage. As a Youth Ministry Group member, he is a retreat leader for the young students and assists in various religious activities. “I would say that community service has shaped me into the person I am today,” says Mortimer, who demonstrates a commitment to work, initiative, and compassion for others in all his pursuits. He will major in Business Administration and is considering a minor in Marketing or Leadership. He plans to attend Babson College, Bentley University, or the University of Rochester.
Healthcare & Science
Gold - Arelis Palou
Major: Biology
GPA: 4.0
High School: Escuela Secundaria Especializada en Ciencias, Matematicas y Tecnologia (CIMATEC)
Heritage: Puerto Rican
“Education is the first step to gain the knowledge, critical thinking, empowerment, and skills [we] need to create change and make this world a better place,” says Caguas, Puerto Rico resident Arelis. In her pursuit towards improving the world around her, she discovered her passion for medicine and has been looking for opportunities to learn all that she can about the field as she prepares for a future career in healthcare. She participated in a summer medical program for high school students hosted at the University of California, Berkeley, where she interacted with medical professionals and specialists and learned about their experiences and perspectives. She also completed the National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF) on Advanced Medicine and Health Care held at Johns Hopkins University. At the NYLF, she learned about various specialized medical fields through interactive, hands-on activities and simulations. In 2019, she attended Bottega University’s Congress of Future Medical Leaders, where she took part in lectures given by medical students and eminent medical professionals and learned about cutting-edge advances in medicine. Upon completion of the congress, she was recognized with the Award for Excellence for her participation, leadership, and dedication to advancing her medical education. All through high school, Arelis has enjoyed helping her community in meaningful ways. One of the manners in which she has served is by volunteering at the Hospital HIMA in Caguas. Her most impactful work has been serving as a leader in the Hello Girl PR program. Through Hello Girl PR, she introduced girls from 4th to 6th grade to the world of computer programming, inspiring many to continue learning and expressing their creativity through coding. In recognition of her commitment to the program and promoting STEM in her community, Arelis has received the Aspirations in Computing Award from the National Center for Women and Information Technology for the last three years. This driven Boricua has an impressive academic record and a 4.0 GPA. She will attend Brown University, University of Rochester, Boston University, where she will major in Biology.
GPA: 4.0
High School: Escuela Secundaria Especializada en Ciencias, Matematicas y Tecnologia (CIMATEC)
Heritage: Puerto Rican
“Education is the first step to gain the knowledge, critical thinking, empowerment, and skills [we] need to create change and make this world a better place,” says Caguas, Puerto Rico resident Arelis. In her pursuit towards improving the world around her, she discovered her passion for medicine and has been looking for opportunities to learn all that she can about the field as she prepares for a future career in healthcare. She participated in a summer medical program for high school students hosted at the University of California, Berkeley, where she interacted with medical professionals and specialists and learned about their experiences and perspectives. She also completed the National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF) on Advanced Medicine and Health Care held at Johns Hopkins University. At the NYLF, she learned about various specialized medical fields through interactive, hands-on activities and simulations. In 2019, she attended Bottega University’s Congress of Future Medical Leaders, where she took part in lectures given by medical students and eminent medical professionals and learned about cutting-edge advances in medicine. Upon completion of the congress, she was recognized with the Award for Excellence for her participation, leadership, and dedication to advancing her medical education. All through high school, Arelis has enjoyed helping her community in meaningful ways. One of the manners in which she has served is by volunteering at the Hospital HIMA in Caguas. Her most impactful work has been serving as a leader in the Hello Girl PR program. Through Hello Girl PR, she introduced girls from 4th to 6th grade to the world of computer programming, inspiring many to continue learning and expressing their creativity through coding. In recognition of her commitment to the program and promoting STEM in her community, Arelis has received the Aspirations in Computing Award from the National Center for Women and Information Technology for the last three years. This driven Boricua has an impressive academic record and a 4.0 GPA. She will attend Brown University, University of Rochester, Boston University, where she will major in Biology.
Silver - Amanda Morales
Major: Chemistry or Biochemistry, considering a minor in Biomedical Engineering
GPA: 3.95
High School: Colegio Católico Notre Dame
Heritage: Puerto Rican
The idea of being able to help others achieve a better quality of life is what attracted Amanda to want to become a doctor from a very young age. Though she had been exploring the field and learning on her own from a younger age, she got the opportunity to study medicine in a formal setting when she was fifteen, through an introductory medicine course she took at the University of Florida. Upon returning to her hometown of Caguas, Puerto Rico, Amanda continued her immersion into the field of medicine after joining her school’s Medical Science Club. In 2019, she attended the Medical School Intensive at Johns Hopkins University, a summer program where she took part in interactive lectures, learned about how scientific knowledge is applied to healthcare, and explored various careers in the medical field. Last summer, she was selected to participate in the Dr. Garcia Rinaldi Foundation’s Program for Talented Students in Medicine and Sciences. Though the pandemic limited the program to a virtual setting, Amanda gained valuable knowledge and experience as she carried out research, conducted presentations on a variety of health topics, and completed community service projects as part of the curriculum. “[Community service] has given me as a sense of purpose,” says Amanda. “It has shown me that people together can accomplish things that alone would be much harder. Seeing how I can help others provides me with a sense of peace and hope, and helping others feel the same inspires me to continue doing so,” she adds. She has served her community in numerous ways, including volunteering to clean up parks and breaches, visiting nursing homes, and distributing food and water to people in need. One experience that has been the most meaningful to Amanda while giving back was helping organize her school’s 5K run in honor of the CAP Foundation, a nonprofit organization that serves pediatric cancer patients at the Hospital Pediátrico Universitario Dr. Antonio Ortiz. Amanda participates in a diverse assortment of extracurricular activities at her school. She is a member of its volleyball and track and field teams, its Student Council, its chapter of the National Honor Society, and its Environmental Club “Soles Verdes,” to name a few. She is a stellar student and maintains a 3.95 GPA. She will attend the University of Connecticut, the University of Rochester, or Villanova University, where she intends to major in Chemistry or Biochemistry and may minor in Biomedical Engineering.
GPA: 3.95
High School: Colegio Católico Notre Dame
Heritage: Puerto Rican
The idea of being able to help others achieve a better quality of life is what attracted Amanda to want to become a doctor from a very young age. Though she had been exploring the field and learning on her own from a younger age, she got the opportunity to study medicine in a formal setting when she was fifteen, through an introductory medicine course she took at the University of Florida. Upon returning to her hometown of Caguas, Puerto Rico, Amanda continued her immersion into the field of medicine after joining her school’s Medical Science Club. In 2019, she attended the Medical School Intensive at Johns Hopkins University, a summer program where she took part in interactive lectures, learned about how scientific knowledge is applied to healthcare, and explored various careers in the medical field. Last summer, she was selected to participate in the Dr. Garcia Rinaldi Foundation’s Program for Talented Students in Medicine and Sciences. Though the pandemic limited the program to a virtual setting, Amanda gained valuable knowledge and experience as she carried out research, conducted presentations on a variety of health topics, and completed community service projects as part of the curriculum. “[Community service] has given me as a sense of purpose,” says Amanda. “It has shown me that people together can accomplish things that alone would be much harder. Seeing how I can help others provides me with a sense of peace and hope, and helping others feel the same inspires me to continue doing so,” she adds. She has served her community in numerous ways, including volunteering to clean up parks and breaches, visiting nursing homes, and distributing food and water to people in need. One experience that has been the most meaningful to Amanda while giving back was helping organize her school’s 5K run in honor of the CAP Foundation, a nonprofit organization that serves pediatric cancer patients at the Hospital Pediátrico Universitario Dr. Antonio Ortiz. Amanda participates in a diverse assortment of extracurricular activities at her school. She is a member of its volleyball and track and field teams, its Student Council, its chapter of the National Honor Society, and its Environmental Club “Soles Verdes,” to name a few. She is a stellar student and maintains a 3.95 GPA. She will attend the University of Connecticut, the University of Rochester, or Villanova University, where she intends to major in Chemistry or Biochemistry and may minor in Biomedical Engineering.
Bronze - Sophia Schwantes
Major: Pre-Medicine
GPA: 3.88
High School: Sitka High School
Heritage: Mexican and Spanish
While working alongside scientists from all over the world at the Sitka Sound Science Center (SSSC), a nonprofit dedicated to research and education in her hometown of Sitka, Alaska, Sophia began to consider the possibility of becoming a doctor. Many of the biologists who observed her qualities and skills and got to know her through work and conversations at the SSSC would often encourage her to look into pursuing a medical degree. This inspired Sophia to complete a research project on the surgical field for an assignment at school. While conducting her research, she had the privilege of talking to renowned pediatric cardiac surgeon and professor Dr. Mary-Jane Barth. Dr. Barth advised Sophia to build relationships with doctors in her town and look for the chance to shadow someone in the field. As she networked and sought shadowing opportunities, she caught the eye of Dr. Elliot Bruhl, the Chief Medical Officer at the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium. Earlier last year, Dr. Bruhl offered Sophia a shadowing internship, which they had to postpone in consideration of the pandemic. Even though her high school does not offer many Advanced Placement classes, she has looked for ways outside of school to challenge herself and continue preparing for her future career. She has taken a number of courses at her local university, including a college chemistry class and a course to become a certified nursing assistant, which will give her the chance to gain some hands-on experience and allow her to interact and establish relationships with patients. For this Latina of Mexican descent, community service is a way to connect with and learn from others. Her most memorable experience giving back was volunteering at her local long-term care facility, talking to the residents, and broadening her perspective of the world as they reminisced about their younger years and shared their favorite memories with her. Sophia is a dedicated student and an impressive athlete. She maintains a 3.88 GPA and has served as Captain of her school’s swim team for two consecutive years. She will attend the University of St. Andrews, the University of Oregon, or the University of Western Washington, where she plans to follow the pre-medicine track.
GPA: 3.88
High School: Sitka High School
Heritage: Mexican and Spanish
While working alongside scientists from all over the world at the Sitka Sound Science Center (SSSC), a nonprofit dedicated to research and education in her hometown of Sitka, Alaska, Sophia began to consider the possibility of becoming a doctor. Many of the biologists who observed her qualities and skills and got to know her through work and conversations at the SSSC would often encourage her to look into pursuing a medical degree. This inspired Sophia to complete a research project on the surgical field for an assignment at school. While conducting her research, she had the privilege of talking to renowned pediatric cardiac surgeon and professor Dr. Mary-Jane Barth. Dr. Barth advised Sophia to build relationships with doctors in her town and look for the chance to shadow someone in the field. As she networked and sought shadowing opportunities, she caught the eye of Dr. Elliot Bruhl, the Chief Medical Officer at the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium. Earlier last year, Dr. Bruhl offered Sophia a shadowing internship, which they had to postpone in consideration of the pandemic. Even though her high school does not offer many Advanced Placement classes, she has looked for ways outside of school to challenge herself and continue preparing for her future career. She has taken a number of courses at her local university, including a college chemistry class and a course to become a certified nursing assistant, which will give her the chance to gain some hands-on experience and allow her to interact and establish relationships with patients. For this Latina of Mexican descent, community service is a way to connect with and learn from others. Her most memorable experience giving back was volunteering at her local long-term care facility, talking to the residents, and broadening her perspective of the world as they reminisced about their younger years and shared their favorite memories with her. Sophia is a dedicated student and an impressive athlete. She maintains a 3.88 GPA and has served as Captain of her school’s swim team for two consecutive years. She will attend the University of St. Andrews, the University of Oregon, or the University of Western Washington, where she plans to follow the pre-medicine track.
Media & Entertainment
Gold - Xavier Cintrón Muñiz
Major: Contemporary Writing and Production
GPA: 4.0
High School: Escuela Especializada en Bellas Artes Ernesto Ramos Antonini
Heritage: Puerto Rican
When Xavier was seven years old, he asked his parents for a guitar. Always supportive of his pursuits, his parents bought him a guitar and enrolled him in music lessons. “I can’t explain why I asked for a guitar,” he says. “I’m Puerto Rican, where we have our autochthonous national instrument, the Puerto Rican Cuatro,” he adds. Within a year, after having observed and appreciated it at the hands of his first music instructor, he asked his parents for a Puerto Rican Cuatro. From his beginnings in music and through cultural connections, Xavier began developing his mindset and worldview. He has had countless enriching performing and learning experiences over the years. He has performed as a soloist in concerts, including alongside the Orquesta Sinfónica de Puerto Rico in 2017, 2019, and 2020, and with the Midwest Young Artists Conservatory Symphony Orchestra at the Emmy Award-winning Annual National Cuatro Festival hosted in Chicago in 2019. He has participated in various musical internships, like Aceleración Musical of the Fundación Banco Popular in 2018 and 2020. In 2018 and 2019, he completed the Berklee in Puerto Rico program. Last year he took part in Berklee’s Aspire: Five-Week Music Performance Intensive, one of the best and most comprehensive summer music performance programs worldwide. In 2017, Xavier traveled to Cuba to perform with the Rondalla de Humacao de Puerto Rico. He has been performing with the Rondalla since 2010. Xavier has been involved in his community through civic, social, educational, and cultural activities. Among these activities, he has brought joy through music to local nursing homes, has used his talents while helping raise funds for organizations and people in need, and has shared his knowledge and love of the Puerto Rican Cuatro and the island’s folkloric music with elementary and middle school children through educational workshops. Xavier’s brilliance is not limited to his musical genius. He is also academically gifted and maintains a 4.0 GPA. He will pursue a Bachelor of Music in Contemporary Writing and Production on a scholarship at the Berklee College of Music.
GPA: 4.0
High School: Escuela Especializada en Bellas Artes Ernesto Ramos Antonini
Heritage: Puerto Rican
When Xavier was seven years old, he asked his parents for a guitar. Always supportive of his pursuits, his parents bought him a guitar and enrolled him in music lessons. “I can’t explain why I asked for a guitar,” he says. “I’m Puerto Rican, where we have our autochthonous national instrument, the Puerto Rican Cuatro,” he adds. Within a year, after having observed and appreciated it at the hands of his first music instructor, he asked his parents for a Puerto Rican Cuatro. From his beginnings in music and through cultural connections, Xavier began developing his mindset and worldview. He has had countless enriching performing and learning experiences over the years. He has performed as a soloist in concerts, including alongside the Orquesta Sinfónica de Puerto Rico in 2017, 2019, and 2020, and with the Midwest Young Artists Conservatory Symphony Orchestra at the Emmy Award-winning Annual National Cuatro Festival hosted in Chicago in 2019. He has participated in various musical internships, like Aceleración Musical of the Fundación Banco Popular in 2018 and 2020. In 2018 and 2019, he completed the Berklee in Puerto Rico program. Last year he took part in Berklee’s Aspire: Five-Week Music Performance Intensive, one of the best and most comprehensive summer music performance programs worldwide. In 2017, Xavier traveled to Cuba to perform with the Rondalla de Humacao de Puerto Rico. He has been performing with the Rondalla since 2010. Xavier has been involved in his community through civic, social, educational, and cultural activities. Among these activities, he has brought joy through music to local nursing homes, has used his talents while helping raise funds for organizations and people in need, and has shared his knowledge and love of the Puerto Rican Cuatro and the island’s folkloric music with elementary and middle school children through educational workshops. Xavier’s brilliance is not limited to his musical genius. He is also academically gifted and maintains a 4.0 GPA. He will pursue a Bachelor of Music in Contemporary Writing and Production on a scholarship at the Berklee College of Music.
Silver - María López
Major: Theater or Musical Theatre
GPA: 4.0
High School: Colegio Católico Notre Dame
Heritage: Puerto Rican
María grew up being taught to always go after the things that brought her joy. While she understood the words, it was not until she was in 7th grade that their true meaning resonated with her. “When I was in seventh grade, I stumbled into my high school’s Theatre Club and performed in my very first play. [That is] perhaps one of the best things I have ever done,” remembers María. Now, as a high school senior, getting ready for college and planning for her future, she cannot see herself dedicating her life to anything else. “Theatre has become my passion and the place where I feel completely at home. Through the ups and downs of these past years, it has remained with me and become an essential part of who I am,” she explains. She has cultivated her abilities in the performing arts through opportunities both in and out of school. Since discovering theater, María has been involved in every theatre and musical theatre production at her school, including through roles in Abelardo, Fiddler on the Roof, Sister Act, and A Night on Broadway. As evidence of her exceptional presentation and oratory skills, she has represented her school in national competitions of the Spanish Oratory League of Puerto Rico and the English Forensic League of Puerto Rico for the past four years. She has also dabbled in contemporary and modern dance, ballet, and singing, becoming part of Talleres Danza Teatro, a fine and performing arts school in her hometown of Caguas, Puerto Rico. She has also been part of the San Juan Art League and the Escuela Libre de Música Antonio Paoli. María sings soprano for “Coral Mare Mia,” her school’s choir. Singing and performing have given her the privilege and honor of giving back to her community through presentations at events all over her town. However, the acts of service that have left the biggest marks for her have been the ones that allowed her to provide support to families affected by the strongest hurricane to hit Puerto Rico in recent history. María is an extraordinary member of her community and straight-A student. She serves as President of her school’s Theatre Club and Captain of its Forensics Team. She will study Theatre or Musical Theatre while attending Syracuse University, Loyola University Maryland, or Pace University.
GPA: 4.0
High School: Colegio Católico Notre Dame
Heritage: Puerto Rican
María grew up being taught to always go after the things that brought her joy. While she understood the words, it was not until she was in 7th grade that their true meaning resonated with her. “When I was in seventh grade, I stumbled into my high school’s Theatre Club and performed in my very first play. [That is] perhaps one of the best things I have ever done,” remembers María. Now, as a high school senior, getting ready for college and planning for her future, she cannot see herself dedicating her life to anything else. “Theatre has become my passion and the place where I feel completely at home. Through the ups and downs of these past years, it has remained with me and become an essential part of who I am,” she explains. She has cultivated her abilities in the performing arts through opportunities both in and out of school. Since discovering theater, María has been involved in every theatre and musical theatre production at her school, including through roles in Abelardo, Fiddler on the Roof, Sister Act, and A Night on Broadway. As evidence of her exceptional presentation and oratory skills, she has represented her school in national competitions of the Spanish Oratory League of Puerto Rico and the English Forensic League of Puerto Rico for the past four years. She has also dabbled in contemporary and modern dance, ballet, and singing, becoming part of Talleres Danza Teatro, a fine and performing arts school in her hometown of Caguas, Puerto Rico. She has also been part of the San Juan Art League and the Escuela Libre de Música Antonio Paoli. María sings soprano for “Coral Mare Mia,” her school’s choir. Singing and performing have given her the privilege and honor of giving back to her community through presentations at events all over her town. However, the acts of service that have left the biggest marks for her have been the ones that allowed her to provide support to families affected by the strongest hurricane to hit Puerto Rico in recent history. María is an extraordinary member of her community and straight-A student. She serves as President of her school’s Theatre Club and Captain of its Forensics Team. She will study Theatre or Musical Theatre while attending Syracuse University, Loyola University Maryland, or Pace University.
Bronze - Leyra Rodríguez
Major: Advertising and Photography
GPA: 4.0
High School: Academia Menonita
Heritage: Puerto Rican
“Art has been passed down in my family from my father’s side,” says Leyra, who has a fraternal grandfather that exercised his creativity through his work in construction, an aunt that is a painter, and a brother who is pursuing a degree in Graphic Arts. Leyra’s art instrument of choice is a camera, her medium? Photography. She has been cultivating her creative and technical skills and building her lens-based portfolio through workshops and educational activities at Puro Enfoque since 2017. Puro Enfoque is a visual arts organization that promotes photography and digital image in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Last year, she also grew in her art by taking courses at the University of Notre Dame Pre-College Program. Leyra shares her original work with others through an Instagram photography blog. For Leyra, photography is how she freezes a moment in time, looking for ways to make a shot interesting and capture all its subtle nuances. Aesthetics is not the only focus of her images. Her work is about delivering a message, sharing her perspective, and encouraging her audience to want to figure out what she was thinking the instant a picture was taken. “The mix of having some pictures with bright colors and some with dark tones helps my viewers understand a little more of my perspective towards everything that surrounds me, just like navigating through every thought in my mind,” shares Leyra. Though community service was in the background of Leyra’s life for many years, everything changed for her after Hurricane María. Ever since, service has been a focus in her life. “After this natural disaster, my high school experience became ‘School on the week and weekends for giving back,’” she tells us. She started helping during the hurricane relief efforts, then continued by assisting with food distribution in different parts of the island, volunteering at summer camps and national parks, and donating her time at church. Of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent, this talented Latina is a remarkable student and maintains a perfect 4.0 GPA. She is a member of her school’s chapter of the National Honor Society and has been part of her graduating class’s Directive Committee since the 7th grade. She will study Advertising and Photography at Syracuse University, Marquette University, or New York University.
GPA: 4.0
High School: Academia Menonita
Heritage: Puerto Rican
“Art has been passed down in my family from my father’s side,” says Leyra, who has a fraternal grandfather that exercised his creativity through his work in construction, an aunt that is a painter, and a brother who is pursuing a degree in Graphic Arts. Leyra’s art instrument of choice is a camera, her medium? Photography. She has been cultivating her creative and technical skills and building her lens-based portfolio through workshops and educational activities at Puro Enfoque since 2017. Puro Enfoque is a visual arts organization that promotes photography and digital image in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Last year, she also grew in her art by taking courses at the University of Notre Dame Pre-College Program. Leyra shares her original work with others through an Instagram photography blog. For Leyra, photography is how she freezes a moment in time, looking for ways to make a shot interesting and capture all its subtle nuances. Aesthetics is not the only focus of her images. Her work is about delivering a message, sharing her perspective, and encouraging her audience to want to figure out what she was thinking the instant a picture was taken. “The mix of having some pictures with bright colors and some with dark tones helps my viewers understand a little more of my perspective towards everything that surrounds me, just like navigating through every thought in my mind,” shares Leyra. Though community service was in the background of Leyra’s life for many years, everything changed for her after Hurricane María. Ever since, service has been a focus in her life. “After this natural disaster, my high school experience became ‘School on the week and weekends for giving back,’” she tells us. She started helping during the hurricane relief efforts, then continued by assisting with food distribution in different parts of the island, volunteering at summer camps and national parks, and donating her time at church. Of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent, this talented Latina is a remarkable student and maintains a perfect 4.0 GPA. She is a member of her school’s chapter of the National Honor Society and has been part of her graduating class’s Directive Committee since the 7th grade. She will study Advertising and Photography at Syracuse University, Marquette University, or New York University.
Public Service
Gold - Diego Norat
Major: Political Science or International Relations, considering a minor in Economy or Finance
High School: Colegio Católico Notre Dame
Heritage: Puerto Rican
“Politics and activism generally go hand in hand; both are methods for which one can directly be a leading part of the changes we want to see in our society,” says Diego, whose ultimate career goal is to one day run for office. Diego has been working to prepare himself, learn, and gain the experience necessary for when that day comes. He has been interested in politics and the issues that affect his native Puerto Rico from a young age. A young man of strong beliefs and values, he has gotten involved with political organizations and activist groups that aligned with his philosophies over the years. He has cemented his political ideologies and developed a greater sense of social activism after joining the youth division of one of Puerto Rico’s major political parties in 2019. He has also had the opportunity to be civically active through collaborations with other youth-led organizations, such as United High School Youth, a student collective with the mission of defending students’ rights throughout the island. Social activism and community service are integral aspects of Diego’s life; they drive him and fulfill his need to serve his country and community. “Living in a country where we cannot depend on our local government for relief or support in perilous situations, many of us have been forced to rely on our community,” he observes. This, he believes, has, in turn, promoted the value of service in all the residents on the island and motivated them, himself included, to serve in numerous ways through social activism or volunteering. A leader in his community, Diego also excels academically and is completing his school’s science program, which offers one of its most rigorous and demanding curricula. He is a member of his school’s Chemistry Club and its National Honor Society chapter. He is the current President of his school’s chapter of Model United Nations and is a vital member of its Science Bowl team. Diego plans to attend Georgetown University, Harvard University, or Northeastern University. He will major in Political Science or International Relations and is considering a minor in Economy or Finance.
High School: Colegio Católico Notre Dame
Heritage: Puerto Rican
“Politics and activism generally go hand in hand; both are methods for which one can directly be a leading part of the changes we want to see in our society,” says Diego, whose ultimate career goal is to one day run for office. Diego has been working to prepare himself, learn, and gain the experience necessary for when that day comes. He has been interested in politics and the issues that affect his native Puerto Rico from a young age. A young man of strong beliefs and values, he has gotten involved with political organizations and activist groups that aligned with his philosophies over the years. He has cemented his political ideologies and developed a greater sense of social activism after joining the youth division of one of Puerto Rico’s major political parties in 2019. He has also had the opportunity to be civically active through collaborations with other youth-led organizations, such as United High School Youth, a student collective with the mission of defending students’ rights throughout the island. Social activism and community service are integral aspects of Diego’s life; they drive him and fulfill his need to serve his country and community. “Living in a country where we cannot depend on our local government for relief or support in perilous situations, many of us have been forced to rely on our community,” he observes. This, he believes, has, in turn, promoted the value of service in all the residents on the island and motivated them, himself included, to serve in numerous ways through social activism or volunteering. A leader in his community, Diego also excels academically and is completing his school’s science program, which offers one of its most rigorous and demanding curricula. He is a member of his school’s Chemistry Club and its National Honor Society chapter. He is the current President of his school’s chapter of Model United Nations and is a vital member of its Science Bowl team. Diego plans to attend Georgetown University, Harvard University, or Northeastern University. He will major in Political Science or International Relations and is considering a minor in Economy or Finance.
Silver - Mariana Rodríguez Rivera
Major: Business Management, Finance, or Economics
GPA: 3.50
High School: Escuela Secundaria de la Universidad de Puerto Rico
Heritage: Puerto Rican
Whether it be as a community organizer or a lawyer, Mariana wants to dedicate her life to advocating for social justice. Thanks to her dad, she grew up involved in activism and social justice movements. “I remember my six-year-old self would sit on his shoulders yelling incoherent sentences while accompanying him to protests and demonstrations,” she recalls. Even though she could not yet fully understand the reasons behind the protests, she was already developing a sense and a spirit for fighting for a cause. As she got older, she began to comprehend the complexities of the social issues against which she had grown up protesting and developing her personal viewpoints on these matters. Soon enough, Mariana started to organize within her community. She became an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and joined the directive board of her school’s Gay-Straight Alliance. Through the club, she has taken part in the creation of a gender-neutral bathroom on her school campus. Along with other club members, Mariana also advocated for and succeeded in having her school add a clause to their teacher manual requiring all instructors to ask students for their preferred names and pronouns at the beginning of each school year. Mariana has served her community in numerous ways all through her high school years. Last year, after her school transitioned to virtual learning and amid college application season, it became increasingly difficult for seniors to get the necessary one-on-one time with their counselors as they applied for college. Knowing they could help, Mariana and a friend came up with a solution. They established a new club at their school through which they could assist their fellow seniors, offering them peer mentorship and helping them navigate the college application process. They led meetings every other week, where they gave basic information on how to fill out applications, apply for federal student aid, write college and supplemental essays, and answered all their classmates’ concerns regarding the process. Multidimensional in her interests and pursuits, Mariana is a member of her school’s Student Council and its Model United Nations and English Forensics League chapters. She has earned honorable mention two years in a row for her performance at the Harvard Model Congress Conference. She will attend Simmons University, the University of Washington, or the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she plans to study Business Management, Finance, or Economics.
GPA: 3.50
High School: Escuela Secundaria de la Universidad de Puerto Rico
Heritage: Puerto Rican
Whether it be as a community organizer or a lawyer, Mariana wants to dedicate her life to advocating for social justice. Thanks to her dad, she grew up involved in activism and social justice movements. “I remember my six-year-old self would sit on his shoulders yelling incoherent sentences while accompanying him to protests and demonstrations,” she recalls. Even though she could not yet fully understand the reasons behind the protests, she was already developing a sense and a spirit for fighting for a cause. As she got older, she began to comprehend the complexities of the social issues against which she had grown up protesting and developing her personal viewpoints on these matters. Soon enough, Mariana started to organize within her community. She became an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and joined the directive board of her school’s Gay-Straight Alliance. Through the club, she has taken part in the creation of a gender-neutral bathroom on her school campus. Along with other club members, Mariana also advocated for and succeeded in having her school add a clause to their teacher manual requiring all instructors to ask students for their preferred names and pronouns at the beginning of each school year. Mariana has served her community in numerous ways all through her high school years. Last year, after her school transitioned to virtual learning and amid college application season, it became increasingly difficult for seniors to get the necessary one-on-one time with their counselors as they applied for college. Knowing they could help, Mariana and a friend came up with a solution. They established a new club at their school through which they could assist their fellow seniors, offering them peer mentorship and helping them navigate the college application process. They led meetings every other week, where they gave basic information on how to fill out applications, apply for federal student aid, write college and supplemental essays, and answered all their classmates’ concerns regarding the process. Multidimensional in her interests and pursuits, Mariana is a member of her school’s Student Council and its Model United Nations and English Forensics League chapters. She has earned honorable mention two years in a row for her performance at the Harvard Model Congress Conference. She will attend Simmons University, the University of Washington, or the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she plans to study Business Management, Finance, or Economics.
Bronze - Génesis Rodríguez Toro
Major: International Affairs
GPA: 3.81
High School: Saint Francis School
Heritage: Puerto Rican
Génesis dreams of serving her country by supporting its prosperity, promoting peace, and protecting its people while advancing US interest aboard by becoming a diplomat. To prepare for her future career, she wants to pursue a degree in International Affairs. Génesis is interested in learning about the impacts of politics, culture, and economics on global affairs. She wants to study how governments interact with one another and how each country’s political system differs or aligns with that of others. She is interested in gaining a perspective and a deep understanding of politics on the world stage. In order to better equip herself to work in an increasingly multilingual field, Génesis also wants to add other languages to her repertoire. A well-rounded student, Génesis has continuously looked for ways to challenge herself through her high school career. She has been following a rigorous curriculum, with many AP-level courses, and has been recognized for her academic achievements over the years, including making Honor Roll and High Honor Roll on multiple occasions. Génesis knows the value of community service and has found ways to remain active in her community even through the pandemic. Her most meaningful experience giving back occurred early last year after a wave of powerful earthquakes hit Puerto Rico. As a member of her school’s National Honor Society chapter, Génesis helped organize relief efforts at her school and assisted with the gathering of supplies, food, clothing, and personal care items, which they delivered to care centers housing families displaced by the earthquakes. Génesis is committed to her success and is a responsible and dedicated student. She will study International Affairs at Georgetown University, William and Mary University, or American University.
GPA: 3.81
High School: Saint Francis School
Heritage: Puerto Rican
Génesis dreams of serving her country by supporting its prosperity, promoting peace, and protecting its people while advancing US interest aboard by becoming a diplomat. To prepare for her future career, she wants to pursue a degree in International Affairs. Génesis is interested in learning about the impacts of politics, culture, and economics on global affairs. She wants to study how governments interact with one another and how each country’s political system differs or aligns with that of others. She is interested in gaining a perspective and a deep understanding of politics on the world stage. In order to better equip herself to work in an increasingly multilingual field, Génesis also wants to add other languages to her repertoire. A well-rounded student, Génesis has continuously looked for ways to challenge herself through her high school career. She has been following a rigorous curriculum, with many AP-level courses, and has been recognized for her academic achievements over the years, including making Honor Roll and High Honor Roll on multiple occasions. Génesis knows the value of community service and has found ways to remain active in her community even through the pandemic. Her most meaningful experience giving back occurred early last year after a wave of powerful earthquakes hit Puerto Rico. As a member of her school’s National Honor Society chapter, Génesis helped organize relief efforts at her school and assisted with the gathering of supplies, food, clothing, and personal care items, which they delivered to care centers housing families displaced by the earthquakes. Génesis is committed to her success and is a responsible and dedicated student. She will study International Affairs at Georgetown University, William and Mary University, or American University.
Social Justice
Gold - Sebasstian Adriano
Major: Public Policy and minor in Economics.
GPA: 4.0
High School: Radians School of Math, Science, and Technology
Heritage: Puerto Rican and Mexican
San Juan, Puerto Rico native of Puerto Rican and Mexican descent, Sebasstian sees every person as part of a giant puzzle called society. "Each piece is designed to fit effortlessly into the puzzle. However, the pieces of Latinx, LGBTQ+, and other communities struggle to fit because they are frequently torn or tampered with," he says. For him, activism and service fulfill two essential roles: help the pieces fit and prevent further damage. "Giving back is a statement against the status quo and an investment in human solidarity," declares Sebasstian. He sees social justice as the only solution to human suffering. He has continuously looked for ways to practice social activism, joining organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America and serving as a youth advocate for the Pro-Bono "Enlace" Program of the University of Puerto Rico, School of Law. To expand his reach as a leader, he has participated in programs like the Toastmasters International's Youth Leadership Program and the Youth Empowered Action Camp, where he completed three sessions and expanded his knowledge on global issues, developed his skills as an activist, and advocated for racial equality while raising funds for organizations that work to preserve African American history and advance the fight against racism. Sebasstian has a deep, unwavering commitment to his community and has performed extensive community service work. Among his proudest achievements is assembling a team of volunteers and construction workers in 2019 to renovate a school affected by Hurricane María. When the school board indicated that they lacked the funds to support the project, he jumped to action, raising a portion of the funds through donations and providing the remainder from his personal savings. At 16, Sebasstian published his first book, "Cartas en Mano, Dosis de Tinta," which explores social injustice and encourages change through poetry. It will soon be incorporated into the official Spanish curriculum at his high school. This phenomenal leader and activist has excelled in all of his pursuits. He maintains a 4.0 GPA and has been recognized for his work and achievement on many occasions, including earning 1st place at the National Oratorical Contest on Access to Justice and at multiple Math Olympiads. He will major in Public Policy and minor in Economics at Brown University, the University of Pennsylvania, or Northwestern University.
GPA: 4.0
High School: Radians School of Math, Science, and Technology
Heritage: Puerto Rican and Mexican
San Juan, Puerto Rico native of Puerto Rican and Mexican descent, Sebasstian sees every person as part of a giant puzzle called society. "Each piece is designed to fit effortlessly into the puzzle. However, the pieces of Latinx, LGBTQ+, and other communities struggle to fit because they are frequently torn or tampered with," he says. For him, activism and service fulfill two essential roles: help the pieces fit and prevent further damage. "Giving back is a statement against the status quo and an investment in human solidarity," declares Sebasstian. He sees social justice as the only solution to human suffering. He has continuously looked for ways to practice social activism, joining organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America and serving as a youth advocate for the Pro-Bono "Enlace" Program of the University of Puerto Rico, School of Law. To expand his reach as a leader, he has participated in programs like the Toastmasters International's Youth Leadership Program and the Youth Empowered Action Camp, where he completed three sessions and expanded his knowledge on global issues, developed his skills as an activist, and advocated for racial equality while raising funds for organizations that work to preserve African American history and advance the fight against racism. Sebasstian has a deep, unwavering commitment to his community and has performed extensive community service work. Among his proudest achievements is assembling a team of volunteers and construction workers in 2019 to renovate a school affected by Hurricane María. When the school board indicated that they lacked the funds to support the project, he jumped to action, raising a portion of the funds through donations and providing the remainder from his personal savings. At 16, Sebasstian published his first book, "Cartas en Mano, Dosis de Tinta," which explores social injustice and encourages change through poetry. It will soon be incorporated into the official Spanish curriculum at his high school. This phenomenal leader and activist has excelled in all of his pursuits. He maintains a 4.0 GPA and has been recognized for his work and achievement on many occasions, including earning 1st place at the National Oratorical Contest on Access to Justice and at multiple Math Olympiads. He will major in Public Policy and minor in Economics at Brown University, the University of Pennsylvania, or Northwestern University.
Silver - Matías Coss
Major: Philosophy and Latin American and Caribbean Studies
GPA: 3.88
High School: Escuela Secundaria de la Universidad de Puerto Rico
Heritage: Puerto Rican
Though technological development is often the measure of human progress, for Matías, social activism has been the tool through which we have advanced and grown as a society across the centuries. “Since I was a child, my parents would take me with them to vibrant picket lines,” he recalls. Thanks to his parents, he has understood the value of advocacy and has been involved in Puerto Rican student and political movements since childhood. When he was in 8th grade, Matías participated in the University of Puerto Rico national student strike against the privatizing intentions of the institution’s administration. This has been an ongoing fight in the island for years, with privatization threatening not only the autonomy of Puerto Rico’s main public university system but also its very existence. Last year, mid-pandemic, Matías helped found Juventud Secundaria Unida, an inclusive interschool student activist group built around the idea that education is a fundamental human right. “We named it Juventud Secundaria Unida, for our mission is to defend and unify Puerto Rico’s high school population against privatization and institutional injustices,” he explains. Through his years in high school and volunteering experiences, Matías has learned the valuable lesson of acknowledging his own cultural and social privileges and the difficulty of doing so without negating his contributions as a leader. Besides his work as an activist for social change, he has also conducted volunteer work in his community. One of the projects he feels honored to have been part of is the restoration of the Dr. Pedro Goyco School in San Juan. Closed in 2016, this school served as more than an educational institution; it was also a place of refuge in times of natural disasters. Thanks to community efforts, the space has been transformed into the Taller Comunidad La Goyco, a cultural center that now hosts various local activities and events. Earnest in his commitment to social justice, Matías is also a talented and accomplished student. He represented Puerto Rico at the Poetry Out Loud National Recitation Contest in 2018 and will proudly do so once again later this year. He will attend Columbia University, Northwestern University, or the Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts at The New School, where he plans to study Philosophy and Latin American and Caribbean Studies.
GPA: 3.88
High School: Escuela Secundaria de la Universidad de Puerto Rico
Heritage: Puerto Rican
Though technological development is often the measure of human progress, for Matías, social activism has been the tool through which we have advanced and grown as a society across the centuries. “Since I was a child, my parents would take me with them to vibrant picket lines,” he recalls. Thanks to his parents, he has understood the value of advocacy and has been involved in Puerto Rican student and political movements since childhood. When he was in 8th grade, Matías participated in the University of Puerto Rico national student strike against the privatizing intentions of the institution’s administration. This has been an ongoing fight in the island for years, with privatization threatening not only the autonomy of Puerto Rico’s main public university system but also its very existence. Last year, mid-pandemic, Matías helped found Juventud Secundaria Unida, an inclusive interschool student activist group built around the idea that education is a fundamental human right. “We named it Juventud Secundaria Unida, for our mission is to defend and unify Puerto Rico’s high school population against privatization and institutional injustices,” he explains. Through his years in high school and volunteering experiences, Matías has learned the valuable lesson of acknowledging his own cultural and social privileges and the difficulty of doing so without negating his contributions as a leader. Besides his work as an activist for social change, he has also conducted volunteer work in his community. One of the projects he feels honored to have been part of is the restoration of the Dr. Pedro Goyco School in San Juan. Closed in 2016, this school served as more than an educational institution; it was also a place of refuge in times of natural disasters. Thanks to community efforts, the space has been transformed into the Taller Comunidad La Goyco, a cultural center that now hosts various local activities and events. Earnest in his commitment to social justice, Matías is also a talented and accomplished student. He represented Puerto Rico at the Poetry Out Loud National Recitation Contest in 2018 and will proudly do so once again later this year. He will attend Columbia University, Northwestern University, or the Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts at The New School, where he plans to study Philosophy and Latin American and Caribbean Studies.
Bronze - Carlos Escalera
Major: Criminal Justice
GPA: 3.80
High School: Colegio Sagrado Corazón de Jesus
Heritage: Puerto Rican
Carlos admits that there was a point in his life when he was ignorant to the social and political issues that affected the world around him. Now he lives by General MacArthur’s words: “No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.” Like with many young people in his native Puerto Rico, Carlos’s fighting and activism spirit was awakened in 2019. In the wake of hurricanes, corruption, and mismanagement by local leaders, people from all over the ideopolitical and socioeconomic spectra came together, grabbed history by the hands, and ensured their voices were heard across the island and the nation. “I learned that true strength lies in unity,” tells us Carlos. “Now I am willing to help my community in any way I can and be part of something bigger than myself, the same way the entire island of Puerto Rico got together in order to get a corrupt governor out of office,” he declares. In early 2020, after a series of earthquakes devastated parts of the island, Carlos was driven to help his community get back on its feet. Although his own home had suffered severe structural damages and he had been forced to sleep in the trunk of a car, he understood that many members of my community were in worse situations than him. During the following months, Carlos and a close group of friends and family gathered supplies and donations, which they distributed across the island while offering support to families displaced by the recent natural disasters. Throughout his junior year, he organized a group of his peers to volunteer at local elderly centers. Once a week, they visited the centers, bringing along supplies and company, and looking for any way to be of assistance during their visit. Carlos wants to dedicate his life to being of service. He wants to make a difference in his community and contribute to causes that matter. This proud Latino leader will study Criminal Justice at the University of New Haven, Suffolk University, or the University of North Florida.
GPA: 3.80
High School: Colegio Sagrado Corazón de Jesus
Heritage: Puerto Rican
Carlos admits that there was a point in his life when he was ignorant to the social and political issues that affected the world around him. Now he lives by General MacArthur’s words: “No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.” Like with many young people in his native Puerto Rico, Carlos’s fighting and activism spirit was awakened in 2019. In the wake of hurricanes, corruption, and mismanagement by local leaders, people from all over the ideopolitical and socioeconomic spectra came together, grabbed history by the hands, and ensured their voices were heard across the island and the nation. “I learned that true strength lies in unity,” tells us Carlos. “Now I am willing to help my community in any way I can and be part of something bigger than myself, the same way the entire island of Puerto Rico got together in order to get a corrupt governor out of office,” he declares. In early 2020, after a series of earthquakes devastated parts of the island, Carlos was driven to help his community get back on its feet. Although his own home had suffered severe structural damages and he had been forced to sleep in the trunk of a car, he understood that many members of my community were in worse situations than him. During the following months, Carlos and a close group of friends and family gathered supplies and donations, which they distributed across the island while offering support to families displaced by the recent natural disasters. Throughout his junior year, he organized a group of his peers to volunteer at local elderly centers. Once a week, they visited the centers, bringing along supplies and company, and looking for any way to be of assistance during their visit. Carlos wants to dedicate his life to being of service. He wants to make a difference in his community and contribute to causes that matter. This proud Latino leader will study Criminal Justice at the University of New Haven, Suffolk University, or the University of North Florida.
Technology
Gold - Kevin Acevedo
Major: Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics
GPA: 3.96
High School: Colegio Católico Notre Dame
Heritage: Puerto Rican
Kevin knew he wanted to pursue a career in STEM after he participated in MathROOTS at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2019. MathROOTS is a two-week mathematics and sciences summer residential program for promising high school students from underrepresented backgrounds. Upon returning from the program, he considered all his options, the many engineering branches, pure mathematics, numerous scientific fields, and landed on Computer Science and Mathematics. A problem-solver at heart, these fields of study best appealed to his interests and skills. “Studying Computer Science will complement math perfectly, allowing me to leverage technology to accomplish my goals of bettering Puerto Rico after graduation,” Kevin explains. Soon after he knew what he wanted to study in college, he completed a week-long after-school course on Python led by an MIT student and has since been teaching himself to code in order to prepare himself for his future course of study. Last summer, he took part in the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez summer camp, UPRM Hacks. At the camp, he learned how to use the MIT App Inventor, an online platform designed to teach computational thinking concepts through the development of mobile applications. Kevin is a member of his school’s science program, a rigorous and demanding program reserved for only the most talented students. He has excelled academically throughout his schooling, currently maintaining a 3.96 GPA, and has been showcasing his science and math knowledge and skills at competitions since middle school. He has won Regional Science Bowl Championships and has even represented Puerto Rico at national competitions. He is a member of his school’s Math Club, Chemistry Club, and its chapter of the National Honor Society. He is actively involved in his community, always looking for ways opportunities to give back. Last year, as part of his Eagle Scout service project, he coordinated and hosted a blood drive. Thanks to his efforts, 116 people donated and contributed a total of 111 pints to the Puerto Rico Blood Bank. Kevin will continue his academic and service pursuits as he attends the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Georgia Institute of Technology, or Stanford University, where he will major in Computer Science and minor in Mathematics.
GPA: 3.96
High School: Colegio Católico Notre Dame
Heritage: Puerto Rican
Kevin knew he wanted to pursue a career in STEM after he participated in MathROOTS at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2019. MathROOTS is a two-week mathematics and sciences summer residential program for promising high school students from underrepresented backgrounds. Upon returning from the program, he considered all his options, the many engineering branches, pure mathematics, numerous scientific fields, and landed on Computer Science and Mathematics. A problem-solver at heart, these fields of study best appealed to his interests and skills. “Studying Computer Science will complement math perfectly, allowing me to leverage technology to accomplish my goals of bettering Puerto Rico after graduation,” Kevin explains. Soon after he knew what he wanted to study in college, he completed a week-long after-school course on Python led by an MIT student and has since been teaching himself to code in order to prepare himself for his future course of study. Last summer, he took part in the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez summer camp, UPRM Hacks. At the camp, he learned how to use the MIT App Inventor, an online platform designed to teach computational thinking concepts through the development of mobile applications. Kevin is a member of his school’s science program, a rigorous and demanding program reserved for only the most talented students. He has excelled academically throughout his schooling, currently maintaining a 3.96 GPA, and has been showcasing his science and math knowledge and skills at competitions since middle school. He has won Regional Science Bowl Championships and has even represented Puerto Rico at national competitions. He is a member of his school’s Math Club, Chemistry Club, and its chapter of the National Honor Society. He is actively involved in his community, always looking for ways opportunities to give back. Last year, as part of his Eagle Scout service project, he coordinated and hosted a blood drive. Thanks to his efforts, 116 people donated and contributed a total of 111 pints to the Puerto Rico Blood Bank. Kevin will continue his academic and service pursuits as he attends the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Georgia Institute of Technology, or Stanford University, where he will major in Computer Science and minor in Mathematics.
Silver - Valentina Bohórquez
Major: Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Political Science
GPA: 4.0
High School: Radians School of Math, Science, and Technology
Heritage: Panamanian and Colombian
When she was younger, Valentina discovered and became intrigued about aerodynamics while watching the Formula 1 Grand Prix for the first time. “I became fascinated after finding out that teams do not only rely on an efficient motor and an amazing driver to win but also on a design capable of combating air resistance as much as possible,” she recalls. This new interest and newfound fascination with aerodynamics eventually led her to find out about the field of aerospace engineering. Whether it be through the development of a new commercial plane model or the creation of a new helicopter rotor model, Valentina is engrossed with the idea of one day improving the aerial transportation industry through the implementation of more efficient aircraft designs. To work towards her goal, Valentina has continuously looked for opportunities to expand and develop her understanding of different STEM fields through her academics and extracurricular activities. She has taken dual-enrollment courses, including Computer Programming Fundamentals, and is taking the highest-level math class offered at her school, AP Calculus. Valentina has proven to be an exemplary student during her high school years, currently maintaining a cumulative GPA of 4.0. She has also demonstrated her abilities as a leader as President of her school’s junior chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and as class Secretary. She is an active member of her school’s Chemistry Club, its American Red Cross Club, and its National Honor Society chapter, and has also served as Captain of her school’s women’s basketball team. Valentina has been involved with the Girls Scouts since she was eight years old. Over the years, through volunteering activities like annual island-wide beach cleanups, local food drives, and nursing home visits, she has found ways to be of service and contribute to her community. This Caguas, Puerto Rico resident of Colombian and Panamanian descent, is ready and inspired to continue advancing in her studies and wants to use her knowledge to innovate and improve the lives of others in the future. She will major in Aerospace Engineering and minor in Political Science at the University of Maryland, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, or the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
GPA: 4.0
High School: Radians School of Math, Science, and Technology
Heritage: Panamanian and Colombian
When she was younger, Valentina discovered and became intrigued about aerodynamics while watching the Formula 1 Grand Prix for the first time. “I became fascinated after finding out that teams do not only rely on an efficient motor and an amazing driver to win but also on a design capable of combating air resistance as much as possible,” she recalls. This new interest and newfound fascination with aerodynamics eventually led her to find out about the field of aerospace engineering. Whether it be through the development of a new commercial plane model or the creation of a new helicopter rotor model, Valentina is engrossed with the idea of one day improving the aerial transportation industry through the implementation of more efficient aircraft designs. To work towards her goal, Valentina has continuously looked for opportunities to expand and develop her understanding of different STEM fields through her academics and extracurricular activities. She has taken dual-enrollment courses, including Computer Programming Fundamentals, and is taking the highest-level math class offered at her school, AP Calculus. Valentina has proven to be an exemplary student during her high school years, currently maintaining a cumulative GPA of 4.0. She has also demonstrated her abilities as a leader as President of her school’s junior chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and as class Secretary. She is an active member of her school’s Chemistry Club, its American Red Cross Club, and its National Honor Society chapter, and has also served as Captain of her school’s women’s basketball team. Valentina has been involved with the Girls Scouts since she was eight years old. Over the years, through volunteering activities like annual island-wide beach cleanups, local food drives, and nursing home visits, she has found ways to be of service and contribute to her community. This Caguas, Puerto Rico resident of Colombian and Panamanian descent, is ready and inspired to continue advancing in her studies and wants to use her knowledge to innovate and improve the lives of others in the future. She will major in Aerospace Engineering and minor in Political Science at the University of Maryland, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, or the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Bronze - Brian Marchand
Major: Engineering
GPA: 3.93
High School: Antilles High School
Heritage: Puerto Rican
Brian has been fascinated with technology and with figuring out how machines and things around him worked since he was a young boy. Because of his curiosity, deciding to study engineering came easily to him. “I was naturally inclined to pursuing a degree in engineering,” he tells us. With the intent of preparing to become an engineer, he has challenged himself by pursuing a rigorous academic program. His curriculum has included multiple advanced math and science courses, like AP Physics, AP Calculus, and AP Computer Science. He has also been involved with different STEM-related activities at his school, like its Engineering Club and its Fab Lab, which has helped him develop his innovative thinking skills. In addition to pursuing engineering, Brian wants to serve as an officer in the US Air or Space Force. He wants to apply his knowledge to help maintain the US safe by ensuring the nation has access to the best and the latest technologies. Throughout high school, Brian has stood out academically among the top students in his class and has received several awards and recognitions for his achievements, including the US Army Reserve National Scholar/Athlete Award, the JROTC Academic Achievement Wreath, and the recognition as an AP Scholar. He held many leadership positions, both in his high school and his community. While serving as Commander of Honor Guard and Color Guard, he ensured that instructors and cadets were prepared for ceremonial and community events. As Interact Club Secretary, he planned and organized service projects. Brian is also an active member of his school’s Debate, World Culture, and Future Business Leaders of America Clubs and is part of its basketball and varsity volleyball teams. Environmentally conscious, Brian is the founder of Let’s Clean PR, an environmental cleanup group focused on removing coastal and oceanic pollution. He helps scientists study the scope of the marine pollution problem by documenting the type and amount of trash Let’s Clean PR collects through the Ocean Conservancy’s app, Clean Swell. Active in his community, he sewed masks for homeless veterans and Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals during the initial stage of the pandemic, when masks were in short supply. Brian is as well-rounded as they come. He is not only a gifted student but also an accomplished leader, athlete, and humanitarian. He will pursue an Engineering degree at Auburn University, the University of Alabama, or the Georgia Institute of Technology.
GPA: 3.93
High School: Antilles High School
Heritage: Puerto Rican
Brian has been fascinated with technology and with figuring out how machines and things around him worked since he was a young boy. Because of his curiosity, deciding to study engineering came easily to him. “I was naturally inclined to pursuing a degree in engineering,” he tells us. With the intent of preparing to become an engineer, he has challenged himself by pursuing a rigorous academic program. His curriculum has included multiple advanced math and science courses, like AP Physics, AP Calculus, and AP Computer Science. He has also been involved with different STEM-related activities at his school, like its Engineering Club and its Fab Lab, which has helped him develop his innovative thinking skills. In addition to pursuing engineering, Brian wants to serve as an officer in the US Air or Space Force. He wants to apply his knowledge to help maintain the US safe by ensuring the nation has access to the best and the latest technologies. Throughout high school, Brian has stood out academically among the top students in his class and has received several awards and recognitions for his achievements, including the US Army Reserve National Scholar/Athlete Award, the JROTC Academic Achievement Wreath, and the recognition as an AP Scholar. He held many leadership positions, both in his high school and his community. While serving as Commander of Honor Guard and Color Guard, he ensured that instructors and cadets were prepared for ceremonial and community events. As Interact Club Secretary, he planned and organized service projects. Brian is also an active member of his school’s Debate, World Culture, and Future Business Leaders of America Clubs and is part of its basketball and varsity volleyball teams. Environmentally conscious, Brian is the founder of Let’s Clean PR, an environmental cleanup group focused on removing coastal and oceanic pollution. He helps scientists study the scope of the marine pollution problem by documenting the type and amount of trash Let’s Clean PR collects through the Ocean Conservancy’s app, Clean Swell. Active in his community, he sewed masks for homeless veterans and Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals during the initial stage of the pandemic, when masks were in short supply. Brian is as well-rounded as they come. He is not only a gifted student but also an accomplished leader, athlete, and humanitarian. He will pursue an Engineering degree at Auburn University, the University of Alabama, or the Georgia Institute of Technology.
