East Valley graduates first in school to attend USC, Stanford

It’s a graduation season full of firsts at Desert Mirage High School in Thermal. Jessica Magallon is the first graduate in the school’s history to get accepted and attend Standford University in the fall.

“I’ve been wanting to go to Stanford since I was a freshman,” said Magallon.

Magallon is among the top 10 students in her graduating class, with numerous academic awards and scholarships. She’s the first in her family to go to college.

“Being a girl, a Latina it’s not easy. It’s not a norm for girls to go to school and for girls to leave the nest. It’s an accomplishment that was worth it and all of the hard work and everything I did all four years is worth it.”

She’s not the only one setting records, Alejandra Franco is the first student at Desert Mirage to attend the University of Southern California.

“I’m really excited because I am going to start school in the fall at USC. I’ll be a political science major with a focus on pre-law.”

As Franco finished her graduation speech, the valedictorian, the daughter of mexican immigrants said she’s the first in her family to go to college. She earned straight A’s her entire high school career and has overcome many obstacles.

“At birth I was diagnosed with hemiplegia, which means partial paralysis of the body and limited development of the brain.”

She persevered with support from her family.

“My parents are extremely proud. Right now we’re all happy,” said Franco.

Both girls dream to become lawyers, Franco said or maybe a physician, and return to the Coachella Valley to give back.