Salute to Coachella Valley 2022 graduates
Across the Coachella Valley, thousands of seniors are saying their goodbyes to their high schools and venturing out to start the rest of their life. This year News Channel 3 is highlighting some students and their achievements.
Isabella Francisco - Desert Learning Academy
Isabella Francisco had more than just her studies to worry about. She had to overcome the medical issues she faced while staying on top of her school work. It wasn't easy for her, but still, she was able to be the senior speaker for her school's commencement. She even holds the honor of RCOE Scholar of the Year. Francisco is graduating with a 4.45 GPA.
Esmerelda Vargas - Coachella Valley High School
Esmerelda Vargas has a medical condition that caused her to lose some of her eyesight. However, she used this to her advantage. Vargas said she was brave enough to reach out of her comfort zone and is proud of how far she has come both academically and socially. Vargas hopes to one day become a lawyer or psychologist.
Ray Franco - Mt. San Jacinto High School
Ray Franco has a medical condition that affects his vision. In the past, this has taken a toll on his academic success. Because of his determination and dedication, he was able to turn things around. He is described to be kind, outgoing, and not shy at all. He also has a passion for music.
"Despite my poor eyesight and what I had to suffer while having it I had a great time because of the people and facilities that decided to actually care about me and continue doing what I love."
Sara Habibipour - Palm Valley School
Sarab Habibipour kept very busy during the school year. She is graduating with several honors and awards. One of these awards is the Congress of Future Medical Leaders Excellence Award with distinction.
Michelle Lee - La Quinta High School
Michelle Lee is graduating high school with a 4.7 GPA. Getting good grades wasn't all she did, but she also participated in 12 different clubs at her school. She was a teaching assistant at a Korean school and interned at a law firm. Given her busy schedule, Lee still found time to volunteer in her community.
Keona Corona - Palm Springs High School
Keona Corona was the captain of her school's soccer team and made it to CIF playoffs two years in a row under her leadership. Corona was also named Athlete of the Year. She is going to the University of California Berkley to continue her long list of accomplishments.
Aiden Valencia - Desert Christian Academy
Aiden Valencia is the co-valedictorian for his senior class. He was an active ASB member and participated in his school's basketball and soccer teams. He spent all 12 years going to Desert Christian Academy and is going to miss everything about the school. Valencia will be attending the University of California Berkley in the Fall.
Wendy Cadena - Desert Hot Springs High School
Wendy Cadena is an undocumented student who didn't let any hardships she faced get in the way of having a successful future. She studied, did amazing in classes, and applied to several colleges. Cadena hopes she can one day get into Cal Poly Humboldt and study Biomedical Engineering.
Nadia Zavala: Amidstad High School
Nadia Zavala was her school's ASB President as well as an active member in numerous clubs and activities around campus. Most recently she was recognized as a 2022 Riverside County Exceptional Graduate. Zavala will be attending College of the Desert in the Fall.
Emily Pruette - Summit High School
Emily Pruette was also an ASB President for her school. She is someone who kept busy and turned her grades around when starting at Summit High School. Pruette is described as someone who would go the extra mile in her studies. She was able to earn 50 credits in one semester, which qualified her to graduate in the middle of the school year.
Kyla Salazar - Palm Desert High School
Kyla Salazar is said to be the first student in the Coachella Valley to earn an AA from College of the Desert while still in high school. She is going to be the first in her family to go to college. Her GPS is at a 4.5 and she will be graduating with more credits than she needs. Salazar will be attending San Diego State University in the Fall.
Jarvis Crawford: Xavier College Prep
Jarvis Crawford has received many athletic awards and achievements during high school. He made sure to put just as much time into his studies as he did for the school's football team. Crawford played a huge role in leading the Varsity football team to win the first DEL Championship title. He will be attending John Carroll University in Cleveland Ohio in the fall.
Melody Chaclan - Cathedral City High School
Melody Chaclan is the valedictorian at her high school. She is one of 40 winners across the country who received the Questbridge scholarship. Because of the scholarship, she received a full ride to her dream school, Stanford. Chaclan appeared in Goodmorning America for her accomplishment.
Caden Truman - Shadow Hills High School
People who know Caden Truman describe him to be someone well-liked by all. During his senior year, he was a TA for the activities director. Truman was also part of his high school's golf team where he was a team player and helped teach the game to younger inexperienced players.
Jennifer Garcia: Indio High School
Garcia holds the honorary title of Summa Cum Laude for her graduating class. She kept busy during her senior year by participating in ASB and being part of the cheer team. Garcia was also part of Renaissance, a student community service organization. Those who know her describe her as bubbly, vivacious, and a strong promoter of goodwill on campus.
Dianely Parra: Rancho Mirage High School
Parra ended her school year with a 4.7 GPA and was part of the AVID program. Not only did she excel in her studies, but she did it as a water polo player for her school. She is going to be the salutatorian for her class.
“I really had to stay after school, do all my work, and then stay up late at night because of the practice schedule. But when I saw the grades I had, it was really rewarding so it just kind of like pushed me to be dedicated," said Parra.
Sasha Mendoza: La Familia High School
Mendoza was ASB President for her school during her senior year. Recently, she visited the state capitol with a few other students where she was able to thank California Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia for welcoming her group. Mendoza has persevered and will be joining hundreds of other seniors to walk the stage.
A huge congrats to all of the graduates in the Coachella Valley. Check back through the week for more graduate salutes over the next two weeks.
