Brenda Alvarez-Lagunas, 18, graduated as Mulberry High School valedictorian and won a full scholarship to Stanford University. Her parents were farmers.
In her valedictory address, she placed a container of strawberries on the podium and joked that they represented her parents’ farmwork.
Brenda described her poverty brought on by her father’s deportation to Mexico. Her parents, who only finished fourth grade, taught her perseverance.
Brenda graduated with a 4.68 GPA despite the obstacles. Principal Michael Young lauded her drive and talent. Brenda co-founded the Adelante Club for migrant youngsters.
Her mentor, Dani Higgins, helped her succeed, and she recommends people to use all resources to improve their situation. Brenda will study bioengineering at Stanford on scholarship.
CREDIT: Allschoolabs, ALLSCHOOL
