High School Scholars
Class of 2020
Class of 2019
Alberto Castro
Capital High School
Class of 2019
Three words that best describe me: Hardworking, Passionate and Outgoing
What matters to me most is my family, because they have made me the person that I am today. They are my top priority and will forever be. My vision for my future includes happiness and a job that I love. I am currently involved in the Medical Pathways program in my high school and I find it very exciting. I am also apart of my school’s baseball team and Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA). I also have a job. After high school, I am planning to major in Biology and be a part of a good medical program at a four-year university. I am thankful for all the doors the Simon Scholars Program has opened for me. They are guiding me towards success.
Alejandro Gutierrez
Santa Fe High School
Class of 2019
Three words that best describe me: Athletic, Passionate, Creative
Extracurricular Involvement: Football, Wrestling, Baseball.
What matters to me most is achieving my dreams and aspirations, such as helping my sister go to college so that she can become a successful surgeon. I am involved in many sports at my school, including football and wrestling, and I enjoy athletics because I believe that the body is like a clump of clay waiting for a sculptor. My vision for my future includes traveling to different parts of the world, earning a college degree, and creating as close to a utopian lifestyle for my family as possible. I am thankful for my family, friends, and programs like Simon Scholars which have helped me get closer to my life goals.
Alexa Loya Carrillo
South Valley Academy
Class of 2019
Three words that best describe me: Outgoing, Adventurous and Funny
What matters most to me is my family, including my dog Maya she is a chihuahua mix and her favorite toy to play with is Elmo. My education is also very important, because I know that it will help me succeed and accomplish my dreams. I am involved in my school’s National Honor Society and Folklorico Dance group. I also participate in South Valley Peers in Action, where we address issues around sexuality and individual empowerment. My vision for my future includes helping others in my community by attending an out of state college and becoming a child psychiatrist. I would also like to someday travel to new places and have a family of my own. I am proud to be a Simon Scholar because it has given me the opportunity to showcase who I am, and what I am capable of doing.
Annarae Serrano
Native American Community Academy
Class of 2019
Three words that best describe me: Driven, Passionate, and Audacious
What matters most to me is my friends and family, because they always motivate me to try my best and they have never stopped believing in me no matter what I choose to do. My education also matters very deeply to me, because a great education can lead me to achieving my goals. I believe that with the knowledge I gain I can accomplish great things. I am currently a representative of my school’s Student Council and also an active member of NACA Youth Peers. I love to play sports, and compete in cross country and track and field. I am also an intern at FACES for the Future, which is a program for people interested in pursuing medical careers. Music is another passion of mine, because I love to express my feelings through songwriting.
My vision for my future is to be genuinely happy with what I do in life. I hope to be financially stable and successful. I also want to stay involved in representing my Native and Hispanic culture because it’s a very significant part of my life. I would like to make a difference not only in my community, but also in the world. I am proud to be a Simon Scholar because it means something more than just receiving a scholarship for college. It means being a part of a community and having a second family to support me every step of the way especially through every obstacle or struggle I battle.
Cesar Arroyo
Capital High School
Class of 2019
Three Words: Intelligent, Responsible, Determined
Extra curricular: National Honors Society, AVID, Soccer
What matters most to me is to be surrounded by those who support me with everything I do, especially my family. My vision for my future includes having at least a bachelor’s degree in a major I am interested in, and being prepared to attend to those in my community through my medical career. I am currently involved in my school’s Medical Pathways Program, which has sparked my interest in the medical field. I am also a part of National Honors Society, AVID and soccer. I am proud to be a Simon Scholar because I know I am going to become that role model my siblings are looking up to. I am proud to represent this amazing foundation, my school, and my community.
Edgar Sarceno
Santa Fe High School
Class of 2019
Three words that describe me: Candid, Enterprising, Leader.
Your words: What matters most to me is my future and and whether or not I save the world.
Suggestion: What matters most to me is not only my own future, but also working to make the world a better place.
I am involved in the AVID council committee to help create a better program for future generations. I work with Youth Allies to train in leadership and to become involved in my community. I also participate in Teen Court, which has allowed me to shadow judges, lawyers, and law officials at. As a member of the Inspire Santa Fe Mentorship Program, I am completing a personal project based on improving school policies. My vision for my future is being able to graduate with at least two degrees and a minor in the span of four years, while garnering expertise in electrical engineering and computer software. I am proud to be a Simon Scholar because I believe I have potential and passion that this program can strengthen.
Elena Romero
Capital High School
Class of 2019
Words to describe me: Philosophical, Honest, Witty
I have spent my entire life preparing for the college experience and I am determined to achieve my goals. My future is what matters most to me. The idea of going to college is not only for myself, but for everyone who believed in me and supported me. Some of my strongest supporters include my dad, my older sisters, my friends, and my teachers. My determination applies not only to preparing college, but also to participating in National Honor Society, my school’s marching band, AVID, and Culture Club. I love working in these groups and clubs which help me develop good character and improve who I am for the better. I prepare myself because I want to get into Veterinary School after I get my bachelors degree in pre-veterinary science. Animals have always been a big part of my life and I yearn to help them and others. I am thankful for the Simon Scholars Program because it is giving me the resources and support to put my skills into use and advance myself into college.
Elvia Goudriaan Gonzales
Santa Fe High School
Class of 2019
Three words that best describe me are: intelligent, compassionate, and determined.
What matters most to me are the people in my life, my education, and the natural world. My mother, father, and sister (and I dare include my best friend who I have known for over five years) are what I live for. I love spending time with them, seeing them healthy and happy and learning about the world with them. My education, not just formal, but also what I gain from reading and listening to lectures, audiobooks, and simply speaking to different people is also very important to me. Life would be so dull if one was stuck with the knowledge they had when they came into the world. Lastly, the natural world– being outside– always makes me happy and calms me down, makes me feel a sense of wholeness and well being. My vision for my future includes having a smile on my face and putting one on other people’s. I think that there is but one guaranteed reason for being on this planet and that is to enjoy your time here. For this reason, I plan to graduate high school and gain a degree in something that will make me happy, something that will let me feel good, and will help me help others feel the same way. Being a Simon Scholar means having a way to accomplish my goals. It means not being alone. It means having a support system that I know I can turn to when I am overwhelmed or confused. I am confident in my future because the Simon Scholar Family has confidence in me. And that is amazing.
My extracurricular involvement during high school includes: Planned Parenthood Peer Educator, Swim Team, Inspire Santa Fe Creative Writing Mentorship, National Honor Society, Santa Fe High Speech and Debate Club (Co-founder), Bilingual Club (Treasurer), Healthcare Exploration Program, Model United Nations Club, and selling jewelry with my mother at the Taos Gorge Bridge.
Gabriella Gallegos
Albuquerque High School
Class of 2019
Three words that best describe me: Ambitious, driven, and resilient.
What matters most to me is family, friends, and my education. I want to pursue a career in sports medicine, where I hope to help others. Being an athlete myself, I can relate to the frustrations of being unable to play due to an injury. I am a member of my school’s softball team, and I am also a member of AVID. I am also a Youth Intern at Explora Science Museum. In the future, I would like to attend a college close to home and participate in intramural sports, community service, and study abroad.
After I graduate from college, I want to work in a physical therapy facility, and maybe even become a physical therapist for a professional sports teams or possibly for the University of New Mexico Lobos. I am proud to be a Simon Scholar because I am able to represent my school by being the only scholar from Albuquerque High for the class of 2019. This program has helped me a lot with my public speaking skills, and it has improved my skills in class. This program is more than just receiving a scholarship, it’s becoming a family with other students who are also dedicated to being successful both inside and outside of the classroom. We all have one thing in common: we want to have a good future made possible by attending college.
Gisela Loya Carrillo
South Valley Academy
Class of 2019
Three words that best describe me: Creative, Kind, Funny
What matters most to me is my family, my education, and my future plans and happiness. My family has sacrificed a lot to give me the opportunity to further my education in hope for a better future. For that reason, I value my education so much. I am also involved in a Folklorico dance group, alongside teaching traditional Mexican waltzes for quinceañeras. I participate in my school’s National Honors Society, and my responsibilities include planning events for our student body.
My vision for my future includes working in a field that makes me happy, surrounded with people who love and care for me. I am proud to be a Simon Scholar because I am following my older sister’s footsteps whom I look up to, as she too was a Simon Scholar and first generation college student who recently received her bachelors from UNM. I also wish to pursue my bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution in order to give back to my community and make my parents proud.
Jacqueline Espinoza
Capital High School
Class of 2019
Three words that best describe me are: Caring, Driven and Outgoing
The well-being of my family, the solidarity of my friends, and a future full of nothing but great achievements is what matters to me the most. As a first generation college student, working hard towards providing for my family will be a challenge, but I intend to do so because this has always been a priority for me. Eventually, I would like to return to my home town of Santa Fe and give back to the city that has seen me grow. I want to come back here and help students like me who need an opportunity to demonstrate their true potential, and work toward the betterment of a city that has so much to give. Obtaining a higher education so that I may do this and much more begins now, and through the help of amazing people like those in the Simon Scholar Program, my peers and teachers, a long journey toward a victorious future awaits.
Jaqueline Ibarra
South Valley Academy
Class of 2019
Three words that best describe me: Outgoing, Ambitious, Leader
What matters most to me is my faith, family, community and my education. I am very involved in my church’s youth group, and I also volunteer at Casa de Salud Family Medical office. I participate in various clubs at my school like Student Council, where I serve as the Junior Class President and Chair of Dances and Special Events. I also play Softball for Rio Grande High School.
My vision for the future and in life is to be successful. I want to be able to enjoy life and the beauty around me while staying focused on what is important. To be a Simon Scholar means being a role model. To me it means being someone who people look up to and go to whenever they are in need. I am thankful and humbled to be given this opportunity which will help me achieve not only my academic goals but also my goals in life. This program, which has opened up many doors for me, has motivated me to give back to my family and my community who have shaped me into the person I am today.
Jason Aragon
Santa Fe High School
Class of 2019
Three words that describe me: Determined, Honest, and Courageous
What matters most to me is my family, especially my mom because she is the one that has been there for me and never given up on me. She pushes me to be a better person and to strive for the best. My education is important to me because it will help me accomplish my goals and dreams for the future. My vision for the future includes majoring in psychology and minoring in audio production. I would like to become a therapist and help other people mentally, so that they can live a better life. I also want to learn audio production to learn how to produce music.
I am currently involved in JROTC, which has won back to back state championships.JROTC is like my second family; we have been through so many hardships, but we still stay together no matter what. I am also a member of the National Honors Society, which has provided me with a really great opportunity to get involved in my community. In addition, I also participate in Student Government. I am very proud to be a Simon Scholar because I know that this program will help me get on the right path to pursue my dreams.
Jorge Ordonez
South Valley Academy
Class of 2019
Three words that best describe me: Driven, Friendly, Committed
What matters most to me is to live happily, resiliently and with a love for life. I try to follow these words in everything I do, especially when it comes to my education. I am part of a group named S.L.O.T.H., which addresses problems in the community such as hunger, college readiness and time management. I am also a member of my school’s basketball team and I often volunteer in my church. Recently, I went to Arizona to assist with a program called Feed My Starving Children, which packed enough meals to feed 450 children for an entire year in the Philippines.
My vision for my future includes creating a comfortable lifestyle through my career in either Forensics Science or Engineering. Also, I would like to continue doing work that will improve my community. I am proud to be a Simon Scholar because not only do I receive the tools to prosper in my education, but also I have found a second family through this amazing program.
Jose Ronquillo Tena
South Valley Academy
Class of 2019
Three words that best describe me: Positive, Curious, and Different
My vision for the future is to spend half a lifetime building a strong wall and maintaining that wall stable. Education is power and it’s the path to my goal. What matters the most to me is family and the future. I want to finish my education to one day be able to look back to my parents and dedicate my success to them. I am taking CNM electrical engineer classes. I also talk to business owners and receive advice to assist me in the future. I am thankful for the life changing opportunity that the Simon Scholars Program has given me. I am thankful for being where I am today, for being loved and being supported.
Karime Holguin
South Valley Academy
Class of 2019
Three words that best describe me: Determined, Outgoing, and Athletic
What matters most to me is my family because they have always supported me and without them I would not be where I am today. Pursuing my education is important to me as well because I know it will play a big part in my future. I am passionate about helping my community. I am involved in South Valley Peers in Action and through this organization we address issues around sexuality, sexual health, and individual empowerment. I am also an active participant of my school’s Drama club and Volleyball team.
My vision for my future includes being financially well off and having a career in the medical field. I am very proud to be a Simon Scholar because I have been given the opportunity to achieve my goals and dreams. With the Simon Scholars Program I will always have a second family and a support system throughout my college experience.
Kevin Pereira
Capital High School
Class of 2019
What matters most to me is making sure that my mother is proud of me. I would like to give back to her for everything she has sacrificed for me. I am extremely thankful for her because she has worked so hard to make me who I am. She is the reason I stand tall doing everything I do. Every day I get closer to achieving my goals, and in large part motivation is to see her happy and proud of my success. In school, I am involved in varsity baseball, DECA (Distributing Education Clubs of America), and National Honor Society. My vision for the future includes choosing a career path that will make me happy. Currently, I am interested in exploring the fields of dentistry, engineering, or business.
Malaya Peixinho
New Mexico School for the Arts
Class of 2019
Three words that best describe me are: Outgoing, Uplifting, and Bright.
I am a student at the New Mexico School for the Arts, a charter school that assists passionate young artists in developing their full potential through a rigorous arts and academic education.in the theater department. The theater program includes three hours of theater five days a week and at least three hours of dance a week. What matters most to me is happiness. I want to be happy and I want others to experience true joy in their life. My vision for the future includes me working with youth making art that helps them express themselves and feel heard. I am committed to my passion for theater and my longing to make a change.
Marisol Armijo
Native American Community Academy
Class of 2019
Three words that best describe me: Charismatic, Caring, and Empathetic
What matters to me most is my family, education, and my devotion to trying to make my community a better place to live both now and for future generations. My family has taught me to persevere through all my struggles and never give up no matter how hard life becomes. My education is important to me because I want to achieve a successful career and work to improve society. My community is very significant to me because it is where I live and it is where my friends and family live. I try to serve my community by being involved in several organizations that my school offers like the Youth Council, Planned Parenthood Peer Educators, Suicide Prevention/Natural Helpers and Sweet Nations Sisterhood/Jingle Dress Dancing. I also currently have an internship with Congressman Lujan helping serve the constituents of his district.
My vision for my future includes going to college and pursuing a career as a pediatric nurse or going into a career in law and policy. I also want to make sure my family is well-cared for.
Naomi Perez
South Valley Academy
Class of 2019
Three words that best describe me: Dedicated, Hopeful, Rosy.
What matters most to me is my family and my education. In school I am involved in South Valley Peers in Action, National Honors Society, and Soccer. My vision for my future includes earning a college degree in psychology and the opportunity to travel all around the world to discover just how far I can go. I am thankful for the opportunity the Simon Charitable Foundation has given me and my family. I can not express the happiness I feel when I see how proud my family is of me for being part of this program. I am also thankful to everyone who has accompanied me through this journey, including my friends and the staff of the Simon Scholars Program.
Simona Rael
New Mexico School for the Arts
Class of 2019
Three words that best describe me are: Artistic, Ebullient, Bubbly
I hope that one day when I am well educated and finish college, I can go back to my home town of Pena Blanca and provide opportunities to my community that they never had. I like to explore events that take place in my community and I enjoy getting involved with the art world. I am currently a youth market artist at Spanish Market.
My vision for my future includes being a part of the art world, working with artists and collaborating with different minds. I would also like to get into the film industry and work with artists to promote their music videos. I am proud to be a Simon Scholar because of the wonderful and unique people in my Simon Scholars family. I know that a lot of us have overcome adversity, but we are all committed to working hard to overcome any obstacles that come our way in life. That is what makes me proud to be a Simon Scholar.