The Class of 2025 at Rowland and Nogales High Schools.

Rowland Unified is extremely proud of the accomplishments of the Class of 2025! There were 862 graduates who walked across the stage last week from Rowland High School, Nogales High School, and Santana High School. Tomorrow, Wednesday, June 11 at 5 PM, Rowland Adult and Community Education will hold their graduation ceremony with approximately 60 graduates. (Click here to view the live stream on YouTube).

There is much to celebrate as our graduates move on to the future of their choice… they are attending a vast range of top colleges and universities near and far, career technical trade schools, serving in the military, joining the workforce, or pursuing their personal goals. We want to thank our community partners who have supported our graduates with internships, mentorships and scholarships.

(Above): Dell Scholarship winner and Athlete of the Year Kevin Perez pictured at the Nogales High School Senior Awards Night. (Below): Kevin Perez shows off his pride to Superintendent Alex Flores of his college acceptance to Kenyon College in Ohio, where he received a full scholarship.

When you meet Kevin Perez, his smile illuminates the room. A scholar athlete with a huge heart, this Noble is racing fast to a bright future. He is the first Nogales Noble to win the coveted Dell Scholarship, one of only 500 students across the Country to receive the honor that provides not only financial support, but academic resources, tools, and personal and professional counseling for success in college and their career.

This AP Honors student was known as a “fish” in the water -- his natural athletic skills in swimming and playing on the Varsity water polo team earned him league titles and the award of Noble Athlete of the Year. 



What most are not aware of, however, is the extraordinary obstacles this young man has overcome. He had to navigate the foster system and has been the care giver to his five younger siblings (all under the age of eight) – tackling this during his high school journey, driven to make a better future for his family.

“I was only in third grade when I had to go into the foster system. You are forced to mature early, knowing more than what other kids should know puts you in a different spot. It’s sad to know as a kid and see the consequences of your parents’ actions,” said Perez. “But dealing with that, I know what I needed to do to stay on track to help benefit the rest of my family.” Separated from his siblings, thrown into multiple homes, the court finally ruled to keep the kids together and Kevin and his siblings were able to live with his grandparents.

“I just want to be able to help support me and my younger siblings. In the end, all that I have done in high school is for them.”

It was his freshman English teacher Mr. Volin who changed his future. “I was in his regular English class and when he read my writing, he said why are you here? He helped move me to Honors. And then, I started to really try. It was really hard, but then I realized it’s for my benefit. There were so many things that had been out of my control, but I could take control of this. I could control my trajectory.”

And take control of his future is what he did… a future that is now taking him across the Country to Kenyon College in Ohio, where he has earned a full scholarship in excess of $220,000 to pursue a career in the medical field to become an orthopedic surgeon.

His passion for science started in elementary school and his favorite AP class was Environmental Science. When asked what made him decide on a career in medicine, he laughs.

“I am very injury prone. I’ve had my appendix removed, my tonsils removed. I’ve pulled ligaments in my knee. With all the time in hospitals and the help that I've gotten it planted the seed. It’s just my personality… I feel the need to help people. I just want to share as much love and compassion I can with the world.”

Amber Wu proudly displays that she will attend Johns Hopkins University this fall.

Rowland High School is honored to spotlight Amber Chia Ying Wu, who served as the SkillsUSA California State High School Reporter during the 2024-25 school year. Amber was the first Rowland student in more than a decade to earn a seat on the seven-member State Leadership Team, representing over 54,000 SkillsUSA members across the State.

SkillsUSA Advisor Michael Frausto shared that during her term, Amber was the organization’s chief storyteller and brand ambassador, with many achievements such as:

• Published the statewide student newsletter each month and managed the official SkillsUSA-CA social-media channels, consistently reaching more than 36,000 CTE students.
• Managed and facilitated leadership workshops at the Fall Leadership Conference and the State Leadership & Skills Conference, guiding regional officers and first-time delegates.
• Produced press releases, photo assets, and digital spotlights that celebrated chapter achievements, industry partnerships, and SkillsUSA’s Program of Work.

In September she represented California at the Washington Leadership Training Institute (WLTI) in Washington, D.C. The four-day institute culminated in in-person visits with congressional offices on Capitol Hill, where Amber shared the impact of SkillsUSA on her own education and advocated for continued federal support of career and technical education — an experience that left lawmakers inspired and students empowered.

“Amber’s year of service required up to 30 days of statewide training and event leadership and focused on SkillsUSA’s essential elements of leadership, communication, and service orientation,” said Frausto. “Her blend of creativity, technical skill, and servant leadership embodied the goals of our district’s CTE programs. I am so proud of her exemplary service and lasting contributions to Rowland High School and the Rowland Unified School District.”

Amber also co-founded “Limit Does Not Exist,” a nonprofit that delivered 3-D-printing workshops and classroom aids to rural schools in Taiwan. On campus Amber balanced rigorous AP coursework with a vibrant creative life—she served as President of the Art Club and Math Club.

Rowland Unified congratulates her on her next journey, attending Johns Hopkins University.

The Rowland Unified School District Board of Education and leadership recognized Raiders Amber Wu and Nicole Rinaldi for their achievements at the May 8 Board of Education meeting.

Rowland High School Senior Nicole Rinaldi began her journey in FCCLA (Family, Careers and Community Leaders of Amercia) in 7th grade at Alvarado Intermediate School, where she served as Chapter Historian and Chapter President the following year.

In 10th grade at Rowland High School, she stepped back into leadership as Chapter Historian. Her continued commitment led to her election as Region Secretary in 11th grade, and in her senior year, she served as the State Secretary, proudly representing California FCCLA.

She earned numerous awards while involved, including placing 2nd Place this year at the state level in the Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation STAR Event Competition – Level 3, with a portfolio showcasing an environmentally sustainable restaurant concept designed to unite communities through the power of music. 

“As both an officer and a passionate competitor, Nicole has consistently demonstrated creativity, commitment, and a genuine heart for service. I am so proud to have the opportunity to watch her grow into a confident and capable young woman,” said Rowland High School Chapter Advisor Mrs. Tracy Taylor. “It has been one of the greatest joys of my role as her advisor. I couldn’t be prouder of all she’s accomplished and the bright future that lies ahead.”

“FCCLA has been, without a doubt, my most meaningful extracurricular experience," said Rinaldi. "Through FCCLA, I have had the opportunity to travel, network with members across the nation, lead new initiatives, and speak to a crowd of over 1,000 attendees at our state conference. I barely recognize the person I was when I first joined in 7th grade, and FCCLA has played a large role in positively influencing me to become a better leader,” said Rinaldi.

Do you have a favorite teacher or staff member on campus you want to give a shout out to?

“Even though he probably won’t see this, I want to thank Mr. Ludlam for always having faith in me. It’s rare to have a teacher as passionate and invested as Mr. Ludlam, and he makes me want to become a better student. I also want to thank Ms. Ruesga for always being understanding and creating such a welcoming environment in the library. I’m truly fortunate to have had these two as teachers.”

What are your future plans after Rowland High School? “After graduation, I plan to attend Mt. SAC with a psychology degree and transfer to a UC after a year. I also hope to minor in theatre. In the future, I’m interested in learning more about either clinical psychology or drama therapy. I’m excited to continue pursuing my passions after high school!”

Advice for future Raiders: “Perfection is a myth. The only person you have to work to be better than is yourself. If you compare yourself against someone else’s standards, you’ll never be truly satisfied with your progress.”

Field Representative Stephen Coronel from the Office of Assemblymember Lisa Calderon presents Ricardo Ramirez the District Educator of Distinction Award, with RUSD Board President Agnes P. Gonzalez, Board Member Erik Venegas, Superintendent Alex Flores, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Brian Huff and Assistant Superintendent Dennis Bixler.

The Rowland Unified School District is extremely proud to announce that Assemblymember Lisa Calderon has honored Ricardo Ramirez, College Guidance Technician II from Nogales High School, with the 56th Assembly District Educator of Distinction Award. This award recognizes the amazing work and impact on the academic careers of students and families throughout the community that Ricardo Ramirez has made possible.

Of the 13 school districts that Assemblymember Calderon represents, four honorees were selected. Ricardo Ramirez was also recently named the Rowland Unified School District's Classified Employee of the Year for 2025-26. Mr. Ramirez is known for his unwavering dedication that helps students unlock their full potential. He makes countless personal sacrifices for students and deeply understands the transformative power of higher education and helps students achieve real results. Mr. Ramirez is passionate about helping underrepresented students access every opportunity available to them. Ricardo’s commitment, heart, and leadership continue to inspire everyone around him and Rowland Unified congratulates him on his many deserving awards!

Under the leadership of Nogales College Guidance Technician Ricardo Ramirez, there are several notable college access programs that have changed lives for Nobles by opening doors to higher education.

Thrive Scholars is a nationally acclaimed non-profit dedicated to empowering high-achieving students of color from economically under-resourced communities. Thrive Scholars support these students in gaining admission to and excelling at top colleges, ultimately guiding them toward impactful careers.

Previous Noble Thrive Scholars have attended Harvey Mudd, Harvard and Stanford. This year, the list will include Smith College, UC Irvine, Carnegie Mellon, Northwestern and Harvey Mudd. Congratulations to the Noble Class of 2025 Thrive Scholars (right to left): Jillian Arceo, Sean Beltran, Gerardo Cuautle, Steven Gutierrez and Victor Martinez.

What a year it has been for Nogales High School Noble Victor Martinez. This unassuming brilliant mind and soft-spoken scholar won the most competitive prestigious national scholarship, the GATES Scholarship. This life-changing scholarship covers every college expense to the last dollar, which includes all personal and education costs over the next four years, as well as resources to pursue graduate or professional study – his scholarship totals close to $400,000 where he will attend Northwestern University to study engineering.

The day he was to find out if he was Valedictorian, he shared, “I’m a bit nervous realizing my set path is coming to an end and I’m going to have to start making my own way in a new place far from home. But I’m excited to see what is to come.”

Nogales High School Principal Scott Cavanias remarked at the Senior Honors Night, “He has shown amazing drive and commitment to academic excellence by maintaining the highest ranks in the senior class. He is an IB student, a master mathematician, a leader, a scientist and is a student who is characterized by a maturity and groundedness that is both rare and extraordinary.”

As Victor stood on the stage at graduation, he shared these words to the Class of 2025:

"Nobles, from now on, there’s no one to tell you what to do with your life. We’ve been blessed to have responsible and experienced individuals to guide us to this moment, but now we take the task of making our own decisions, on our own accord.

You’ve just closed a pivotal chapter—from your first day of school to your last. You’ve all experienced loss and regret—looking back and realizing there was more you could’ve done. Let the fear of regret drive you to live a life free from it, not because you avoid acknowledging life’s greatest misery, but because you’ve decided to live a life you cannot regret. I won’t regret staying up late, that’s what got me into Northwestern. I won’t regret cramming at the last minute, that’s how I made time for my family...

It’s a responsibility but it's also a greater possibility. You have the power to build your future, to shape your legacy. So remember your mistakes, remember the regret, and use them to remind you to never waste a moment. There will always be something we wish we’d done—so do what you can while you can." -- Valedictorian VIctor Martinez

Rowland High School ASB President Allison Cho is on her way to UC Berkeley to study Political Science.

You couldn’t miss Allison Cho across the campus of Rowland High School. Throughout her high school years, Allison has been actively involved in leadership roles, serving as Class President from 9th to 11th grade and ASB President her senior year. Additionally, she held leadership positions in various campus clubs such as President of the Korean Club, Vice President of UNICEF, and is working with RUSD Superintendent Flores to start the RUSD First District Youth Advisory Council.

Beyond her school activities, Allison is deeply engaged in her community. She founded the Youth for Earth Coalition, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting global citizenship through environmental literacy. Furthermore, she serves as the Policy Director for the nonprofit organization What We All Deserve, actively involved in advocating for social safety net expansion and broader economic justice. She also holds the position of Policy Director for the California High School Democrats. In her free time, she has interned for Senator Bob Archuleta and Assembly member Lisa Calderon. Allison has also been an active participant in the Junior State of America, serving as the So Cal Speaker of the Assembly and founding the RHS JSA Chapter to promote youth civic engagement.

Looking ahead, Allison plans to pursue a degree in Political Science, with aspirations of attending law school on the East Coast after completing her studies at UC Berkeley. Her ultimate goal is to become an attorney or a professor in Political Science.

(Above): Allison Cho with Superintendent Flores and Board President Agnes P. Gonzalez, Board Member Ellen Park, Board Member Erik Venegas and Board Clerk Dr. Kevin Hayakawa at the Rowland High School Honors Night. Cho was awarded the Dr. Allen W. Jacobs Scholarship for leadership.

June 10, 2025 Issue RUSD News Editor gward@rowlandschools.org

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