Sebastian Jimenez, Valedictorian for Nogales High School

Full-Ride Scholarship to MIT

With a full ride to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a gift for science and music, and a quietly mischievous streak, Sebastian Jimenez leaves Nogales High School as the top student in the Class of 2026. He plans to study Aerospace Engineering to shape the future of space exploration.

Lance Wu, Valedictorian for Rowland High School

Full-Ride Scholarship to Princeton University

In addition to acceptances at Princeton, Rowland High School Valedictorian Lance Wu was accepted to 10 universities including Cornell University and Brown University. Wu plans to explore interdisciplinary studies where he plans to become a quant trader that designs and executes complex mathematical models for financial strategies.

From First-Time Athlete to Noble Athlete of the Year: Mari Ortega Leaves Her Mark at Nogales High and Heads to Cal State Fullerton

Headed to the Ivy League: Yihan "Angela" Wang Earns a Full-Ride to Cornell University to Study Global and Public Health Sciences

Finding Her Voice: Mayvelin Rosemary Sop Garcia Charts a Path from Santana to the Sheriff’s Department

After completing a five-month explorer academy connected to the City of Industry, Sop Garcia is continuing on a path toward the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department — a goal she says surprised even her. 

Raider Anna Lee Pivots from College Acceptances to Tackling the U.S. Marines 

Rowland High’s Karen Prawira Swims Toward Her Next Chapter

Turning Years of discipline in the pool into a college swimming scholarship — and a future at Claremont McKenna College.

At Santana High, Lilah Lopez Found Her Place — and Her Path Forward

Awarded the David and Teri Malkin Humanitarian Scholarship and Association of Rowland Administrators Scholarship, Lilah Lopez plans to study biology while attending the University of La Verne.

Hard Work and Big Dreams: Noble Carlos Cruz Leaves His Mark as Athlete of the Year

Nogales High School's Carlos Cruz is headed For Cal Poly Pomona to play baseball while studying Business Administration.

From Rowland Heights to Baltimore, Evangeline Kim Follows a Calling in Medicine and Community at

Johns Hopkins University

on a Near-Full Scholarship

Jaden Lopez Finds His Voice Through Music — and Earns Nogales High’s Performing Artist of the Year Honor

Nogales High School senior Jaden Lopez will pursue a future in music education at Cal Poly Pomona after years of dedication to orchestra and performance.

Katherine Campos Garcia Built a Life in Art—and a Future in Engineering

Nogales High School Visual Artist of the Year Katherine Campos Garcia is getting ready to be a Cal Poly Pomona Mustang.

Haley and Ethan Chow: Bound for Boston University and Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts

At Rowland High School, twins Ethan and Haley Chow are ending their senior year with standout achievements in robotics, wrestling and character-driven athletics as they prepare for the next chapter. (To view Hometown Hero feature on CBS Newsn of Haley, click here).