For Amahirani Orozco-Ruiz, being valedictorian of her class at Pioneer High School was about more than just having the highest GPA.
Orozco-Ruiz said being valedictorian wasn't even her plan, but her personal desire to always do her best in school "led me to where I am today." For her, being valedictorian was about appreciating the sacrifices made by her family and representing her community.
"As the granddaughter of farmworkers, I grew up observing and hearing all the sacrifices my family made," Orozco-Ruiz explained. "Being valedictorian acknowledges their sacrifices and pays tribute to their hopes for a better future for future generations. I hope to serve as a role model for my sister and my younger cousins and that I am able to positively impact my community."
Orozco-Ruiz will graduate with an exceptional 4.5 GPA. Even in her senior year she never slowed down, packing her schedule with AP calculus, AP government and economics, English 1A, integrated pest management and color and design.
Outside of the classroom, she excelled on Pioneer's varsity soccer team as well as playing club soccer with the Woodland Soccer Club.
A consistent volunteer in the community, Orozco-Ruiz will finish high school with over 375 hours of community service. This year, she also served as a high school ambassador for Prairie Elementary's Expanded Minds After School Program, serving as a mentor and leader to young students.
While she was exposed to many classes throughout her high school career, she said her favorites were her Spanish classes with Maestra Villagrana and Maestro Morales.
"I enjoyed being in these classes because I learned more about my culture and traditions," Orozco-Ruiz said. "I also had the opportunity to practice my native language while surrounded by all my friends."
When asked how she would encapsulate her high school experience, Orozco-Ruiz described it as "memorable."
"I made lifelong friends and memories that motivate me daily," Orozco-Ruiz emphasized. "The knowledge and wisdom gained from all my teachers and friends kept me grounded and contributed to my positive experience."
In the fall, Orozco-Ruiz will be heading to UC Berkeley where she will be majoring in Chicano studies as a pre-law student. She said her dream is to become the first Chicana U.S. Supreme Court chief justice.
"I want to attend law school with hopes of becoming a lawyer and moving my way up to district attorney, attorney general and eventually reach my end goal of becoming a U.S. Supreme Court chief justice," Orozco-Ruiz said. "I aspire to be a lawyer to protect and serve underserved communities. I was raised to always be a voice and a strength for those who may not have that and being a lawyer is the best way I can serve."
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