Help give our scholars their best chance for success!

Join me in supporting real change. Help us ensure that Michelle & Paul graduate!

Primary Winner: Michelle Diaz

Growing up in a single parent household, Michelle frequently had to take on responsibility for her two sisters, one of whom suffers from learning disabilities. The stress of family life took its toll on Michelle's studies and she struggled with failing grades until a math teacher showed the faith in her that she didn't feel in herself. Vowing to pass a summer make-up course in trigonometry, Michelle worked to transform her outlook and her dedication to success in school and in life. With renewed confidence, Michelle joined her school's leadership council and eventually won election to Student Body President where she organizes events, student involvement and champions issues such as SAT prep for disadvantaged students. She plans to attend University of California, Riverside.

Honorary Mention: Paul Calderon

In his own words, Paul was "not college bound" when he entered high school. An undocumented Dreamer who was brought to the U.S. when he was only 3 months old, Paul did not believe he had the same opportunities as many of the students in his school. When in his second semester of 9^th grade, Paul's mother got ill and couldn't work so he decided to help the family financially by dropping out and working in an industrial laundromat. That experience – strenuous work, long hours, low pay – showed him that he needed to focus on his education in order to succeed in life. He went back to school, found renewed discipline and persistence in organizations like the JROTC, where Paul won 1^st prize in a city-wide cadet rifle challenge, and turned around his academic career. As he looks to attend college in the Fall, Paul hopes to study architecture and build a future for himself and his community.

Michelle and Paul have accomplished so much already, but they have a long and exciting road ahead of them! We want to give them all of the support they need to earn their college degrees and achieve their dreams. As first generation college-goers, they need assistance navigating the new world of college. Please join me in providing each of these students with a personal college coach to help them with everything from advice on selecting classes and applying for scholarships to emotional support. With your help we can give them their best chance for success!!