5 minute read
Their Dreams, Our Promise
Every graduation ceremony, whether kindergarten, high school, undergraduate or beyond, brings anticipation, excitement and pride to those honored and their loved ones. For the Union High School Class of 2020, those feelings have been building since their induction as sixth graders into the Challenge Scholars program in 2014.
Grand Rapids Community Foundation is committed to reduce or eliminate financial barriers to education and create pipelines to opportunity. We do so in part through scholarships and Challenge Scholars—a program that provides wraparound supports and covers costs of post-secondary education for students on Grand Rapids’ West Side. More than a scholarship, Challenge Scholars provides inschool staff and experiences that poise students for success once they arrive at college or technical training. Our continued goal is to create opportunities for everyone in our community to make the most of their education and realize their dreams.
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Students in the Class of 2020 have recognized the possibilities and put in the work to make their dreams a reality. Many toured and applied to multiple colleges, explored careers in healthcare, business, STEM or the professional trades and discussed their plans with family and school staff. Their life goals are varied and demonstrate the career and college-going mindset built into their middle and high school experiences.
With an ecosystem of community support, grounded by their loved ones and supported by Challenge Scholars, these students have created their bright futures. Celebrating their graduation looked different than anticipated, but the first class of Challenge Scholars is ready for what’s next. Enjoy these stories of seniors who represent their class.
Daquawn Logins
Dreams by Bella Photography
Daquawn Logins took his studies and attendance very seriously as a Challenge Scholar, all while juggling Advanced Placement classes and an after school warehouse job.
Daquawn admits that when he was inducted as a Challenge Scholar, he didn’t fully grasp what it meant. “I was too young to realize what people go through to have what I have,” he said. “It wasn’t until like 11th or 12th grade that it sank in that I could go to college for completely free and there are people in their 60s and 70s still paying off their college. I’m truly blessed for this.”
He credits his parents and friends for helping to keep him focused. Daquawn’s most proud and memorable moments of his senior year were making the honor roll, filling out college applications, getting his college acceptance letter and graduation.
“When I got my acceptance letter, my parents had already opened it because they just wanted to be nosey,” he teased. “Once I found out that I got accepted, I was very happy. I’m not a jumping up and down person, but I felt that emotion. It was really cool.”
A lifelong lover of animals, Daquawn is heading to Northern Michigan University where he will study zoology and pre-medicine, specializing in farm animals.
Melanie Orozco-Zavala
Dreams by Bella Photography
Melanie Orozco-Zavala doesn’t take opportunities for granted.
Before graduating from Union High School, she had already completed five courses at Grand Rapids Community College through dual enrollment, commuting to the downtown campus for half the school day. With limited time, Melanie had to make sacrifices—like time for lunch—to make her schedule work.
“I have ‘Challenge Scholars’,” Melanie said. “I like to take advantage of every opportunity that’s here in front of me, like this program. It’s helped me and motivated me a lot.”
Her dedication to pushing herself has put her ahead. She will continue classes at GRCC in the fall and plans to transfer to University of Michigan after earning her associate degree. Melanie’s dream is to become a civil or environmental engineer, a career she sees as having a tangible and lasting impression on community. She is driven to make something that will affect people and to be remembered for her work.
In reflecting on her time in high school, Melanie said, “I think being on track for the Class of 2020 is a great accomplishment already. Ever since I came into high school as a freshman, I was like ‘I’m gonna stay dedicated, I’m gonna stay determined and consistent,’ because consistency is key to getting wherever you want to be. I’m a full believer in that.”
Antony Peña and family
Dreams by Bella Photography
To Antony Peña, people and place have greatly influenced his high school experience.
When the school year shifted to digital, he immediately missed driving to school with and seeing friends. His extracurricular activities, including Michigan Youth in Government and the Mayor’s Youth Council, were highly relational too. Antony also contributed to grantmaking as a member of the Community Foundation’s Dream Fund and Youth Grant committees.
“I’m just very thankful for the Community Foundation itself, because they opened up so many doors for me,” Antony said. “I know a lot of my friends wouldn’t have the opportunities that they have now.”
Antony will start classes at Western Michigan University in the fall, studying for degrees in urban and regional development and Spanish. He would like to study in Spain, but wants to return to Grand Rapids, where he feels strong connections and belonging. He hopes to work for the City someday, potentially as an elected official. “I want to better my community. I want people to be successful. I want the city to be great,” he said.
Shari Vargas-Ortiz
Dreams by Bella Photography
Shari Vargas-Ortiz loves math and looks forward to exploring math-related career opportunities.
She has prepared through dual enrollment courses at GRCC, rigorous Advanced Placement classes and multiple internships.
“Four years of high school goes fast,” Shari said, “but it’s a good amount of time for students to take advantage of what the school offers—like dual enrollment classes or programs.” Her advice to younger students is to find the community or group of people who they can share the experiences with.
For Shari, Trio Upward Bound through Grand Valley State University was that community of peers. She joined as a sophomore at a friend’s recommendation, and she credits the program with helping her build personal confidence and skills. Joining Upward Bound allowed her to travel, attend conferences and participate in a summer residential experience at Grand Valley.
Shari’s proudest moment was opening her acceptance letter to University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. In that moment, she said, “I knew that all of my hard work wasn’t for nothing. I get to go to the college of my dreams.” She is excited to explore different career opportunities as a student and plans to participate in an early start program, building relationships with classmates before the fall semester begins.
