Lola Abdugapparov
Lola is graduating in the top 7% of her class at Middle College High School. She is well informed on international affairs, politics and global issues, and plans to study Environmental Economics. Lola has committed to the UC Berkeley-Sciences Po dual degree program where she will earn a bachelor’s degree from both Sciences Po in France and UC Berkeley. Deeply engaged in her community, Lola has interned at the Lawrence Hall of Science, is a fellow/mentor at the UCLA Center for Community Schooling and served as Parliamentarian for the Contra Costa College student union. She also tutors, works at Cinemark Theater and runs cross country.
Thania Duran Murillo
Thania is a senior at Pittsburg High School, where she achieved a 4.21 GPA earning the Academic Achiever’s Award and AP Scholar Award. She is a member of the Varsity Soccer team and contributed over 100 hours of community service. Demonstrating both initiative and creativity, Thania has turned her passion for photography into a small business, serving the local youth soccer community while gaining valuable entrepreneurial experience. As a first-generation college student, Thania is driven by a strong passion for helping others and will be attending Cal State East Bay. She plans to pursue a career in nursing, with the goal of not only providing quality medical care but also empowering families to advocate for themselves.
Isabela Flores Saldana
Isabela achieved a stellar GPA of 4.31 and plans to study Biochemistry and Molecular Biology to pursue a career as a dermatologist. With a passion for health, she is the Founder and President of the Wellness Club and contributes to the Medical Club at Pittsburg High School. During school, Isabela worked at a paid internship in Contra Costa County’s Health Career Pathways and tutored students at STS Academy. Isabela’s teacher said, “I frequently observed her collaborating with peers in thoughtful and respectful ways, showing both leadership and teamwork.” As a first-generation
college student, Isabela will be attending UC Davis.
Yamileth Heraldez
Yamileth is inspired and motivated by her musical talents leading her to pursue Music Education at San Jose State University. She is Captain of the Pittsburg High School Show Flag Team and took the initiative to reinstate the Choir Club where she serves as President. Yamileth is also a Choir Section Leader, performs in the school band and is a member of the Future Leaders of America. As a first-generation college student, Yamileth is paving the way for her family while continuing to inspire those around her. One of her teachers shared, “Yamileth’s commitment to her education, leadership growth, and service to others exemplify the qualities of an outstanding student and role model for her peers and community.”
Lilli John-MonDragon
Lilli participates in the College Now Dual Enrollment Program at College Park High School and Diablo Valley College. Ranked in the top 5% of her class, she plans to study Communication, Media Production, and Digital Media at Saint Mary’s College. She is actively involved in Student Government, the Yearbook Committee, and the DVC Coding Club Project Bracket, and works as an event game developer and content creator, running her own online art store and co-owning an event server. Lilli is also committed to mentoring, tutoring, and volunteering, and has trained in jiu-jitsu for 11 years. Reflecting her passion for literacy, she volunteered at the Pleasant Hill Library, supporting the Summer Reading Program, and now works there part-time. Her long-term goal is to create educational games that positively impact children’s learning and development.
Joanna Le
Joanna demonstrates a spirit of giving through her actions and dedication to others. Her De Anza High School teacher says, “She leads with empathy and maturity, creating spaces where students feel welcomed and supported.” Joanna incorporates this into her leadership roles as President of the Asian Student Union and VP of the Associated Student Body. As a first-generation college student, Joanna is headed to UC Berkeley to study Early Childhood Education—a passion reflected in her work at the Bright Futures Growth and Development Center. Joanna is also Captain of the Varsity Cheerleading team and has been on the Honor Roll and President’s List every semester.
Joyce Miao
Joyce is known as industrious, inquisitive, and passionate about learning, as proven by her 4.41 GPA. At California High School, she serves as President of both the Owl Learning Club and the Fiber Arts Club and is an active member of the robotics club. She plans to study Engineering at UC Berkeley but also has an artistic side—playing the flute in the school marching band and crocheting. Joyce has been volunteering at the Chabot Space & Science Center since 2024, and was selected for an internship in recognition of her demonstrated leadership skills. She has completed over 275 hours leading tours and activities for children, helping to inspire curiosity and a love of learning.
Saira Trehan
Saira attends Monte Vista High School and earned a 4.31 GPA. Inspired by a lifelong fascination with space, she will be studying Physics at UC Santa Barbara, and would like to pursue a Ph.D. in Astrobiology. It’s no surprise that Saira worked as a High School Science Explainer at the SF Exploratorium. Beyond the classroom, she has participated in several programs, including the UC Berkeley Society of Women Engineers High School Engineering Program and the Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics. At school, Saira is one of eight Section Leaders for the Concert Choir, was honored with the President’s Volunteer Service Award for 100+ hours of community service and has tutored other students in music and math.
Lola is graduating in the top 7% of her class at Middle College High School. She is well informed on international affairs, politics and global issues, and plans to study Environmental Economics. Lola has committed to the UC Berkeley-Sciences Po dual degree program where she will earn a bachelor’s degree from both Sciences Po in France and UC Berkeley. Deeply engaged in her community, Lola has interned at the Lawrence Hall of Science, is a fellow/mentor at the UCLA Center for Community Schooling and served as Parliamentarian for the Contra Costa College student union. She also tutors, works at Cinemark Theater and runs cross country.
Thania Duran Murillo
Thania is a senior at Pittsburg High School, where she achieved a 4.21 GPA earning the Academic Achiever’s Award and AP Scholar Award. She is a member of the Varsity Soccer team and contributed over 100 hours of community service. Demonstrating both initiative and creativity, Thania has turned her passion for photography into a small business, serving the local youth soccer community while gaining valuable entrepreneurial experience. As a first-generation college student, Thania is driven by a strong passion for helping others and will be attending Cal State East Bay. She plans to pursue a career in nursing, with the goal of not only providing quality medical care but also empowering families to advocate for themselves.
Isabela Flores Saldana
Isabela achieved a stellar GPA of 4.31 and plans to study Biochemistry and Molecular Biology to pursue a career as a dermatologist. With a passion for health, she is the Founder and President of the Wellness Club and contributes to the Medical Club at Pittsburg High School. During school, Isabela worked at a paid internship in Contra Costa County’s Health Career Pathways and tutored students at STS Academy. Isabela’s teacher said, “I frequently observed her collaborating with peers in thoughtful and respectful ways, showing both leadership and teamwork.” As a first-generation
college student, Isabela will be attending UC Davis.
Yamileth Heraldez
Yamileth is inspired and motivated by her musical talents leading her to pursue Music Education at San Jose State University. She is Captain of the Pittsburg High School Show Flag Team and took the initiative to reinstate the Choir Club where she serves as President. Yamileth is also a Choir Section Leader, performs in the school band and is a member of the Future Leaders of America. As a first-generation college student, Yamileth is paving the way for her family while continuing to inspire those around her. One of her teachers shared, “Yamileth’s commitment to her education, leadership growth, and service to others exemplify the qualities of an outstanding student and role model for her peers and community.”
Lilli John-MonDragon
Lilli participates in the College Now Dual Enrollment Program at College Park High School and Diablo Valley College. Ranked in the top 5% of her class, she plans to study Communication, Media Production, and Digital Media at Saint Mary’s College. She is actively involved in Student Government, the Yearbook Committee, and the DVC Coding Club Project Bracket, and works as an event game developer and content creator, running her own online art store and co-owning an event server. Lilli is also committed to mentoring, tutoring, and volunteering, and has trained in jiu-jitsu for 11 years. Reflecting her passion for literacy, she volunteered at the Pleasant Hill Library, supporting the Summer Reading Program, and now works there part-time. Her long-term goal is to create educational games that positively impact children’s learning and development.
Joanna Le
Joanna demonstrates a spirit of giving through her actions and dedication to others. Her De Anza High School teacher says, “She leads with empathy and maturity, creating spaces where students feel welcomed and supported.” Joanna incorporates this into her leadership roles as President of the Asian Student Union and VP of the Associated Student Body. As a first-generation college student, Joanna is headed to UC Berkeley to study Early Childhood Education—a passion reflected in her work at the Bright Futures Growth and Development Center. Joanna is also Captain of the Varsity Cheerleading team and has been on the Honor Roll and President’s List every semester.
Joyce Miao
Joyce is known as industrious, inquisitive, and passionate about learning, as proven by her 4.41 GPA. At California High School, she serves as President of both the Owl Learning Club and the Fiber Arts Club and is an active member of the robotics club. She plans to study Engineering at UC Berkeley but also has an artistic side—playing the flute in the school marching band and crocheting. Joyce has been volunteering at the Chabot Space & Science Center since 2024, and was selected for an internship in recognition of her demonstrated leadership skills. She has completed over 275 hours leading tours and activities for children, helping to inspire curiosity and a love of learning.
Saira Trehan
Saira attends Monte Vista High School and earned a 4.31 GPA. Inspired by a lifelong fascination with space, she will be studying Physics at UC Santa Barbara, and would like to pursue a Ph.D. in Astrobiology. It’s no surprise that Saira worked as a High School Science Explainer at the SF Exploratorium. Beyond the classroom, she has participated in several programs, including the UC Berkeley Society of Women Engineers High School Engineering Program and the Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics. At school, Saira is one of eight Section Leaders for the Concert Choir, was honored with the President’s Volunteer Service Award for 100+ hours of community service and has tutored other students in music and math.