First-generation students from the PCHS Dream Big and Latinos In Action programs will graduate from PCHS this spring. 24 of these young men and women will move on to form the largest Bright Futures college cohort ever.
These first-generation students were in 9th grade when COVID hit, which means they persevered through some of the most challenging times in memory to earn their high school diplomas.
Now, they are college-ready, thanks to PCHS programs Dream Big and Latinos in Action (LIA) - critical partners with Bright Futures. Thanks to this work and support in high school, every single BF PCHS Class of 2023 grad has plans to participate in post-secondary education, whether it’s college or career training.
Please allow us to brag a bit more about this terrific group:
- Three BF ‘23 students earned full-ride college scholarships.
- The Class of ‘23 was awarded more than $500,000 (!) in scholarships.
- Two students earned Utah Sterling Scholars recognition.
- Nine students participated in PCHS’ Latinos In Action (LIA).
- 23 BF ‘23 students completed the PCHS Dream Big program.
Full-ride scholarships are awarded to only about 0.1% of students across the nation…
The BF ‘23 class boasts a 12.5% full-ride scholarship rate!
Here’s a glimpse at what’s next for the soon-to-be graduates...
Allison Nava
Post-PCHS Graduation Plan → Salt Lake Community College (SLCC)
Major/Goal → Graphic Design
Also Part Of → Dream Big
My Bright Futures experience → “I feel like I have support and guidance at all times – and I have the confidence to pursue college.”
Arantza Pedraza
Post-PCHS Graduation Plan → University of Utah Honors College
Major → Psychology
Also Part Of → Dream Big & Latinos in Action (Co-President)
Something surprising about me → "I'm a lover of all things that entail creativity, such as drawing and writing."
My Bright Futures experience → “I am incredibly grateful to my mentors from Bright Futures for supporting me in every single step of the way in every way possible.”
Scholarships →
Eccles Scholarship - Honors College
PEO Star
Sterling Scholar Runner Up
University of Utah Merit Scholarship
Belinda Cruz
Post-PCHS Graduation Plan → Bonnie Joseph Beauty Academy
Also Part Of → Dream Big
Something that might be surprising about me → “I love to ski.”
Danny Terrero
Post-PCHS Graduation Plan → U of U Honors College
Major → Business
Also Part Of → Dream Big & LIA
Something surprising about me → ”I buy & sell sneakers.”
Scholarships →
First Ascent Scholars- David Eccles School of Business
Eccles Scholarship - Honors College
Emily Rodriguez
Post-PCHS Graduation Plan → Weber State University
Goal → Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Also Part Of → Dream Big & LIA
Something that might be surprising about me → “I hate cake.”
Scholarship →
The Michael and Sandrina Villegas Range First Generation College Student Scholarship
Erin Rodriguez-Salas
Post-PCHS Graduation Plan → SLCC
Major → General Studies/Theatre
Also Part Of → Dream Big & LIA
My Bright Futures experience → “My most memorable experiences in BF were the fun activities, like watching a Sundance film and getting ice cream after; Summer Academy at the National Ability Center; and going to the MECHA conference. But also - hanging out with my group of friends, sharing stories, jokes, and being in a comfortable space where we all can be in the present.”
Evan Romero
Post-PCHS Graduation Plan → SLCC
Major → Environmental Engineering
Something surprising about me → “I couldn’t speak until I was 4 ½.”
My Bright Futures experience → “Love the community and opportunities”
Fernando Galicia
Post-PCHS Graduation Plan → SLCC
Goal → Electrician
Also Part Of → Dream Big
Itzel Garcia
Post-PCHS Graduation Plan → SLCC
Major → Undecided
Also Part Of → Dream Big
Something surprising about me → "I enjoy reading, on average I read five books a month”
Janet Vazquez
Post-PCHS Graduation Plan → SLCC
Goal → Dental Hygienist
Also Part Of → Dream Big
My Bright Futures experience → “Something memorable to me is the summer leadership academy because we do some very fun activities and it allows us to spend time with our peers.”
Jasmine Rea
Post-PCHS Graduation Plan → SLCC
Major → Graphic Design
Also Part Of → Dream Big & LIA
Something surprising about me → “I like to dance.”
My Bright Futures experience → “Nikki and Jen have always made me feel motivated and prepared about my future and always offered help whenever I needed. I think Bright Futures is a great resource and I would definitely recommend this program to any upcoming high school students.”
Jesus Suarez
Post-PCHS Graduation Plan → U of U Honors College
Major → Game Design
Also Part Of → Dream Big & LIA
Something surprising about me → “I like to draw.”
Scholarships → Ivory University Housing Scholarship
José Bello-Hernandez
Post-PCHS Graduation Plan → U of U Honors College
Major → Bioengineering
Also Part Of → Dream Big & LIA (Co-President)
Scholarship → Chartwell Housing Scholarship
Julissa Vazquez
Post-PCHS Graduation Plan → Utah State University - Logan
Major → Landscape Architecture or Interior Architecture and Design
Also Part Of → Dream Big
Something surprising about me → “I enjoy math over any other subject.”
Luis Gonzales
Post-PCHS Graduation Plan → SLCC
Goal → Electrician
Also Part Of → Dream Big
Luis Vazquez
Post-PCHS Graduation Plan → U of U\
Major → Business
Also Part Of → Dream Big
Something surprising about me → “I love playing the guitar and listening to music.”
My Bright Futures experience →
“Bright Futures has genuinely helped me prepare for college. From building my resume to connecting me with resources. They made sure I took the right steps. Shoutout to Jen for helping me get through high school and being there when I needed help.”
Scholarship → First Ascent Scholars- David Eccles School of Business
Maria Celestino
Post-PCHS Graduation Plan → USU- Logan
Major → Graphic Design; Marketing; Photography (Undecided)
Also Part Of → Dream Big
Something surprising about me → “I prefer math and science over English.”
Mariely Salamanca
Post-PCHS Graduation Plan → USU Logan
Major → Early Childhood Development
Also Part Of → Dream Big
Michelle Centeno
Post-PCHS Graduation Plan → SLCC
Major → Undecided
Naomi Abonce
Post-PCHS Graduation Plan → USU Logan
Major → Biomedical Engineering
Also Part Of → Dream Big
Rodolfo Cornejo
Post-PCHS Graduation Plan → U of U Honors
Major → Environmental Studies
Also Part Of → Dream Big & LIA
Something that might be surprising about me → “I love ecology and environmental science.”
Scholarships →
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)
Ivory Housing Scholarship
Sebastian Morales
Post-PCHS Graduation Plan → U of U
Major → Biology or Pre-Med (Undecided)
Also Part Of → Dream Big & LIA
Scholarship → First-Generation Leadership Scholarship
Valerie Prado
Post-PCHS Graduation Plan → SLCC
Major → Interior Design
Something surprising about me → “I was born in Costa Rica!”
Yaz Quintana
Post-PCHS Graduation Plan → U of U
Major → Undecided
Also Part Of → Dream Big
Something surprising about me → “I’m on student council.”
Scholarship → University of Utah Merit Scholarship
Congratulations to the Bright Futures PCHS Class of 2023 - we know how hard you’ve worked to earn this achievement. We are so proud to continue to walk alongside you on this journey and look forward to seeing all you accomplish in the future!
Bright Futures' goal is to help every first-generation student achieve their
dream of college graduation.
With a college degree, these future leaders will support their families and make our community stronger. Your generosity changes lives for generations to come.
