EL MONTE – Arroyo High School senior Yvette Hernandez has been recognized as a 2020 Dell Scholar by the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation. She is one of just 500 students across the country to be selected for the coveted $20,000 scholarship.

Hernandez, a first-generation college-goer with a 3.84 GPA, is one of just 260 Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) students to receive the Dell Scholarship. Hernandez credits AVID for providing the support and resources to help her navigate the scholarship application process.

“I was so excited when I found out I had received the scholarship,” Hernandez said. “I want to thank my parents for being so supportive and my AVID teacher, Rebecca Herrera, for guiding me through the process and letting me know about so many scholarship opportunities.”

Hernandez, who is enrolled in El Monte Union’s Medical Assistant career technical education program, was interning at a local medical clinic prior to the school closures brought on by the coronavirus. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have motivated Hernandez to pursue a career in the health care industry, as well as public policy. She will study those topics at UC Berkeley.

“Yvette is one of the kindest and hardest working students I have ever had in my classroom. She has excelled in her academics because of her dedication, passion and love for learning,” Herrera said. “I am so impressed by Yvette’s ability to see challenges as opportunities. Her positive attitude and work ethic are admirable and inspiring.”

Hernandez previously attended a UC Irvine nursing camp, meeting and networking with nursing practitioners, registered nurses and other medical professionals. She is a member of Arroyo’s Link Crew, which mentors incoming freshmen, is an officer on Arroyo’s AVID council and was Arroyo Class Council vice president as a junior.

“Yvette is a great student and a pleasure to be around,” Principal Angelita Gonzales said. “I am so happy she is being recognized for her hard work and dedication. She is a role model for all Arroyo Knights.”

The scholarship will help pay for tuition, books and other school-related fees. She will also receive a laptop and access to Dell Scholars Connect, a mentoring network that offers year-round support from current and former Dell Scholars.

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042920_EMUHSD_DELLSCHOLAR: Arroyo High School senior Yvette Hernandez has been recognized as a 2020 Dell Scholar, which includes a $20,000 scholarship. Hernandez plans to attend UC Berkeley.