COVINA, CA – From a young age, Covina High School senior Levi Lopez has been driven by a passion for helping and leading others, whether in school, sports, or everyday life.

This fall, Lopez will bring that drive to the University of California, Berkeley, where he plans to double-major in history and economics, with the goal of returning to Covina-Valley Unified as a teacher. Long term, Lopez said he hopes to become a school district superintendent, with the ultimate dream of one day serving as President of the United States.

“I love human interaction and think it’s one of the greatest gifts we have in life,” Lopez said. “My biggest motivation has always been doing well in school so I can help my family and build a strong foundation for my future.”

Lopez transferred to Covina-Valley Unified as a freshman and said he was drawn to Covina High School because of its strong academic offerings and meaningful connections that teachers build with students, which ultimately inspired him to pursue a career in education.

He was also pulled to the school by the opportunity to join Covina High’s swim team, and went on to found the District’s first water polo team.

“I got to Covina High and saw this amazing new pool and aquatics complex and realized it could support not only a swim team, but a water polo team as well,” Lopez said. “It took three years of creating posters, talking to teammates, campaigning to school leadership, and gaining support from our swim coach, but we made it happen. My senior year is the inaugural season for the District’s first water polo team!”

Lopez serves as captain and goalie for the water polo team. He also founded Covina High’s Best Buddies Club, a program that promotes inclusion and peer connections for students with special needs. Additionally, Lopez has spent four years in the Agriscience Career Technical Education pathway, where he has cared for animals on the school’s on-campus farm, administered medicine, and helped regulate their diets.

As Associated Student Body (ASB) vice president this year, Lopez continues to play an active role in shaping Covina High’s student culture. During his time in ASB, he also founded the school’s Optics Commission, which helps students develop technical and production skills by creating light shows for rallies and sporting events.

“Our Optics Commission started as a small group of just three students in the first year and has grown into a full team,” Lopez said. “It’s a great opportunity for students who may not want to be in the spotlight, but want to be the ones turning the spotlight on.”

Lopez has completed numerous Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses in his time at Covina High and boasts a 3.98 GPA, setting him up for continued success at Berkeley.

In college, Lopez said he looks forward to participating in water polo and swimming, joining Model United Nations, and becoming involved in the Early Education Club.

“Levi is an outstanding example of how our students can make a meaningful impact on their peers and school community,” Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Blackmore said. “From his involvement in extracurricular activities and leadership across campus to his passion for helping others, we know that Levi will continue to accomplish incredible things in the future.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

CVUSD_LOPEZ1: Covina High School senior Levi Lopez will bring a passion for helping others to the University of California, Berkeley this fall, where he plans to double-major in history and economics, with the goal of returning to Covina-Valley Unified as a teacher.

CVUSD_LOPEZ2: In his time at Covina High School, senior Levi Lopez has played on the school’s swim team and helped found the District’s first-ever water polo team.