WHITTIER – A former English learner in elementary school, Santa Fe High School senior Sarahi Garza has risen to the top of her class with the encouragement of her parents and ongoing support from her Chieftain family.

Garza has earned 4.43 GPA by juggling community volunteer projects with a rigorous academic schedule that includes several honors and Advanced Placement classes. Upon graduation, she will have completed 18 of these courses.

“Sarahi is an incredibly talented student and strong community leader,” Santa Fe High School Principal Kevin Jamero said. “She is an amazing young lady and we are all very excited to see where her talents will take her.”

In recognition of her achievements and impressive successes, Garza was recently honored with the Award of Merit from the Whittier Union High School District Board of Trustees.

“My parents’ diligent work ethic has instilled in me a sense of strength and has taught me resiliency,” she said. “I’m ready for my future journey, unafraid because I know my parents will be by my side.”

At Santa Fe, Garza has served as class president and an officer of the Principal’s Honor Court.

While she is deeply involved in her education and other school activities, Garza is also a devoted contributor to her community, serving as a peer tutor at the Norwalk Teen Center and member of the city’s Teen Alliance Program, which enables teens to hone their leadership skills while participating in volunteer work. Garza is also a confirmation instructor at her church.

During her sophomore year, Garza was presented with the Soroptimist Violet Richardson Award, which recognizes teen girls for volunteerism within their communities or schools. As a result, Garza was invited to participate in a writing mentorship program known as “Write Girl,” which helped her develop her voice and increase her confidence.

Garza credits much of her success at Santa Fe to her Chieftain family.

“Santa Fe has amazing faculty and staff,” she said. “There’s always someone to turn to.”

Garza aspires to attend Brown University and become a neonatal pediatrician.

“It is a pleasure to see this bright young lady grow before us, meeting any obstacle that she has faced head on with her family and Santa Fe High School mentors by her side,” Superintendent Sandra Thorstenson said. “Sarahi’s passion toward her education and contribution to the development of others through her volunteer efforts will lead her to even more success in the future.”

PHOTO CAPTION:

GARZA: Santa Fe High School senior Sarahi Garza was recently honored with an Award of Merit from the Whittier Union High School Board of Trustees for her volunteer efforts and unwavering dedication to her studies. She is pictured with her family.

###