Community Spotlight: Ivanhoe’s 2021 Graduates

 

By: Esmeralda Garcia, Ivanhoe Sol 

 

Since many students attend elementary and middle school in Ivanhoe, high school is the beginning of many youth’s journey outside of Ivanhoe. Aside from managing their grades, these students also managed the COVID-19 pandemic in their last years of high school and college. It is in this context that we wish to celebrate the youth who have persevered and to whom we will trust the future of Ivanhoe and the world.

 

Good luck, Class of 2021! We believe in you!

Suzette Elise Gutierrez

Golden West High School 

 

Suzette’s mother shares that her daughter has been very responsible since a very young age. She loves to help people, always has a smile on her face and has also participated in Golden West High School’s Business Finance Academy all four years. Although Suzette’s biological father was not present in her life she always has the support of her mother and her grandparents. Suzette plans to attend college with a career goal of becoming a Registered Nurse. Suzette is also currently working part-time in order to save up for needed college expenses. 

 

Marvin Gabriel Gonzalez

Golden West High School

A small business owner, along with his Mother of “Don Gummy Oficial” (spicy treats)Marvin Gonzalez has been involved with the Business Finance Academy at Golden West High School throughout his High School career. He plans to attend a local community college to later transfer to a four-year University. Marvin is involved with Ivanhoe’s Youth Advisory Committee and is always willing to help his community.

 

 

Jazzlyn Padilla

Golden West High School

Jazzlyn is a first generation college student who is very grateful for the opportunity to pursue a career and attend college. She graduated from Golden West High School a semester early which allowed Jazzlyn to get a head start at College of the Sequoias. She is currently attending COS and plans to major in Psychology to later transfer to University to receive a Bachelor’s and become a Physician’s Assistant. Besides being a college student, Jazzlyn is also a business owner of a tasty dessert called “Sweets or Something.”

 

Kristen Ceballos

College of the Sequoias

Associates Degree in Nursing

December 2020

Kristen’s life was changed at the age of 13 after her Father passed away.She has worked hard to not be a victim of a circumstance instead she has proved that if you really want something, you will do whatever it takes to reach your goal.Kristen became a mother at the age of 16 and her motivation to get back to college was after her oldest son asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up. When she replied, “I want to be a Doctor.” then her son asked, “Then why aren’t you?”

 

Ruby Garcia

College of the Sequoias

Associates of Science in Child Development

 

Ruby Raised in a single parent household for most of her life. She enjoys cooking and baking. She loves working with children. She hopes to obtain a position working for the County of Tulare to pursue a career of working with preschool aged students in the surrounding area.

 

Natalia Ceballos Richardson

SFSU B.A. Anthropology

Grew up in a low income household with a single parent. She obtained her high school diploma from Crescent Valley Charter High School at the age of 16. Although her Father was not present to witness her success, Natalia received a full ride scholarship after attending College of the Sequoias for two years.

 

Gilbert Tepitzin Cano

Fresno Pacific University

Business Administration 

Gilbert has graduated from Fresno Pacific with an Emphasis on Organizational Leadership. He has been looking forward to a path to meaningful employment in the field of public service is what led him back to school. He already has two AA’s and an AS. This was just the natural next step. He is currently employed with Child Protective Services and has developed a passion for serving the community. He will be applying to attend the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater online business school to pursue to MBA this fall. Ivanhoe raised: Keep dreaming and keep working hard to achieve those dreams, and good things will come.

Marissa Michelle Aceves

El Diamante High School

Raised by a single mother, Marissa will be attending Sacramento State and plans to major in Political Science.

 

 

 

 

 

Diego Martinez

Golden West High School

Diego plans to attend College in Fresno to become an Electrician.

 

 

 

 

Jose Alberto Becerra 

Golden West High School & 

Mayra Becerra

Fresno State University

Oldest out of four and being raised by a single mother, Jose will be graduating from Golden West High School on Wednesday, June 2nd. Jose enjoys drawing and has had a couple of his art pieces published in past editions of The Ivanhoe Sol. Jose is a responsible young man who currently works as a Home Caretaker for a resident in Ivanhoe. Both Jose and his mother Mayra Becerra are celebrating their graduation this year. Mayra is a Dreamer who has received her Bachelor’s from Fresno State and plans to teach very soon. Mayra has an endless list of all the work she has done for our community of Ivanhoe. Her most recent award was the Woman of the Year 2021 from Tulare County Board of Supervisor Eddie Valero.