San Benito High School Salutatorian Diego Huerta and Valedictorian Natalia Trinidad Arredondo are shown at their graduation ceremony Friday evening. (Staff photo by Francisco E. Jimenez)
By CRISTINA M. GARCIA
Special to the NEWS
It is a bittersweet feeling for most high school graduates as they complete a milestone in their lives.
But for Natalia Trinidad Arredondo and Diego Huerta, San Benito High School (SBHS) valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, it’s an honor.
Arredondo has received numerous honors and awards throughout her high school career besides being the school’s valedictorian. Aside from strict academics, Arredondo was an active member of the National Honor Society, the San Benito High School Choir, and Art Club. She also actively volunteers her time at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and Our Lady Queen of the Universe.
A recipient of numerous scholarships totaling $153,000, Arredondo has accepted a scholarship to the University of Dallas, where she plans to major in English and Chemistry and minor in Studio Art. In the near future, she would like to become an author, animator, and comic book artist.
“I would really like to be a writer and someday publish my own book. There are so many possibilities I don’t really know what I’d like to do. I like a lot of subjects, so it’s difficult choosing what to do. I like writing and art, so I’m thinking of becoming a writer or an animator,” Arredondo said, adding, “The University of Dallas has a strong core program in literary arts. I’m hoping to strengthen my literary skills by studying the English language. I hear they produce the strongest percentage of Rhodes Scholarships; I hope to get it to study English and Literature.”
As salutatorian, Huerta also set a high mark for himself throughout his academic career. He was a member of San Benito High School’s National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Health Occupations Students of America, Business Professionals of America, and the SBHS Mariachi Band.
Huerta also found time to enjoy himself as he completed his academic goals. “I had to balance my culture and academics. It was something I looked forward to at the end of the day… to have fun,” he said about his experience with the mariachi band.
Already a Medical Office Assistant and Certified Nurse Assistant, Huerta plans to major in Biology or Social Psychology and continue his education by attending medical school. Helping others has been a priority in Huerta’s life. “With this profession you can make a difference in someone’s life. You cannot save them, but you can help them out,” Huerta said.
He received scholarships totaling $1.4 million and plans to attend Harvard College this coming fall.
Meanwhile, Tommy Herrera, the San Benito Greyhound senior running back who made waves this year on the football field and in the classroom, lamented about leaving his alma mater: “I guess being with all my friends, and the simplicity (of school).”
Maria Jimenez said she’ll miss that in which every teenager comes to enjoy during their high school days. “I’m going to miss the memories, like the football games, going out, prom… stuff like that,” Jimenez said.
To see this story in print, pick up a copy of the June 5 edition of the San Benito News. Or view our E-Edition by clicking here.
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