2022 Alexx Flores Opportunity Scholars
We are excited to announce our second class of scholarship recipients! Each member of this year’s Opportunity Scholars cohort displays grit and determination and has managed to gain acceptance to some of the best universities in the country despite tremendous challenges. The acceptance rate for this year’s application was just under 4%.
Natalie Bracken
Natalie graduated from Bell Gardens High School and will be attending Brandeis University in the fall of ‘22 to pursue a Bachelors of Science degree in Chemistry and double major in Biology to prepare herself for success on the pre-med track. She has committed herself to important leadership roles in Bell Gardens such as chairperson of the School Site Council and Parliamentarian for the Associated Student Body. Aside from her school leadership, she has volunteered a multitude of hours at Good Samaritan Hospital in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, which has been not only a growing sector but has proven that the medical field consists of the most gratifying aspects of life.
Stephanie Jaramillo
Stephanie Jaramillo is currently attending Animo Ralph Bunche Charter High School in South Los Angeles. In the fall of 2022 she will be attending the University of Southern California (USC) to study Environmental Science and Health. Stephanie, a first generation, Mexican-American woman, will be the first in her family to attend a private university. As the eldest daughter in a family of nine, Stephanie holds numerous responsibilities at home. At school she excelled academically, was involved in several programs and sport teams. As an active member in her community, Stephanie is also part of the Mayor's Youth Council cohort and was an active student leader for the "Stand For All" students rally in Sacramento, CA for the AB1506/1507. Stephanie believed that college was unattainable, but through hard work, dedication and resilience she was accepted to numerous prestigious colleges. She always challenges herself to do her best regardless of family, and personal obstacles that come her way. Stephanie plans to become an Obstetrician-Gynecologist and hopes to continue supporting her community.
Jude Quirinale
Jude graduated from LACC and will be pursuing physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara this fall. He is passionate about domestic traveling and hiking. Jude has overcome the adversity of losing family and friends by staying strong in his values of unity and endurance. Jude became heavily involved in volunteer work with his peers to spread kindness and positivity around those that need it the most. He intends to pursue a career in being an educator for students to expose them to the wonders of science and its works.
Maylia Brown
Maylia is Graduating from Carson Senior High School in the Class of 2022. She participated in her School play, “Guys and Dolls”, was an active member in her JROTC female exhibition team, and loves to play the piano. In pursuit of her education she experienced hardships growing up because of her family's financial struggles. There were times we went without water and power and eventually we had to move from the house we were staying in. It was difficult having to move around a lot which In turn was impacting her mentally and academically. Despite how these challenges impacted her they also inspired her to pursue a career that could help others who have experienced similar adversities. Now she has been accepted into the four year university California State, Long beach and is majoring in Psychology.
Bryce Montgomery
Bryce graduated from Lakewood High School and will be a student at UC Santa Cruz to study computer science. He faced many hardships in taking care of his family while trying to be the head of the house. Bryce was active in aquatic-based sports in his free time along with running with his friends. He worked multiple part-time jobs to support himself and save up for his upcoming college expenses. Regardless of what he encounters, Bryce will bring the same energy and drive to his universities. He intends to pursue a career in software development and architecture.