National Scholarship Earned by Local Student

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation (MSDF) announced its 11th class of Dell Scholars, providing 300 students with the chance to obtain a college degree. Among the winners is Rancho Verde High School senior Kimberly Enriquez. MSDF offers resources, mentoring and financial assistance to ensure that low-income, at-risk students have the comprehensive support needed to successfully earn a bachelor’s degree. To date the program has helped a total of 867 students earn a college degree and another 1,650 are currently working toward graduation. Enriquez has been involved with the AVID program since 7th grade. Vivien Kearney Serowik, RVHS AVID Coordinator, said, “She is a dedicated student who is remarkable in her ability to find time to take Honors and Advanced Placement classes, care for her younger siblings, complete community service, and be an active member of clubs on our campus." According to Ms. Dao, Enriquez' AP Physics teacher, “Kim’s determination is what sets her apart from other students. She is very organized and tenacious when faced with a challenge. This is the main reason Kimberly will be successful in college; she relies on hard work and doesn’t take her grades for granted.” “It’s our belief that all students – regardless of their economic status – should have the opportunity to receive a college degree,” said Janet Mountain, executive director of the MSDF “We work to understand the obstacles that this group of students faces, and then provide them with the support they need.” “I’m excited to meet and work with this new group of scholars,” said Oscar Sweeten-Lopez of the Dell Scholars Program at the MSDF. “It is always amazing to see how determined these students are in their quest to graduate from college. We have found that, with the right support, they are unstoppable.”