MCHS at HCC Gulfton valedictorian honored by State Representative
Jun 22, 2016
Sandra Aguilar has dealt with many obstacles in her life, but has come out on top as valedictorian of her class at the Middle College High School (MCHS) at Houston Community College (HCC) Gulfton. Through a partnership with the Houston Independent School District (HISD), at-risk students can get their high school diplomas through flexible schedules, a personalized plan, small class size, and accelerated programs.
“I am very proud of myself,” Aguilar said. “I realize I have a lot of opportunities that I wasn’t aware of before. This is just a stepping stone for me to keep going and to achieve my dreams.”
Aguilar has always been a good student - involved in school, community and civic activities, despite facing challenges at her previous high school. During her senior year, she made the choice to leave that behind in exchange for a more nurturing environment at MCHS at HCC Gulfton.
When State Representative Gene Wu (TX-137) heard Aguilar’s story, he took time to recognize her accomplishments. Much to her surprise, Wu presented Aguilar with a resolution from the State of Texas for her achievement of graduating at the top of her class.
"I am so proud of Sandra and her accomplishments,” Wu said. “She has shown that hard work counts far more than anything else. I join with the rest of our community to congratulate her; wishing her the best of luck in her future endeavors and encouraging her to keep pushing herself to reach even higher goals!"
MCHS at HCC Gulfton Principal Diana Del Pilar realized Aguilar’s bright future instantly and helped guide her educational and personal journey from day one.
“She is definitely someone who excels in the face of adversity and someone who could have given up but didn’t,” Del Pilar said. “By her deciding to come to MCHS at HCC Gulfton, a place where our students get more attention, nurturing and support, we were able to provide support and guidance, and now she can articulate clear plans and choices for her future. Our entire staff is overwhelmed and satisfied that our team effort to keep her in school has paid off, and she has done her part to make the grade.”
“This school is a place where I feel safe, where I have positive support to complete my studies and move on to the next chapter of my life,” Aguilar said, indicating that college is definitely in her future.
MCHS at HCC Gulfton opened in Fall 2014 with 135 students and has grown to 170 students last fall. It hopes to reach 200 students in the upcoming school year.
Registration for MCHS at HCC is underway. Classes begin Monday, August 22. To apply, visit houstonisd.org/gulfton.