LA PUENTE, CA – A trio of Bassett Unified students received scholarships for overcoming challenges in their education and showing strong community leadership as part of Principal for A Day, in which San Gabriel Valley community members and educators became principals at each of Bassett Unified’s schools.
Bassett High senior Joshua Hernandez, Nueva Vista 2017 graduate Lilliana Fernandez and Bassett Adult School student John Sandoval were recognized with $400 scholarships during a Feb. 20 luncheon.
“This is a tremendous honor for me,” Hernandez said. “Thank you to Bassett High School for bringing me one step closer to a college education with their generous gift.”
Hernandez is interested in pursuing a career in software development and has applied to nearly a dozen colleges, including Cal Poly Pomona, with plans to major in computer science. Hernandez developed an interest in coding after he was introduced to the 3-D app “Ultimate Sandbox” in his sophomore year at Bassett High.
Sandoval recently received his GED from Coastline College and enrolled in Bassett Adult School’s Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) vocational training course. He expects to complete the class in May, after which he will look to take his EPA certification test.
“As a young man I failed to see the value of a good education,” Sandoval said. “I am grateful for my second chance.”
Fernandez was a member of Nueva Vista’s Leadership class, which combines peer mentoring with service projects, guiding young students in project-based learning activities at Edgewood Academy and Sunkist Elementary.
“While attending Nueva Vista, Lilliana grew as a person and took pleasure in becoming a role model to the students she was helping to mentor,” Nueva Vista Principal Gabriel Fernandez said.
Principal for A Day is a partnership between the Bassett, Rowland and Hacienda-La Puente unified school districts and the La Puente Valley Regional Occupational Program, designed to bring community awareness to the day-to-day challenges facing administrators. With corporate sponsor support, students from 14 area high schools received scholarships.
“Thank you to our Principal for a Day partners for recognizing the hard work and dedication that all of our students have in their education,” Bassett Unified Interim Superintendent Debra French said. “Congratulations to our students for earning these well-deserved scholarships. We look forward to your success.”