Foothill High Senior Has Been Volunteer, Political Intern And More

PLEASANTON, CA — Star Students are found in classrooms, on concert and theater stages and at debate lecterns, and out in the community doing good things to make life better for all of us.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize Star Students, and we’re working to tell the stories of these outstanding kids to their neighbors.

This submission comes from Ken Mano who nominated Valentina of Pleasanton.

Star local student’s name

Valentina

What grade is your star local student in?

12

How do you know the star local student?

She is a Community of Character scholarship recipient

Why do you believe the star local student should be recognized?

Valentina is a senior at Foothill High School, her parents are Alma and Arnoldo Avalos. Valentina received one of the coveted Juanita Haugen Scholarships by the Pleasanton Community of Character. Valentina’s community calls her after her namesake Valentina Avitia, a guerrillera (female soldier) in the Mexican Revolution who fought for a better life. Valentina has been inspired to show the complexities of the Mexican-American experience and acknowledge what it means to be Mexican and set out to also make a bigger impact in her local Community.

She became the student trustee to the Pleasanton Unified School District Board, becoming the first Latina to ever hold the position. Valentina has been a volunteer and intern with US Congressman Eric Swalwell, a representative of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force, participated in other Latino organizations & projects, such as: US Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Leadership Program, Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project and Hispanic Scholarship Fund.

She has been a volunteer at Corazon Del Angel Orphanage and Cultura Y Bienestar, as well as a volunteer tutor for the Pleasanton PTA. She is a member of the Girl Scouts, Catholic Community of Pleasanton, and Peer Advocates. She has participated in Foothill Water Polo and Swim teams and was named captain of both Junior Varsity teams.

Valentina will study politics and minor in Spanish at the University of California Berkley while continuing her passion of participating in meaningful community work. She plans to attend a prestigious law school and continue to be involved in her community.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the star local student?

She became the student trustee to the Pleasanton Unified School District Board, becoming the first Latina to ever hold the position.

Congratulations on your achievements, and all of our best wishes to you in the future, Valentina Avalos!

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Know an outstanding student who deserves a shout-out?

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