Every year as graduation is in sight there are a few students who standout amongst all their peers. These students are the top of their class. As of April 22, 2024, those three students are Valerie Bugarin, Parveen Dhaliwal, and Jazmine Rocha. The three of them each earned themselves a grade point average of 4.5.
Valerie Bugarin will be attending Taft College to pursue Dental Hygiene. For Bugarin the deciding factor on Taft College was, “Wanting to stay local, stay with friends and family”. Alongside making sure to study and turn assignments in on time, Bugarin also says that her parents played a huge role in her motivation.
Parveen Dhaliwal will be attending California State University of Bakersfield, with the intended major of Biochemistry. When asked about the deciding factor on Cal State Bakersfield she states, “The main deciding factor for the college I picked was my long-term goal to become a medical oncologist. As a medical doctor, I will be in school for several years, which means more years away from home and my family. My family is an integral part of my life. Hence, I decided to stay here to get my Bachelor’s, be involved in my community, save money, and, then attend medical school.”
While at Ridgeview Dhaliwal was a part of many clubs such as Medical Club, STEM Club, Math Club, National Honor Society, Crochet Club, and Science Bowl. One of the most inspirational teachers here at Ridgeview for her was Esther Ibarra, Dhaliwal states, “Her dedication to her job and her willingness to help students succeed in her courses is exemplary.”
Jazmine Rocha is deciding on either going to Cal State LA or Cal State Northridge, majoring in Human Biology. Rocha states, “The deciding factors in picking my colleges were honestly the expenses. I already know a CSU will provide me with an adequate education, so I needed to be smart about where I went for my undergraduate since I still have to go to medical school at a completely different school.” In ten years, she sees herself as a resident specializing in cardiology, working towards being a Certified Cardiothoracic Surgeon.
Rocha was a part of many clubs while at Ridgeview, holding leadership positions for Interact club, Math Club, and National Honors Society. She was also a member of the Ridgeview Student Board, stating, “ It was just probably one of my greatest accomplishments.” Christina Kelecides was one of Jazmine Rocha’s most inspirational teachers stating, “She has taught me to look outside the box, to remember that difference is okay, and that everyone has their own forms of expression and that I should always remain true to myself.”
