Ryan Cottone , Christopher High School
Ryan attended Luigi Aprea Elementary and Brownell Middle School before graduating from Christopher High School on June 4 , 2021 . In the fall , he will attend UC Berkeley as a double major in materials science and engineering , with a focus in electrical engineering and computer science .
His career goals include conducting cutting-edge research in fields such as semiconductor design , chip design , and high performance computing in order to build the systems responsible for some of the foremost advancements in science today ( protein folding , cancer detection and space exploration ).
Perla Valdivia Ayvar , Mt . Madonna High School
Perla attended Antonio Del Buono
Elementary School before graduating from Mt . Madonna High School in early 2021 . She will attend Gavilan College in the fall .
Following her graduation from Gavilan
College , she wants to attend a fouryear university , with the career goal of becoming a surgeon . This summer she will work and volunteer at a local animal shelter . Perla draws inspiration from her parents , who inspire her because even when times are tough they never give up on their goals and ambitions .
During high school , Ryan played Varsity tennis , ran cross-country , and belonged to the CHS Chess Club . Ryan is the recipient of the 2021 Bill Christopher CHS Scholar-Athlete Scholarship .
This summer , Ryan will engage in a research internship at San Jose State working to model wildfire impact over time in California , and discovering new methods to mitigate future fire damage .
Audrey Kaefer , Gilroy High School
Audrey attended the dual immersion program at Las Animas Elementary and South Valley Middle School before graduating from Gilroy High School and the GHS Biomedical Science Academy ( BSA ) on June 3 , 2021 . In the fall , she will attend UC Berkeley ’ s College of Engineering as a bioengineering major . She plans to pursue a career in the medical field .
Hugo G . Muro Avila , Dr . TJ Owens Gilroy Early College Academy ( GECA )
Hugo graduated from GECA on May 27 , 2021 . Hugo will attend Santa Clara University in the fall , majoring in computer science and engineering . After obtaining his Bachelor of Science degree , he will pursue a Master ’ s of Science degree in the same field .
This summer , he plans to complete an internship with a tech company in Silicon Valley to gain practical experience in hardware engineering . He will also work at the taqueria where his father is employed , while preparing to attend college .
While at GECA , Hugo was part of the Robotics and Yearbook clubs , and tutored his classmates . During his senior year , he has been part of the Peer Support Group , providing support to GECA freshmen . He was also a leader for a Bike to the Future group , in which he designed and built an electric bike .
During high school , Audrey was the CSF co-president , and worked closely with Operation Interdependence , a local organization that sends boxes and letters to troops . She was the GHS STEM club vice president and active member of Interact and Rebirth the Earth club . She played the clarinet for the school marching band , trombone for the jazz band , and was a part of the Clovers Club lacrosse team .
She credits the BSA program for helping her decide her college major : “ Making cheese , dissecting a sheep heart and getting to use lab equipment has helped me imagine my future .”
Hugo is inspired by his parents because they have instilled a commitment to working hard and responsibly .
gmhtoday . com gmhTODAY Magazine SUMMER 2021 87