by Anne Donofrio-Holter
4-13-11
South El Monte High School senior Iriany Lopez Hernandez is the recipient of an iPad donated by the legal firm of Ricardo Olivarez. El Monte Union High School District principals were asked to nominate one deserving college-bound student who they felt would most benefit by the donation. Hernandez was awarded the iPad following a letter of recommendation from principal Edward Zuniga.
"Iriany Lopez Hernandez is one of the most outstanding students I have met in my tenure at South EI Monte High School," wrote Zuniga. "Since her freshmen year, Iriany has strived to overcome all the obstacles she has faced in life. Growing up in a single-parent home, she has taken on the challenge to perform well academically, while holding down a weekend job to support her family's income."
Hernandez, who has taken advance placement courses, maintains a cumulative grade point average of 3.44. She is also a tri-athlete and is involved in campus volunteer and service projects.
"After practice, Iriany heads to the library to do research and to complete her homework," said Zuniga. "It is evident that she has no computer or internet access at home, however it does not prevent her from accomplishing what needs to be done."
Zuniga recalls one day while driving to Rio Hondo College, he noticed Hernandez on her bike heading uphill towards the college. The following day, asking her where she had gone, Hernandez explained she was taking elective after school courses every other day because "I want to experience what it is like to go to college."
Last fall, when Hernandez's mother needed to relocate the family to another city due to economic
hardship, Hernandez was determined to remain at South El Monte High School. She finally convinced her mother to let her live with a family friend so she could remain at the school.
"Iriany has overcome adversity and she continues to blossom as a student and citizen of our great community" said Zuniga. "I know that every child has a story, but I will always remember Iriany as a young lady who did everything possible to succeed in life, while overcoming many personal challenges."
Hernandez was thrilled when she learned she had been awarded the iPad and was very appreciative to Olivarez for providing her with another tool to help her reach her educational goals.