Classmates get nod from National Hispanic Scholar

Preparing for college has not been easy for Edith Benavides, Juan Muñoz and Angela Rojas.

The three Mission High School seniors have worked hard, taking advanced classes and participating in school sports and other extracurricular activities over the past four years in hopes of attending the universities of their dreams.

And earlier this school year the three learned their efforts have not gone unnoticed.

Edith, Juan and Angela, all 17, learned they had been recognized by the College Board’s National Hispanic Recognition Program as Scholars.

Juan was also named a commended student in the 2010 National Merit Scholarship program.

The program recognizes the exceptional academic achievements of Hispanic high school seniors and identifies them for postsecondary institutions. Students enter the program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test as high school juniors and by identifying themselves as Hispanic, according to information provided by the Mission school district.

The three are among more than 5,000 students throughout the country who took the test and were recognized by the program, according to the district.

All three said they had forgotten they took that particular test because they’ve taken so many college entrance exams, but were honored to be recognized.

But the three are more than just good grades and high test scores. Edith, who also plays the saxophone in the school band, said playing the woodwind instrument helps her relax.

“I just enjoyed what I did,” she said.

Likewise, Juan and Angela saw their involvement in tennis and volleyball, respectively, helped release stress and keep them focused.

“It teaches you discipline and time management,” Angela said.

Though they are starting to reap the benefits of their hard labor, the seniors said the hardest part is keeping up the momentum through graduation.

“It’s difficult because you want to slack off but you can’t because it’s your future,” Angela said.

Jennifer L. Berghom covers education and general assignments for The Monitor. She can be reached at (956) 683-4462.