SAN BENITO - David Garcia is achieving the American dream.

David, who graduated as valedictorian of South Texas Academy of Medical Technology on Friday, overcame a language barrier and other obstacles to earn the top academic spot in his class.

The 18-year-old from Mission credits his success to his strong faith in God. And on Friday, he took the opportunity to thank his higher power, as well as his family, for getting him thus far.

"You have opened doors in ways that they were locked," he said.

David is among 30 students from Med Tech and thousands in the Rio Grande Valley who have either received or will diplomas in coming days.

Some districts, including Weslaco, Donna and Pharr-San Juan-Alamo have already held their commencement ceremonies. More graduations, including McAllen and Edinburg are having theirs today. Graduation ceremonies will continue through mid-June.

Becoming valedictorian was no easy feat for David, who not only had to learn a new language, but also had to find time to study while helping his family members, who all live in a trailer in rural Mission.

He and his family came to the United States from Mexico five years ago looking for better opportunities. For David, who was 13 at the time, that meant more education to help achieve his goal of becoming a doctor.

When David first enrolled in school in the Sharyland school district, he thought his chances of achieving his goal were over.

He did not know any English, and because of that he struggled to understand what was going on in the classroom.

"I've always been a good student (earning) 100s. My first grade was a 70, but to me it was (a failing grade)," he said. "I felt like my high school career was over right there."

David did not let that one low grade keep him down. He said he prayed often and worked harder to learn English and catch up on his studies.

The words his mother told him before she died two years ago also kept him focused: "We don't have money; the only thing I leave you is an education."

"She wanted to see me being a doctor. Mom's words keep me going, helps me do my best," he said.

David did so well that he enrolled in Med Tech his sophomore year and earned his way to the top academic spot in his class.

 "I never expected to be the best. I don't even know English," he said.

Med Tech is one of four schools in the South Texas Independent School District, a magnet school district that focuses on preparing students for careers in health care, technology and other science-related industries.

That accomplishment came as a shock to David.

David's accomplishment came as no surprise to his counselor, Rosemary Kithcart.

"He is very dedicated, motivated. He knows what his goals are and surpassed them," Kithcart said.

David plans to attend Texas A&M University in College Station this fall.

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