Humberto's goal is to become either a Civil or a Computer Engineer. He thinks about contributing not only to his own community, but to the world as a whole. "Engineers play a big role in the way we live," he said. "I want to be able to make major discoveries that benefit the human race." Humberto realizes that he is not alone in being part of a family that struggles with economic hardship. But he views being chosen as a Simon Scholar as a special honor that sets him apart. His GPA of 4.4 is only one accomplishment that makes Humberto extraordinary. His Science teacher explains, "Humberto participates in several extracurricular activities such as Robotics, Chess and Soccer clubs, as well having a personal interest in growing vegetables, building and inventing. He shows a healthy interest in how things work and has told me that he loves to build things." As one of 5 siblings, Humberto is relying on the Simon Foundation to make his dream of attending Cal Poly Pomona, UCLA or USC a reality. With some outside help and his own determination, he knows he can invent something that will benefit the world.

Nubia Morales is an independent young lady who has previously struggled to excel academically, but now maintains an impressive 3.8 GPA. Born a twin, Nubia hopes to be the first person in her family to graduate with a degree from college. Her dream is to attend the San Francisco Art Academy and become an interior designer. She is thankful for the Simon Foundation for providing her with the resources to help achieve her goal. "I have not been given much direction or advice from anyone as to what I should do to get into college," she said. Nubia's Biology teacher said that she "demonstrates an authentic enthusiasm and appreciation" for learning. Besides being easy going and sociable, he added that Nubia's "demonstrated unselfish and humble character" put her on track for great success. Nubia volunteers at her church six hours a week and has earned recognition with the Sycamore Drama Award, the American Legion Award, Student of the Month, and many Perfect Attendance awards.

As one of six children, Guillermo Pineda understands only too well what it means to grow up in a single-parent family. His father left the family when he was only 3 years old, and he recognizes that this has affected him deeply. "Thanks to the men in my family," he said, "I am very independent and have learned that the only person you can trust is yourself." While Guillermo has had no consistent male role model, his mother has become his inspiration. "Aside from all her struggles," he said, "she still took care of us and taught us to always work hard so we would not experience her pain." Guillermo's GPA of 4.4 shows that he is taking his mother's advice to heart. He plans to finish high school at the top of his class and attend Caltech University to earn a Ph.D. in Computer Science. "Unfortunately, Caltech is very expensive," he said, "but with the help of the Simon Scholarship, I will be able to pay for college and show my siblings that everything is possible." His P.E. teacher said that after spending over 40 years as an educator, he gives Guillermo the highest endorsement possible. "As a former D-1 head basketball coach," he said, "this young man is exactly what I sought in the recruiting process – highly responsible, hard working, ambitious and detail oriented." Guillermo is also on the high school Boxing Team and is a 2009 Brilliant Thinker Award recipient.

Ruby Rodriguez has already experienced years of financial adversity and hardship during her young life. There were "times when life seemed unfair or maybe just unbalanced," she said, referring to a time when she was selected but unable to attend a Washington Conference Institute because her family just couldn't afford it. "From school to family problems, somehow I survived. I stand independent, ready to overcome anything that crosses my road." At first, Ruby's goal was to make her father proud. Now she realizes that there is only one person to make proud. "My future is mine and no one will ever do the work that I can do to have a successful life." Ruby's goal is to attend Harvard, Stanford or UCI and become a pediatrician or a lawyer. She is a member of the Marching Band and Symphonic Band and volunteers as a helper at Westmont. With a GPA of 4.33, her Band teacher said, "Ruby is an outstanding young student who carries herself with poise and confidence." Her Spanish teacher added that Ruby always produces more than is required. "Whether it's getting an essay done or being accepted at Harvard," Ruby said, "I stand tall and believe I will be successful."

Raised in a family of five, Naomi Sanchez came to live in California when she was just a preschooler. “Everything was new for me – a new country, new school, new language, even a new (step)dad and baby brother,” she recalls. Her struggles have included financial difficulties as a result of her stepfather’s work injury, a stillborn sibling, her mom and stepfather’s separation, and moving back and forth from Mexico. After returning to the U.S. as a single parent, Naomi’s mom decided to go back to school to get her high school diploma, a very proud moment for the entire family. “My mom set that example for us because she did not want us to be a generation of high school dropouts,” Naomi said. “I believe that with God, all things are possible. If this was not true, I would not be who I am today, or be thinking of what I want in my future.” Naomi’s future includes attending a university and becoming an elementary school teacher for special students. Eventually, she hopes to get a Master’s degree in Teaching. With a GPA of 3.8, Naomi is well on her way. She volunteers her time at a rehabilitation house and has received many recognition awards, including the Principal’s Honor Roll. Her AVID teacher said that Naomi “has shown her perseverance by overcoming a language barrier as a result of growing up most of her childhood in Mexico.” With the Simon Family Foundation behind her, Naomi has a chance to prove that “life may be rough, but it’s not too tough.”