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.”