While other teens his age might be found on the streets hanging out with their friends after school, Moises Pizarro can always be found on the field. Training for cross country, soccer or track, Moises believes that these activities “motivate me to live my life right – and stay away from drugs and gang violence.” He’s learned through personal experience how quickly life can change – he previously was involved in fighting until he saw one of his friend’s brothers suffer internal hemorrhaging from the brain as a result of a brawl. “I got scared that this could have happened to me,” he said. “That was only the beginning of what led me to change.” When his mother was diagnosed with cancer, Moises knew his life had to take on a different direction. After his mother finished her treatment, Moises recognized that “if I kept living the life I was, I would be locked away and wouldn’t be able to take care of my mother.” That was his turning point. Since then, Moises has developed an avid interest in cooking and hopes to graduate from college with a culinary arts degree. “My mom is my inspiration to do well in school and in sports,” he admits. His coach said that anything Moises is lacking in the way of natural athleticism, he more than makes up for “by achieving maximum effect” through his effort. On a team dominated by juniors and seniors, Moises (while a sophomore) with a strong level of dedication, earned a coveted spot on the varsity team as the only underclassman.” His community leader with the Boys and Girls Club said that Moises’ volunteer work rates as “exceptional.” She went on to say that Moises “has a bright future ahead of him because of his eagerness to learn and his enthusiastic attitude. It is role models like Moises that encourage members to strive for the best and achieve their goals.” Moises hopes one day to open a restaurant and name it after his mom.

Her father used to say, “Don’t be afraid to fail, because you are only limiting yourself.” Kimberly Sanchez remembers admiring her dad from an early age because he came to the U.S. and persevered through much adversity. “More and more, I started to adopt his values and began to work hard to reach my goals,” she said. Then when she was only 10 years old, the unthinkable happened – when her father died from a massive heart attack. “My world came crashing down,” she said, “and what had been the happiest years of my life now became the most painful and hurtful.” Her mother and two brothers were equally devastated. For a short time, Kimberly wondered if she would be able to overcome this obstacle, but then she remembered her father’s words about inner strength and perseverance. “The fact was that life continued no matter what happened,” Kimberly said. “I had to step up and make my father proud, because I knew that he was watching me from above.” Kimberly decided to transform her life into a will of determination in order to reach her goal of achieving a degree in political science. And what a transformation it has been, as Kimberly currently maintains a GPA of 3.5 and involves herself in softball and church activities. Recognized by the OC Department of Education as AVID Achiever of the Year in 2009, her AVID teacher said that what makes Kimberly so special is her strength of character, largely attributed to the example of her mother. She said Kimberly is “well respected as a leader, as an athlete, and as a critical thinker.” Kimberly believes that with her father urging her on from above and the Simon Family Foundation’s help, nothing can stop her now.

Anne Tran hopes one day to become a Cardiologist, because the "heart is the only part of the body that drives a person's soul and desires." When her father died suddenly from a heart attack, Anne was full of anguish. “Many people around my family knew me as ‘Daddy’s diamond’ – he was always proud of me no matter what I did.” Time has healed some of her wounds, and now Anne is certain that she can reach her goal of graduating with a degree and becoming a medical doctor. This profession is very near and dear to her heart, as she has lost both her father and her grandmother to heart disease.  Anne would like to relieve some of her mother’s burden in paying for her college education. With a GPA of 4.6, she has already established herself as a Scholar and has received numerous honors awards, like the President’s Education Award. She is in Advanced Orchestra, plays tennis, and founded and serves as President of the Pink Ribbon Club. Her English teacher said that Anne is a person who, when presented with obstacles, “begins looking for ways to overcome them. She is truly an inspiration to her fellow students.” Besides being a student sought out by others, Anne challenges her classmates to do their best, not only on group projects, but also as individuals. Admitting that for a time she wondered where help would come in the form of financial assistance to pay for college, Anne knows now that this is one obstacle she won’t have to face alone. “Becoming a Simon Scholar is one of my greatest achievements,” she said. With the scholarship in hand, Anne said it will enable her to “build a strong foundation for my future. My aspirations and drive to succeed are set at 100%.”

It’s safe to say that for Adelaida Velasquez, the written word has been her savior. Her life began to unravel when her father left at an early age. Through it all, it was writing that enabled her to cope. When her family had to live together in a single rented room and she felt that others looked down on her, Adelaida lived in a world of writing that opened its doors willingly to her. Expressing herself through words, “I was free to dream and act my own age,” she said. “This new way of communication made me realize that I am not a lost cause – not academically – nor as a person.” Adelaida is now convinced that she can excel in college and plans to attend Chapman University because of its exceptional writing program. She hopes to become a creative writer, author and Behavioral Psychologist. Her AVID teacher said that Adelaida is a perfect candidate for the Simon Family Scholarship because she is “amazing, articulate, and wise beyond her years.” She urged others not to be “fooled by her reserved nature. She is an incredible thinker and more conscientious than any other 10th grader I have met in a long time.” Adelaida wants to be “like the phoenix that rises from the ashes as a new being. I want to take care of the people I care about, who have always been by my side. I want to experience life and not regret trying to step out into the world.” Through her writing, Adelaida firmly believes that she will be able to share with others “the way people really live, with all the darkness and sorrow, but also beautiful in places.” Her teachers believe she has much to offer, if only she is given the opportunity. The Simon Family Foundation is pleased to walk with her on her journey.