Before he was even born, Luis Arroyo’s father was diagnosed with stage five renal disease, a severe illness that causes the kidneys to fail. “My dad was constantly looking for a donor,” Luis said, until his older brother volunteered. Seventeen years later, Luis said he and his family consider his father’s second chance at life nothing short of a miracle. “I then realized why my dad pushed me so hard over the last few years. He always told me to do my best. I always knew that if I tried hard, I would be rewarded.” Besides growing up with both of his parents, Luis has also been rewarded with a 3.5 GPA and a burning desire to pursue the career of medicine. He considers himself lucky, calling his two siblings the second miracle in his life. “We live for each other, and we would be nothing without each other. What happened to my dad has made us stronger. We realize we are not on this earth forever, but as long as we have each other, we are untouchable.” Luis is currently on the honor roll and is a member of the swim team. His AVID teacher said that what makes Luis unique is his ability to stay “true to himself…when he hears of an opportunity, he seizes the offer with a handshake and a personal introduction.” She added that Luis has a “quiet confidence” about him, although “he is not shy in stating why he is different from most teens and how being different – true to himself – is what will allow him to achieve his university goals.” His English teacher concurred, stating that Luis comes from humble circumstances, and because of his father’s serious illness, Luis has had to step in and take over adult responsibilities. She added that he is “a caring and thoughtful young man who demonstrates all of the qualities of a Simon Scholar.” Luis has but one goal: “I want to show my dad I learned from him by getting as many awards, scholarships, and acknowledgements that I can,” he said. “I want him to know I didn’t take his words in vain but that I took them as guidelines to help shape me into what he wanted me to become, and that is someone with a future.” The Simon Family Foundation is pleased to watch Luis walk the pathway to success.

Francisco Campos believes that everyone has potential, but not everyone is given the same opportunities. Being granted the Simon Family Foundation has been life-altering for him, because not only will he be the first member of his family to graduate high school, but he intends to graduate from college as well with a degree in criminal science. Born in Mexico, Francisco came to America when he was 2 years old. “My mom brought me here from our small village in Mexico,” he said, adding that he owes everything to her. “She is the hardest working person I know.” She works as a nursing assistant to support her four children, and Francisco’s family lives with 7 other extended family members. While space may be scarce, he still manages to maintain a 3.7 GPA. “Determination runs in my veins,” he said. “I have a passion for school to do the best that I can so that I can be admitted into the best college like Harvard, Stanford or Yale. Since I don’t have a dad, I try to teach my younger brothers to be hard working.” Francisco also believes in having fun, and he actively participates in the school soccer club. His French teacher said that Francisco has “great academic potential” as well as “a good understanding of how life and the world work. He was recently sharing with me how his mother sent him to Mexico over Christmas break to work as a laborer. The physical labor made him more aware of the opportunity that is given to him in the U.S. He does not take what he has for granted.” Francisco wants to overcome his shyness and is confident that the Simon Family Foundation can help. “As I watched the Simon Scholar video,” at the school assembly, he said, “I was hoping that it would help me be more open with people. I know that if I am chosen, I will fit right in. This scholarship is a great honor,” he said. “It fills me with great joy to know there are still good people out there like Mr. Ronald Simon and the Simon Family Foundation.”

Ashley Gaxiola describes herself as someone who loves her family, loves her friends and loves playing volleyball. However, she is quick to interject that “my true pleasure and happiness is revealed when I help others.” Receiving the Simon Scholarship is “a huge blessing” in her life, she says, because with it, “I’ll be able to help my family. I always see them stressing out about bills,” a situation that has only multiplied since Ashley’s grandmother came to live with them. That’s only fitting, though, because Ashley’s grandmother took care of her and her brother when they were all alone and desperately needed a stable influence. “My mom was in jail and then rehab,” she explained. When Ashley and her brother were eventually reunited with their mom, it was a joyous day indeed. “The visitations increased between us until she finally moved back in with us. I was and still am proud of her.” Ashley’s father has never been involved in her life, and now Ashley’s mother has remarried “and I finally have a full loving family, “she said, adding that her plans are to attend college and major in International Development studies. “My goal in life is to really help make a difference,” she said. “I’m intrigued by others around the world. I find their culture, language and personality fascinating.” With a 3.4 GPA, Ashley is well positioned to reach her goal. Her French teacher said “Ashley is the kind of student every teacher wants. She lives with her two moms, her grandmother and two siblings. As the oldest, she would be the first to attend a four-year university. She has high expectations for herself.” Her English teacher said that Ashley “is willing to work harder than others and to go the extra mile.” He added that Ashley encourages others by word and example – character traits highly valued by the Simon Family Foundation. “I’m not the same person I was as a child,” she admitted, because the hardships she’s already faced have prepared her for her future. “The Simon Scholarship will open many doors for me,” she said. “Receiving it is life changing.”

Kellyn Huynh has mastered the art of putting on a show – she has learned to “smile constantly as though nothing was wrong. I put on a face every morning,” she said, “so that no one suspects the hidden mystery of my past and how it haunts me even now.” Abandoned by both her father and her mother, Kellyn has five siblings, but still feels as though she has to make it on her own. “Around the age of 3, I saw my mother being driven away in a police car. I didn’t see her again until the end of second grade, and by then, she came back with two more kids. She had abandoned four already, yet she dared to return with two more.” After her mother’s compulsive gambling stripped her family of every asset, including their home, Kellyn lived in a hotel room in Louisiana and was forced to drop out of school until she and her sister came to live with their aunt in Garden Grove. When her sister ran away, Kellyn developed an even greater fear of abandonment. “I built up a wall that no one could surpass,” she said. “It was for my own safety and benefit.” Today, Kellyn believes that her past has made her a stronger person. She wants to prove to everyone that she has her sights set on a different course – a pathway to success. “I am part of a dance group and track and field; yet I still make time to maintain a 3.5 GPA,” she said. “I have learned never to give up, because my past is my motivation to hold on.” Kellyn’s career goal is to become either a veterinarian or marine biologist. Her Algebra teacher and cross country coach said that Kellyn refuses to let her “tenuous family situation” keep her from “succeeding in athletics or in the classroom. She is not going to let any situation keep her from attaining her goals.” Her Chemistry teacher agreed, saying that “Kellyn was a role model student from the very start. She has overcome many obstacles, but she always maintains a positive attitude as she reaches her potential.” Kellyn hopes one day to repay her aunt, who “did not need to support me but still did. I want to repay her for being a mother figure to me. I want to have a successful future. With the help of the Simon Scholars Program, my dreams are reachable. My past may have haunted me, but I am motivated to have a better future.” The Simon Family Foundation believes she has only just begun.

One of 4 children, Elmer Jimenez wants to be a role model for his siblings. His parents immigrated to the United States in search of a better life before Elmer was born, and neither of them graduated from high school. Elmer said that his father wants a different outcome for Elmer. “He holds me accountable for my future,” Elmer said, “and tells me that if I do well in school, I will be a success.” Elmer takes his education seriously. Watching the family struggle economically, he wants to help relieve the anxiety and stress. “We’ve had to move six times because of rent increases, even though we were living in a one-bedroom apartment,” Elmer said. “Even now we struggle every single month trying to pay the rent. My parents work very hard to provide for us; my dad lays tile and my mom cares for the family.” Elmer’s grandmother has greatly influenced his life. Before her death, “her dream for me was to have a healthy life, without worries about money” Elmer said. “The day we lost her to diabetes was the worst day ever. From that day on, I promised myself that I would complete my education and accomplish all that she desired for me.” Elmer wants to graduate from college and pursue a career either as a firefighter or a lawyer. His AVID coordinator said that Elmer “carries himself with poise and pride, dresses meticulously and is always ready to contribute.” Elmer volunteers with the Boys and Girls Club and on weekends, with his church. His Spanish teacher described him as an “absolute pleasure to have in class. He is a hard worker who does not let a setback become a ruinous event in his scholastic achievement.” Elmer leads by example, and his inquisitive and enthusiastic demeanor inspire others to do the same.