Ana Aragon believes in capturing the moment. She already has regrets in her young life, wishing she had spent more time with her chronically-ill grandmother before she passed away in 2008. It taught her a valuable lesson – “Whether we are here tomorrow or not is unknown…what we do know is that we are here now and at this moment.” Ana plans to take advantage of every opportunity that comes her way in the future. Enrolled in Asian Club, the National Honor Society and Junior Civitan, she also volunteers with the El Corazon Senior Center and in cemetery clean up. Her academic achievements are impressive – she has already earned recognition for holding a 4.0 or higher for the past 4 years and is currently #1 in her class of 640 students. She is described by her AP Comparative Government teacher as being “valuable to our school by way of her integrity, solid work ethic and willingness to be true to herself.” Ana looks forward to attending a 4-year university and majoring in Math. She plans to pursue a career in accounting or electrical engineering. “My main short term goals are to help the community as much as possible, maintain my GPA, and, most importantly, take a bundle of roses to my grandmother’s grave,” she said. “Death, hardship, and happiness are all inevitable. They are a part of us; they help us become stronger and realize things we neglected or chose not to see.”

Jordyn Brinkley imagines becoming a structural engineer or an architect. It’s “putting things together” that she finds fascinating, perhaps in part because she resiliently withstood the break up of her family as a young child. Her father was incarcerated when she was only 3 years old, and since then, she has struggled with feelings of ambivalence regarding her relationship with him. But now, as a Junior in high school, she’s determined to concentrate her efforts on building things – including relationships. “I feel like a burden is slowly but surely lifting from my heart,” she said. “Establishing some kind of relationship with my father may help both of us in the end.” Jordyn attributes much of her personal advancement to help from both her mother and older sister. “With their support, I will achieve my dreams of engineering and architecture.” Currently on the swim team and a competitor in archery, Jordyn is already a leader on campus who maintains high academic standards. Her Math teacher said that part of what makes Jordyn so special is her “sweet, empathetic nature and her great sense of humor. She has a natural presence about her and easily leads by example.” She went on to add that even though “she is successful at everything she does, it does not go to her head.” Her English teacher concurred, saying that competitive archery has surely taught her that “success – like a distant target – takes practice, patience and perseverance.” The Simon Family Foundation believes she’s right on the mark toward achieving her dreams.

When Eric Chatman was just 7 years old, his father left home, and Eric hasn’t seen him since. He and his mother work together as a team now, even though it means they must often go without the “frills” such as internet, cable TV, or a telephone. “My mother has to work two jobs to survive in this dreadful economy,” Eric said, “but I help her by maintaining the house and doing my best at school.” His best at school means achieving a 3.8 GPA and being involved in the AVID Club and College Bound – quite an accomplishment considering he experienced a debilitating hand injury 3 years ago that has since required two painful surgeries and often means limited mobility for him. Sometimes it becomes physically difficult for Eric to write class essays, take notes and keep up with his peers, but he never uses his injury as an excuse. Instead, it has motivated him to want to pursue higher education and obtain a degree in medicine. “I want to become the best orthopedic surgeon in North County, providing my patients with effective and sensitive procedures to help them recover and live normal lives.” Another primary goal is to assist his mother financially as a way of thanking her for her lifelong support. “I want to reach beyond the stars,” Eric said. His AVID teacher said that Eric’s self-confidence is remarkable because of “the lack of a male role model in his life. He and his mother have a strong relationship, always working together on problems that arise. I envision him as a kind and caring physician, in whom his patients can place their confidence and trust.” She added, “I consider Eric a success story in the making.” The Simon Family Foundation heartily agrees.

Lizbeth Fletes is in a fight of her life – her dream is to be the first in her family to graduate college and become a Psychologist. Described by her AVID teacher as being “everything you expect from an ideal student,” Lizbeth isn’t afraid of hard work; she just needs a helping hand financially. When her friend died recently as a result of complications from diabetes, Lizbeth evaluated her own situation. “It really made me think about my life,” she said. “My friend tried hard in her life. I don’t want to have to get a disease to try to do something. I want to accomplish all of my dreams now, because I don’t know how long I’m going to be on this earth. I miss my friend, but her strength inspired and motivated me.” Lizbeth comes from a family of 4. Her father, a construction worker, has been out of work for more than a year, and the family has struggled mightily to make ends meet. “I see what my parents go through on a daily basis,” she said, “and I don’t want them to worry about paying for college tuition.” Because she’s had family members who have suffered from drug and alcohol addiction, her dream is to become a psychologist and assist others suffering with substance abuse. Currently, Lizbeth is taking advanced courses and maintaining a 3.71 GPA. While she loves the challenge of honors courses, Lizbeth has also become more passionate about expression through dance. She feels strongly about changing peoples’ lives and would like to dedicate her life to helping those struggling with addiction. She believes personal success is possible now – with the help of the Simon Family Foundation. “With their guidance and help,” she said, “I will make my dreams become a reality.”

Greg Furtado is an optimistic young man, despite the adversity he’s already experienced in his young life. In 2008, Greg lost his mother suddenly to a brain aneurism. A year before that, his great uncle passed away. “When this first happened, I was completely depressed,” he admitted. “But I told myself not to let these emotional obstacles cause me to live life any less.” Greg believes his mother would be proud of him honoring his commitments, which include marching band, orchestra, wind ensemble and concert band. One of Greg’s passion is music. “I can play six instruments,” he said, including the baritone, cello and trombone. He is also highly committed to finding an alternative global source of energy, and, for that reason, he’s decided to pursue a career in chemical engineering. He plans to attend one of the UC Colleges, majoring in chemical engineering, with a minor in music, which, he says, “will always be in my heart.” With his already exhausting school schedule, Greg still manages to maintain a 3.66 GPA – his California Standards math test was the highest in his school. He lives with his father, who is struggling to find work, and his retired grandmother and two brothers. His Math teacher said that Greg is highly deserving of being named a Simon Scholar, because he “works hard to be the best that he can be.” Describing him as being outgoing and always positive, his teacher said “this is especially impressive given the circumstances surrounding Greg,” which includes the loss of his mother, watching over his younger siblings and dealing with serious financial hardship. “Greg is a winner,” he said, “and the ideal Simon Scholar recipient.”