Baldwin Park High School senior Melanie Flores is a dedicated and passionate learner whose hard work has earned her an elite academic honor that will get her one step closer to realizing her dream of helping people access medical care in underserved areas.
Flores, an alumna of Foster Elementary School and Sierra Vista Middle School and enrolled in the District’s Dual Language Program, was awarded the National Hispanic Recognition Award by the College Board National Recognition Programs for her academic achievements.
“This award is a reminder that everything I do leads to something. It is a motivation for me to keep going and to keep striving for success,” Flores said.
The College Board’s National Recognition programs grant underrepresented students with an award of academic honors that can be included on college and scholarship applications, and links students with universities to help them connect and stand out during the admissions process.
As part of the award, Flores’ information was submitted to universities and colleges that partner with the College Board, helping her receive information on admissions, scholarship opportunities and more from institutions across the country.
Flores said she plans to study either biology or cognitive neuroscience and later attend medical school. Her dream job is to be a neurosurgeon so she can conduct her own research to find new ways to fight neurological conditions.
“I would like to thank my counselor Mrs. Ruby Solorzano-Guerrero for encouraging me to apply for the scholarship program, and my family, friends and teachers for always supporting me through my academic career,” Flores said. “I especially want to thank my mother and older sister for pushing me toward being the best version of myself, and my friends for always helping me stay motivated.”
At BPHS, Flores serves as the Dual Language Club secretary, is a member of the National Honors Society and the student club Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanx de Aztlán (M.E.Ch.A.). M.E.Ch.A. focuses on the Chicanx culture, history and the social issues affecting the Chicano community.
“We are thrilled and very proud that Melanie has earned this recognition,” Baldwin Park High School Assistant Principal of Student Services Dr. Josefina I. Steinmetz said. “Her academic achievements are a true honor to BPHS and a testament to the stakeholders who support our students.”
Students who may be eligible for the College Board’s National Recognition Awards have a GPA of 3.5 or higher, and have excelled on the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10 or earned a score of 3 or higher on two or more AP Exams.