Class of 2009

Harun Abdi

How does a child from Ethiopia attend Santa Clara University? Through hard work and a commitment to serve as a role model to his siblings.

Ruby Acosta

This hard working student will achieve a first in her family -- finishing high school and attending college.

Sparkle Allen

Sparkle has turned tragedy into something positive -- she works as a youth instructor at a local arts center and will attend college in the fall.

Vincent Alvarez

Vincent, his mom, and four siblings were left homeless when his dad abandoned them. Despite these financial difficulties, Vincent channeled his energies into school and sports.

Dulce Arroyo

Dulce's hard work helps pay the bills at home, and her academic achievements enabled her to attend Cal Poly.

Habsa Bashir

Habsa emigrated to the US in 2006 from Ethiopia where in three short years, she enrolled in high school honor classes. She will be the first in her family to attend college.

As a young child, Michelle faced overwhelming odds -- and yet, she had created a life of achievement and possibility. See Shelly's most recent interview with Wendy Tokuda http://cbs5.com/video/?id=48973@kpix.dayport.com

Dalvin Butler

Dalvin grew up without a father and with an abusive mother. Placed into foster care, his personal struggles motivated him to become a good student. He will attend Georgetown University this fall. See what Dalvin did this summer http://cbs5.com/video/?id=55757@kpix.dayport.com

Gabriel Cervantes

The youngest of seven children, Gabriel works part-time to support his family. He will attend Williams College in the fall. View Gabriel's interview: http://cbs5.com/video/?id=47343@kpix.dayport.com

Julia Cook

Once homeless, Julia will not let her past stop her from moving forward. Julia will attend Loyola Marymount

Tevah El Emmet

Accomplished performing rap artist and jewelry designer, Tevah will attend George Mason University to pursue a business degree in conjunction with his interest in music.

Eia Gardner

Eia grew up in Oakland and will be the first in her family to go to college.

Mehari Haile

Mehari's uncle inspired him to pursue his education and immigrate to the US from war-torn Eritrea. Mehari will attend St. Mary's College.

Brittney Hamilton

While working on a school research project, Brittney discovered a nearby factory was releasing pollutants. Her work led to a summer job with an environmental protection non-profit. You can read her complete story on CBS 5 - KPIX: http://cbs5.com/students/Brittney.Hamilton.SRA.2.1149826.html

Alex Lopez Hernandez

Alex is inspired by a love of cars and car design; he hopes to become a mechanical engineer. He will attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

Janelle Hope

At nine years of age, Janelle had to take BART and a bus by herself at 6:30 AM in order to get to school. Her commitment to education did not diminish when her mother and aunt tragically passed away. She is off to Long Beach State in the fall. You can see her video as profiled on CBS 5-KPIX: http://cbs5.com/video/?id=52426@kpix.dayport.com

Raymon Lacey, Jr.

Raymon helped raise his younger brother who suffers from cerebral palsy. He will attend Cal in the fall and hopes to major in Game Design. You can see his profile on CBS 5 -KPIX: http://cbs5.com/video/?id=50911@kpix.dayport.com

Tanea Lunsford

Tanea's father has been incarcerated for most of her life, and her mother suffers from mental illness. She has been the primary caregiver for her two younger sisters. She will attend Columbia University and hopes to join the Peace Corps.

Jasmine Mack

Jasmine has overcome the odds of growing up in West Oakland and will be the first in her family to attend college. She will attend Chico State. You can read more about Jasmine on KPIX: http://cbs5.com/video/?id=48971@kpix.dayport.com

Eduardo Magana

School became Eduardo's sanctuary when the verbal and physical abuse became too much. An excellent football player and student, Eduardo will attend UC Santa Barbara. Read about his summer experience on KPIX 5: http://cbs5.com/students/sra.students.rising.2.1119884.html

Isidro Martinez

Overcoming the challenges of learning English while repeatedly relocating between the US and Mexico, Isidro is headed to UC Riverside in the fall. You can see his profile on KPIX: http://cbs5.com/video/?id=48972@kpix.dayport.com

Mayra Uchoa Martins

Mayra will achieve what her mother never did- a college education. She is excited about attending Brigham Young University Idaho

Stephanie Noriega

Her family has high hopes for Stephanie. Someday, she wants to give back to her community and start a non-profit community center to help low income youth.

Mayra Ochoa

Money has always been a challenge for Mayra and her family. She hopes that by getting a college education she can support her family in the future.

Nathan Porras

With very little family support, Nathan has had to support himself financially. Here is the latest profile on Nathan as shown on KPIX: http://cbs5.com/video/?id=48561@kpix.dayport.com

Nancy Phung

Nancy's dad abandoned the family, and her mom is fighting cancer. Nancy is the youngest of the three siblings and helps her mom while going to school, volunteering, and playing volleyball. Nancy talks about her dream of going to college http://cbs5.com/video/?id=47343@kpix.dayport.com

Students Rising Above