2017 BUCK FELLOWS
Suheng Chiv
Suheng Chive (Rio Vista High School) is interested in physiology and aspires to become a physical therapist to help others experience life with less pain and fewer restrictions. Suheng is president of the Rio Vista High Gay-Straight Alliance and recently joined the dance team. As the only Cambodian immigrants living in a rural area, Suheng's family is sometimes culturally isolated, yet they are integral members of their community as operators of a small bakery where Suheng works part-time.
Julianna Foster
Julianna Foster (Franklin High School, Stockton) is a four-year member of the Science Olympiad team, and is enrolled in Franklin's International Baccalaureate program, plays on a traveling soccer team, helps care for her seven younger siblings, and is a volunteer coach for Science Olympiad at her former elementary school. For her IB personal project , Julianna designed and built two remote control cars. Juliana spends time at the library where books helped develop her enthusiasm for psychology, a subject she expects to pursue in college along with engineering.
Erica Garibay
A member of the Science Olympiad and tennis teams, Erica Garibay (Franklin High School, Stockton) returned to her former elementary school this year as a tutor for 1st graders. Erica volunteers at a local animal shelter, loves biology, enjoys chemistry, and wants to be a marine biologist or a veterinarian. Her International Baccalaureate project consisted of building two large reef system models to demonstrate the impact of pollutants on reefs. Erica speaks both English and Spanish and has also studied French since 6th grade.
Zaryah Moore
In the wake of her father’s sudden and recent passing, Zaryah Moore (Rosemont High School, Sacramento) channeled her grief into a passion for writing and achieving personal goals. Zaryah participates in her school's Black Student Union as well as the Dream Team Club. While she finds joy in participating with her high school Dance Team, she also seeks to raise consciousness about sex trafficking among young women through an organization called Street Team. Zaryah is interested in becoming a NICU nurse.
Mayra Morales
Mayra Morales (Franklin High School, Stockton) campaigned for Stockton Unified School District candidate Lange Luntao as well as Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs. Through political activities, Mayra learned about a lack of awareness in her community regarding A-G subject eligibility requirements for admission to a UC or CSU degree program. Her International Baccalaureate project spread awareness of these requirements among her peers. Mayra volunteers with Reinvent South Stockton Coalition, is a Franklin Spanish Club member, and intends to study political science in college.
Princess Vongchanh
Princess Vongchanh (Franklin High School, Stockton) developed a program to expose local middle school students to advanced science and engineering topics for her International Baccalaureate project. Princess was also involved in organizing students for the campaign of local Stockton Unified School District candidate, Lange Luntao. With few resources at her school, Princess developed her Science Olympiad skills -- robotics, physics, and coding -- by watching YouTube videos. Princess aspires to be an aeronautical engineer.
2016 Buck Fellows
Sayde Beaudry
Sayde Beaudry (Franklin High School, Stockton) is a dedicated student in Franklin High School’s rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Even though Sayde’s free time is limited due to the demands of the IB program, Sayde spends her free moments volunteering with her church to serve the homeless population in Stockton. Through her volunteer work, Sayde has become inspired to study business and one day start her own nonprofit to serve vulnerable populations. In the remainder of her spare time, Sayde enjoys writing and a variety of sports.
Yojairo Morales
Yojairo Morales (Franklin High School, Stockton) is passionate about technology and serving his community. Yojairo participates in Franklin High School’s demanding International Baccalaureate (IB) program and was a founding member of the school’s Spanish Club. Yojairo has participated in community service activities through Spanish Club and has used his technological skills to assist the Spanish Club with its pursuits. In addition, Yojairo enjoys water polo, swimming and film. In college, Yojairo would like to explore the fields of computer science, medicine and film.
Marvin "Jay" Thompson
Marvin “Jay” Thompson (Jesse Bethel High School, Vallejo) is an accomplished student. Through hard work and determination, Jay has received numerous A+ grades and is in the top of his class. Jay is not only an excellent student, but a compassionate volunteer. Jay contributes to his community by volunteering with an organization that serves the elderly and engaging with local environmental projects. Jay’s curiosity has led him to consider a variety of fields of study, including biomedical engineering, respiratory therapy and medical services.
Gurleen Kaur
Gurleen Kaur (Franklin High School, Stockton) is a student in the top of her class who participates in Franklin High School’s International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Despite the demands of the IB program, Gurleen finds time to participate in a number of extracurricular activities, including volleyball, swim team and Science Olympiad. She also served in a leadership position in Franklin High School’s Women’s Empowerment Group. Gurleen serves her local community by volunteering with the Reinvent Stockton Youth Council and the Sikh Temple in Stockton. She plans to continue to serve her community and aspires to study medicine or biotechnology.
Anthony McCormack
Anthony McCormack (Franklin High School, Stockton) is an excellent student who participates in Franklin High School’s rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) program. In addition to the IB program, Anthony participates in a variety of extracurricular activities, including Key Club, Science Olympiad, school plays, tennis, cross-country and wrestling. He also is the drum captain of Franklin High School’s marching band and participates in the school’s concert band. Anthony’s experiences have led him to consider pursuing a course of study in medicine or politics.
2015 BUCK FELLOWS
Marisol Contreras
Marisol Contreras (Middle College High School, Richmond) combines a passion for service with a fierce determination to succeed. Coming from an immigrant home in San Pablo, Marisol has managed to thrive in the competitive academic environment of Middle College High School and even be elected class president. Active in both the MESA and Metas programs at her school, Marisol aspires to study biochemistry or molecular biology in college, and then go to medical school and become an obstetrician. Her ambition is fueled by the desire to improve medical care in low-income communities, like the one she has grown up in.
Ivan Herrera-Perez
Ivan Herrera-Perez (Middle College High School, Richmond) is a natural leader with a record of excelling in the classroom, within his community, and on the soccer field. Because of his leadership skills and passion for social justice, Ivan was selected in junior high school as a group facilitator for STAND! For Families Free of Violence, a program designed to prevent teen dating violence. He was also selected to play soccer at the varsity level as a freshman, and is now captain of his club soccer team and referees games for younger players. Ivan hopes to study business and entrepreneurship in college, and one day become a venture capitalist.
Saul Lopez-Cruz
Saul Lopez-Cruz (Cristo Rey High School, Sacramento) ranks number one at his high school, works part-time at Dignity Health to cover the costs of his school, and impresses his teachers with his intellectual curiosity and initiative. President of his school’s Cyber Patriot club, and an active member of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Saul dreams of studying computer science in college and becoming a developer for Google.
Erika Mendez
Erika Mendez (Franklin High School, Stockton) ranks near the top of her class in the International Baccalaureate program and aspires to study forensic psychology in college. While her parents work out of town during the week, Erika manages not only to ace her classes and participate in Science Olympiad and track and field, but also to help take care of her family and regularly deliver groceries to hungry families through her church.
Jose Zavala
Jose Zavala (Middle College High School, Richmond) exhibits a passion and dedication to helping others that is truly inspiring in light of the hurdles he himself has had to navigate. Jose’s family is from Honduras, but Jose was born in Mexico and came to the U.S. when he was 3. While rising to the challenge of his school’s college-level curriculum, he spent considerable time outside of class delivering food to needy families through his church. Jose is particularly determined to succeed in math and science because he wants to have a career in the medical field and directly assist those in need.
2014 Buck Fellows
Marina Zambrano
Marina Zambrano (Cristo Rey High School, Sacramento) is ranked at the top of her school academically, serves in various leadership positions at her school (including editor of the school’s literary magazine), works part-time to help cover the costs of her school, and helps take care of her younger siblings. A charter member of the Hispanic Society of Engineers, Marina dreams of studying psychology, foreign languages, and criminal justice in college.
Madelynne Reichmann
Madelynne Reichmann (Galt High School, Galt) is an A+ student, award-winning debater, and leader in Future Farmers of America. Madelynne wants to become an agriculture teacher or go into business management.
Kiera Alexander
Kiera Alexander (Del Campo High School, Fair Oaks) combines a record of academic achievement with a flair for creative writing and a commitment to assisting others as an academic tutor. As a sophomore, she founded her school’s Black Students Union.
Manuel Rosales
Manuel Rosales (Leadership Public School, Richmond) did not come to this country from El Salvador until he was 8, but has excelled academically. Manuel is interested in studying electrical or computer engineering in college, and contributes to his community by helping out in various programs at his local elementary school.