Biomedical Aspirations
Valedictorian and Salutatorian: Juanita Sanchez Educational Complex
Senior Spotlight: Valedictorian Raquel Ortiz Soberanis
Juanita Sanchez Educational Complex (JSEC) Valedictorian Raquel Ortiz Soberanis’ future plans are ambitious: serve in the National Guard, earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, and eventually go to medical school. While the path ahead is challenging, she has already learned the importance of stepping outside her comfort zone – a lesson that shaped her school experience and helped prepare her for what comes next.
Born in the United States and raised in Guatemala for much of her childhood, Raquel returned to the U.S. when she was 10 years old. Adjusting to a new environment was not easy, especially after spending years in a community where Spanish was her primary language.
“When I came here, it was like a switch for me,” she said. “I knew so many people from the same small town I was from, and I was speaking Spanish all the time. Then, I moved here, and it was completely English. It was kind of hard for me.”
Raquel gradually adapted to her new environment. She originally planned to apply to another school’s biomedical program but missed the application deadline. She ultimately enrolled at JSEC, a decision that introduced her to new friendships that would shape her experience.
"I really didn't do anything outside of school at first," she said. "I was very shy and didn't like putting myself out there."
However, a simple misunderstanding led to a friendship that opened her up to new opportunities.
“She confused me with another girl, but that's how our friendship started,” Raquel explained. “She was trying to recruit me for yearbook, and she confused me with my other friend.”
Not only did Raquel join the yearbook club, but she also took part in the National Honor Society and joined the track and field team as a thrower.
Looking back on her high school experience, Raquel says one of the most important lessons she learned is the value of surrounding yourself with positive influences.
“Surround yourself with the right people,” she said. As she prepares for life after high school, Raquel is ready to take on what comes next. With her goals set on healthcare and service, she hopes to continue pushing beyond her comfort zone and building a future that reflects the confidence she has developed throughout her time at JSEC.
Senior Spotlight: Salutatorian Balerin Barrera Ramirez
Driven to Care: Balla’s Path to Help Children
Juanita Sanchez Educational Complex (JSEC) Salutatorian Balerin Barrera Ramirez, known to most as Balla, hopes to build a future centered around one goal: caring for children. This fall, she will take her next step toward her dream by attending Rhode Island College to study nursing.
“Hopefully, I’ll become a pediatric nurse, but anything can change,” she said. “I really want to be involved with kids, so I think I’ll definitely go that route.”
It was a friend that originally brought her attention to JSEC, but after learning about the school’s biomedical program, Balla knew it was the right place for her. During her time at JSEC, she was actively involved both inside and outside the classroom, participating in softball, track and field, cross-country, and Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA).
Through HOSA, Bella developed leadership skills while pursuing her interest in healthcare. One of her key projects focused on increasing participation in school blood drives.
“When I came in 9th grade, barely any people donated,” she recalled. “In 10th grade, my group of friends and I did a Save a Life awareness campaign to help encourage more people to donate.”
As she prepares for her next chapter, Balla hopes younger students will remember the importance of staying positive.
“Have the right mindset, and surround yourself with people that motivate you to do well,” she said.