College : University of Southern California Career goal : Anesthesiologist

About Ava : Life was once “ unicorns and rainbows ” for Ava Yanez , a senior at Design Science Middle College High School . Since her multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2021 and her mother ’ s cancer diagnosis in 2022 , her days became less idyllic .

While managing her multiple sclerosis , Ava and her older sister had to step up with added responsibilities to ensure their family were taken care of . At one point , Ava worked two jobs as a full-time student , assisted in caring for her younger sister and still managed to earn exceptional grades . Ava did not let her difficult circumstances define her and continued to be fully immersed in her studies and Design Science activities , including the Baking Club ( which she founded ) and student leadership , serving as secretary , treasurer and class president during her time at Design Science . She is also the recipient of the George Pepperdine Achievement Award , the Welcome Pillar Award and the Congress of Future Medical Leaders Award of Excellence . She earned her associate degree from Fresno City College with highest honors while at Design Science .

In Ava ’ s words : “ My intentions in everything I do are much more significant now .”

From Design Science Middle College High School Principal Floridia Cheung : " Ava brings her strong character , passion , and intelligence to school every day to succeed as a first-generation college student . With her growth mindset and incredible work ethic , I believe she is going to be successful in whatever she pursues in the future .”

College : UC Berkeley Career goal : Teacher / Administrator

About Yuniel : After spending his freshman year restricted by COVID-19 safety protocols , Yuniel Diaz Martinez was determined to make up for lost time . He pursued student leadership and other school activities , including starting a Latino Student Union . During his senior year , he was the student body president and involved in numerous clubs . He also worked in Fresno Unified ’ s Teachers Academy during the summers after his sophomore and junior years , getting elementary teaching experience .

Along with straight A ’ s in his Design Science classes , Yuniel earned an associate degree from Fresno City College through Design Science ’ s signature dual enrollment program . ( The school is located at the Fresno City College campus .) Yuniel ’ s parents are both field workers who didn ’ t have the opportunity to go to college , so the idea of completing two years of college while he was still in high school was appealing . Yuniel plans to major in history at UC Berkeley . Yuniel was glad he chose Design Science saying , “ I believe our small , tight-knit community sets us up for success .”

In Yuniel ‘ s words : “ I took every opportunity that was offered to me . I reached for the stars .”

From Sandra Cloney , counselor at Design Science Middle College High School : “ Yuniel is an amazing and passionate young man who often puts others ’ needs in front of his own . He is a school leader and does his best to be inclusive of all groups on our campus . He is a great mentor as well to his peers . It has been a pleasure and blessing to see this young man grow into the young adult he is today !”

35