Maria Casique never seems to shy away from a challenge. When she fell behind in school due to a sudden hospitalization, Maria educated herself. When she realized that peers in similar situations also needed support, she opened a tutoring center at her school. When she saw an opportunity to help lead the Redwood City Teen Advisory Board, she became Vice Chair and used her position to advocate for mental health awareness. In June, Maria graduated from Sequoia Union High School with 43 transferable college units, a spot on the Dean’s List, and an impressive set of accolades during her high school career, including a Youth of the Year Award from the Boys & Girls Club. Maria plans on becoming a surgeon who will increase access to healthcare by serving the Spanish-speaking community. She will be the first in her family to attend college.
Sponsor: Woodlawn Foundation
