This graduation season, Dr. Hansen visited with seniors as they prepare for the future and reflect on their journeys thus far. You can view Dr. Hansen’s interviews with these students in our special graduation edition of
On the Road with Dr. Hansen. We’re excited to introduce you to these outstanding members of the Class of 2025.
Jurupa Valley High School – Johnathan Mangini
Johnathan has completed several Career Technical Education Pathways and was in the first JUSD cohort of students to complete a pre-apprenticeship program with the IEETC (Inland Empire Electrical Training Center) and IBEW International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He also has served as chair of JUSD’s CTE Advisory Committee. He looks forward to continued training as an electrician or working as a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technician.
What he’s taking away from JUSD: “One of the things I’ve learned is perseverance. Just keep going and trying.”
Advice for his peers: “It really depends on where you want to go. If you want to go to college, if you want to go to work right after high school, whatever the answer to that question is, is correct. It’s up to you…it’s the mindset. Get up and do it.”
Nueva Vista High School - Abel Pineda
Abel plans to attend Riverside Community College after graduation to pursue a career as an automotive technician. After facing some obstacles early in his high school career, he found success at Nueva Vista and looks forward to the future.
What he’s taking away from JUSD: “All the teachers I’ve gotten have always looked out for me and always wanted me to reach my best potential.”
Advice for his peers: “The best piece of advice I can give is to not be scared to ask for help.”
“Be disciplined…no matter what, as long as you stay disciplined and keep going…everything will go good.”
Patriot High School - Lizette Mendoza
Lizette is among only 14 percent of students in the nation selected to attend the United States Air Force Academy. To gain acceptance to the prestigious military academy, Lizette had to meet a series of rigorous academic, physical, and leadership standards. She also received a nomination from U.S. Congressman Mark Takano. She has a passion for flying and serves as President of the Patriot High Young Aviators of Tomorrow Club.
What she’s taking away from JUSD: “I feel very supported throughout my entire high school career. I just feel like the environment here at JUSD is very supportive.”
About the application process for the Air Force Academy: “I learned a lot about myself (and) a lot about the mental barriers that I had to break in order to really fulfill my fullest potential, and to show the academy that I am a deserving candidate. With a lot of support behind me, I was able to accomplish it.”
Advice for her peers: “Do what you love. Do what your heart draws you toward. As long as you have that self-motivation, that discipline in yourself, you’re able to conquer anything you put your mind to.”
Rubidoux High School - Angela Martinez
Angela was among the small percentage of high-achieving high school seniors to be named finalists for the prestigious Gates Scholarship. She also earned numerous other scholarships and honors and has been a dedicated Rubidoux Early College High School (RECHS) student, with concurrent enrollment in several college courses. She has also completed several Advanced Placement (AP) classes. She will attend UC Santa Barbara in the fall, where she plans to major in political science in preparation for a career as a lawyer.
What she’s taking away from JUSD: “The drive that I had and the motivation I had, knowing that coming to study in the United States was a privilege… drove me to continue this journey and get to where I stand today.
I realize that I’m not always going to be the best. I’m not always going to win at everything. That kind of humbled me and made me learn a lesson. I can try, and if I don’t win, or if I don’t succeed, it’s perfectly fine.”
Advice for her peers: “Take advantage of every single opportunity you have.”
