By DIANTÉ MARIGNY
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com
Editor’s Note: “Senior of the week” is a new segment at the PRESS highlighting outstanding senior students for their accomplishments in their last year of high school. To submit your senior for consideration, email editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com.
This week, we proudly recognize 18-year-old Azul Albino as Senior of the Week—and it’s easy to see why.
From a young age, Azul has stood out for her academic dedication, leadership, and commitment to giving back to her community. A straight-A student since her freshman year, Azul is not only excelling in the classroom but also balancing an impressive list of extracurriculars. She’s involved in DECA, National Honor Society, Upward Bound, and the Yearbook Club, and currently serves as Treasurer of the Rotary Club. Some of those organizations require service hours—over 30 hours of community service—a commitment Azul takes seriously.
“I’ve gotten a lot better at time management,” she said. “Last year was harder because I had more classes, but this year I’ve had better opportunities to plan my time.”
Her grades reflect that balance. With all A’s and a thoughtful approach to studying—often working in groups with classmates—Azul has her sights set on a bright future. Her most challenging class? AP Calculus, which she also calls her favorite. “It really pushes me,” she shared.
Azul’s motivation comes from deep within. “It’s important for me to make good grades to make myself proud, and to make my family proud too,” she said. “I want colleges to see that I’m dedicated and that I don’t slack in my classes.”
Born in Brownsville but a Port Isabel student since elementary school, Azul is blazing a trail as a first-generation college student. Her parents came to the U.S. from Mexico, and she’s determined to honor their sacrifices. “I want to be first gen, and I especially want to make them proud,” she said. Her little brother already looks up to her, and she hopes to set an example he can follow.
Azul has already been accepted to the University of Texas at Austin, where she’ll attend the College of Natural Sciences. Her goal is to become a dentist, a dream she’s worked tirelessly toward. This summer, she plans to get a job to begin saving for her college journey.
“I’m really excited,” she said. “I’m going to miss all my friends, but I’m looking forward to college.”
She credits the Upward Bound program at her school for helping her navigate the college application process. “There aren’t a lot of college prep programs in the district, so Upward Bound made a big difference for me,” she said. “They provide tutoring and college readiness workshops, which helped a lot since my family didn’t know much about the college process.”
She’s especially grateful to her counselor, Mrs. Cervantes, for taking the time to guide her. “She helped me stay on track and made sure I had what I needed to succeed.”
When asked what advice she’d give to younger students, Azul gave a wise response: “Think of the future. If you keep working hard, it’s going to work out at the end,” she said. “And take advantage of the resources the district does have—you might not get a second chance.”
The PRESS newspaper is proud to celebrate students like Azul Albino—determined, driven, and ready to lead the next generation with strength and purpose.
Comments