IUSD Stellar Student Spotlight
City Honors International Preparatory School- Mikala Nwachukwu
Mikala Nwachukwu is living the American dream in Inglewood! This 10th grader at City Honors International Preparatory School immigrated to the U.S. earlier this year from Lagos, Nigeria, and is already making her mark academically and socially. Mikala boasts a 3.95 GPA, plays forward position on the girls soccer team, and her school counselor describes her as someone who “takes full advantage of student opportunities and immerses herself into all things CHIPS”.
Aside from being stellar academically, Mikala also has a heart for serving her community, wherever in the world that may be. As a student in Nigeria, she regularly helped build classrooms, and collected school supplies for orphans in underserved communities. Additionally in Nigeria, she was on the “CDC Day” planning committee, where she organized school fundraisers for charity. Mikala was also awarded for excellence in ELA and Biology at Nigeria’s “Prize Giving Day”, and won 2nd place at the “Private School Games” soccer tournament in Lagos.
Mikala would like to attend Stanford, University of Pennsylvania, or University of California, Berkeley for college, major in Biology, and become a Doctor of Internal Medicine one day. She has always loved science, and watching her aunt fight cancer inspired her to want to help people in meaningful ways. After becoming a physician, Mikala would also like to return to Nigeria temporarily to open schools for girls in impoverished areas. Mikala’s hobbies include playing soccer, hanging out with friends, video games, shopping, and teaching herself guitar, and violin. She says her greatest inspiration is her mom, because she is a hard working single mother who makes sure her children never lack.
Mikala has this advice to share with her fellow IUSD students: “Once you speak what you want into the world, you’re already a step closer to achieving it”.
To nominate a stellar IUSD student to be spotlighted next month email [email protected].
Crozier Middle School- Daniel Sanchez
Daniel Sanchez has a bright future as a top chef and is also at the top of his class! This 8th grade “foodie” at Crozier Middle School ranks #1 in his class and has a 4.0 GPA. Daniel wants to attend culinary school at the Institute of Culinary Education after high school, and would like to become a chef and food critic one day. He would also like to open his own restaurant, specializing in traditional Mexican cuisine and Mexican bakery items. Daniel says he wants to serve food that represents where his family comes from, Jalisco, Mexico, known for its Birria and Pozole. Daniel’s dedication to cooking stems from the love and dedication to the recipes that have been in his family for decades.
During the pandemic, Daniel became known in his family for his delicious carne asada burritos, and enjoys baking cakes and cake pops with his mom for family gatherings. Daniel says his favorite recipe to make with his mom is Pozole. His mom, and You-Tuber and travel/food blogger Will Sonbuchner of “Best Ever Food Review Show”, are his greatest inspirations. Daniel’s mom inspired him to become a chef because he always helps her cook at home. Daniel says Will Sonbuchner inspires him because he travels around the world and explores food from various cultures. Besides cooking, Daniel’s hobbies include playing video games, and spending time with his family.
Daniel has this quote of advice for his fellow IUSD students: “Your education is like cooking - if you put in the right ingredients, you will get the right results.”
To nominate a stellar IUSD student to be spotlighted next month, email [email protected].
Oak Street TK-8 School-Montzerrat Borjas

Montzerrat Borjas has a desire to change the world! Montserrat, 6th grader at Oak Street TK-8 School was the grand prize winner of the most recent “Water is Life” art contest, sponsored by the West Basin Municipal Water District. Her art piece, entitled “Every Drop Counts”, was selected from 850 submissions, and was awarded an Apple iPad to continue her artistic efforts. In addition to creating art, Montzerrat enjoys playing volleyball, running, biking, and swimming. Her dream college where she plans to attend is the University of California, Los Angeles, (UCLA). Montzerrat would like to become a news anchor when she grows up, because she loves to read and wants to connect with people in her community and address their needs.
Montzerrat has received various acknowledgments every year that she has been a student at Oak Street, such as the student of the month award, achievement awards for grades and citizenship, and a perfect attendance award. Not only does Montzerrat believe in academic achievement, but she also believes in serving her community. At her church, she volunteers at fairs and other events where volunteers are needed. Montzerrat says that her greatest inspiration is her parents, because they work hard no matter what difficulties they face and they always encourage her to go to college and find success in life.
Montzerrat has this advice to share with her fellow IUSD students: “Trusting in yourself, working hard, and setting goals will help you have more control over your life”.
To nominate a stellar IUSD student to be spotlighted next month, please email [email protected].
City Honors School-Madison Robinson
Madison Robinson is a STEAM superstar! This incoming 9th grader at City Honors International Preparatory School received a full scholarship from Crozier Middle School to attend The Engineer Factory’s summer STEAM camp. During the five-week camp, Madison mastered 55 math topics on EdReady, built a model Piper Computer, where she installed all of the electronics and major computer systems, and completed 24 levels of coding! She and the other campers also had a VIP, STEM-focused tour of SoFi Stadium, and went on a college tour of Cal Poly Pomona.
Madison is no stranger to achievement. She has been a winner since Hudnall Elementary School, where she won the spelling bee in 3rd grade, the Martin Luther King speech contest in 1st grade, and received annual honor roll awards. During her time at Crozier Middle School, she continued her winning streak by receiving the Principal’s Honor Roll award at the 8th grade commencement ceremony for her 3.9 GPA, and by winning the 8th grade spelling bee. Additionally, Madison has been a member of the Southern Area Youth Juniors Golf Association, where she has participated in multiple golf tournaments, and has won 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies.
In addition to being a stellar student, Madison volunteers at a daycare in her community during the summer because she enjoys helping others, especially children. She wants to become a pediatrician one day to help children live healthy lifestyles. Madison says that her greatest inspiration is her older sister (who is also a Crozier alumna) who attends Cornell University. She has inspired Madison to get good grades and never just do the bare minimum, but to always strive for more.
Madison has this advice to share with her fellow IUSD students: “Work hard even when the work’s hard.”
To nominate a stellar IUSD student to be spotlighted next month, email [email protected].
Inglewood High School- Brianna Posada
Brianna Posada is Inglewood High School’s 2022 valedictorian. This senior has a 4.5 GPA, and has received a full scholarship to University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)! Brianna has already completed 8 El Camino College classes, is on the Inglewood High School’s varsity volleyball team, and the academic decathlon team. At UCLA, she will major in Political Science, and wants to become a criminal defense attorney. Brianna’s inspiration for this career path has been the injustices her brothers have experienced. She says she has seen them move in and out of the judicial system for crimes they sometimes did not commit. Brianna wants to advocate for justice reform and provide fair representation for people in low-income communities.
Although her brothers have inspired her, Brianna’s greatest inspiration has been her 2-year old daughter. Becoming a mother her sophomore year of high school created unexpected challenges, but Brianna faced them with determination and without fear. She has stayed positive, broken barriers, and exceeded expectations!
Brianna has this piece of advice to share with her fellow IUSD students: "Don’t settle for less; strive for greatness."
City Honors School- Edgar Diaz
Edgar Diaz is City Honors International Preparatory School’s 2022 valedictorian. This senior boasts an outstanding GPA of 4.69, and has received a full scholarship to Stanford University! Edgar will major in Symbolic Systems, which is a blend of computer science, psychology, and philosophy. After college, he plans on attending medical school and aspires to become a pediatrician. Edgar says he wants to help children because he “loves how authentic and fearless they are”.
While at City Honors, Edgar took El Camino College courses, participated in the “USC Board Scholars” program, the “Experience Berkeley” program, and co-founded the “Gears Club”. He was elected student council treasurer and also is a member of the Senior Committee. Edgar serves his beloved Inglewood community by tutoring younger students at local schools and tutoring his nephews. He identifies his older brother as his greatest inspiration. His older brother was undocumented, faced many challenges, became an American citizen, and eventually a college graduate. Edgar says that his brother always stressed to him the importance of education as a pathway to success.
Edgar has this piece of advice to share with his fellow IUSD students: "Don’t let fear of the unknown stray you away from the greatness that is to come; fear isn't your friend but rather a burglar in disguise."
Morningside High School- Jaquelynne Latin Barrera
Jaquelynne Latin Barrera is Morningside High School’s 2022 valedictorian. This stellar senior has a 4.6 GPA, and has received a full scholarship to University of California Davis (UCD)! Jaquelynne will major in psychology, and would like to become a therapist or a nurse. She says that she wants to improve the health and mental health of people in her community, especially after the multiple traumas brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Jaquelynne says her mother is her greatest inspiration, because she always encouraged her to pursue education and work hard at anything she attempts.
Jaquelynne has completed multiple advanced placement classes, and even a college course, during her time at Morningside. She is the historian for the Morningside club “My Sister’s Keeper”, which encourages female empowerment and entrepreneurship. Through this club, she has volunteered her time for the Girls Empowerment Summit and also organizing activities for senior girls. Additionally, Jaquelynne is a member of the Morningside Environmental Club, and Hispanos Unidos, which celebrates and honors Latinx culture. Lastly, Jaquelynne received an award for her partnership with the Bioflex program, which is a mentorship program where students learn social skills, job application skills, participate in STEM workshops, and a paid internship.
Jaquelynne has this advice to share with her fellow IUSD students: “To be successful, it’s okay to receive help and support; however, you must ‘meet in the middle’ and do your part by putting forth the effort.”
City Honors International Preparatory School- Brooklynn Winters
Brooklynn Winters’ life imitates her art, and they are both outstanding! This senior at City Honors International Preparatory School was accepted into the Ryman Arts Program as an 8th grader, earlier than most applicants. This 3-year art program teaches students fundamental art skills in preparation for college, and a career in the arts. She attended California State Fullerton and Otis College of Design for two months each year to develop her craft and immerse herself in all things art and design. She has also participated in our Engineer Factory summer program and the Aerospace Bridge Program.
Brooklynn has maintained a GPA over 4.0 throughout high school, and has taken 7 college classes through City Honors’ dual enrollment partnership with El Camino College. She has been offered the Presidential Scholarship and the Diversity Scholarship at Otis College. She would like to double major in Studio Arts and Women’s Studies, and aspires to have 3 careers in her lifetime: a freelance artist, an art teacher, and a museum curator.
Brooklynn excels in painting and drawing, but also enjoys sculpting and digital art. Her other hobbies include reading action/adventure books, knitting, and spending time with her family. Brooklynn has been a key player on the Inglewood High School girls’ volleyball team, serving as team captain this year. She gives back to her community by volunteering at the annual “Make Your Mark in the Park” event, where she teaches art to community members of all ages. In addition, she donates books annually to the City Honors book drive.
Brooklynn has this advice to share with her fellow IUSD students: “The biggest mistake you can make is not asking for help, support gives us strength.”
To nominate a stellar IUSD student to be spotlighted next month, please email [email protected].
Bennett-Kew Elementary- Israel Jimenez
Israel Jimenez puts the “leadership” in Bennett Kew Leadership Academy of Excellence School! This 5th grader is a scholar and a true leader, as shown by his actions on campus. He guides his peers to make good decisions on campus, as seen through his work as a member of “Paw Patrol”. He volunteers to help others so that all his peers WIN in the end. Israel has been on the principal’s honor roll every school year as well as selected as Student of the Month. Additionally, he has received multiple awards for his school leadership and perfect attendance.
Israel is stellar in all academic areas, and is determined to learn new and challenging concepts, while always completing his assignments on time. You can often find Israel on task, attentive, and willing to help others who are struggling. Israel goes above and beyond on school projects, presenting exemplary work in his Ecosystem and 13 Colonies projects. He loves to participate in class discussions and loves school! He is a great help in the classroom as well, and often offers to stay behind to help clean up.
Israel would like to attend UCLA for college and medical school. He wants to become a plastic surgeon one day, so that he can help patients needing reconstructive surgeries feel better about themselves. His hobbies are playing outside with his brother, playing video games, and hiking.
Israel has this advice to share with his fellow IUSD students: “Always do your best, and success will come.”
To nominate a stellar IUSD student to be spotlighted next month, please email [email protected].
Crozier Middle School- Taniyah Storey
Crozier Middle School 7th grader Taniyah Storey is a real MVP! She was nominated for the Stellar Student Spotlight by her basketball coach who says that she is his most dedicated player. Coach Goldman says that Taniyah has never missed a practice or game, and is the first player to show up at practice. He adds that she also has one heck of a crossover dribble, which he has witnessed her work very hard to perfect. In addition to being a key player on the Crozier girls basketball team, Taniyah is also on the Crozier dance team, and a part of the Crozier mentoring program “Tea Time”. Taniyah’s hobbies are dancing, video games, and acting.
Taniyah’s mother, a dentist, passed away when she was only 3 years old, so she is being raised by her aunt and older sister. Taniyah says that they are her greatest inspirations because she sees how hard they work, and despite challenges, they still find a way to take good care of her. Taniyah would like to follow in her late mother’s footsteps and join the medical field when she grows up. She would like to become an emergency room doctor so that she can help save lives. Her dream colleges to attend are Harvard or UCLA.
Taniyah is known by her teachers and peers as being kind, helpful, hard working, and a leader. She serves her community by assisting her elderly neighbors with carrying in groceries and helping keep their porches clean. She also babysits her neighbors’ children when needed.
Taniyah has this advice to share with her fellow IUSD students: “If you try your hardest at everything, you will be the best you can be at everything.”
To nominate a stellar IUSD student to be spotlighted next month email [email protected].
Brandon Guardado is an honor roll ace! This 6th grader at Highland TK-6 school has received 2 student of the month awards this school year, as well as the principal’s honor roll award. Not only is he a stellar scholar, but he is also a stellar citizen. Brandon is the 6th grade “ambassador” at Highland, which means he was selected by his principal to take on responsibilities such as passing out notices to teachers, helping students when they are hurt or get bullied, and also assists the principal and teachers with other tasks as well.
Aside from being a leader amongst his peers, Brandon also has a heart for his community. He regularly donates food, clothing, and blankets to the homeless at the local Salvation Army with his mom. He wants to become a firefighter when he grows up because he says he wants to save people, and their homes, in the Inglewood community. Brandon’s hobbies include playing his cello, playing basketball, watching anime, and playing video games.
Excellence is not foreign to Brandon. According to his teachers and principal, Highland students and staff all regard Brandon as a caring, respectful, and dedicated student. Brandon shares that his greatest inspiration is his older brother who is a junior with a 4.1 GPA at Inglewood High School. Brandon’s mother is extremely proud of her sons, and shares that they will be first generation high school graduates in their family.
Brandon has this advice to share with his fellow IUSD students: “Anything is possible when you believe in yourself!”
To nominate a stellar IUSD student to be spotlighted email [email protected].


Crozier Middle School - Justen and Branden Key

Crozier Middle School - Genesis Aguilar

Centinela Elementary School - Oswaldo Garcia

Crozier Middle School - Destiny Agbagwu

City Honors International Preparatory High School - Ja'Cobe Simms

La Tijera Academy of Excellence - Cree Suttice
La Tijera Academy of Excellence - Cree Suttice

La Tijera Academy of Excellence - Pamela Ruiz Zermeno
La Tijera Academy of Excellence - Pamela Ruiz Zermeno

Crozier Middle School - Gerardo Gonzalez
Crozier Middle School - Gerardo Gonzalez

Gerardo has this advice to share with other IUSD students: “Believe in yourself and try your best. If you fail, try and try again- never give up.”
City Honors International Preparatory High School - Justyn Martin
City Honors International Preparatory High School - Justyn Martin

Payne K-8 Students - Giselle and Jocelynda
Payne K-8 Students - Giselle and Jocelynda Anguiano

Frank D. Parent 7th-Grader - Saraiyah Slack
Frank D. Parent 7th-Grader - Saraiyah Slack
