Copy of Our Graduates

Ciclalis Rico Galvan joined activities and programs at Del Mar which provided socioemotional support that helped her academically; as a result she thrived. Ciclalis’ story highlights how CUHSD’s guiding principles of having high expectations and not giving up ensure students can succeed.

Ciclalis served as an active member of Del Mar’s community. She joined Del Mar Cheer, was President and officer of Club Everytown to promote student advocacy, and even worked a near full-time job her Junior and Senior year. Ciclalis describes herself as “an advocate for marginalized students including LGBTQ+, Latinx, and first generation college students.” 

At times the workload was tough to handle for Ciclalis while maintaining a job and being involved in school activities - especially in her junior year. Ciclalis often visited the newly opened Student Wellness Center to destress and refocus on academics. She also had regular communication with her School Counselor - who served as a resource and advocate for all her needs.

Ciclalis’ perseverance paid off and she will be attending UCLA this fall where she plans to join a pre-med track and study psychology. She hopes to attend medical school in the future to support those with untreated mental health needs. Ciclalis was selected by the Country Woman’s Club of Campbell to receive a scholarship for her accomplishments. 

Amelie Arango saw issues of traffic safety near Westmont and spearheaded efforts to start a Traffic Advisory Committee. Amelie’s interest in advocacy led her to serve as a CUHSD Student Board Member and Co-Chair of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee. Amelie’s innovative approach to improving traffic safety aligns with CUHSD’s purpose to enable students to construct their future. 

Through the Traffic Advisory Committee, Amelie conducted outreach to the City of San Jose and Campbell, bringing funding from the Walk n’ Roll program to support pedestrian safety. With advice from the Traffic Advisory Committee, a stop sign near Westmont High School was retrofitted with LED lighting. Additionally, due to her work, CalWalks and Berekley SafeTREC are currently conducting research on the walkability near Westmont that will be used by the City of San Jose and Planning Departments to improve traffic safety.

Amelie also served as a member of Westmont's Diversity and Equity Team, competed in Westmont’s Swim Team, and joined Westmont Theater. Outside of School Amelie has been active in the community. She joined the Campbell Youth Commission where she served three years, Serving on the Student Advisory Board to the CUSHD Education Foundation. 

Amelie will be heading to Fordham University in the fall to study Political Science in the School’s FCLC Honors Program.

Somto Obasi was born in the United States but lived in Mozambique until the age of 15. When he first entered Del Mar, he was surprised by the size of his graduating class - his previous school only had about one hundred students total. Even with this challenge, Somto persevered by taking advantage of programs offered at Del Mar.

At Del Mar, Somto embraced his new community by playing sports year-round: on the football team in the fall, on the soccer team in the winter, and on the track team in the spring. This year-round involvement was something he learned to balance with his academic priorities which included taking International Baccalaureate courses at Del Mar.

Somto also joined AVID - a college preparation program offered through a set of courses at Del Mar. Somto's AVID teachers provided critical support and guidance. As Somto was lived with his extended family, his college application process was nontraditional and he needed additional support for additional paperwork and documents needed to complete it. His teachers were there every step of the way. Because of their support he was able to graduate with a strong GPA and finalize his college applications. 

Somto plans to attend San Jose State University and study Business Administration and Management Information Systems.