Garden Grove College Graduates Class of 2020
Amalia Sanchez Barajas
At the age of six, Amalia migrated to the United States with her two siblings and single-parent mother. She is a first-generation college graduate, obtaining a Master of Social Work from California State University, Los Angeles. She plans to work as a psychiatric social worker in the mental health field, servicing the geriatric population. Amalia dedicates her success to her grandparents and mother.
Anaith Rivas
A Garden Grove Unified School District alumna, Anaith has spent the last four years studying history and political science at the University of California, San Diego. She graduates with a Bachelor of Arts in History and International Studies Political Science with a minor in Art History and Criticism. She hopes to obtain a law internship and a job at a San Diego museum while saving up for law school.
Anh Vo
Relocating to the United States from Vietnam in 2014, Anh is a first-generation graduate, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a joint-concentration in Marketing and Information Systems from California State University, Fullerton. She hopes to achieve a career in the marketing field as a data analyst.
Arlene Serna
Arlene obtains a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing from University of Arizona. She has volunteered her time at several organizations, including The Alzheimer's Association Philanthropy. A beauty pageant contender since the age of 12, she holds the title Miss Teen Latina Global and 1st runner up Miss Arizona.
Arlyn Plancarte
Born and raised in Garden Grove and a first-generation college graduate, Garden Grove High School alumna Arlyn graduates from California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and minor in Human Services. She plans to attend law school in the fall with hopes to accomplish her goal of becoming a lawyer specializing in immigration.
Brandon Do Nguyen
Brandon graduates from University of Southern California with a Master of Science in Criminal Justice. With this achievement, he hopes to obtain a professional career in the field of criminal justice.
Bryce Haines
Bryce graduates from Cypress College with an Associate of Arts in Marketing. This summer, he'll attend Orange Coast College's Cardiovascular Technology Department, where he hopes to obtain a certificate of achievement in echocardiography/EKG.
Christine Ramos
Achieving an Associate of Arts degree in Kinesiology from Golden West College, Christine is excited to continue her education at California State University, Fullerton in the fall.
Diana Tran
With a passion to bring awareness to environmental issues, Diana graduates from California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a concentration in Journalism.
James Hernandez
Graduating from Golden West College with an Associate of Arts in Business and Technology and a Microsoft Office Specialist certificate, James is proud to have achieved a higher education degree he financed on his own by working various jobs, including at the Disneyland Resort.
Jessica Rodriguez
Pursing her passion to help children in the foster care system, Jessica graduates with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Spanish Linguistics from University of California, Riverside. Her next academic goal is to achieve a Master of Social Work degree.
Kaitlynn Williams
Kaitlynn graduates with a Communications degree from California State University, Fullerton. She plans to continue her education or pursue a career in special events planning.
Kayla Moon Pham
As a first-generation college graduate, Kayla graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. She plans to obtain a job in the field of electrical engineering. She dedicates her achievement in higher education to her family.
Kelvin T. Truong
Kelvin obtains a Bachelor of Arts in Entertainment and Hospitality Management from California State University, Fullerton. He eagerly looks forward to the future.
Kimberly Vu
Growing up in Garden Grove, Kimberly knew she wanted to be a veterinarian since childhood. Her dream comes to fruition as she graduates from Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Following graduation, she will complete an internship at VCA Animal Specialty and Emergency Center.
Larry Reyes
An Army veteran who served three tours overseas and currently serves in the National Guard, Larry graduates from Fullerton College with an Associate of Arts degree with concentrations in Liberal Studies and Technical Construction. His future endeavors include obtaining a contractors license and opening a business in Garden Grove. He volunteers for Brookhurst Elementary School's PTA and serves as a gate monitor in the mornings.
Lauren Abel
Graduating with a Master in Library and Information Science from San Jose State University School of Information, Lauren will use her degree to become a full-time librarian. She currently is employed with the County of Orange at Chapman Library Branch, located in Garden Grove.
Maricruz Camacho
Graduating from California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor of Science in Child and Adolescent Development, Maricruz has enrolled in CSUF's teaching credential program, hoping to further her life goal to inspire all children to seek an education no matter their background.
Mayra A. Barragan
Mayra graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from California State University, Fullerton. She plans to continue her education in the field of social work with the goal of obtaining a master's degree.
Megan Westmyer
Born and raised in Garden Grove, Pacifica High School alumna Megan graduates from Grand Canyon University with a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education and Elementary Education. She hopes to continue as an educator for the Garden Grove Unified School District.
Muadh Abdulrafiu Abdulhakim
Born and raised in Garden Grove, Muadh graduates from Santa Ana College with an Associate of Arts in Psychology with plans to transfer to a 4-year university as a psychology major. Aside from being a current athlete at Santa Ana College, Muadh is also involved in several school clubs and honor societies. His commitment to Garden Grove has led him to volunteer at several local organizations and events, including local food banks, Garden Grove Unified School District's Special Games; and Garden Grove Police Department's Call to Duty Memorial.
Samantha Ammann
As a proud first-generation college graduate, Samantha was born and raised in Garden Grove. She graduates from University of California, Irvine with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Social Behavior. At UCI, she dedicated her time toward helping students accomplish academic goals as a peer life coach with UCI's Counseling Center. In addition, she was a peer health educator in sexual health at the Center for Student Wellness. Her passion is to help people whether it's academically or mentally.
Sutherland Lovell
Garden Grove Unified School District alumna Sutherland graduates from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She attended Enders Elementary, Bell Intermediate and Pacifica High School where she was a 3-sport athlete. She continues to participate in Pacifica High School's annual alumni soccer game. Her career path takes her to California's movie industry.