Renata Ramirez

Shirley Elkington
Memorial Scholarship

Renata Ramirez came to Marin from Guatemala. Her freshman year at Tamalpais High School was difficult and she sought help from counselors and teachers, also finding support from Bridge the Gap, an afterschool program. She starred on the Tam soccer team while balancing AP classes in Spanish composition and literature as well as honors photography. Schoolwork was in addition to working part-time in food service, providing daily care for a younger sibling, and preparing meals and doing housework while both parents worked. In her “spare time” Renata volunteered to assist needy families in El Salvador and participated in services and fundraising with her church family. Renata co-founded the Latino Unidos club at Tam for students who don’t understand English well and has recruited other Tam students to lead the club upon her graduation. She is also a member of the Black Student Union and Students of Color. Renata defines success as having a stable job that she loves and one that will allow her to provide for her family. She is very interested in genetics and human behavior and currently sees her dream job as one helping children who have been ignored or mistreated. This fall she will attend College of the Redwoods.