Academic All-Star – Yelitza Altimirano-Aguilar, Franklin High

Published February 7, 2018

The Academic All-Star award is given to students who exhibit a positive attitude and a commitment to excellence in the classroom. Each Academic All-Star is chosen by his or her principal and receives a framed certificate, free food from Sonic Drive-In and other gifts from the district.

There’s no substitute for hard work. It’s an adage Yelitza Altimirano-Aguilar is proving true at Franklin High School.

The 17-year-old moved from Mexico to Franklin two years ago. Not only did she not know anyone at the school; she didn’t even know the language. But in a short amount of time, Yelitza has made impressive gains, which is why administrators chose to recognize her as the school’s Academic All-Star.

“Franklin High School is honored to have a student like Yelitza,” said Franklin High Assistant Principal Dr. Lauren Bauer. “Driven to become bilingual, Yelitza works incredibly hard in all of her classes while maintaining an optimistic attitude. She is kind and helpful with her classmates, and she is determined to be a strong, educated young woman.”

Yelitza says she is fortunate to have great teachers at Franklin High.

“My teachers in English as a Second Language (ESL) have helped me,” said Yelitza. “It’s been hard, but I just practice my English all the time.”

When she’s not in school, Yelitza likes to read books and help her step-siblings with their homework.

“I love kids,” said Yelitza. “I have a dream of being a pediatrician or maybe an ESL teacher when I grow up. That’s why I need to work hard so I can accomplish my dream.”

When the going gets hard, Yelitza says she thinks back to what her grandparents told her before moving to America.

“Before I came here they told me it wouldn’t be easy and that I would have to work hard,” said Yelitza. “We were a poor family. They want me to have a better life so I must work hard for them.”