eCademy Charter at Crane student Ramon Gonzalez, 17, has suffered with systemic juvenile Rheumatoid arthritis since he was 12 years old. Much of the time he said he suffers from pain, limiting him from attending the traditional high school campus. But Gonzalez has character — including bravery.
While most people would simply give up, this young man has persisted in his education.
eCademy Principal Manuel Covarrubias said he nominated Gonzalez because he admires his will to explore his education.
“He struggled through middle school and his freshman year because of his medical condition but he has worked hard and now he has pulled his grades up and passing,” said Covarrubias.
“For the past five years I have struggled keeping up in school. I was always at the bottom, but the bottom is not failing. Not trying is failing. I am thankful that eCademy Charter has given me a chance to get my education back on track. My road to success has traveled through the caring and loving arms of my family and through the hearts of teachers like the ones at eCademy,” Gonzalez said in a speech to the Turlock Unified School District Board of Trustees.
Joining him in recognition was eCademy senior Marcelina Garcia.
Garcia carries a 2.63 GPA and she is known for her maturity and responsibility.
“She has been an exemplary student. With independent studies you have to be mature, responsible. You have to stay on top of the students, but with Marcelina I never have to worry about her finishing her work,” said Covarrubias.
Last year Garcia volunteered to participate in community service through her leadership class, despite having already completed her hours.
“She has a great attitude and she is very involved,” said Covarrubias.
Garcia hopes to become a probation officer when she grows up. She said many of her family members are involved in law enforcement.
In her free time she likes to hang out and watch movies with her sister and mother.
This week she is expected to graduate high school early and she wants to enroll at Modesto Junior College this fall. Between now and then she plans on finding a job.
