ANA VIVAS came to the United States in 1989. Life had been hard in her native Nicaragua, and adjustments were difficult here. In February 1993, she was referred by her probation officer to Friends for Youth, which placed her with an adult friend and mentor. Since that time, writes her nominator, her leadership, intelligence, perseverance and motivation have been reflected by both her academic success and her contributions to the community. Academically, she is in the top five at her school, and she was chosen the school’s top English student, a special achievement for a young woman who has learned to speak English in only four years. She also plays on her school’s softball team. She works with the Community Living Room, working with discussion and counseling groups of at-risk and high risk youth, sharing her personal experiences and the obstacles she has chosen to overcome in order to do something positive with her life. Her nominator writes: “Ana is an exceptional role model and an inspiration to all who are lucky enough to know her.” Her career goal is to be a doctor.
