(Note: Celebrating its Silver Anniversary, NUSD is spotlighting some of its former graduates who have achieved success in college or career.
Inderkum High School graduate Rachel Torres is a prime example of college success, a graduating senior at Cal Poly Pomona and winner of the school’s prestigious President’s Council Scholar honor for academic excellence and significant contributions to the community. Torres has served two years as council president of Cal Poly Pomona’s College of Education and Integrative Studies. She was awarded the Keith and Sheila McCoy Scholarship, given annually to a Liberal Studies student at Cal Poly Pomona who plans to teach. For each of the past two years, Torres has conducted a School Makeover Project, a volunteer event to paint murals and conduct a campus cleanup at an elementary school in need. She works for the Pomona Unified School District as an after-school teacher for Kindergarten through 2nd-graders. Her goal is to become a Sacramento teacher.
To nominate another deserving alumni for the Prepared to Succeed @ NUSD spotlight, contact NUSD Communications Director Jim Sanders at 561-5267.)
RACHEL R. TORRES
High School Attended: Inderkum High School, graduated Class of 2013
College Attended — Graduating in June 2017 with a Liberal Studies degree
Q: How would you complete this sentence? NUSD was good for me because…
A: “…I had several amazing teachers (Mrs. Dills, Mr. Motherspaw, Mr. McKibbon, Mr. Traugher, etc.) and an amazing counselor (Mr. Van Nort) who were very supportive of my academics and empowered me to go to college and become a teacher myself.”
Q: How did an NUSD education help prepare you for college or career?
A: “An NUSD education helped prepare me for college because of the rigorous AP classes that challenged me to use my critical thinking skills. The AP classes allowed me to gain college credits, which helped me stay ahead in college. Most importantly, NUSD helped educate me on the resources available for low-income students to attend college. Inderkum High School’s environment was surrounded with college banners and filled with amazing people who told us we could do it!”
Q: What advice would you give to current students?
A: “Everything you do in school now prepares you for the future and for college. In high school I had to balance AP classes, keeping my grades up, varsity soccer, and working at McDonald’s at night and on the weekends to pay for senior year expenses and save for college. Working hard in high school allowed me to establish a good work ethic that was able to carry me through the challenges of college. So what you are doing now has an impact on your future. Keep up the good work!”
Q: Favorite memory from NUSD days?
A: “My favorite memory from NUSD days was having the opportunity to be on the Inderkum Women’s Varsity Soccer team for all four years. Not only was I able to represent my school and play the sport I loved, but I created amazing friendships with many of my teammates. We had so many great times together on and off the field.”
Q: Future goals?
After I obtain my multiple subject teaching credential, I plan to give back to my home and my community and teach in Sacramento. I also plan to go back to school and get my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership with an administrative credential so that I can become a school administrator.”
NUSD’s Board-Approved Vision: “All NUSD students graduate as college and career ready, productive, responsible, and engaged global citizens.”
