Schools
Father's Inspiration Helped El Camino Grad to Stanford Scholarship
Kevin Madrigal, 17, will attend Stanford University on a full scholarship.
Usually on South San Francisco Patch, we feature a Whiz Kid of the Week. But this week, we're going to have a whiz kid every day. Each morning from Monday to Friday, we'll be featuring an illustrious member of the graduating high school class of 2011. Watch out world, the graduates are here!
Name: Kevin Madrigal
Age: 17
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School:
Activities: Associated Student Body, Key Club, Track, Soccer, Volunteer at American Cancer Society
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Future College: Stanford University
When Kevin Madrigal, a 17-year-old senior at El Camino High School, receives his diploma, he will think of his father.
“He moved here from Mexico in his mid-20s with nothing but a third grade education, and somehow he managed to raise a family” Madrigal said. ““I don’t even know how he did it; he’s pretty amazing.”
Kevin’s father, Antonio Madrigal, has been Kevin’s highest inspiration in his academic achievements. The accomplished math student will not only be among the first generation in his family to receive his high school diploma, but he received a full ride scholarship to study at Stanford University.
“I always say I do this for him because if he would have had the opportunity to do this stuff, he would have totally done it,” he said.
Madrigal was shocked when he heard he was accepted into Stanford, let alone on scholarship.
“It’s pretty amazing; I don’t really believe it myself,” Madrigal said.
In his years at El Camino High School, Madrigal has received several math and science awards. He plans to major in bioengineering.
Though he is proud of his accomplishments, Madrigal humbly remembers the foundation laid by his father.
“He was the driving force of everything that I’ve done in high school,” Madrigal said.
