(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – Jan. 10, 2024) – The El Paso Independent School District is proud to announce three of its students are semifinalists for the highly acclaimed National Merit Scholarship.
The National Merit Scholarship is an annual academic competition among high school students for recognition and college scholarships, according to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The National Merit Scholarship awards $2,500 to each National Merit Scholar.
El Paso ISD spoke with one of the semifinalists, Angelina Marranzini, a senior at Franklin High School, who has plans to enter the medical field.
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in El Paso, Texas.
How do you feel about being named as a semifinalist for the National Merit Scholarship?
When I got the announcement, I was overcome with joy. I was happy and thankful that all those hours of practice and reviewing subjects paid off!
What’s your favorite school subject?
I don’t really have a specific favorite, but I’ve always loved English, Spanish and Biology.
What are your plans after high school?
I’ve always seen myself in the medical field. Specifically, I’m very interested in becoming a dermatologist. Right now, I’m specializing in cancer. I’m doing work-based learning at a dermatology clinic, so, I’m observing many procedures and surgeries. I think it’s interesting how diverse the field is.
What college do you plan on attending?
I plan to attend Texas Tech University Honors College in Lubbock. I want to study pre-med. I plan on majoring in honors, sciences, and humanities. I would also like to double major in Spanish or I would possibly like to study it as my minor.
Are you involved in any organizations?
I am in state by secondary vice president for Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA). I am also the area president for HOSA, which covers the El Paso and Lubbock regions. HOSA is an organization for students who are interested in the medical field. The groups have competitive and leadership events. I am also the president of the Spanish National Honor Society at Franklin High School. I believe that being a part of these organizations has helped me with public speaking and confidence.
How has El Paso ISD helped prepare you for the real world?
I’ve been with EPISD from elementary through high school. In my opinion, the district, and of course the teachers, have all prepared and taught me the concepts necessary for life after high school. I feel that the people I’ve met during my time with EPISD have helped me to organize my time and teach me the important topics I need for growth.
Did anyone inspire you along your journey?
My parents. My mother is from Argentina and my father is from the Dominican Republic. They both went to college and seeing them work hard and be passionate has inspired me to continue working hard to pursue my dream. My parents have shown me that with dedication and a positive outlook on life, it is possible to accomplish your dreams.
I would also like to thank Ms. Bowser, the Franklin High School principal, for her unwavering support and my counselor, Ms. Palacios, and college advisor, Ms. Schoenbrun, who spent the time to help me and answer any questions.
I am also thankful for so many wonderful teachers at Franklin High School who have helped me achieve my goals every year: Ms. O’Connor, Mr. Carmona, Ms. Baxter, Ms. Cundari, Ms. Ornelas, and Ms. Powers.
I would also like to thank my unforgettable eighth-grade Pre-AP Algebra 1 teacher, Ms. Navarrette, and my public speaking teacher, Ms. Barno, both of whom inspired me on this journey.
Do you have any hobbies?
When I was younger, I did competitive swimming for many years. I also like to go to the gym a lot. I think both hobbies have helped me learn about dedication and perseverance. I had to wake up at 5 a.m. for practice and I also had to practice in the evenings during my weekends. I think these practices have really helped me a lot and it spilled over to school. Another hobby of mine is reading books!
Do you have any advice for students?
I would say it’s very important to have a positive outlook and mentality throughout each year. Of course, everyone is going to be presented with challenges and obstacles, but it’s important to just see how you can improve from those things and then how you can move forward as well. I’m a big believer that everything happens for a reason.
Learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlIZ2BGFoXY