Annya Marie Mella Vargas EHS ’25: “Education shapes who you become and shows you how to succeed in life.”

EHSA Scholarship Recipient Update

Annya Marie Mella Vargas ’24, Inaugural Winner of The Cullen Family Scholarship, Has Set Her Sights on Becoming a Cardiovascular Nurse

Recently, EHSA staff checked in with EHSA Cullen Family Scholarship recipient Annya Marie Mella Vargas ’24.  Annya is currently studying Health Science at Bunker Hill Community College and is on track to graduate in 2028. She has set her sights on becoming a Cardiovascular Nurse, with dreams of one day becoming a Cardiovascular Surgeon if the opportunity arises.

Halfway through her freshman year, Annya credits several teachers and courses at English High for preparing her for college. She is especially grateful to Ms. DeGuzman, Mr. Calderon, and ESL Coordinator Ms. Gonzales for their ongoing support. Additionally, AP English and Global Issues with Mr. Swoboda gave her a strong academic foundation. Even now, she continues to seek guidance from Ms. Sage, director of the EHS Alumni & Friends tutoring center, for her English coursework, a testament to the lasting impact of English High’s dedicated educators.

Reflecting on her transition to college, Annya acknowledges that while challenging, her hard work and preparation have paid off. She offers words of encouragement to current EHS students: “I know you may be stressed out about college applications and scholarships right now, but keep working hard because there will be a day when you say, ‘It’s good that I made the effort—look where I am now.’ If I could do it, you can too.”

Annya believes strongly in the power of education, describing it as one of the greatest things in the world. “I know it is hard and stressful, but education shapes who you become and shows you how to succeed in life.”

We are excited to see all that Annya will accomplish in the field of health science and beyond. Stay tuned for more updates on our exceptional scholarship recipients!

“Keep working hard because there will be a day when you say, ‘It’s good that I made the effort—look where I am now.’ If I could do it, you can too.”

— Annya Marie Mella Vargas ’24