Every year the National Hispanic Recognition Program recognizes about 5,000 Hispanic/Latino juniors among over 400,000 juniors who take the PSAT exam.

“I thought that I wouldn’t get it,” senior Breana Deanda said. “My score wasn’t super high, but then when I got it, I thought it was cool and told my parents about it, “

This award is designed to assist students of hispanic ancestry in gaining scholarships and financial aid to further their education.

“I am very grateful for this opportunity,” senior Shmi Salinas said

The three students who qualified for this award were called down to the counselor’s office to be given the news.

“I never imagined myself being recognized for anything, especially nationally like this,” senior Martin Gomez said. “It feels amazing to be chosen for something like this because it shows me my hard work is beginning to get results.”