Scholarship Winner
College: University of Southern California
Career goal: Anesthesiologist
About Ava: Life was once “unicorns and rainbows” for Ava Yanez, a senior at Design Science Middle College High School. After her multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2021 and her mother’s cancer diagnosis in 2022, her days became less idyllic.
While managing her multiple sclerosis, Ava and her older sister had to step up with added responsibilities to ensure their family was taken care of. At one point, Ava worked two jobs as a full-time student, assisted in caring for her younger sister, and still managed to earn exceptional grades. Ava did not let her difficult circumstances define her and continued to be fully immersed in her studies and Design Science activities, including the Baking Club (which she founded) and student leadership, serving as secretary, treasurer, and class president during her time at Design Science. She is also the recipient of the George Pepperdine Achievement Award, the Welcome Pillar Award, and the Congress of Future Medical Leaders Award of Excellence. She earned her associate degree from Fresno City College with the highest honors while at Design Science.
In Ava’s words: “My intentions in everything I do are much more significant now.”
