CLEARLAKE — Making the grade has its benefits as Lily Cuellar, 28, found out.
Cuellar received an exclusive invitation to Washington, D.C. to witness history in-the-making with an opportunity to attend inauguration ceremonies and events.
Cuellar was extended the invitation for being among the top 15 percent of nation”s college students. Her 3.75 grade point average has earned her the opportunity to advance her education as well as participate in the one of the most historical events in the nation”s history.
Cuellar is a grad student at Sacramento State University.
She is pursuing a career in the health field, majoring in speech pathology. She gained her prerequisites at Yuba Community College Clear Lake Campus and Santa Rosa Junior College.
When she receives her degree she intends to apply her skills in Lake County, either in elder care or in the education sector.
Cuellar is overwhelmingly excited about the invitation. “It”s going to be life-changing,” she said. “I thought going to college and getting into grad school were going to be the significant events of my life and then this opportunity comes along.”
There are several reasons why Cuellar would like to participate in the program, which is offered through the Golden Key International Honour Society.
Cuellar is not only looking forward to the glamour of the event, she is also proud to be representing her community of Clearlake while setting a stellar example for her daughter and all the students of the area.
“I would hope that my experience will show our children here in our community that even if you do come from a disadvantaged area, if you work hard, anything is possible,” Cuellar said. “It is hard to go to school, but I did it raising two kids, keeping my husband happy, commuting and going to work.”
Cuellar said she hopes her daughter Victoria, 9, will learn to set priorities properly when it comes to continuing her own education. She said commuting, working and raising a family has put some strain on her life, which has been recognized by her daughter.
Cuellar said her daughter is proud of her and she understands the difficulty her parents have collaborating to make it all work.
“She knows it”s tough when mommy has to go to school, but when we talk about it I just tell her to make sure she goes to college before she has babies.”
Cuellar said her father had set a similar example for her. “My dad was working at Foods, Etc. when he went back to school. He was commuting, going to school and still being the dad,” she said. “He left school with one credit to go and by the time he went back he needed 30 more to graduate. He worked really hard to better himself for his family and I hope that Victoria picks up on that, too.”
While in Washington, D.C. Cuellar will attend seven days of educational seminars presented by the Washington Center. The program will focus on looking ahead at the new president, his administration and the impact of the media on the campaign.
The sessions Cuellar chose to attend relate to health and science.
“I”m really excited about the advancements in computer technology and the impact they will have on healthcare, particularly because my daughter has diabetes,” she said.
Other highlights of the program include major guest speakers as well as a special Washington Center performance by political satirist Mark Russell.
Site visits to Capitol Hill, various embassies and think tanks are also scheduled. Student participants will also enjoy a tour of Washington, DC”s newest attraction, the Newseum and a reception at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Cuellar is seeking the assistance of the community to help her participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Her daughter constructed a colorful donation box located at Kathie”s Inn where Cuellar works. She must collect approximately $2,450 by Dec. 31 to participate in the program, which is scheduled from Jan. 10 through Jan. 21.
Cuellar is the oldest daughter born to Michael and Kim Franz, of Spring Valley.
She is proud to say she was born at Redbud Hospital and raised in the Konocti Unified School District. She is a 1998 graduate of Lower Lake High School. She and her husband Mario Cuellar have been married for five years and are the loving parents of Victoria and Mario, Jr.
For further information regarding how to donate to this experience, please call Lily or Mario Cuellar at 350-5553.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
