21 Jul Bright Futures for the Class of ’26… Meet Sonny and Mariela
On June 9th, Sonny Lopez and Mariela Murillo-Gutierrez crossed the stage at Westbrook Academy’s graduation to receive their diplomas, each with their own villages cheering them on.
Sonny, Class of ‘26 valedictorian, is following in the footsteps of his brother and Westbrook Academy alum Angelo, Class of ‘24 ASB President. In the fall, Sonny will join Angelo at the University of Santa Clara with a full-ride scholarship from the Posse Foundation.
Sonny is one of just 10 students chosen for Santa Clara’s scholarship “posse” from more than 2,000 applicants in Los Angeles and 17,000 nationwide.
“This award means more than an individual achievement,” said Sonny about earning the scholarship. “It reflects the support of my village and the foundation Westbrook Academy helped build in me.”
As an exceptional student – co-leader of Watts Project Animal Rescue, Varsity Basketball Captain, and U.S. President’s Volunteer Gold Service Award – Sonny intends to continue serving his community with integrity.
When asked about his future, he said, “I know I want to study something that connects business with healthcare. I’m interested in how systems and organizations can better serve communities, especially those that are often overlooked.”
Likewise, Mariela aspires to give back. “I hope to support other students and show them that anything is possible when you’re working toward your dreams,” she says.
Four years ago, Mariela recalls starting her freshman year feeling uncertain about the future. “My family was going through a difficult period after moving to the U.S,” she said, “facing real challenges, including not having basic necessities.”
This is a reality for many families in our community, which is why Westbrook Academy offers services like food pantries and parent education for the whole family. We strive to be a part of every student’s village.
Mariela cited the food pantry at Westbrook Academy specifically as a key resource for herself and her family. “I want to highlight the resources offered at the food pantry, where I witnessed how the school focused on meeting the needs not just of individual families, but of the entire community,” she said.
While at Westbrook Academy, Mariela dedicated her time to multiple clubs, volunteered at church, and completed a college course at East Los Angeles College.
“The school’s programs, internships, leadership experiences, and college preparation motivated me to step outside my comfort zone, discover new interests, and believe in my potential.”
Mariela’s hard work earned her admission to UC Riverside to study business analytics with a near-full-tuition scholarship.
“As an alumna,” she said, “I can say that Westbrook is not just another school in LA, but a home. It helped me and other students thrive, embrace excellence, creativity, and individuality.”
Westbrook Academy wishes Sonny, Mariela, and the entire Class of ‘26 the best as they embark on their next steps.
