10 Jul Lesley Huinil: UCLA-Bound ASB President Aims High
On June 14th, the Westbrook Academy Class of 2025 graduation marked a huge milestone for our school community – this was the first class to graduate from our brand new campus in South Gate. In addition to making our new home one-of-a-kind, this class of inspiring young people has navigated trials and challenges in the world this year with grace, wit, and ingenuity.
In her graduation speech, Lesley Huinil, ASB President and incoming UCLA freshman, quoted Kobe Bryant: “We don’t quit. We don’t cower, we don’t run, we endure and conquer.”
Lesley is an impressive student. In addition to being the ASB President, she was also one of three Westbrook students to receive a full-ride scholarship to UCLA. She is involved in multiple student organizations, has put in countless hours of volunteer service, completed dual-enrollment classes with Arizona State University, and even spoke in front of thousands during the 2025 GirlsBuild Summit at the YouTube Theater!
When asked about her proudest accomplishment, Lesley said that she is proud of her efforts with her peers to advocate for a mental health space on campus – a project that became a reality this year as Westbrook Academy moved into its new home in South Gate. The campus now has two dedicated wellness centers, one for middle and one for high school, where students can meet with counselors, participate in wellness practices, or decompress during a stressful day. Lesley says, “It felt like an unforgettable moment because I was able to be the voice for my peers and myself.”
Lesley is dedicated to care and service. In the fall, she is going to be a Biochemistry major at UCLA with a goal of getting into UCLA Medical School and becoming a pediatrician or NICU Doctor. In her future, she hopes to one day create a clinic in Guatemala, where her parents are from. She states that attending Westbrook Academy has influenced her aspirations to go into community medical care because she says, “at Westbrook we are a community and it shows.”
This school year has been unlike any other between the fires in January and large social-political conflicts. Despite all that has happened, 100 percent of the Class of 2025 were able to graduate, and 96 percent are continuing to higher education. When asked what this says about this year’s graduating class, Lesley said, “We have shown that we’re breaking generational cycles by achieving higher education and accomplishing more. During the fires and conflicts, our class became closer and we shared our thoughts. We even got together to help families during the fires.”
In Lesley’s words, “I admire the Class of 2025 because we are all like a family. Yes, there have been conflicts, but at the end of the day, we overcame them and got even closer.” Lesley would like to thank her family for always supporting her and her dreams, as well as her teachers and mentors: Ms. Lopez, Mr. Rob, Ms. Gutierrez, and Mr. Le.
Enrollment is open at Westbrook Academy for the 2025-26 School Year. Find enrollment information at www.westbrookacademy.org or email enrollnow@lapromisefund.org to schedule a tour of the campus.
