Youngker High School senior Ava Trochez has been accepted to Harvard University, according to an April 7 announcement from the Buckeye Union High School District.
Trochez’s acceptance highlights both her academic achievements and leadership at Youngker. She completed the Common Application process for Harvard, which included submitting essays, transcripts, recommendations from teachers, and a midyear report. After applying, she participated in a two-hour interview with a Harvard alumnus where she discussed her academic interests and future plans.
Trochez said her success was made possible through support from family members, teachers, her school counselor, and the district’s GEAR UP program. The program helped with recommendation letters and navigating important steps such as completing the FAFSA application and meeting deadlines for Senior Family Night.
In addition to academics, Trochez took part in multiple Honors and Advanced Placement courses while preparing for the ACT exam. She was active in student organizations including Science National Honors Society—which she founded—String Orchestra, Concert Band, Student Leadership Council as well as athletic teams such as football, wrestling, and track and field. Through founding the Science National Honors Society at Youngker High School, Trochez recruited members and organized science-related events including establishing a Science Olympiad team.
The district noted that this is not its first Ivy League success; last year Valeria Hernandez Jacobo (Class of 2024) was accepted to the University of Pennsylvania.
The Buckeye Union High School District congratulated Trochez on what it called an extraordinary achievement.
