Student Spotlight: Blana Zavala
SELF-DOUBT, PERSISTENCE, TRAGEDY, AND A BRIGHT FUTURE
Blanca Zavala left Coachella Valley High School at the age of 18 with only five credits. Her parents worked tirelessly to make ends meet, and many people around her doubted her ability to succeed academically. At 19, Blanca gave birth to her first child, Katelyn, and realized she needed to earn her high school diploma to provide a better future for her family.
In 2015, she enrolled in Mr. Arriaga’s class at Coachella Valley Adult School. With 155 credits required to graduate, Blanca knew she had a long journey ahead. At the time, the program was packet-based, and through sheer determination, she completed 130 of the required credits.
Then, in 2019, tragedy struck. Blanca lost her beloved aunt Daisy—more like a sister to her—to breast cancer at just 23 years old. The loss devastated Blanca. Her motivation faded, and for a while, the weight of grief and responsibility overwhelmed her. Shortly after the pandemic began, Blanca had her second
Student Spotlight: Yuriana Gutierrez
Student Spotlight Yuriana GutierrezCoachella Valley Adult School Yuriana Gutierrez was enrolled in the High School Independent Studies Program in March 2025. She needed to complete the final 15 credits required for her high school diploma. Despite having significant...
Student Spotlight: Bertha Zuñiga
Student Spotlight: Bertha ZuñigaCoachella Valley Adult School Bertha Zuñiga is a true example of resilience and persistence. At the age of 44, she enrolled in the High School Independent Studies Program on January 7, 2024. Thanks to the Adult School’s childcare...
Student Highlight: Maria Carmen Gutierrez
Student Highlight: Maria Carmen GutierrezCoachella Adult School Coachella Valley Adult School takes delight in presenting this week’s special feature among our adult education students: Maria Carmen Gutierrez! Carmen originally came from Sinaloa (popularly known as...
Student Spotlight: Martha Encinas
Student Spotlight: Martha EncinasEvery weeknight, you’ll find Martha Encinas stepping off the Sun Bus and heading into her ESL class at Coachella Valley Adult School. At 72 years old, Martha is working toward a goal she’s carried in her heart for a long time —...
Student Spotlight: Rodolfo Arana
Student Spotlight: Rodolfo AranaCoachella Valley Adult School Rodolfo Arana, a dedicated Level 1 ESL student at the Coachella Valley Adult School’s West Shores satellite class, exemplifies the true spirit of perseverance and hard work. By day, Rodolfo works at a date...
Name of Student: Josefina Campos
Student Highlight: Josefina Campos Coachella Valley Adult School We are excited to highlight Mrs. Josefina Campos as one of Coachella Valley Adult School’s student-of-the-week. Although Josefina misses her hometown of Jalisco, Guadalajara in Mexico, she is happy...
Teacher Spotlight: Shan Fu
Teacher Spotlight: Shan FuCoachella Valley Adult School When Shan Fu walks into her classroom at Coachella Valley Adult School, she brings much more than a lesson plan — she brings life experience, resilience, and a deep understanding of what it means to pursue...
Student Spotlight: JOANA SALDANA
Student Spotlight: JOANA SALDANACoachella Valley Adult School This week, Coachella Valley Adult School appreciatively highlights Joana Saldana’s path to adult education which started last May 2024. Hailing from San Luis Potosi, Mexico, Joana moved to the USA...
Teacher Highlight: Mr. Isaac Preciado
Teacher Highlight: Mr. Isaac Preciado At Coachella Valley Adult School, we are honored to highlight Mr. Isaac Preciado, a dedicated educator whose life journey is a powerful testament to resilience, service, and the life-changing impact of second chances.A Full-Circle...
