Success Story

Over the last eight years, the HENAAC Viva Technology Program has worked with and motivated over 50,000 parents, teachers and students across the United States. One stand-out student is Madeline Salazar, who with a 4.55 grade point average will graduate from Theodore Roosevelt High School in East Los Angeles as class Valedictorian.

Madeline has been accepted to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and will be pursuing a Mechanical Engineering degree. In the Summer of 2008 Madeline attended the MIT Women's Technology Program, being only one of 40 students nationwide to qualify.

When asked about her inspiration for becoming an engineer, Madeline fondly recalls her days as a Hollenbeck Middle School student when her former Principal Victoria Castro (and past HENAAC Board Member) selected her to participate in the Viva Technology Program. "I knew in middle school that I wanted to become an engineer. I really enjoyed the Viva Program" claims Madeline. Madeline is the recipient of numerous awards including the California Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year, Youth of the Year for the State of California and the Warren Christopher Scholarship.

This incredible young lady just completed her sixth Los Angeles Marathon, and before she starts her new college career in Boston, Madeline is planning to travel to Africa with a group of students to build a schoolhouse and a clinic. HENAAC will continue to follow the progress of this young role model as well as other Viva Technology past and present students!