D.J.'s Hero Award Winner Spotlight - Veronica Alonso
Over the next month we will be honoring each of this year’s 15 D.J.’s Hero Award winners. The D.J.’s Hero Scholarships are underwritten by David and Peggy Sokol in loving memory of their son, D.J., who lost his battle with cancer in 1999 at age 18. The awards recognize Nebraska high school seniors who exemplify perseverance and selflessness and who are servant-leaders in their communities. A total of 157 D.J.’s Hero Scholarships have been awarded to Nebraska students over the past 22 years.
Veronica Alonso – Bryan High School, Recipient of the D.J.’s Hero Teresa Hunzeker Memorial Scholarship
“In addition to furthering my education, one of my big goals for the future is to become a mentor to young, first-generation Latinos who, like me, are trying to make college possible.”
When her mother faced deportation, Veronica Alonso, of Bellevue, testified in court on her behalf at the age of 12, an experience that paved the way for Veronica’s passion for advocacy. “I am very dedicated to my Latino community, and I want to ensure greater opportunities for future generations,” she says.
Coming from a socioeconomic background with limited financial resources, Veronica knew from a young age that the only avenue to college would be through hard work and a dedication to excellence. She committed herself to excelling academically and, as a result, is graduating as valedictorian of her class. Veronica was also the 2020 class president, secretary of the National Honor Society and the public relations officer for Latino Leaders. She participated in the Thrive Leadership Club, the Grassroots Leadership Program, AIM Trio Upward Bound and numerous other organizations at Bryan. When she was not focusing on her studies and many school activities, Veronica also volunteered as an interpreter for OneWorld Community Health Center.
“Veronica is one of the hardest working students I have ever met,” says AIM Upward Bound project coordinator Lucely Salgado. “And she still makes time to give back to her community because, as she’s said, her community has helped her grow as an individual.”
Veronica will be the first in her family to attend college. She plans to major in biology/pre-med at Stanford University in the fall and hopes someday to be able to research the neurological effects culture may have on the brain’s chemical composition.
“This scholarship helps give me the financial means to achieve my dream,” says Veronica. “It will give me what, in the past, I could only wish for: an opportunity.”