Raymiro d. gomez-galiano foundation

My name is Raymiro Gomez-Galiano and I moved to Palmdale, CA just two weeks before my freshman year of high school started. It was a new environment, in which I felt scared and alone. I remember eating my lunch every day for about a week behind the “dark halls” next to the student store. I recall going to the counselor's office a few days after hoping to see if I could join the Palmdale Health Careers Academy, something I had just learned about. I remember being told that I needed to have submitted an application during the summer, however, at that very moment, Mr. Tim Klein walked in. He did not hesitate and simply told the counselor to enroll me in his class. Not a day goes by where I don’t reflect on this memory. He was the first person to take a chance on me without even knowing my name. Unfortunately, he is not here with us today but his legacy will always remain. I learned and grew within this program, met so many wonderful individuals, and for that, I am forever grateful. ​​I joined the Falcon Corps, the school's marching band, a week later, and progressed through the ranks of leadership throughout my high school career, eventually becoming the band's Drum Major as a sophomore. Mr. Joseph Pincetich, my band director, showed me what it takes to be a leader, and I would not be where I am now without his mentorship and continuous support. Through this experience, I ventured into more leadership roles and got involved with more extracurricular activities. During my junior year of high school, I was introduced to the challenges and rigors of the English Language and Composition. Quickly, my English class expanded my perception of social conflicts and aided in the development of my voice in my community. I applied myself to the idea that nothing is impossible and that a seed must be planted in order for a flower to blossom. As my senior year approached, I began to prepare myself for the college application season but was faced with many challenges. I recall staying up late preparing for my SATs and felt uneasy each time I took them because my score kept dropping, from 1050 to 980 to 920 on my final try. My family faced financial hardships, in which we (my sister and I) were unable to afford our senior portraits and be included in our yearbook senior year. I felt heartbroken not because I could not afford my senior portraits but because there were others in similar shoes. High school was a significant milestone in my life and senior portraits commemorate and honor this incredible achievement. For students, parents, and families, it is a memorable occasion. Unfortunately, my family and I were unable to experience what others had. As the COVID-19 pandemic began, my senior year came to an end. I took this as an opportunity to grow and give back. I now attend the University of Southern California (USC) where I will receive my bachelor’s degree in Non-Governmental Organizations and Social Change, in addition to my master’s degree in Social Entrepreneurship by 2024. I am the founder and Chief Executive Officer of a nationally recognized 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation called NewColorsProject. Today, it is my honor to officially announce the Raymiro D. Gomez-Galiano Senior Portrait Scholarship presented by the NewColorsProject 501(c)3. The Senior Portrait Scholarship will be awarded to 25 Palmdale High School graduating seniors at three distinct levels, with a collective value of $10,000. By 2024, we will expand these awards and create others for the entire Antelope Valley and beyond. Together.