Photo Gallery: Citrus Valley High holds first ‘College Application Day’ to celebrate college-bound seniors

By CHRISTINA ANDRONESCU

Huddled around a computer screen, friends and family watched in anxious anticipation as their senior pressed the final “submit” button of their college applications on Nov. 15, 2019.

The college application process is a long, arduous and often stressful journey undertaken by most high school seniors around the beginning of their final year. Behind every college-bound senior are the unsung heroes and support team in form of friends, family, teachers or coaches. This year, Citrus Valley’s counseling department, administration and AVID program organized a “College Application Day” to celebrate the culmination of these seniors’ high school achievements and their strongest supporters.

Kassidy Layon (left), Esther Simbolon, Layla Rejab and Angelita Hutabarat congratulate Kate Ladesma (sitting) for her college application submission on Nov. 15, 2019 in the Citrus Valley library. “My career goal is to become a neurosurgeon” says Ladesma. (Ethan Dewri / Ethic Photo)

Jackeline Felix, Loma Linda University physical therapy student and former Citrus Valley cross country coach, embraces Sophia Cantuba after her submission, Nov. 15, 2019 in the Citrus Valley library. “[Sophia] is super talented. I already knew she was going to do great things and it’s great to witness her next step in life. I’m super proud,” says Felix. (Ethan Dewri / Ethic Photo)

Adrinana Romo writes her daughter, Arleene Mejia, a letter to express her joy in Arleene’s achievement, Nov. 15, 2019 in the Citrus Valley library. (Ethan Dewri / Ethic Photo)

Students receive college labeled shirts after submission, Nov. 15, 2019 at Citrus Valley High. (Ethan Dewri / Ethic Photo)

Caterers serve tacos, beans and rice to students, family and friends, Nov. 15, 2019 at Citrus Valley. (Ethan Dewri / Ethic Photo)

Angelita Hutabarat (left) receives help from Head counselor Diana Farley (right) on the college submission process, Nov. 15, 2019 in the Citrus Valley library. Angelita plans on majoring in nursing and graphic design. “I am proud to be the first in my family going to a four year college. Get me out the I.E.!” states Hutabarat. (Ethan Dewri / Ethic Photo)