Top 10 Spotlight: Joshua Salazar has World Plans

by Ronnie Zamora/LFCISD

Joshua Salazar has been inspired to see the world.

One of the Top 10 students in the Los Fresnos High School Class of 2017, World History teacher Rosie Olivares-Hugonnett’s lessons have made an impact on his life.

“The biggest influence has been her World History class, because I loved it and I remember so much of it,” said Joshua, son of Santiago Salazar Jr. and Cristina Morrell. “It was life-changing for me because I want to see the world now with my more own eyes.

Joshua wants to see the Eiffel Tower in France, the torri gates in Japan, the buddhist temples, ancient Islamic ruins and other historic sites.

“She has taught us so many great things about the world that are still there.”

His first world adventure will be going to Italy June 12-20 with Olivares-Hugonett, a Tour Director with EF Educational Tours. She leads a group of students and adults each summer to tours abroad.

While his future includes traveling, his achievements have been in academics and band. He was a member of the percussion section of the Los Cuates Middle School and LFHS bands for six and one-half years.

Joshua also participated in UIL Academics at LFHS for four years, and received several awards from numerous UIL competitions. He also participated in the LFHS Robotics teams and competed in Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA) events.

But his priority has been academics and maintaining a high grade point average.

His study habits started during his freshman year. “I’m not the type who can stay up late at night. I have to do my homework and projects as soon as I get home from school. I will get distracted later in the evening. I have pushed myself academically for pride.”

Joshua said that his strengths are mathematics and science, and plans to major in Engineering at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, where he received the Presidential Scholarship and three smaller scholarships. He should be covered for all four years as long as he maintains academic standards.

His advice to younger students to succeed academically:”Focus on your studies, but don’t drown yourself in so much work like I did. Learn to have fun with your friends and family, but be responsible.”