By Cindy Peterson
Leesburg Senior Paving Her Way Forward
Andrea Reyes
At just 17 years old, Andrea Reyes, a senior at Leesburg High School, is already making her mark as a standout student with a bright future ahead.
In August, she received her Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) diploma with distinction, a rare achievement that places her among the top academic performers in Lake County and one of only two with this diploma in the county.
“For me, it makes me seem competitive for colleges,” she says. “Having this in my pocket helps since I’m trying to get into schools that only have a five percent or less acceptance rate.”
Andrea’s academic achievements are backed by an impressive weighted GPA around 5.5 and she has been recognized as one of only 16,000 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists selected from across the country.
Born and raised in Leesburg, Andrea has always valued the opportunities her local community offers. She is involved in multiple service clubs at school, serving as president of Key Club, and is a member of student government. She is also one of the few lacrosse players at the high school.
Beyond high school, Andrea hopes to study materials engineering at either MIT or Columbia. Her passion for this field was partly inspired by Albert Lin, a scientist who explores the intersection of science and humanities in “Lost Cities with Albert Lin.”
Andrea’s inspirations are her mother and cousin for their hard work and dedication she has witnessed over the years. As she continues to pursue her dreams, Andrea Reyes is a young woman determined to soar.
Originally from the small town of Berryville, Arkansas, Cindy has become a multimedia specialist in journalism, photography, videography, and video editing. She has a B.S. in Communications from the University of Central Arkansas and produces Style Magazine's Sports Hub Podcast and the Healthy Living Podcast. She also produces for Beacon College’s Telly Award-winning PBS show, “A World of Difference.” When she isn’t working, Cindy loves traveling the National Parks with her husband , Ryan, and son, David, photographing wildlife.
