Virginia Estrella

With a name like “Estrella” (Spanish for “star”) it is no wonder that Virginia sees herself becoming a meteorologist one day, studying how celestial bodies affect weather patterns here on Earth. A stand-out wrestler for Valley High School’s wrestling team, she is also pioneering a new frontier for her family by becoming the first to attend college. She credits Judge Mandel and the Nicholas Academic Center for helping her. “Judge Mandel is such a great man,” she says. “Because he believed in me, I believe in myself. I will forever be grateful that he took an interest in my education.” Virginia will attend Allegheny College in the fall.