Senior Story: Janid Castro
Senior Story: Janid Castro
![Janid Castro]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748640427/richfieldschoolsorg/uglzqndkce3w96paoeja/JanidCastro.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748640427/richfieldschoolsorg/uglzqndkce3w96paoeja/JanidCastro.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1748640427/richfieldschoolsorg/uglzqndkce3w96paoeja/JanidCastro.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1748640427/richfieldschoolsorg/uglzqndkce3w96paoeja/JanidCastro.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748640427/richfieldschoolsorg/uglzqndkce3w96paoeja/JanidCastro.png","width":1244}])
When Janid Castro arrived in the United States from Ecuador, she faced a challenge that would make even the most confident student pause—starting over in a new country, far from her parents and friends, and learning a new language. But Janid didn’t let fear stop her. With incredible resilience and dedication, she dove into life at Richfield High School, working hard to master English, keep up with classes and even hold down a job.
As she prepares to graduate, Janid reflects on how far she’s come. “I’m mostly proud of overcoming the fear of moving to a new country,” she says. “I never thought earning my high school diploma was possible because of the language barrier, but I did it.”
Janid’s favorite part of RHS has been its diversity. “I met people from different countries who were going through the same thing as me. It made me feel better about myself,” she shares. “The school staff has helped me so much.”
One of those staff members was Mrs. Lowther, a teacher who made a lasting impact. “She was always there for me and our class. She helped us with everything,” Janid says gratefully.
RHS Outreach Worker Angie Meza also recognizes Janid’s perseverance and growth. “She is a newcomer from Ecuador and has worked really hard to learn English, have a job and be a full-time student,” Meza says.
Looking ahead, Janid plans to continue her education by taking English courses to sharpen her language skills and pursue her dream of becoming a psychologist. “I see myself with a family, working in the job of my dreams, being happy and at peace with myself,” she says. Her long-term vision includes reuniting with her parents in Ecuador and traveling the world—especially to Singapore, a place she’s curious to explore.
Janid’s advice for incoming students? “Don’t take for granted this amazing opportunity to attend school. Think about the future and create a better path.”
Her journey is a powerful reminder of the strength and determination it takes to succeed and the bright future that lies ahead.
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![Amelia Rheinhart]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748892782/richfieldschoolsorg/dzr00eax2hlt2kuxm6in/AmeliaRheinhart.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748892782/richfieldschoolsorg/dzr00eax2hlt2kuxm6in/AmeliaRheinhart.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1748892782/richfieldschoolsorg/dzr00eax2hlt2kuxm6in/AmeliaRheinhart.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748892782/richfieldschoolsorg/dzr00eax2hlt2kuxm6in/AmeliaRheinhart.png","width":962}])
From the soccer field to the science lab, Amelia Rheinhart is leaving her mark at Richfield High School. This fall, she’s headed to Gustavus Adolphus College to major in Biology—the first step on her path to becoming a genetic counselor.
![Jessica Tezoquipa]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748892603/richfieldschoolsorg/cfvna0qmbimobgfsefly/JessicaTezoquipa.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748892603/richfieldschoolsorg/cfvna0qmbimobgfsefly/JessicaTezoquipa.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1748892603/richfieldschoolsorg/cfvna0qmbimobgfsefly/JessicaTezoquipa.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748892603/richfieldschoolsorg/cfvna0qmbimobgfsefly/JessicaTezoquipa.png","width":1146}])
Jessica will attend Augsburg University this fall to study Communications and Creative Writing. Her goal? To become a journalist who sheds light on injustice—whether it’s exposing political corruption or reporting on human rights violations around the globe.
![Warner Standing Bear]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748892417/richfieldschoolsorg/umubsww5t7yllfraiq4b/WarnerStandingBear.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748892417/richfieldschoolsorg/umubsww5t7yllfraiq4b/WarnerStandingBear.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1748892417/richfieldschoolsorg/umubsww5t7yllfraiq4b/WarnerStandingBear.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748892417/richfieldschoolsorg/umubsww5t7yllfraiq4b/WarnerStandingBear.png","width":961}])
Warner offers this advice to underclassmen: “Take as many risks as you can, at least socially. Refusing to be as intense, honest and weird as you really are will only attract the wrong people. Don’t let others take your joy, no matter what.”
![Dulce Valero-Gallegos]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748886349/richfieldschoolsorg/tsioc66n7hylhl6vfyav/DulceValero-Gallegos.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748886349/richfieldschoolsorg/tsioc66n7hylhl6vfyav/DulceValero-Gallegos.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1748886349/richfieldschoolsorg/tsioc66n7hylhl6vfyav/DulceValero-Gallegos.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748886349/richfieldschoolsorg/tsioc66n7hylhl6vfyav/DulceValero-Gallegos.png","width":897}])
This fall, Dulce will begin her college journey at the University of St. Thomas, where she plans to major in Political Science and minor in Public Administration and Psychology. Her ultimate goal? To work at an immigration law firm, advocating for those who need it most.
![Melanie Sherlin Estrada Lozano]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748642435/richfieldschoolsorg/ebi7sf9tckvhxzatbaut/MelanieSherlinEstradaLozano.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748642435/richfieldschoolsorg/ebi7sf9tckvhxzatbaut/MelanieSherlinEstradaLozano.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1748642435/richfieldschoolsorg/ebi7sf9tckvhxzatbaut/MelanieSherlinEstradaLozano.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748642435/richfieldschoolsorg/ebi7sf9tckvhxzatbaut/MelanieSherlinEstradaLozano.png","width":874}])
During her time at RHS, Melanie was a force of nature—a wrestler, cheerleader, track athlete and a leader who shattered expectations and opened doors. She joined the wrestling team to create space for girls in male-dominated sports and proudly inspired others to step outside their comfort zones.
As she prepares to graduate, Janid reflects on how far she’s come. “I’m mostly proud of overcoming the fear of moving to a new country,” she says. “I never thought earning my high school diploma was possible because of the language barrier, but I did it.”
![Ronaldo Gomez Martinez]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748543242/richfieldschoolsorg/atdi7vfmvkwkhrhtzxnh/RonaldoGomezMartinez.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748543242/richfieldschoolsorg/atdi7vfmvkwkhrhtzxnh/RonaldoGomezMartinez.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1748543242/richfieldschoolsorg/atdi7vfmvkwkhrhtzxnh/RonaldoGomezMartinez.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748543242/richfieldschoolsorg/atdi7vfmvkwkhrhtzxnh/RonaldoGomezMartinez.png","width":1070}])
Rony offers incoming students this simple but powerful advice: “Be ready to try new things. Going out and doing something you’ve never done before can lead to a passion or friendship you never would’ve found otherwise.”
![Kaylee Stracka]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748477050/richfieldschoolsorg/farjmf2mpecs3atrmfe7/KayleeStracka.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748477050/richfieldschoolsorg/farjmf2mpecs3atrmfe7/KayleeStracka.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1748477050/richfieldschoolsorg/farjmf2mpecs3atrmfe7/KayleeStracka.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748477050/richfieldschoolsorg/farjmf2mpecs3atrmfe7/KayleeStracka.png","width":1188}])
Kaylee’s advice for freshmen: “Talk to as many people as possible. High school isn’t always easy, and who you are changes a lot. Give yourself space to build new connections—those people will help carry you through the hard times.”
