Valedictorian and 2010 Graduate of IDEA College Preparatory Donna
Enrolled at IDEA since 5th Grade
Grandparents: Guadalupe & Delia Villanueva
Mother: Felicia Villanueva
Individual Achievements:
Throughout her student career, Amber has earned all A’s and completed eight advanced placement (AP) courses. She will graduate top of her class, and is one of 1,000 students across the nation named a 2010 Gates Scholar by the Gates Millennium Scholars Program (GMS). Each scholar is awarded a scholarship that can be used at the college or university of their choice. It covers full tuition and other college expenses incurred starting freshman year through graduation. Click here for the full story about Amber's Gates Millennium Scholarship.
Amber is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Senior Committee, and has helped in Relay for Life. She volunteers her time at the Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco, her church and Quinta Mazatlan.
What did you like most about going to school at IDEA Donna?
The relationships – IDEA is a small community of students and teachers. I enjoyed knowing all of my peers and growing up with them since fifth grade. My teachers were always available, day and night, to help with something I did not understand.
Compared to other schools you attended, what was different at IDEA?
At IDEA, students can reach their full potential because of the Road to College class we take as juniors and seniors. This class gave me a set time during the school day to focus on what I needed to do to go to college. In my junior year, I was required to research and apply to a summer program. My career interests are in engineering, and so I applied and attended Michigan Tech’s “Women in Engineering," a weeklong summer program that introduced me to different fields of engineering. I was able to learn more about engineering and create a model building that could withstand an earthquake. In my senior year, my teachers kept me accountable to complete my Common Application, Apply Texas, FAFSA and eleven college applications.
What college do you plan to attend and what will you study?
I have received eight college acceptance letters and will be attending Northwestern University, Boston University or Tufts University, to study civil engineering.
As an IDEA alumn, what will you share about your experiences at IDEA?
IDEA Public Schools is for all students, not just for so-called “geniuses." The students who attend IDEA go to school everyday because they want to do something with their life. My principals and teachers constantly reminded me that I was preparing to go college. At IDEA, you learn to do well in school today so you can be better off in the future.
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