PV High Rallies Around Family of Deceased Classmate

Edwin Garica-Portugal will receive his Pajaro Valley High School diploma three weeks early, but it's not the outcome anyone was hoping for.

Edwin, 17, died earlier this month of brain cancer. A copy of the diploma he worked so hard to earn will be enclosed in Edwin's casket when he's buried in Michoacán, Mexico, next to his grandparents later this week.

“He would have graduated in three weeks. He was trying so hard to hang on so he could graduate and make his mom proud," Pajaro Valley High School Assistant Principal Deanna Young said.

Young described Edwin as a brave, strong and quiet individual who was a role model to classmates through his actions.

“Edwin was diagnosed about a year ago January. He didn’t tell any of his close friends just how sick he was," Young said. “He was going to be as normal as student as possible. Up until the end, there were many of his friends that had no idea just how sick he was.”

Edwin's older brother will accept the teenager's original diploma at the Pajaro Valley High commencement ceremony in June.

The loss to the Class of 2012 has brought students closer together. In hearing that the family was experiencing difficulty paying for Edwin’s funeral arrangements, classmates decided to honor their fallen peer in a way typical of who Edwin was—they quietly yet with great determination organized , according to Young.

Karina Arredondo, a PVHS senior, has spearheaded the donation drive along with Vince Hernandez, also a PVHS senior. Both knew Edwin as a strong and kind student, whose presence on the football field this past season was missed due to his illness.

Both students felt very strong about doing something to honor Edwin and help Edwin’s parents with the burial costs. His family left Tuesday for the funeral in Mexico.

“It was surprising in the fact how quickly they pulled together," Young said. "They saw this need and their feeling was this is what Edwin would do for someone.”

, at 2026 Freedom Blvd. in Watsonville has volunteered space for the students to hold a car wash 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 20. In addition, Alvarez Collision and Paint has donated supplies to allow all funds raised to go towards the Edwin Garcia-Portugal Memorial Fund.

Those interested in making a contribution are encouraged to send their donations to the Edwin Garcia-Portugal Memorial Fund, care of Pajaro Valley High School, 500 Harkins Slough Rd., Watsonville, CA 95076.

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