Schools
Meet Rio Marquez-Hammitt
Lakes High graduate says that community is what has inspired her to succeed. Her next stop: the University of Portland.
Whiz Kid's name: Rio Marquez-Hammitt
Whiz Kid's age: 18
Whiz Kid's school: Lakes High School
Whiz Kid's accomplishment: Rio, a 2011 honor graduate, is off to the University of Portland in the fall, where she plans to study environmental engineering. She received a President’s Scholarship and grant to attend the school. While at Lakes, Rio was selected as , a two-year executive mentor in Lakes’ Ignite Mentoring program and a state qualifier in the DECA program in 2009 and 2010. She also earned Advanced Placement credit in a quartet of math and English classes.
Whiz Kid's key to awesomeness: Rio said that having community support has inspired her to succeed. “Whether it was help with homework, a great environment for a first job or support in the crowds during parades, Lakewood was always there for me,” she said. Among her supporters: her parents, teachers, church members, bosses and Daffodilians. “I love my community,” she said.