Ximena Valenciano Serna Named October Student of the Month

West Chicago Community High School has selected Ximena Valenciano Serna of West Chicago as Student of the Month for October 2022. Ximena was selected by her teachers who said, “There is no student at WCCHS like Serna. In addition to being an outstanding student who demonstrates nothing but respect and diligence in the classroom, Ximena is the Senior Service Officer in National Honor Society. Last year, Ximena earned the United Nations Ambassador Award for 100+ hours of community service. She created cards for students in the hospital & painted inspirational messages on rocks and left them at Reed Keppler Park to brighten people's day. Now she is leading other students, encouraging them to give back to the community, and go above and beyond what is expected of them.”

A senior, Ximena has been on High Honor Roll every semester of her high school career, earning a cumulative weighted grade point average (GPA) of 5.075. She is the Service Officer of National Honor Society and a member of the French Honor Society.

Ximena has been involved in WeGo Global, International Club, Interact Club, Girls Who Code & Ola’as Club; she is a Student Ambassador and Caucus Leader for her Government class. She is also on the Executive Board for Women’s Leadership, organizing events and fundraisers.

Ximena has focused her time outside of the classroom on preparing for college. Completing applications, financial aid and scholarships to ensure a successful path to her future.

When asked about her favorite high school memory, Ximena said, “My favorite memory so far has been the movie night during homecoming week because I had a very good time with my friends and made a ton of new friends. The night was full of laughter, pictures and snacks and I was surrounded by a group of people which I am very grateful to have met at WeGo!”

Ximena has this advice for future Wildcats, “In all circumstances, live everyday like it is your last. Stay positive, smile try your best every day and never give up. Whenever you have a goal in mind, stay centered and never doubt yourself. Anybody is capable of accomplishing a dream as long as they remain consistent, focused and determined. No matter how long it takes, never give up!”

After graduation, Ximena plans to major in either Biomedical Engineering, influenced by her Human Anatomy class or Neuroscience and Psychiatry, due to her interest in scientific and behavioral functions of the brain.