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Wendy Carcamo is praised as a community leader and visionary as a senior on Whittier High School’s campus. A first-generation Latina who is the youngest of five siblings, Carcamo has faced personal challenges with remarkable resilience as she actively seeks out environments that foster her growth and align with her core values.
As a member of Whittier High’s Puente Program, Carcamo has demonstrated deep-rooted values and a steadfast desire to make a positive impact on society. As a second-year academic mentor, she is known for supporting and uplifting her peers. Additionally, as president of the Cardinal Academy of Technology (CAT), Carcamo is laying the groundwork for a career of technological advancement and innovation.
Carcamo, who boasts a 4.32 GPA, was recognized by the Whittier Union Board of Trustees with an Award of Merit for her leadership, vision, and innovation, during its February 11 Board meeting.
“Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me throughout my journey,” Carcamo said. “To my family and friends, for pushing me to be the best; to Whittier High for guiding me in the right direction; to the Puente Program for showing me community, and to all my teachers, administrators, and counselors for being kind and believing in me.”
Carcamo embraces both education and community service through her involvement in the Puente Program. As a sophomore, she was named a winner of the Cesar E. Chavez Day of Service Award, earning her a small scholarship.
After graduation, Carcamo said she plans to attend Cal Poly Pomona and major in civil engineering.
“Wendy’s journey and contributions perfectly embody the values and spirit of our school community,” Whittier High Principal Andres Favela said. “Wendy truly exemplifies what it means to be a Whittier Puentista. We are incredibly proud of you and look forward to all the amazing things you will achieve in the future and continuing Whittier High’s ‘Legacy of Excellence.’”
As a Latina in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, Carcamo has eagerly stepped into leadership positions, initiated innovative projects, and inspired her peers to push themselves academically.
Carcamo’s CAT Capstone project is her most ambitious and exciting to date – a full-size, motorized replica of iconic “Star Wars” droid R2-D2, conceived and manufactured with her classmates Nathan Galindo and Raquel Rubio, which will incorporate everything she has learned in CAT, including coding, mechatronics, and 3-D design.
“Although we got off to a rough start, everything is slowly falling into place, and we hope to have the legs and head fully on in the next couple of weeks,” Carcamo said. “I can’t say enough about my CAT teachers and classmates. Thank you for always pushing me to take risks out of my comfort zone and making me laugh.”
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