WATCH: Six first generation immigrant girls graduate at the top of their class
LOS ANGELES, CA - For the first time ever Dominguez High School's graduating class of 2016 includes two valedictorians and four salutatorians- all friends since middle school. Six latina girls, loving referred at as the "Super Six" are best friends from working class families. How did they do it? By supporting one another.
"I appreciate them, a lot. If it wasn't for them then I don't think I'd be in this position. Especially because there's been moments where...I didn't think I could do something. But with the support and love from them I felt like I could do it. And I did do it. Because I'm here." 2016 Salutatorian Kimberly Fernandez will be the first in her family to attend a four year college. She's been accepted to UCLA where she plans to study psychology.
All six are first generation Americans and all of them credit their immigrant parents with instilling respect for higher education and a determination to succeed.
"They always tell me like 'Oh we came here not for us' but for my sister and me and we want you guys to achieve." Co-valedictorian Nancy Rivas graduated with a 4.5 GPA. She earned a scholarship and will be attending UC Irvine in the fall where she plans to study criminology.
Compton School Board President Satra Zurita said "these girls weren't a clique, these girls were a network. They were supporting each other, helping each other. And they're ambassadors for Compton."