From the streets of Tegucigalpa to the halls of the University of Pennsylvania, Alondra Andino’s journey embodies the spirit of perseverance. As George Washington High School‘s Senior of the Month, she’s proven that determination knows no bounds.

Moving from Honduras at age seven, Alondra built a life first in New York City, then in Philadelphia. While her early high school years didn’t include honors classes, she pushed for more challenging coursework, eventually joining the International Baccalaureate program. Now ranked sixth in her class, Alondra recently earned the prestigious Questbridge Scholarship, which will fund her full education at Penn – making her one of just 2,600 students nationwide to receive this life-changing opportunity.

“The people you surround yourself with and your environment really matter,” Alondra says. “As I began getting involved in things I cared about, everything changed – my grades improved, and I started enjoying school so much more.”

Despite the rigorous demands of the IB program, Alondra has embraced leadership roles across campus. She serves as National Honor Society Historian, mentors through Peer Group Connection, and advocates in the Social Justice Club. She’s also co-founded the Young Ambassadors Program and participated in DECA business competitions, where she conquered her fear of public speaking.

Family remains at the heart of Alondra’s success story. Though an only child, she spends nearly every weekend in New York with her large extended family of cousins. At home in Philadelphia, she lives with her mom, whom she calls her “best friend and biggest inspiration.”

The IB program has shaped more than just her academic future. “I’ll definitely miss my teachers the most,” she reflects. “In the IB program, you develop this family-like bond with them. The program has helped me develop better communication, critical thinking, and teamworking skills.”

For Alondra, this recognition as Senior of the Month is just another milestone in a journey that’s far from over. Her path – from Honduras to Penn, from regular classes to IB excellence – shows what’s possible when talent meets tenacity. As she prepares for her next chapter at Penn, one thing is clear: Alondra Andino doesn’t just overcome obstacles; she transforms them into stepping stones for success.

We asked Alondra some of our favorite questions:

Why do you think you were nominated as Senior of the Month?
I think I was nominated as Senior of the Month because of my hard work but also my desire to do more and to achieve better things in my life. Mr. Marchio knows who I am as a person and how dedicated I am to my education and I think this played a big role in his choosing to nominate me.

You were nominated by Mr.Marchio. Explain your relationship to him?
Mr. Marchio is my English teacher and IB coordinator. I would say we have a very strong bond. He is extremely helpful and cares a lot about all of his students. I’ve gone to him with plenty of questions and problems and he is always there to listen.

a. Explain their role in your experience at your school.

Mr. Marchio was the person who convinced me to join the IB Diploma program. He has played a huge role in my high school experience and I don’t know if I would be where I am today had it not been for his consistent support and pushing. He is trying to create a better and more supportive program where students can learn as well as have fun and be rewarded and that contributed a lot to me having a good experience in high school.

What do you enjoy most when you are not at school?
When I am not at school I enjoy spending time with my friends and my family. My family and I are extremely close. Activity wise, my favorite thing to do is read which I started doing during quarantine.

How did you choose your high school? What is the best thing about attending school at George Washington High School?
I started high school in Philadelphia around a semester after school started because my mom and I had moved to Philadelphia that summer. I didn’t have the ability to choose a school, I just got appointed to the one that was closest to where I lived. The best thing about attending George Washington High School is the IB program. Not just the program itself but the people in it because who you surround yourself with matters and the ib program creates one of the best environments I’ve been a part of.

What is one thing that the School District could do to improve our service to students?
One thing that the School District could do to improve their service to students is provide more access to mental health resources. Many students suffer from a lot of stress, problems in their home life, and other aspects that can cause mental health issues which affect their academic performance and overall everyday life. By providing more mental health programs and counselors, the district could help foster a better learning environment that supports students emotional wellbeing.

What is the thing you’d like to be remembered for/as, by the teachers and students who you knew here?
I would like to be remembered for my hard work and the things I’ve accomplished but also who I am as a person. I consider myself a caring and empathetic person and that is how I would like to be remembered.

Alondra we are so excited for you – best of luck in the college and career of your dreams!