Diego

Diego built his reputation through consistency — in the classroom, on the basketball court, and on the soccer field. As valedictorian and a multi-sport athlete, younger students often looked to him as a leader and mentor.

Internships with Energy Vault and Palisades Vineyards introduced Diego to engineering and renewable energy. Through hands-on projects, he saw how engineering can solve real-world problems. For Diego, engineering is not just about building things; it is about improving lives

During his senior year, Diego faced a major setback when a serious soccer injury required reconstructive surgery. Suddenly, the sports routines that had shaped his identity were put on hold during one of the most important seasons of high school. Recovery forced him to slow down, lean on the people around him, and rethink what strength really looks like.

Now preparing to attend San José State University, Diego plans to study mechanical engineering and hopes to develop clean technologies for the future.