Students Who Make a Difference: Miguel Zuñiga-Jiminez

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Meet 10 students in the Upstate who are making a difference in their communities. CINDY HOSEA/Staff

Miguel Zuñiga-Jiminez is an excellent student who inspires those around him.

A student at East North Street Academy in Greenville, Miguel is focused on his future and his friends.

“Miguel loves to learn and is always eager to participate and achieve his best,” his teacher, Stephanie Duncan, said. “He is a true friend to all students and is willing to help others achieve their best. Miguel excels in all subject areas and is an avid soccer player. He is accepting and open to all students and has compassion for those students around him.”

Miguel’s parents, Evangelina Jimenez and Juvenal Zuñiga moved to the United States from Mexico. His teacher said he has overcome many barriers, including learning a new language. Miguel’s mother said through an interpreter that her son is studious and attentive.

“He is very generous and always willing to help others,” she said. “We advise him to never give up and do his best and believe in God and in himself.”

Miguel said he dreams of being a soccer player when he grows up, but he also enjoys doing a lot of math. But his classmates know him as someone who is always willing to put for the extra effort to make people feel special.

“Some kids are very nervous, so I want to help them and make them not scared,” he said. “One day, I want to go to college and I want to get better and better at school.”

Nomination excerpt: “Miguel has overcome many barriers, including learning a new language and has excelled at doing so. Miguel has a goal to be successful and own his own soccer team some day. Due to his passion for learning and his drive to excel, there is no doubt that Miguel will achieve all of his dreams!”

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