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Lianny Aponte Rivas

1x

Finalist

Bio

I am a first-generation immigrant student from a low-income neighborhood. Today, I have achieved goals that once seemed unattainable and that I thought I could only see in movies. I am a cheerleader, dancer, freshmen mentor, member of the cabinet of the class of 2026, and volunteer in bilingual programs, things that I only saw as impossible dreams when I was in my country and that today I am proud to have achieved. As a first-generation student and child of an immigrant single mother, I know that I carry my family’s sacrifices and dreams in everything I do. I’m proud of where I come from, and I know that I can achieve big things, grow as a leader, serve my community, and inspire others to fight for their dreams in the future. As Silvia Austerlic said, “I am an immigrant not by accident, but by choice and courage … this moment is not the end of me, but a turning point to rise.” High School Recognitions: Student of the Month (January 2025) Honor Roll (Freshman to Senior year) Perfect Attendance (First Semester 2023-2024 year and First Semester 2025-2026 year) Outstanding World Language Student (February 2026) Activities: NSHSS Member Cheer Team - Varsity level Senior Class Cabinet High School Fashion Club Member Mentor of incoming freshman students Volunteer interpreter at community events Dual Enrollment Student

Education

University of Nebraska at Omaha

Bachelor's degree program
2026 - 2030
  • Majors:
    • Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
  • Minors:
    • International Business
  • GPA:
    3.8

South High School

High School
2023 - 2026
  • GPA:
    3.9

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Business/Managerial Economics
    • International Business
    • Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
    • Marketing
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Marketing and Advertising

    • Dream career goals:

    • Sales Consultant

      Club Car Wash
      2026 – Present6 months
    • Cashier

      Hy-vee
      2024 – 20251 year

    Sports

    Cheerleading

    Varsity
    2025 – 20261 year

    Kickball

    Club
    2022 – 20231 year

    Dancing

    Club
    2016 – Present10 years

    Research

    • Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education

      Omaha South High School — Principal Researcher
      2025 – Present

    Arts

    • Omaha South High Fashion Design and Construction Class

      Design
      2024 – Present
    • Omaha South Dance Class and Extracurricular Folclorical Dances Companies

      Dance
      2024 – 2025

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Omaha South Dual Language Volunteering Program — Volunteer and interpreter
      2025 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Step-Up Omaha — Volunteer
      2024 – Present

    Future Interests

    Volunteering

    Entrepreneurship