Madera County School Board announces success stories

For The Madera Tribune

Brody Adams.

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The Madera County School Board Association (MCSBA) selected Freedom Home School graduate Brody Adams, Madera South High School graduate Karina Martinez, and Matilda Torres High School graduate Angelica Ortiz-Duran, along with Yosemite High School junior Emily Kirby and Madera South High School freshman Manuel Reyes-Herrera, “Success Stories” individuals.

Brody Adams

Adams attended Freedom High School. He aspires to be a Rodeo Cowboy, competing and developing his skills while also finishing high school, and obtaining an Associate of Arts degree through dual enrollment. 

While taking online courses at Freedom High and State Center Community College District, he also honed his skills on a horse ranch, and maintained his standing as an all-around rodeo cowboy. 

Adams competes regularly in tie-down roping, steer wrestling, and team roping. Most impressively, Adams achieved a 3.8 GPA to complete his high school studies and also earned an Associate of Arts degree by the time he graduated. 

With a positive attitude, determination, and a mindset to finish strong, Brody is a huge success story and an inspiration to all who encounter him. 

Karina Martinez 

Martinez comes from a hardworking family with a volunteer heart and a willingness to serve both inside and outside the classroom. 

From a young age, she often attended conferences to translate for her mother, taking on responsibilities with a level of maturity far beyond her years. 

Throughout middle school and high school at Madera South, Martinez found success and purpose in running. She excelled in track and cross-country, earning a scholarship to UC Merced. 

While attending college and pursuing her degree, she remained connected to her former teachers and mentors, seeking their guidance as she explored career opportunities.  

Martinez graduated from UC Merced with a degree in Psychology and, in 2023, was sworn in as a probation officer for the City of Merced. 

Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “The amount of support, love, and encouragement I have received has been a blessing, and I am forever grateful.” 

Martinez exemplifies perseverance, leadership, and service. She is a remarkable success story for our community and an inspiration to students throughout our district.

Angelica Ortiz-Duran

Ortiz-Duran is a graduate of Matilda Torres High School. Her story embodies resilience, determination, and remarkable strength of character. 

Due to family circumstances, she was required to move to Mexico during her freshman year. While away, she could not enroll in school due to unexpected barriers. 

Despite that setback, Angelica worked full-time at a clinic, assisting physicians and supporting daily medical operations. 

Through this experience, she developed professional skills and a strong work ethic.

Upon returning to Madera, Ortiz-Duran was faced with an uphill battle to complete her academic credits and get back on course for graduation.  She met that challenge without hesitation and began working nights and weekends on rebuilding her transcript.   

In addition to her school responsibilities, Ortiz-Duran was responsible for several household duties. Arriving home from school, she had to tend to chores and find time to study to complete extra assignments to get back on track.

Looking ahead, Ortiz-Duran plans to serve her country by joining the military. With her dedication and work ethic, she will succeed at any career path she chooses. 

Emily Kirby 

Since her first day as a freshman at Yosemite High School, Kriby’s passion for the arts has grown from that of an advanced art student into that of a leader and innovator. 

Her vision for an art exhibit organized by color resulted in a cohesive and engaging showcase that celebrated the work of her peers while inspiring and recruiting incoming eighth-grade students. The event was a tremendous success. 

Kirby has consistently held herself to a high standard in both academics and the arts, maintaining an impressive GPA throughout high school while also performing in a school play and competing as a student-athlete. 

She plans to channel her passion into a career as an art educator, a path that perfectly reflects her leadership, mentorship, and dedication to the arts. 

As Emily reflects on her high school experience, she said, “Yosemite High School has shaped not just my education, but who I am becoming. It has given me teachers who believe in me and opportunities that have pushed me to become the best version of myself.”  

Manuel Reyes-Herrera 

Reyes-Herrera is an outstanding student leader whose dedication and involvement have made a lasting impact on the Future Farmers of America (FFA) program. 

From the beginning of his journey at Madera Technical Exploration Center (MadTEC), he demonstrated initiative and determination, earning the role of Discovery FFA Vice President. 

Throughout his time in FFA, Reyes-Herrera embraced every opportunity to learn and compete. 

He excelled in Creed Speaking and Cotton Judging, helping lead his team from newcomers to State Champions at the Cotton State Finals hosted by California State University, Fresno. 

His team’s consistent success reflects the commitment, discipline, and attention to detail that Reyes-Herrera brings to everything he does. 

Inspired by the opportunities agriculture education provided, Reyes-Herrera continued his involvement at Madera South High School, where he currently serves as Greenhand President. 

He remains active in multiple judging teams and recently earned first place in a local Creed Speaking competition. 

Beyond his own achievements, Reyes-Herrera is committed to serving others. He regularly returns to MadTEC to share his experiences with current students, encouraging them to get involved, step outside their comfort zones, and pursue new opportunities. 

His leadership, character, and dedication make him an exceptional representative of FFA and his community.