Escalera named Abby Lions Student of the Quarter

Abbotsford High School senior Briseida Escalera has been named the Abbotsford Lions Club Student of the Quarter for the fourth quarter of the 2023-24 school year.

Escalera carries a rigorous class schedule that includes Written Communication, Accounting I, Independent Art & Design I, Band, and NTC Health Academy which includes Medical Terminology, General Anatomy & Physiology, Basic CPR & Life Support, and Introduction to the HESI Exam. Her co-curricular activities include National Honor Society, Student Senate, FBLA, Spanish Club, Forensics, and Jazz Band. She is also a member of the volleyball, basketball, and track and field teams.

Abbotsford District Administrator, Ryan Bargender, highly recommended her for the Student of the Quarter award.

“Briseida is an active participant in our school community,” Bargender stated. “She is a three-sport athlete and member of various school clubs; yet she still makes her studies a priority. She is a tremendous student, having achieved High Honors each semester in high school and challenging herself academically by completing eight college level courses. Her 3.937 GPA ranks her fourth in her class of 61 students. Also active in the Abbotsford community, she is a “go getter” and a natural leader. She likes to help those in need and is a role model for younger students. She is determined, hardworking, and dependable and takes pride in her work, doing all this with a smile on her face.” Escalera’s volunteerism attests to her belief in community service. She has been actively involved by working the food pantry and helping with catechism in the Hispanic community for St. Bernard’s Church, coaching youth basketball, helping with alumni basketball tournaments, assisting with the Red Cross Blood Drive, serving at the FFA Dairy Breakfast and participating in the Abbotsford Christmas Parade.

When asked to identify an outstanding feature of the community, Briseida applauded the Abbotsford School District’s Dual Language program, stating “Our school brings in multiple students of different race and ethnic backgrounds. This program teaches Spanish and English, the predominate languages in our school, providing greater opportunities for students to grow and enhance their learning, adding to their educational success.”

When asked to define a major world problem, Escalera responded, “I would confront hunger and malnutrition. There are too many children in this world who suffer because of the lack of food and aren’t as fortunate as I am. I would do whatever I could to help provide adequate nutrition and let them know others care.”

Briseida currently works at McDonalds. After graduation, she plans to attend Chippewa Valley Technical College enrolling in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program. Due to a year-long waiting list for this program, she plans to enroll in the Phlebotomy program to gain more certification and skills.

She is the daughter of Selenia Espino and Rogelio Escalera.

Briseida Escalera