Standout Student: Park Center’s Giovanni Delgado Ortiz
Friends and teachers call Giovanni Delgado Ortiz by the nickname “Gio.” He isn’t the loudest kid in class. However, he may just be one of the smartest.
“He is not someone who will overtake the course by explaining everything that he thinks,” says Art Wachholz, Gio’s history teacher. “His answers are very poignant in the way that he speaks and he talks. He picks his moment when he talks you really know he’s put a lot of thought and effort in to things.”
Gio is in the Top 5 percent of his class
Gio is also a part of the International Baccalaureate program. It includes classes in every subject which has a heavy course load and sometimes hours of exams.
“Growing up you are always given this idea that education is something you should always strive for,” says Gio. “Coming from a low income family and having this opportunity to achieve more, I really wanted to take advantage of every educational opportunity.”
Gio comes from a Mexican American family which has always made him more curious about the world around him. His background prompted him to get involved in the International Baccalaureate program.
“Having that sort of knowledge it gives a feeling or incentive to work harder and to really try and define my position in this world,” added Gio.
Besides taking part in the highly prestigious program, Gio has also interned with Minnesota Department of Transportation. While he has valued all the experience he has gained, he hopes he can inspire others to take education as seriously as he does.
“You get to shape your own future,” says Gio. “Take advantage of the resources around you.”
Gio plans on attending the University of Minnesota where he will study medicine.
