3,000 miles and 2 languages later, this Tri-Cities grad is headed to UW business school
A lot has changed over the last four years for Alonzo Solano.
He moved 3,000 miles across the continent to the Tri-Cities, became fluent in English and started taking advanced-placement courses. Now, he’s been accepted to attend the Foster School of Business at University of Washington.
At his core, the Pasco High School student is still a shy kid who’s passionate about education.
He wants to “let students know the obstacles are not impossible to defeat.”
“I want to motivate my family and students just like me to work hard and help their families,” he told the Tri-City Herald.
Solano is one of about 40 emerging multi-lingual students who will graduate June 10 as part of Pasco High’s Class of 2023. He and his peers also will receive the Seal of Biliteracy on his diploma for his proficiency in Spanish and English.
His story of obstacles is common among Spanish-language learners, but unique in what’s influenced him to become a standout student. Solano academically ranks third among his graduating class of 479 students, said Nidia Rodriguez, his English language development teacher.
Guerrero roots
Solano was born in South Carolina to a working mother. But when he was 1, she took him to live with his grandparents in Ometepec, Mexico — a small, lush city in the state of Guerrero.
“There, the education is lower than here. But I tried my best there and when I got here I tried my best to overcome and be successful,” he recalled.
In 2019, he chose to come back to the United States to further his education because opportunities — both curricular and extracurricular — were lacking at his school of 130 students.
When he returned, his mom had moved to Pasco for agriculture work, tending to fields of asparagus and onions and the cherry orchards.
Coming to Pasco High School was a culture shock.
“I didn’t know a lot of English. I was struggling to communicate with my peers because I didn’t understand anything,” he said.
Solano began his education at Pasco as an “emerging multi-lingual student,” a term the district gives to students just starting their journey toward biliteracy. Pasco High has about 170 of them, said Assistant Principal Veronica Machado.
Pasco School District is the largest dual language program provider in Washington state’s public school system.
It’s also in the process of transitioning its “late-exit” English classes — where students focus primarily on English language standards — into two-way dual language programs. Washington state Superintendent Chris Reykdal has said two-way programs will make high school graduates more employable.
Rodriguez said Solano is an inquisitive, humble and dedicated student whose work has led to more technical and challenging school work.
She met him in March 2020, shortly before the pandemic. Even in classrooms over video conferencing, Rodriguez said, he’s never been afraid to ask a question or get an answer wrong.
“He’s always been proactive. And if I could use one word to describe him, he’s very diligent,” she said. “He looks to the future, not so much the past. He’s ambitious and that’s great for him.”
He’s also part of the National Honor Society, she said.
Machado said Solano is the “staple example” of the success Pasco’s emerging multi-lingual learners can achieve.
Looking to the future
Solano will be a first-generation college student when he attends UW in the fall. And his plan is to be the first person in his family to earn a college degree.
He’s looking at careers in business management.
Finances have been tight for his family, so money has been an obstacle. But Solano works part-time at Walmart during the school year, and helps out his mom with ag work during the summer.
Solano has a deep love for soccer, he likes to hang out with his friends by the river and he plays mariachi trumpet at Pasco High.
“I really like the culture of my community because they’re people who know each other, and they’re really helpful,” he said.
