Meet the Class of 2026: Erik Huerta’s Voice for the Community

For most students, entering fifth grade is not a significant adjustment, but for Erik Huerta, it meant adapting to a new teaching system, country, and language. With strong support from his family, after moving from Mexico to the Coachella Valley, Erik felt encouraged to focus on his education and make the most of the opportunities around him.

“Since I mainly spoke Spanish, I was really lost in the classroom,” Erik said while reflecting on his first experiences in the United States. “Adjusting to a new academic environment challenged me to become more independent as a student, but I felt disconnected from school and outside of home, which made it harder.”

But that all changed when Erik was enrolled in a bilingual classroom. There, he connected with students in both English and Spanish.

“When they changed me to the bilingual classroom, I was able to speak Spanish with other students and make friends. It was the first good experience I had.”

Erik’s transition into a bilingual classroom was supported by Marisa Gaytan, his fourth-grade teacher at Mecca Elementary School, who quickly recognized both his character and potential.

“One of the first things I noticed about Erik was his smile,” Mrs. Gaytan said. “He had the biggest, happiest smile; the kind that lights up a room.”

After getting to know Erik, she said his work ethic stood out just as much as his smile.

“He was very self-motivated, persistent, and always asked for more work. Everything I asked him to do, he did with the best attitude.”

Looking back, Mrs. Gaytan said she could already see Erik becoming someone who would connect with and inspire others.

“His first language being Spanish is his superpower, because it allows him to be a bridge between two worlds and reach more people.”

Before entering middle school, Erik discovered a passion for science. His curiosity led to projects that earned awards and qualified him multiple times for the Riverside County Science and Engineering Fair (RCSEF).

Guided by Encouragement

While Erik was promoting out of elementary school, his older sister was promoting out of middle school. Watching her ceremony, he was inspired by the student speaker.

“I remember watching someone give a speech in English, and my parents told me that the person who gives that speech graduates with the highest GPA,” Erik said. “That moment motivated me to work harder so I could do that too.”

His sister was also a major source of motivation, encouraging him to never give up and always strive for greatness.

“She was my motivation throughout middle school and into high school. I saw the effort she put in, and it motivated me to follow in her footsteps.”

After two years of pushing himself, Erik was proud to promote to high school.

“When I promoted from Toro Canyon Middle School, I was the one who graduated with the highest GPA and gave the speech.”

Using His Voice to Represent His Community

As Erik entered high school, he quickly became involved in activities that benefited both himself and his community.

Starting in ninth grade, Erik participated in the Migrant Leaders Club at Desert Mirage High School. He also joined ASB, where he ran for president to represent and encourage newcomers and migrant students.

“I honestly felt like a lot of students were not involved because they were scared or didn’t know it was an option for them.”

“This year we have around 60 students, one of the highest numbers we’ve ever had,” Erik said.

Impact Beyond the Classroom

Wanting to do more, Erik became a student trustee for the Coachella Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees, where he advocated for students affected by unreliable bus service.

“I told the board how late buses were affecting students. After that, we worked together to create an app that tracks bus locations.”

Another proud moment was working with younger migrant students.

“Sometimes I help elementary students with homework. One girl told me, ‘One day I want to be the student trustee too.’ That made me really happy because it’s important that newcomers feel like they don’t have limits.”

Erik also participated in Speech and Debate through RCOE’s Migrant Education Program, competing in both English and Spanish.

“Learning two languages is amazing. Being an English learner makes me proud because it tells my story.”

He also joined the FIND Food Bank internship program, distributing food, attending workshops, and visiting Washington, D.C.

“That experience made me want to study science and medicine even more.”

Across the Country and Back

This June, Erik will graduate from Desert Mirage High School as valedictorian and attend Columbia University on a full-ride scholarship.

“I’m excited to meet new people, but I’m also scared to leave my community,” Erik said. “What I’ve learned is that we have to work hard for what we want.”

He plans to study neuroscience and return to serve his community as an anesthesiologist.

Those who know him say his commitment to giving back is what truly sets him apart.

Mrs. Gaytan said, “The greatest part of his story is how he wants to come back to build and serve his home. That speaks volumes about who Erik Huerta is.”