49 New High School Graduates: Stories Born from Rural Education

Elenny Vélez didn’t just receive a diploma. She received the certainty that hard work pays off.

Recognized as the top graduate of the Rafael Olmedo Naranjo School, she said an emotional goodbye to what she called her “second home,” thanking teachers, classmates, and her family.

“I also thank the Wong family for opening the doors of this institution to me… May this not be the end of my academic journey, remembering that today’s effort is tomorrow’s success,” she said. Her story reflects that of many.

A total of 49 students from the Cristóbal Colón, Rafael Olmedo Naranjo, and Dr. Segundo Wong Mayorga educational units celebrated the conclusion of a phase marked by hard work and the beginning of new opportunities.

Today, they are not just graduating. They are young people who represent the transformative power of education in their communities, carrying with them values, convictions, and a commitment to contribute to their surroundings.

During the ceremony, Rafael Wong Naranjo, chairman of the board of the Wong Foundation, highlighted the key role of women in rural areas and the potential of young people as future leaders. He also reaffirmed the commitment to continue expanding educational outreach to more communities.

He also invited the graduates to continue their training through technical programs such as AGROFUTURO, designed to develop productive skills that facilitate their entry into the workforce.

“I am very happy that we are not investing in vain, but rather investing in the future of our country… We are already seeing and reaping results with the AGROFUTURO program,” he noted.

Along the same lines, Ricardo Romero, director of the Wong Foundation, recalled:

“The journey has only just begun… Learning never ends.”

Today, these 49 young people are taking a firm step toward their future. Because when education is sown with purpose, it transforms lives and strengthens communities.

Currently, 670 students are continuing on this path, demonstrating that meaningful education is the foundation for building a better tomorrow.