‘My parents’ American Dream’: High schooler to become first-gen college student

CHARLOTTE — A graduating senior at Sugar Creek Charter School is graduating at the top of her class this year.

From answering phones to participating in the classroom, Jolette Perez Vicente can do it all.

“I am a student ambassador, president of National Honor Society,” she said.

ALSO READ: Scholarship program in Union County helps first-generation students get into college

The star student is also the first in her family to go to college. Her parents, who are from Mexico, moved to Charlotte in the early 2000s and never got the opportunity.

“I am my parents’ American Dream for sure,” she said. “My parents don’t know much about college. Even my sister -- My mom was in coma after I was born so she basically raised me my sister when she was 12.”

Vicente credits her achievements to a group called First Gen Success. The nonprofit supports girls who will be the first in their family to go to college. It’s an experience Vincente’s mentor, Sonia Hart, who walked a similar path, wished she had.

>> How the help she received has inspired her plans for the future, in this story.

(WATCH BELOW: Cherryville HS senior graduates with 13 years perfect attendance)