Two Warren High School seniors earn full-ride scholarships to Northeastern University

Warren High School seniors Joshua Barrera and America Ramirez Macin received the news of a lifetime via Zoom last week as they were surprised by Northeastern University staff that they had received the highly competitive Torch Scholarship. This scholarship is only available to 15 students nationally. From left: Warren High AVID teacher Andrea Harris; Torch Scholar and Warren senior, America and Josh; and Warren High AVID teacher David Cha.

In an extraordinary achievement, two Warren High School seniors, Joshua Barrera and America Ramirez Macin, have been selected as recipients of Northeastern University’s highly competitive Torch Scholarship. This year, 500 students from across the United States applied for one of the 15 available Torch Scholarships, highlighting the incredible distinction of Joshua and America’s accomplishment.

The Torch Scholars Program is a full-ride scholarship, in the amount of approximate $360,000, that supports talented, first-generation college students by covering tuition, room, board, books, and fees for up to eight undergraduate semesters. The program also provides comprehensive mentoring and academic support, ensuring each scholar’s success at Northeastern University.

Joshua and America’s selection as Torch Scholars not only reflects their individual dedication and resilience but also underscores the strength of Warren High School’s academic programs and the unwavering support of the Downey Unified. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to their peers and the entire Downey community.

Joshua’s journey is one of perseverance and self-motivation. He volunteered at PIH Hospital from summer 2023 through the end of 2024, progressing from a shy volunteer to a confident trainer for new recruits. In addition to mastering hospital operations, he developed strong leadership skills, mentoring others and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.

Beyond his dedication to service, Joshua is a self-taught pianist who began playing on a $15 Casio keyboard from a church yard sale. His discipline in music translated into his passion for STEM, where he mastered multiple coding languages, including HTML, CSS, and Java. He excelled in advanced coursework like AP Computer Science A and AP Calculus AB while completing a Tech360 web development internship and earning acceptance into the prestigious Tech Flex Leaders program.

Despite working 20-30 hours per week at Taco Bell and a catering job to help support his family and assist his mother in attending community college, Joshua maintained a rigorous academic schedule, consistently taking four or more AP courses annually. He is an active member of a coding club on campus and has applied his programming skills to assist a nonprofit organization with web development. His passion for cybersecurity and STEM innovation has set the stage for a promising future in computer science at Northeastern University.

America’s story is one of determination, resilience, and leadership. She began working at age six, selling flowers on the streets of South Los Angeles. By the time she was 14, she was managing her family’s flower shop, overseeing multiple employees, handling high-volume production, and working up to 60 hours a week during peak seasons—all while excelling in school.

Academically, America transformed herself from an average student into a top-performing scholar, taking multiple AP and honors courses while balancing her demanding work schedule. She actively participated in the AVID program and co-founded the First Gen Students Club, dedicated to supporting first-generation college students like herself. Additionally, she serves as Outreach Co-Director for Solace, managing social media and forging partnerships with other organizations.

Her passion for medicine was sparked by personal experiences with family health challenges, leading her to excel in biomedical science and human body systems courses. Determined to pursue a career in healthcare, she has shadowed medical professionals and taken advanced science coursework to prepare for pre-med studies at Northeastern University.

“To have two of the 15 Torch Scholarship recipients come from Warren High School is a testament to the strength of our academic programs, the dedication of our educators, and the incredible determination of our students,” said Superintendent Dr. John Garcia. “Joshua and America have proven that with hard work, resilience, and a strong support system, anything is possible.”

Downey Unified continues to be a leader in preparing students for success in college and beyond. The achievements of Joshua and America underscore the district’s mission to ensure every student graduates with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in their future endeavors.