Senior Story: Dulce Valero-Gallegos

With a heart full of ambition and a mind set on justice, Dulce Valero-Gallegos is ready to take her next big step. This fall, Dulce will begin her college journey at the University of St. Thomas, where she plans to major in Political Science and minor in Public Administration and Psychology. Her ultimate goal? To work at an immigration law firm, advocating for those who need it most.

Dulce’s passion is deeply personal. Inspired by her own experiences and the resilience of those around her, she’s driven to make a difference. But what she’s most proud of isn’t just her academic success—it’s the personal growth she’s experienced throughout high school.

“I think I’ve changed a lot about myself,” she shares. “And I continue to change into a better version of myself.”

That progress hasn’t gone unnoticed. “Dulce has turned her life around by focusing on her grades, driven by growth, and committed to a better future,” says Vanessa Contreras, student engagement specialist at RHS. “With a heart wide open, she opens to everyone with kindness and proves that change is always possible.”

Having attended Jefferson Community School and Richfield Middle School before arriving at RHS, Dulce credits much of her journey to the supportive environment she found in Richfield Public Schools. “Every teacher I’ve had has treated me with nothing but respect and is always so understanding of situations,” she says. “That’s what I love most about school—the environment.”

Central to Dulce’s motivation are her two older sisters, who she describes as her best friends. “I owe it to them to be successful,” she says. “They always push me to do my best, and I wouldn’t be where I am without their support.”

As she prepares to walk the stage at graduation and step into a future full of promise, Dulce leaves behind a piece of wisdom for the next generation of Spartans: “Lock in—four years pass by so fast!”

Congratulations, Dulce! We can’t wait to see your impact on the world.