Warriors forward Kevin Durant will provide partial college scholarships to four Redwood City students this fall. (Click here for the main story). Here’s his starting lineup:
MAGALI PINEDA, 18
School: Everest Public High School in Redwood City
Where she’s from: Pineda moved to Mexico and back during her childhood but spent some formative years in the North Fair Oaks neighborhood of Redwood City. “Back then, it was very high in crime and gangs,” she said. “A lot of times, I was told, ‘You’re just going to end up like everyone else here. You’re not going to amount to much.’ ” But after spotting a friend’s Instagram post, Pineda found her way to the Boys & Girls Club, where she discovered a love for photography and film-making.
Where she’s going: UC Riverside, where she might double-major in ethnic studies and public policy.
On Durant: “He’s inspired me to remember to give back … He’s a clear representation of how you can fly very high but still remember where you came from.”
ALYSIA DEMERY, 18
School: East Palo Alto Academy
Where she’s from: Spent her childhood on the brink of homelessness. Her family moved so often, crashing on so many couches, that she kept her clothes in a Hefty bag for easy transport. “I’m 17. I am the definition of a teenage black girl stuck in a cycle of poverty with her mom and her siblings. And I’m the typical stereotype.” She worked hard for a 3.7 GPA and became president of the Boys & Girls Club leadership council.
Where she’s headed: She’s planning to attend Loyola University New Orleans to pursue a career in music.
On Durant: “My reaction to the scholarship? I just started crying just to know that someone believes in you that much and will literally help you get to where you want to be.”
DEZ FRAZIER, 17
School: Sequoia High
Where he’s from: One of the first phrases he remembers hearing as a toddler was “It’s over!” — his father telling his mother it was time for a divorce. That left his mother and five brothers struggling financially. “My dad missed an opportunity to get to know me,” he said during his Youth of the Year Award speech. With help from the resources at the Boys & Girls Club, he moved his high school GPA from 1.8 to 3.6.
Where he’s headed: Menlo College, to study marketing and entrepreneurship. He’s planning to run for President in 2036.
On Durant: “He has such a big presence here. He believes in my peers so much … he truly sees that his mission is to create a pathway for youth to just keep moving and to achieve their dreams.”
JOSELIN QUINTEROS, 18
School: Everest Public High School
Where she’s from: Her mother fled El Salvador to escape the ravages of war and arrived speaking very little English. Joselin grew to become her link to America, translating for doctors, handling finances and navigating the immigration process. On weekends, she’d help her mother with her housekeeping job, where she found inspiration in lovely families and beautiful homes. She works five days a week at In-N-Out and maintains a 3.8 GPA.
Where she’s headed: UC Riverside, where she plans to study law.
On Durant: “Going to college is obviously an amazing thing. I’m going to be the first one going in my family. My parents are very proud and the people who surround me are very proud. Kevin Durant is helping me make that dream come true.”
