North Ward Councilman Anibal Ramos Jr. congratulates Daniela Veronica Rivadeneira Baculima on receiving a scholarship from the Anibal Ramos Jr. Civic Association.

Daniela is a graduate of Barringer Academy of the Arts & Humanities and will be attending Rutgers University in the fall.

North Ward Councilman Anibal Ramos Jr. stands with Newark Public Schools Advisory Board member Josephine Garcia, scholarship winner Daniela Veronica Rivadeneira Baculima and Councilman at Large Carlos Gonzalez.

Daniela moved to the United States from Ecuador when she was in high school seeking a better education.

She learned simple English in Ecuador, so she had trouble adapting to a higher level of English required in high school But she worked hard and earned a 3. 7 grade point average.

"I am not perfect by any means, but my intentions are good, my heart is pure, and I love hard with everything I have," Daneila said. "Because of these things, I  am worth getting a good education and pursuing my dreams."

Daniela said her goal is to become a doctor like her mother.

"She has been an inspiration and a role model for me," Daniela said. "Since she was a teenager she has been faced with difficult life circumstances, raising two kids and having a house to maintain. But she kept studying and followed her dream. It was a huge sacrifice for all of us but we learned how to lean on each other to get through life problems."