2023 Student of the Year
GECA valedictorian helps community, earns Student of the Year award
By Keira Silver
Alexandra Beyret
Alexandra Beyret holds a passion for local advocacy. The 2023 GECA graduate stayed busy in her efforts to inspire change in Gilroy by participating in student government and volunteering helping other students through tutoring sessions.
The Gilroy Chamber of Commerce recognized the young woman for her community involvement.
With a resume of service and an interest in creating positive solutions, Beyret was awarded the 2023 Susan Valentina Youth Leadership Award. Her contribution to the teens and college students of Gilroy helped her represent the Dr. TJ Owens Gilroy Early College Academy where she served as the valedictorian at her graduation.
She stayed involved with Gavilan College, which collaborates with the high school by hosting as its campus. Beyret stayed involved at Gavilan as a member of its student government.
“I was, at the time, the only GECA student in the Gavilan College student government,” she said. “I was working as secretary there. I was the first one to translate documents into Spanish.”
She spent time as a STEM tutor at Gavilan and also volunteered as a tutor for the youth of Gilroy. Additionally, she served as a member of the Santa Clara Mental Health in Schools Youth Advocacy Commission.
Beyret believes her award shows the results of her hard work and recognizes how much she has been supported by her community.
“It means that my efforts are making an impact because somebody has noticed to the point where I’m being recognized,” she said. “I could not be here without my parents’ hard work, my friends, allowing me to have conversations that inspire me, and without my teachers and principals creating an environment that allows for that passion.”
Beyret believes her positive service in the community is returned by the people she helps.
“I think it’s about giving back, but also the efforts everyone has put into me,” she said.
She plans to continue her academic and service career at Stanford University as a freshman this fall. She will major in data science, economics, or mathematics with a goal in international economics and policy, she said.
“They don’t require us to major in anything until second year,” she said. “I’m still figuring that out, but most likely that.”
At the Spice of Life dinner, she spoke about her future and her prior work in the community. The award recognizes a senior from Gilroy for their academics, volunteer work, and involvement in the community. Ana Benich, the GECA principal, nominated her for the honor.
“It’s a compliment to have even been considered for this award, much more being selected as the recipient,” Beyret said. “Although this is a reward recognizing my personal efforts and achievements, I think it’s more of a testament to the unwavering support, guidance, and inspiration I’ve received from so many influential people in my life, including the city of Gilroy.”
Beyret commented about serving and improving her school and community.
“I dedicated my time to both GECA and Gavilan Colleges’ student governments in hopes of upholding the existing beneficial systems, while also hoping to provide positive change and growth,” she said.
Closing her speech, she thanked the people who gave her support and motivation.
“None of my present and my nearing future could have been possible without the incredible pillars of guidance and support I have had,” she said. “I would like to express my gratitude once again to the city of Gilroy, the Gilroy Chamber, and everyone else who has played an incredible role in the journey that has led me to today.”
Keira Silver is a senior at Christopher High School. She wrote this story with mentorship by Gilroy Life publisher Marty Cheek.
