One young man took charge of his future last week.

  On March 3, in the lobby of Ray High School’s gymnasium with a banner of the school’s mascot hanging above, a table sat with a letter of intent atop it. A small group of family and coaches gathered in masks, and at a distance to celebrate senior athlete Derek Figueroa signing a letter of intent to play baseball at Mesa Community College.

  “Derek is a great athlete and has proven himself on the diamond as a top notch baseball player,” said baseball coach Alfred Lechuga, “at short, on the mound, and with a bat.”

  Principal and Athletic Director Carlos Armendariz praised Derek for working hard to attain his goals.

  “His signing the letter of intent validates the mission of Ray Unified School District, to have students be college and career ready,” he said.

  Derek will begin his senior season of baseball once the basketball season concludes.

  Congratulations to this student-athlete.

Author: Nathaniel Lopez

Derek Figueroa with his family as he signs his letter of intent.