Angel Gutierrez’s life motto is, “Be revolutionary.”

“It is important to not be afraid to do something new,” the 17-year-old said. “Many people today often shy away from doing what they want because they are afraid of standing out or not fitting in. However, the people we learn about the most in history are those who challenged societal norms and changed the world around them.”

The Port Arthur native is a senior at Bob Hope School, a member of the National Honor Society, manager of the soccer team and a technician at Discount Tire.

Gutierrez said while he doesn’t hold any leadership positions at school, he shows his worth through hard work and determination.

“For anyone who wants to be a leader or motivate others, it is important to realize that they do not have to be president of a club or the captain of a team,” he said. “While these are good titles to have, and they help college resumes, at the end of the day all they are is titles.

“Anybody can still make a difference and change both the world and the people around them as long as they work hard and have the dedication to overcome any obstacle.”

Gutierrez has been accepted to Texas A&M, University of Houston, Lamar University and West Texas A&M. His dream is to attend Texas A&M with a full-ride scholarship and earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biochemistry.

“I want to study in biotechnology or genetics, and a degree in biochemistry will provide a secure job to help pay for graduate school,” he said. “A degree in biochemistry would also help me understand basic concepts I would need to understand the complex subjects I want to study in graduate school.”

Katie LeDoux, head of the middle school science department, said she is expecting great things from her former star pupil.

“Angel is an amazing young man that strives to achieve while remaining humble with his accomplishments,” she said. “He has always displayed great respect toward his peers and teachers alike.”

Daniel Cruz, Bob Hope campus director, said Gutierrez is one of the school’s most outstanding students.

“[Angel] is a prime example of a student who works hard to excel academically and exudes leadership,” he said. “He is a member of the NHS, leadership team and currently participates in the dual credit program. He not only continues to improve himself, but encourages others to do so as well.”

Gutierrez’s long-term vision and goal is to change the world by opening his own biotechnology research facility to study gene editing, genetic disorders and reducing the effects of global warming.

“I hope to change the way people view the world around them through my work,” he said. “I strive to become someone who can help everyone live a better quality of life from their living conditions to their overall happiness. I want to be able to serve as an example for others to take risks and get what they want out of life.”