Rosemead Senior Receives Posse Scholarship to Northwestern University

Rosemead High School senior Wendy Sar has a knack for numbers and the mindset of an explorer. As a member of the Riordan Scholars Program at UCLA, Sar served as team leader in a stock market analysis competition, guiding her team to first place. The rigorous weekend classes did more than provide Sar with a challenge; they helped propel her to an elite university.

Sar will attend Northwestern University after being named a 2023 Posse Foundation scholar, one of just 10 Posse Los Angeles Chapter members to receive a full-ride scholarship to Northwestern. Sar, who is first in her class at Rosemead and holds a 4.25 GPA, will study economics and pursue a managerial analytics certificate.

“This is an amazing honor. I can’t believe I’m a Posse scholar going to Northwestern,” Sar said. “I’d like to thank my
teacher Michelle Ban for all of her help and support. She nominated me for the Posse, and is a fun and energetic
teacher who was a nice pillar for me to lean on. I’d also like to thank my counselor, Laura Garcia, who wrote my letter
of recommendation for me. And also, thank you to my mom and sisters, for inspiring and believing in me.”

Sar was recommended for the Posse scholarship by Ban, who teaches AP U.S. History and was named El Monte
Union 2022-23 teacher of the year. Ban was so impressed by Sar’s academic performance, leadership skills and
interpersonal relationships that she nominated Sar to represent Rosemead High at the American Legion Auxiliary

Girls state program in Sacramento last summer.
Ban accompanied Sar to the Posse Foundation Awards ceremony at Regal LA in early January. At the event, Sar
connected with Rosemead High Class of 2022 graduate and Posse scholarship winner Madison Loterina, who
currently attends Bucknell University.

“Wendy is an outstanding student, leader and community member. I am so proud of all her many accomplishments at
Rosemead,” Ban said. “When she first entered my class, it was evident that she had the work ethic, resolve and
problem solving skills to succeed. Wendy is a very impressive young adult, and I have no doubt that her ability to
take on challenges with enthusiasm will propel her into a successful career in the business profession.”

As a sophomore, Sar began participating in the Saturday Business Institute’s Riordan Scholars program at UCLA,
which serves as a business and college-prep program for high-achieving students. Sar credits the program for
providing essential tools to guide her on the path to higher education.

“Riordan Scholars has made a huge impact on me,” Sar said. “Last year I studied the stock market and this year I’m
studying real estate. They have exciting guest speakers that have provided me deep insight into business. They also
helped us a lot with college essays and leadership workshops. It allowed me to grow as a person and develop my social skills, which I thought was really valuable.”

Sar has served as vice president of Rosemead’s National Honor Society since sophomore year, and is a member of
the Key Club and the Going Academically to Extremes (GATE) Club. More than anything, Sar enjoys being outdoors
and looking for new experiences. Since freshman year, Sar has contributed more than 200 hours of volunteer service
in the community.

“Congratulations to Wendy Sar on her Posse scholarship. Rosemead High is proud to have Posse winners for two
consecutive years, which is a testament to the dedication of our students, and the amazing work being done by our
teachers and counselors,” Rosemead Principal Janine Salanitro said. “All the best to Wendy at Northwestern
University and in her future career in business.”