‘Mr. Los Fresnos' on the move

The next few years are going to be busy for Nicholas Navarro.

He wants to explore the world of international business. He wants to go to medical school. He wants to continue his work with animal protection agencies. And judging by Navarro's record, he'll make time for each endeavor.

Ranked fourth out of 498 seniors at Los Fresnos High School, Navarro is president of the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), vice president of the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) and winner of the president's volunteer service award. All this, while holding several part-time jobs throughout high school.

"I learned how to sell myself, I learned communications skills, and a number of other skills that will be necessary in the business world," Navarro said.

He's now choosing between the University of Chicago and the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College.

Regardless of which school he attends, Navarro plans to study business and biology. Eventually, he'd like to land in medical school and then later own his own medical practice.

His position in HOSA has been especially helpful in scouting out future career plans.

"I learned how important - and how rewarding - it is to help people."

The Nicholas Navarro that walked the halls of Los Fresnos High School might not have been ready to take on business and medicine with such eagerness. But things have changed.

"I've had an important transition from freshman to senior years. I've gained confidence. I'm more of a people person now."

Navarro's social evolution culminated in his winning of this year's Mr. Los Fresnos pageant. "It just felt great," he said.

His credits his school's faculty - which he deems "the best in the Valley" - with his success.