"I was scared during midterms because I thought it was going to be so hard, but it wasn't," he said. "I had free periods at school, so I never had to bring home extra homework. That really helped. The dean was there to support students, and the teachers were always there to help me."
His biggest challenge was to do better in the one class he most disliked: English. Still, he learned the word "laconic" during the year and vowed to be less so himself. His father, Francisco , said he was amazed at Joel's dedication to succeeding in school, especially as the family has gone through a tough time with the souring economy.
Joel's mother Delia could not help but relate a story about another parent at an orientation for incoming sophomores.
"She said, 'My son is smart, but not like yours.' "
Heven's advisor at Brentwood said the student has adjusted well.
"One of the hardest things for students like Heven is that they can be at the top of their class at their old school and often they can be a little shell-shocked when they come to Brentwood," said Priya Nambiar, the associate director of admissions.
"But there was something really special about Heven right from the start, and she really had the drive."
Heven's ebullient personality rarely faltered, but when she was down, she called on her best friend, Shea Robinson, 15, who also came from a public school.
"We're public kids and don't have that entitlement thing going," said Shea, who stopped to chat with Heven after final exams. "Heven is someone you can trust with anything."
Heven came to this country from Ethiopia knowing little English and got extra help from her English teacher after school. She was thrilled with her physics class, which provided some memorable experiences, including a field trip to Knott's Berry Farm, where students used trigonometry to measure the heights and angles of the roller coasters.
"I really grew up in the last year, and I think I'm a stronger person," said Heven. "I learned that I can handle the pressure of a lot of work and manage stress and my time and still have fun. But I'm hoping it will be easier next year and that I can be better at some of the things that I was lacking."
Adam Behrman, director of human development at Crossroads and Francisco's counselor, said the life skills program that meets weekly helps students connect with one another and explore their own identities.
