2023 Hamilton Scholar Diane Arias-Tejeda is an optimistic and involved member of her school and local community in Hazleton, PA. Carrying positivity in her everyday actions and service, Diane energizes her surroundings, approaching adversity through a bright perspective and an enthusiastic hello.

In addition to the Hamilton Award, Diane has been recognized both as a Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar and a QuestBridge College Prep Scholar. All three honors welcome Diane as a member of diverse and highly motivated communities of leaders striving for educational opportunities. In this pursuit, Diane pursues educational growth through courses at her local community college, even helping others along their own journeys through volunteering at her local public library. Outside the classroom, Diane’s love of languages and culture motivates her own research and sharing of her multicultural experiences. Through her presentations, such as the importance of cultural representation and bilingualism in modern America, Diane strives to show audiences that language can bridge cultures; when we learn to effectively use it across all avenues, more effective cultural exchange can bring about amity amidst cultures.

Additionally, Diane is involved in various extracurriculars. She serves as Assistant Student Director for her school’s Drama Club, Chief Editor of Yearbook, Vice President of the Chinese National Honor Society, and a supportive member of the varsity girl’s tennis team. Previously, Diane served as a member of the Hazleton Junior City Council, Junior Leadership Hazleton, and the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership seminar. Finally, Diane received a myriad of competitive awards, including Poetry Out Loud, Future Business Leaders of America, and the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science.

Diane’s younger brother and school community – her biggest supporters – inspire her to achieve her personal success. As a first-generation student from a low-income family, Diane faced food insecurity, poverty, and the effects of substance abuse on a family. Since the separation of her parents when she was 10, Diane persevered, stepping-up as a caretaker for her younger brother and devoting more time to ensuring her personal success through school and community involvement. As someone who’s received so much support from her community, Diane aims to raise awareness about the circumstances she’s overcome, wishing to eventually become a support figure for others in similar situations.