Confidence, humility, diligence — Miguel and his brothers brought great values with them. HighSight helped them tap into these and more, guiding them to change the trajectory of their lives.
After receiving his Ph.D. in exercise oncology from the University of Illinois–Chicago earlier this year and beginning a postdoctoral position at Northwestern University this fall, HighSight alumnus Miguel Negrete '14 shared this reflection:
"HighSight invested in me before I understood what was possible for my future. From helping fund my high school education, and an exchange program in Paraguay, to a full-ride scholarship at Furman University, they opened doors that changed the course of my life. That foundation carried me to the Peace Corps, to graduate school, and now a doctorate. HighSight did more than give me opportunities. They helped me see that I belonged in spaces I never imagined reaching."
This summer, Miguel stopped by HighSight with other alumni and local professionals to share some of his wisdom with the rising juniors. The Class of 2028 participated in various internships across the city and through HighSight’s Leadership Development Program, they explored what leadership meant to them. They heard from Miguel on how he became a leader, explored the importance of relationship building, and learned the importance of giving back to the community that helped them grow.
Miguel has left a legacy of confidence, humility, and diligence. He continues to inspire generations of HighSight scholars.
For the Negrete brothers, HighSight has quite literally been a years-long family affair. Starting with Miguel in 2010, all four Negrete brothers have attended St. Laurence High School in Burbank, IL. Christopher '17 (left) followed and went on to graduate from
Denison University in 2021. Upon graduation, he returned to Chicago to pursue his passion in veterinary medicine in Chicagoland where he continues to work as a veterinary technician.
Nicholas '25 (second from the right) is currently a sophomore at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. He is working toward his goal of becoming a paramedic. He also currently serves as a volunteer firefighter in Huntingdon. Both Christopher and Nicholas went to their institutions on full-ride scholarships that HighSight helped them secure.
The youngest brother, Lorenzo, has just entered HighSight as a member of our incoming Class of 2030 and freshmen at St. Laurence. He spent this summer participating in HighSight's summer bridge program.
As the youngest of the family, Lorenzo has a legacy to continue— one that Miguel started long ago— even learning some basic lessons from his inaugural foray into HighSight this summer.
"One thing I learned this summer, is that you always want to be on your teacher's good side. It is important to have a good relationships with them," Lorenzo reflected.
But Lorenzo has learned even more lessons, especially following in the footsteps of Miguel who has long served as a role model for his younger brothers. After losing their father to cancer, Miguel stepped up for his brothers. "My hero is my brother Mikey... When our dad died, he really stepped up and was there for me and Nico through like everything. Chris too... I know I have a lot of people to make proud," Lorenzo reflected.
Their mother, Lorenzo said, has been the biggest support for all of them.
