Senior Wizard Spotlight: Justin Salgado

As pages are scrolled of this year’s yearbook, Our Spellbook, one reads the seniors’ portraits marked with quotes that resonate with them. One of them was Justin Salgado’s very own quote: “The best way to guarantee a loss is to quit” by Morgan Freeman.

As a Middle College High School student, Salgado has exemplified discipline and dedication to his education in taking rigorous classes and participating in extracurricular activities such as Eco Club. However, many may not know of his talents he’s demonstrated outside of school. Salgado has been playing the violin since the sixth grade and has performed with the Community Youth Orchestra of Southern California (CYOSC), Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center’s String Quartet (OCCTAC), and the Santa Ana College Chamber Orchestra. Justin’s brother and MCHS alumnus, Clemente Salgado, describes his brother’s passion for music as someone who, “reflects a lifelong commitment to striving for higher standards and achieving one of his goals to be a world-class violinist.”

His best friends, seniors Carlos Lopez, Victor Hernandez, Rodolfo Herrera, and John Lara reminisced about the memories they’ve shared all throughout high school. Lopez pointed out the story of Salgado’s project in Mrs. Peterson’s 11th grade AVID class, “Five Choices You’ve Made in Life.” One of the choices Salgado talked about was his friendship with Carlos Lopez, whom he met in middle school at MacArthur Fundamental Intermediate. Lopez remembered feeling proud of being his friend and thanked him after he presented to the class. One characteristic they all admire is his laugh. “His laugh was contagious,” Hernandez stated. “The vibe is a little different like something is missing… he was the life of the group,” Lopez stated.

Salgado was diagnosed with stage four glioblastoma, a malignant tumor that affects the brain. It all started in early March, when he experienced severe nausea, headaches, vomiting, and collapsed several times. He was taken to Kaiser Permanente Emergency Department where he underwent multiple tests and an MRI scan. Later, the results showed a mass in his brain that was responsible for the build-up of fluid and pressure that affected the ability to move his left side of his body. After being transferred to Fountain Valley Regional Hospital, for a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, a surgical procedure to relieve swelling in the brain, Salgado gained some of his motor function back. Since then, he’s gone through daily radiation treatment to help treat his illness.

Justin continues to persevere despite his obstacles. “He retains a positive attitude, he enjoys his anime shows… he misses walking and his friends,” Mr. You states.

Pages in this chapter of Salgado’s life will continue to inspire many as they are told to be encouraged and remain with hope. The love that MCHS students and staff have shown has brought us closer. No matter if Salgado finishes the school year with his dear friends or not, his contagious, positive, and lively spirit is with us. Our thoughts and prayers are with him– we decorated his room walls with art, posters and letters. Salgado has demonstrated strength and resilience in his battle with brain cancer.

To donate to Salgado’s fund, visit: Justin Salgado’s Go Fund Me page.