Yasmin Barros was born in a rural village in Brazil and moved to the United States with her family when she was eleven years old, speaking no English.

In the fall, the 2025 graduate from East Senior High School in Newark, N.J., is headed to Harvard University on a four-year scholarship where she plans to major in government with a focus on political science.

Barros credits her passions for government and politics to her freshman year world history class. Following the pandemic lockdown, the course introduced her to global affairs and the role of government in shaping opportunity and justice.

Through her leadership, athletics, and academic achievements, Barros made a lasting impact at East Side High School. She was the captain of the cross-country, indoor, and outdoor track teams. She also served as president of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta, a mathematics honor society. In her free time, she participates in street cleanups and community events for various causes.

Receiving a scholarship to Harvard is a dream come true for Barros, who was raised in a close-knit village of fewer than 100 people in Brazil.

“This opportunity means I can keep dreaming big without the fear of financial burdens,” said Barros. “It means I can pursue my passion for law and use my education to help protect people’s rights and work toward a fairer government.”

“Yasmim is a brilliant student and a deeply compassionate leader,” said Newark Schools Superintendent Roger León. “She is an inspiration not just for East Side, but for the entire Newark Public Schools community. Her future is incredibly bright, and we are so proud of her.”

After earning her undergraduate degree, Barros plans to attend Harvard Law School.