Edinburg, TX (KRGV) — Edinburg North High School senior Renata Romero ranks No. 1 in a class of more than 500 while balancing AP classes, student leadership, sports and community service.

Romero is involved in NHS and HOSA, serves as student council president and also takes part in golf, volleyball and cheerleading.

A few weeks ago, the cheer team qualified for nationals.

"There have been days when I stayed up late and cried, and I thought I wasn't going to be able to do it, but it just takes dedication. I have to set my priorities and know how to balance my activities," Romero said.

Romero has logged more than 500 hours of community service with Make-A-Wish, Food Bank RGV and the Salvation Army.

"We were able to make meals for the homeless, and feeding them and seeing the number of people that showed up and had help from the Salvation Army really opened my eyes and showed me the need in our community," Romero said.

Romero said her family inspires her to be the best she can be, adding that she plans to major in biomedical sciences.

"She has a 13-year-old brother, and she is an excellent role model for him," Renata's mother, Ermit Romero, said. "She's also always there for her friends, for our family members, for everyone. She's just a strong young lady that has a heart of gold."

Romero said she hopes to attend UTRGV or Texas A&M and later apply to a medical school in Texas to become an anesthesiologist.

This fall, Channel 5 News will be highlighting 10 students who shine in and out of the classroom.

The students have already been selected.

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