A student who graduated as valedictorian from Detroit Cristo Rey High School in southwest Detroit is heading to Harvard University this fall, after being accepted to all 11 colleges she applied to — each offering her a full-ride scholarship
Kaylee Razo, who comes from a low-income, first-generation immigrant family, said she never imagined this moment. She opened her Harvard decision expecting rejection, but instead saw the word “Congratulations” and immediately burst into tears while on FaceTime with her older brother.
“I reloaded the page over and over again, thinking it was a mistake,” she said.
Growing up, she never thought Harvard was an option — and she wasn’t even planning to apply. No one from her school had ever been accepted to Harvard, and only one student before her had gotten into any Ivy League school. But she said she always hoped to be in a space where she could grow and be surrounded by passionate minds.
Her father, born and raised in Mexico, never finished middle school. Her mother earned a GED while raising three children. The teen said their sacrifices taught her that education is a gift never to be taken for granted.
She also thanked her teachers, campus ministers, and religious leaders for their support and for helping shape her values.
In addition to Harvard, she was accepted to Yale, Princeton, Notre Dame, Georgetown, the University of Michigan, Washington University in St. Louis, Smith College, Occidental College, Michigan State University, and Oakland University — all with full-ride scholarships. She was also awarded the prestigious Gates Scholarship and earned over $4.1 million in total scholarships.
She plans to study Government and Economics on a pre-law track. Her goal is to open multiple pro bono immigration and family law firms to serve those who can’t afford legal help.
Her advice to students: “Pour your energy into the things you love and find a way to use that passion to make a positive impact in your community.”
She said what kept her going was gratitude. “I reminded myself that I didn’t have to do my schoolwork or take on leadership… but that I got to do those things.”
