Maryvale Can be Proud of Henry Cejudo
© Jed Jacobsohn/Getty
Henry Cejudo spent some of his younger years in the Cartwright Elementary School District and joined a wrestling club at the age of 10. He subsequently attended Maryvale High School (2002 - 2003) where he got serious about wrestling before going off to Colorado for specialized training. That would eventually pay off in gold. On Tuesday, at the age of 21, he won a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the 121-pound freestyle wrestling category.
Henry came from anything but a privileged background. His mother was smuggled into the United State illegally when she was 14 years old. She worked multiple low-paying jobs over the years to support herself and her seven children. His father was in and out of prison, and not a part of his life. Henry grew up in tough neighborhoods and under difficult circumstances. He found a place for himself, and a passion, in wrestling. He has persevered.
Henry is a U.S. citizen. After the medal ceremony, Henry Cejudo is reported to have said, "As a Mexican-American I'm thrilled to represent the United States. It's the land of opportunity."
Comments
I feel proud for us! I am happy for him! : )
This is what America is made up! Why doesn’t the Government look that the “illigals” not all are bad people. Infact they are here to make a better living for their family. Just like Henry’s mother did, Just like my parents did, Just like a lot of people who came from different countries all over the world!
Felicidades Henry, Felicidades Sra. Rico!!!
Way to go Henry…and much good luck to you in all that you do! Hat’s off to Henry’s Mom. I have lived in Maryvale for 30 years, and I know it is not easy to raise a well adjusted and motivated child in this area. I do want to note that “low income” does not necessarily equate to “bad”. There are many good families living in Maryvale who contribute to society in a very positive way!
Way to go Henry….good luck in all you do! My hat is off to Henry’s Mom. I’ve lived in Maryvale for 30 years & know it’s not easy to raise a well adjusted & motivated child in this area. Note, “low income” does not necessarily equate to “bad”. There are many families living in Maryvale who contribute to society in a positive manner.
Greeting: this is a simply philosophy of Prince L. Murray, commonly know as brother. Prince, uncle Prince, as well as Prince Obama. former CEO of the Liberian Association photgrapher company in Phoenix, Az. Henry Cejudo, I am happy because you brought diginity into the United States. as an Mexican immigrant you decided to work to the best of your ability to bring pride and happiness to your entire familiy. I really appreciate the hard work and commitments you have contributed at the U.S. America is one of the great nation that inspired all countries to accomplish their duty. with all the cirscumstances, you decided to help your familly live a better life. well, I am a sophomore of MAryvale high school. the very 1st day the principal told that Henry cejudo were coming to Phoenix, Arizona I were happy more than any thing eles. I decided to celebrate your day and inspired all of my friends to know that you work hard and you decided to accomplish what you have work for. Henry Cejudo, let me say this, I live majority of the Mexican. I do not like the other mexicans because they never work to accomplish things in their life. so, keep up your good work do you here in the United States. may God bless you, and your entire family. From Prince L. Murray, Phoenix Az. Maryvale high school, sophomore