Immigrant overcame struggles, rose to top in charter school

[...] last week, Ferreira stood before her teachers and classmates as valedictorian of City on a Hill Charter Public School, where faculty members said she has been not just a hard-working student, but also a compassionate member of a community.

Guidance counselor Diana Mastrocola said she first noticed Ferreira during a lunch break on a day of MCAS testing.

Ferreira said she developed close relationships with teachers at the Roxbury charter school, who recognized that she was struggling early on, as she transitioned from a traditional public school as a freshman.

Because she lacked confidence in her academic abilities, she was hesitant to ask for help.

By her senior year, it was clear that she was uncommonly intuitive and inquisitive, said Nick Delis, who taught Ferreira in an Advanced Placement government class.

Ferreira's academic trajectory changed about six years ago, when her mother became the live-in housekeeper for a busy Jamaica Plain husband and wife, both business owners.

Because she is not yet a US citizen or lawful permanent resident, she isn't eligible for most financial aid.

Mastrocola, the guidance counselor, said dealing with her immigration status has added anxiety to a time in Ferreira's life that would have been tense anyway.

[...] Northeastern University accepted Ferreira and gave her a full scholarship.