Alumni Spotlight: Jesse Bethel Law Academy Alumni Lena Ross and Natalie Granado Embark on Careers in Law

VALLEJO, Calif. - The Jesse Bethel High School (JBHS) Law Academy continues to empower students to reach new heights. Two remarkable graduates, Lena Ross '18 and Natalie Granado '19, are stellar examples of this success as they embark on their respective legal careers.

Lena Ross: Well Equipped for the Career Ahead

Lena Ross took her first steps toward her dream career, which began at Jesse Bethel Law Academy. After JBHS, she completed her studies at Howard University and is now pursuing her legal education at UC Law San Francisco, the same alma mater and educational pathway as Vice President Kamala Harris. Reflecting on her journey, she credits the Law Academy for laying the groundwork for her personal and professional growth.

"The Law Academy gave me the foundation I needed to be confident in my pursuits," Ross shared. "I was surrounded by mentors who genuinely cared about my success and were always there to guide me. The opportunities I had, like interning at the Solano County Superior Court, were invaluable in helping me refine my career goals early on."

Ross believes that the experiences and skills she gained at JBHS continue to guide her today. "What I learned at the Law Academy wasn’t just academic; it shaped how I approach challenges in my career and life. It’s why I feel ready to enter the workforce as an attorney."

Her advice to current Law Academy students is to "embrace every opportunity, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The relationships you build here will open doors you never imagined."

Natalie Granado: Jumpstart from the Law Academy to Law School

Natalie Granado, who graduated just a year after Ross in 2019, has also carved an impressive path for herself. After earning her undergraduate degree at UC Berkeley in only three years, she’s now in law school at Santa Clara University. Granado’s journey began with an early interest in the legal field, nurtured by the experiences and support she found in the Law Academy.

"Being in the Law Academy allowed me to explore my interests in law even before I got to college," Granado said. "By the time I started my undergraduate studies, I already knew what I wanted to pursue. That focus helped me graduate early and move on to law school."

Granado often revisits concepts she learned at JBHS. "What surprises me the most is how often I recognize terms and ideas from high school in my law classes. It’s been such an advantage to have that early exposure."

When asked what she valued most from her time in the Law Academy, Granado responded, "The preparation I received at Jesse Bethel gave me a head start. It prepared me academically and gave me the confidence to take on new challenges."

Ross and Granado are grateful to the mentors, teachers, and experiences shaping their paths at Jesse Bethel High School. Their stories are a testament to the impact of the Law Academy, proving that with the right foundation, JBHS students can achieve their career goals and make a difference in their community and the world.