The Mesa Tribune Class of 2021

Mesa High School Westwood High School

Dobson High School

2

GRADUATION SPECIAL

Congratulations Class of 2021!

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 30, 2021

Proud Sponsor of the Annual Graduation Section

MAY 30, 2021 | THE MESA TRIBUNE

GRADUATION SPECIAL

3

Ottawa gave him a passion for learning

BY SCOTT ALBRIGHT Ottawa University

F

loyd Daniels lost his job unexpectedly in 2013, when his employer closed its Phoenix office. He was 39, had worked his way up to management level with only a high-school education and was now at a crossroads.

He realized that education needed to be his priority, so he decided to pursue an associate’s degree in business administration and enrolled in Everest College.

Nearly two years later, with only two courses left to complete his degree, Everest filed for bankruptcy in 2015 and closed all its campuses nationwide.

“Needless to say, I was devastated and discouraged – I just felt hopeless,” Daniels said “This is when I was introduced to Ottawa University’s Arizona campuses. I remember meeting with an Ottawa admissions representative, who encouraged me by saying: ‘It’s not over. Let me help you complete your degree.’

“I was defeated at the time, thinking maybe I wasn’t meant for school, so that’s exactly what I needed to hear.”

Daniels took the information shared with him about Ottawa’s flexible, online adult education offerings, which included an opportunity to finish his two outstanding associate’s degree courses and a transfer opportunity to get his bachelor’s degree from Ottawa.

Though he thought of taking a break, he received a call from the admissions department at Ottawa University-Arizona asking if he was ready to finish his education.

“Even though I wasn’t yet convinced about my plan of action, something made me say, ‘Yes, let’s do it.’ By the summer of 2015, I was enrolled and taking my first class at OUAZ’s Phoenix campus.”

Now 41, Daniels was on his way to earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He was also working

degree and working around many that did make me feel inadequate.

This frame of mind really motivated me to push forward.”

In 2017, Daniels experienced what he says was “one of the proudest moments of my life:” He walked the commencement stage after completing his bachelor’s degree.

“I can remember saying, ‘God, please let me get through this,’ and with his Ottawa University has instilled Floyd Albright with a passion for grace I did,” Daniels education. (Couresy Ottawa University) said.

There was something inspiring about again full-time, putting in a minimum 55 the accomplishment and his experience at hours per week.

“There were many times I wanted to Ottawa: he wanted more.

“I never would have thought I’d consider quit,” Daniels said. “I figured I made good money, so why did I need to continue? pursuing another degree after what it took I came to the realization that this was to get my bachelor’s,” Daniels said. “But not about the money. It was something that’s exactly what I did. In 2018, at the I needed to do for myself. Not having a age of 44, I decided to take the leap once

Ottawa University’s Surprise campus has grown to more than 800 students since it opened in August 2017. (Special to AFN)

more and get my master’s in leadership from Ottawa.”

Daniels completed his masters in 2019.

He could have just move on to the next chapter in his life.

But he wasn’t quite finished yet.

“The strangest thing happened, I enrolled yet again!” Daniels said. “This time, I am pursuing a second master’s in human resources. I’m currently in my last two classes which I will complete at the end of April 2021 at the age of 46.

“I won’t say this time that I’m done because, obviously, I have developed a passion for continuing my education. Ottawa instilled that passion in me, and really changed my life.”

Daniels is the first and only member of his immediate family of eight to have completed any type of degree. He said he will be forever grateful that “Ottawa took a chance on me and allowed me to live up to my potential.”

“It has truly been an honor, and I sing Ottawa’s praises every opportunity I get,” Daniels said.

Founded in 1865, Ottawa University has grown from a single building in Ottawa, Kansas, into a comprehensive educational institution serving more than 5,000 students through its residential campuses in Kansas and Arizona, its adult campuses in those two states and Wisconsin, and online.

Ottawa-University-Arizona (OUAZ) in Surprise opened in August 2017 and since then has grown to more than 800 students.

With its adult campus in Phoenix, Ottawa University has had a footprint in Metro Phoenix since 1977 with more than 8,000 alumni. Nationwide, the university has more than 22,000 graduates.

To learn more about Ottawa University’s Arizona campuses in Phoenix and Surprise, visit ottawa.edu/ouaz or contact an enrollment advisor at 855-546-1342 or ouazadmiss@ottawa.edu to set-up an advisory session. 

4

GRADUATION SPECIAL

d o o w t s e W HIGH SCHOOL

NUMBER OF GRADS: 654 TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS: $11.3 MILLION

Mesa Student Citizens of the Year: Andrea Luna, Evelyn Nonthe Sanchez, Jessica Slate.

Wood Foundation Scholarship: Jessica Slate and Wendy Wyatt Air Force ROTC Type 7 Scholarship: Timothy O’Hara-Haworth ASU Next Generation Service Corps: Lillian Jones ASU Leadership Scholarship Program: Kyndle Driffill Arizona International Baccalaureate Students of the Year: Marcella Alexander and Bryce Wilson University of Arizona Baird Scholarship: Bryce Wilson National Commended Scholar: Bryce Wilson

VALEDICTORIAN:

Marcella Alexander

Parent: Lisa Fuller University: ASU Barrett, The Honors College Major: Animation Extracurriculars: Murals and Mosaics Club, Link Crew, IB Mentors Club.

William Andrews

Parents: Scott and Kristin Andrews University: South Dakota School of Mines Major: Chemical engineering Extracurriculars: Swim and Dive

Jason Momeyer

Parents: Michael and Kelli Momeyer College: Undecided Major: Chemical engineering Extracurriculars: Olympiad Club, Cross Country, Track and Field and Volunteering at Franklin at Brimhall Summer Adventure Program and Mesa Public Library

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 30, 2021

OTHER TOP STUDENTS:

Emma Hirose

Parents: Randall and Christina Hirose University: ASU Major: Architectural design Extracurriculars: Murals and Mosaics, Robotics, Link Crew, orchestra, tennis

Cherry Ann Macarang

Parents: Robert and Mary Ann Dantine University: University of Arizona Major: Pharmaceutical sciences Extracurriculars: Bring Change to Mind, IB Mentors, Earth Club, Teen Advisory Board for Mesa Public Library, Feed My Starving Children volunteer.

Kassandra Mendoza

Parents: Humberto and Veronica Mendoza University: ASU Major: Psychology Extracurriculars: Robotics, National Honor Society, Little Warriors, Murals and Mosaics, Boys and Girls Club, tennis, badminton.

Jessica Slate

Parents: David and Jennifer Slate University: University of Arizona Major: Undecided Extracurriculars: Model United Nations, National Honor Society, IB Mentors, Little Warrior, Link Crew, French Club.

Bryce Wilson

Parents: Dennis and Gena Wilson University: University of Arizona Major: Molecular and cellular biology Extracurriculars: Academic Decathlon president, Olympiad Club, Math Club, National Honor Society, orchestra double bass, mock trial, Baird Scholar, swimming and photography.

Mesa

MAY 30, 2021 | THE MESA TRIBUNE

GRADUATION SPECIAL

HIGH SCHOOL

NUMBER OF GRADS: 602 TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS: $12.6 MILLION Grads with 4.0 GPA or higher: 66 Community service hours: 39,036 National Merit Scholars: Pedro Alonso Hernandez Wood Scholars: Abraham Lozano, Isabella Valli-Doherty

USA Today Courage Award national recipient: Laura Smith East Valley Cadet of the Year: Dylan Caldwell (also American Legion Auxiliary Citizen of the Year, Ethical Cadet BBB/SRP Scholarship two-time winner)

VALEDICTORIANS :

Pedro Alonso Hernandez

Isabella Valli-Doherty

Parents: Esther Whitehead and Raul Hernandez University: Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Major: Mathematics Extracurriculars: National Honor Society vice president, peer tutor, Feed My Starving Children volunteer.

Parents: Elisa Valli and Sean Doherty University: ASU Major: Biomedical engineering Extracurriculars: Cloud Scholars Program, National Honor Society secretary, Future Business Leaders of America vice president, After Thoughts Book Club secretary, Arizona state delegate for Mesa High, 366 service hours.

Emegdy Avila

Mathis Schnebly

Parents: Beatriz Rodriguez and Rodolfo Avila University: Santa Clara University Major: chemistry Extracurriculars: Shout Club, AVID Be A Leader, ACE, Link Crew, 365.5 service hours.

Parents: Joseph and Zoe Schnebly University: Brigham Young University Major: Construction management Extracurriculars: National Honor Society, theatre, choir, Boy Scouts, 219 service hours.

Dylan Caldwell Parents: Mark and Susan Caldwell University: ASU Major: Pre-law Extracurriculars: Speech and Debate, ROTC, Feed My Starving Children, Kitty Hawk Air Society, ROTC Honors Society, Operations Commander Mesa High ROTC.

5

6

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 30, 2021

GRADUATION SPECIAL

Congratulations to the Class of 2021!

M

esa Public Schools is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating seniors. You have shown strength and resilience in facing the unique challenges of this year. Be proud of your journey, and remember that no matter where life takes you, you will always be a part of our Mesa Public Schools family.

Dobson High School

East Valley Academy

Mesa High School

Red Mountain High School

Mountain View High School

mpsaz.org

Westwood High School

Skyline High School

MAY 30, 2021 | THE MESA TRIBUNE

GRADUATION SPECIAL

Celebrating service Congratulations, 2020-21 retirees!

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our students.

Douglas Akey Debbie Allen Inagean Anderson Jose Alberto Arroyo Jose Asturias Cathy Ball Vivien Barcia Carol Bates Sonia Bazan Rodriguez Carole Bean Mary Becker Patricia Benard Jeffrey Bessolo Marla Birney Sarah Bodeman M. Rebecca Bond Lori Borr Michele Bowman Kristi L. Brown Leslie Brown Mata Tiffany Bunstein Timothy Bursell Kristine Burton Barbara Butzen Teresa Carlson Peter Caruso Angel Castillo Felix Castrichini Frank Castro Terri Ann Caves Jennifer Chilton Robert Chilton Dan Christian Kara Clay Nola Clayton Jim Clemens Denise Cook Kimberly Cooper Richard Copps Jr Nona Covert Darlene Darger Laurie Davis Cruz De Siqueiros

Petra Delgado Cynthia Demeulenaere Sallee Dennis Margaret Devane Kenneth Dixon Dana Dobson Ruth Dutton Andrew Edwards Colleen Elliott Richard Ence Rafael Esqueda Angela Fatica Mark Feliz Karen Fjerkenstad Lori Flake Francisco Flores Michelle Fowler Neil Francis Catherine Frosina David Gailey Deanna Gaiser Mike Garcia Rebecca Gibson Jeanette Gordon Cindy Gregory Susan Harding Angela Hartwell Karen Harwood Edward Hazlett LeAnn Heaton Lisa Hebting Nancy Hermand Cheryl Hickey Tom Higdon Herschel Wayne “Coach” Hill Deborah Hodo Steve Hogen Colleen Howard Mari-Lynn Hunter Shelly Imburgia Margaret Indrelunas Penny L. Jacques M. Randy Jarvis

Lujean Jenkins Christina Judd William G. Jump Robert Kaczmarek Roxanne Karges Linda Karlson Mary Kary Ralph J. King William King Jeffery Kinsman Karen Kleinholz Laura Kneisel Lois Kohlmeyer Elma Kulenty Stephen Kulik Bonny Landrey Sharilyn Larsen Nancy Lawrence Terry Leach Jan Lemon-Saquella Anne Leroy Sue Lewicki Laurie Lidman Ruth Liles Clara Lindquist Yvonne Long Susan Lopez Jillian Lowe Claire Luketich Deb Lynch Lois Lynette H. Madsen Cathy Marcham-Pettit Jonathan Martin Gracie Martinez Jane Martinez Rosemary Mascarenas Annick Mason Karen McCasland Bradley McGee Lynn Merrill-Akin Cynthia Meschede Leslie Meyer Lillian Meyer

Debora Meza Darlene Mowers Wendy Mueller Melinda Mullins Alicia Munoz Andrea Murphy Leticia Navarro Paul Nedbalek Eileen Nichols Kathleen Niichel Steven Nikodym Anahi Nosek Lori Nottingham Mike Nowotarski Debra Odle Sonja Olson Nancy Ortega GeorgeAnn Park Kathy Parker Donna V. Parker Justin Peck John Pennington Kristy Perkins Camille Peters Karen Petersen Veronica Phillips Deborah Pierce Diana Porcelli Kimberlee Pratt David Price Charmon Puhlmann Joanne Quinn Drenth Lois Rainwater Kathleen Rath Stephanie Rehm Silvia Reyes Jerry Richardson Peggy Rodemeyer Barbara Rogers Kristi Kay Roland Theresa Romero Dawn Roos Patty Roth

List includes announced retirees through May 20, 2021.

mpsaz.org

Joyce Ruane Martha Ruiz Kay Ryan Don Sailer Norina Sambrano Cynthia Sandberg Manuel Saucedo Galen J. Sawyer Dawn Schofield Pamela Sesate Suzanne Sill Susan Sitton Colleen Smith William Snyder Dawn Stanfel Charles Starkey Kathleen Stratman Kathryn Suhaka Serena Tancer Leslie Taylor Steven Taylor Terrilyn Trejo Jill Tucker Maria Turdo Betty Ulibarri Gaye Vaterlaus Robin Verdugo Johnnine Vert Christian VonWald David Walker James Wallace Constance Walters Rob Waterman Anthony Wells Cynthia Wightman Ruth A. Wilkins Wanda Arleen Wilson Yolanda Wulff Sue Zuber

7

8

Dobson

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 30, 2021

GRADUATION SPECIAL

HIGH SCHOOL

NUMBER OF GRADS: 414 TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS: $12.1 MILLION Grads with GPS 4.0 and above: 56 Total service hours: 3,586 Dorrance Scholars: Luis Angel Castro Centeno and Austin Davis.

Wood Scholars: Erica Soekardono and Andres Rios Munoz

VALEDICTORIAN :

Felicia Victoria Fraizer-Bisner

Parents: Elizabeth Strano and Andre Bisner University: Yale University Major: Environmental Studies Extracurriculars: AP Capstone, We the People, Orchestra (1st chair), President of Dobson Orchestra Council, National Honors Society, Mayor’s Youth Committee, Key Club, Cheer, Scouts, Environmental Club, Mesa Public Schools Honor Harp Ensemble, Diversify our Narrative, When We All Vote.

Skyline

NUMBER OF GRADS: 450

SALUTATORIANS : Jacob Cole Allen Parent: Lindsay Allen University: ASU Major: Computer science software engineering Extracurriculars: AP Capstone Andres Luis Rios Munoz Parents: Eva Munoz and Ignacio Rios University: ASU Major: Biochemistry (medicinal chemistry) Extracurriculars: AVID, Track & Field, National Honors Society, Anti-Defamation League, We the People.

Marcus Kendall Seiter Parents: Jennifer and Marcus Seiter University: ASU Major: Aeronautical engineering Extracurriculars: Wrestling Hannah Morgan Kimball Parents: Kory and Julie Kimball University: Clemson University Major: Psychology and criminal justice

Extracurriculars: Dobson Dance Company vice-president, Gymnastics, We the People, Drama Club, FAFSA Peer Coach.

Chukwunonso E Okonkwo Parents: Josephine & Paul Okonkwo University: ASU Major: Computer science Extracurriculars: We the People, dance, National Honors Society.

Pualani Harper Parents: Yosko Harper and Ikuichi Mazawa University: ASU Major: Medical studies Extracurriculars: DECA, We the People, Key Club, National Honors Society.

Erica Soekardono Parents: Ignatius and Yuslanawati Soekardono University: ASU Major: Business (supply chain management) Extracurriculars: Dobson Orchestra Council, We the People, AP Capstone, National Honors Society.

HIGH SCHOOL TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS: $20.9 MILLION

Mesa Citizen of the Year Finalist: Julian Gastelum Mesa Association of School Administrators Recognition Award: Sidney Shepherd Wood Foundation Scholars: Bailey Akin, Whitney Brown, Jonathan Chavez Rocha, Jaxon Mills, Kaden Mills, Deborah Nunez, Elizabeth Richey.

VALEDICTORIAN :

Alejandro Noriega

Parents: Itzel and Melvin Noriega University: University of Arizona Major: Pre-med

Jasmine Byone

Kaden Mills

Luke Doucet

Michael Doolan

Parents: Amelia and Timothy Byone University: University of Arizona Major: Economics

Parents: Tiffany & Miles Doucet University: Arizona State University Major: Aerospace and aeronautical engineerings

Parents: Kari and Brian Mills University: ASU Major: Mathematics)

Parents: Raelynn Simonin and Sonia Sharma University: Embry Riddle Major: Cyber security

MAY 30, 2021 | THE MESA TRIBUNE

GRADUATION SPECIAL

Congratulations Class of 2021

It was an unprecedented and challenging year, but you persevered.

We celebrate you and your amazing accomplishment!

Now it’s time to look to the possibilities ahead. Whether your goal is to transfer to a university or train for a technical career, consider Mesa Community College. Wherever you’re headed, we’ll help you get there.

Choose your path, set your pace, and MCC will help pave the way.

 195 affordable program degrees and certificates

 Free tutoring and advising

 Transfer agreements with 40+ universities

 Guided pathways so you get on the right track from the start

 Honors program  Short-term industry career certifications  Assistance with paying for college  Mesa College Promise (free tuition for qualified applicants)

 Small class sizes  Faculty who care about your success  Options for in-person, online and live online classes  Virtual tours available

Talk with an advisor today.

Summer semester begins June 1. Fall semester begins August 21.

mesaCC

mesacc.edu

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or national origin in their programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information visit: http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.

9

10 GRADUATION SPECIAL

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 30, 2021

SAME-DAY

AIR CONDITIONING & PLUMBING SERVICE

Call us for quick, honest, reliable service 7 days a week!

39

$

95

Air Conditioning Tune Up & Safety Inspection Limited time offer. Restrictions may apply.

Call for details. Expires 6/30/21

FREE Air Conditioning Service Call

With Purchase of part/repair. Limited time offer.

Restrictions may apply. Call for details.

Expires 6/30/21

480.345.COOL (2665) 3065 N. Norfolk Ave., Mesa, AZ 85215

westernstateshomeservices.com LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED

SENIOR & VETERAN DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE! AZROC #253810 / #321722

39

$

95

Water Heater Flush Limited time offer. Restrictions may apply.

Call for details.

Expires 6/30/21

NO Weekend Charges NO Overtime Charges