Gilbert Sun News - Class of 2021

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | MAY 30, 2021

DESERT HILLS CAMPO VERDE HIGH

CANYON VALLEY

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DESERT RIDGE HIG

ADEMY

GILBERT CLASSICAL AC

GILBERT HIGH HIGHLAND HIGH MESQUITE HIGH

HIGLEY HIGH

WILLIAM

S FIELD HIGH

HERITA GE ACADEMY LEADING EDGE

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Congratulations Class of 2021!

GILBERT SUN NEWS | MAY 30, 2021

Proud Sponsor of the Annual Graduation Section

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | MAY 30, 2021

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

Ottawa University has instilled Floyd Albright with a passion for education. (Courtesy Ottawa University)

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 again full-time, putting in a minimum 55 hours per week.

“There were many times I wanted to quit,” Daniels said. “I figured I made good money, so why did I need to continue?

I came to the realization that this was not about the money. It was something I needed to do for myself. Not having a 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 grace I did,” Daniels said.

There was something inspiring about the accomplishment and his experience at Ottawa: he wanted more.

“I never would have thought I’d consider pursuing another degree after what it took to get my bachelor’s,” Daniels said. “But that’s exactly what I did. In 2018, at the age of 44, I decided to take the leap once 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.

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

“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 855-5461342 or ouazadmiss@ottawa.edu to set-up an advisory session.

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TOTAL GRADS: 487

HIGH SCHOOL

CLASS OF 2021

TOTAL SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERS: $1.6 MILLION

Total with 4.0 GPA or above: 109 Total service hours: 4,845 STEM diplomas: 6 AP Scholar diplomas: 5 National Merit Scholar Commended students: Tiberius Baker, Connor Davis, Aadith Mosur, David Napoli and Laci Simmons-Wollbrink.

President’s Award for Educational Excellence: Laci Simmons-Wollbrinck and Dane Schillingburg President’s Award for Educational Achievement: Jacob Wilson Principals Award for American Citizenship: Jenna Fahs U.S. Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award: Quinten Alvarez and Laci SimmonsWollbrinck U.S. Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award: Kyle Graville U.S. Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence: Jake Barrera Otto and Edna Neely Foundation Scholarship: Connor Bosworth HEA Scholarship: Julie Nutter

VALEDICTORIAN:

TOP 1 PERCENT:

Photos by Lou Coopey

Sabrina Gooch

Tiberius Baker

Parents: Julie and Nathan Baker University: Brigham Young University Major: Software engineering Extracurriculars: Tennis, languages, Honors and AP Classes.

Trent Little

Ashley Nichols

Top 1 percent: Tiberius Baker, Sabrina Gooch, Ashley Nichols and Trent Little.

Top 2 percent: Dean Prach, Emily May, Dane Shillingburg, Bailey Daymo, Matthew Johnston, Tyler Olsen, Kathryn Vo, Trinibi Jack.

Top 5 percent: Blake Oman, Aliya Willis, Ken Wood, Brooke Church, Ive Lile, Kylee Whitmer, Brooklyne Andersen, Rebekka Daymo, Michadel Murphy, Sarai Bush, Aadith Mosur, Aubrey Wengert

d l e i F s m a i CLASS OF 2021 Will HIGH SCHOOL

TOTAL GRADS: 497

TOTAL SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERS: $21.2 MILLION

Local Scholarships Otto and Edna Neely Foundation Scholarship – Michael Delp Ken Vanderhei Memorial Scholarship – Peyton Reese and Michael Delp Friend’s Place Award – Samantha Bell and Will Johnson Students with 4.0 GPA or higher: 102 Advanced STEM diplomas: 13 Summa Cum Laude: Treyci Alonzo, Madison Ford, Kale Rusaw, Julia F. Tinney and Curtis Fisher.

Magna Cum Laude: Isaiah Joy, Peyton Reese, Isaac Rhoden, Rex Maxwell and Analea Poppen.

Cum Laude: Allison Mason, Felicyde Le, Zoe Omtvedt, Madison Begay, Caitlin Evans, Annabella Leach, Matthew Moen, Michael Delp, Jakob Johns and Nancy Fragoso.

Principals Award – Alexandria Harpster and Fisher Curtis U.S. Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award – Davin Switzer and Alyssa Colbert U.S. Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award – Fisher Curtis U.S. Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence – Mikaela Rabago

Hoop of Learning – Madison Begay and Tyler Shurley Tracy Edwards Memorial Scholarship – Ashtyn Goodman Mary Buscema College and Career Ready Scholarship – Mia Cadiz and Jayden Hancock

SUMMA CUM LAUDE:

Curtis Fisher

Photos by Lou Coopey

Madison Ford

Treyci Alonzo

Julia Tinney

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | MAY 30, 2021

CLASS OF

2021

Congratulations to the 2021 Graduates of Desert Hills High School!

We are so proud of you, and extremely excited to celebrate your amazing accomplishments! You are all talented in so many ways, and it has been our pleasure and honor at Desert Hills to work with you, and to help you define your career goals. Believe in yourselves and in your endless potential! Graduates, you are going to reframe the future, and we can’t wait to see what you do next!

With great admiration, Dave Miller, Principal Desert Hills High School The Leona Group

2021 DHHS Graduates

1515 S. Val Vista Dr. Gilbert, AZ 85296

DesertHillsHS.com

Josephine Bauer Ciara Bringas Loukas Brown Riley Brown Rhett Browning Xavier Cano Thomas Chen Bennett Cook Uriel Davila Cailin Mei Flora Suraya Freeny Cameron Garcia Cameron Gavis Alisa Georges Justin Gibson

Jacob Haasch Brenna Hansen Raul Herrera Ashley Higginbotham Omar Inzunza Kamron Jonaway Elisha Lane Ella Lehew Benjamin Leon Ariana Lopez Samantha Lopez de Jesus Anna McClellan Kimberly McKinney Leah Mercado Mia Montenegro

Kyler Noe Martha Olivares Eric Pulliam John Pye-Nickerson Dylan Roach Justino Robles Damiand Salazar-Vargas Sydney Shull Angel Silva, Jr. Zachariah Stahnke Richard Starcher Madisen Stewart Talon Stoner Thomas Vosdoganes Marvin Wright

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s l l i H t r e s e D

HIGH SCHOOL

CLASS OF 2021

TOTAL SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERS: $10 MILLION The Desert Hills High School Class of 21 included Josephine Bauer, Ciara Star Bringas, Loukas Brown, Riley Brown, Rhett Browning, Xavier Cano, Thomas Chen, Bennett Cook, Uriel Davila, Cailin Flora, Suraya Freeny, Cameron Garcia, Cameron Gavis, Alisa Georges, Justin Gibson, Bellamy Haasch, Brenna Hansen, Raul Herrera, Ashley Higginbotham, Omar Inzunza, Kamron Jonaway, Elisha Lane, Ella LeHew, BenjamAin Leon, Arianna Lopez, Samantha Lopez, Anna McClellan, Kimberly McKinney, Leah Mercado, Mia Montenegro, Kyler Noe, Martha Olivares, Eric Pulliam, John Pye-Nickerson, Dylan Roach, Tino Robles, Damiand Salazar-Vargas, Sydney Shull, Angel Silva Jr., Zachariah Stahnke, Richard Starcher, Madisen Stewart, Talon Stoner, Thomas Vosdoganes and Marvin Wright. (Courtesy of Desert Hills High School)

Desert Hills recognizes student leaders GSN NEWS STAFF

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arious Desert Hills High School graduating seniors were recognized this month with special awards.

Cougar Awards The Cougar Awards recognize students for their noteworthy community and school service and are selected by school teachers and staff based on “their leadership, hard work and willingness to put others ahead of themselves in working to improve both the school and surrounding community.”

Because of the pandemic’s impact on ceremonies last year, winners for both 2020 and 2021 were announced at graduation this year.

The 2020 winners include: Caleb Avery Isis Boone Sydney Darnell

Atticus Masterson Dylan Schaffer The 2021 awardees were: Cailin Flora Benjamin Leon Mia Montenegro Kyler Noe Martha Olivares John Pye-Nickerson Justino Robles Talon Stoner Spirit Of Leona Award The Spirit of Leona Award is given each year by The Leona Group to an outstanding graduate who has exemplified hard work, positivity, and persistence in the face of adversity.

This year, two winners were honored for “great perseverance throughout their high school career.”

For 2020, the Spirit of Leona Award Winner is Atticus Masterson.

For 2021, the Spirit Of Leona Award

Winner is Anna McClellan.

2020 Valedictorians Isis Boone Sydney Darnell 2021 Valedictorian Suraya Freeny 2021 Salutatorian Riley Brown Special scholarships This year, Desert Hills awarded scholarships to three grads.

The first Mike Ritter Memorial Art Scholarship recognizes an extremely talented and artistic student. It is named after the late artist Mike Ritter, who worked for Arizona State University’s State Press and the East Valley Tribune, among other publications.

The inaugural scholarship was given to Kyler Noe. “In addition to being an excellent student, Kyler is an accomplished and award-winning wild life photographer who was recently published in the

2021 Rambunctious Press Literary Magazine,” said School Leader Dave Miller.

Exceptional Student Scholarship The Desert Hills Exceptional Student Scholarship went to John Pye-Nickerson. “Throughout his life he has overcome many hardships, but he has remained focused on completing school and accomplishing his life goals, which include working for a railroad someday soon,” Miller said.

Agricultural Scholarship “The Desert Hills farm has grown exponentially over the last few years due to the herculean efforts of Jason Brewer and our hard-working students,” Miller said. “The Desert Hills Agricultural Scholarship was given to Martha Olivares. Martha received this award due to her great work in growing our agricultural program. We have truly enjoyed having Martha, and her goats, as part of the Desert Hills family.”

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SENIORS

Celebrating you, your accomplishments, and bright futures!

GILBERT SUN NEWS | MAY 30, 2021

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s n o i t a l u t a r g n o C

GATEWAY 32 S Center St, Mesa, AZ 85210 • (480) 969-5641• hamesa.com

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s e t a u d Gra

MESA 19705 E Germann Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142 • (480) 461-4400 • hagateway.com

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Heritage

ACADEMY

CLASS OF 2021

TOTAL GRADS: 84 TOTAL SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERS: $1.04 MILLION

HONORED SCHOLARS:

Yissel Hernandez Parent: Anielka Castrillo Degrees: Associate of Arts and General Studies Associate (Gateway Campus) University: Arizona State University Major: Forensic psychology Extracurriculars/awards: ACE program, dance company and National Honor Society

Ashton Hyde Parents: Alan and Kathy Hyde Degrees: Associate of Arts and General Studies Associate (Gateway campus) University: likely ASU Extracurriculars/awards: Ayn Rand Essay Contest finalist, English Distinction, senior class president, Student Council, National Honor Society.

Kylie Bartel Parents: Brent and Stephanie Bartel University: Benedictine University Extracurriculars/awards: Achievements: Girls volleyball 2019 C.A.A. Player of the Year, 2019 C.A.A. First Team All-State, 2020 C.A.A. First Team All-State, Best in Show Art winner, George Washington Outstanding Senior Award, National Honor Society.

Heritage’s partnership with Rio Salado helps seniors

BY KATHLEEN LOPEZ Heritage Academy Principal

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early half of Heritage Academy’s graduating seniors found themselves not only with their high school diploma, but also with an associate degree from Rio Salado College.

These 35 of 83 Gateway campus seniors worked tirelessly over their four years in high school to earn their associates through the school’s prestigious dual enrollment program.

This program gives students the opportunity to further their education by starting college classes in high school. This is a popular program

among students, with 42 percent of this year’s graduating class receiving college degrees, compared to the national average which is only 11 percent.

Jacob Pieczynski, 16, said, “It is a fantastic opportunity for students. The school has a great relationship with Rio Salado College that made it really easy to take courses. The credits transferred easily and the program was cheap. I’m so glad I was able to be part of it.”

Over the past nine years of this particular partnership, this dual-enrollment program has helped students of all backgrounds further their education, save years of their life, as well as saving a lot of money.

Even for the students not receiving an associate degree, the dual-enrollment program offered by Heritage Academy is matched by few other schools. The program gives students the opportunity to earn college credits at a far lower cost while taking their normal high school courses.

The program gives students an affordable option to earn college credits. For example, it costs $85 per credit hour through Rio Salado2, compared to a minimum of $561 per credit hour at Arizona State University Online.

From this, we estimate that students at just this one Heritage campus are saving a combined $571,135 this cur-

rent semester with 303 total students taking a total of 1109 credits.

Graduating concurrently with an associate’s degree is a difficult feat and significant accomplishment for any student to complete.

Senior Alyssa Fears shared the benefits of the program for her: “I think the concurrent enrollment is a great program for high school students to get ahead in their college education. I saved money and time participating in the dual-enrollment classes.

“I love the smaller class size for the classes I was getting college credit for.

My teachers were very supportive and available to help when I needed it.”

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Congratulations Spartan Class of 2021!

Graduation is not the end of a tough journey.

It is the beginning of a beautiful one.

The faculty and staff of Gilbert Classical Academy is proud of your perseverance and accomplishments. We wish you every success in your bright future.

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Hi ghland CLASS OF 2021 HIGH SCHOOL

TOTAL GRADS: 826

TOTAL SCHOLARSHIPS VALUE: $16 MILLION

Students with 4.0 GPA or higher: 176 Total service hours: 16,000 STEM diplomas: 8 Gilbert Education Foundation Power of One: Jessica Sobel Homa & Irene Wood Foundation Scholars: Tania Alegria, Ruiqi Song, Makayla Kantarze-Flores and Vivian Le Otto and Edna Neely Foundation Scholar: Katie Collins National Merit Finalists: Jason Calalang, Isaac Root and Marianne Wood National Hispanic Scholar: Alyvia Esquibel Flinn Scholarship Finalist: Hanaan Abdulle Dorrance Scholars: Anaya Henderson and Isabella DeClair

VALEDICTORIAN:

Lucas Shaw Parents: Jessica Pura Shaw and Kevin Shaw University: Cornell University Major: Computer science

SALUTATORIANS:

Jackson Daggett

Jason Calalang

Parents: Marya and Michael Langford University: Carnegie Mellon University Major: Computer science Extracurriculars: STEM Club co-president

Parents: Terri and Ignatius L. Calalang University: Boston University Major: Engineering Extracurriculars: STEM Club co-president, Robotics Club

GOLDEN SCHOLARS: Hanaan Abdule, Ashley Adams, Elisa Ahlstrom, Tania Alegria, Story Alexander, Paris Alsammarie, Caitlyn Ashdown, Kaleigh Backlund, Lincoln Barnes, Kali Baugh, Alexandria Beadle, Amelia Bent, Linnea Berggren-Lysaught, Samia Bhakta, Aubry Bishop, Jeremy Bowen, Olivia Boyer, Evan Bradley, Blake Broadbent, Sarah Burkett, Jason Calalang, Ashley Cameron, Alicia Canez, Emma Carpenter, Skylar Catania, Caleb Chilton; Also, Alexis Christopher, Audrey Cluff, Lincoln Coleman, Katie Collins, Melisa Contreras Juarez,

Victoria Cook, Colby Coray, Emma Cornell, Elijah Cowart, Karlee Crandall, Crissa Crawfor, Kyndle Crawford, Mackenzie Crotts, Madison Cullinan, Morgan Cullinan, Ashley Curtis; Also, Jackson Daggett, Brayden Dahl, Annelise Dana, Connor Davidson, Marina Dear, Trinity Decker, Nicholas Diaz, Juliet Dickerson, Elyse Dilbeck Stover, Tina Dolezal, Jaden Downs, Luis Duarte, Hannah Ducasse, Joseph Duncan, Kayla Eastridge, Alisha Ellsworth, Carson Ellsworth, Drew Enos, Brandon Ericson, Alyvia Esquibel; Also, Remi Evans, Donovan

Felice, Lara Claire Ferrer, Emma Finchum, Pelaki Foliaki, Kelly Frazier, Jennifer Gamma, Lindsay Garner, Anemise Gower, Trevor Grenier, Sevilla Groebe, Seth Gummel, Ethan Hacker, Carson Hagen, Charly Hallsted, Selin Hanci, Ashlyn Hancock, Elizabeth Hannah, Benjamin Hanson; Also Brynna Harkey, Sophia Harnish, Hannah Harvey, Taira Hauptli, Matthew Heidenblut, Anaya Henderson, Brooke Hester, Halle Heussner, Ethan Hill, Delia Hintz, Anna Hogle, Kylee Holstad, Alivia Homsey, Bailey Homsey, Mya Hotchkiss, Gabriela Hunt Madariaga,

Matthew Jensen, Alison Jepson; Also, Amanda Johnsen, Lilian Johnson, Cody Johnston, Ashley Jones, Austin Jorgenson, Diego Juarez, Derick Kaps, Adam Karaffa, Sadie Khalil, Logan Kingsford, Sophia Koutsogiannis, Aidan Labut, Katie Lalime, Annie Larson, Abbey Lashley, Kendra Layton, Shayla Le, Vivian Le, Gordon Lee, Kylonna Leevy, Jhoanna Lopez Larios, Alyssa Love, Cameron Lowe; Also, Gwenyth Lund, Katherine Lunsman, Lauren Lunt, Cameron Macdonald, Mya Magyar,

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HIGH SCHOOL e g d i R t r e s De CLASS OF 2021 TOTAL GRADS: 653 TOTAL SCHOLARSHIPS VALUE: $12.5 MILLION

Total with a GPA of at least 4.0: 153 15 Diploma Arts Seals

SALUTATORIANS:

Adelyn Dao

University: ASU Barrett, The Honors College Major: Medicinal biochemistry Extracurriculars: Orchestra, student-leader at HiWay Baptist Church

Cooper McDaniel

VALEDICTORIAN:

University: Ole Miss Major: Accounting Extracurriculars: Football, soccer, club soccer, tennis, National Honor Society

Petrece Barrios University: University of Arizona Major: Pharmaceutical sciences Extracurriculars: Volunteers on own time

Abigail Dirks

University: Arizona State University Major: Biomedical sciences Extracurriculars: National Honors Society, Best Buddies, youth leader at church.

HIGHLAND from page g16

Aidan Matthews, Harrison Maxwell, Megan McConaghie, Daniel McLaws, Sydney Menden, Porter Merrill, Benjamin Millet, Cameron Millican, Carl Mitchell, Joseph Morris, Sara Morris, Trystan Muhlestein, Elise Nautu, Adam Nelson, Rylee Nelson, Gideon Newitt, April Nguyen, Hieu Nguyen, Gavin Nielsen, Matthew Nielsen, Susan Nyirenda, Sean Olson, Louis Osuna, Brett Page, Natalie Palmer, Hannah Palmisano; Also, Jadyn Parkinson, Andrew

Petersen, Ella Peterson , Jaelyn Peterson, Kaylee Picthall, Elijah Poelman, Ellison Pomeroy, Kalli Pope, Tatum Porter, Eliza Powell, Kaylah Preece, Sydney Preston, Hieu Quach, Aleck Rettew, Brayden Reynolds, Alec Rinsem, Cade Robison, Leah Rohr, Isaac Root, Tieyah Rosier, Ashlynn Rotar, Rohan Saju, Carlee Schield, Sophia Schuster, Caleb Schwendiman, Lucas Shaw, Kara Sierka; Also, Tate Singleton, Taylor Siren, Garrett Sisk, Alexia Slaughter,

Arianna Smith, Emily Smith, Amy Snow, Ashlyn Snow, Brady Soldner, Luke Stapley, Emma Stenmark, Lindsey Stevens, Isabella Stewart, Jake Stitcher, Emma Stout, Qaisar Sulaiman, Lindsey Sutton, Brooke Swayze, Allison Teague, Kyle Tenney, Grace Terberg, Allyssa Thomas, Katie Torgersen, Elizabeth Thurmond, Khang Tran, Makenna Trapani, Straton Treseder, Paige Van Arsdale, Ian Van Rooyen, Jacqueline Vargas, Matthew Vaughn, Monserrat Villicana-

Hernandez, Emma Walker, Ryan Walker, Walker Wallentine, Benjamin Warshaw, Nathaniel Warshaw, Norah Washington, Katrina White, Zane Whitener, Aubree Whiting, Hannah Whiting, Hailey Wilkerson, Thomas Wilkins, Ashley Wilkinson, Kennedy Williams, Delainie Wiltbank, Marianne Wood, Addyson Woodman, Abby Zimmerman and Ryleigh Zuccato.

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ACADEMY l a c i s s a l C Gilb ert CLASS OF 2021 TOTAL GRADS: 76

TOTAL SCHOLARSHIPS VALUE: $7.1 MILLION

Students with 4.0 or above: 65 Total service hours: 6,080 National Merit Scholar: Mathew Hanna Air Force ROTC Scholarship: Derek Scandrett Wood Scholar: Eman Massoud Questbridge Scholarship: Ananya Kodali Obama Scholarship: Yasmine Sleiman, Shuat Islam

VALEDICTORIANS:

Ruth Gailey

Parents: Tim and Clarisa Gailey University: Arizona State University Major: Engineering Extracurriculars/awards: Varsity women’s soccer three years, team captain in junior year; Music Council secretary, two years; Latin Club and varsity cross country, one year each; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints three years; Golden Scholar, National Latin III Exam Gold Medalist as a freshman and bronze medalist as a sophomore; National Latin IV Writing Recognition and Latin Etymology Medalist as a sophomore.

Ethan Quinones Peterson Parents: James Surdyk & Perla Quinones University: Arizona State University Extracurriculars/awards: National Honor Society, JV boys basketball, varsity track and field, Academic Decathlon, Future Doctors Club, Spanish Club, Mu Alpha Theta Club, middle school math tutor.

Geoffrey Xue

Parents: Rong Xue and Haige Qian University: Ohio State University Major: Biology Extracurriculars/awards: JV and high school varsity tennis; orchestra, ceramics at Mesa Arts Center, Empty Bowls and other charitable fundraisers, Future Doctors Club president, planned three blood drives, Student Senate, Bring Change to Mind co-founder and copresident.

Eugenia Trakal

Parents: Ladislao and Laura Trakal University: ASU Major: Finance Extracurriculars/awards: East Valley Youth Symphony, Youth Symphony of the Southwest, National Junior Classical League, Latin Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society secretary, Ambassadors Club, Latin Club, varsity girls tennis team co-captain, violin, U.S. Tennis Association, National Honor Society, Gilbert Classical Academy Quartet, Arizona Music Educators Association Central Regional Orchestra, Music Council, Spanish Club, SAT Prep Club, Spartan Athlete Leadership Team, founder and president of Spanish Club, Music Council secretary, head of Inventory Committee of Music Council, co-founder and secretary of SAT Prep Club, secretary of Spartan Athlete Leadership Team.

Mathew Hanna

Parents: George & Heba Hanna University: University of Arizona Major: Biology Extracurriculars/awards: National Honor Society, Future Doctors Club, National Latin Honor Society, National Junior Classical League, Mu-Alpha-Theta Club historian, Student Senate, varsity swim team, JV tennis team, tutor in biology, Latin and math; Science Fair first and third place winner; National Latin Exam Summa Cum Laude and Cum Honore Maxima Egregio; National Etymology Exam gold medal winner, National Creative Writing Exam first place; first place in Chandler Gilbert Community College’ Level II Excellence in Mathematics Group Project.

Evelyn deVos

Parents: James and Kelly deVos College: Wellesley College Major: Political science Extracurriculars/awards: Speech & Debate, Activism for Our Lives, National Honor Society, Ambassadors’ Club, Mu Alpha Theta, founded and managed Gender Sexuality Acceptance Club, GCA Student Music Council committee chair, first place in 2015 Mesa Public Schools Voices writing Competition, 2015 Math Olympiad Award Winner.

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e d r e V o p Cam CLASS OF 2021

HIGH SCHOOL

TOTAL GRADS: 522

TOTAL SCHOLARSHIPS VALUE: $13.8 MILLION

Total students with GPA of 4.0 or higher: 115 Total service hours: 43,765 AP Capstone Diploma recipients: Ethan Baum, Kaitlyn Bowe, Elizabeth Brooks, Jencey Dole, Adyson Fater, Luis Galaz, Brandon Hughes, Hailey McCrea, Nathaniel McMullen, Alyssa Pomykala, Cody Vasquez and Daniel Zhu.

VALEDICTORIAN:

Elizabeth Brooks Parents: Brent and Julie Brooks University: Arizona State University Barrett, The Honors College.

Extracurriculars: Varsity Track and Cross Country, National Spanish Honor Society, Journalism Club President, hiking and backpacking, playing bass guitar.

COYOTE EXCELLENCE AWARD

SALUTATORIANS:

Jacob Cox Parents: Curtis and Manola Cox University: Arizona State University

Victoria Marie Mask Parents: Joseph and Kimberly Mask University: Undecided Extracurriculars: Track and field, cross country, piano, National Honors Society, Spanish Honors Society, Journalism Club

Given to a senior who embodies Campo Verde’s core beliefs of community, values, honor and scholarship.

Cody Vasquez Parents: Tim and Julie Vasquez University: Harvard Extracurriculars: Student Body president, Key Club co-president, National Honor Society vice president, SHS voice representative, Radiate (No Place for Hate) trainer and secretary, V.O.I.C.E. facilitator, link crew.

Madeline Weilan Moyer

Parents: Kenneth and Jude Moyer University: University of Richmond Extracurriculars: National Honor Society, Key Club

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eL adin g Ed ge CLASS OF 2021 ACADEMY

TOTAL GRADS: 53

Salutes the Class of 2021 and Graduates!!

!

TOTAL SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERS: $670,000

Grads with 4.0 GPA or higher: 20 Spartan of the Year: Nathaniel Bush

VALEDICTORIAN:

s n o i t a l u t a r Con g

Service Learning Award: Audrey Cobos Academic Excellence: Madison Pianalto

SALUTATORIAN:

Joshua Hall

Parents: David and Cari Hall University: University of Arizona Major: Mathematics Extracurriculars/awards: National Merit Honor Award and Scholarship

Rachel Lawson Parents: Henri and Eve Lawson University: Arizona State University Major: Biochemistry

VALEDICTORIANS from page g19

Benjamin Ash

Parents: Deron and Noelle Ash University: ASU Major: Liberal arts and sciences.

Extracurriculars/awards: Golden Scholar, AZ State Intel Science Fair first and second place winner, National Latin Exam silver and gold medalist, National Classical Etymology Exam gold medal, ChandlerGilbert Community College Math Competition winner, Student Senate, National Honor Society secretary, Peer Tutoring president, Bring Change to Mind Club, Feed My Starving Children, Elder Home volunteer, Latin National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Political Studies Club, Latin Club.

Shabib Huq

Parents: Ehteshamul and Sadia Huq University: ASU Extracurriculars/awards: JV basketball captain, varsity track, Mu Alpha Theta, Spanish Club, National Honor Society, National Latin Exam gold and silver medalist.

Kristoffer Amerman

Parent: David Amerman University: Northeastern University, Major: Computer science/cognitive psychology Extracurriculars/awards: Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society president, National Honor Society, AI4ALL, Robotics Club, March for Our Lives, Student Senate, Future Doctors Club, Latin Club, varsity soccer, multiple awards in school and science fairs.

Kristen Schmidt

Parents: Eric and Stacy Schmidt University: University of Washington Major: Biology Extracurriculars/awards: National Honor Society Student Senate, Mu Alpha Theta, Future Doctors Club, varsity girls soccer, Academic Decathlon, SAT Prep Club, Spirit Store Club, Latin Club.

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Gilb ert CLASS OF 2021 HIGH SCHOOL

TOTAL GRADS: 505

TOTAL SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERS: $12.7 MILLION

Students with GPA of 4.0 or better: 136

Total service hours: 3,098

VALEDICTORIAN:

SALUTATORIANS:

Martha Ashlyn McKendrick

Parents: Tamara and Brent McKendrick University: Brigham Young University Major: Chemical engineering Extracurriculars: Track, Cross Country, Math Club president, National Honor Society, National History Honor Society president, Science National Honor Society vice president, Environmental Action Club, Ultimate Frisbee Club.

Mesquite

TOTAL GRADS: 334

Seal of Arts Proficiency: 8

Victoria Marie Mask

Parents: Joseph and Kimberly Mask University: Undecided Extracurriculars: Track and field, cross country, piano, National Honors Society, Spanish Honors Society, Journalism Club

Camryn Jean Neal

Parents: Shelly and Mark Neal University: Columbia University Major: Political science Extracurriculars: Varsity soccer and softball, Environmental Action Club, Tiger Crew

HIGH SCHOOL

CLASS OF 2021

TOTAL SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERS: $13.2 MILLION

Grads with GPA of 4.0 or above: 63 National Merit Finalists: Donovan Harp and Hongtao Liu National Merit Scholarship Commendation: Zachary Turner National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar: Sabrina Farias Arizona FFA Meats Evaluation: Kaitlyn Engelstad All State Honor Choir: Nathan Romero, All-Region Defensive Player of the Year Softball: Gianna Memoli

VALEDICTORIAN:

Jennifer Tran

Parents: Khoa Tran and Thu Le University: Brown University Major: Sociology and statistics Extracurriculars/awards: Flinn Scholarship awardee, AP Scholar with Distinction, Golden Scholar, Speech and Debate Team, Power To The Period Arizona founder, UNICEF Club, National Honor Society and #Fight4HER Arizona.

Desert Sky Region Defensive Player of the Year Soccer: Keahi Hsu, Desert Sky Region Defensive Player of the Year Girls Soccer: Hope Ruiz, Desert Sky Region Co-Player of the Year: Hope Ruiz All-American Offensive Player of the Year Football: Ty Thompson, Ed Doherty Award Grand Canyon State Gridiron Club: Ty Thompson Desert Sky Region Player of the Year Football: Ty Thompson State Champion Badminton Singles: Sabrina Farias

SALUTATORIANS:

Mallory Dolan

Parents: Tim and Mindi Dolan University: University of Arizona Honors College Major: Biology Extracurriculars/awards: Wildcat Spirit Award, Golden Scholar, cheer, National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society.

Hongtao Liu

Parent: Amber Gao University: Johns Hopkins University Extracurriculars/awards: FBLA Digital Video Production State, first place; FBLA Mobile Application Development State, first place; National AP Scholar, National Merit Finalist, SSP Biochemistry IU 2020 Alumni, piano and violin, wrestling.

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | MAY 30, 2021

H I G H L A N D H AW K

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Congratulations to the Class of 2021!

Melinda Murphy Principal Highland High School

Valedictorian

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Thank you for all you have given to our community and we wish you nothing but the best as you rise and soar from this nest to the next.

Jackson Daggett

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My wish for each of you is that you take the lessons learned at Highland in the classrooms, in the hallways, on the courts and fields, and on the stage and use them to make the world a better place.

Extend grace where grace is needed, give back where you can, and work to make a difference.

Remember that we are always stronger together than apart.

Jason Calalang

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Congratulations! You are on your way to new adventures.

The best that life has to offer is waiting out there and is yours for the taking.

While the challenges of the last year are new in the sense that we navigated through uncharted territory, what is also true is that life will continue to offer you challenges.

How you choose to face the obstacles that come your way determines if you will come out stronger and better than before.

You've shown us that resilience is a gift you possess and we are confident that you have the shoulders to carry us forward as you take your place in the world.

Lucas Shaw

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Dear Class of 2021,