THE MESA TRIBUNE, SOUTHEAST GRAD PAGES, MAY 22, 2022

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Red Mountain HS Mountain View HS Skyline HS

Desert Ridge HS

Career success on your terms. nau.edu

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 22, 2022

GRADUATION SPECIAL

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MAY 22, 2022 | THE MESA TRIBUNE

n i a t n u o M Red HIGH SCHOOL

GRADUATION SPECIAL

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CO-VALEDICTORIANS:

Sara Enright

GPA: 5.000 Parents: Sean & Nicole Enright On the way to: George Tech Career pursuing: Artificial Intelligence and Data, Computer Science Extracurriculars: AP Council president, National Honor Society vice president, Girls Who Code President, Academic Decathlon president, Link Crew leader, Mayor’s Youth Committee. Plays clarinet, ukulele, baritone ukulele, guitar, and bass guitar. Studied Chinese for 7+ years.

Congratulations to all students DISTINGUISHED STUDENTS

Danica Rauch

Parents: John and Shannon Rauch On the way to: Northern Arizona University Career pursuing: Environmental Scientist/Researcher or Environmental Engineer Extracurriculars: Marching band, clarinet section leader, honor band, symphonic band, biotechnology internship, MPS Harp Program, AP Council, National Honor Society, HOSA, regional band.

Michael Clancy

Lydia Pastore

GPA: 5.000.

Parents: John and Delphine Pastore On the way to: University of Arizona College of Medicine Career pursuing: Physician.

Extracurriculars: BioMed & BioTech president, HOSA state vice president, International Champion HOSA Biomedical Laboratory Sciences Competition; Founder/CEO of internationally acclaimed initiative, Volunteer at Banner Baywood Medical Center; ASU science Intern, Pediatric Radiology published case report author; graduate of Summer & Saturday Scrubs Program, state youth advisor COVID Community Engagement Alliance, Bethel Summer Science Institute, 2022 Flinn Scholar, 2022 Coca-Cola Scholar, 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholar semifinalist, 2022 Stamps Scholarship alternate.

David Gagon

Parents: David and Jennifer Gagon On the way to: NAU Career pursuing: Secondary Music Education/some form of education Extracurriculars: Choir, all state show, regional and all state choir, theater, AP Council, library volunteer.

Matalin Hansen

Parents: Tom Clancy & Amy Phillips On the way to: ASU Career pursuing: Undecided Extracurriculars: German Club President, League of Legends.

Parents: Michael and Kristen Hansen On the way to: ASU Career pursuing: Intellectual Property Lawyer Extracurriculars: Red Mountain Branch library volunteer, National Honor Society, Girl-Up, Spanish Club, AP Council, Link Crew, Chickfil-A Leadership Academy, Academic Decathlon, We the People.

Grace Crook

Tye Ropati

Reyan Aberra

Caroline Schilt

Aiselyn Krebs

Matthew Seifert

Parents: Christopher Crook and Cynthia Mack On the way to: ASU, Barrett, The Honors College Career pursuing: Business and Sustainability Extracurriculars: National Honor Society, Mayor’s Youth Committee, AP Council, Marine Biology Club.

Parents: Anwar and Jemila Aberra On the way to: ASU Career pursuing: Mechanical Engineering Extracurriculars: BioMed Club

Parents: Thomas and Cyndi Krebs On the way to: Brigham Young University.

Career pursuing: Wildlife Biologist Extracurriculars: Orchestra

Parents: John Ropati and Colette Olsen On the way to: ASU, Barrett, The Honors College Career pursuing: Paleontologist Extracurriculars: National Honor Society, Environmental Club, Guitar Program, Guitar Council.

Parents: Christian and Annette Schilt On the way to: BYU Career pursuing: OB/GYN Extracurriculars: National Honor Society, AP Council, BioMed Club.

Parents: Dennis and Heidi Seifert On the way to: ASU, Barrett, The Honors College Career pursuing: Computer Science Extracurriculars: AP Council treasurer, National Honor Society service coordinator, Link Crew leader, ice hockey, piano.

see RED MOUNTAIN page G4

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 22, 2022

GRADUATION SPECIAL

Nikka Smith

RED MOUNTAIN from page G3

Elijah Walders

Parents: Chris Smith and Melissa Drake On the way to: ASU Career pursuing: Writer and Architect Extracurriculars: National Honor Society

Parents: Mike and Jess Evans On the way to: University of Arizona.

Career pursuing: Quantum Computing Extracurriculars: National Honor Society, Girl-Up, jiu jistu.

Julian Gordon

Garrett Comes

Parents: Geoffrey and Elizabeth Gordon On the way to: Boston University Career pursuing: Molecular Biology Extracurriculars: AP Council, Link Crew, Sigma Beta Club.

Parents: Demetrius and Annemarie Comes On the way to: Georgia Institute of Technology Career pursuing: Aerospace Engineer Extracurriculars: Robotics, Stellar Xplorers, Academic Decathlon, engineering, esports, Stem C Rocketry.

Cooper Hathaway

Erica Day

Parents: Robert and Melora Hathaway On the way to: ASU Career pursuing: Engineering Extracurriculars: Soccer, lacrosse.

Parents: Eric Day and Donna Empson On the way to: University of Arizona Career pursuing: Pharmacist Extracurriculars: Marching band front ensemble leader, pharmacy tech, HOSA semifinalist, pharmacy science.

Calista Madej

Meghan Sheehan

Parents: Mike and Annette Fritz On the way to: University of Arizona Career pursuing: Microbiology Extracurriculars: Engineering Research internship, AZ Science Center volunteer, AP Council, National Honor Society, library volunteer, finalist for Genes in Space competition, Arizona Forestry Department Runs Wild Fire research.

Parents: Darren and Debbie Sheehan On the way to: University of Arizona Career pursuing: Pharmaceutical Scientist Extracurriculars: Nat’l Honor Society president, yearbook, AP Council, tutoring, yoga, Grove Church daycare, volleyball, Red Sea Club.

Mountain ViewHIGH SCHOOL TOP STUDENTS :

Emma Pavlovic

Sabrina Stewart

Parents: Chris and Lori Pavlovic GPA: 4.871 On the way to: Grand Canyon University Career pursuing: Mental Health Field Extracurriculars: Choir, National Honor Society, Toro Link Leader, Spanish Honor Society, service learning, badminton, track, youth group involvement, Touring Toros at nursing homes.

Chenyi Zhang

GPA: 4.871 Career pursuing: Business Administration/Social Entrepreneurship

Parents: Rachel and Kent Stewart GPA: 4.871 On the way to: Religious mission, then BYU Provo.

Career pursuing: Psychology Extracurriculars: Soccer team captain, orchestra, National Honor Society (Senior Points Commissioner), service learning, volunteer at Highland Elementary School) Mentoro Tutor, Stake Youth Committee.

OTHER TOP STUDENTS : • • • • • •

Jolie Ayala Tyler Bersano Sydney Crandall Treyton DeLong Andrew Frisch Troy Giles

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Benjamin Johnson Chase Johnson Gwenyth McPhie Rachel Merrill Nicholas Palma Karissa Smallwood

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Tanya Snitzer Madelyn Staker McKenna Starks Liam Stuart Morgan Weyland,.

MAY 22, 2022 | THE MESA TRIBUNE

GRADUATION SPECIAL

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 22, 2022

MAY 22, 2022 | THE MESA TRIBUNE

Skyline

Rose Emerson

Parent: Nichole Kear GPA: Unweighted: 3.978,Weighted: 4.587, College Core: 4.871 On the way to: Bates College Career pursuing: Marine Biology Extracurriculars: Vice president of Black Student Union, STEP, Student Expedition Program (Phoenix), Academic Decathlon, Scuba diving.

Grace Ray

Parents: Spencer and Sara Ray GPA - Unweighted: 4.0, Weighted: 4.839 On the way to: Brigham Young University Career pursuing: Elementary Education Extracurriculars: She and her sister were group leaders of a humanitarian trip to Africa, where they collected needed supplies for a local orphanage with 72 children ages 2 to 19. Prior to the trip, they raised $5,000. They also met a blind resident in a village for whom they built a chicken coop where he and his mother are raising chickens.

GRADUATION SPECIAL

HIGH SCHOOL Autumn Fairbanks

Parents: Kristie and Jeff Fairbanks GPA: 4.0 unweighted, 4.609 weighted, 4.903 college core On the way to: Arizona State University Career pursuing: Special Education Extracurriculars: cross country, percussion in band, service clubs such as National Honor Society and Coyote Connections Leader, Mayor’s Youth Committee.

Caleb Young

Parents: Patrick and Pamela Young.

GPA: 4.935 College Core, 4.6 weighted, 4.0 unweighted On the way to: Harding University Career: Cryptographer Extracurriculars: Track and field team, Skyline’s top javelin thrower, East Valley Church of Christ.

Mesa ASU grad took on many leadership roles

BY SONA PATEL SRINARAYANA Tribune Contributor

J

essica Dirks’ interests in art, mathematics, physics and psychology fueled her decision to double major in robotics and autonomous systems and human systems engineering at the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University.

During her time as an undergraduate, the Mesa student in Barrett, The Honors College, fulfilled her academic and extracurricular goals through various leadership roles.

Some of Dirks’ most significant achievements were her efforts with the all-women’s underwater autonomous vehicle engineering team, Desert WAVE.

As a founding member, she taught herself Solidworks software, became the lead in computer-aided design and drafting, or CAD, designing, took on the scrum master role and competed — winning first place nationally and third place internationally — as part of a rookie team.

“Women of all ages contacted us in the months that followed, saying they felt like they had a reachable dream now, and that made the biggest impact on me,” Dirks said.

She was particularly influenced by Fredi Lajvardi, vice president of STEM initiatives for the Si Se Puede Foundation and one of Desert WAVE’s biggest supporters.

“He is a man who believes in the creation, excitement

and value of engineering and his drive and belief in simply ‘making things happen’ opened our eyes to the idea that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.”

Dirks admires Lajvardi’s ability to bring engineering to both underprivileged and uniquely privileged populations, and said she “aspires to have half the gumption he does for turning visions into reality.”

Among her many Desert WAVE accomplishments, she is most proud of being awarded the Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition by then-U.S. Senator Martha McSally for her work with the Si Se Puede Foundation.

In addition to her Desert WAVE endeavors, Dirks, whose academic performance

regularly earned her a place on the dean’s list, was a Fulton Ambassador and Barrett Honors Devil. She was also a member of the General Human Operation of Systems as Teams Lab, or GHOST Lab, where she handled the development of five robotic assets for studies in human and robotic teaming on Earth and in space.

Aside from her ASU ventures, Dirks is a soccer referee, frequently traveling to represent Arizona in regional and national youth competitions. She said she enjoys the juxtaposition of taking on challenges in both athletic and academic pursuits.

One thing that’s certain is she will continue inspiring women to follow their dreams. ■

Jessica Dirks of Mesa made significant achievements were her efforts with the all-women’s underwater autonomous vehicle engineering team, Desert WAVE. (Courtesy of ASU)

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 22, 2022

GRADUATION SPECIAL

Co-Valedictorian Class of 2022

LA U R E N B AS Y E Co-Valedictorian Class of 2022

Dear Class of 2022, We are so proud of all that you’ve accomplished as Hawks!

May you continue to rise and soar as you leave the nest of Highland High School.

KA D E N A R N O L D Co-Salutatorian Class of 2022

C LA I R E C H E A H Co-Salutatorian Class of 2022

E R N E ST LU

TOP 1% Lauren Bayse Kaden Arnold Nicole Lalime Earnest Lu Ana Tuba Miles McLeskey Claire Cheah

Graduates

6 9 7

Grades

27%

of H.H.S. seniors graduated with a 4.0 G.P.A. or higher

scholarships

community service

Spirit of the Hawk Award Gilbert Education Foundation Gilbert Chamber of Commerce Homa & Irene Wood Foundation Otto & Edna Neely Foundation National Merit Finalists Flinn Scholarship Finalist STEM Diploma Dorrance Scholar

15,000 HOURS

$13,000,000

MAY 22, 2022 | THE MESA TRIBUNE

GRADUATION SPECIAL

“All Our Dreams Can Come True...

If We Have The Courage To Pursue Them.”

-Walt Disney

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 22, 2022

G10 GRADUATION SPECIAL

Celebrating service Congratulations, 2021-22 retirees!

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

James Abel Uriel Acosta Christie Allen Rosemary Alvarez Kathleen Andreasen Todd Arbogast Theora Arnold Argelia Avendano Melanie Bailey Susan Barnes Michael Baser Katherine Bates Cami Bell Deborah Bello Corina Beltran Richard Berumen Catherine Bianchi P. Anthony Bisanz Eva Bishop Darlene Bloom Jeanne Boiarsky Christina L. Boulton Lisa Bowen Dorotha M. Bowman Carla Boyle Thomas Brennan Earlene Brock Patrice Brusacoram Brian Buck Lisa Burleson Yolanda Bustamante Gary Butler Nancy Butler Maria V. Calza DeAnne L. Carl Karen Carr Roberta Carr Susan Cervantez Pamela L. Chant Steven Chapman

Kaleen Chase Maria Christopher Renee Church Judy Cichoracki Annette Ciotta Sylvia Clark Jaime Clemens Luz Cofield Julie Cohen Louise Coleman Cynthia Cordes Michael Culver Gloria Daniels Gary Darrah Nancy Davis Teresa Davis Shirl DeJarnett David DiDomenico Lucy Dixon Tsukiko Doty Eilene Dougherty Luis Durand Sarmiento Alane Eaton Annette Edwards Tricia Ellsworth Lynette Elmore Catherine Emo Guadalupe Erran Valerie Escarcega Scott Eshman Jo Estal Patricia Etcheverria Sylvie Faino Cathy Feeney-Katzke Kim Freehan Suzann French Thomas Friedel Carlos Gaona Marie Garber Alfredo Garcia

Lourdes Garcia Vicente Garcia Monica Germaine Juanita Gervasio Sandra Grace Larry Graham Olga Grant Eileen Gratkins Michele Grimaldi Reed Guthrie Jana Haeffner Deborah Hall Cynthia Hallsted Jo Ann Hallstrom Regina Hamlin Lisa Hammon Margaret Hanna Annette Haynes Jerry Herbel Mary Herbert Chris Hernandez Shari Hess Dawn Hewitt Marcia Heywood Kimberly Higgins Barbara Hill Mary Hohl Marcia Howard Kathleen Hubbard Sandra Huber Daniel Hurst Kyle Ide Gary Ingle Keith Jarvela Lori Buchanan Jarvis Jan Johnson Laurie Johnson Rachel Johnson Rebecca Johnson Shari Johnson

Sandra Johnson-Jacobs Shannon Jones Terri Jones Janene Kelly Nancy Kern Kelcy Kilber William King Aunnie Kirkendoll Howard Klein Linda Knox Marlene Kothe Sandra Kuhn Amy Lahavich Shannon Lang Janie Larimore Judith Laten Andrea Lautenschlager Melinda Russell Layton Cynthia Leblanc-Gardner Christina Lee Christopher Lenk Kelda Kastner Lewis Jim Little Jacquelyn Long Ronald Lott Camille Loudenbeck Adelita Lubin Michael Lucas Richard Lucas Tamara Lueck Laura Lyman Charlene Madden Duff Malone Christine Mann Randy Mann Lori Mardis Gene Martinez Gary Massengill Keith Mattison Marjie Mattison

Renee McCurdy Patricia Medrano Christine Melcher Helen Melzer Kimberly Merlene Cynthia Meschede Kenneth Michaels Elaine Migala Denise Mika Kathleen M. Miller Lara Miller Ronald Moffet Julia Monteleone Jay Moon Andrea Moore Kirkendoll Thomas Morley Pamela Morrison David Murphy Nita Muth Cathy Nelson David Palva Cortes Neto Tammy Newton Angela Norris Theresa Nowicki Jannette O. Nuestro Malissa Ochoa Teresa Ochoa William Ochs Jr. Mark Olmstead Gregg Olson Terry Olson Joseph Orrantia Miriam Osuna Ruben Parada James Parker Nicolas Zane Parker Michele Patrick Bonnie Perkins Wendy Person Lori Pies

Kimberly Pillow Gini Pittsenbarger Hedy Pluta Arthur Ponce Parley Pratt Margaret Precup Karen Procopio Carmen Provenzale Jill Purcell Tammie Pursley Edward Quesada Connie Rakestraw James Rasmussen Pamela Read Kathy Reed Lynette Reed Cheryl Rhoades Mary Ritter Diane Rizza Judith Robbins Bonnie Roberts Jennifer Rowse Deirdre Rudolph Carol Rudzinski Maria Saiz Delores Sandberg Albert Santillan Anna Sarcona William Savage Rachel Savory Thomas Saxon Patricia Schaefer Warren Schapiro Susan Schuller Sandra Schultz Deana Scott Martin Sehl Barbara Sesich Charles Sharpless Jenny Shope

List includes announced retirees through May 10, 2022.

mpsaz.org

Allen Slate Ann-Marie Smith Michael Smith Judy Spencer Susan Stanton Gloria Steffen Mary Steinken Bernadette Strykowski Joe Sullivan Ruth E. Sullivan Linda Swenhaugen Dianne Szonn Darlyn Taylor Lori Taylor Molly Thede Gloria Thomas Michael Thomas Gena Thompson Linda Tomlinson Robin Treat Jesse Tristan Jr. Wei Tu Linda Valuikas Denise Vargas Gilbert Vargas Gregg Veitel Donald Verheyen Maria Villalba Brenda Waggoner James Weatherbie Michelle Weitzman Kristin D. Welch Diane White Kristan Wiemann Curtis Wilburn Cami Williams Robert Williams Maureen Witt Brian Yates

MAY 22, 2022 | THE MESA TRIBUNE

GRADUATION SPECIAL

Congratulations to the Class of 2022!

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

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e g d i R t r e Des HIGH SCHOOL VALEDICTORIAN :

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 22, 2022

SALUTATORIANS:

Pete Selles

Kyler Harden

Parents: Wendi and Skip Harden GPA: 4.72 On the way to: Grand Canyon University Career pursuing: Engineering to develop methods to solve real-world problems.

Extracurriculars: Robotics, bowling.

Parents: Paul and Tina Selles GPA: 4.78 On the way to: Arizona State University W.P. Carey School of Business Career pursuing: Finance Extracurriculars: Tennis team, Homecoming King, Mr. Desert Ridge, Language Club, German Bee winner, church youth leader, cashier.

SPECIAL HONORS:

Spirit of the Jag Tyler Blunt

Parents: Jamie and Randy Blunt On his way to: Gilbert Schools Transition Program to continue his learning, independence and life skills/ vocational training with a long-term goal of operating a food truck with his family and traveling the country sightseeing and making great food.

Extracurriculars: Best Buddies program and cheering at school athletic programs. Plays Challenger Baseball and a variety of Special Olympics sports, enjoys traveling, studying maps and cooking for his friends and family.

Garrett Weissert

Parents: Cassie and Dennis Weissert GPA: 4.71 On the way to: Colorado School of Mines Career pursuing: Computer Science/Quantum Computing Extracurriculars: Football, men’s volleyball, National Honors Society.

MAY 22, 2022 | THE MESA TRIBUNE

GRADUATION SPECIAL

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 22, 2022

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Newly minted ASU grad embraces journalism career SPJ Region 11 Mark of Excellence Award.

She has also interned as a photographer with Arizona Highways, Phoenix Magazine hoosing a career field was never an and Mesa Public Schools, and is a photogissue for Samantha Chow of Mesa. rapher at ASU Media Relations.

With parents who are both phoUpon enrolling at ASU, she had obtojournalists and the classes and clubs tained scholarships from the Nancy she participated in dating back to el- Engebretson Memorial Photojournalism ementary school, it was always clear for Scholarship, the Arizona Milk Producers, Chow that she wanted to be a journalist The Drive Smart Contest and earned the in some capacity.

New American University Scholar – ProThat early passion led her to pursue vost’s Award. a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism She got interested in journalism in eland mass communication from the Walter ementary school as part of a broadcast Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass club.

Communication.

“So from the age of 11, I knew this is Now primarily focused on photojour- where I wanted to go and I wanted to do nalism, Chow is passionate about telling journalism. And growing up when both of stories of people that otherwise would your parents have the exact same career, not be told. it’s hard not to like what they admire and “One of the things I hope to accomplish I ended up admiring it myself too.” through journalism is to get people to care At ASU, she learned about the many about what matters and to have more hu- opportunities provided by a journalism manity and empadegree. thy toward certain There are a lot of situations,” she things you can do So from the age of 11, said. with a journalism I knew this is where I wanted degree that I just Chow has already published works didn’t even think to go and I wanted to do that reflect this journalism. And growing up about. message with her “The skills that when both of your parents you learn commustory about Life have the exact same career, nication wise and Masks for Cronkite News, which protime management it’s hard not to like what files an artist who they admire and I ended up are some of the creates masks of many skills you admiring it myself too.

Holocaust surlearn with a jourvivors, and her nalism degree that photo story “Views can be applied outfrom Quarantine” for The State Press, side of journalism,” she said. “So it almost which highlighted Chow’s experience makes me feel more secure because even during a 14-day quarantine and won an though I know I want to do photojournalBY DYLAN BREESE Tribune Contributor

C

SAMANTHA CHOW

ism, I know that I can apply my degree to so many other things.”

“The Cronkite School is one of the best journalism schools in the country. It also was in state for me, so it’s really hard to say no to in-state tuition for a top journalism school. And then my mom is also a Cronkite alum, and she was a big reason why I wanted to come here too.

What’s the best piece of advice she can give to those still in school?

“My best piece of advice that I could give actually comes from some of the worst advice that I’ve received. I feel like everyone tells you that you need to say

yes to everything and take every opportunity that comes your way, and that’s horrible advice. “ I’ve tried that and you’ll be so miserable and overworked. So I think the best advice I could give is that it’s okay to say no to things in favor of your mental health.

Instead, I would say to take every opportunity that you can fit on your plate.”■ Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2022 graduates.Samantha ChowSamantha ChowDownload Full Image

MAY 22, 2022 | THE MESA TRIBUNE

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 22, 2022

MAY 22, 2022 | THE MESA TRIBUNE

GRADUATION SPECIAL

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Mesa man graduates with film degree from ASU

BY KRISTEN LARUE-SANDLER Tribune Contributor

C

ameron Filas had aspirations toward valor. Enlisting in the U.S. Army just out of high school, the Mesa resident intended to be a career infantryman.

But an incident early in the Mesa man’s service led to a medical retirement. Now, Filas holds a master’s degree in film and media studies from Arizona State University.

“I’m fascinated by how films shape public attitude and are, in turn, reflective of a culture at any given point,” he said.

Filas believes his time spent in the military was not in vain. Upon his discharge, he decided to go back to school. After transferring from Mesa Community College, Filas set is his sights on the humanities at ASU. He used GI Bill benefits to finance the rest of his bachelor’s degree in history as well as his graduate degree.

“Though my Army career was cut short,” he said, “it is not an understatement to say that I likely would not have gone to college at all if it hadn’t been for my military service.”

Filas made a U-turn from a life of physical discipline to one of intellectual rigor, but again, the army had prepared him for that.

“The discipline I gained helped me maintain a 4.0 GPA throughout my undergraduate and graduate programs,” he said.

“My worldview has changed considerably since my time in the Army, but that experience will forever be a part of me.”

Filas credits his success to a wide group of supporters.

“I frequently leaned on my professors, academic adviser and ASU success coach —shout out to Michelle Ponce de Leon — for support,” he said.

He talked about why he chose ASU and his passion for film studies.

When did you realize you wanted to study in your field?

Although I earned my bachelor’s in his-

Cameron Filas of Mesa had planned on a career in the Army, but after an unexpected medical retirement, the trained his sights on a degree in film at ASU. (Courtesy of ASU) tory, I always found myself exploring film whenever possible. My favorite undergraduate course was an introduction to cinema section offered at my local community college.

I learned about the development of the industry and got a taste of works across the spectrum, such as the historically significant “Birth of a Nation” (1915), wartime propaganda films from the Soviet Union, Hitchcock, Blaxploitation

and a dabbling of foreign flicks — I quite enjoyed Javier Bardem’s performance in “The Sea Inside” (2004). I gladly jumped on every opportunity to study film since that pivotal course, which eventually led me to the film and media studies program at ASU. What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you, that changed your perspective?

I’m fascinated by how films shape public attitude and are, in turn, reflective of a culture at any given point. Any movie you look at says something about society at that point in time, like a historical time capsule.

You can take, say, Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” (1963) and ask: ‘What does this film say about Cold War anxiety, the notion of “female hysteria,” and postWWII capitalism?’ It gets really interesting when you start to think about what film scholars might say about today’s films 50 years from now.

Why did you choose ASU? Once I had decided I wanted to study film and media, the only question left was which school I wanted to attend. After doing my research and weighing the options, I picked ASU because it was one of the few colleges with a modern, respectable film and media studies program and it was conveniently all online.

Every single professor in the film and media studies program was dedicated to the students and ensuring we got the most out of each class. They really cared and made themselves available for questions or concerns. Additionally, I always received helpful feedback on assignments and felt the professors — and graders — actively contributed to and helped guide discussions.

What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

What are your plans after graduation?

I would be ecstatic to have the chance to work in the film or video game industry, but I’ll also be keeping an eye out for opportunities to teach about film and media.

If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

I think education is essential to overcoming many of the world’s challenges, so I would invest that money into building schools that are accessible and tuitionfree in underserved communities. ■

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 22, 2022

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

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

MAY 22, 2022 | THE MESA TRIBUNE

GRADUATION SPECIAL

OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL CATHOLIC SCHOOL

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 22, 2022