Business & Finance
Education
Engineering
Entrepreneurship
Healthcare & Science
Media & Entertainment
Public Service
Social Justice
Technology
Business & Finance
Gold - Eugenia Trakal
Major: Finance and International Business with a minor in Spanish
GPA: 4.0
High School: Gilbert Classical Academy
Heritage: Argentine
First-generation American with Argentine roots, Eugenia, is characterized by her desire and willingness to explore as many opportunities as she can to expand her vision of the community and world in which she lives. Last June, she attended Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business Young Women’s Institute, where she took on the role of Chief Finance Officer for her team as they competed by preparing a real-world business case project. Her team received 1st place out of 30 teams in the final case competition, with a perfect score on the financial statements. Captivated by the thrill of strategizing to solve a problem under time constraints, Eugenia participated in several other summer business projects last summer, including Grand Canyon University’s Business Institute and Arizona State University’s Fleischer Scholars Program. “[These experiences] made me realize how Finance goes beyond analysis and is truly about teamwork, decision-making, and defending and challenging viewpoints,” she says. Eugenia wants to pursue a career in Finance and International Business in order to better understand Latin America’s economic complexities. Her ultimate mission is to work for the United Nations Global Compact, to work against corruption and establish transparency in the global economy. She has demonstrated her leadership skills in many ways at her school, including as Founder and President of its Spanish Club. She has a 4.0 GPA and is ranked 1st in her class. Eugenia will double major in Finance and International Business and minor in Spanish at the University of Pennsylvania, Santa Clara University, or Indiana University Bloomington.
GPA: 4.0
High School: Gilbert Classical Academy
Heritage: Argentine
First-generation American with Argentine roots, Eugenia, is characterized by her desire and willingness to explore as many opportunities as she can to expand her vision of the community and world in which she lives. Last June, she attended Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business Young Women’s Institute, where she took on the role of Chief Finance Officer for her team as they competed by preparing a real-world business case project. Her team received 1st place out of 30 teams in the final case competition, with a perfect score on the financial statements. Captivated by the thrill of strategizing to solve a problem under time constraints, Eugenia participated in several other summer business projects last summer, including Grand Canyon University’s Business Institute and Arizona State University’s Fleischer Scholars Program. “[These experiences] made me realize how Finance goes beyond analysis and is truly about teamwork, decision-making, and defending and challenging viewpoints,” she says. Eugenia wants to pursue a career in Finance and International Business in order to better understand Latin America’s economic complexities. Her ultimate mission is to work for the United Nations Global Compact, to work against corruption and establish transparency in the global economy. She has demonstrated her leadership skills in many ways at her school, including as Founder and President of its Spanish Club. She has a 4.0 GPA and is ranked 1st in her class. Eugenia will double major in Finance and International Business and minor in Spanish at the University of Pennsylvania, Santa Clara University, or Indiana University Bloomington.
Bronze - Gabriela Flores Díaz
Major: Business Administration with a minor in Management
GPA: 3.94
High School: Independence High School
Heritage: Guatemalan and Salvadoran
Goal-oriented, resilient, creative, outgoing, and focused, Gabriela has character traits that will help her succeed in the Business field. The idea of one day running her own business motivated her to take business classes all throughout high school. “I have learned that business is not only a diverse and collected community, but that it is also an inspirational one. The routes one can take in business are endless,” she says. She has explored some of these routes through her involvement in various student organizations. Gabriela has been part of her school’s student council for the last four years. She currently serves as student body president and leads with poise, compassion, presence, and maturity. She has interacted and worked with many business-women and men in her community through her role as an officer in her school’s chapter of the National Honor Society. Gabriela’s greatest passion is giving back to her community. Her biggest inspiration to be active and to be a positive presence for those around her is her mother, with whom she ran a food bank donation and delivery service that helped provide for 200 families in the outskirts of Arizona. Gabriela wants to major in Business Administration and minor in Management. She is applying for consideration at Northern Arizona University, Arizona State University, and Grand Canyon University.
GPA: 3.94
High School: Independence High School
Heritage: Guatemalan and Salvadoran
Goal-oriented, resilient, creative, outgoing, and focused, Gabriela has character traits that will help her succeed in the Business field. The idea of one day running her own business motivated her to take business classes all throughout high school. “I have learned that business is not only a diverse and collected community, but that it is also an inspirational one. The routes one can take in business are endless,” she says. She has explored some of these routes through her involvement in various student organizations. Gabriela has been part of her school’s student council for the last four years. She currently serves as student body president and leads with poise, compassion, presence, and maturity. She has interacted and worked with many business-women and men in her community through her role as an officer in her school’s chapter of the National Honor Society. Gabriela’s greatest passion is giving back to her community. Her biggest inspiration to be active and to be a positive presence for those around her is her mother, with whom she ran a food bank donation and delivery service that helped provide for 200 families in the outskirts of Arizona. Gabriela wants to major in Business Administration and minor in Management. She is applying for consideration at Northern Arizona University, Arizona State University, and Grand Canyon University.
Education
Gold - Suzzanne Bigelow
Major: Psychology with a minor in Education
GPA: 4.0
High School: Peoria High School
Heritage: Colombian
Suzzanne wants to be a school psychologist. She wants to ensure that all students feel safe and supported in their academic journey and help them develop socially, mentally, and academically so that their learning experiences are enhanced. She knows what education can do to improve their lives and how it can open doors for their futures, so she wants to help them access that education and reach their full potential. She has volunteered for various organizations in her community. She most frequently dedicates her time to helping at a local food bank, blood drives, and at the Arizona Special Olympics. Some of her most meaningful service work has been through her weekly one-on-one math tutoring sessions with an elementary school student. "Seeing the light bulb click and allowing him to work through problems correctly without my help gives me so much joy," says Suzzanne. She serves as Student Body Secretary, is a Scholar-Athlete, and a member of her school's Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement Club. With a 4.0 GPA, she is ranked #1 in her class out of over 320 students. She will attend Saint Peter's University, Yale University, or the University of Arizona, where she will major in Psychology and minor in Education.
GPA: 4.0
High School: Peoria High School
Heritage: Colombian
Suzzanne wants to be a school psychologist. She wants to ensure that all students feel safe and supported in their academic journey and help them develop socially, mentally, and academically so that their learning experiences are enhanced. She knows what education can do to improve their lives and how it can open doors for their futures, so she wants to help them access that education and reach their full potential. She has volunteered for various organizations in her community. She most frequently dedicates her time to helping at a local food bank, blood drives, and at the Arizona Special Olympics. Some of her most meaningful service work has been through her weekly one-on-one math tutoring sessions with an elementary school student. "Seeing the light bulb click and allowing him to work through problems correctly without my help gives me so much joy," says Suzzanne. She serves as Student Body Secretary, is a Scholar-Athlete, and a member of her school's Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement Club. With a 4.0 GPA, she is ranked #1 in her class out of over 320 students. She will attend Saint Peter's University, Yale University, or the University of Arizona, where she will major in Psychology and minor in Education.
Silver - Samantha Gonzales
Major: Elementary Education
GPA: 4.0
High School: Miami High School
Heritage: Mexican
Growing up, Samantha witnessed how fulfilling being a teacher could be from watching her father. “I saw how much my dad enjoyed being a teacher and the impact of his profession on others,” she says. Being an educator gave her dad a greater sense of purpose and satisfaction. She understood then, as she does now, the profound impact that teachers have on their students and their ability to succeed, both in and out of the classroom. “[My teachers] helped me become who I am today, and I want to be able to leave that mark on [my] student,” proclaims Samantha. She wants to support her students in academics and other parts of their lives so she can help them learn, grow, and succeed. Samantha understands the value of community service. Every week, she visits her local Senior Citizens Center and donates her time by lending a hand with any task needed and providing company and warm conversations to the guests. She is at the top of her class and maintains a 4.0 GPA. She will pursue a degree in Elementary Education at Western New Mexico University, Northern Arizona University, or Arizona State University.
GPA: 4.0
High School: Miami High School
Heritage: Mexican
Growing up, Samantha witnessed how fulfilling being a teacher could be from watching her father. “I saw how much my dad enjoyed being a teacher and the impact of his profession on others,” she says. Being an educator gave her dad a greater sense of purpose and satisfaction. She understood then, as she does now, the profound impact that teachers have on their students and their ability to succeed, both in and out of the classroom. “[My teachers] helped me become who I am today, and I want to be able to leave that mark on [my] student,” proclaims Samantha. She wants to support her students in academics and other parts of their lives so she can help them learn, grow, and succeed. Samantha understands the value of community service. Every week, she visits her local Senior Citizens Center and donates her time by lending a hand with any task needed and providing company and warm conversations to the guests. She is at the top of her class and maintains a 4.0 GPA. She will pursue a degree in Elementary Education at Western New Mexico University, Northern Arizona University, or Arizona State University.
Bronze - Miranda Lowe
Major: Education Studies or Secondary Education with a minor in Sociology
GPA: 4.0
High School: Franklin Police and Fire High School
Heritage: Mexican and Salvadoran
Education has always been a focus in the life of Questbridge National College Match Finalist, Miranda. There is a list of educators that have made an impact in her life. As a way of honoring their influence, guidance, enthusiasm, and motivation, she wants to do the same for students in the future. “My teachers have always been my mentors,” she says. The impact they have had on Miranda goes beyond letter grades and textbooks. “They have taught me what it means to be a leader, to have self-confidence, to communicate, to listen and not just speak,” she explains. Like those that inspired her, she wants to be more than an educator. She also wants to be a mentor, a motivator, an advocate. Despite having had such great role models and guides in school, Miranda is aware of the disparity in resources and access to opportunities that affects schools in her district. “Where I grew up, education resources were not readily available in comparison to other parts of the city. Because of this, I want to create the needed change when it comes to the educational futures of kids, like me,” she asserts. To contribute to lessening the gap, she has invested her time volunteering as a tutor and fighting to provide more opportunities for her fellow schoolmates as part of her high school’s Student Government. Top of her class, Miranda has a 4.0 GPA. She will attend Columbia University, American University, or Arizona State University and major in Education Studies or Secondary Education and minor in Sociology.
GPA: 4.0
High School: Franklin Police and Fire High School
Heritage: Mexican and Salvadoran
Education has always been a focus in the life of Questbridge National College Match Finalist, Miranda. There is a list of educators that have made an impact in her life. As a way of honoring their influence, guidance, enthusiasm, and motivation, she wants to do the same for students in the future. “My teachers have always been my mentors,” she says. The impact they have had on Miranda goes beyond letter grades and textbooks. “They have taught me what it means to be a leader, to have self-confidence, to communicate, to listen and not just speak,” she explains. Like those that inspired her, she wants to be more than an educator. She also wants to be a mentor, a motivator, an advocate. Despite having had such great role models and guides in school, Miranda is aware of the disparity in resources and access to opportunities that affects schools in her district. “Where I grew up, education resources were not readily available in comparison to other parts of the city. Because of this, I want to create the needed change when it comes to the educational futures of kids, like me,” she asserts. To contribute to lessening the gap, she has invested her time volunteering as a tutor and fighting to provide more opportunities for her fellow schoolmates as part of her high school’s Student Government. Top of her class, Miranda has a 4.0 GPA. She will attend Columbia University, American University, or Arizona State University and major in Education Studies or Secondary Education and minor in Sociology.
Engineering
Gold - Ryan Sánchez
Major: Nuclear Engineering
GPA: 4.0
High School: La Cueva High School
Heritage: Spanish
Albuquerque, New Mexico resident Ryan, has wanted to be an engineer since he first started learning how to draw and make dimension parts in AutoCAD his freshman year. Since then, he has worked on a number of design problems, including the creation of a functioning Bluetooth controlled hovercraft for his junior year independent project. Last summer, Ryan was one of 12 top students from his state to be accepted into the elite Sandia National Labs Summer Intern Program. Currently, he is working on a paper on particle effects theory with his mentor, a Doctor of Nuclear Engineering. Through this mentorship, Ryan has learned to code in Python. It has allowed him to apply his theoretical advanced math and physics knowledge and gain valuable insight into his future career. Beyond academics, Ryan is an active member of his school’s National English Honor Society, National Math Honor Society, Model UN, and Speech and Debate Club. He frequently gives back to his community by volunteering through several organizations like the Roadrunner Food Bank, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and Best Buddies. Ryan is a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist and an AP Scholar with Distinction. He has a 4.0 GPA and stands among the top 1% of his class. He wants to study Nuclear Engineering at Texas A&M University, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, or Purdue University.
GPA: 4.0
High School: La Cueva High School
Heritage: Spanish
Albuquerque, New Mexico resident Ryan, has wanted to be an engineer since he first started learning how to draw and make dimension parts in AutoCAD his freshman year. Since then, he has worked on a number of design problems, including the creation of a functioning Bluetooth controlled hovercraft for his junior year independent project. Last summer, Ryan was one of 12 top students from his state to be accepted into the elite Sandia National Labs Summer Intern Program. Currently, he is working on a paper on particle effects theory with his mentor, a Doctor of Nuclear Engineering. Through this mentorship, Ryan has learned to code in Python. It has allowed him to apply his theoretical advanced math and physics knowledge and gain valuable insight into his future career. Beyond academics, Ryan is an active member of his school’s National English Honor Society, National Math Honor Society, Model UN, and Speech and Debate Club. He frequently gives back to his community by volunteering through several organizations like the Roadrunner Food Bank, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and Best Buddies. Ryan is a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist and an AP Scholar with Distinction. He has a 4.0 GPA and stands among the top 1% of his class. He wants to study Nuclear Engineering at Texas A&M University, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, or Purdue University.
Silver - Joan Serrano
Major: Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
GPA: 4.0
High School: Ironwood High School
Heritage: Mexican
In Joan’s earliest memories, he always wanted to know how things around him worked. Everyday objects, like mechanical pens, would catch his eye and curiosity. He would study them, examine their components and imagine how he could put them together and improve what there was to start. Then, he learned about physics. “I was ecstatic that there was an entire branch of science devoted to understanding the complex inner-machinations of the universe,” he says. Though it was not until his junior year in high school that he took a formal class in physics, he began teaching himself everything he could about the subject from the moment he learned about the field. His outlook on the world changed through the lessons in his IB physics class. “All the questions I had posed myself as a young child suddenly had answers. From simple questions about the functionality of pens and straws to deeper subjects such as the interplay of various fields of science to create a magnificent, seamless result,” recalls Ryan. He wants to become an engineer to delve deeper into his pursuit of knowledge and understanding of the world and use his skills to build a better society. He is involved with our IB Club, Spanish Honors Society, Key Club, and Jazz Band; furthermore, he is deeply invested in charitable organizations that aim to raise funds for cancer research. His commitment to charity and community service is exemplified by his extensive volunteering track record as he has volunteered in countless programs both in and out of school.Ryan maintains a 4.0 GPA. He has a schedule full of IB courses and has earned multiple awards and recognitions for his outstanding academic performance. He will attend Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, or the University of California, Berkeley, where he will major in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
GPA: 4.0
High School: Ironwood High School
Heritage: Mexican
In Joan’s earliest memories, he always wanted to know how things around him worked. Everyday objects, like mechanical pens, would catch his eye and curiosity. He would study them, examine their components and imagine how he could put them together and improve what there was to start. Then, he learned about physics. “I was ecstatic that there was an entire branch of science devoted to understanding the complex inner-machinations of the universe,” he says. Though it was not until his junior year in high school that he took a formal class in physics, he began teaching himself everything he could about the subject from the moment he learned about the field. His outlook on the world changed through the lessons in his IB physics class. “All the questions I had posed myself as a young child suddenly had answers. From simple questions about the functionality of pens and straws to deeper subjects such as the interplay of various fields of science to create a magnificent, seamless result,” recalls Ryan. He wants to become an engineer to delve deeper into his pursuit of knowledge and understanding of the world and use his skills to build a better society. He is involved with our IB Club, Spanish Honors Society, Key Club, and Jazz Band; furthermore, he is deeply invested in charitable organizations that aim to raise funds for cancer research. His commitment to charity and community service is exemplified by his extensive volunteering track record as he has volunteered in countless programs both in and out of school.Ryan maintains a 4.0 GPA. He has a schedule full of IB courses and has earned multiple awards and recognitions for his outstanding academic performance. He will attend Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, or the University of California, Berkeley, where he will major in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
Bronze - Agustín León-Sáenz
Major: Environmental Engineering
GPA: 4.0
High School: Albuquerque High School
Heritage: Ecuadoran
Of Ecuadoran descent, Agustin gets excited about applying science and mathematics to solve real-world problems. He has been exploring his curiosities and learning about engineering since the fifth grade through programs at the University of New Mexico School of Engineering. Through his work as an Environmental Engineering Research Lab Assistant under Dr. Jose Cerrato of the University of New Mexico, he has worked with Navajo researchers to investigate downstream plant contamination on Indigenous soil resulting from abandoned mine waste. As he realized how the work he was doing could serve as an instrument of advocacy, he learned of the intersection between engineering research and social justice. He wants to be an engineer to use his education and research to contribute to the advancement and protection of marginalized communities. He wants to do this while implementing ethical engineering practices and methods that promote sustainability and social and environmental justice. Agustin is no stranger to serving his community. For him, giving back means helping the community that has helped him. A member of his school's National Honors Society and Spanish National Honors Society, he takes the time to help his community and inspire those around him to do the same. Agustin serves in his district's Superintendent's Student Advisory Council. He is a National Hispanic Scholar, a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist, and an AP Scholar with Distinction. With a 4.0 GPA, he will pursue a degree in Environmental Engineering at Yale University, Arizona State University, or the University of New Mexico.
GPA: 4.0
High School: Albuquerque High School
Heritage: Ecuadoran
Of Ecuadoran descent, Agustin gets excited about applying science and mathematics to solve real-world problems. He has been exploring his curiosities and learning about engineering since the fifth grade through programs at the University of New Mexico School of Engineering. Through his work as an Environmental Engineering Research Lab Assistant under Dr. Jose Cerrato of the University of New Mexico, he has worked with Navajo researchers to investigate downstream plant contamination on Indigenous soil resulting from abandoned mine waste. As he realized how the work he was doing could serve as an instrument of advocacy, he learned of the intersection between engineering research and social justice. He wants to be an engineer to use his education and research to contribute to the advancement and protection of marginalized communities. He wants to do this while implementing ethical engineering practices and methods that promote sustainability and social and environmental justice. Agustin is no stranger to serving his community. For him, giving back means helping the community that has helped him. A member of his school's National Honors Society and Spanish National Honors Society, he takes the time to help his community and inspire those around him to do the same. Agustin serves in his district's Superintendent's Student Advisory Council. He is a National Hispanic Scholar, a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist, and an AP Scholar with Distinction. With a 4.0 GPA, he will pursue a degree in Environmental Engineering at Yale University, Arizona State University, or the University of New Mexico.
Entrepreneurship
Gold - Vianca Ruiz
Major: International Business
GPA: 3.92
High School: Millennium High School
Heritage: Mexican
Vianca is looking forward to one day running her own real estate firm. She has wanted to run a business ever since she was little and watched the confidence and dedication with which her grandparents ran their own business. Vianca has been preparing for her future as an entrepreneur by taking business classes and getting involved with business organizations at her school. Her classes have given her a peek into what her future career may entail through projects based on mock scenarios and simulations, like creating products for mock QVC shows, conducting mock pitch presentations, and learning about investing with stock market simulations. Vianca is a leader in her school’s DECA club. She has participated at DECA competitions, taking 1st place twice at the district level for projects on Human Resources and Buying and Merchandising. Her Buying and Merchandising project also took her to 1st place victory at the state level competition. Vianca is active in her community through her volunteering work as a member of the National Honor Society. She has completed over 300 hours of service during her high school career, most faithfully dedicating her time to work with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Arizona, a nonprofit that provides food and resources to those most in need. Vianca is committed to her academic success. She will attend the University of Southern California, the University of Texas at Austin, or Arizona State University, where she will work towards a degree in International Business.
GPA: 3.92
High School: Millennium High School
Heritage: Mexican
Vianca is looking forward to one day running her own real estate firm. She has wanted to run a business ever since she was little and watched the confidence and dedication with which her grandparents ran their own business. Vianca has been preparing for her future as an entrepreneur by taking business classes and getting involved with business organizations at her school. Her classes have given her a peek into what her future career may entail through projects based on mock scenarios and simulations, like creating products for mock QVC shows, conducting mock pitch presentations, and learning about investing with stock market simulations. Vianca is a leader in her school’s DECA club. She has participated at DECA competitions, taking 1st place twice at the district level for projects on Human Resources and Buying and Merchandising. Her Buying and Merchandising project also took her to 1st place victory at the state level competition. Vianca is active in her community through her volunteering work as a member of the National Honor Society. She has completed over 300 hours of service during her high school career, most faithfully dedicating her time to work with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Arizona, a nonprofit that provides food and resources to those most in need. Vianca is committed to her academic success. She will attend the University of Southern California, the University of Texas at Austin, or Arizona State University, where she will work towards a degree in International Business.
Silver - Sarahi Centeno
Major: Business Management with a minor in Non-Profit Leadership and Management
GPA: 3.76
High School: Metro Tech High School
Heritage: Mexican
Sarahi knew she would learn valuable material and enjoy her classes when she signed up to take Business Management and Financial Services. What she did not anticipate was that she would end up falling in love with the world of business. “We learned beyond interest and savings accounts, we built businesses and empires,” she says. Though these businesses were imaginary, the business plans, the calculations, the logos created, were very real. For one of her assignments, Sarahi worked in a team to develop a business concept for a company that aligned with their personal visions, which they would later present to real business owners in her community. This led to “Canis Café,” a pet and eco-friendly coffee shop. Though they never got the opportunity to present their work due to pandemic restrictions, Sarahi still found a way to put her knowledge into action. During quarantine, she opened her own online shop, InkGreenery. InkGreenery is a calligraphy business dedicated to wedding decor and gift-giving details. Inspired by her fictitious business, InkGreenery is an eco-conscious shop. All the paper they use has been recycled, many of their products place the art of calligraphy on biodegradable objects, and even the packaging they use is eco-friendly. Through her shop, she has worked with clients all over the nation, from Florida to California. Sarahi serves as Vice President of her school’s National Spanish Honors Society. This position has allowed her to organize events and fundraisers in support of the Latinx Community in her district. She will attend Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University, or the University of Arizona. She wants to major in Business Management and minor in Non-Profit Leadership and Management.
GPA: 3.76
High School: Metro Tech High School
Heritage: Mexican
Sarahi knew she would learn valuable material and enjoy her classes when she signed up to take Business Management and Financial Services. What she did not anticipate was that she would end up falling in love with the world of business. “We learned beyond interest and savings accounts, we built businesses and empires,” she says. Though these businesses were imaginary, the business plans, the calculations, the logos created, were very real. For one of her assignments, Sarahi worked in a team to develop a business concept for a company that aligned with their personal visions, which they would later present to real business owners in her community. This led to “Canis Café,” a pet and eco-friendly coffee shop. Though they never got the opportunity to present their work due to pandemic restrictions, Sarahi still found a way to put her knowledge into action. During quarantine, she opened her own online shop, InkGreenery. InkGreenery is a calligraphy business dedicated to wedding decor and gift-giving details. Inspired by her fictitious business, InkGreenery is an eco-conscious shop. All the paper they use has been recycled, many of their products place the art of calligraphy on biodegradable objects, and even the packaging they use is eco-friendly. Through her shop, she has worked with clients all over the nation, from Florida to California. Sarahi serves as Vice President of her school’s National Spanish Honors Society. This position has allowed her to organize events and fundraisers in support of the Latinx Community in her district. She will attend Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University, or the University of Arizona. She wants to major in Business Management and minor in Non-Profit Leadership and Management.
Bronze - Brooke Kirk
Major: Undecided, considering Finance, Economy and Public Policy
GPA: 3.86
High School: Tempe Preparatory Academy
Heritage: Mexican
Brooke grew up learning about business topics like supply chain management and price disparity between name-brand and generic products from her dad, who worked as the director of sales for a non-profit organization. Fascinated by her dad’s job, she would soak up all the information he shared. Now, she spends her weekends debating with him about stock market predictions, potential business ventures, and business plans they write together for fun. Brooke serves as the Director of Finance for her state-wide GirlUp coalition, a United Nations non-profit that helps women around the world get access to education, health, and safety. She has used her skills to raise hundreds of dollars to go towards this effort. Currently, she is in the process of starting a non-profit focused on financial literacy and entrepreneurship, which will serve everyone regardless of age, background, or socioeconomic status. Brooke is outgoing, energetic, proactive, and is a leader in all her endeavors. In her school community, she participates in many clubs, including Spanish, Environmental, and Student Life. She is also a Varsity Cheerleader, Varsity Golfer, and an award-winning dancer. She hopes to pursue a degree in business to continue making a difference and connecting. She will attend Stanford University, Arizona State University, or the University of Pennsylvania, where she is considering studying Finance, Economy, or Public Policy.
GPA: 3.86
High School: Tempe Preparatory Academy
Heritage: Mexican
Brooke grew up learning about business topics like supply chain management and price disparity between name-brand and generic products from her dad, who worked as the director of sales for a non-profit organization. Fascinated by her dad’s job, she would soak up all the information he shared. Now, she spends her weekends debating with him about stock market predictions, potential business ventures, and business plans they write together for fun. Brooke serves as the Director of Finance for her state-wide GirlUp coalition, a United Nations non-profit that helps women around the world get access to education, health, and safety. She has used her skills to raise hundreds of dollars to go towards this effort. Currently, she is in the process of starting a non-profit focused on financial literacy and entrepreneurship, which will serve everyone regardless of age, background, or socioeconomic status. Brooke is outgoing, energetic, proactive, and is a leader in all her endeavors. In her school community, she participates in many clubs, including Spanish, Environmental, and Student Life. She is also a Varsity Cheerleader, Varsity Golfer, and an award-winning dancer. She hopes to pursue a degree in business to continue making a difference and connecting. She will attend Stanford University, Arizona State University, or the University of Pennsylvania, where she is considering studying Finance, Economy, or Public Policy.
Healthcare & Science
Gold - Jessie Salinas
Major: Environmental Science
GPA: 3.97
High School: Brophy College Preparatory
Heritage: Mexican
Some of Jessie’s favorite childhood memories come from the summers his family would spend camping out in Sedona, Arizona. Even as a young child, he always had a profound love for the outdoors, and Sedona indulged him and let him marvel at the beauty of the nature that surrounded him. The drives back home to Phoenix were another story. The sharp contrast between Sedona full of life and the arid and barren grounds of the dried Salt, Agua Fria, and Gila river systems was a sobering waking up back to reality. “I imagined how beautiful those river ecosystems might’ve been had we chosen to be wiser with our water and not dammed them up,” he remembers. Last year, his school’s annual summit focused on water conservation. What he saw and learned at the summit inspired Jessie. Among the presenters was an environmental engineer from the Sonoran Institute who presented the institute’s work reconstructing the Colorado River. Thanks to their work, the river reached the ocean once again for the first time in years and local habitats and wildlife are recovering and transforming the once desolate landscape. Learning about this work was a call-to-action for Jessie, who now wants to dedicate his life to helping restore and preserve nature and its most valuable resources. Jessie is a committed student, a state champion runner, an Eagle Scout, and a young man who wants nothing more than to make the kind of impact on our world that is both needed and long-lasting. With a GPA of 3.97, he stands among the top in his class. He will be pursuing a degree in Environmental Science at Pomona College, the University of Southern California, or Washington University in St. Louis.
GPA: 3.97
High School: Brophy College Preparatory
Heritage: Mexican
Some of Jessie’s favorite childhood memories come from the summers his family would spend camping out in Sedona, Arizona. Even as a young child, he always had a profound love for the outdoors, and Sedona indulged him and let him marvel at the beauty of the nature that surrounded him. The drives back home to Phoenix were another story. The sharp contrast between Sedona full of life and the arid and barren grounds of the dried Salt, Agua Fria, and Gila river systems was a sobering waking up back to reality. “I imagined how beautiful those river ecosystems might’ve been had we chosen to be wiser with our water and not dammed them up,” he remembers. Last year, his school’s annual summit focused on water conservation. What he saw and learned at the summit inspired Jessie. Among the presenters was an environmental engineer from the Sonoran Institute who presented the institute’s work reconstructing the Colorado River. Thanks to their work, the river reached the ocean once again for the first time in years and local habitats and wildlife are recovering and transforming the once desolate landscape. Learning about this work was a call-to-action for Jessie, who now wants to dedicate his life to helping restore and preserve nature and its most valuable resources. Jessie is a committed student, a state champion runner, an Eagle Scout, and a young man who wants nothing more than to make the kind of impact on our world that is both needed and long-lasting. With a GPA of 3.97, he stands among the top in his class. He will be pursuing a degree in Environmental Science at Pomona College, the University of Southern California, or Washington University in St. Louis.
Silver - Gabrielle Roman
Major: Biomedical Engineering
GPA: 3.97
High School: Chaparral High School
Heritage: Mexican
Gabrielle is an intern at the Orthopaedic Department of the Mayo Clinic in Arizona. She works under Dr. Adam Schwartz, with whom she co-authored a biomedical research podium presentation aiming to redefine the classification system of femoral bone loss. She is fascinated by all things science. “The realm of science continues to fascinate me because it explains how the world, life, and people around me work and I love discovering how life came to be,” says Gabrielle. She loves to learn and has an unwavering commitment to her academics. With a 3.97 GPA, she is a top student in her class, having taken the most challenging courses available at her school. She is the co-founder and president of Be the Change, one of her school’s most active and impactful clubs, which strives to help and serve Arizona’s most under-resourced populations. Gabrielle has an exceptional intrinsic desire to help others. She dedicates much of her free time to enrich the lives of those around her. Most impressive is the remarkable role she had in helping her community adapt through the challenges brought on this last year. Worried about students who may have been having difficulties learning from home, she set up a support program matching struggling students with mentor peers. This program extended beyond her school as she reached out to surrounding schools, checking if they had students who needed support. Gabrielle is an AP Scholar with Honor. She is a member of her school’s chapters of the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica and the National Honor Society. She will major in Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, Tufts University, or Stanford University.
GPA: 3.97
High School: Chaparral High School
Heritage: Mexican
Gabrielle is an intern at the Orthopaedic Department of the Mayo Clinic in Arizona. She works under Dr. Adam Schwartz, with whom she co-authored a biomedical research podium presentation aiming to redefine the classification system of femoral bone loss. She is fascinated by all things science. “The realm of science continues to fascinate me because it explains how the world, life, and people around me work and I love discovering how life came to be,” says Gabrielle. She loves to learn and has an unwavering commitment to her academics. With a 3.97 GPA, she is a top student in her class, having taken the most challenging courses available at her school. She is the co-founder and president of Be the Change, one of her school’s most active and impactful clubs, which strives to help and serve Arizona’s most under-resourced populations. Gabrielle has an exceptional intrinsic desire to help others. She dedicates much of her free time to enrich the lives of those around her. Most impressive is the remarkable role she had in helping her community adapt through the challenges brought on this last year. Worried about students who may have been having difficulties learning from home, she set up a support program matching struggling students with mentor peers. This program extended beyond her school as she reached out to surrounding schools, checking if they had students who needed support. Gabrielle is an AP Scholar with Honor. She is a member of her school’s chapters of the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica and the National Honor Society. She will major in Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, Tufts University, or Stanford University.
Bronze - Cipriano Childers
Major: Biology or Biochemistry
GPA: 3.89
High School: Maricopa High School
Heritage: Spanish
Arizona resident Cipriano spent every summer of his childhood with his grandparents in Kentucky. Crossword puzzles and breakfast was the usual morning routine before his grandfather left for work as a pediatric physician. Cipriano would anxiously wait for the hours to go by until Grandpa Rick came back to tell him about his day. He also told him stories about his long hours studying in med school, his experience during residency, and about interesting old cases and how he had treated them. This is where his interest in medicine was born. Wanting to prepare himself for his future career, he participated in Grand Canyon University’s Medical Summer Program, where he had a week-long immersive campus experience while learning about the medical field. For Cipriano, pursuing a career in medicine is not only about pursuing his curiosity; it is also about helping those around him. His high school experience has been devoted to giving back to his community. Noticing a gap in his school and wanting to provide learning opportunities to his fellow schoolmates, he founded and now leads his school’s Robotics Club. The Robotics Team qualified for and made it up top 15 at the Arizona state competitions in its first year. He is also the founder of his school’s AP club, which works to organize and run AP study sessions as well as fundraisers to cover the costs of AP exams and study materials for its members. Cipriano serves as President of the National Honor Society at his school. He is looking forward to studying Biology or Biochemistry at the University of Arizona, Duke University, or Johns Hopkins University.
GPA: 3.89
High School: Maricopa High School
Heritage: Spanish
Arizona resident Cipriano spent every summer of his childhood with his grandparents in Kentucky. Crossword puzzles and breakfast was the usual morning routine before his grandfather left for work as a pediatric physician. Cipriano would anxiously wait for the hours to go by until Grandpa Rick came back to tell him about his day. He also told him stories about his long hours studying in med school, his experience during residency, and about interesting old cases and how he had treated them. This is where his interest in medicine was born. Wanting to prepare himself for his future career, he participated in Grand Canyon University’s Medical Summer Program, where he had a week-long immersive campus experience while learning about the medical field. For Cipriano, pursuing a career in medicine is not only about pursuing his curiosity; it is also about helping those around him. His high school experience has been devoted to giving back to his community. Noticing a gap in his school and wanting to provide learning opportunities to his fellow schoolmates, he founded and now leads his school’s Robotics Club. The Robotics Team qualified for and made it up top 15 at the Arizona state competitions in its first year. He is also the founder of his school’s AP club, which works to organize and run AP study sessions as well as fundraisers to cover the costs of AP exams and study materials for its members. Cipriano serves as President of the National Honor Society at his school. He is looking forward to studying Biology or Biochemistry at the University of Arizona, Duke University, or Johns Hopkins University.
Media & Entertainment
Gold - Alexia Moreno
Major: Music Education
GPA: 3.95
High School: McClintock High School
Heritage: Mexican
It took a little for Alexia to figure out what it is she wanted to study. It was not an issue of not having any interests; rather, she has been so involved in several extracurricular activities that it was difficult to narrow down her options. It took an analysis of all the activities in which she had participated to get to the answer. Between Varsity Swim meets, there were Varsity Band practices. After Cross Country training, Wind Symphony practice. There were orchestra auditions between symphony auditions. “One thing was clear. Everything brought me back to what I was truly passionate about from the beginning: Music,” realized Alexia. She has been playing the clarinet since 4th grade and has received ratings of Excellent for her solo performance from the Alabama Music Educations Association more than once. She has participated with Phoenix Youth Symphony and currently serves as one of her school’s Drum Majors. Alexia is also very civic-minded and frequently works with service projects that she organizes as member of her school’s National Honor Society. She has also served as a member of her city’s Mayor’s Youth Advisory Commission. In a community known for high rates of homelessness, as Vice-Chair of the Youth Advisory Commission, she helped lead efforts for her town to start a commission specific to serving the needs of homeless teens in her community. Alexia has a record of academic excellence. She is an AP Scholar with Distinction and has a 3.95 GPA. She will be enrolling in Vanderbilt University, the Peabody Institute, or Carnegie Mellon University, where she intends on majoring in Music Education.
GPA: 3.95
High School: McClintock High School
Heritage: Mexican
It took a little for Alexia to figure out what it is she wanted to study. It was not an issue of not having any interests; rather, she has been so involved in several extracurricular activities that it was difficult to narrow down her options. It took an analysis of all the activities in which she had participated to get to the answer. Between Varsity Swim meets, there were Varsity Band practices. After Cross Country training, Wind Symphony practice. There were orchestra auditions between symphony auditions. “One thing was clear. Everything brought me back to what I was truly passionate about from the beginning: Music,” realized Alexia. She has been playing the clarinet since 4th grade and has received ratings of Excellent for her solo performance from the Alabama Music Educations Association more than once. She has participated with Phoenix Youth Symphony and currently serves as one of her school’s Drum Majors. Alexia is also very civic-minded and frequently works with service projects that she organizes as member of her school’s National Honor Society. She has also served as a member of her city’s Mayor’s Youth Advisory Commission. In a community known for high rates of homelessness, as Vice-Chair of the Youth Advisory Commission, she helped lead efforts for her town to start a commission specific to serving the needs of homeless teens in her community. Alexia has a record of academic excellence. She is an AP Scholar with Distinction and has a 3.95 GPA. She will be enrolling in Vanderbilt University, the Peabody Institute, or Carnegie Mellon University, where she intends on majoring in Music Education.
Silver - Marilyn García
Major: Design or Industrial Design
GPA: 3.53
High School: Kofa High School
Heritage: Mexican
Marilyn embarks on a journey every time she starts a new art piece. She thinks beyond simple paint on canvas and studies her subjects to better portray the story in each of her pieces. “It brings more personal meaning and makes each piece a unique passage for the viewer to decipher and enjoy,” she explains. One of her pieces was selected to be published as part of the Art for the Binational Clean Air Calendar. She has shown her work at her city’s County Fair for the past few years and has received many “Outstanding” and “First” Place ribbons. In 2018, feeling the need to add her voice to the fight against family separation at the border, she painted “Déjà Vu.” “Déjà Vu” illustrates two children looking up into the blue sky with a sense of wonder and awe. “Through my piece, I wanted to convey the innocent perspective of children and their unawareness of the negative politics going on around them,” she says. This piece won the Congressional Art Competition for her congressional district. As a result, she got to visit Washington D.C. to attend a special recognition ceremony and had her work displayed in the Cannon Tunnel for an entire year. She currently serves in the Arizona Commission on the Arts Youth Council, a grant-based position that allows her to advocate for youth art programs around her state. “Art can be used as a door to rewarding opportunities and a powerful tool for expression and awareness,” says Marylin. She wants to continue using her art to highlight her culture and bring awareness to issues that affect the Latino community. She will attend Stanford University, Arizona State University, or the University of California, Berkeley, and major in Design or Industrial Design.
GPA: 3.53
High School: Kofa High School
Heritage: Mexican
Marilyn embarks on a journey every time she starts a new art piece. She thinks beyond simple paint on canvas and studies her subjects to better portray the story in each of her pieces. “It brings more personal meaning and makes each piece a unique passage for the viewer to decipher and enjoy,” she explains. One of her pieces was selected to be published as part of the Art for the Binational Clean Air Calendar. She has shown her work at her city’s County Fair for the past few years and has received many “Outstanding” and “First” Place ribbons. In 2018, feeling the need to add her voice to the fight against family separation at the border, she painted “Déjà Vu.” “Déjà Vu” illustrates two children looking up into the blue sky with a sense of wonder and awe. “Through my piece, I wanted to convey the innocent perspective of children and their unawareness of the negative politics going on around them,” she says. This piece won the Congressional Art Competition for her congressional district. As a result, she got to visit Washington D.C. to attend a special recognition ceremony and had her work displayed in the Cannon Tunnel for an entire year. She currently serves in the Arizona Commission on the Arts Youth Council, a grant-based position that allows her to advocate for youth art programs around her state. “Art can be used as a door to rewarding opportunities and a powerful tool for expression and awareness,” says Marylin. She wants to continue using her art to highlight her culture and bring awareness to issues that affect the Latino community. She will attend Stanford University, Arizona State University, or the University of California, Berkeley, and major in Design or Industrial Design.
Bronze - David Dotson
Major: Undecided, considering Design and Architecture
GPA: 3.82
High School: University High School
Heritage: Mexican
From doodling on the empty spaces of his worksheets in elementary, to putting together a comprehensive portfolio to be submitted for review by the College Board as part of his AP Art Studio class his senior year, art has always been an outlet for Tucson, Arizona resident, David. Through his art, he has been able to explore and reference his identity as a queer Mexican-American. “My love for art has not only allowed me to navigate my own identity through the difficult time of adolescence, but it has allowed me the privilege to celebrate it,” he says. David has shown promise as an artist from the start of his school career. He was recommended to skip Intermediate Art and jump directly to Advanced Art for his outstanding performance in his Beginning Art class. David keeps himself active in his community through volunteering opportunities. His most rewarding work has been volunteering as activity lead during events at his local elementary schools. “The thing that inspires me the most to give back is the genuine happiness my community service can bring to others,” says David. He is recipient of his school district’s Cesar Chavez Award in recognition of his academic performance, achievements in the arts, and community involvement. He is considering studying Design or Architecture at the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, or Northern Arizona University.
GPA: 3.82
High School: University High School
Heritage: Mexican
From doodling on the empty spaces of his worksheets in elementary, to putting together a comprehensive portfolio to be submitted for review by the College Board as part of his AP Art Studio class his senior year, art has always been an outlet for Tucson, Arizona resident, David. Through his art, he has been able to explore and reference his identity as a queer Mexican-American. “My love for art has not only allowed me to navigate my own identity through the difficult time of adolescence, but it has allowed me the privilege to celebrate it,” he says. David has shown promise as an artist from the start of his school career. He was recommended to skip Intermediate Art and jump directly to Advanced Art for his outstanding performance in his Beginning Art class. David keeps himself active in his community through volunteering opportunities. His most rewarding work has been volunteering as activity lead during events at his local elementary schools. “The thing that inspires me the most to give back is the genuine happiness my community service can bring to others,” says David. He is recipient of his school district’s Cesar Chavez Award in recognition of his academic performance, achievements in the arts, and community involvement. He is considering studying Design or Architecture at the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, or Northern Arizona University.
Public Service
Gold - Gabriela Meraz-Fishbein
Major: Public Health with a minor in Borders and Languages
GPA: 3.98
High School: Albuquerque High School
Heritage: Mexican
One of Gabriela’s passions is being an advocate for those unable to advocate for themselves. A school walkout for climate change her junior year inspired her to want to study public policy and work towards becoming a human rights activist and lobbyist. Gabriela has an extraordinary commitment to community service and donates her time all over her city of Albuquerque, New Mexico, including at her local food bank and animal shelter. She also works as a math tutor to elementary school children and has interned with the Albuquerque Department of Family and Community Services, working to help with the homelessness crisis in her city. She is a member of her school’s BLISS club, an organization that focuses on Bettering Lives in Small Steps. Gabriela is part of her school’s Varsity Soccer and Varsity Tennis Teams. With all of these activities, she still maintains a 3.98 GPA and ranks 12th in a graduating class of 391 students. She will attend Fort Lewis College, the University of New Mexico, or New Mexico State University, where she will major in Public Health and minor in Borders and Languages.
GPA: 3.98
High School: Albuquerque High School
Heritage: Mexican
One of Gabriela’s passions is being an advocate for those unable to advocate for themselves. A school walkout for climate change her junior year inspired her to want to study public policy and work towards becoming a human rights activist and lobbyist. Gabriela has an extraordinary commitment to community service and donates her time all over her city of Albuquerque, New Mexico, including at her local food bank and animal shelter. She also works as a math tutor to elementary school children and has interned with the Albuquerque Department of Family and Community Services, working to help with the homelessness crisis in her city. She is a member of her school’s BLISS club, an organization that focuses on Bettering Lives in Small Steps. Gabriela is part of her school’s Varsity Soccer and Varsity Tennis Teams. With all of these activities, she still maintains a 3.98 GPA and ranks 12th in a graduating class of 391 students. She will attend Fort Lewis College, the University of New Mexico, or New Mexico State University, where she will major in Public Health and minor in Borders and Languages.
Silver - Chloe López
Major: Justice Studies
GPA: 3.84
High School: Desert Mountain High School
Heritage: Mexican
Chloe found her calling through her Criminology class her junior year. Criminology class taught her about constitutional reforms, the Supreme Court, and the issues and shortcomings of our justice system. "Seeing the challenges such as lack of helpful services after incarceration and police brutality has shown me what needs to be done to change not only the government but also the level of equality in our society," says Chloe, who wants to dedicate her life to making those changes happen. Chloe is a role model and leader among her peers. She was selected as a member of Wolfden, a leadership team that meets regularly with her school's administration to improve the culture, character, and integrity of her school. She challenges herself to continue to grow as a leader through opportunities like the Fresh Start Women's Foundation: Girls Thriving- Leadership Program and the Cesar E. Chavez Leadership Institute Summer Camp. For the past two years, Chloe has participated in Arizona's Maricopa County Teen Court program. This program empowers youth in their communities to help change negative and delinquent behaviors in their peers. Chloe understands and embraces the restorative justice model and how to balance the interests of the victim, the community, and the offender. Since the day she joined, she has been a leader in this program, often stepping up to take on a challenging role during court hearings. Chloe actively seeks opportunities to be engaged in her community. She volunteers at the children's center of her local library, works with young children through the Boys and Girls Club, and provides support at St. Vincent de Paul, a large food bank in Phoenix, where she hands out meals to those less fortunate. She will be pursuing a Justice Studies degree at Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, or Grand Canyon University.
GPA: 3.84
High School: Desert Mountain High School
Heritage: Mexican
Chloe found her calling through her Criminology class her junior year. Criminology class taught her about constitutional reforms, the Supreme Court, and the issues and shortcomings of our justice system. "Seeing the challenges such as lack of helpful services after incarceration and police brutality has shown me what needs to be done to change not only the government but also the level of equality in our society," says Chloe, who wants to dedicate her life to making those changes happen. Chloe is a role model and leader among her peers. She was selected as a member of Wolfden, a leadership team that meets regularly with her school's administration to improve the culture, character, and integrity of her school. She challenges herself to continue to grow as a leader through opportunities like the Fresh Start Women's Foundation: Girls Thriving- Leadership Program and the Cesar E. Chavez Leadership Institute Summer Camp. For the past two years, Chloe has participated in Arizona's Maricopa County Teen Court program. This program empowers youth in their communities to help change negative and delinquent behaviors in their peers. Chloe understands and embraces the restorative justice model and how to balance the interests of the victim, the community, and the offender. Since the day she joined, she has been a leader in this program, often stepping up to take on a challenging role during court hearings. Chloe actively seeks opportunities to be engaged in her community. She volunteers at the children's center of her local library, works with young children through the Boys and Girls Club, and provides support at St. Vincent de Paul, a large food bank in Phoenix, where she hands out meals to those less fortunate. She will be pursuing a Justice Studies degree at Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, or Grand Canyon University.
Bronze - Kayleen Ruiz
Major: Kinesiology with a minor in Nutrition or Business
GPA: 4.0
High School: Benicia High School
Heritage: Mexican
A few months short of being able to submit a ballot of her own, Kayleen still fulfilled a civic duty during last year’s presidential elections by serving as a Student Poll Worker. As poll worker, she got to participate in the democratic process by helping to provide the vital civic duty of ensuring that the right to vote is preserved. While serving, she expanded her knowledge of politics, learned more about how the election process works, and guided and helped hundreds of people in her role as greeter. Kayleen is no stranger to serving her community. She is a member of her school’s National Honor Society and Interact Club. Both organizations require scholastic leadership and significant dedication to community service of all their members. She currently serves as President of Panther Pride, her school’s athletic club. Due to pandemic regulations, her county has not allowed any team sports since March of last year. Worried that some of her peers would feel isolated, lonely, and unmotivated to stay active, Kayleen founded her school’s Health and Fitness club. Every morning she wakes up at 4:30 to get ready to demonstrate different ways in which her school community can remain active. Kayleen’s drive and commitment to her community set her apart from her peers. She excels academically and continuously challenges herself. She maintains a 4.0 GPA and plans on majoring in Kinesiology and minoring in Nutrition or Business at the University of Tennessee, San Diego State University, or the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.
GPA: 4.0
High School: Benicia High School
Heritage: Mexican
A few months short of being able to submit a ballot of her own, Kayleen still fulfilled a civic duty during last year’s presidential elections by serving as a Student Poll Worker. As poll worker, she got to participate in the democratic process by helping to provide the vital civic duty of ensuring that the right to vote is preserved. While serving, she expanded her knowledge of politics, learned more about how the election process works, and guided and helped hundreds of people in her role as greeter. Kayleen is no stranger to serving her community. She is a member of her school’s National Honor Society and Interact Club. Both organizations require scholastic leadership and significant dedication to community service of all their members. She currently serves as President of Panther Pride, her school’s athletic club. Due to pandemic regulations, her county has not allowed any team sports since March of last year. Worried that some of her peers would feel isolated, lonely, and unmotivated to stay active, Kayleen founded her school’s Health and Fitness club. Every morning she wakes up at 4:30 to get ready to demonstrate different ways in which her school community can remain active. Kayleen’s drive and commitment to her community set her apart from her peers. She excels academically and continuously challenges herself. She maintains a 4.0 GPA and plans on majoring in Kinesiology and minoring in Nutrition or Business at the University of Tennessee, San Diego State University, or the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.
Social Justice
Gold - Joseph Sánchez
Major: Sociology with a minor in Political Science
GPA: 4.0
High School: Amy Biehl Charter High School
Heritage: Spanish
Social Justice is one of Joseph’s driving values. He has been involved with his school’s chapter of the New Mexico Dream Team, a student club that fights for immigration reform and empowers undocumented, LQBTQ+, and mixed-status families in his community. Last year, along with two other classmates, he started the first Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) at his school, a club for LGBTQ+ students and their allies that provides them with a safe and supportive space. The club focuses on activism and social justice issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community at his school and at large. For his senior project, Joseph has chosen to volunteer 100+ hours for the Albuquerque chapter of Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). PFLAG works to support the LGBTQ+ community, educating others, and providing advocacy to promote positive change. Joseph wants to become a lawyer and dedicate his career advocating for LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities. He has a 4.0 GPA, is one of the highest-ranking seniors at his school, and will graduate with 15 college credits under his belt. He will continue his advocacy work and major in Sociology and minor in Political Science at Harvard College, Columbia University, the University of California, Los Angeles, or the University of California, San Diego.
GPA: 4.0
High School: Amy Biehl Charter High School
Heritage: Spanish
Social Justice is one of Joseph’s driving values. He has been involved with his school’s chapter of the New Mexico Dream Team, a student club that fights for immigration reform and empowers undocumented, LQBTQ+, and mixed-status families in his community. Last year, along with two other classmates, he started the first Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) at his school, a club for LGBTQ+ students and their allies that provides them with a safe and supportive space. The club focuses on activism and social justice issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community at his school and at large. For his senior project, Joseph has chosen to volunteer 100+ hours for the Albuquerque chapter of Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). PFLAG works to support the LGBTQ+ community, educating others, and providing advocacy to promote positive change. Joseph wants to become a lawyer and dedicate his career advocating for LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities. He has a 4.0 GPA, is one of the highest-ranking seniors at his school, and will graduate with 15 college credits under his belt. He will continue his advocacy work and major in Sociology and minor in Political Science at Harvard College, Columbia University, the University of California, Los Angeles, or the University of California, San Diego.
Silver - Galicia Monforte
Major: Global Security and Intelligence
GPA: 3.81
High School: ASK Academy
Heritage: British and Mexican
Politics has profoundly permeated Galicia’s high school experience. “Instead of worrying about application deadlines and which prom dress to wear, my generation traded Friday night football games with virtual classrooms. As we popped our high school bubble suddenly, who asks us to homecoming seems minuscule when we watch as fathers and brothers are killed due to the color of their skin,” she tells us. In response to what was happening, like in towns all over the nation, Galicia’s community of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, gathered, organized, protested, and marched. Over the summer, she attended several Black Lives Matter rallies, vigils, celebrations, and protests. While attending these events, Galicia and her classmates were made aware of the widespread presence of racism in their everyday lives. Wanting to change this, they began the Culture Awareness Club at her school. Through this organization, Galicia has coordinated classroom talks about cultural appropriation and integration, monthly heritage celebration events, and Friday movie nights showcasing movies and documentaries on topics relevant to social justice. Not old enough to make an impact with her vote in last year’s presidential elections, Galicia felt the need to make a difference with her voice. In a short time, she organized a voter registration and education drive targeting young voters. By reaching out to numerous organizations for support, she convened a voter education panel that included the New Mexico Secretary of State, Maggie Toulouse Oliver, no small feat for a high school student during a pandemic. Galicia makes no excuses to fight for what she wants and believes is right. “Like those who came before us who refused to remain silent, we must mimic the actions of our ancestors, and we must come together to empower this generation,” she asserts. This inspiring Latina leader will study Global Security and Intelligence at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Columbia University, or the University of Chicago.
GPA: 3.81
High School: ASK Academy
Heritage: British and Mexican
Politics has profoundly permeated Galicia’s high school experience. “Instead of worrying about application deadlines and which prom dress to wear, my generation traded Friday night football games with virtual classrooms. As we popped our high school bubble suddenly, who asks us to homecoming seems minuscule when we watch as fathers and brothers are killed due to the color of their skin,” she tells us. In response to what was happening, like in towns all over the nation, Galicia’s community of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, gathered, organized, protested, and marched. Over the summer, she attended several Black Lives Matter rallies, vigils, celebrations, and protests. While attending these events, Galicia and her classmates were made aware of the widespread presence of racism in their everyday lives. Wanting to change this, they began the Culture Awareness Club at her school. Through this organization, Galicia has coordinated classroom talks about cultural appropriation and integration, monthly heritage celebration events, and Friday movie nights showcasing movies and documentaries on topics relevant to social justice. Not old enough to make an impact with her vote in last year’s presidential elections, Galicia felt the need to make a difference with her voice. In a short time, she organized a voter registration and education drive targeting young voters. By reaching out to numerous organizations for support, she convened a voter education panel that included the New Mexico Secretary of State, Maggie Toulouse Oliver, no small feat for a high school student during a pandemic. Galicia makes no excuses to fight for what she wants and believes is right. “Like those who came before us who refused to remain silent, we must mimic the actions of our ancestors, and we must come together to empower this generation,” she asserts. This inspiring Latina leader will study Global Security and Intelligence at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Columbia University, or the University of Chicago.
Bronze - Sophie López
Major: Undecided, considering Political Science with a minor in Environmental Science
GPA: 3.97
High School: University High School
Heritage: Mexican
The events that unfolded in our nation starting last year prompted Sophie to re-evaluate her life goals. BIPOC communities being disproportionately affected by the pandemic, the ever-increasing wealth gap, and inaccessible affordable healthcare are among the glaring injustices that compelled Sophie to want to pursue a career that will allow her to be directly involved with tackling issues affecting marginalized populations. Witnessing the pandemic’s disproportionate impact on people in lower socioeconomic brackets, Sophie, along with a group of friends, founded Serving the Tucson Community Through Help, Encouragement, and Support (STITCHES). STITCHES is a volunteer organization that provides three essential services completely free of charge: they make masks for healthcare workers and others in need, provide grocery shopping and delivery services for the elderly and people at high-risk, and provide tutoring services for students K-12. Last summer, Sophie attended many peaceful Black Lives Matter rallies and protests in an effort to gain a better understanding of the experience of black people in America. In addition to her activism and community work, Sophie is also an exemplary student and a scholar-athlete. As testament to her dedication and brilliance, she balances a full load of AP classes, the demands of being captain of her school’s tennis team, and volunteering while maintaining a 3.97 GPA. Sophie will attend the University of Arizona, Claremont McKenna College, or Vanderbilt University. She is considering a major in Political Science and a minor in Environmental Science.
GPA: 3.97
High School: University High School
Heritage: Mexican
The events that unfolded in our nation starting last year prompted Sophie to re-evaluate her life goals. BIPOC communities being disproportionately affected by the pandemic, the ever-increasing wealth gap, and inaccessible affordable healthcare are among the glaring injustices that compelled Sophie to want to pursue a career that will allow her to be directly involved with tackling issues affecting marginalized populations. Witnessing the pandemic’s disproportionate impact on people in lower socioeconomic brackets, Sophie, along with a group of friends, founded Serving the Tucson Community Through Help, Encouragement, and Support (STITCHES). STITCHES is a volunteer organization that provides three essential services completely free of charge: they make masks for healthcare workers and others in need, provide grocery shopping and delivery services for the elderly and people at high-risk, and provide tutoring services for students K-12. Last summer, Sophie attended many peaceful Black Lives Matter rallies and protests in an effort to gain a better understanding of the experience of black people in America. In addition to her activism and community work, Sophie is also an exemplary student and a scholar-athlete. As testament to her dedication and brilliance, she balances a full load of AP classes, the demands of being captain of her school’s tennis team, and volunteering while maintaining a 3.97 GPA. Sophie will attend the University of Arizona, Claremont McKenna College, or Vanderbilt University. She is considering a major in Political Science and a minor in Environmental Science.
Technology
Gold - Jordan Herrera
Major: Neuroscience, Behavioral Science, and Computer Science
GPA: 3.86
High School: Xavier College Preparatory School
Heritage: Mexican and Spanish
As a requirement for graduation at Jordan’s high school, every student must take Computer Programming Essentials. “It is there that I found my love for technology,” tells us Jordan, who took the class her sophomore year. She has continued expanding her programming knowledge since and is currently enrolled in AP Computer Science A. In 2019, Jordan became a founding member of her school’s Computer Science Honor Society (CSHS), the first honor society of its kind in her state of Arizona. As a CSHS member, she has enjoyed the opportunity to volunteer at various events and programs set up by the organization. One of these events is the Girls Have IT Camp, a summer program designed to engage, empower, and inspire middle school girls to pursue careers in STEM. Most recently, she has been volunteering for Elder Outreach, a CSHS initiative that matches Jordan’s high school’s senior alumni with volunteer pen pals and provides them with technical assistance in an effort to help them maintain communication and not feel isolated during these times. As evidence to Jordan’s commitment to her school and community, she was chosen to serve on the Arizona Governor’s Youth Commission. As a Commissioner, she advises her state’s Governor and helps uphold the Commission’s mission of identifying and addressing the greatest challenges facing Arizona’s youth through innovative community impact projects. Of particular interest to Jordan is addressing the technological gap in her state, which has become more pronounced due to the pandemic and the shift to virtual learning. As much as Jordan dedicates to her community, she is also committed to academic excellence. She follows a rigorous course schedule of AP and Honors classes, is a member of her school’s chapter of the National Honor Society and the Math Honor Society, and maintains a 3.86 GPA. She will attend the University of Arizona, Harvey Mudd College, or Emory University and is interested in studying Neuroscience, Behavioral Science, and Computer Science.
GPA: 3.86
High School: Xavier College Preparatory School
Heritage: Mexican and Spanish
As a requirement for graduation at Jordan’s high school, every student must take Computer Programming Essentials. “It is there that I found my love for technology,” tells us Jordan, who took the class her sophomore year. She has continued expanding her programming knowledge since and is currently enrolled in AP Computer Science A. In 2019, Jordan became a founding member of her school’s Computer Science Honor Society (CSHS), the first honor society of its kind in her state of Arizona. As a CSHS member, she has enjoyed the opportunity to volunteer at various events and programs set up by the organization. One of these events is the Girls Have IT Camp, a summer program designed to engage, empower, and inspire middle school girls to pursue careers in STEM. Most recently, she has been volunteering for Elder Outreach, a CSHS initiative that matches Jordan’s high school’s senior alumni with volunteer pen pals and provides them with technical assistance in an effort to help them maintain communication and not feel isolated during these times. As evidence to Jordan’s commitment to her school and community, she was chosen to serve on the Arizona Governor’s Youth Commission. As a Commissioner, she advises her state’s Governor and helps uphold the Commission’s mission of identifying and addressing the greatest challenges facing Arizona’s youth through innovative community impact projects. Of particular interest to Jordan is addressing the technological gap in her state, which has become more pronounced due to the pandemic and the shift to virtual learning. As much as Jordan dedicates to her community, she is also committed to academic excellence. She follows a rigorous course schedule of AP and Honors classes, is a member of her school’s chapter of the National Honor Society and the Math Honor Society, and maintains a 3.86 GPA. She will attend the University of Arizona, Harvey Mudd College, or Emory University and is interested in studying Neuroscience, Behavioral Science, and Computer Science.
Silver - Angel Caoile
Major: Electrical Engineering
GPA: 3.95
High School: Chandler Preparatory Academy
Heritage: Filipino
Angel sees himself as an engineer at heart. He loves math, technology, and scientific problem solving and sees engineering as the ideal union of all three. He has committed to pursuing an Electrical Engineering Degree at Arizona State University (ASU). To prepare for his future career, he has participated in several ASU programs. Last summer, he competed at the university’s The Challenge 2020, a virtual engineering design competition held by the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. At The Challenge, Angel’s team worked alongside industry leaders to design solutions for reducing COVID-19 spread in schools. His team’s focus was school cafeterias. Their main solution was to replace lunch lines with an app-based food-pickup system in order to reduce crowding. Angel is also part of the ASU’s National Summer Transportation Institute Scholar’s Program, a 9-month program that engages students in transportation engineering and the various other engineering concentrations that work to plan and maintain Arizona’s systems of transportation. Academically gifted, Angel has taken all engineering classes offered by his school. He has also taken numerous college courses through the ASU Open Scale Program and is taking CLEP exams for these courses to receive proper college credit. This puts him on a path to complete a Master’s degree by the time he is 20. He serves as President of his school’s Spanish Culture Club and was selected by the US Department of State to serve as Youth Ambassador Representative for Costa Rica. Angel left the Philippines for the United States with his mother only six years ago. Together they faced many adversities. How far he has made it and all he has achieved are testaments to his dedication, persistence, and genius.
GPA: 3.95
High School: Chandler Preparatory Academy
Heritage: Filipino
Angel sees himself as an engineer at heart. He loves math, technology, and scientific problem solving and sees engineering as the ideal union of all three. He has committed to pursuing an Electrical Engineering Degree at Arizona State University (ASU). To prepare for his future career, he has participated in several ASU programs. Last summer, he competed at the university’s The Challenge 2020, a virtual engineering design competition held by the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. At The Challenge, Angel’s team worked alongside industry leaders to design solutions for reducing COVID-19 spread in schools. His team’s focus was school cafeterias. Their main solution was to replace lunch lines with an app-based food-pickup system in order to reduce crowding. Angel is also part of the ASU’s National Summer Transportation Institute Scholar’s Program, a 9-month program that engages students in transportation engineering and the various other engineering concentrations that work to plan and maintain Arizona’s systems of transportation. Academically gifted, Angel has taken all engineering classes offered by his school. He has also taken numerous college courses through the ASU Open Scale Program and is taking CLEP exams for these courses to receive proper college credit. This puts him on a path to complete a Master’s degree by the time he is 20. He serves as President of his school’s Spanish Culture Club and was selected by the US Department of State to serve as Youth Ambassador Representative for Costa Rica. Angel left the Philippines for the United States with his mother only six years ago. Together they faced many adversities. How far he has made it and all he has achieved are testaments to his dedication, persistence, and genius.
Bronze - Camila Grubb
Major: Computer Science with a minor in Cybersecurity
GPA: 3.81
High School: University High School
Heritage: Mexican
Earlier in her high school career, Camila immersed herself in various activities and hobbies in an effort to discover her interests, talents and find a creative outlet. She tried archery, Art Club, Stage Crew, among others, but it was through programming that she discovered her passion. Camila has made it to her school’s Computer Science Advanced Topics course, the final Computer Science option available at her school for students who have completed the entire AP Computer Science course sequence. To supplement and strengthen her STEM knowledge, she has also signed up for a dual enrollment Introduction to Engineering course. Camila is a member of her school’s VEX Robotics club and played a critical role in her team’s qualification to State finals during her junior year. She has been involved with Girls Who Code and the National Center for Women and Information Technology, organizations dedicated to closing the gender gap in tech. Through her work with these organizations, Camila has had an impact inspiring younger girls to explore the field of Computer Science. To help with this effort, she has designed apps and fun coding walkthroughs that mimic the software of educational coding platforms with the intent of making coding education more enjoyable for young learners. Camila’s focus is on designing tools to help others grow and learn and experience the world more richly. She has an exemplary academic record and has won multiple awards for her performance at Science Olympiad competitions. She will attend Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, or the University of San Diego and major in Computer Science and minor in Cybersecurity.
GPA: 3.81
High School: University High School
Heritage: Mexican
Earlier in her high school career, Camila immersed herself in various activities and hobbies in an effort to discover her interests, talents and find a creative outlet. She tried archery, Art Club, Stage Crew, among others, but it was through programming that she discovered her passion. Camila has made it to her school’s Computer Science Advanced Topics course, the final Computer Science option available at her school for students who have completed the entire AP Computer Science course sequence. To supplement and strengthen her STEM knowledge, she has also signed up for a dual enrollment Introduction to Engineering course. Camila is a member of her school’s VEX Robotics club and played a critical role in her team’s qualification to State finals during her junior year. She has been involved with Girls Who Code and the National Center for Women and Information Technology, organizations dedicated to closing the gender gap in tech. Through her work with these organizations, Camila has had an impact inspiring younger girls to explore the field of Computer Science. To help with this effort, she has designed apps and fun coding walkthroughs that mimic the software of educational coding platforms with the intent of making coding education more enjoyable for young learners. Camila’s focus is on designing tools to help others grow and learn and experience the world more richly. She has an exemplary academic record and has won multiple awards for her performance at Science Olympiad competitions. She will attend Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, or the University of San Diego and major in Computer Science and minor in Cybersecurity.
