Students of the Month

Catalina Martinez is a 4th-grade student at Metcalf Elementary School in Greenlee County, and was nominated by her Principal Chelsea Adams. Ms. Adams shared about Catalina’s strong impact in her school community. Catalina serves as her school’s Student Council President leading over 650 fellow students. She leads three different service-oriented groups within her school, the Kindness Crew, the Clean Up Crew, and the Character Strong Crew. The Kindness Crew writes positive and encouraging notes to students, teachers, and bus drivers. The Clean Up Crew volunteers to pick up trash around the school, community, and neighborhood. The Character Strong Crew helps encourage students to do the right thing at the right time. Catalina also plays softball and has year-round practices and is an avid reader. She is described as warm and welcoming to others at her school. 

Hamsini Sunkara is an 11th-grade student at BASIS Ahwatukee in Maricopa County, and was nominated by her teacher Ms. Genter, who shared about Hamsini’s academic focus, active role in student government, and specifically about her role in conceiving, founding, and building a club. As a big fan of K-Pop music, Hamsini wanted to share her enthusiasm with others and formed the K-Pop Choreography Club. The group is dedicated to dancing, being active, and sharing a positive message with their school community. Hamsini’s school serves grades 4 through 12 and the K-Pop Choreography Club is the only student organization that includes students in all grades. As a result, you can now see 4th grade students greeting their high school friends in the hallways. In its inaugural year, the K-Pop Choreography Club performed at the school’s International Night where they were one of the highlights. The group is already practicing for their performance at the 2025 International Night in February. 

Eva Luz Pombo is an 11th-grade student at Arizona School for the Arts in Maricopa County, and was nominated by her Choir Director Jessica Elder. Ms. Elder shared about Eva’s excitement to learn and her heart for serving others. Eva serves as a volunteer at Hospice of the Valley supporting patients and their families with end of life care. As an 8^th grader, Eva applied and was selected for a 3-week Neurology summer program at Georgetown University which sparked her curiosity to understand the brain. Since then, Eva has also done a 7-week research internship through the University of Arizona where she worked in a lab focused on Parkinson’s disease. Eva continues to work on that project remotely doing image analysis. She also serves as the Director of Heartbeats and the Welcome to America Project which helps provide musical instruments, bicycles, and other items to refugees to help them feel at home in a new place. Eva is also active in her school community where she serves as an Arizona School for the Arts ambassador and leads the club RISE where students find ways to give back to their community. She is also an honorary student member of the school’s board of directors. Eva is described as confident, gentle, intelligent, humble, a leader, and a servant.

Caylin Kendrick is a 7th-grade student at Thunderbolt Middle School in Mohave County, and was nominated by Principal Black at Jamaica Elementary School. Principal Black shared Caylin’s strong leadership skills as Student Council President and her unwavering commitment to her responsibilities, including making daily morning announcements. Caylin also received the Gold Medal Presidential Award at the Evening of Excellence for maintaining all A’s since Kindergarten. Beyond the classroom, Caylin is active in theater and dance. Caylin is known as selfless, self-aware, steadfast in her values, and full of integrity. Her genuine character makes her an exemplary student whom both peers and faculty admire. 

Emily Sanchez is a 9th-grade student at Holbrook High School in Navajo County, and was nominated by Principal Grau at Holbrook Junior High School. Principal Grau noted Emily’s impact on her school and the local community. Emily has served on the Community and Family Engagement project to bridge school-to-home community relations and connections. Emily is known as one of the first students to volunteer her time within the community and the school. Emily has worked to organize class games, fundraisers, leadership service projects, and more. She has regularly presented at the Holbrook Unified School District Governing Board meetings to keep them up to date on the school and community activities she leads as part of her student council vice president role. In addition to being a student-athlete on the softball team, Emily also serves as the team manager for the volleyball and basketball teams. Emily is known as a friend to all and is described as the epitome of a great leader with a service-oriented nature. Emily finished junior high at the top of her class, receiving all A’s throughout her junior high, and started high school with some high school credit already completed. Emily has also been recognized as a state winner with the Masonic Lodge for the Student Community Service Award.

Charlotte was a homeschool student from Yavapai County, that graduated in May 2024 and was nominated by her mother Karen Bond. Mrs. Bond shared about Charlotte’s dedication and perseverance in learning the cello. At 14 years old in the spring of 2020, Charlotte started learning the cello with a used beginner cello and taught herself using books and Youtube videos. When Charlotte progressed to needing an in-person instructor she took on any odd jobs she could find to fund her lessons and eventually upgrade her cello. Charlotte joined a local community college orchestra before earning a spot with the Pops Orchestra. Charlotte eventually went on to compete against students with years more experience to earn a spot at Interlochen, one of the top music camps in the country.

Matteo is a 2024 graduate from BASIS Mesa in Maricopa County, and was recognized as a Presidential Scholar. 

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was created in 1964 by executive order of the president to recognize distinguished graduating high school seniors. The program was extended in 1979 to include students demonstrating exceptional artistic talent and then extended again in 2015 to include students making accomplishments in career and technical education.

Up to 161 students are named Presidential Scholars each year. Matteo was one of three students from Arizona to receive this recognition in 2024.

Billal graduated in May 2024 from Paragon Science Academy in Maricopa County, and was nominated by his principal Naci Karadeniz. Principal Karadeniz shared about Billal’s many accomplishments including receiving certificates and a Silver medal through the Sonoran Schools Mentorship Program. As part of the program, Billal achieved one of the top levels of the Congressional Award Program and is eligible for a Gold Medal. Billal has completed two hundred volunteer hours, one hundred personal development hours, and one hundred physical fitness hours. Billal studied extensively for the SAT, volunteered at school events, Turkish festivals, and packing clothes for refugees, and planned family excursions to museums, literary arts, going fishing, and trying food from different cultures. Billal also made going to the gym a consistent habit.

Owen is a 6th-grade student at Paseo Pointe Dual Language Academy in Maricopa County, and was nominated by his principal Jonathan Rohloff. Principal Rohloff highlighted Owen’s academic achievements and character in his nomination. Owen scored highly proficient on the state assessment in both English Language Arts and Math, including a perfect score on the Math assessment. Owen entered Paseo Pointe in 3rd grade and has worked diligently to become proficient in two languages in a short amount of time. Owen is a rising star on the school soccer team and also participates in club soccer. Owen has a competitive nature that he shares with other students to push each other to be better both academically and athletically. 

Angela is an 11th-grade student at Arizona Virtual Academy in Pima County and was nominated by her Career Readiness Education Administrator, Dr. Erica Young-Jackson. Dr. Young-Jackson remarked on Angela’s academic accomplishments including holding a 4.0 GPA and having earned multiple college credits through the school’s dual enrollment program. Angela is also a member of her school’s Healthcare Occupation Student Organization (HOSA). Alongside fellow HOSA members, Angela participated in a community awareness virtual competition where they earned high scores that qualified them for the state conference. The team went on to win three first-place medals at the state competition. One of those was Angela’s top prize in the National Geographic Learning Academic Testing Center Occupation Health and Safety Competition. Angela is an active member of her school community and participates in HOSA, Space Club, and the Yearbook Committee. 

Logan is an 11th-grade student in Pinal County, and is participating in the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Program and was nominated by his mother Vanessa Sheppard. Mrs. Sheppard noted Logan’s academic diligence in maintaining a 4.0 GPA and maintaining his studies even through the summer. Logan is the youngest participant in his dual enrollment college courses and has taken initiative on group projects, contributed thoughtfully to class discussions, and models a positive attitude and approach to learning. Logan is also working towards earning his private pilot’s license and becoming an FAA licensed drone pilot. Logan also participates in the Civil Air Patrol where he has been promoted quickly. Logan is a member of the San Tan Composite Mountain Biking Team for which he trains vigorously. 

Charlie is a 12th-grade student at The Jones-Gordon School in Maricopa County, and was nominated by his College and Career Transition Program Director, Emily Hsu. Ms. Hsu shared about Charlie’s kindness, encouragement towards others and impact to his school community. Charlie is active in community service projects and is dedicated to make a positive impact on those around them. He has been involved with Student Government since his freshman year and has served as Student Government President was a junior and senior. Charlie works to contribute and support his classmates during class discussions and group projects. Charlie is dedicated and exemplifies a strong work ethic, culminating in academic excellence. He is described as kind, thoughtful, hardworking, respectful, and empathetic. 

Deepika Moola is a 11th-grade student at Pinnacle Peak High School in Maricopa County, and was nominated by her Volunteer In Paradise Coordinator, Marisha Geraghty. Mrs. Geraghty met Deepika when she contacted the office to see if she could provide summer tutoring for struggling Elementary students. When Deepika reached out, the tutoring program only worked with adults. Still, Deepika convinced the Volunteer Coordinators to start a youth tutoring program if she performed well as a tutor herself. Beginning in Fall of 2022, Deepika recruited 20 classmates to provide reaching tutoring to 2nd grade students attending After The Bell at Palomino Primary school. The group of high school students logged 200 total hours of tutoring and had rave reviews from their students. 

Edmundo Chavez is a 12th-grade student at Nogales High School in Santa Cruz County, and was nominated by his school counselor, Maritza Leon. Mrs. Leon described Edmundo as an example of academic excellence and leadership. Edmundo is impactful in his school community and is an outstanding student and ranked 1st in the Class of 2024. He currently serves as the parliamentarian of Future Business Leaders of America and has previously served as president. He is also the president of the Science National Honor Society and is engaged in Interact and the National Technical Honor Society clubs. Edmundo is also a valuable member of the Varsity Track and Field team while also working towards an International Baccalaureate Diploma. Edmundo is also a recipient of the National Hispanic Recognition Award. 

Fatimah is an 11th-grade student at Basis Scottsdale in Maricopa County, and was nominated by her Director of Student Affairs, Paul Flores. Mr. Flores described Fatimah as a passionate activist and advocate for underserved communities. Fatimah works to bring awareness to social issues concerning health equity and civic engagement. She is one of Arizona’s 18 under 18 finalists. She holds a coveted spot on the Scottsdale Mayor’s Youth Council, where she works with Mayor Ortega to design free programs like FAFSA training and information campaigns. Fatimah is the author of multiple research papers on public health and is the founder of SPARKHope which works with nonprofits and small business to encourage greater youth civic engagement. 

Carlyn is an 8th-grade student at Liberty Elementary School in Maricopa County, and was nominated by her Principal, Holly Murray. Principal Murray noted that Liberty Elementary School works to instill the idea of PRIDE (Partnership, Respect, Integrity, Determination, and Excellence) and that Carlyn exemplifies all of those characteristics. Carlyn is a hard-working student who has earned a sport in National Junior Honor Society and also participates in multiple athletic opportunities each year. Carlyn is also active in 4H and is part of the AgriScience signature program. Carlyn is a leader in her classrooms and across campus and shows kindness, care, and compassion to those around her. 

Adelle is a 10th-grade student at Phoenix Country Day School in Maricopa County, and was nominated by her String Music Director, Maurine Fleming. Mrs. Fleming described Adelle’s accomplishments in music, academics, and sports. Adelle plays on the school’s tennis team which took first place in the school tournament last year. Adelle is compassionate and connected within her school community to both teachers and fellow students. Adelle has been part of the Phoenix Youth Symphony Orchestra and was made first chair/concertmaster at her first Phoenix Youth Symphony Orchestra concert. Adelle has also been selected for the 2023 AMEA West Regions Orchestra and the prestigious Idyllwild violin summer camp. Adelle also volunteers her time at assisted living facilities to play the violin, the piano, and sing for the residents.

Siri is an 8th-grade student at Sonoran Science Academy Peoria in Maricopa County, and was nominated by her teacher, Cat Louth. Mrs. Louth’s nomination spoke of Siri’s leadership, drive, and compassion. Siri has been part of the National Junior Honor Society for the past three years and is in her second year as president. Siri’s work in the National Junior Honor Society has been marked with active community outreach and Siri leads by example in her volunteering capacity. Siri seeks and utilizes feedback and speaks openly and honestly about her achievements and shortcomings. Siri is active in cultural activities including dance and community gatherings and shares her culture with her school community. Siri has a positive outlook on school, her future, and life in general and is always there for her friends.

Gavino is a 5th-grade student in Pima County, who participates in the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program and was nominated by his mother, Athena Delgado. In Gavino’s nomination, Mrs. Delgado shared about Gavino’s studious behavior, kind demeanor, and hunger for knowledge. Gavino hosts an annual cornhole tournament in support of the Bags, Boards, and Blessings fund which helps feed community members for the Thanksgiving holiday. Gavino is also an avid history student who often watches videos, creates quizzes, and reads facts and articles in his spare time. Gavino has taken robotics classes and has recently begun taking courses through Arizona State University. 

Markayla is a 10th-grade student at Chandler High School in Maricopa County, and was nominated by her Indigenous Student Engagement Specialist, Antonette Shirley. Mrs. Shirley noted that Markayla has been enrolled in college courses starting in 7th grade and now attends Chandler-Gilbert Community College alongside being a student at Chandler High School. Markayla competed on her basketball team, the Rezbombers, in the 20th anniversary NABI games and made it to the final four. Markayla broke the season record as a freshman on the varsity girls’ basketball team and ended the season with 291 points with 12 assists and thirty-five 3-pointers.