The Mesa Tribune Class of 2020 by Times Media Group

Mesa High School Grand Canyon Education Northern Arizona University

Liberty Arts Academy - Mesa

Dobson High School

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Mountain View High Sc Desert Ridge High School Westwood High School

Red Mountain High

Skyline High School Sun Valle

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 24, 2020

CONGRATULATIONS

GRADUATES from Grand Canyon University! It’s not too late to get started on your college journey. We have virtual, interactive campus tours available and plenty of scholarship opportunities!

Visit gcu.edu to apply for free today! 855-428-7884 For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program and other important information, please visit our website at gcu.edu/disclosures. Grand Canyon University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org). GCU, while reserving its lawful rights in light of its Christian mission, is committed to maintaining an academic environment that is free from unlawful discrimination. Further detail on GCU’s Non-Discrimination policies can be found at gcu.edu/titleIX. The information printed in this material is accurate as of MAY 2020. For the most up-to-date information about admission requirements, tuition, scholarships and more, visit gcu.edu. ©2020 Grand Canyon University 20GTR0463

MAY 24, 2020 | THE MESA TRIBUNE

Desert Ridge High School

Those were the days

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 24, 2020

MAY 24, 2020 | THE MESA TRIBUNE

Social media sites for high schools in the Mesa Public Schools District are loaded with eye-catching memories of the Class of 2020’s final year. From stadium-jammed games to witty pictures such as one below where a student quipped that Red Mountain High School therapy dog Sawyer was “done sitting in for” Red Mountain Principal Greg Milbrandt while he was visiting Dobson High, hundreds of photos displayed the seniors’ enthusiasm and affection for their alma mater and each other. (Special to the Tribune)

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 24, 2020

Congratulations to the Mountain View High School Class of 2020! Dear graduates, We are so very proud of this year’s graduating class. You have overcome all the challenges of a global pandemic and continue to show your Toro Spirit. Our seniors represent our community well through resiliency and persistence. Our students represent the reason we are one of the top schools in the country by the U.S. News & World Report and Niche ranking systems. This class is the first to be named one of the top STEM schools in the country by Newsweek and also named a Common Sense School of Digital Citizenship. Although the end of the year does not look like we all had hoped, we still celebrate the amazing Class of 2020. This year’s class had many incredible achievements, such as a state championship in We the People for the second year in a row, a state championship in pom for the third year in a row, and the cheer team taking the state runner-up title. Our orchestra, under the leadership of Dr. Temme, was named the William E. Richardson program of distinction for the third year in a row. Our Model UN team was named Best Delegation at the MCC Conference for the 16th consecutive year. Yearbook students, led by Ms. Wrather, were named the Gold Crown recipients by Columbia Press Association of Columbia University. This class also had two National Merit Scholars, five National Hispanic Scholars, and two National Merit Commended students. We also had one senior, Mai Ta’ase, become the all-time leading rebounder for girls basketball at Mountain View. This year’s performing arts all-region selections contained 35 Choir, 21 Band, 14 Orchestra and 11 All-State Jazz Choir members. Our student council, led by Dr. Farmer, raised over $10,000 for charities and scholarships. These are just a few of the many great stories surrounding this incredible class. So as your time at our school comes to an end, we want you to know that we love you, we are proud of you, and we can’t wait to watch your dreams come true. No matter where you live, work or raise your family, you will always be part of our Mesa community, and you will always be welcomed home at Mountain View. Congratulations, and go Toros! Principal Greg Milbrandt and the entire faculty of Mountain View High School

MAY 24, 2020 | THE MESA TRIBUNE

w e i V n i a MountHIGH SCHOOL NUMBER OF GRADS: 722 TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS: $14.7 MILLION TOP 21 SENIORS: • Abigail Anderson, Courtlynn Burr, Ethan Coulter, Julia Egbert, Tyler Garn, Chase Harris, Riggs Jesclard, Caleb Jones, David Jorgensen, Joshua Larson, Seong-Jin Lim, Brandon Lopez, Callie Lunt, Micaela Merrill, Tran Nguyen, Jade Pastor, Kiersten Rule, Anna Stratford, Ellie Thompson, Heidi Turley and Kalli Verzera. NATIONAL HISPANIC SCHOLARS: • Olivia Cabelli, Spencer Knighton, Brandon Lopez, Jade Pastor and Carson Robles. Choral Parents Association Scholarships: David Jorgensen, Julia Egbert, Carson Robles, Mazie Burton, Alyssa Keeler, Kiersten Rule, Leighanna Rutledge, Trevor Campbell, Brigham Norton, Kyle Phillips and Jordan Suarez. Wood Scholarships: Courtlynn Burr, Saige Holloway and Sadie Rasmussen. ASU Leadership Scholarship: Alvin Machado Castro Desert Club: Saige Holloway and America Gutierrez Ramirez Elks Scholarship: Steven Anglen

SENIOR AWARDS: ROCK ARNETT - American Legion Auxiliary Citizenship HARRISON EVANS - American Legion Outstanding Student BRANDON NIETO - Marine Distinguished Athlete MCKINLEY BARNEY - Marine Distinguished Athlete DAVID CASH CLARK - Marine Scholastic Excellence COLTON DELONG - Marine Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence KIMBALL BEGAY - Mountain View Scholar Athlete HANNAH DECIOUS - Mountain View Scholar Athlete DAVID CASH CLARK - Coaches Award Athlete of the Year MAIANALANI TA’ASE - Coaches Award Athlete of the Year KIERSTEN RULE - Mesa Association of School

National Merit Finalists: • Spencer Knighton and Micaela Merrill.

Administrators JACKSON TORRENS - St. Lawrence University Book Award REID SCHWAN - University of Rochester George Eastman Young Leaders Award BEN PHILLIPS - Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award in Humanities and Social Sciences TYLER FILLMORE - Wells College 21st Century Leadership Award and Student Council Officer of Distinction. EMERSON NORTON - Student Council Officer of the Year JACKSON TORRENS - Student Council Officer of the Year JEREMY MILES - Outstanding Art Student AMMON CLELLAND - Outstanding Toro TV Student ABIGAIL ANDERSON - Outstanding English Student MONICA SANDOVAL - Outstanding ELD student SAIGE HOLLOWAY - FACS Department DAVID JORGENSEN - Outstanding Math Student JADEN SUMAKUD - John Philip Sousa Award HENRY ARMSTRONG - Louis Armstrong Jazz Award MICAELA MERRILL - National School Orchestra Award BRANDON LOPEZ - National School Orchestra Directors Award JORDAN SUAREZ - Theatre Department Outstanding Female Actor CARSON ROBLES - Theatre Department Outstanding Male ALOISE DE SANTIAGO MENDOZA - Theatre

Department Outstanding Theatre Technician JULIA EGBERT - National School Choral Award MAZIE BURTON - National School Choral Directors Award JADEN SUMAKUD - Outstanding Performing Arts Student KYLE JOHNSON - Outstanding Science Student ASHLYN PATTERSON - Outstanding Social Studies Student BRENDA BERMUDEZ RIVERA - Outstanding World Language Student CALLIE LUNT - Mesa Student Citizen of the Year ALYSSA KEELER - Female Faculty Foundation AUTUMN GAPA - Bob Miller Memorial HEIDI TURLEY - AP Student of the Year and William Mellyn Scholarship. BRANDON LOPEZ - AP Student of the Year SAVANNAH COOK - Mountain View Citizenship JOHN GOMEZ - Mountain View Citizenship JADEN SUMADKUD - Honors Committee Award of Merit ASHLYN ALLEN - Mountain View School Service & Yearbooker of the Year WILLIAM SNITZER - Mountain View School Service ANNA STRATFORD - National Honor Society LUIS NAJERA - Toro Achievement Award ABIGAIL ANDERSON - Toro Friendship Award SCOTT DIKE - Toro Friendship Award KARLA ALCARAZ SANCHEZ - Troy Davis Award BRANDON LOPEZ - Most Outstanding Boy ANNA STRATFORD - Most Outstanding Girl

n i a t n u o Red MHIGH SCHOOL NUMBER OF GRADS: 707 TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS: $7,661,021 Students with a GPA of at least 4.0: 125 AP Capstone Diplomas: 21 4-Year STEM Diplomas: 46 Advanced STEM Diplomas: 33 Total scholarship offers: $17 million Service Hours for Class of 2020: 45,000

FLINN SCHOLARS: Heather Jensen and Rex Dyer NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARS: Heather Jensen, Joshua Schomaker, Ethan Smith. NATIONAL AP SCHOLAR: Rex Dyer NATIONAL HISPANIC SCHOLARS: Gabriel Bourgeois, Giovannah Hoskin, Alexander Jacobs, Jackelyn Lobatos, Calvin Locke, Carolina Meza, Isabella Moya, Elena Ortiz and Alex Pruchnic.

5.00 GPA

Elijah Reeb Parents: Dan and Elizabeth Reeb College: University of Washington Major: Nanotechnology

MESA STUDENT CITIZEN OF THE YEAR: Sage Liu

SENIOR AWARDS:

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 24, 2020

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP: Maya Chatham EMERGING LEADER AWARD: Collin Steadman. STUDENT COUNCIL LEADERSHIP AWARD: Alex Pruchnic BEESON AWARD: Mackenzi Stein SERVING IN U.S. MARINE CORPS: Ruben Albanez, Jaeden Batista, Christopher Bernard, Coltan Levenske, Hugh Nash, Dane Richardson and Marco Salazar Vasquez. SERVING IN U.S. ARMY: Kyle Albrechat, Jordan Bone, Justin Ketterling, Joel Menchaca, Syris Mitipok, Bryce Stahl, Alejandro Torres, William Vander Linden and Brandon Vazquez Hernandez. SERVING IN U.S. NAVY: Wyat Thompson, Adam Golob, Andres Daniels and Tyler Peterson.

Chase Rohlik Parents: Ann and Mike Lagman and Tony Rohlik College: Arizona State University, Barrett, The Honors College Major: Mathematics

MAY 24, 2020 | THE MESA TRIBUNE

Congratulations to the Red Mountain High School Class of 2020! Dear graduates, While the last few months of senior year are always filled with a certain degree of anxiousness about the future and what path to take in life after high school, you have faced and overcome challenges unique to any generation. While we all enjoy our homes and using our technology, in the past few months you have expertly transitioned to living in these spaces full-time, 24-7. While expectations for learning, assignments, meeting with teachers and classes, and improving your grades all remained the same, your ability to be with your friends, and to enjoy our vibrant campus life abruptly vanished. Instead of complaining and mourning lost opportunities, many of you seized new opportunities for collaboration and connectedness. True to every challenge you have encountered throughout your lives, you saw the challenge before you, rising like a mountain. Instead of turning away, you climbed its peak, and now stand at the top. Together, we overcame our difficulties and now, like our motto proclaims, we stand as one. Although the end of the year does not look like we all had hoped, we still celebrate the amazing Class of 2020. We will never forget all the many times we celebrated together, on campus, at dances, at assemblies, the Homecoming parade and spirit week, and a host of athletic and academic events where Red Mountain achieved victory. So as your time at our school comes to an end, we want you to know that we love you, we are proud of you, and we can’t wait to watch as your dreams come true. No matter where you live, work or raise your family, you will always be part of our Mesa community, and you will always be welcomed home at Red Mountain High School. Congratulations, and go Mountain Lions! Principal Casey Eagleburger and the entire faculty of Red Mountain High School

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 24, 2020

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Congratulations to the Skyline High School Class of 2020! Greetings to the Skyline Class of 2020, Being the principal of Skyline is nothing short of a dream come true, and it is an honor to have served as your principal for the past four years. I hope you realize how proud Skyline’s teachers, counselors, administrators and support staff are of you. Yes, we are always proud of our graduates; however, the Class of 2020 will endure in our hearts and minds for the perseverance you have shown this year in particular. There are more than 450 members of Skyline’s Class of 2020, and you have achieved tremendous academic, athletic, artistic, leadership and service success. We applaud you who challenged yourselves with Advanced Placement, dual enrollment and honors classes. We are incredibly proud of those of you who did whatever it took to achieve the goal of graduation - credit recovery, summer school, MDLP - no matter what challenges you faced in the past. You kept your eyes focused on the goal, and you made it! We are proud of the goals you have set for your future, including college, technical school, military and the workforce. A goal without a plan is just a dream, and we applaud you for making a plan to bring your goals to reality. We thank you for the Legacy of Excellence you are leaving at Skyline. Your investment in your school through academics, athletics, the arts, CTE, leadership and service learning makes our school a better place for all. We appreciate all that you gave to Skyline while you attended here. We also look forward to learning about your successes in the future - drop us an email from time to time! Remember Class of 2020, you are a part of history, and you can be proud of all that you have achieved despite the challenges that were thrown your way this spring. Be well, be kind, be prosperous, and always live by the values of the Skyline PACK--Perseverance, Achievement, Community, Knowledge--you won’t go wrong! Sincerely, Principal Tom Brennan and the entire faculty of Skyline High School

MAY 24, 2020 | THE MESA TRIBUNE

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TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS: $13.2 MILLION Here are some highlights of the Class of 2020:

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230 seniors took at Advanced Placement or dual enrollment course this year 32 earned and MPS Advanced Honor Seal on their diploma

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26 graduates enlisted or are committed to a branch of the US Armed Forces, earning over $4.3 million in scholarships 12,527 hours of service learning

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32 graduates have the MPS Service Learning Seal on their diploma 14 received athletic scholarships. 46 were named to an AIA All-Academic

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team this year Of the 142 in a performing arts group; nine were named to a Regional Honors band, choir, or orchestra

Student Body Officers: Shelbie Rash, president; Hailee Clarice Mae Ponce De Leon, vice president; Marlen Uribe, secretary. Senior Class Officers: Julian Martinez, president; William Forder, director of clubs; Leslie Zacarias Rangel, public relations director; Luke MacKinlay, senior class representative.

TOP 32 STUDENTS • • • • •

Brian Andrew Lynch David John Johnson Jr. Anna Christine Ray Ashton Reese Ryals Madison Paige Ryals

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McKenna Faith Bustamante Ryan Allen Muir Isabelle Rose Wiltbank Ryan Elizabeth Todd Cade Taylor Watkin Jacob Brix Doest Tanner Ian Herlofson

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Jose Gonzalo Montes Amaya Hailee Clarice Mae Ponce De Leon Olivia Madison Lowery Haily Marie Hopper Jaiden Ainsley Woods Taryn Nicole Bickle

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Nathan Cooper Ghisolfo Aubrey Anna Mather McKenna Grace Tucker Kaylee Lynn Freudenthal Luke Everest MacKinlay Kevin Hoang Duy Nguyen Savanna Cabrera Kierstin Rayn Christenson

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Karen Gisel Hurtado Hernandez Alyssa Grace Bickle Jillian Rachel Ellsworth Jesus Alejandro Mendoza Pimentel Elena Quinn Mugge Daniel Reyes Salgado

Congratulations to all of our Graduates! Perla Arbayo Chomina Sebastian Arce Maldonado Mia Banks Cesar Barraza Gavin Barraza Crystal “Chachi”Begay Haley Bejarano Ortega Dylan Brown Rachel Burnham Brandy Chacon Mayra Chavez Hernandez Zoey Contreras Diogenes De Aza Garcia Nyia Donnelly Leslie Enos Daniel Gama Diana Garcia Laura Garcia Gallardo Keyon Gibson Angela Godoy Anyssa Gomez Alejandra Griego Latterian Harris Rosa Lagarda Zapata Dakota Lawrence Inner Leon Miranda

Raven Lugo Jennifer Madero Galeana Stephanie Marquez-Cadena Ricardo Martinez Carlos Martinez Monroy Ivan Matthews Yvette Matus Kayla McGregor Josiah Mohr Lesli Montesinos James Montgomery Selene Mora Thierry Ndikumwenayo Viktor O’Connor Mia Ochoa Jesus Orr Oscar Palmeros Ri’Schard Parker Lusinda Perez Oregon Andrea Pina-Jimenez Berlin Reyes Abigail Richards Ronald Ritchey Tristan Rivera Kaya Robinson Shareli Romero Resendiz

Jasmin Rubio-Diaz Joseph Russell Kenya Salazar Holguin Nayveth Salazar Holguin Richard Sandoval Trejo Bradley Schnellbach Annairis Serrato Christian Slauter NaQuita Smith Alexes Soto Jose Soto Zendejas Seth Stickler Madison Stoddard Michelle Valdez Jennavive Valencia Tamara VanBuren Angel Victor Vargas X-Zarion Braedon Williams-Lothlen Noah Woith Daisy Zambrano Elenes Caspian Zaragoza Connor Zimmerman

Valedictorian Destiny Chavez

Salutatorian Jesus Serrato

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 24, 2020

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NUMBER OF GRADS: 49 TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS: $12,125,216

VALEDICTORIAN

Lindee Brown

STUDENT BODY OFFICERS: • Jaquelyn Hernandez, president; Rachel Early, vice president; Janique Pizano, secretary; Shyla Sherlock, treasurer; Dawson Debevec, spirit director.

CLASS OFFICERS: • Roger Antunez, president; Marissa Duran, vice president; Alison Cote, secretary; Kelly Rackow, treasurer, Kelsi Encino-Flood, spirit director.

OTHER TOP SENIORS DEMITRIOUS MATUS Parents: Santos Matus and Angela Torres Total scholarship offers: $1,078,544 College: Tufts University School of Museum of Fine Arts Major: Fine arts BROOKE STRATMAN Parents: Kevin and Kimberly Stratman College: U.S. Military Academy West Point Total scholarship offers: $488,000 Awards: Outstanding Senior Award for top academic achievement coupled with significant contributions to activities and achievements on campus; NFL Wright/ Adams Athlete of the Year; National Merit Scholarship Commended Student; AP Capstone Diploma Qualifier. MAREN WENGER Parents: Amy & Craig Wenger Total scholarship offers: $414,540 College: Brigham Young University Major: Actuarial science MERCEDES STARR Parents: Jean and Harry Starr Total scholarship offers: $383,600 College: Siena Heights University Major: International business Awards: American Legion Auxiliary Outstanding

Senior, Outstanding Girls Diver, top 5 student service learning with 581.15 hours. DAIJON CHRISTIE Parents: Bianca McNeil Total scholarship offers: $353,712 College: University of Arizona Major: Mathematics Awards: Penny and Roe Stamps Scholarship for academic merit, strong leadership potential and exceptional character; AP Capstone Diploma Qualifier; Outstanding Senior Math Student. KAYLA AGUIRRE Parents: Kristie and Pete Aguirre Total scholarship offers: $351,336 College: Arizona State University Major: Nursing Awards: AP Capstone Diploma Qualifyer CODY MARTINDALE Parents: Charlotte and Edwin Potter and Matt Martindale College: Plans on serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Awards: American Legion Auxiliary Citizenship Award; NFL Wright/Adams Athlete of the Year; Outstanding Boys Track Athlete. SEE NEXT PAGE

GPA: 5.0 (College core) Parents: Elizabeth and Kyle Brown Total scholarship offers: $50,000 College: Arizona State University Major: Environmental engineering Achievements: U.S. Marine Scholastic Excellence Award, Top 20 Senior Activities: Team captain and founding member of the robotics club, treasurer of the French Club, works for the volleyball team, member of National Honors Society, Academic Decathlon, and Key Club.

SALUTATORIAN

Yeime Martinez GPA: 4.29 Parents: Cecilia Martinez Total scholarship offers: $102,456 College: Arizona State University Major: Public health Achievements: Arizona Seal of Biliteracy, Service Learning Seal, Obama Scholar Activities: Key Club, Environmental Club, Secretary of the Leadership Club, AntiDefamation League, Drama Club, Dobson Spirit Line and Dobson Advanced Dance, Mustang Mentor

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JOANNE DACOYCOY Parents: Liberty and Norberto Dacoycoy College: Arizona State University Major: Biochemistry Awards: National School Orchestra Association Award (highest honor bestowed upon a high school orchestra member); Principal’s Senior Award; Homa and Irene Wood Foundation Scholar. SUSANA SALLARD Parents: Ruth Kish College: Arizona State University Major: Nursing Awards: Krystal Ebel Award & Scholarship; Lady Mustang Athlete. ALAN IBARRA ARIZMENDI Parents: Beatriz Arizmendi College: Grand Canyon University Major: Math for secondary education Awards: Marilyn Thacker Memorial Award & Scholarship; Mightiest Mustang Award. PIERRE MCNEAL Parents: Shernetra Scott and Wesley Young College: Not provided. Major: Business finance Awards: US Marine Distinguished Athlete; Mario Cardinale Honorarium Award & Scholarship. BECKY SALAZAR Parents: Jose Luis and Rosa Salazar College: Arizona State University Major: Landscape architecture Awards: Mesa Association of School Administrators Award; AP Capstone Diploma Qualifier; Performing Arts “Make My Day”Award; Homa and Irene Wood Foundation Scholar. NATALIA CORDERO REYES Parents: Maria and Eladio Cordero Reyes College: Arizona State University Major: Civil engineering Award: Mike Moffat Award & Scholarship.

SUZANA KRSTIC Parents: Rava and Miladin Krstic College: Northwest Christian University Major: Biology Awards: US Marine Distinguished Athlete; Outstanding Softball Athlete Award. LAIKYN HEDRICK Parents: Stacy and Brian Hedrick College: Arizona State University Major: Psychology Awards: U.S. Marine Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence; Outstanding Agriculture Science Student. ALEX CASTILLO Parents: Michael Castillo and Liberty Engle College: Mesa Community College Award: Dick Pallas Outstanding Male Athlete. JUHLAWNEI STONE Parents: Marshall Stone College: Cal Baptist Major: Social work Awards: Jack Rowden Award; Outstanding Boys Basketball Athlete Award.

MORGAN LEON Parents: Beth and Eric Leon College: Mesa Community College Major: Criminal justice Awards: Nancy Ellis Outstanding Female Athlete; Outstanding Girls Swimmer Award; MCC Presidential Scholarship. TUFI LUPE Parents: Ana and George Lupe College: Arizona State University Major: Business Awards: Wibbi Koski Award; ASU Obama Scholar. KRISTEN MARQUEZ Parents: Gloria and Samuel Marquez College: Arizona State University Major: Music Awards: Leonard Bernstein Award for Musical Excellence; Outstanding Fitness Student Award. SARAH RASCON Parents: Terry and Francisco Rascon College: Not listed Awards: M.D. Olson Award; Outstanding Choral Student Award.

MASEY WALKER Parents: Eric and Sena Walker College: Mesa Community College Major: Criminology or nursing Awards: Lady Mustang Cheerleader.

JOHN SHERIDAN Parents: Heidi and Patrick Sheridan College: Arizona State University Major: Computer systems, cybersecurity Awards: Principal’s Senior Award.

VICTORIA MALAKI Parents: Martha Malaki College: Pima Community College Major: Criminal justice Awards: Lionel Goar Award; Outstanding Girls Basketball Athlete Award; Outstanding Girls Track Athlete Award

JAQUELYN HERNANDEZ Parents: Rutila and Jesus Hernandez College: Arizona State University Major: Biochemistry Awards: Mustang Shadow Award, Obama Scholar. RUDY CARTAGENA Parents: Mandy and Raymond Cartagena College: University of Southern California Major: Business of cinematic arts Awards: Outstanding Senior Award.

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 24, 2020

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Congratulations to the Dobson High School Class of 2020! Dear graduates, The Class of 2020 holds a special place in my heart and always will. As incoming freshmen, I had the honor of being your assistant principal. I was also fortunate to stay on as your administrator for three years and felt immense pride as your principal this senior year. During your time at Dobson, I could easily recognize that this was one of the best classes to come through in many years. You love Dobson, the teachers, staff and coaches. You brought a lot of pride back your senior year with the accomplishments and the legacy of excellence you leave behind. For each of you, getting to graduation was a different journey. We are so proud of this class, your resiliency and legacy. Seniors, your goal of wanting to leave Dobson better than when you got here has become a reality. We are better because of you and your commitment to yourselves, your classmates, your families and your community. Our hope is that you will always have hearts full of glory. No matter where any of you go, you will always be Mustangs, and no Mustang ever runs alone. Principal Gabbi Buckley and the entire faculty of Dobson High School

MAY 24, 2020 | THE MESA TRIBUNE

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Congratulations to the East Valley Academy Class of 2020!

Dear graduates, Graduation is a time of new beginnings. It is a moment in time where students close one chapter of their lives and a new and exciting chapter begins. As we recognize these students and their past academic achievements, let us also celebrate the hope in each of them for a bright and joyous future. Although the end of the year does not look like we all had hoped, we still celebrate the amazing Class of 2020. For the last seven years, East Valley Academy has been recognized by the state as a school with a strong sense of civic engagement. We have been recognized as a “No Place for Hate” campus by the Anti-Defamation League. East Valley Academy & Crossroads is one of five Mesa Public Schools campuses chosen to pilot the PAWSitive Peers program, where trained rescue dogs are brought to schools to support the social and emotional needs of students.

to reflect upon the Class of 2020, this theme of perseverance continued to surface. One teacher said it best when she noted this about our students: “Students continue to be tested for their resiliency in a place where young people spend most of their days...the education system. We have students who are experts with adversity and overcoming hardships. 2020 has pushed these limits even further, and yet, they continue to show their strength and willingness to move forward and reach for the prize - the high school diploma.” So as your time at our school comes to an end, we want you to know that we love you, we are proud of you, and we can’t wait to watch your dreams come true. No matter where you live, work or raise your family, you will always be part of our Mesa community and you will always be welcomed home at East Valley Academy. Congratulations, and go Griffins!

Our seniors are very accomplished. Some of our students are members of our service learning organization and have donated hundreds of hours of time to improve our school and local community, including tutoring students at Redbird Elementary School. Other students have helped run two blood drives each year, and many regularly donate. Some students have achieved high academic success, earning a GPA of 3.0 or higher. If there is one award that all our graduates deserve, it would recognize resiliency. As I asked your teachers

Dr. Justine Pilar and the entire faculty of East Valley Academy

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 24, 2020

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Congratulations to the Westwood High School Class of 2020! Dear graduates, To the Class of 2020, history has found you. This class is nothing but ordinary. Graduation is a special time of the year, a time for the celebration of your individual and class accomplishments. Although the end of the year does not look like we all had hoped, we still celebrate the amazing Class of 2020. I am going to finalize the claim that history will always have a special chapter for the class of 2020 with some other details about our student body. Our students have been admitted to some of the most selective schools, universities, colleges and trade schools across the nation including: Arizona State University, University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University, Yale, Duke, Loyola Chicago, Parsons School of Design, University of Michigan, UCLA, USC, Illinois Institute of Technology, BYU, Northern Colorado University, Purdue, Penn State, American Musical and Dramatic Academy, New York, Middlebury College, Lourdes University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Boston University, Fordham University, Prescott College, Benedictine University, Grand Canyon University and Utah Valley University Our Class of 2020 honors include: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

National Merit Finalist - Gordon He National Commended Scholars - Rachael Cohen, Naomi Sellers, Alec Wilkes National Hispanic Scholar - Ximena Arroyo Flores 18 under 18 in Arizona - Hannah Mason IB Arizona Diploma Student of the Year - Naomi Sellers Dream US Scholarship winner - Carolina Derras Herrera Senior drum major led band to first-ever state Marching Band Championship Senior David Glines led AFJROTC to win Grand Marshall Trophy at the East Valley Veterans Day Parade and ROTC National Scholarship Award Lady Warriors Basketball team won the first ever East Valley Regional Championship 65 seniors graduated as IB Diploma candidates (our biggest group ever) 54 seniors graduated as part of our AVID program 53 Seniors graduated as Westwood Scholars 35 Obama Grant Program recipients

Our students have received nearly $5 million in MERIT scholarships just from three in-state public universities and Mesa Community College. This number does not even begin to touch the offers made by private universities and out-of-state schools our students are attending. Of our graduating class, 268 seniors participated in service to school or community. During their high school years, they performed over 29,000 amazing hours of service! So as your time at our school comes to an end, we want you to know that we love you, we are proud of you, and we can’t wait to watch your dreams come true. No matter where you live, work or raise your family, you will always be part of our Mesa community, and you will always be welcomed home at Westwood High School Congratulations and War Eagle! Sincerely, Principal Christopher E. Gilmore and the entire faculty of Westwood High School

MAY 24, 2020 | THE MESA TRIBUNE

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VALEDICTORIANS

GPA: 5.00 Parents: Xiao Qingsong and Thomas Bach College: Arizona State University Major: Business Society, Academic Decathlon, and Key Club.

GPA: 5.0 Parents: Monika SudDevaraj and Ramesh Devaraj College: Boston University Major: Nutrition science

GPA: 5.0 Parents: Christy And Michael Mcclure College: Brigham Young University Major: Mechanical Eengineering.

GPA: 5.0 Parents: Jennifer and Ken Schultz College: ASU Major: Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership.

VALEDICTORIANS

Asia Bach

VALEDICTORIANS

Sonia Devaraj

VALEDICTORIANS

Savanna Bonitatibus Gordon He GPA: 5.0 Parents: Wendy and Dominic Bonitatibus College: Arizona State University-West Major: Forensic science.

VALEDICTORIANS

Rachael Cohen

GPA: 5.0 Parents: Shanshan Zeng and Jianqi He College: Duke University: Major: BiochemistryBiomedicine

VALEDICTORIANS

Cortez Hill Jr.

GPA: 5.0 Parents: Julie and Marc Cohen College: UCLA Major: Ecology, behavior and biology

GPA: 5.0 Parents: Cheryl and Cortez Hill College: University of Michigan Major: Business and theatre

VALEDICTORIANS

SALUTATORIANS

Brian Daw III

GPA: 5.0 Parents: Wendy and Brian Daw College: Not listed Major: Aerospace engineering

Elisa Roberts GPA: 4.968 Parents: Carrie And Russell Roberts College: Brigham Young University Major: Chemical Engineering

Addison Mcclure

Julianna Roberts GPA: 5.00 Parents: Jeannine and Jeffrey Roberts College: Illinois Institute Of Technology Major: Architecture

VALEDICTORIANS

Tara Ruhland

Natalie Schultz

Naomi Sellers GPA: 5.00 Parents: Jennifer And Graeme Sellers College: Yale University Major: Global Studies

VALEDICTORIANS

Jenna Westad

GPA: 5.0 Parents: Sally and Fred Ruhland College: University Of Arizona (Baird Scholar) Major: Biochemistry

GPA: 5.00 Parents: Lisa and Ronald Westad College: Parsons School of Design Major: Interior Design Club.

SALUTATORIANS

Danielle Silva Brannum Samantha Streicher GPA: 4.968 Parents: Janice And Juan Manuel Silva College: Northern Arizona University Major: Undecided

GPA: 4.968 Parents: Margarita And Michael Streicher College: Northern Arizona University Major: Biomedicine

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WESTWOOD AWARDS: Hannah Mason Warrior of the Year Top all-around, volunteerism, leadership, scholarship and character Molly Porter Jack Joyce Spirit Award High-energy motivator, encourages school spirit Anissa Gurrola Mel Sizemore Award Service and leadership Jaiden Wilkins Harold Crenshaw Unity Award Unity, diversity and leadership Tara Ruhland Helen Riddle Warrior Pride Award Character, scholarship and school participation Cortez Hill Jr. Mel Sizemore Award Service and leadership

Logan Perry Blue & Orange Award Behind the scenes hard worker Sunil Devaraj Helen Riddle Warrior Pride Award Character, scholarship and school participation Brenda Vargas Duarte Shawn Lynch Move Up Award Work ethic, perseverance, academic and personal growth Truell Williams Shawn Lynch Move Up Award Work ethic, perseverance, academic and personal growth Savanna Bonitatibus American Legion Auxiliary Outstanding Student Scholarship, leadership sportsmanship, citizenship and community service

Congratulations, class of 2020!

Michelle Dao American Legion Auxiliary Outstanding Student Scholarship, leadership sportsmanship, citizenship and community service Micky Scala Marine Corp Scholastic Excellence Scholar, leader, outstanding citizen Autumn Richards Principal’s Leadership Award OutstandinglLeadership Naomi Sellers National Merit Commended Scholar Outstanding Leadership Hannah Mason 18 Under 18 Junior Achievement recognizes young leaders, Innovators and change makers

Gordon He National Merit Scholar Rachel Cohen National Merit Commended Scholar Alec Wilkes National Merit Commended Scholar Ximena Arroyo Flores National Hispanic Scholar Carolina Deras Herrera The Dream Us Scholarship Sonia Devaraj Mesa Student Citizen of the Year Hannah Mason Mesa Student Citizen of the Year

Congratulations, class of 2020! At Arizona State University, we want to help you along the path toward realizing your goals. Thousands of incoming first-year and transfer students will soon call ASU home, and we want you to be one of them. Let ASU be part of your academic journey. Map your path to ASU today with ASU’s pathway program.

Ready to start this fall? The fall 2020 application for admission is open.

Apply today!

admission.asu.edu/transfer/maricopa | asu.edu/apply 5/20/20 11:46 AM

MAY 24, 2020 | THE MESA TRIBUNE

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Congratulations 2020 Graduates!

The Culver’s Gift Card... the perfect graduation card companion.

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1-SCOOP

BUY 1 GET 1 FREE ANY Regular Concrete Mixer®

Fresh Frozen Custard in a Cake Cone or Dish

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Shown: 1-Scoop Chocolate Cake Cone

Based on purchase at regular menu price. Please no substitutions. Not valid with any other offer. Value 1/200 cent. Limit one coupon per person per visit. Valid only at participating Culver’s® restaurants.Store #378 & 465

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1841 S. Greenfield Rd. Mesa, AZ 85206 1909 S. Country Club Dr. Mesa, AZ 85210 © 2020 Culver Franchising System, LLC. The Wisconsin Cheese logo is a registered trademark of the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.

CULVERS.COM

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 24, 2020

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Congratulations to the Mesa High School Class of 2020! Dear graduates, We are so proud of all of you. We honor your resilience and Carry On spirit during this unprecedented time. Although the end of the year does not look like we all had hoped, we still celebrate the amazing Class of 2020. We will never forget the many celebrations we participated in this school year. We kicked off the year with our annual traditions assembly where we honor our Carry On spirit. We continued the year with sports assemblies, as well as our Homecoming week that ended in an amazing dance hosted by our Student Council. Next was Breakfast with Santa, where Mesa High provided Christmas for 60 of our families. We kicked off our second semester with our legacy assembly, where former Mesa High alumni Anthony Robles reminded us that Mesa High students can achieve anything in life. We will also never forget the many achievements of the Class of 2020. Boys soccer was region title champions. We have four East Valley Region Players of the Year. Our Marching Band is the Division II State Champion. We celebrate the many tournaments and competitions where Mesa High students led in sports and performing arts. And we recognize our clubs and students who provided countless service hours throughout the year. Most importantly, we will never forget the 707 seniors who graduate this year. So as your time at our school comes to an end, we want you to know that we love you, we are proud of you, and we can’t wait to watch your dreams come true. No matter where you live, work or raise your family, you will always be part of our Mesa community, and you will always be welcomed home at Mesa High School. Congratulations, go Jackrabbits and Carry On! Principal Kirk Thomas and the entire faculty of Mesa High School

MAY 24, 2020 | THE MESA TRIBUNE

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Mesa

HIGH SCHOOL

NUMBER OF GRADS: 707 TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS: $7,661,021 STUDENT BODY OFFICERS: • Devyn Houston, president; Aurora Carvalho, vice president; Hayden Booth, secretary; Zainab Alsaeedi, treasurer.

CLASS OFFICERS: • Justine Laurence, president; Dylan Moore, vice president; Molimau Mcllhenny, secretary.

VALEDICTORIANS

Gabrielle Hodge GPA: 5.0 Parents: Chris Hodge and Suzie Dickey College: Arizona State University Awards: Principal’s Award, National Merit Scholarship.

SENIOR AWARDS: KEVIN MORALES OCEGUEDA Parents: Jose Arturo Morales Rodriguez and Alma Rosa Ocegueda Arancibia Carry On Award GRACIE WESTERN Parents: Greg Western and Danene Jarvis Carry On Award KATHERINE HATCH Parents: Kirk Hatch and Amy Strawn Ishikawa Award for Outstanding Athlete. BRIGHAM SPILSBURY Parents: Jeremy and Julie Spilsbury Ishikawa Award for Outstanding Athlete MAXIMILIANO MONTES DE OCA Parents: Roberto Montes and Ana Fleitas Purple and Gold Award

BRYAN SKABELUND Parents: Russell and Kalynn Skabelund Principal Award BRANDON PEREZ Parents: Fernando and Marcela Perez MASA Outstanding Student EVAN BOSEN Parents: Michael and Melissa Bosen Faculty Citizenship Award BRITTNEY BIGLER Parents: Michael and Joy Bigler Faculty Citizenship Award ZAINAB ALSAEEDI Parents: Alaa Al-Saeedi and Gulkas Ismaeel Outstanding Citizenship Golden Jubilee Award, National Merit Scholarship

REBEKAH REED Parents: Jason and Laura Reed Principal’s Award

WOOD SCHOLARS: (Chosen for high academic achievement, integrity and leadership skills) • Efrainn Filippi Estrada, Aspen Sass and Atticus Rexroat.

Triston Lescallett GPA: 5.0 Parents: Jeremy Takas and Sophia Lescallett Total scholarship offers: $40,000 College: University of Arizona/The Honors College for Pharmaceutical Sciences Awards: Principal’s Award. Activities: Swim Team captain, varsity track & cross country, weekend volunteer at Banner Gateway, AVID tutor.

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 24, 2020

MAY 24, 2020 | THE MESA TRIBUNE

a w a t Ot

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UNIVERSITY

Ottawa University enhances student experience BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Tribune Staff Writer

ith the COVID-19 pandemic still dominating the world, high school graduates and transfer students may choose to stay closer to home to continue their studies this fall. Encouraging students to “Stay Connected, Stay Local,” Ottawa University-Arizona (OUAZ) wants these bright young minds to consider its Surprise campus at 15950 N. Civic Center Plaza. “We are preparing all necessary precautions to host students at our brand-new residential campus in Surprise, which also has emergency services on site,” said Dr. Brian Sandusky, OUAZ’s chief enrollment of�icer. “Students may want to stay close to home and we want them to know about their opportunities here with us. We have new facilities on our campus, which opened in Fall 2019. It’s an exciting time for us here in Surprise.” Founded in 1865, Ottawa University is a nonpro�it, private liberal arts university with its original residential campus in Ottawa, Kansas. The professional campus in Phoenix has been educating adult learners in the Valley for more than 40 years and boasts more than 8,000 alumni. Surprise is home to Ottawa University’s second residential campus. Housing at OUAZ features a new residence hall with suite-style, fully furnished rooms. Amenities include cable television and a 55-inch, wall-mounted TV, laundry facilities, student lounges and a game room. Scholars Hall accommodates more than 300 students. Ottawa University offers housing awards for students who hail from the West Valley—Avondale, Buckeye, Deer Valley, El Mirage, Goodyear, Glendale, Litch�ield Park, Peoria, Sun City West, Tolleson, Surprise, Waddell, Whitman and Youngtown. “We believe a fully rounded educational experience for students includes residential living,” Sandusky said.

Ottawa University Arizona—Surprise Campus offers classes in four-, eight- or 16-week format. (Courtesy Ottawa

University)

Students who stay in university housing na, facility and athletic of�ices, additional for six semesters, or three years, are eligi- classrooms and laboratories. OUAZ offers a variety of majors. Top ble for 50% off their graduate tuition rate majors include biology, business, Chriswhile studying at OUAZ Surprise. “We want to bring value to our commu- tian studies and ministry, communication, nity and our alumni, and this is one exam- early childhood education, elementary education, engineering, exercise science, ple of that mission,” Sandusky said. human resources, Two other new leadership and manbuildings are part of agement, psychology, the OUAZ campus. secondary education The student union and sport studies. includes a state-ofOttawa University the-art dining cenis committed to deter, an entertainveloping students to ment lounge with be work-ready and indoor/outdoor world-ready upon �ireplace, fan shop, graduation. Personal mailroom, classGrowth Days (PGDs) rooms and banquet consist of three imhall. It is also home portant components: to the new Adawe Spirit Life, a worship Center mentorship and speaker series; program, which is Network Lunch, a designed to help community lunch on students be succampus; and Student cessful in their colDevelopment Courses, lege experience. a series of life- and The new O’Dell work-skills workshops Center houses the “Our chancellor, Dr. university’s athletic Kevin Eichner, came facilities, �itness up with the idea of and recreational BRIAN SANDUSKY limiting classes on center, Faith Are-

Wednesdays to allow for our PGDs,” Sandusky said. “We have a variety of guest speakers, such as community- or faith-based leaders. The Wednesday workshops provide students with work-readiness skills, like resume writing and interviewing. Students need those skills. There’s a focus on worldreadiness skills, too. That can be how to buy a house, how to budget, business dinner etiquette, and even changing a tire.” Ottawa University prides itself on being a “participatory campus.” Students participate in academic clubs, competitive club sports and varsity athletics. For example, students who participate in the business club gain real-world business experience outside the classroom, while receiving a signi�icant scholarship to help them. “We have ACT, SAT and GPA scholarships, as well as scholarships for the academic and club sports,” Sandusky said. “These are unique and lucrative scholarship opportunities for our students.” Complementing OUAZ’s robust varsity athletic offerings are the university’s competitive club sports. Esports and badminton are starting in the fall. Other programs include ultimate frisbee, cycling, outdoor adventure, bowling and wrestling. Gone are days of one-size-�its-all scheduling, and OUAZ offers an innovative alternative. “Our exclusive FlexTerm scheduling is one of our biggest distinguishing features,” Sandusky said. “It has been well received by students.” FlexTerm scheduling consists of classes offered in a four-, eight- or 16-week term format. Students work with their faculty mentor to assist them with their course scheduling. This �lexible format allows them time to study and participate in activities. Visit ottawa.edu/ouaz to learn more about OUAZ’s programming and scholarships. So next semester, remember to “Stay Connected, Stay Local.”

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 24, 2020