Celebrating Arizona's high school seniors

Hunter Bagshaw

Desert Ridge High School, Mesa | Plans: Cerro Coso Community College, California

Senior year was supposed to be the most exciting season yet for Hunter Bagshaw and his fellow seniors on the Desert Ridge baseball team. But the coronavirus ended the season unexpectedly. His mom, Shannon, had to turn off the alerts on the family Google calendar for games, as they felt so taunting. 

But Hunter will get some more at-bats. The third baseman is headed to Cerro Coso Community College in Ridgecrest, California, where he’ll continue to play baseball.

For years, his baseball tournaments brought the family closer, as they’ve traveled to New Mexico, Colorado and even Florida for games. Hunter coached, volunteered, and also worked at Bashas'. The week his season was canceled, Shannon said he worked 57 hours at the grocery store, wanting to help others get groceries with his extra time. 

“He can fit in wherever he goes,” Shannon said. “Hunter can hop into any situation and adapt. Boom —  he's found a friend.”

Rogelio Balbuena Garcia

Metro Tech High School, Phoenix | Plans: Grand Canyon University, premed

Rogelio Balbuena Garcia kept busy his senior year. He was part of the nursing program and worked at a retirement home, which allowed him to get a taste of what it’s like to work in the medical field. He was part of several student organizations, including HOSA – Future Health Professionals, National Honors Society and Spanish Honors Society — and played tennis and worked part time at Chipotle.

Rogelio has been interested in the medical field, which he sees as a way to help people, since his younger sister died as an infant when he was 5.

“That really took a toll on me when I was younger and it has always been on my mind,” he said.

He will attend Grand Canyon University and plans to major in premed. He wants to specialize in orthopedic surgery. He’s a bit nervous about the challenge ahead as he’ll be the first in his family to attend a four-year university, but he’s willing to give it a try.

“I have high hopes,” he said.

Ariana Bashar

Arizona College Prep | Plans: ASU's Barrett, The Honors College, neuroscience

Ariana Bashar is graduating summa cum laude from Arizona College Prep and heading to ASU to study neuroscience at the Barrett Honors College. She played piano, completing 12 levels with honors, and taught younger students how to play as well, a testament to her care and patience. 

She’ll leave a lasting legacy for years to come at ACP. Ariana, the daughter of immigrants from Bangladesh, was a founding member of the school’s International Club.

Her father, Ani, said he is proud of her desire to learn about their family’s history, while also recognizing the importance of cultural exchange and learning about others.  

“It’s kind of part of the American dream, right?” Ani said. “It boosts their identity, basically.”

Karli Bateman

Basha High School, Chandler | Plans: Arizona State University, biochemistry

Karli Bateman loves soccer and shopping. She was in the ACE Club and was the boys volleyball manager, all on top of playing defense in soccer and being a National Honors Society student at Basha High. She loves going to football games and her German shepherd, Hunter.

She even thought for a bit about becoming a veterinarian since she loves animals so much. She’s still deciding, but Karli will study biochemistry at ASU. 

“She's just very self-driven and independent and always knows what she wants to get and accomplishes it on her own,” her mom, Tiffani, said. “(I’m) most excited for her just to enjoy the college experience, and become just an independent young woman that's happy and fulfilling her dreams.”

Mia Beauchamp

Saguaro High School, Scottsdale | Plans: Northern Arizona University, creative writing

At Scottsdale Saguaro High, Mia Beauchamp performed in several musicals and plays, including 12 Angry Jurors — she was Juror 11.

Mia will attend Northern Arizona University to study English and creative writing. She wants to become an English professor and said she has always loved writing. She is working on a book, which she hopes to have published.

Mia said she her mom has been a big source of support for her.

“I’d like to thank her and tell her how much I appreciate her acceptance and understanding,” she said.

Jersey Campos 

Westwood High School, Mesa | Plans: Mesa Community College, nursing

Westwood High senior Jersey Campos grew up in Arizona and wanted to finish out her high school career here. So when her dad was transferred to Kansas for work, she lived with her grandparents.

“She’s like an old soul. She’s very mature for her age, very responsible,” Mike Campos, her dad, said. 

Jersey is motivated, her dad said. As a freshman, she landed a spot on Westwood’s varsity softball team. She wants to be a nurse and plans to go to Mesa Community College. 

Lisseth Calvillo

Arcadia High School, Phoenix | Arizona State University, supply chain management

Lisseth Calvillo is an “overachiever,” her mom, Lucia Loera, said. Lisseth, who is headed to Arizona State University to study supply chain management, is graduating from Arcadia High School. 

Her mother said her daughter put in a lot of work to maintain good grades. 

“She is driven and knows what she wants,” Loera said.

Tayla Chee

Desert Vista High, Ahwatukee | Plans: Chandler-Gilbert Community College, business

Sometimes when Tayla Chee walks into a store, she thinks about how she would run it. She wants to be an entrepreneur, and she loves fashion. She worked all through high school to get experience, and next she’ll study business at Chandler-Gilbert Community College.

She played basketball, always got good grades and loved her Spanish classes. No matter what she was working on, Tayla threw herself all in.

 “She has no fear. She's willing to try anything,” her mom, Deshelle, said. “And I'm always telling her to be cautious, but for the most part, everything that she does try, it does work out for the best. She's not scared to take chances.”

Aaliyah Coronado

Highland High School, Gilbert | Plans: Veterinary education

Aaliya Coronado had a busy senior year at Highland High School in Gilbert. She completed training to become a vet tech through the East Valley Institute of Technology. She has always loved animals and is thinking about continuing with her veterinary education. In her free time, Aaliya makes use of her artistic talent by drawing and painting. 

“Aaliyah is pretty awesome,” her mom, Yolanda Coronado, said. “She’s shy and quiet but this year she really opened up and enjoyed her time at school.”  

Christian Erhardt

Country Gardens Charter School, Phoenix | Plans: U.S. Air Force

Christian Erhardt wasn’t able to take advantage of Country Gardens Charter School’s travel opportunities in his final semester of high school, but he is looking forward to making trips of his own. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and is excited to play a part in serving the United States. 

“To take a traditional graduation celebration from seniors is a big ask,” Troy Erhardt, his dad, said. “I am proud of Christian for meeting that ask, and especially proud that he has chosen to serve our country.” 

Marijane Escontrias

Agua Fria High School, Avondale | Plans: Estrella Mountain Community College

At Agua Fria High, Marijane Escontrias was an athletic trainer, an algebra tutor and played on her school’s dance and softball teams. 

Marijane said she’s disappointed that she never had the chance to say thank you and goodbye to staff and teachers at Agua Fria High.  

“Ms. Rivera, my algebra teacher, was very caring and she pushed me to be more confident,” Marijane said. “I’m also thankful for my parents for pushing me to better myself.” 

She will attend Estrella Mountain Community College in the fall to study either biomedical engineering or education.

Luis Esqueda

Coronado High School, Scottsdale | Plans: Gateway Community College, barber and mechanic

Luis Esqueda is graduating from Coronado High in Scottsdale. He plans to attend barber school and then mechanic school at Gateway Community College. Luis describes himself as a people person, and said he is looking forward to meeting new people every day at work.

At Coronado High, Luis played basketball, football and tennis. He also interned with the school’s athletic department and co-founded the school’s letterman’s club, which recognizes school athletes and notable alumni. Luis said he is grateful for his girlfriend, Aylin, and his mom, who supported him through high school.

“I want to thank my mom,” Esqueda said. “She always motivated me to keep going, even when things got hard.”

Jacqueline Estrada Garcia

Metro Tech High School, Phoenix | Plans: ASU Barrett, The Honors College, medicine 

Jacqueline Estrada Garcia has always been a talented student, her mom, Janeth Robles Garcia, said. At Metro Tech High, she earned good grades, played soccer and golf, and was part of Spanish Honors Society and HOSA-Future Health Professionals. 

Jacqueline is headed to ASU on a scholarship to study medicine at the Barrett Honors College. She wants to specialize in hematology, oncology or pediatrics. She became interested in medicine after being diagnosed with a blood disorder when she was about 11.

The experience exposed her to other families who were struggling to pay for the treatment their children needed, and showed Jacqueline that there was a lack of Latino health professionals. She hopes to help change that. 

“She promised herself then that she was going to do something good for the community,” Robles Garcia said. “I’m very proud of my daughter.” 

Silus Famoso

Marcos de Niza High School, Tempe | Plans: Northern Arizona University, health and fitness

Silus Famoso has mastered how to pack a schedule. On Friday nights, he would play in the marching band ahead of Marcos de Niza’s football game and again at halftime. And in between? He’d play football.

He was part of Best Buddies, an honors student and also wrestled all four years. Wrestling was tied to a passion for health and fitness, and he will continue to study that at Northern Arizona University on the Lumberjack Scholarship. After winning just one match as a freshman, he improved his record each year. As a senior, he was able to compete at state.

“He is very outgoing and very hardworking,” his mom, Suzi, said. “He's just very upbeat, very positive, definitely like an encourager.”

Thomas Farr

Heritage Academy, Mesa | Plans: Northern Arizona University, music education

Thomas Farr is graduating from Heritage Academy in Mesa. Thomas’ high school career revolved around his flair for music and the dramatic, his mom, Melissa Farr, said. He started a barbershop quartet at Heritage and came to school early every morning to sing in an acapella group. 

“He just wants to have fun all the time,” his mother said. 

Thomas was cast as a lead in "Big Fish," his school’s spring musical. With the school year cut short, he never got to take the stage for a performance. 

But this isn’t the end of Thomas’ career in music: He plans to attend Northern Arizona University and enroll in the school’s music education program after a mission with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He doesn’t know yet where his mission will take him. 

Natalia Flores

Thunderbird High School, Phoenix | Plans: Grand Canyon University, pediatric nurse

Natalia Flores is outgoing and always surrounded by friends, her big sister, Lucero Flores, said. The Thunderbird High graduate always speaks her mind and worked hard in school. 

“She’s always been a very smart girl,” Lucero said.

Natalia wants to be a pediatric nurse and plans to attend Grand Canyon University after a gap year.

Kayla Gagnon

Skyline High School, Mesa | Plans: Avalon School of Cosmetology

A spare bedroom at Kayla Gagnon’s house is already helping her dive into her passion.

The soon-to-be Mesa Skyline High grad did musicals and dance club in high school, but her real love is makeup. She practices now in a bedroom turned makeup studio, and she’s done makeup for friends and classmates for prom and even for weddings. Next, she’ll head to the Avalon School of Cosmetology. 

“She’s very friendly, she always makes a lot of friends,” her dad, Patrick, said. “She’s really persevered, and she’s worked hard to get where she is today and go on to pursue her dreams.”

Laila Halvorsen 

Higley High School, Gilbert | Plans: Arizona State University, biomedical program

Laila Halvorsen, a senior at Higley High School in Gilbert, was “involved in everything,” her dad, Bill Halvorsen, said as he listed all the activities his daughter participated in during high school. Key club. Spanish club. Volunteer activities. 

Plus, she’s graduating with a boatload of college credits.  

“She kept herself very busy, that’s how we describe it,” Bill said. 

Laila plans to attend Arizona State University’s biomedical program and someday wants to go to medical school. All the disruptions for the Class of 2020 caused by the coronavirus are tough, her father said, but Laila is “handling it well.” 

Campbell Helt

Brophy Prep, Phoenix | Plans: University of Alabama

Campbell Helt didn’t want to stay home this summer and do nothing. The graduating Brophy Prep senior needs funds to attend the University of Alabama next school year, so he started a small summer camp for five kids, his mom, Lisa Helt, said.

“He’s been innovative” through the coronavirus pandemic, Lisa said. She’s proud of her son for navigating all the changes over the past few months with respect and optimism.

Jackson Hillman

Gilbert High School, Gilbert | Plans: Arizona State University, physics 

Jackson Hillman is really good at two things, both requiring a pencil: math and art. He plans to study physics at ASU. But at Gilbert High, he was also into sketching, watercolor landscapes and graphite portraits. He’s on track for a 3.9 unweighted GPA, and a 4.6 weighted.

His mom, Emily, is in awe of his ability to make friends with everybody and the way he excels in so many different subjects. 

“Being his mom is so easy,” she said. “He is just self-motivated. He’s always been one that if he wants to do it, he’ll do it until he’s good at it.”

Gerald Howard

North Canyon High School, Phoenix | Plans: Arizona State University

Even with a broken ankle, Gerald Howard still showed up to football practice at North Canyon High School, Gerald’s dad, also named Gerald Howard, said.

Howard is going to Arizona State University in the fall. The elder Howard said he’s very proud of his son. 

“He’s a good kid,” he said. 

Stephanie Komphabay

Centennial High School, Peoria | Plans: Glendale Community College, medicine

Centennial High senior Stephanie Komphabay worked hard to finish school even as COVID-19 canceled in-person classes and traditional graduation ceremonies, her mom, Lai Komphabay, said. 

Lai says her daughter is helpful and kind. Stephanie is planning to go to Glendale Community College and then transfer to pursue a career in medicine. She’s chased that goal even in high school, taking dental assisting classes and working at a dentist’s office. 

“She’s just a good kid,” Lai said. 

Elizabeth Laughlin

Chaparral High School, Scottsdale | Miami University in Ohio, nursing

Elizabeth Laughlin decided at age 9 that she wanted to receive a Girl Scout gold award, one of the highest awards in the program. Her mother, Evelyn Laughlin, said she encouraged the idea, but also brushed it off because her daughter was so young. Elizabeth grew up, stuck with the Girl Scouts, and earned the award. 

In high school, she launched a project called TeenWealth.org, a one-stop shop for mental health resources for struggling teens, including crisis hotlines. 

Elizabeth knew other teens needed help, Evelyn said.  

“It really took a lot of inner strength that she had to find on her own,” Evelyn said. 

Now, the Chaparral High School graduate is preparing to attend Miami University in Ohio for nursing. 

Ryan Lerma

Corona del Sol High School, Tempe | Plans: Gateway Community College, medicine 

Ryan Lerma swam for 15 years, capped with being a captain at Corona del Sol High in Tempe. She loved the opportunity to mentor younger swimmers, as well as to make sure that all freshmen had a senior friend. Caring for others is intrinsic to Ryan. 

She will get her surgical assistant license at Gateway Community College, on a presidential scholarship, before transferring to ASU to study nursing. She’s shadowed surgeries and is fascinated by the operating room. Even now, she’s excited to join the medical field and find ways to look out for others. 

“Ryan has got an amazing heart,” her mom, Melissa, said. “It could deter some people, just by the scariness of it. But Ryan’s excited, and watching this time and knowing the possibilities of the things that are going to be coming up in the medical field. That’s where her passion lies.” 

Aleeya Lopez

Skyline High School, Mesa | Plans: East Valley Institute of Technology, medicine

In the game “follow the leader,” Aleeya Lopez is that leader, her dad, Gabriel Lopez, said. Aleeya is a senior at Mesa’s Skyline High School. She’s the first of five daughters to graduate.

“She's one that's going to find out what she wants to do and she's gonna go make it happen,” Gabriel said.  

Aleeya wants to work in the medical field, so she sought out classes at the East Valley Institute of Technology.

Jennifer Lopez

American Leadership Academy, Queen Creek | Plans: Mesa Community College, business and design 

Jennifer Lopez is graduating from the American Leadership Academy in Queen Creek, then heading to Mesa Community College to pursue business and design courses. Jennifer wants to own her own interior design business. She first became interested in interior design after going to work with her dad, who does tile work. 

Jennifer said her favorite memories from high school are homecoming dances, basketball games and her English class with Mrs. Amy Doll, who Jennifer describes as funny, patient and understanding. She also credits her parents for her good high school experience. 

“My parents were very supportive,” Jennifer said. “They’re the best parents. There were some tough times during high school, and I’m glad I had them to help me get through it.”

Kaytlinn Melvin

Queen Creek High School, Queen Creek | Plans: Arizona State University, graphic design 

Kaytlinn Melvin is graduating from Queen Creek High School and will pursue a degree in graphic design at ASU. Although she is graduating at a time of uncertainty, she is confident the skills she learned as a Girl Scout, dancer and cheerleader will help her reach her goals. 

“We are just so glad she is who she is,” her mom, Stephanie Melvin, said. “I raised a very strong girl.” 

Seth Mink

Desert Edge High School, Goodyear | Plans: Estrella Mountain Community College, engineering

Seth Mink is “a bit bummed” that his high school graduation was postponed, but he has high hopes for the future. He plans to attend Estrella Mountain Community College for engineering and then finish his degree at Grand Canyon University.

His dad, James Mink, said it has been a blessing to watch his son work through obstacles to graduate in such unprecedented times. 

“I am super proud of him,” James said. “It has been a tough couple of weeks, but he stuck with it and finished strong.” 

Aracely Moreno

Cesar Chavez High School, Phoenix | Plans: South Mountain Community College, bilingual nursing

Aracely Moreno will miss hanging out with her friends at Cesar Chavez High School. They gravitated toward the cafeteria, as outside was too hot.

She was a manager for football and wrestling, and will especially miss the bus rides for away games and matches. She was in MEChA, a club that connected with the Mexican community, and she loved her Early Childhood class.

She plans to become a bilingual nurse and has already started her classes at South Mountain Community College.

“I want to help people, especially the less fortunate,” Aracely said. “So I feel like it’s very important to know a second language.

Alexander Nedry 

Mesquite High School, Gilbert | Plans: Project SEARCH

Alexander Nedry is graduating from Mesquite High School in Gilbert. He’s hoping to then complete Project SEARCH, Arizona’s employment preparation program, through Banner University Medical Center. Alexander really hit his stride during his last two years of high school, getting straight A’s. Outside of school, he loves to bowl, kayak, hike and bike. 

“We are really proud of Alexander for taking control of his own education and wanting it for himself,” his mom, Michelle Nedry, said. 

Alyssa Newington

Cactus Shadows High School, Scottsdale | Plans: University of Arizona, speech therapist

Alyssa Newington during high school balanced a job, schoolwork and maintaining close friends. She’s got a great personality, her mom, Lisa Newington, said. And she’s driven, often mature for her age. 

“It seems like she puts all her heart and soul into everything,” Lisa said. 

After graduating from Cactus Shadows High School, Alyssa is headed to the University of Arizona. She wants to be a speech therapist. 

Porter Lawrence O'Doherty

Chaparral High School, Scottsdale | University of Alabama

To punish Porter Lawrence O’Doherty as a kid, his parents would take books away, not video games. He was more attached to the books, his mom, Leah O’Doherty said. Porter spent his freshman year of high school in Vietnam, and returned to Arizona inspired by the experience. He struggled with culture shock, then rose above it, joining clubs and earning accolades along the way. 

“He really made the best of everything that he could,” Leah said. 

The Chaparral High School senior plans to go to the University of Alabama’s honors program this fall. 

Aileen Padilla

Alhambra High School, Phoenix | Phoenix College, paralegal studies

Alhambra High School in Phoenix celebrated graduating seniors such as Aileen Padilla with a parade. It’s not how she imagined capping off her senior year, but she’s grateful that the school honored students in some way. 

Aileen will head to Phoenix College where she will major in paralegal studies. She hopes to transfer to an out-of-state university to continue working toward becoming a lawyer, a career she has been interested in since she was in the seventh grade.

“It has just kind of stuck with me and really interested me always – the way they fight back for other people,” she said. 

Madison Palmer

Miami High School, Miami | Plans: Grand Canyon University, medicine

At Miami High, Madison Palmer played volleyball, basketball and softball. She was a letter winner in each sport for all four years of high school. Madison said she is thankful for the support she’s received over the years. 

“I’m grateful for the love and support of my family,” Madison said. “If it wasn’t for them and my teachers pushing me, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” 

She will attend Grand Canyon University, and plans to major in premed. 

Lorenia Parra

Perry High School, Gilbert | Plans: Chandler-Gilbert Community College, nursing

Lorenia Parra knows exactly what she wants to do after she graduates from Perry High School in Gilbert: save lives. She was inspired to get a degree in nursing by members of her family who are in the medical field. She plans to go to Chandler-Gilbert Community College. She is most excited to take classes that she is explicitly interested in, such as photography and those that relate to her major. 

“I’m happy and excited and thankful that she can continue to move forward,” her mom, Claudia Parra, said. “She has always focused on school work and I couldn’t be prouder.” 

Savannah Perez

Metropolitan Arts Institute, Phoenix | Plans: Arizona State University, graphic design 

Savannah Perez is graduating from the Metropolitan Arts Institute in Phoenix and looks forward to sharing her art with the world as she gets a degree from ASU in graphic design. She is dedicating her graduation to her grandfather, Bacilio Reyes, who recently died. 

“She has worked so hard and we are celebrating in every way we know how,” her mom, Cecilia Valles, said.

Somer Peterson 

Poston Butte High, San Tan Valley | Plans: Central Arizona Valley Institute of Technology, cosmetology

Somer Peterson is graduating from Poston Butte High in San Tan Valley and will continue pursuing her cosmetology degree from the Central Arizona Valley Institute of Technology.

She has a talent for makeup, which she finds therapeutic. Although she has been upset over the loss of traditional senior activities due to COVID-19, she will still get to shop for a prom dress. Her best friend’s father is throwing a personal prom for Somer and her friend. 

“Somer is a very sweet and loving girl with a big heart,” her mother, Jody Peterson, said. “We’re very proud of her.” 

Bella Quine 

Millennium High School, Goodyear | Plans: Penrose Academy cosmetology school, Phoenix 

Bella Quine is graduating from Millennium High where she was on the track and dance teams. Bella has been a standout leader in her church youth group and may complete a Youth With A Mission trip before enrolling in Penrose Academy for cosmetology.  

When Bella entered ninth grade, her younger brother was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a form of cancer, and later went blind. 

“I’m really proud of her for what she’s overcome in these past four years,” Bella’s mom, Maria Quine, said. “I want her to keep going boldly after life and living passionately and with purpose.” 

T'Ziaha Quint 

South Mountain High School, Phoenix | Plans: Rocky Mountain College, business

T’Ziaha Quint grew “mentally, spiritually and emotionally” in high school, he said, and is ready to grow more in college. He learned a lot from his fellow football players and coach and is excited to apply those lessons at Rocky Mountain College in Montana, where he got a scholarship for football and plans to study business administration. 

“I wouldn’t ask for anything more or less of him,” his mom, Brandee Washington, said. “He has always strived to go above and beyond and is a role model for his younger siblings.” 

Rylee Quinonez 

Verrado High School, Buckeye | Plans: Grand Canyon University, physician’s assistant 

Rylee Quinonez can do it all, her mom, Shannon Swaim, said. The Verrado High School senior is a varsity cheerleader and a gymnast. And she’s friendly: She never has a bad thing to say about anyone and makes friends with everyone, Swaim said. 

“To say she’s an angel is an understatement,” she said. “She’s driven. She has goals that she wants to achieve.” 

Rylee’s next stop is Grand Canyon University, to study to become a physician’s assistant. 

Sanjana Rao

Hamilton High School, Chandler | Plans: ASU's Barrett, The Honors College, nursing

Sanjana Rao is graduating from Hamilton High School with a 4.4 GPA. She also was on the school lacrosse and dance teams. She’s an ardent photographer and artist, and loves to dance. She also strives to give back to her community, spending time volunteering at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center during the summers and Andersen Elementary during the school year, as well as working at a local senior living community.

She is attending Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University to study nursing.

“Sanjana has been able to strengthen the compassionate, hardworking, driven qualities within herself that will promote her undoubted future success in the medical field,” her mom said.

Dana Reyes-Deolarte

Central High School, Phoenix | Plans: Grand Canyon University, nursing

Dana Reyes-Deolarte is graduating from Central High School amid a health pandemic, but that doesn’t scare her. She plans to get her bachelor's degree in nursing from Grand Canyon University and has been inspired by the hard work of health care professionals around the world.

She had many adventures in high school, including an exchange program to Japan, and is looking forward to new adventures in college.

“She is really mature and always looking forward to the future,” her mom, Claudia Deolarte, said. “We love her persistence and are excited to see where it takes her.”

Manny Reynoso

Red Mountain High School, Mesa | Plans: Mesa Community College, government 

Manny Reynoso is graduating from Red Mountain High School and plans to attend Mesa Community College where he wants to study government and economics. He has high ambitions and wants to be a U.S. president. Roberto Reynoso, Manny’s father who immigrated from Mexico, describes Manny as a good son and a noble person who loves to help people.

“I’m proud of him. I hope he continues to be the same good son and I hope he can make his dreams a reality so one day he can be a man of good character for the United States,” Roberto said.

Abby Rice

Chandler High School, Chandler | Plans: Chandler-Gilbert Community College or University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Abby Rice took a big leap last year, transferring from a small charter school to Chandler High, with more than 3,000 students, for her senior year. But her parents, Leah and Dave Rice, said she was up to the challenge. She played volleyball from junior high through her junior year of high school. 

“I hope that she gets to do something in her life that makes her happy,”  her father said. 

After graduation, Abby plans to go to Chandler-Gilbert Community College or the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She’s thinking about majoring in sports medicine or psychology.

Sofia Rubio Vaughn

Marcos de Niza High School, Tempe | Plans: Indian Hills Community College in Iowa, forensic crime scene investigator

Sofia Rubio Vaughn was a standout wrestler and a member of the orchestra and track and field team at Marcos de Niza High in Tempe. She wrestled on the boys’ team her sophomore year, and then pioneered an effort to start a girls’ team at Marcos de Niza. 

In the fall, Sofia will attend Indian Hills Community College in Iowa on an athletic scholarship for wrestling. According to her mom, Maria Hernandez, Sofia is interested in becoming a forensic crime scene investigator. Hernandez said she is proud of her daughter. 

“I want to tell her don’t be afraid to fail, don’t be afraid to climb, don’t be afraid of vulnerability,” Hernandez said. “Because in the end, those who have to work twice as hard as everyone else to get somewhere are the ones who end up being the best.” 

Ximena Salaiza

Betty Fairfax High School, Laveen | Plans: Gateway Community College, diagnostic medical sonography

An anatomy class at Betty Fairfax High School in Laveen got Ximena Salaiza interested in science.

She plans to study diagnostic medical sonography at Gateway Community College. It’s a stable career that will allow her to work with patients one on one, she said.

She wants to get a jumpstart on prerequisite courses by taking summer classes so she can get on the sonography program’s waitlist.

“I am so proud of Ximena for everything she has accomplished and for how hardworking she is,” Ximena’s brother, Samuel, said. “Balancing school and work is no easy task. But most of all, I admire what a strong, caring and smart young woman she has become.”

Miranda Jo Sandoval

Betty Fairfax High School, Laveen | Plans: South Mountain Community College, psychology

Miranda Jo Sandoval was busy in high school: She played varsity golf and softball, and was an enthusiastic member of several clubs. She will be just as busy after graduation as she plans to attend South Mountain Community College on a softball scholarship and study psychology.

Miranda Jo said she is thankful for the diversity and family-oriented attitude of her high school, which gave her fond memories and the support she needed to pursue her dreams. 

“She has grown to be such a beautiful, positive and respective young lady,” her mom, Felicia Sandoval, said. 

Anna Schaus 

Verrado High School, Buckeye | Plans: Grand Canyon University, teacher 

Anna Schaus doesn’t give up on a task, her mother, Liz Schaus, said. She stuck with Verrado High School’s marching band, in the color guard, all four years. This year, her senior year, she served as captain.

Anna volunteered with her church for seven years. And she’s excited to start college at Grand Canyon University in the fall, where she wants to train to become a teacher. 

“She definitely puts 100% effort into everything she does,” Liz Schaus said. “We love her dedication.” 

Chloe Smith

Saguaro High School, Scottsdale | Plans: Brigham Young University, landscape architecture

Chloe Smith is graduating from Saguaro High in Scottsdale where she was a competitive runner on the school’s cross country and track teams. Although she is disappointed she didn’t get to finish her last track season because of COVID-19, Chloe said she enjoyed her high school experience. She began each school day at 5:30 a.m. so she could attend her church’s seminary program before classes. 

Smith’s mom, Libby Hammond, said her daughter is a dedicated woman with a lot of character. 

“I hope she is never afraid to try new things because anything she begins, she excels at,” Hammond said. 

Smith will attend Brigham Young University in Idaho where she will study landscape architecture and photography. 

Yanaria Soria

Cholla High School, Tucson | Plans: Pima Community College, Tucson

Yanaria Soria is graduating from Cholla High and will attend Pima Community College on a scholarship. She hasn’t yet decided on a major, but she wants to do something in the medical field and stay near Tucson. The oldest of five siblings, Yanaria is very close with her family. 

“Her father and I are super proud of her,” Yanaria’s mother, Candy Torres, said. “I hope she continues to believe in herself and never gives up on what she wants.” 

Paityn Stanley

Liberty High School, Peoria | Plans: Grand Canyon University, nursing

Paityn Stanley is already on her way to becoming a nurse. In high school, she earned her nursing assistant certification. 

“She really worked hard through a lot of adversity in high school,” Monica Stanley, her mom, said. 

Monica said her daughter was inspired to go into nursing after losing her best friend. The Liberty High School graduate will attend Grand Canyon University in the fall. 

America Tafolla

Paradise Valley High, Phoenix | Plans: Paradise Valley Community College, veterinarian

America Tafolla is graduating from Paradise Valley High in Phoenix where she was known for her outgoing personality and sense of humor. America’s passion is basketball and she played on her school’s team all four years. 

“If she wasn’t at home, she was either in school or at the gym,” said Nancy Tafolla, America’s aunt. 

America will attend Paradise Valley Community College in the fall and wants to study to become a veterinarian and join the girls’ basketball team. 

“I’m really proud of America,” Nancy Tafolla said. “She is going to do a lot of good in the world.” 

Brandon Tate

Salt River High, Scottsdale | Plans: Grand Canyon University, Phoenix

Brandon Tate is skilled in graphic design and is considering majoring in computer science at Grand Canyon University. In high school, Brandon was in junior ROTC, on the student council, played basketball, and ran track and cross country.

“He is always thinking about others, and I’m very proud of him,” Brandon’s mother, Yolanda Williams, said. “Since he was young, I envisioned getting to watch him walk the stage to get his diploma. That may never happen because of the virus, but we’re not going to let the pandemic take anything away from us.”

Mack Williamson 

Basha High School, Chandler |  Plans: Community college, then Arizona State University

Mack Williamson misses not being able to see his friends, but he will not miss the homework he had at Basha High in Chandler. He plans to go to community college and then ASU. Although he has not decided on a major, he is excited to continue learning. 

“He has a great outlook on life and rolls with the punches,” his mom, Carmella Henkelman, said. “We know he’ll use this negative experience of missing graduation to make many positive strides.” 

Kyra Wishart

Liberty High School, Peoria | Plans: Northern Arizona University, veterinarian

Kyra Wishart has always been independent in her schoolwork, her mother, Kelly Wishart, said. Kelly is a teacher and watched her daughter write her own papers and do her homework with little help. Kyra, a Liberty High School senior, is driven, Kelly said.

“She’s a really good student. She’s really responsible,” she said.

Kyra is headed to Northern Arizona University and is interested in veterinarian work.