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Angelica Ceniceros Coronado - Sun Scholar Award 2008: Math
Angelica Ceniceros Coronado enjoys the challenge and the need to think outside the box to obtain a math solution.
"Once in awhile you meet a special kind of student," wrote Jesusita Martinez, calculus teacher at San Luis High School. "A student who has superior intellect and the impressive academic ability that pushes them far beyond their classmates' realm and whose humble attitude keeps them grounded and concerned for the prosperity of others around them.
"Angelica Ceniceros is this student." Though Ceniceros has very high intellectual abilities, she also has a humble spirit for helping others that is a rarity in students of her caliber, Martinez said.
Ceniceros' academic awards include National Hispanic Scholar, National Ventures Scholar and Gates Millennium Finalist. She is a member of the National Honor Society, German Club and Computer Club.
She wants to study aerospace engineering at Arizona State University or Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She is the daughter of Manuela Cecilia Coronado.
Angelica Ceniceros Coronado enjoys the challenge and the need to think outside the box to obtain a math solution.
"Once in awhile you meet a special kind of student," wrote Jesusita Martinez, calculus teacher at San Luis High School. "A student who has superior intellect and the impressive academic ability that pushes them far beyond their classmates' realm and whose humble attitude keeps them grounded and concerned for the prosperity of others around them.
"Angelica Ceniceros is this student." Though Ceniceros has very high intellectual abilities, she also has a humble spirit for helping others that is a rarity in students of her caliber, Martinez said.
Ceniceros' academic awards include National Hispanic Scholar, National Ventures Scholar and Gates Millennium Finalist. She is a member of the National Honor Society, German Club and Computer Club.
She wants to study aerospace engineering at Arizona State University or Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She is the daughter of Manuela Cecilia Coronado.
Noe Castro-Rivas - Sun Scholar Award 2008: Math
Noe Castro-Rivas definitely deserves to be the standout senior in mathematics, wrote Ben Campbell, teacher at Yuma High School.
Castro-Rivas is a very respectful, incredibly bright student who always does his homework and gives his best effort, Campbell said.
"It is amazing how well he does at calculus with the combination of his natural ability, a genuine interest in the subject, and the effort that he puts in outside of class." Though he did not take any pre-calculus course, he consistently earns top grades in his AP Calculus class, Campbell said.
Castro-Rivas' extracurricular activities include tennis, yearbook and volunteer work at the local food bank. He is the son of Maria Castro.
He plans to attend Arizona Western College, then transfer to the University of Arizona to pursue a career in optical engineering.
Noe Castro-Rivas definitely deserves to be the standout senior in mathematics, wrote Ben Campbell, teacher at Yuma High School.
Castro-Rivas is a very respectful, incredibly bright student who always does his homework and gives his best effort, Campbell said.
"It is amazing how well he does at calculus with the combination of his natural ability, a genuine interest in the subject, and the effort that he puts in outside of class." Though he did not take any pre-calculus course, he consistently earns top grades in his AP Calculus class, Campbell said.
Castro-Rivas' extracurricular activities include tennis, yearbook and volunteer work at the local food bank. He is the son of Maria Castro.
He plans to attend Arizona Western College, then transfer to the University of Arizona to pursue a career in optical engineering.
Jessica Wagstaff - Sun Scholar Award 2008: Math and Social Science
The thing Jessica Wagstaff likes most about math is the feeling of "getting it" and knowing how to solve a problem herself.
The Cibola High School senior has received A-Team recognition. She is also involved in varsity soccer, National Honor Society and Natural Helpers.
Her post-graduation plans are to earn a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice at the University of Arizona and to pursue a master's degree after that. She is the daughter of Susan Wagstaff and Don Wagstaff.
Jessica Wagstaff has also been nominated for the social science award.
The Cibola High School senior plans to attend the University of Arizona to obtain a bachelor's degree in criminal justice administration and to later pursue a master's degree.
Of social science, Wagstaff enjoys learning about all the different court cases.
"They're so interesting," she wrote.
Wagstaff is in Cibola's A-Team and is also involved in varsity soccer, National Honor Society and Natural Helpers. She is the daughter of Donald and Susan Wagstaff.
The thing Jessica Wagstaff likes most about math is the feeling of "getting it" and knowing how to solve a problem herself.
The Cibola High School senior has received A-Team recognition. She is also involved in varsity soccer, National Honor Society and Natural Helpers.
Her post-graduation plans are to earn a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice at the University of Arizona and to pursue a master's degree after that. She is the daughter of Susan Wagstaff and Don Wagstaff.
Jessica Wagstaff has also been nominated for the social science award.
The Cibola High School senior plans to attend the University of Arizona to obtain a bachelor's degree in criminal justice administration and to later pursue a master's degree.
Of social science, Wagstaff enjoys learning about all the different court cases.
"They're so interesting," she wrote.
Wagstaff is in Cibola's A-Team and is also involved in varsity soccer, National Honor Society and Natural Helpers. She is the daughter of Donald and Susan Wagstaff.
Huston Matheus - Sun Scholar Award 2008: Foreign Language
What Huston Matheus likes most about studying foreign language is being able to communicate with people from other countries in their native languages.
"I expect great things from (Matheus) in the future because I feel that he truly appreciates the journey of mental discovery," wrote Francisco Nuñez, Spanish teacher at Yuma Catholic High School, in his nomination letter.
Nuñez said Huston is a dedicated, highly motivated student with personal qualities of friendliness, wit and intellect. He also said Matheus challenges himself with a standard of excellence rather than coasting his senior year as some students do.
The Presidential Academic Award and Wildcat Excellence Awards are among Matheus' academic awards. He was also a Mr. Rock nominee. His extracurricular activities include basketball, String Ambassadors and tennis.
His post-graduation plans are to attend the Air Force Academy or the University of Arizona. He is the son of Jonathan and Lynn Matheus.
What Huston Matheus likes most about studying foreign language is being able to communicate with people from other countries in their native languages.
"I expect great things from (Matheus) in the future because I feel that he truly appreciates the journey of mental discovery," wrote Francisco Nuñez, Spanish teacher at Yuma Catholic High School, in his nomination letter.
Nuñez said Huston is a dedicated, highly motivated student with personal qualities of friendliness, wit and intellect. He also said Matheus challenges himself with a standard of excellence rather than coasting his senior year as some students do.
The Presidential Academic Award and Wildcat Excellence Awards are among Matheus' academic awards. He was also a Mr. Rock nominee. His extracurricular activities include basketball, String Ambassadors and tennis.
His post-graduation plans are to attend the Air Force Academy or the University of Arizona. He is the son of Jonathan and Lynn Matheus.
Nancy Zavala - Sun Scholar Award 2008: Foreign Language
Learning about other cultures is what Nancy Zavala likes most about studying foreign language.
"She is an exceptional student who is always eager to learn more about her native language," wrote Teresa Cruz, teacher/counselor at
Antelope Union High School. "(Zavala) worked very hard to learn grammar, accent mark rules and verb conjugations."
Zavala's academic awards include Girls Varsity Most Improved plaque and a Gifted nomination. Soccer, Royal Ranger Teacher and helping with fundraisers for Mision Antioquia Church are among her extracurricular activities.
Her post-graduation plans are to major in business administration at Arizona State University. She is the daughter of Rosario Zavala and Lourdes Zavala.
Learning about other cultures is what Nancy Zavala likes most about studying foreign language.
"She is an exceptional student who is always eager to learn more about her native language," wrote Teresa Cruz, teacher/counselor at
Antelope Union High School. "(Zavala) worked very hard to learn grammar, accent mark rules and verb conjugations."
Zavala's academic awards include Girls Varsity Most Improved plaque and a Gifted nomination. Soccer, Royal Ranger Teacher and helping with fundraisers for Mision Antioquia Church are among her extracurricular activities.
Her post-graduation plans are to major in business administration at Arizona State University. She is the daughter of Rosario Zavala and Lourdes Zavala.
Joshua Syck - Sun Scholar Award 2008: Foreign Language
The thing Joshua Syck likes most about foreign language is learning something new.
Syck "works hard to maintain a high grade in German class along with all of his other courses at Yuma High," wrote James L. Kinney, modern language and social studies teacher, in his nomination letter.
"Not only does he work hard on his assignments, but Joshua also works to promote Germany and its language by volunteering to help those in lower levels of German."
Not surprisingly, Syck is a member of the German Club. He's also a DECA member and does voluntary sign holding.
After graduation, he plans to become a German translator or a game art designer. He is the son of Mark and Melissa Syck.
The thing Joshua Syck likes most about foreign language is learning something new.
Syck "works hard to maintain a high grade in German class along with all of his other courses at Yuma High," wrote James L. Kinney, modern language and social studies teacher, in his nomination letter.
"Not only does he work hard on his assignments, but Joshua also works to promote Germany and its language by volunteering to help those in lower levels of German."
Not surprisingly, Syck is a member of the German Club. He's also a DECA member and does voluntary sign holding.
After graduation, he plans to become a German translator or a game art designer. He is the son of Mark and Melissa Syck.
Monica Beals - Sun Scholar Award 2008: Foreign Language
Monica Beals enjoys learning foreign languages and expanding her knowledge.
She is a multitalented student who is on the dance performing team and Varsity Band and carries a rigorous courseload, yet still finds time to take college courses, wrote Mrs. (no first name listed)Palacios, Spanish teacher at Kofa High School.
"She has progressed in my Spanish class with such ease and is able to have a strong conversation in the Spanish language. I am proud of her progress and it has been a pleasure having her in class."
Beals is a recipient of the Wildcat Excellence Award. Besides dance and band, Beals is also involved in 4-H.
She plans to major in a medical or science field at the University of Arizona. Her parents are Ed Beals and Sheryl Beals.
Monica Beals enjoys learning foreign languages and expanding her knowledge.
She is a multitalented student who is on the dance performing team and Varsity Band and carries a rigorous courseload, yet still finds time to take college courses, wrote Mrs. (no first name listed)Palacios, Spanish teacher at Kofa High School.
"She has progressed in my Spanish class with such ease and is able to have a strong conversation in the Spanish language. I am proud of her progress and it has been a pleasure having her in class."
Beals is a recipient of the Wildcat Excellence Award. Besides dance and band, Beals is also involved in 4-H.
She plans to major in a medical or science field at the University of Arizona. Her parents are Ed Beals and Sheryl Beals.
Alma A. Gonzalez - Sun Scholar Award 2008: Foreign Language
Alma A. Gonzalez has been nominated for the Sun Scholar Awards in the Foreign Language category.
"As a student, (Gonzalez) is the glue that holds the class together," wrote Sonia Escalante, AP Spanish Literature teacher at
San Luis High School. "Her classmates look up to her and admire her for her well detailed work ....
"She is a well organized writer and it's a joy reading her essays, grading her homework, and being part of her school activities."
She has been nominated for inclusion in the official 2008 "United States Achievement Academy National Yearbook." Her extracurricular activities include playing on the tennis team and being involved in Tennis Club.
She plans to pursue a career in accounting or teaching. Her parents are Benito Gonzalez and Alma Gonzalez.
Alma A. Gonzalez has been nominated for the Sun Scholar Awards in the Foreign Language category.
"As a student, (Gonzalez) is the glue that holds the class together," wrote Sonia Escalante, AP Spanish Literature teacher at
San Luis High School. "Her classmates look up to her and admire her for her well detailed work ....
"She is a well organized writer and it's a joy reading her essays, grading her homework, and being part of her school activities."
She has been nominated for inclusion in the official 2008 "United States Achievement Academy National Yearbook." Her extracurricular activities include playing on the tennis team and being involved in Tennis Club.
She plans to pursue a career in accounting or teaching. Her parents are Benito Gonzalez and Alma Gonzalez.
Jose L. Guillen - Sun Scholar Award 2008: Foreign Language
Jose Luis Guillen most likes foreign language because he gets to learn more about his own culture.
"I have know (Guillen) for four years and he is a great role model to his family and peers," wrote Juan Morales, Spanish teacher at San Pasqual Valley High School.
"I love that he is always trying to learn and master the Spanish language."
Guillen has received Perfect Attendance and Honor Roll awards. And he's received recognition for Best Practice, Most Dependable and Best Competitor in wrestling.
After graduation, he plans to join the military. While in the military, he plans to work toward becoming a physical education teacher. He is the son of Billy Frazier and Maria Frazier.
Jose Luis Guillen most likes foreign language because he gets to learn more about his own culture.
"I have know (Guillen) for four years and he is a great role model to his family and peers," wrote Juan Morales, Spanish teacher at San Pasqual Valley High School.
"I love that he is always trying to learn and master the Spanish language."
Guillen has received Perfect Attendance and Honor Roll awards. And he's received recognition for Best Practice, Most Dependable and Best Competitor in wrestling.
After graduation, he plans to join the military. While in the military, he plans to work toward becoming a physical education teacher. He is the son of Billy Frazier and Maria Frazier.
Taylor McDonald - Sun Scholar Award 2008: Science
What Taylor McDonald likes most about science is learning how the body works and the reasons why the body does the things it does.
But her interest includes agricultural science as well.
"She has excelled in both anatomy and agriculture, and has represented our school admirably in both competitive and non-competitive
events at all levels ..." wrote Therese George, science teacher at San Pasqual Valley High School, in her nomination letter.
McDonald's academic honors include High Honor Roll, valedictorian and President's Award (Gold). Her extracurricular activities include FFA, ASB and softball.
After graduation, she plans to major in agriculture science and become an agriculture teacher. She is the daughter of Kelly McDonald, Juanita Concannon and John Concannon.
What Taylor McDonald likes most about science is learning how the body works and the reasons why the body does the things it does.
But her interest includes agricultural science as well.
"She has excelled in both anatomy and agriculture, and has represented our school admirably in both competitive and non-competitive
events at all levels ..." wrote Therese George, science teacher at San Pasqual Valley High School, in her nomination letter.
McDonald's academic honors include High Honor Roll, valedictorian and President's Award (Gold). Her extracurricular activities include FFA, ASB and softball.
After graduation, she plans to major in agriculture science and become an agriculture teacher. She is the daughter of Kelly McDonald, Juanita Concannon and John Concannon.
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