MISSION HEIGHTS PREPARATORY SPIRIT OF LEONA WINNERS
Purpose of the Award
The Spirit of Leona Award honors those students who exemplify the ideals and values of The Leona Group organization. The award seeks to recognize and honor students that, despite obstacles, have persevered and demonstrated great character and determination in their lives and during their time at a Leona Group school.
The Spirit of Leona Award honors those students who exemplify the ideals and values of The Leona Group organization. The award seeks to recognize and honor students that, despite obstacles, have persevered and demonstrated great character and determination in their lives and during their time at a Leona Group school.
Nomination Criteria
Each school may nominate one student. The nominated student must have completed at least one full academic year with a Leona Group school. The nominee must also be a projected high school graduate. The nominee must also have specific career plans which can include college or the military. The nominee will choose one chaperone to accompany him/her to the event. The chaperone is someone who has inspired the student and made a difference in their life.
Each school may nominate one student. The nominated student must have completed at least one full academic year with a Leona Group school. The nominee must also be a projected high school graduate. The nominee must also have specific career plans which can include college or the military. The nominee will choose one chaperone to accompany him/her to the event. The chaperone is someone who has inspired the student and made a difference in their life.
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2019: Miya Villalobos
No measuring tape exists that could estimate the growth of Miya in the last four years. Over time, she saw education as a means to positively impact her world. She is the first of her siblings to graduate high school and will be the first in her family to attend college. She will be studying nursing this fall at Mesa Community College. Her drive and heart have made her a leader at Mission Heights. Miya is Miss AVID, captain of the softball team, a CG Boys & Girls Club Volunteer of the Year, and an embodiment of the true Spirit of Leona. (Kristin Miller) |
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2018: Kaitlyn Gutierrez
Kaitlyn is amazing! Academically, she has maintained a 4.3 GPA both through her multitude of AP courses and concurrent college courses. She also involved herself in as many co-curricular activities as she could manage. She is the president of both NHS and the student body, a student ambassador, and a member of cheer and volleyball. She has already been accepted into ASU’s Barrett honors college where she will pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer. Though her road has not always been smooth, her Motivation, Heart, and Purpose shine through in everything she does and she faces every challenge head on. She is the “Spirit of Leona”. (Teresa Ly)
Kaitlyn is amazing! Academically, she has maintained a 4.3 GPA both through her multitude of AP courses and concurrent college courses. She also involved herself in as many co-curricular activities as she could manage. She is the president of both NHS and the student body, a student ambassador, and a member of cheer and volleyball. She has already been accepted into ASU’s Barrett honors college where she will pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer. Though her road has not always been smooth, her Motivation, Heart, and Purpose shine through in everything she does and she faces every challenge head on. She is the “Spirit of Leona”. (Teresa Ly)
2017: Dominique Busch
"Dominique is one of our strongest seniors with a GPA of 4.07. She is an outstanding member of our NHS and Drama programs. She has been at Mission Heights all four years and has grown substantially in finding her voice, molding into a strong,independent young woman. Despite hard circumstances in her personal life, Dominique comes to school with a smile on her face and energy in the classroom. She supports herself financially and has been working full time while maintaining her high GPA and volunteering hours. Dominique is planning on attending Grand Canyon University, majoring in English Literature and Education. Dominique is an excellent example of Leona and epitomizes MHP through her Motivation, Heart and Purpose." (Mrs. Mace)
2016: Carmen Leal
"Carmen is an incredible young lady who embodies the Spirit of Leona. Her dedication towards her academics and service towards others inspires all of us….in fact sometimes it even makes us question her sanity. To give you an example, at one point this year, Carmen was taking a schedule of all AP Classes at MHP, was taking 3 additional courses at CAC, and was holding a part time job, all while serving as our NHS President, Senior Class President and a Student Ambassador.Carmen also volunteered for over 100 hours this past summer at the Casa Grande Regional Hospital which was a perfect experience for her as she will attend UCLA next year to study to become a heart surgeon. However, what has impressed me the most, is that Carmen is even here today. Carmen started with us four years ago but made the decision to reunite with her family in Mexico after her Sophomore year. While she enjoyed being with her family, she realized she missed her MHP family and chose to return on her own to attend our school. We are so glad she did as she truly represents all we are at Mission Heights." (Mr. Goodson)
"Dominique is one of our strongest seniors with a GPA of 4.07. She is an outstanding member of our NHS and Drama programs. She has been at Mission Heights all four years and has grown substantially in finding her voice, molding into a strong,independent young woman. Despite hard circumstances in her personal life, Dominique comes to school with a smile on her face and energy in the classroom. She supports herself financially and has been working full time while maintaining her high GPA and volunteering hours. Dominique is planning on attending Grand Canyon University, majoring in English Literature and Education. Dominique is an excellent example of Leona and epitomizes MHP through her Motivation, Heart and Purpose." (Mrs. Mace)
2016: Carmen Leal
"Carmen is an incredible young lady who embodies the Spirit of Leona. Her dedication towards her academics and service towards others inspires all of us….in fact sometimes it even makes us question her sanity. To give you an example, at one point this year, Carmen was taking a schedule of all AP Classes at MHP, was taking 3 additional courses at CAC, and was holding a part time job, all while serving as our NHS President, Senior Class President and a Student Ambassador.Carmen also volunteered for over 100 hours this past summer at the Casa Grande Regional Hospital which was a perfect experience for her as she will attend UCLA next year to study to become a heart surgeon. However, what has impressed me the most, is that Carmen is even here today. Carmen started with us four years ago but made the decision to reunite with her family in Mexico after her Sophomore year. While she enjoyed being with her family, she realized she missed her MHP family and chose to return on her own to attend our school. We are so glad she did as she truly represents all we are at Mission Heights." (Mr. Goodson)
2015: Orlando Ordonez
Orlando Ordonez came to Mission Heights Preparatory High School from Honduras as a junior in high school. Coming to MHP, he had a challenge set before him - he was attending a college prep school with English as his second language. He quickly learned, doing all the work he needed to and more to receive all A's, even in classes like AP Calculus and AP Literature. He soon started college classes at Central Arizona College, receiving over 15 college credits. On top of that, Orlando helped provide for his single mother by working 40+ hours/ week. Life has not been an easy journey for him, but he has been determined to go above and beyond what is expected of him. One of his favorite quotes is from Winston Churchill: "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." This boy doesn't know what it means to quit; he continues on despite his circumstances, and, for that, he will be successful. (Mrs. Mace)
2014: Reyna Vega
Reyna has been at been at Mission Heights since it’s beginning and has taken many leadership positions on campus through athletics and student council. She has been captain of the volleyball and softball team. She was the senior class president. Reyna’s strong drive and character has been an asset to the Mission Heights campus. (Mr. Goodson)
2013: Cheyenne Bonanza
2012: Anesia Estrada
Orlando Ordonez came to Mission Heights Preparatory High School from Honduras as a junior in high school. Coming to MHP, he had a challenge set before him - he was attending a college prep school with English as his second language. He quickly learned, doing all the work he needed to and more to receive all A's, even in classes like AP Calculus and AP Literature. He soon started college classes at Central Arizona College, receiving over 15 college credits. On top of that, Orlando helped provide for his single mother by working 40+ hours/ week. Life has not been an easy journey for him, but he has been determined to go above and beyond what is expected of him. One of his favorite quotes is from Winston Churchill: "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." This boy doesn't know what it means to quit; he continues on despite his circumstances, and, for that, he will be successful. (Mrs. Mace)
2014: Reyna Vega
Reyna has been at been at Mission Heights since it’s beginning and has taken many leadership positions on campus through athletics and student council. She has been captain of the volleyball and softball team. She was the senior class president. Reyna’s strong drive and character has been an asset to the Mission Heights campus. (Mr. Goodson)
2013: Cheyenne Bonanza
2012: Anesia Estrada