their stories - The Leona Group

6
It is my great honor each year to meet the young people who have chosen Leona schools and
to congratulate the Spirit of Leona award nominees. I am humbled by the resolve, character
and commitment these students have made toward their futures; they have set an example for
us all.
The Spirit of Leona Award honors one graduating senior from each high school who has
overcome personal adversity and persevered to attain a solid educational foundation. These
students represent the truest measure of Leona’s success.
Despite individual challenges, these young men and women have done what it takes
to pave a positive life path. Admiration for their accomplishments is shared
by us all – we are very proud of each of you!
William Coats, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer
Chyna Williams has attended Academy for Business & Technology High School (ABTHS)
Chyna
Williams
for the past four years. She exemplified what it meant to be a scholar at ABTHS. She is hard
working and determined to be great. Chyna is intelligent and focused on her future. She has
put in the necessary time and effort and she is rewarded with her academic achievements
and accolades. She is destined for greatness and will reach high regard in whatever path she
chooses. She continues to have a positive attitude and gives every class her all despite any
obstacles that stand in her way. Chyna never complains and always has a willingness to learn.
Ms. Williams is planning to attend Wayne State University this fall and will major in pediatrics
or social work. She embodies all that Leona represents and the staff at ABTHS thinks she
represents the Spirit of Leona.
Determined • Intelligent • Poised
Michael has spent most of his K-12 educational years with The Leona Group and has always
Michael
Lamont
Lawrence
been proud of his school and his community. While attending Achieve Career Preparatory
Academy, Michael has persevered with a positive attitude despite personal obstacles and
academic challenges. He deserves to be recognized and rewarded for his dedication to his
education, his outgoing and motivating personality, his kindness and his focus on his future
goals. Michael plans to attend a local college or university to study nursing or law and is
currently working as he prepares for graduation and his continuing education.
Focused • Courteous • Earnest
Desirae “Dezzy” Coates is a perfect example of success when all the odds are against you.
Dezzy came to Alta Vista High School as a sophomore with no credits and is managing to
graduate on time. Dezzy maintains strong attendance, is in National Honor Society, volunteers
within her community and still maintains a part time job. Dezzy has been accepted into Arizona
State University and Grand Canyon University. After graduation, she is enlisting into the Navy
in order to get life experience and later plans to become a lawyer. With her determination, her
success will be endless.
Desirae
Coates
“Desirae comes everyday with the desire to learn something new; she shows maturity beyond
her years. She shares her desire to make a difference in her community by volunteering and
always carries a smile on her face.”-Nominating Staff
Determined • Strong-willed • Ambitious
Tania Duarte came to the U.S. to complete her education without her parents and lived with
extended family while holding down sometimes two jobs. This challenge was not without strife.
At one point she had to drop out to ensure she would still have a home. After encouragement
from the staff, she returned to ATHS in the fall of 2015 and completed her requirements and
will be graduating with honors from Apache Trail High School.
Tania
Duarte
This young lady is resilient, dependable and a ray of sunshine shine when life gets cloudy!
Resilient • Dependable • Optimistic
Christopher was raised by a single mom with his two siblings and his upbringing was filled with
Christopher
Casillas
many obstacles and challenges that molded him into the courageous and fearless young man that
he is today. His involvement in our school and community has strengthened his leadership skills.
He was captain of the football team his senior year and played defensive tackle and center on
the team. He has also been on the wrestling team for the past three years. He has been a member
of the honor society since his freshman year and has completed over 100 hours of community
service. After being admitted to over 36 colleges and universities from across the United States
and reviewing all of their scholarship offers, Christopher will be attending Eastern Michigan
University to study biochemistry. His goal is to be a doctor and to specialize in reconstructive
surgery. His career choice suits his compassionate and caring persona for helping others.
Influential • Persistent • Visionary
Estefani
Bonilla
Soto
Estefani Bonilla Soto is a resilient young lady who made the choice to set high goals for her future,
despite having others telling her she would not get far in life. She raised a baby as a teen mother and
supported her own mother through health issues. Estefani believes attending Crestview helped her stay
focused on her education and she realized that many people not only believed in her, but pushed her
to reach her goals. She enrolled with only 2.5 credits as a junior and stayed committed to graduating,
while exuding a great deal of integrity and compassion. Estefani went beyond simply committing to her
coursework, she volunteered as a tutor with Mentor Kids USA and also completed an internship with
Young Lives, supporting other teen mothers. Estefani is the first in her family to graduate high school
and is already enrolled at Allen School of Health Sciences, where she is working to become a certified
medical assistant. She will complete this program in September and will then transfer to Arizona College
for the RN program. Her ultimate career goal is to become a surgeon.
Determined • Loyal • Giving
Khadija is fully deserving of this award due to her academic accomplishments, perseverance
and positivity. Khadija has faced numerous obstacles throughout her high school experience.
After becoming a mother during her sophomore year, Khadija had to balance her schoolwork
with a full-time job and the responsibilities of raising a child. In addition, Khadija’s parents do
not speak English so she had to take care of all hospital issues herself. Despite these obstacles,
Khadija excelled in school. She was a model student and an absolute joy to teach.
Khadija
Salim
Three key qualities for Khadija are that she’s positive, hardworking and perseveres despite
obstacles.
Positivity • Perseverance • Hardworking
DeAngelo is a true example of determination and perseverance. After failing 9th grade at another
DeAngelo
Brintley
school he joined the DPSA family. He immediately asked for assistance from his teachers and the
staff to improve his grades. He continued to persevere through housing issues, transportation issues
and various other challenges that would hinder many students from focusing on their education.
DeAngelo maintained a steadfast determination to graduate from high school. Due to missing credits
from his freshman year, he was unsure if he would be able to graduate on time. He worked with
the staff and took credit recovery classes and is now able to graduate. He was able to do all of
his classes and participate as a student athlete. He has been heralded as the Class of 2016’s “Most
Improved Student.” He plans to enter the police academy in partnership with the Livonia Police
Department where he will be attending Schoolcraft College and working as a police service aide.
Upon graduation, he will be hired as a member of the Livonia Police Department.
Determined • Perseveres • Compassionate
Jimmy is our 2016 Spirit of Leona recipient because he is such a determined, strong-minded
Jimmy
Holloway
young man. Jimmy grew up in a single parent home with sporadic contact with his father so his
older brother served as his male role model. He has exhibited the ability to be a positive thinker
and to avoid peer pressure. He is always willing to help others by showing leadership skills in
class and in the community. Jimmy has been with Leona Group schools since 3rd grade and
moved from Mildred C. Wells to Dream Academy. He has maintained good grades throughout
high school and shares that Mr. Lacey James recognized his potential early on and has always
pushed him to stay focused. Jimmy will be attending Grand Valley State University.
Enthusiastic • Determined • Leader
DeJeanna
Cornett
Not only is DeJeanna an exceptional student who never ceases to amaze the Eagle Academy
staff, she is a remarkable person. Her path has not always been the easiest or the smoothest but her
choices during the times she has faced adversity are what has shaped her into the extraordinary
young woman she is becoming. She is quick to lend a hand where needed, offers support to
her classmates without being asked and refuses to accept anything less than what is her best.
DeJeanna’s work ethic is incomparable. In the midst of “life happens,” her determination has
allowed her to push her through difficulties. At the mere age of 17, she has gracefully handled
life, death and the rush of emotions that come in between. Instead of giving up, she faced each
challenge with dignity and poise. Her indomitable will is something you cannot teach, but it is
what will allow her to surpass any obstacles she may face in life. DeJeana has a passion for makeup artistry and one day envisions herself in school to learn the art behind it. She plans to attend
Owens Community College.
Ambitious • Courageous • Adaptable
No graduate exemplifies the Spirit of Leona Award at El Dorado High School like Hal Bogle.
HAl
Bogle
Hal has not taken the traditional high school route, having moved through several different
schools in search of the right “fit,” and a place where he felt supported and encouraged. He
found that place at El Dorado, where he has become a role model on campus, as a student
council officer and a leader on the baseball squad. Through it all, he has persevered and never
lost sight of his goals, which includes a career in the field of police science. At El Dorado, Hal
is universally regarded as a kind and supportive student, beloved by his fellow graduates and
by his teachers. He plans to continue his education at Chandler-Gilbert Community College,
and later at the University of Arizona. The staff and instructors of El Dorado High School
could not be more proud of this hard working graduate!
Dedicated • Encouraging • Loyal
Eliasar should receive this award because he truly encompasses all of the qualities necessary
to be seen as the Spirit of Leona. He has been at Estrella since he was a freshman and has
persevered on many occasions in order to now be a graduating senior. He is determined,
humble, respectful and has a quiet dignity about him. Eliasar would like to attend Universal
Technical Institute and major in automotives.
Eliasar
Flores
Persistent • Resilient • Humble
PR I D E , P
URP O S E & PE RFORMANCE
America is a true hero to Glenview College Preparatory. Throughout her school struggles, she
continued to care for her family and still maintain a 3.5 GPA. Not only has she been involved
with many clubs, she selflessly gives her time to teachers and peers. She is not only respected
by her fellow students, but she is endeared by the entire staff of GCP. America has deservedly
received a full scholarship to Gilbert Community College and will begin in the fall.
America
Castro
Hernandez
Strength • Persistence • Selfless
Francisco has overcome and sacrificed so much in his life and has not made excuses about
Francisco
Otero
Garcia
graduating. He started at Maya as a freshman and struggled with absences and some poor
behavior and went back to Mexico. He returned, came back to Maya and by his junior year, he
got involved in soccer and started turning things around. Then his mom was diagnosed with
breast cancer. Francisco quit school for a short period while he took care of his mom; he went
to work to help with bills and transported his mother to and from her appointments. He is the
sole provider for his mother, works late into the night and still shows up with a smile every day.
He is allowed to work under D.A.C.A. which requires him to graduate in order to continue his
work permit. This made him live out Maya principle #5: “We are the author’s of our future;
our past does not define us.”
Courage • Commitment • Perseverance
Carmen
Leal
Carmen is an incredible young lady who embodies the Spirit of Leona. After attending Mission
Heights her freshman and sophomore years, Carmen moved to Mexico to be with her family.
However, after one short semester, she decided to move back to Casa Grande on her own in order
to attend our school. Through this experience, Carmen has found the value of perseverance and has
blossomed into a campus leader. She holds leadership positions in NHS, student council, and is a
student ambassador. Academically, she is one of our top students with over a 4.0 GPA, including
AP and college courses. She will attend UCLA next fall to study to become a cardiothoracic
surgeon. Carmen’s leadership extends impressively into her service towards others. She volunteers
everywhere she can, including over 100 hours of service this past summer at our regional hospital.
In addition, she takes care of her younger sisters and holds a part-time job. She is truly gifted and is
most deserving of this recognition.
Dedicated • Inspiring • Warm
Before coming to Peoria Accelerated, Haley made the decision to leave her family and friends
Haley
Davis
in Texas and come to Arizona for one reason: to graduate high school. What she has learned,
however, is that a high school diploma is not the end for her. In class, Haley is always on task
and willing to help others. She isn’t afraid to ask questions when she needs help. By pushing
herself, Haley has proven to everyone in her life that she can do anything in life that she is
willing to work for. Because of her experiences this year, she is now focused on attending
college to become a nurse.
Determined • Respectful • Inspiring
M M U NIT
LE
to Skyview, he realized that he was not going to graduate on time. Pedro felt disconnected
and unable to communicate with his teachers. As a result, he struggled and started failing his
classes. At Skyview, Pedro began to thrive; he could ask questions and get the one-on-one
help that he needed, and most importantly, he was acknowledged. Upon graduation, Pedro will
attend Estrella Mountain Community College to pursue a degree in teaching.
Pedro
Lopez
Guzman
Focused• Determined • Considerate
A D E R S HIP
st H i g h S c h o o
EXC
Y
Pedro Lopez Guzman has overcome many obstacles to reach graduation. Before he came
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RO
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Que
Strong-minded • Resilient • Conqueror
ELLENC
CO
Jillian
Wilkinson
decided she was going to change her future and not allow her past or upbringing dictate who
she would become. Jillian attended another Leona school in prior years that she enjoyed, but
it was during difficult times in her life. While placed in her group home, she found Quest
High School and has excelled at accomplishing the goal of being the first in her family to
graduate from high school. Jillian was recently accepted into South Mountain Community
College where she will continue her education in the fall. Jillian has worked for the food
catering provider for our junior high on campus, as well as volunteering to assist struggling
6-8th grade readers.
E
Jillian has overcome great obstacles that could have taken her down another path, but she
l
Alexandrea Barajas is the epitome of overcoming adversity. She has managed to overcome
many obstacles in her life and still achieve success. Alex has spent over half of her life with
incarcerated parents and moving from home to home. Alex entered South Pointe High School
her freshman year and has maintained a GPA of 3.7. She has been awarded a full scholarship
to Northern Colorado State University where she will pursue a business degree.
Alexandrea
Barajas
Ambitious • Determined• Courageous
Chloe Copeland’s determination and character is clear in everything she does. She is a natural
leader whose passion drives her meticulous pursuit of perfection. She is the type of student
who does more than what is expected. Others would be shut down by the challenges she has
faced at home and at school, but Chloe finds reasons to be motivated. Chloe will be attending
Scottsdale Community College and will major in business management and theater arts.
Chloe
Copeland
Perfectionist • Determined • Passionate
Nicole Norvell truly embodies the Spirit of Leona. She is graduating Sun Valley as a junior
Nicole
Norvell
with a 3.8 GPA, and will be our Valedictorian this year. She is also the vice president of NHS,
and has been a positive role model to other students on our campus. Nicole has completed
our CNA program with flying colors and uses her certification by working at CareCorp. She
has managed to balance all of these accomplishments despite her mother passing away this
year. Nicole will be successful in the future and is already committed to attending Gateway
Community College for their fast track LPN program. She then plans to earn her bachelor’s in
nursing from Northern Arizona University. No matter what Nicole sets her mind to, we know
that she will be successful in her life.
Caring • Motivated • Intelligent
Jose Angel Castillo came to Summit High School looking for an opportunity to get himself
Jose
Angel
Castillo
back on track academically. Amid difficult family issues, overwhelming obligations, and
without a consistent place to call “home,” Jose devoted himself to school, seeing the continued
success that a high school education could bring. Through his perseverance and tenacity, Jose
was able to achieve his goal and complete all the requirements for graduation in October. He is
currently working full-time for Fry’s Food stores. He will be attending Gateway Community
College in the fall and pursue a career in law enforcement.
Resilient • Responsible • Caring
When Brenda Morris enters a classroom, the dynamic elevates from typical high school
Brenda
Morris
complacency to a forum of ideas and inquiry where discussion and debate takes the engagement
level to nearly 100%, 100% of the time. This young lady embodies the goal of achievement
for teachers and administrators with her creativity, hard work and, in a very positive sense,
never taking “no” for an answer and rarely accepting “good enough” as good enough. Her
involvement in our sports program, AVID and theatre production allowed us the opportunity
to experience this unique individual beyond the realm of the academic classroom. She is truly
the Spirit of Leona.
Exuberant • Inquisitive • Outspoken
Krystin
Farmer
Krystin has had so many obstacles in her life and during her years at Wildwood Environmental
Academy that she and the staff were unsure whether or not she would graduate at all. She
had an apathetic approach to school when she came as a freshman. She has not had the best
attendance, or the best grades or the best ACT scores but she has the drive to succeed. She was
brought up by a parent who could not provide for her family, lived with a sister who had many
personal issues and served as a “mom” for her young nephew. She works forty hours per week
while attending classes and drives a car with no heat in order to pay her bills and contribute to
the bills of her family. She carries blankets in her car to keep herself and her passengers warm.
Krystin has made such a difference in the staff lives and in her own that we have no doubt that
she is ready to face whatever the world has in store for her. We are pleased to submit her as our
Spirit of Leona student for 2016.
Perseverance • Indomitable • Resilient
As these young adults graduate from Leona Group schools across
the country, we wish them well in the fall of 2016 when they attend:
Arizona College
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Eastern Michigan University
Estrella Mountain Community College
Gateway Community College
Gilbert Community college
Grand Valley State University
Northern Colorado State University
Owens Community College
Schoolcraft College
Scottsdale Community College
South Mountain Community College
United States Navy
Universal Technical Institute
University of California Los Angeles
Wayne State University
Arizona office:
7878 N. 16th St., Suite 150
Phoenix, AZ 85020
Tel: 602.953.2933
Florida office:
11401 NW 56 Drive
Coral Springs, FL 33076
Tel: 954.341.4127
Michigan office:
2125 University Park Drive
Okemos, MI 48864
Tel: 517.333.9030
Ohio office:
2740 W. Central Ave., Suite 200
Toledo, OH 43606
Tel: 419.474.3235
www.leonagroup.com
communications@leonagroup.com