Mrs. H's Corner

Take heart,

YOU matter

YOU are important

YOU are beautiful

YOU are loved

YOU are needed

YOU are worth it

YOU are enough

YOU are good

YOUR story matters

And life is better because YOU are in it!!!

Indeed!! It is so important to recognize your potential not only for success but also that YOU matter and that YOU can make a difference in others on your journey. I learned that from a dear friend who recently passed away in Dr. Gene Blue – a tireless and inspirational leader in our community. It was his dedication to creating and serving communities that encouraged and supported my decision to develop AGUILA. I will never forget some of the responses he would give me when I would ask:

How he was – “Blessed to be alive Dahlin’ – blessed to be alive”
How he was doing in these troubling times – “Keep the Faith”

Our 2026 AGUILA graduating seniors have made decisions about their future having benefited from so many of our community leaders who took the time to speak to them, inspire and motivate them to “Keep the Faith” – to achieve their personal goals and never forget those in need.

Thank you so much for planting seeds of hope, faith and perseverance in much the same way Dr. Blue inspired me. Our children need us now more than ever. If you or someone you know would like the opportunity to speak to our youth, please let me know at rosemary@aguilayouth.org.

They say, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste”. This is true, but it is

equally important to recognize that to live with GRACE (Gratitude, Resilience, Aspiration, Courage, Empathy) will enrich your life and the lives of others.

I will miss you Dr. Gene Blue, my dear friend, but I carry your spirit in my heart, continuing to inspire me through these times and to ensure your legacy lives on. May your journey to the heavens be a Glorious One.

YOU can help our children Believe AND Achieve their DREAMS:

AGUILA’s Wish List:

This list includes items such as snacks, drinks, and/or funding for meals that help to keep our students energized and focused on the work they must commit to in pursuit of their DREAMS. In addition, the list includes critical supplies needed to accomplish our work with our students. For more information and to view our list.

Grant Some Wishes

Natali's Column

As the school year winds down and summer begins to take shape, it’s important to stay focused and finish strong. This is especially true for our high school seniors, who have so much on the line right now. It can be tempting to feel “done” once you’ve accepted your college offer—but the reality is, colleges and universities can rescind admission or scholarships if final grades drop significantly. What you do in these final weeks still matters.

The truth is simple: you’re not done until you’re done. Stay committed, keep your grades up, and follow through on your responsibilities. The habits you build now will be the ones you carry into college and beyond.

As summer approaches, take time to think about how you’re preparing for what’s next. Are you exploring summer programs or opportunities to build your skills? Have you considered visiting college campuses? Are you staying on top of any assigned summer work, especially for AP or other advanced courses? Small steps taken now can make a big difference in how confident and prepared you feel in the fall. Your actions today shape your opportunities tomorrow. Investing your time and energy now is one of the best ways to set yourself up for long-term success.

We also encourage you to stay connected with AGUILA. Have you registered for our annual Summer Symposium? Have you completed your registration for the 2026–2027 academic year? Be sure to check your email regularly and visit the Student Resources tab on our website to stay informed about upcoming opportunities and important updates.

As you move through the final weeks of spring and into summer, ask yourself: will the future version of you be thankful for the choices you made? Or will you wish you had done more? The decision is yours—make it count.

Its never too late to become an AGUILA Angel!

For only $20/month your contribution will support our AGUILA students in grades 6-12 who are preparing for a successful high school journey leading to college admissions, scholarship, graduation and ultimately the career of her/his DREAMS. Join us and wear your AGUILA T-Shirt with pride knowing that you support future leaders.

BECOME AN ANGEL NOW

AGUILA ANNUAL DONOR

You can become an Annual Donor just by clicking on our Donate Button on our website. AGUILA is an Arizona Qualified Charitable Organization. Perhaps you missed the date but if you donate now, you can deduct your donation in your 2026 taxes. This option allows you to decide where your Arizona Taxes go to – supporting the DREAMS of our future leaders.

Learn More

A Huge Thank You

Thank you to our sponsors, friends, and families for making the AGUILA Chancla Open a massive success.

To our sponsors: your generosity provided the foundation for this event. We are incredibly grateful for your investment in our community and your belief in our vision. Your support truly leveled up the experience for everyone involved.

To our friends and families: thank you for showing up with such high energy and heart. Whether you were competing, cheering from the sidelines, or helping behind the scenes, your presence made the day unforgettable. This event wouldn't have the same spirit without your constant encouragement and support.

We are already looking forward to the next one. Thank you for being part of the Aguila Chancla Open family.

AGUILA Peoria Academy Expands this May!

AGUILA is excited to share an important update as we continue to grow opportunities for our scholars. With the support of a grant from the City of Peoria, AGUILA Academy is shifting its Peoria sessions to a new home in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club Peoria location.

Beginning this May, Academy sessions will be held every Wednesday at this new site, allowing us to better serve students and families in the Peoria community through a strong and supportive partnership.

AGUILA Academy is designed to empower students with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to successfully transition into high school and begin planning for their future. Through engaging, hands-on sessions, scholars explore:

Transitioning from middle school to high school
Learning styles, study strategies, and growth mindset
High school readiness, resilience, and conflict resolution
Building a vision for college and career pathways

Interested in bringing AGUILA Academy to your school for the January–May 2027 session? Schools are invited to connect with our team to explore partnership opportunities.

Contact:

Sophie Bejarano

Program Manager – Academy

msb@aguilayouth.org

2026 Annual Symposium –

Northern Arizona University - June 24-27

AGUILA is proud to provide students with incredible experiences at university campuses to inspire and ignite their DREAMS. This year will be AGUILA’S 16th year in providing a 3-night/4-day university experience for our rising Juniors and Seniors to kick-off the 2026 - 2027 academic year.

To accomplish this once in a lifetime experience, we are in need of:

Volunteer RAs (Resident Assistants – preference is given to AGUILA Alum)

Snacks – our students need energy

Funding to purchase supplies – backpacks, journals, pens/pencils

Gift Cards – to be used as prizes

AGUILA UPCOMING EVENTS 2026

June 13th - AGUILA Honors Convocation

June 24th - 27th Annual Summer Leadership Symposium Northern Arizona University

September 11th - Annual Breakfast of Champions

November 10th - Annual AGUILA Veteran’s Project - Partnership with South Mountain Community College

November 11th - Veteran’s Day Parade - Partnership with Arizona Veterans

December 19th - Annual AGUILA College Fair