Mrs. H's Corner
When it rains, it pours, especially if we are not prepared for the storm. This can certainly be said for our recent weather, however in the case of college preparation, poor planning or no planning can result in chaos and disappointment. It is important to start the process early. Research notes that starting the process as young as elementary school contributes to greater success. This is why AGUILA Academy was developed more than 10 years ago by our own Alum, Ramon Carranza (2007). I remember Ramon’s phone call to me after he began teaching middle school, “Mrs. H. we can’t talk to students about college when they don’t know how to
prepare for high school.” My response to him – “Well let’s develop a plan.”
AYAP (AGUILA Young Achievers Program) for 8th grade students was born and would later transition into AGUILA Academy which serves 6th - 8th grade students. It is important to instill the importance of education at an early age in motivating and inspiring success. Please be on the lookout for our application date this Fall for program participation in the Spring. As your
student moves forward on the path to high school here are only some of the tips students will receive as they journey through high school in preparation for college:
9th Grade
Explore career and college majors by assessments provided in AGUILA
Maintain your grades for a solid GPA – “Grades = $$$”
10th Grade
Take rigorous courses and aim to do your best.
Take the PSAT for practice
11th Grade
Study for standardized tests (SAT & ACT)
Complete your “brag Sheet” provided by AGUILA to provide to your recommenders
12th Grade
Fill out financial aid applications (FAFSA, CSS Profile, State applications)
Research, apply and attend the AGUILA (Scholarship Overnight Search)
These are only a few Tips – there is so much more to successful college application, admission and completion.
AGUILA Youth Leadership Institute is here to help.
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The 5th Annual AGUILA Breakfast of Champions
Dear AGUILA Community,
One of the foundational pillars we instill in our students at the AGUILA Youth Leadership Institute is the value of gratitude. Following the tremendous success of our recent event, our entire family—including our staff, faculty, volunteers, students, and families—extends our warmest thanks to everyone who attended the 5th Annual AGUILA Breakfast of Champions.
Over the years, this signature event has transitioned from a luncheon to a gala, and ultimately into our current breakfast format. Regardless of the setting, it continues to stand out as a powerful testament to AGUILA’s profound impact on youth, families, and local communities.
A Message of Gratitude from the AGUILA Class of 2026
"My name is Cesar Figueroa, and I want to express my deepest gratitude for the support you have given us at AGUILA. Thanks to your generosity, we didn't just expand our horizons; we learned discipline and the importance of giving back to our community. My dream is to become a history professor so I can teach others the true value of history and the vital lessons it holds. Thank you."
— Cesar Figueroa, AGUILA Class of 2026
NAU Class of 2030
Honoring the "Champions in our Midst"
We recognize that it truly takes a village to build pathways for our youth to realize their academic dreams. The Breakfast of Champions provides a vital platform to celebrate the dedicated individuals and organizations making up "Our Village." This year, we proudly honored:
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Francisco Gutierrez (Gutierrez Law Firm) – Recognized for his long-standing, steadfast advocacy and support.
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Irma Payan (Arizona Barrio Stories) – Honored for her exceptional dedication as a volunteer and program supporter.
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President Luis Cruz Rivera (Northern Arizona University) – Celebrated for his unwavering commitment to supporting AGUILA students at the post-secondary level.
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Anita Ritter – A distinguished community activist and super supporter who consistently answers the call to serve.
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Todd Wade (Director, Pan American Charter School) – Recognized for his immediate and constant support of onsite programming.
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Kevin Kendell (Pan American Charter School) – Honored for his tireless, behind-the-scenes work ensuring our programs run seamlessly. As Kevin noted, "I just want to make sure these kids get to college."
With Deepest Thanks to Our 2026 Corporate & Community Sponsors
Our vital work is made possible through the generosity of forward-thinking organizations that understand that an investment in AGUILA is an investment in our collective future. We extend our sincere appreciation to:
SRP
APS
Helios Education Foundation
OneAZ Credit Union
Southwest Gas
Representative Cesar Aguilar
City of Phoenix Councilmember Laura Pastor
Pinnacle West
State Farm
Oracle Strategies
Valle Del Sol
City of Tolleson
Mountain Park Health Center
Chicanos Por La Causa
Compass CBS Foundation
Skinsation
Airbnb
Antigua Garden
YOMOFOTO
DJ TC
We also want to highlight our Keynote Speaker, Ms. Celestina Garcia (Director of Training for NM Foster Care, life coach, and author). Her deeply moving address brought laughter, tears, and a profound sense of connection to everyone in attendance.
Join the Movement: Become an AGUILA Angel
If you were inspired by the stories, achievements, and mission showcased at this year's breakfast, we invite you to formally join our village. AGUILA is a designated Arizona Charitable Tax Organization, making your financial contributions tax-deductible at both the state and federal levels. Help us secure the future by empowering the leaders of tomorrow.
Thank you for being part of what journalist Catherine Anaya once famously proclaimed as "The Fastest Moving Train in Arizona."
Warm regards,
The AGUILA Youth Leadership Institute Team
info@aguilayouth.org | (602) 518-0612
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Natali's Column
How is it already October? The freshmen who once walked into AGUILA wide‑eyed are now exploring scholarships, visiting colleges, and shaping the futures they’ve been working toward. Time moves quickly, but watching our students grow makes every moment meaningful.
At the end of September, we completed another Scholarship Overnight Search and NACAC College Fair. Even with the long hours, the sight of our AGUILA students arriving dressed professionally, confident, and ready made every bit of effort worth it. What moved me even more was seeing families show up in full support — siblings, abuelitos, abuelitas, parents, guardians — all standing behind their student’s dreams. The fair became a celebration of community, hope, and possibility.
Students, as we enter the holiday season, remember the sacrifices your village makes for you — and the ones you make for yourself. You choose to show up. You choose to invest in your future. You choose to believe in your worth. That courage sets you apart. Keep paving your path with intention, and know AGUILA is with you every step of the way.
Families, your support matters more than you know. Every ride, reminder, and word of encouragement fuels your student’s journey. Your investment — big or small — echoes far into their future. And one day, they’ll repay you in the best way possible: by becoming exactly who they were meant to be.
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Mark Your Calendars !
On November 10, 2026, AGUILA will host the 3rd Annual AGUILA Veterans Storytelling Project. This heartfelt initiative honors the dedication and sacrifices of our nation's veterans by showcasing powerful narratives collected and performed by our students.
Through this project, students deeply connect with the experiences of those who served, fostering personal growth, leadership, and a profound appreciation for military service.
We warmly invite the community to join us for this unique opportunity to celebrate collaboration, promote cultural heritage, and empower the next generation of leaders.
This event is free and open to the public.
Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Doors Open: 6:00 p.m.
Live Music: Ms. Olivia Calderon
Program Begins: 7:00 p.m. sharp
Location:
South Mountain Community College
Student Union Conference Center
7050 S. 24th Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85042
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AGUILA’s IMPACT
The Power of the AGUILA Family
This month, I received an inspiring update from one of our alumni that truly defines what it means to be AGUILA Strong. Cadet Maeve Waddell is currently attending the US Air Force Academy Preparatory School in Colorado Springs. This rigorous 10-month program prepares cadet candidates through intense military training, physical fitness, and demanding academics. Reflecting on her journey so far, Maeve shared:
"I did really well during basic training. I learned how to exercise complete discipline and function in a stressful environment with low sleep while being exhausted. I also learned the importance of detail—that everything must be done to the best of our ability down to the smallest detail because one day when we commission, it could mean someone’s life. I also learned what it means to wear the uniform; they are so much more than clothes. They encompass the airman’s core values of Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in all we do. People have given their lives to protect this country in the same uniform I have the honor to wear. I am determined to commission as a Geospatial Intelligence Officer when I graduate the Academy."
Before she began her journey, I connected Maeve with AGUILA alumnus USAF Major Isaac Rivera, who walked the exact same path. Major Rivera provided guidance and mentorship, embodying the core of our AGUILA Family—paying it forward to the next generation of leaders.
The story came full circle recently when Major Rivera returned to the USAF Academy for a reunion. He sent me a text with a photo saying, "Look who I found." Seeing Major Rivera and Cadet Maeve Waddell side-by-side brought tears to my eyes.
This is the real, lasting impact of AGUILA! - Mrs. H
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Ways to give!
BECOME AN AGUILA ANGEL
For just $20 a month, you can become a beacon of hope for our AGUILA students in grades 6-8, lighting the way towards their bright futures! Developed by our very own AGUILA Alum and dedicated educator, Ramon Carranza, the AGUILA Academy is not just a program—it's a launchpad for success, guiding students through the intricate paths of high school, college admissions, scholarships, and ultimately, the careers of their dreams. With a customized curriculum that fuels their AIM (aspiration, inspiration, and motivation), your monthly contribution is like planting seeds of ambition that will blossom into leadership. So why not take a step forward and "AGUILA" your support? Join us in this transformative journey and wear your AGUILA T-Shirt with pride, knowing that your generosity is nurturing the leaders of tomorrow!
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ShopRaise
Whether it’s shopping for daily essentials like groceries, buying furniture for your home office, or even booking your next trip, the ShopRaise app lets you raise funds when you shop for your cause online. Now you can turn your everyday shopping into support for AGUILA at no additional cost to you.
| | Supporting a cause like AGUILA's mission to help kids thrive is both impactful and rewarding. By contributing to their Amazon wish list, you can play a vital role in providing the necessary resources and supplies that will aid in the development and success of the children they support. Every item on the list has been thoughtfully selected to ensure it meets the specific needs of the kids, ranging from educational materials to everyday essentials. Your contribution, no matter the size, can make a significant difference in creating a nurturing and supportive environment for these young individuals. By coming together as a community, we can collectively uplift and empower the next generation, helping them to reach their full potential. | | Supporting AGUILA is a meaningful way to make a positive impact on the lives of children and the broader community. AGUILA, known for its commitment to providing educational and developmental opportunities, relies on the generosity of donors to maintain and expand its valuable programs. Every contribution, regardless of size, plays a crucial role in ensuring that AGUILA can continue to empower young minds, foster growth, and build a brighter future for the community. Your donation helps facilitate access to resources, mentorship, and learning experiences that are pivotal in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Consider making a donation today and be part of a transformative journey that uplifts and inspires. | |
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DID YOU KNOW…
You can directly support AGUILA students at no net cost to you?
AGUILA YouthLeadership Institute is a Qualified Charitable Organization
(QCO #22006, EIN: 20-5820343).
This means your donation qualifies for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit,
allowing you to reduce what you owe in state taxes dollar for dollar!
Here’s how it works:
- You donate to AGUILA Youth Leadership Institute.
- When you file your Arizona taxes, you claim the credit using QCO #22006.
- The amount you donate is subtracted directly from what you owe in Arizona State Taxes.
This means you can support AGUILA students without spending anything extra! Your donation redirects your tax dollars to help students prepare for college/career/life. Make your impact today! YOU decide where your taxes are directed. Make a difference in the lives of our youth, families and communities. Donate to AGUILA Youth Leadership Institute and invest in a brighter future for all of us.
With Gratitude,
AGUILA Youth Leadership Institute
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