El Grito

Mrs. H's Corner

The future is not a gift: it is an achievement. Every generation helps make its own future. This is the essential challenge of the present.

-Robert “Bobby” Kennedy

If you really know me – you will know that I am one of the biggest fans of Robert Francis “Bobby” Kennedy and I frequently reference his quotes to create a lesson, speech or my column. When I read this particular quote, I think of the many youth who have journeyed through AGUILA.

In the more than 20 years of doing so, staff and I have witnessed transformation in many who have overcome challenges that threaten their goals. I am always – always amazed and feel privileged to work with students who work hard to achieve their goals. My staff and I have and continue to work hard to ensure our students receive the information and resources to ensure success.

On the other hand, both staff and I have worked long nights, doing all we can for students only to feel frustration and disappointment in those who become disinterested, don’t participate, attend sessions sporadically and then wonder why they have not been admitted to colleges and without scholarships. Unfortunately, they wait too long, and it becomes more difficult to fulfill their dreams. We are NOT Fairy Godmothers/Godfathers who, with a wave of a wand, create the gift of success.

As my hero states “The future is not a gift” – you MUST work toward your goals and yes, it is WORK. But look at it this way – you could, like many of our students receive a $20,000 scholarship that took 1 hour, or less, to complete. These are tumultuous times and many young people are questioning whether to go to college but let me reinforce – an education is an achievement NO ONE can take from you. We are in

desperate need of hope and faith that our current generations will take the lead, meet the challenge and soar like the AGUILA to create a great future for themselves, their families, their communities, their country and the world. SI SE PUEDE!!!!

A Happy New Year comes with a gift of achievement resulting from hard work realized in acceptance to your dream school with scholarship.

LET’S GET TO WORK!

AGUILA COLLEGE COMPADRES

Loras College, located in Dubuque, Iowa, is a leader in Catholic liberal arts education, where faith, learning, and creativity come together. We believe college is a time to explore your interests, not one where you need to rush into a decision. You’ll have the freedom to try different academic paths early on, discover what excites you, and confidently choose a major while still graduating in four years. Through personalized learning and hands-on, real-world experiences, your first semesters at Loras are all about discovering what you enjoy and how those interests can turn into a career that fits you.

Natali's Corner

Your sense of urgency is a direct reflection of how important something is to you.

Read that again. Let it sink in.

Your sense of urgency is a direct reflection of how important something is to you.

This truth applies to anyone, at any time, in any season of life—but today, I want to speak directly to our graduating seniors. How important is going to college and graduating debt-free to you?

If you are actively searching for scholarships and consistently submitting applications, your actions speak clearly: this goal matters to you. However, if you find yourself repeatedly saying, “I’ll apply later,” “I’ll do it at SOS,” or “I’ll apply this weekend,” while weekends continue to fly by with no action taken, it’s time for some honest reflection. In those moments, graduating college debt-free may not be as high of a priority as you claim it to be.

The same is true when it comes to choosing a college. If you have not genuinely thought through which school you want to attend—or have delayed submitting applications—then college may not yet hold the level of importance it deserves. By this point, applications should be submitted, financial aid packages or award letters reviewed, and admission decisions received—whether acceptance, waitlist, or denial.

Now, let’s talk about the flip side.

If you have been accepted to a school you’re excited about, reviewed your financial aid package, calculated how much scholarship money you still need to earn, connected with your admissions representative, created your student portal, stayed on top of communications and to-do lists, and understand your deposit requirements—your sense of urgency has spoken volumes.

It has told the world that you are ready to take college head-on.

Despite the chaos of senior year, you made college a priority. And that commitment—though it may require sacrifice and delayed gratification now—will pay off immensely when you walk across the graduation stage in 4–5 years with ZERO student loan debt.

So once again, remember this:

Your sense of urgency is a direct reflection of how important something is to you.

How important is going to college and graduating debt-free to you?

And more importantly—what actions are you taking to match that urgency?

—Natali Martinez

Applications for the 2026-2027

School Year are now Open

Click Here To Apply

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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 support AGUILA. Join us in this transformative journey and wear your AGUILA T-Shirt with pride, knowing that your generosity is nurturing the leaders of tomorrow!

BECOME AN ANGEL NOW

Upcoming events

Mark your calendars!

February - SOS2.0 (Current AGUILA students only)
March – Summit (Open to High School Students).
April - Golf Tournament (3rd annual Fundraiser).
April - Blood Drive (1st Annual community event)

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.

Get The App Now - ITS FREE!

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.

AGUILAS Wish List

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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