Mrs. H's Corner

Spring into Action: April College Readiness & Updates

While the blooming flowers and chirping birds make us all want to relax in a hammock, the AGUILA family knows that April is a season of action! We have a busy month ahead, and our scholars must stay focused on the finish line.

Seniors: Focus on the "Bottom Line"

Now is the time to defeat "Senioritis" and finish strong.

Review Financial Aid: Compare your award packages carefully. If you don’t understand the numbers, remember our mantra: “You have to A-S-K if you want to G-E-T!” Reach out to your school counselor, the universities, or the AGUILA staff for help.
Decision Day: You must know your final costs and make your selection by May 1st (National Decision Day). Be sure to submit all required deposits on time.

Juniors: Building Your Competitive Edge

The college process is in full swing for you!

Finalize Testing: If you haven’t taken the ACT or SAT yet, it’s time to "get on it!"
Refine Your List: Research majors and schools that align with your passions.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Update your resume and secure your teacher and counselor recommendations now.
Plan Your Summer: Look into college visits, internships, or volunteer opportunities to help your application stand out.

Sophomores & Freshmen: Discover Your Passion

Stay focused on your academics and community service. We encourage you to participate in AGUILA Informational Interviews to explore potential career paths and majors that excite you.

Save the Date: Annual Summer Leadership Symposium

We are hard at work preparing for our favorite event of the year at Northern Arizona University (NAU)! The Symposium provides our scholars with a true university experience, fostering lifelong bonds and self-discovery.

How You Can Help:

To keep our scholars fueled during the Symposium, AGUILA is seeking snack donations. Please see our Wishlist down below.

There are so many ways YOU can help our children Believe AND Achieve their DREAMS:

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

Spring is here, and for many, that signifies “spring cleaning.” While you may be going through your closet looking for items to donate and doing a deep clean of your room and home, think about spring cleaning for your mind. What has been bogging you down lately? What has been taking your energy? How can you apply the concept of spring cleaning to your life and mind right now?

Not only can clearing your room or home provide you with a revitalized sense of calm, but taking a break from social media, limiting your screen time, and putting your phone on “Do Not Disturb” an hour before bed are all ways you can incorporate spring cleaning for the mind. You can also start breaking old habits and replacing them with healthier ones. For example, before your first cup of coffee, drink a cup of water so that you start your day by replenishing fluids lost overnight.

Use springtime as a minor reset for the year. It is already the fourth month, and while some resolutions have stuck and others have faded, use this moment as an opportunity to reflect and adjust. Where do you want to be four months from now? What can you do today to help ensure you get there by August?

Spring cleaning doesn’t just have to be for your closet, room, garage, or home—it can also apply to your mental well-being and overall health.

schedule an appointment or for more information, please call

1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2467)

or log on to redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code: AYLI

4747 N. 22nd St. Suite 100 PHX, AZ

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Its never to 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 2027 taxes. This option allows you to decide where your Arizona Taxes go to – supporting the DREAMS of our future leaders.

Learn More

A Very Happy Birthday To Our Co-Founder Mr. H!

This month, AGUILA Youth Leadership Institute gathers with immense gratitude to celebrate the birthday of our esteemed Co-Founder, Mr. H.

While many know "Mr. H" as the steady, quiet force behind our mission, his impact on the Phoenix community and the thousands of students he has mentored is immeasurable. A proud native Phoenician, graduate of East High School (PUHSD), and alumnus of the College of Santa Fe, Robert has dedicated his life to the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to soar.

His visionary leadership is perhaps most visible through the AGUILA Men of Honor program, which he founded to instill pillars of integrity, character, and purpose in our young men. This initiative was notably recognized by the Obama Administration as a White House Bright Spot Award recipient. As one of our male alumni recently shared, “The Men of Honor component in AGUILA changed my life.”

Beyond the accolades, it was Robert’s heart for service that built the foundation of this organization. In our earliest days, he stepped up without hesitation, taking on extra work to personally fund the development of AGUILA and ensure our students could achieve their dreams. He truly embodies the kindness and gentleness we strive to teach our scholars.

Please join us in wishing Mr. H a very Happy Birthday! We are eternally grateful for his 38 years of devotion to his family and his unwavering faith in the "Eagle" spirit

With gratitude,

The AGUILA Youth Leadership Institute Team

AGUILA Peoria Middle School Academy – Don’t Miss the Final Sessions!

For more than 20 years, AGUILA Youth Leadership Institute has been dedicated to empowering students across Arizona by providing access to college knowledge, leadership development, and career exploration opportunities. While AGUILA is widely known for its impact with high school scholars, we are equally committed to supporting younger students—ensuring middle school scholars gain a strong foundation and a head start on their educational journey.

Our AGUILA Peoria Middle School Academy is designed specifically for 7th and 8th grade scholars who reside in the City of Peoria, creating a space where students can begin building the habits, confidence, and vision needed for future success.

With just two sessions remaining—April 25 and May 30—now is the time to get involved! These engaging sessions focus on academic success, preparation for high school, and exposure to college and career pathways—all in a supportive and motivating environment.

Best of all, this program is completely free to attend.

Scholars in the Academy will gain:

Tools and habits for success in middle school and high school
Confidence in their academic and personal goals
Early exposure to college pathways and diverse careers
Connection to mentors and a community that believes in their potential

Sessions will be held within the City of Peoria, with exact locations shared directly with registered students and families.

Registration is strongly recommended, as space is limited.

If you know a student who could benefit from this opportunity, don’t wait—sign up today and reserve your space!

Give your student a jump start on their future with AGUILA.

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 ACADEMY

AGUILA UPCOMING EVENTS 2026

April 19th Golf Tournament - Legacy Golf Course

April 25th - Blood Drive - Partnership with American Red Cross - Student Led

June 13th - AGUILA Honors Convocation

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

September 4th - Annual Breakfast of Champions

November 6th - 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