Class of 2022 leaders look ahead

Following the challenges brought on by the pandemic, the 2021-22 school year saw a return to normalcy.

The Class of 2022 at area schools, which graduates this week, has faced many challenges on the way to earning a diploma. These outstanding seniors have overcome the obstacles and are looking ahead confidently to college life and achieving their career goals.

Catelyn Chang
Maricopa High School

Catelyn plans to attend Arizona State University and major in Conservation Biology and Ecology. Eventually, she wants to become a marine biologist. She feels her time at Maricopa High has prepared her through AP courses and dual enrollment opportunities.

“I also encountered many different teachers who had various teaching styles, which I will soon face in college,” Catelyn said.

Catelyn feels her greatest achievement was making the MHS Dance Company, “because I have such an amazing team who I can call my dance family as well as my hardworking teacher.”

Catelyn’s favorite high school memory was probably the “Wish Upon a Dream” dance recital in December 2021, “because it was such a fun and thrilling experience, especially since it was in-person and not a virtual recital.”

Gracee Clark
Maricopa High School

Gracee, a lifelong Maricopan, is vice president of Maricopa High School Theatre Company. She wants to become a lawyer specializing in business law. She feels her studies of sociopolitical issues at MHS have prepared her for higher education and made her passionate about justice.

“My greatest achievement was managing to keep up with school during quarantine,” Gracee said. “My favorite high school memory was stage-managing ‘Bright Star’ and connecting with my Southern culture.”

Matthew David
Maricopa High School

Throughout high school, Matthew has been active in several clubs, including National Honors Society, Link Crew and EdRising. The Maricopa native is vice chairman of the Maricopa Youth City Council, where he volunteers his time to serve and unite youth in the community. He plans to attend ASU and major in nursing.

“I have always had a passion for serving children in our community and providing medical care for those who are in need,” he said.

Matthew pointed out participating in clubs and organizations throughout high school has “given me the opportunity to volunteer and serve, whether that would be within my school, the city or in the church.”

He also wishes to thank Mrs. Krigbaum and Education Professions for teaching him about the importance of health in a child’s growth and development, which has influenced his decision to become a pediatric nurse.

Matthew’s greatest achievement is maintaining a 4.0 grade point average and participating in several extracurricular activities while balancing school, work and life.

His favorite memory? “Seeing the smiles on kids’ faces during my Edrising internship hours.”

Lealani Escalade
A+ Charter Academy

Lealani is a member of the National Honor Society and president of the student council. Away from school, Lealani is a member of a dance group specializing in Folklorico, Mexican folk dancing.

Lealani, who will graduate as a junior and will attend Grand Canyon University in the fall, also helped plan her school’s prom.
Lealani’s biggest achievement was to graduate early and gain acceptance into Grand Canyon University. “If I went to another high school, I’m not sure I would have had the opportunity. Not all high schools do the early college program.” Lealani said that once the faculty knew that she understood what advanced classes would mean, “They all rallied with me.”

Lealani’s fondest memory was her college tour at Grand Canyon University back in November. “It was a fun day,” she said. “My friends went with me and I really felt that’s where I should be. In Nov. 21. I was still considering other options, but it became clear that day that’s where I wanted to be.”

Natalie Hanania
Maricopa High School

Natalie is active in DECA, Yearbook, Theatre, Link Crew, Asian American Association and Class of 2022. A native of Folsom, California, Natalie has spent most of her life in Maricopa. She is a fan of the television show “The Office” but has no aspirations to be a regional manager of a paper company. Instead, she’s going to work toward a degree in business communications, specializing in human resources.

“MHS has given me many opportunities to prepare for my career, from giving us a marketing class, DECA and DECA competition, Link Crew, an AP Econ class, a Digital Communications class and many others,” she said.

Natalie was voted Homecoming Queen, “Best Social Media Feed” for senior superlatives and is known as the “announcement girl” at school.

Her greatest achievements include becoming DECA president and going to DECA competition, getting the part of Lucy in the musical “Bright Star” this year and becoming MHSTV news producer.

Zoie Koons
Heritage Academy

Zoie moved to Maricopa from Oklahoma at the beginning of her freshman year. Her hobbies include reading, “any type of art I can get my hands on, yoga/meditation, and spending time with friends and family.”

“I have many wonderful siblings who fuel my energy, and a wonderful, supportive family that I am grateful for,” Zoie said. “I am ready to end this year strong and head on my way to finding and experiencing my best future!”

Although high school has had its ups and downs, Zoie appreciates her teachers and their support. “Therefore, I’ve thought about pursuing a career in teaching. I’ve also considered somewhere in the business category as well. Although I may not continue with this plan, I do believe I will find my purpose.”

As for a favorite memory, Zoie said: “Honestly, I don’t have a favorite high school memory. The days tend to just merge together. I can say that I have loved all the fun and laughs that I’ve spent with friends, especially friends I’ve made outside of school, and I wouldn’t have asked to experience high school in any other way.”

Haley Raffaele
Maricopa High School

Haley has a passion for the performing arts. Through all four years of high school, she has dedicated herself to theatrical performance — and has a desire to learn more. Haley wishes to explore every component of theater. With this career path, she is confident she will find fulfillment.

“Whether I help others enter the world of theater or attempt to pursue professional performance, I am doing what I love, and high school has taught me that this pursuit is the most imperative to my happiness and success,” she said.

Haley feels her time at Maricopa High has taught her how to “deeply analyze a character on a vulnerable, yet profound level” and that it has taught her “how integral a role theater plays in philosophy, literature, history, anthropology.”

She pointed out those lessons have prepared her for the challenge presented by the interdisciplinary teachings of a theater degree.

Haley’s top achievement was her musical theater performance awards and scholarships earned at the annual International Thespian Festival.

That was also the site of one of her favorite high school memories.

“At my first festival, I got to perform in front of one of my Broadway idols for adjudication with my group, and we moved him to tears! It was the most exhilarating moment of my life, and afterwards we celebrated, went to workshops and had the opportunity to meet him as well. I’ll never forget that moment.”

Kaden Rogers
Maricopa High School

Kaden is hopeful for a career in film and television and aspires to work behind the camera.

“My goal, and dream, is to direct and produce films and television, as well as own and operate a production company,” Kaden said. “At Maricopa High School, I have started preparing for these aspirations through starting the MHS Film Club, taking the Technical Theater/Stagecraft class and internship, as well as being involved with the Technical Theatre Club.”

Kaden’s greatest achievement in high school was premiering a short film, “Little Tavern in the Woods,” that he created with Film Club during his sophomore and junior years. “The experience with my fellow Film Club members was extremely gratifying and exciting, and I am very proud of the project that we were able to create.”

Kaden’s favorite experience was participating in Mr. Maricopa High School.

“I had a great time with the other Mr. MHS contestants at our practices — even if we never really ‘practiced’ — and participating in the actual event.”

Jonathan Romero Dominguez
Sequoia Pathway Academy

Jonathan has four siblings and enjoys playing sports as well as activities with his family. Jonathan played varsity football all four years of high school.

He plans to go to university and pursue a career in business administration, with hopes of one day starting his own business.
“High school has taught me to be patient and understanding with those I disagree with,” he said.

Jonathan’s biggest achievement was earning scholarships to multiple colleges that will help him pursue his career.

Looking back on his high school career, Jonathan’s fondest memory will be “winning football games with my boys with those Friday night lights on.”

Joseph Russoniello
Maricopa High School

Joseph intends to study hospitality management and economics in college and hopes to one day work in financial operations for a nationwide hotel chain.

“My high school experience has really helped me to prepare for this future. My high school mathematics really pushed and encouraged me to use math in creative and inventive ways,” he said.

Joseph also took job opportunities throughout high school and worked summer internships for Highway West Vacations to prepare himself for the real world of hospitality operations.

Joseph’s greatest achievement in high school was getting accepted into the Kilachand Honors College at Boston University.

“Years of hard work inside and outside of my classes finally led to an acceptance to a prestigious school that I would love to attend,” he said.

Joseph counts among his fondest school memories his work with the Maricopa High School Theatre Company.

“My freshman year, we traveled to the International Thespian Festival, and I was able to spend an entire week performing with best friends in front of an audience of thousands of fellow Thespians and Broadway icons,” he said. “It was unbelievable.”

Caleb Weyrauch
Heritage Academy

Caleb has attended Heritage Academy since the school opened in 2019 at the former UltraStar. Caleb has wrestled, played basketball, volleyball, and participated in dance and drama. He enjoys sports the most and is a highly competitive athlete. He loves spending time with friends inside and outside of school.

After high school, Caleb plans to go to Africa to serve a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“When I come back, I plan on majoring in either engineering or finance,” he said. “I was originally interested in pursuing engineering since I had a strong academic performance in science and math but have recently taken economics and financial applications and those classes have piqued my interest.”

Caleb’s greatest achievement is keeping a perfect academic record. “At times it’s been hard, but I’ve always managed to pull an A in every class. If you want it bad enough, you set goals, and you work toward them. You’ll eventually reach them.”

His favorite high school memory is going to the state tournament with his volleyball team junior year.

“Although we lost the game, we played really well, and I already miss those who left since last season. After the game, some of my friends and family expressed that they were surprised at how passionate I was on the court. I don’t think I’ll forget how it felt to play that day.”

Taylor Yon
Sequoia Pathway Academy

Taylor has attended Sequoia Pathway for 13 years. Her favorite activities include volleyball, hiking, crafts and hanging out with friends and family. She has two older brothers and a younger sister.

“I wouldn’t be who I am today without my great loving parents supporting me along the way,” she said. “I couldn’t have done anything without them.”

Taylor aspires to finish Central Arizona Valley Institute of Technology (CAVIT) to become a registered medical assistant and then attend Central Arizona College to obtain a degree in recreation and tourism management.

Her top achievements include balancing a 4.1 GPA, getting All-Region 2nd Team volleyball, and balancing high school, CAVIT and a part-time job. Her favorite memory is participating in Senior Night for the volleyball team.

Chloe Zimmerman
Maricopa High School

Chloe has many career goals. She plans to attend Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to study elementary education. Chloe has plans to earn a master’s degree in the field and a Department of Defense Education Activity license.

“After this, I will teach on the Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany,” she said. “High school has helped me realize my dreams and how I can achieve them, along with teaching me very valuable social skills to better myself.”

Chloe says her greatest MHS achievement is becoming head drum major of the marching band.

“My favorite high school memories are fishing at Copper Sky with the Fishing Club, a club I started, and bringing my cat, Nala, to meet everyone at marching band practice,” she said.

This content was first published in the May edition of InMaricopa magazine.

Photos by Victor Moreno.