Victor Moreno Jr. accepts recognition from Maricopa Unified School District Governing Board member Torri Anderson at the Senior Awards Night on May 11. More than 200 seniors were honored for their achievement. Photo by Victor Moreno

The Class of 2021 at Maricopa High School is the most honored group of graduates in the school’s 66-year history.

A record 225 students were honored for exceptional achievements in scholarships, honors, awards and leadership at the annual Senior Awards Night on May 11.

The class broke records for college scholarship dollars earned, college admissions, college applications and completed FAFSA applications. Nearly 600 awards were given, representing:

● $11.54 million in scholarships earned to date (nearly $4 million higher than the past two years)

● 82 graduates achieving Academic Excellence, graduating with a 4.0 GPA or higher

● 60 academic scholarships to Arizona State University, totaling nearly $3 million

● 91 academic scholarships to Northern Arizona University, totaling $2.8 million

● 58 academic scholarships to University of Arizona, totaling $1.8 million

● 3 Dorrance Foundation Scholars (out of 59 statewide), totaling over $300,000 in scholarships

● 13 Obama Scholars at Arizona State University, totaling $1.4 million

● 15 enlistments into the United States Armed Forces

The high school was recognized as a Free Application for Federal Student Aid MVP by the Arizona College Attainment Network and the Arizona Commission on Postsecondary Enrollment for having the largest FAFSA submission increase in the state (16% increase).

District superintendent Dr. Tracey Lopeman lauded the class for its achievements.

“When hard work meets great instruction, nothing is out of reach,” Lopeman said. “The pandemic was no match for the ambition and dedication of the Class of 2021.”

Among academic awards, Anabelle Dayley and Miguel Perez were recognized as the class valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. Perez was named a National Hispanic Scholar and National Rural and Small Town Scholar, while Dayley was selected Student of the Year in the World Language department and received university scholarships with highest honors, the Presidential Award, to both Arizona State University and the University of Arizona.

Brooke Smith was named Female Athlete of the Year, while Mister Chavis took home the top male athlete honor. Jovanni Fontes was named Male Academic Athlete of the Year with Dayley honored as the top female in the category.