Santa Cruz Valley USD No. 35 proudly recognized outstanding student achievement at this year’s Golden Hawk Awards, a district tradition honoring graduating seniors for academic excellence, leadership, and success across a wide range of programs, scholarships, and career pathways.
The event highlighted students who earned local and merit-based scholarships, along with recipients of departmental and special recognition awards. The evening served as a celebration of student dedication, perseverance, and the many accomplishments of the graduating class as they prepare for their next chapter.
Throughout the ceremony, students were honored for excellence in academics, career and technical education, fine arts, athletics, counseling services, and alternative pathways. Each recognition reflected years of hard work, personal growth, and commitment to achieving post-secondary goals.
Special Award Recipients
🏅 Principal’s Award: Sophia Guzman
🏅 Assistant Principal’s Award: Pike Thunder Munger
🏅 CTE Director’s Award: Melani Pastor Lopez
🏅 Athletic Excellence Award: Jessence Octavio-Callejo
Department Award Recipients
⭐ Fine Arts: Georgina Uriarte Plata
⭐ English: Daniel Woodburn
⭐ Alternative Pathways: Julian Guillermo
⭐ Science: Luis Gallardo
⭐ Social Studies: Hayleigh Simmons Navarro
⭐ Math: Zulette Lizarraga
⭐ Physical Education: Sophia Guzman
⭐ Helpful Hawk: Myline Elias
⭐ Foreign Language: Roberto Maldonado
⭐ Career and Technical Education: Zaidah Rodriguez
⭐ Counseling: Yanel Fuentes
Merit Scholarship Recipients
SCV35 proudly recognized students who earned at least one merit-based scholarship for their academic achievement, leadership, and post-secondary readiness. This group represents a wide range of talents, goals, and future pathways.
Aaliyah Yocupicio, Adrian Solis, Alan Martinez, Alekza Canez, Alma Romero, Amanda Leyva, Ambar Davila Romero, Anabelle Martinez, Anapaula Felix, Anayareni Antunez-Pino, Anthony Martinez, Ayleen Arana, Briana Lillywhite, Christian Delgadillo, Crystal Garrett, Daniela Orozco, Daniella Osorio, Diego Ramirez, Donaxi Espinoza Cervantes, Elena Hester, Elisa Covarrubias, Frank Hernandez, Gabriella Gutierrez-Gutierrez, Gael Sedano, Genesis Baltierrez, Gerardo Santos, Gianna Aguirre, Gianna Gastelum, Gisell Lopez, Grecia Corella, Hayden Barron, Hayleigh Simmons Navarro, Hector Heredia, Jacob Marquez, Jaquelyn Santos, Jaslene Maddox, Jelanie Ryser-Cantua, Jesanie Tapia, Jesus Rodriguez, Joal Wilkinson, Joaquin Franco-Smith, Jose Mendoza, Julian Guillermo, Julianna Santa Cruz, Justin Varela, Kamila Rosas, Kassandra Hernandez, Katherine Franqui, Kenia Navarro, Krystina Zepeda, Kyara Ugarte, Kyara Valencia, Kyla Gilbert, Luis Gallardo, Luna Diaz, Magnolia Reinhardt, Maria Reyes, Marialejandra Corral, Melani Pastor Lopez, Mia Lopez, Mia Ramirez, Miguel Espinoza Ruiz, Miranda Islava, Natalia Malmaceda, Neydy Suarez, Nicholas Mejia, Paco Mendivil, Pike Munger, Raquel Carrillo, Renata Aguirre, Ricardo Valdez, Santiago Adan Esmeral, Sheccid Martinez, Sonia Heredia, Suzette Trujillo-Lira, Tatianna Arellano, Valeria Molina, Victor Padilla, Victoria Lamadrid, Yazlene Ornelas, Yulianna Castillo, Zaidah Rodriguez, and Zulette Lizarraga.
Community Scholarship Partners
SCV35 extends its deepest gratitude to the many organizations, foundations, businesses, and individuals whose generosity makes these scholarships possible. Their continued investment in students creates life-changing opportunities and strengthens the future of our community.
Special thanks to:
The Women of Quail Creek
Rio Rico Rotary
Tubac Rotary
South32
Asociación de Maquiladoras de Sonora
Tubac Fire
Santa Cruz County REALTORS® Real Wishes
Jando Meza Rio Rico Alumni Association
SCV #35 Hall of Fame
Santa Cruz Community Foundation Scholarship
Greater Green Valley Health Education Association
Jesus Cordova Scholarship Foundation
Nogales Women’s Club
Boys and Girls Club of Santa Cruz County
Mariposa Community Health Center
UniSource
Friends of SCVUSD #35 Top 5%
Manuel Padilla Memorial Scholarship
CKG Ambassador Scholarship
Santa Cruz County Cowbelle Scholarship
RRHS 1st Gen Student Scholarship
Girls Scout Troop 252 Scholarship
Nogales Debutante Cotillion Scholarship
Mediacom World Class
JTED Foundation
Junior Achievement 18 Under 18
Education Forward Arizona Scholarship
Santa Cruz County Rodeo Association
Los Charros Foundation
Santa Cruz County Provisional Community College (Pima)
From memorial scholarships to civic organizations and educational foundations, these partners represent a powerful network of support for SCV35 students.
A Celebration of Community and Student Success
The Golden Hawk Awards remain one of SCV35’s most meaningful traditions, bringing together students, families, staff, and community partners to celebrate excellence and achievement. Each recognition represents not only individual success, but also the strength of a community that believes in its students.
SCV35 congratulates all honorees and thanks every organization, family, and supporter who continues to invest in student success.
