Student of the Year Award

These students were chosen from Arizona Program's National Adult Education Honor Society Inductees.

Honorio Alcala , Arizona Call-A-Teen Youth Resources

 Honorio was just seventeen when he joined ACYR (Arizona Call-A-Teen Youth Resources) last October. He gained more than one grade level in reading and math in only a few months of attendance, while coming to school five days a week and working 40 hours as a care giver. At such a young age, Honorio has shouldered the responsibility of an adult, maintaining a household for his mother, three younger siblings, and his girlfriend and two young children. He has overcome the tragedy of losing his younger sister. He is a caring young man who helps others in class. The owner of the care center which employs Honorio is very impressed with the letter from the NAEHS, and intends to recognize his efforts. Honorio has just passed the GED exam. He plans to join the Phoenix Police Department and attend Maricopa County Community College .

   Alicia Castro, Crane Family Literacy

 Alicia has been relentless in her efforts to continue her studies even after the hardships she has experienced. Alicia began working in the cotton fields at the young age of 13. It was the only way to pay for her school supplies. She is now 62 years old, and has not slowed down a bit.  She wants to stay in school, get her GED and citizenship, and eventually get a job as a nursing assistant. Her unwavering dedication to her lifetime goals is truly remarkable. Her perseverance has been as inspiration to the student body and Adult Literacy Staff at Crane Family Literacy, as well as to her family. All of Alicia’s children have graduated from college, which is a tribute to her. Now it is Alicia’s turn to shine as the great leader and role model that she is to her family and community.

   Jawahir Roble, Wright Family Literacy (PCCAE)

 Jawahir was the first Somali refugee to join our Wright Family Literacy (Pima College Adult Education) class. As more refugees enrolled, Jawahir was irreplaceable in making them feel safe and teaching them about the program. In addition, the class elected her to be a student leadership representative. She attends monthly trainings, participates in planning and facilitating Parent Times, and translates for her fellow Somali students.  Jawahir is a role model to other students with near perfect attendance and a willingness to cooperate. She also studies hard outside of class, asking for additional work and staying late after class. Her motivation is evident in her desire to help her children succeed in school. Her ultimate goal is to improve her English, to find a job so she can bring her father to the U.S.  Jawahir has taught her classmates and teachers the importance of cultural awareness, understanding and friendship.