Natasha Juan receives High School Student of the Year Award
Emma Hughes
Gila River Indian News
GRIC member Natasha Juan, a senior at Coolidge High School, was honored with the prestigious High School Student of the Year Award from the Phoenix Indian Center. An award ceremony for the annual Arizona American Indian Excellence in Leadership Awards was held on Nov. 22, at the Heard Museum.
Awards are divided in to nine categories for recipients who demonstrate dedication, leadership, and commitment to the advancement and development of the cultural, education, social, economic, or political welfare.
High School Student of the Year award is reserved for students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to their community.
Juan has consistently impressed teachers, peers, and the local community with her dedication and excellence. Maintaining a stellar GPA of 4.0 and being on the honor roll each year, while balancing extracurricular activities and community service.
Juan was nominated for the award by the school’s student advisor, Jerry Curley. “He’s really been supportive of her, since freshman year,” said her mother, Josette Sanchez. “He’s always been a helping hand and a guiding star for her. So, I really appreciate him giving her that honor.”
“I don’t take this lightly and hope that I can and do make our community proud. I’m just getting started and I hope to accomplish a lot more,” Juan said during her acceptance speech. She also gave recognition to her parents, Josette Sanchez and Ervin Juan, for instilling her desire to work hard and reach for her goals.
She added, “I also want to give gratitude to my community for affording us opportunities to be involved in programs that are outside of our comfort zone - challenging us to step up as leaders.”
What makes Juan exceptional is her ability to shine in multiple areas, including high school softball and in Gila River Health Care’s Elev8 Initiative that commits to strengthening tribal healthcare and its workforce by fostering the interests of youth in healthcare careers.
Juan also attends the Central Arizona Valley Institute of Technology (CAVIT), which includes dual accredited courses. She will be receiving a pharmacy certification next year in May, and will be attending the University of Arizona, where she will pursue a degree in pharmaceutical sciences. Sheplans to pursue a career in the health field, an interest that was sparked during the COVID-19 pademic.
“I am extremely proud of her. She’s worked really hard,” said Sanchez.
Family and friends were present for the award ceremony, inlcuding GRIC leadership Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis, Community Council Representatives Avery White and Joseph Manuel Jr., and Miss Gila River Susanna Osife.
2024 Arizona American Indian Excellence in Leadership Award recipents:
• Kent C. Ware Lifetime Achievement Award: Jack Ahasteen (Diné)
• Phyllis J. Bigpond Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Juliette Roddy (Ojibwe and Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians)
• Woman of the Year: Loris Taylor (Hopi)
• Person of the Year: Eddie George/ Navi Ho (Diné)
• Business of the Year: Ahehee’ Shidine’e Homecare
• Volunteer of the Year: Barbara Tinhorn (Hualapai Tribe)
• Friend of the Community: Cooper Davis
• College Student of the Year: Angellisa J. Hoffman (San Carlos Apache) – Northern Arizona University
• High School Student of the Year: Natasha Juan (Gila River Indian Community)