Yuma Catholic Valedictorian reflects on journey from Mexico to graduation stage

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - One Yuma Catholic High School student is graduating at the top of her class after what she describes as a major life transition.

Chiara, this year’s valedictorian, says she moved to the United States from Mexico around the middle of her eighth-grade year. After spending part of that time learning online and feeling isolated, she says stepping onto Yuma Catholic’s campus gave her a fresh start.

“When I stepped into YC, I just wanted to be as involved as I could,” she said.

Chiara says adjusting to a new country and school system was difficult at first, but ultimately rewarding.

“It was a big change,” she said. “The transition was kind of hard, but it was so rewarding. Coming here was a great opportunity.”

Her story comes as Yuma Catholic’s graduating class continues to reach academic milestones. School officials say the class of 126 students earned more than $23.8 million in scholarships this year. More than 100 students also graduated with associate degrees through the school’s dual enrollment partnership with Arizona Western College.

School leaders say the program has grown significantly over the years.

“We started with only three classes and now we have over 30 classes on campus,” said Terra Stallworth. “So the program has really grown and it’s taken time to cultivate.”

Chiara says one of the main reasons her family moved to the United States was to give her the opportunity to attend college.

“Really, I just want to make my parents proud,” she said.

She plans to attend Boston College this fall, where she will study biology on a pre-med track with hopes of becoming a doctor one day.

School leaders say stories like Chiara’s reflect the culture of support and academic encouragement they hope students experience on campus.