Winning Year: 2019
Fernando Vargas
Angie Amaya
Manuel Angulo
Jennifer Ventura
Carlos López Ramírez
Catalina Burgara Maldonado
Catalina Burgara Maldonado
Catalina Burgara Maldonado, a first-generation Hispanic student, has demonstrated unwavering dedication to her studies and community. Her unique background has not only fueled her academic success but also significantly contributed to her school and surroundings.
From an early age, Catalina was inspired by the sacrifice and determination of her parents, Juana Maldonado and José Burgara, who worked tirelessly to provide her with opportunities they never had. This legacy of hard work and dedication has shaped Catalina’s character, and she has proudly taken on the challenge of honoring her parents’ trust and support.
At Apollo High School, Catalina excelled academically, ranking in the top 1% of her class with a weighted GPA of 5.0. She participated in rigorous Advanced Placement courses and the dual enrollment program at Glendale Community College, where she excelled in studies of professional sales and marketing.
Catalina’s success extends beyond the classroom. Her commitment to the community is evident in her involvement in various extracurricular activities, including Key Club, National Honor Society, DECA, Mu Alpha Theta, and dance. Over the years, Catalina has accumulated more than 400 hours of community service, demonstrating her passion for helping others and making a tangible difference in her environment.
As vice president of Key Club and president of DECA at Apollo High School, Catalina has shown exceptional leadership skills. Her dedication to service and her ability to inspire others has been recognized by her classmates, teachers, and counselors.
In addition to her academic and extracurricular achievements, Catalina has worked as an instructor and choreographer at Limitless Dance Studio, sharing her passion for dance with children of all ages. She has also demonstrated her leadership abilities in work settings, serving as a shift leader at Jamba Juice.
With a curious mind and a generous heart, Catalina is prepared to face future challenges with determination and courage. Her dream of becoming a dentist will lead her to study Biological Sciences (Pre-Dental) at Arizona State University, where she hopes to continue serving her community and positively impacting the world around her.
Luis Manuel Villalpondo
Luis Manuel Villalpondo
Luis Manuel Villalpando, a resident of Glendale, Arizona, has been a beacon of resilience, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit from a tender age. Even in his youth, Luis transformed challenges into opportunities, a testament to his ingenuity and leadership potential.
Luis grew up in Phoenix on the infamous 27th Avenue, an area plagued by nighttime dangers where he witnessed violence and crime. Despite these challenges, he found refuge in baseball. His mother enrolled him in a youth league, and baseball became his escape, providing a sense of belonging and purpose. When the cost of the baseball club became too high, fourteen-year-old Luis decided to fund his passion himself. He started reselling shoes, second-hand clothes, and old tools and worked in construction while maintaining his love for baseball.
Luis attended Brophy College Preparatory, a prestigious high school offering new opportunities to explore his entrepreneurial side. He founded a junk removal service, turning a childhood fear into his first business venture. His construction contacts helped him start this business, allowing him to continue playing baseball without financial worries.
At Brophy, Luis not only excelled academically but also made a significant impact in his community. He took on roles such as the director of community outreach for Soles 2 Souls, senior advisor and treasurer of Hermanos Unidos, vice president of Young Entrepreneurs, and an active member of Brophy’s equity and inclusion committee. His participation in the Aguila youth leadership program and the Spanish Honor Society further underscores his commitment to community service. Luis also dedicated his time to mentoring in the Brophy Big Brother program and volunteering at the Washington Activity Center.
Notable achievements marked Luis’s academic journey. He was the recipient of the National Hispanic Recognition Award and emerged as the winner in Brophy’s inaugural Shark Tank competition. His project raised over $75,000 and led to the donation of more than 1,000 pairs of shoes to his community. His mentors and counselors were quick to acknowledge his maturity, intellectual curiosity, and leadership skills.
Deena Sellers, Brophy’s director of equity and inclusion, and Mirela Conner, his school counselor, highlighted his ability to connect with peers and his commitment to social justice. Luis led initiatives like advocating for Proposition 308 in Washington, DC, and fostered a positive and collaborative environment in all his activities.
Luis will graduate in May 2024 from Brophy College Preparatory with a degree in real estate from Glendale Community College. He will attend the University of Southern California in the fall of 2024 to study Real Estate Finance and Development, B.S., at the Gordon S. Marshall School of Business. His journey from a childhood filled with fears to becoming an entrepreneur and community leader showcases his perseverance and vision. Determined to create a legacy of empowerment and resilience, Luis Manuel Villalpando is ready to impact his community and the world significantly.
