RNY Billboard Showcase 2026
Each year Yuma Union High School District selects 12 students to represent the school district and its Ready Now Yuma initiative on billboards throughout Yuma County. The 12 students (two from each of the district's six high school graduating classes) are all seniors, who graduated as part of the Class of 2026. They imbue the overall mission of Ready Now Yuma, which strives to prepare EVERY student in YUHSD for career, college, and the community during their high school years. Below are personal essays each student shared as part of the selection process:
Yanira -- Yuma High School
“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” (Winston Churchill)
The first time I truly understood this quote was May 20, 2024, at the end of my freshman year, when I received a 'C' on what I thought was my best effort. At that moment, I felt like I had reached my limit. But looking back now, that was only the beginning of my growth throughout my four years.
Being chosen as the face of the graduating class of 2026 and representing my school on billboards across Yuma is something I never imagined for myself. When people see that billboard, they see a senior ready to graduate. What they don’t see is the journey behind that moment, the doubts, the pressure, and the determination it took to keep going when things felt overwhelming. For me, this recognition represents more than achievement; it represents the resilience that I built through struggle, through stress, and through success.
When people see that billboard, they see a senior ready to graduate. What they don’t see is the journey behind that moment...
Throughout high school, I’ve had to learn how to carry more than just my academic responsibilities. There were times when the pressure of school, life, and my own expectations felt like too much. But instead of letting those moments define me, I chose to grow from them and, moreover, see it in a different light. I pushed myself to stay focused, to improve, and to keep moving forward even when progress felt slow or nonexistent. Over time, I developed discipline, stronger time management, and the ability to stay grounded during difficult moments. The biggest change in me has been my mindset. I no longer see challenges as proof that I’m not good enough. Instead, I see them as opportunities to become stronger and more capable. High school hasn’t just prepared me academically; it has shaped who I am as a person. I’ve become more independent, more confident, and more certain of my goals. Looking ahead, I plan to pursue a career in pediatrics. I want to make a difference in people’s lives the way many hospitals have done for my family. My biggest goal is to change and improve my own community. I’ve learned that success is not just about what you achieve, but about the impact you leave on others.
This billboard may show my face, but it tells a much deeper story. It represents growth, perseverance, and the courage to keep going. I am proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m ready for everything that comes next.
James -- Vista High School
My high school experiences have prepared me for college and my career by teaching me lessons that are important. I've learned how to properly manage my time, prioritize assignments when needed, and many more skills like public speaking and presenting, and even how to send professional emails.
The next step in my education and career is to start working and to save up for college and any future expenses. I currently plan on at least saving and working for between 6 months to a year before pursuing college, but it is something I am interested in. I will use my time working and volunteering to find out any specific college courses I would be interested in to further gain knowledge in the field.
Some things that have made me motivated throughout my entire high school experience are my diploma, and wanting to go to college and work. Graduating would make both of these goals easier and extremely realistic, and teachers throughout my time at school have motivated me by having great teaching skills, well taught and effective lessons that make learning even less interesting topics more fun. Some positive influences that have helped and assisted me in completing high school and getting ready for college and career are firstly, teachers.
I have personally had many teachers who have helped with preparing for my future in terms of college prep and career prep and they have helped plenty and kept me motivated. Secondly, my peers, as when you are around other people who also want to grow and have future plans you will be more motivated to achieve your own plans and it is always good to have motivated peers by your side.
Ashley -- San Luis High School
My high school journey has been characterized by personal development, challenges, blessings, and most of all, memories that I will treasure forever.
San Luis High School has played an important role in preparing me for my college and future career by teaching me, not only academic skills, but also responsibility, commitment, and the importance of pursuing my passions in life. Through my involvement in many different activities, I have learned how to balance academics, extracurriculars, and responsibilities while continuing to pursue my goals. This is partly where my motivation and positive influences come from. Through extracurriculars like Student Council, tennis, National Honors Society, SLHS News, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Business, and many more, I have met mentors and friends who have taught me about determination, commitment, and perspective. I have been fortunate to build meaningful relationships with many people, from the friends I had during freshman year to my current Student Body team, as well as teachers, advisors, and coaches who have helped me grow.
My motivation also comes from my family. Seeing my mom and grandmother work tirelessly to give my siblings and me a better future has always inspired me to strive for success. Their sacrifices remind me of the importance of education and perseverance, and I will be forever grateful for their efforts.
Though I have had much to be grateful for, life does not come without challenges. Like many of my peers, I have faced obstacles and situations that required me to mature sooner than expected. Being the eldest daughter in a single-parent household, my childhood consisted of helping raise my younger siblings and taking on more responsibilities at home. Along with financial struggles and balancing school and extracurricular, the road to graduation has not always been easy. However, like many others before me, I was able to overcome these challenges because I knew that struggle was only temporary.
As for the future, I plan to attend the University of Arizona, where I will continue my education and hope to pursue a degree in law with a particular interest in family or juvenile law. Though my path is still not completely set in stone, the legal system has always fascinated me and I hope to pursue a career that allows me to learn more about it while helping others and seeking justice
As I prepare for graduation, I feel proud of the journey that has brought me here. High school has not only prepared me for my future, but it has gifted me with skills, people, and experiences that will shape my life for years to come.
Julio -- Kofa High School
My high school experiences have prepared me very well for college, starting from my freshman year up to now as a senior. Throughout these years, I have grown not only as a student but also as a person and an athlete. High school has taught me important skills that will help me succeed in college and beyond. I have learned how to communicate more effectively with teachers, coaches, and classmates, which has helped me build confidence. I have also developed leadership skills through sports and group activities, where I learned how to guide and support others. Responsibility and discipline became a part of my daily life as I balanced schoolwork with athletics. In addition, I learned how to adapt to new situations, solve problems, and stay focused on my goals.
The next step in my education is to attend South Mountain Community College, where I plan to continue both my academic journey and my baseball career. My goal is to graduate with my associate’s degree after two years. After that, I plan to transfer to a university to continue my education and baseball career. I also hope to pursue opportunities such as entering the Major League Baseball Draft, if the chance becomes available. I am committed to working hard and staying focused to achieve these goals.
What has motivated me throughout high school is my desire to improve every day. I always try to be better than I was yesterday and continue learning new things. One of my biggest motivations comes from my personal journey. I came from Mexico without knowing English, and I faced many challenges trying to understand and communicate. Over time, with the help of great teachers and school staff, I improved and became more confident in my abilities.
My teachers and school administration have had a strong influence on me. They have supported me, guided me, and pushed me to succeed. One of the biggest obstacles I overcame was learning English while being a student-athlete. It required many sacrifices, but through hard work and determination, I was able to grow and prepare myself for graduation and the next chapter of my life.
Karidee -- Gila Ridge High School
When I first walked into Gila Ridge my freshman year, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I was scared for my future because I didn’t know what to expect or even what to plan for. I knew I was interested in the medical field, partially due to my younger sisters and my own long history of asthma, but that was the only direction I had. I also knew that I wanted to make a difference in my life, but I wasn’t very outgoing and didn’t know how to advocate for myself.
Through hands-on experiences and working with others, I became more confident, learned how to speak up for myself, and found my passion for helping people.
Everything began to change when I signed up for two electives that shaped my high school experience: Early Childhood Education and Nursing. Not only did these courses help me discover my dream career, but they also pushed me out of my comfort zone. Through hands-on experiences and working with others, I became more confident, learned how to speak up for myself, and found my passion for helping people. In my clinicals at the nursing homes, nothing was easy automatically. Each resident needed different care, the environment was unfamiliar, and each staff member had a different way of teaching and doing things. However, I loved it. I loved that I got to help people, and I loved that I got to learn and grow constantly. I learned to advocate for myself and others, and grew more confident in my abilities as time went on. As I continued to grow in both programs, I became more certain of my path.
In my final semester, I felt more prepared and excited than ever to pursue a career as a NICU nurse. Earning my Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license, gaining knowledge in infant and child development, and building leadership skills have all helped prepare me for what comes next. I am going to be attending Arizona Western College (AWC) to complete my prerequisites, and then dual-enrolling with Northern Arizona University next fall in the nursing program. I would not be where I am today without the support of my early childhood advisors, nursing teachers, friends, and family. They pushed me even when I wasn’t sure of my path. Looking back, I entered high school unsure and afraid of the future. Now, I am leaving prepared to make a difference while doing something that I love.
Eric -- Cibola High School
My high school experience has had its ups and downs, like anyone else's. I wake up sometimes not wanting to go, but I power through because I know how important it is. For me, my experience is very different from others'. I'm a kid who barely passes classes and has learning disabilities that most would think make me just another IEP (Individualized Education Plan) kid who struggles with learning. But I took a chance and made a name for myself, and because of that, I was able to overcome the stereotypes people had put on me.
Instead of being another IEP student, I became a leader. I joined many leadership programs and clubs at Cibola High School to prove, not just to others, but also to myself that I am better than I thought myself to be. I have had so many fun memories from high school and met amazing people along the way; people I hope to take with me into the future.
High school has taught me how to interact effectively with both those in positions of authority and the classmates who challenged that authority. High school has also taught me how to network, which will be important for my future career. My next steps for my education are to go to Arizona Western College for two years, then hopefully go to Northern Arizona University for another two years for a degree in Business Administration. For my future career, I hope to open my own business or work as a human resources manager for a large company. I am very motivated to reach my goals, not only for my family and close friends, but also for others in my community as well. When I build my own business, I hope to give back to the community and offer jobs to people who are in need and people looking for a second chance. I also just want to succeed in life as well. That is my main motivation because I know I am better than I paint myself out to be, and I don't want to let down the people who gave me opportunities.
As for positive influences, I have many people in my life who motivated me to push myself, like Ms. Avila, Ms. Ortega, my parents, my coaches (teachers) from my AWC class, and my friends. As for influences that helped me get through high school, Ms. Ortega and Ms. Avila helped me this year during my senior year. Ms. Ortega always treated me like one of her kids, helping me and looking out for me while also teaching me and encouraging me to do better. Like those times I felt so lost on tests and didn't want to do retakes. She encourages me to do it and tells me it will be easier since I know what to expect. Ms. Avila always shows me that my voice matters, and even though I do not speak up all the time, she still asks my opinion on topics because she can tell I have something to say and I just haven't had the confidence to speak up. Always being in my corner and being my number one hype person, showing me, even though I might not think I am enough, there is always someone who is looking out for me. For that, I just want to say thank you both for always looking out for me and showing me I am heard.
I honestly can say I haven't had any obstacles I have had to overcome in my high school experience that have made me want to quit, thank God. But the most obstacles I have had to face are doing my work while also balancing my social life. At times, I have 2-3 assignments per class, then I have to do stuff for clubs or more work for AWC classes. So, I would say some of my biggest challenges through high school are time management and procrastination.
Jesus -- Yuma High School
My experience at Yuma High School has really prepared me for college and for my career as a firefighter. Throughout my time at Yuma High School I have taken advantage of all the Career & Technical Education (CTE) opportunities I could possibly have taken. I am a CTE Leader representing Automotive and Fire CO-OP finally I was elected as a Regional Officer for SkillsUSA Arizona Region 1. These opportunities have helped me choose my college degree I want to pursue and the career as well which are going to Arizona Western College (AWC) to complete the EMT program and the fire academy so I can become a firefighter at YFD and to achieve a bachelor degree in organizational leadership.
What had motivated me throughout my high school experience was my dedication to being the best student as I could possibly be and to keep my grades the highest possible because when I was in my freshman year I just wanted to pass my classes and go home "ok" with a 'D.' Now, I work nonstop until I get an 'A' because that's the only thing I will accept. I'm not the top of my class, but I am happy where I am at because of all the hard work I've done and it is very rewarding. I enjoyed every single moment of it. There were many people that helped me throughout my four years of high school. Mr. [John] Baldwin saw something in me that many teachers never saw in me and he truly saved me from falling into a bad path and not having good grades. He elected me to be one of the representatives of his class to be a CTE Ambassador and later on I work my way up to a CTE Leader and then he also motivated me to become a Regional Officer. He even vouched for me and wrote a recommendation letter for me to join the firefighter program at our school. He truly helped me out a lot and he changed my life in high-school and made me see school a different way. He was also an amazing cross country coach and helped me improve by running for a long distance, something I didn't think I could do. I'm really thankful for having him, not just as a mentor, but as a teacher.
Senior year has been a very rough year for me. Probably because I went through a lot of things this year that were hard for me to overcome but I am still fighting my way through and I am still going to finish school with straight A's one last time at Yuma High. This school is truly amazing and I'm thankful for the wonderful experience I've had and all the opportunities given to me will forever be thankful for it.
Ziara -- Vista High School
My high school experience has helped prepare me for my future by giving me the knowledge and skills I need for the career I want. Through the Medical Assisting program at Vista High School, I learned important hands-on skills such as how to interact with patients, take vital signs, and better understand the medical field. These experiences gave me a clear idea of what working in healthcare is like and confirmed that this is the path I want to follow.
After graduation, my next step is to find a job while continuing my education by enrolling in a nursing program in Phoenix. I have wanted to become a nurse for as long as I can remember. My nana was a nurse, and I used to visit her at work, which inspired me at a young age. Seeing her care for others made a lasting impression on me. My mom is also a nurse, so I have grown up around strong role models in the medical field. Their dedication and compassion have motivated me to pursue the same career.
Throughout high school, my motivation was not always strong. At first, I struggled to stay focused and committed to my education. However, things began to change when I was placed in the Strategies for Success program and later transferred to Vista High School. Vista is a smaller school, which allowed me to build stronger relationships with my teachers. The teachers and staff there truly cared about me. They pushed me to do my best, motivated me when I felt like giving up, and never stopped believing in me. The support I received at Vista High School made a huge difference in my life. My teachers helped me realize that I am smart and capable of achieving my goals. They showed me that if I put my mind to something, I can succeed. Because of them, I now feel prepared and confident as I move on to the next stage of my life.
Along the way, I have faced some challenges. One of the biggest obstacles I had to overcome was allowing others to influence me in negative ways, which led me into trouble. Over time, I learned to make better choices and focus on what truly matters. These experiences helped me grow as a person and become more responsible. Overall, my high school journey has shaped who I am today and prepared me for a successful future in the medical field.
Alberto -- San Luis High School
My journey to high school graduation has been shaped by both family and personal determination. I am a triplet, with my brother Manuel and sister, Itzel, and I also have an older sister, Savine, who has been a major source of inspiration. Growing up with parents who are both teachers taught me the value of education and the importance of hard work from a young age.
High school has been a time of growth, challenge, and preparation for my future career. I have been an active member of the soccer team for four years, ran cross-country for two, played tennis for two, and participated in track for one year. These experiences taught me discipline, teamwork, and resilience; qualities that I know will serve me well in both college and my career. Beyond athletics, I have pursued my passion for photography through Career & Technical Education (CTE) Digital Photography, serving as president of the photography club and contributing to the yearbook. Academically, I have challenged myself with Advanced Placement Spanish and AVID for three years, and I have been an active member of the Class of 2026.
I have also committed myself to dual enrollment at Arizona Western College (AWC), taking classes during my junior and senior years, as well as during summer and winter breaks. I am proud to say that this May, I will graduate not only from high school, but also with an Associate's Degree from AWC. These experiences have helped me develop time management skills, responsibility, and perseverance, especially as I balanced sports, high school coursework, college classes, and working as a barber to earn money to buy my own car.
My older sister, Savine Buchanan, has been a motivating force in my academic journey. At just 21, she graduated with her bachelor's degree from NAU and was accepted into the NAU DPT program. Her dedication inspires me to pursue my own goals in nursing. After high school, I plan to begin my bachelor's in nursing at the University of Arizona, with the ultimate goal of earning my master's and becoming a nurse practitioner.
Overcoming obstacles, managing multiple responsibilities, and maintaining focus on my goals has prepared me for the next chapter of my education and career. My high school experience has not only given me knowledge and skills but also taught me the resilience and determination needed to succeed in life.
Rachel -- Kofa High School
My time in high school has left me with many lasting memories and experiences that helped shape my future. Kofa High School offered many programs that prepared me for my college and career goals. The Career & Technical Education (CTE) Nursing program allowed me to decide if I actually wanted to pursue a career in nursing by giving me actual hands-on experience. I have also been pushed to higher standards academically through the Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment courses that I have taken. Having these opportunities allowed me to experience a higher level of education while in high school.
On top of the programs and academics, the staff and teachers were always there to encourage me in my endeavors. My nursing teacher equipped me with the tools to gain my Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license, while also teaching me how to problem solve and become more independent. Completing the CNA program was the push that I needed to fully decide what career path I wanted. I decided that I wanted to pursue a healthcare degree, and continue on to become a nurse. This next year I will attend Grand Canyon University to major in Nursing and minor in dance education. I know that my time at Kofa equipped me with the skills I need to succeed in the nursing application process. Once in the program, I will gain the necessary skills to work as a pediatric or NICU nurse.
Having these opportunities allowed me to experience a higher level of education while in high school.
My persistence has allowed me to overcome many obstacles such as balancing my schedule of dance, nursing, and school. I dance anywhere from 15-20 hours every week which includes my time at the studio, my job as a dance teacher, and a performer in two groups–the Kofa Royal Dancers and Jazz of Yuma. The CTE Nursing program was a rigorous course that pushed me to develop strong study habits and time management. I also maintained my academic status of a 4.0 GPA which is allowing me to graduate within the top 10 students at Kofa High School.
I have always had a very strong internal drive to succeed in whatever I put my mind to. For instance, when I was three, I thought that eating a frozen hot pocket was a genius idea. My dad knew that it was impossible, but said, “yes” to teach me a lesson. I sat down and devoured the whole frozen pepperoni and cheese hot pocket in 5 minutes–the ice-cold, rock-hard hot pocket never stood a chance. This same tenacity has followed me into my high school years. I earned straight A’s in all of my classes despite doing most of my studying late into the night due to my extremely busy schedule. I was also motivated to succeed in high school because I know that the habits I build now will follow me into my college years. I am a big advocate for putting in the hard work at the beginning and reaping the rewards later. On top of my strong drive, my parents have been in my corner throughout high school. They were my biggest cheer squad and sounding board. I know that if I ever needed anything they would be there in an instant. This positive influence allowed me to feel secure in my choices, and eventually confident in my college path that I had created.
Amias -- Gila Ridge High School
When I first started at Gila Ridge, I was the new kid. I had just moved to Yuma from San Diego the summer before my freshman year, and I didn’t know anyone since my middle school friends were in a different state. Over time, I built friendships through mutual connections and new experiences. Being new pushed me to grow socially, strengthen my communication skills, and discover who I was becoming. Looking back, that transition played a huge role in influencing who I am today and the man I’m becoming. As my high school chapter comes to an end, I’ve recognized the challenges I encountered along the way have been instrumental in my growth and maturity. It’s not about the destination, it's about the journey.
This next chapter in my life, I will be attending Arizona Western College (AWC) for two years and then transferring to San Diego State University (SDSU) to pursue my degree in Kinesiology. With this degree, I aspire to become an athletic trainer for a National Basketball Association team. I chose this career because basketball has always been a big part of my life, and I want to stay connected to the sport while helping athletes perform at their best.
Throughout my four years of high school, there have been people who supported me through both my high and low moments. I want to give a lot of credit to my parents and family for always pushing me to strive for greatness. A consistent commitment to excellence has guided me onto a path I intend to seek for the rest of my life. I would also like to recognize Gila Ridge teacher Mrs. Araceli Palacios, whose nomination made this opportunity possible for me. Her support and belief in me will always be appreciated.
As I reflect on my time at Gila Ridge, I realize my journey hasn’t been easy. I have encountered adversity that has strengthened my resilience, ultimately pushing me to grow both academically and personally. What kept me grounded through it all was my faith in myself and in the Lord. By placing my trials and tribulations in God’s hands, I was able to stay focused and continue moving forward despite uncertainty.
As I step into the next stage of my life, I recognize that there will always be elements of the unknown. However, with the lessons and skills I’ve gained throughout high school, I feel prepared to handle whatever comes my way. The only thing that I am certain about is that my crown is waiting for me. I just have to find the strength and courage to wear it.
Adamariz -- Cibola High School
Starting high school, I always knew I was capable of more. I wanted to push myself beyond my comfort zone, whether that meant taking rigorous courses or getting involved in extracurricular activities. From the very beginning, I tested my limits and through that I discovered how much I was truly capable of achieving.
My freshman year, I joined the AVID program without realizing how impactful it would become. Over four years, AVID shaped my academic journey and who I am as a student. It taught me the importance of college readiness and helped me develop a crucial skillset, preparing me for college and my future. I am grateful to my teacher, Mrs. [Shawna] Perry, for guiding me and witnessing my growth. Through AVID, I solidified my passion for neonatal nursing.
My sophomore year, I began taking Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses, starting with Home Health Aide continuing through Levels I, II, and III, earning my Direct Care Worker (DCW) certification. Through CTE, I joined HOSA, where I served as Vice President my junior year and competed at the state level, winning second place. These experiences helped me grow through discipline and I am thankful to Mrs. Gomez for giving me these opportunities. I also joined the CTE Ambassador and Leadership program, where I attended seminars, networked, and developed professional skills which pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me grow as a leader. I am grateful to my advisors, Mr. [Edward] Vargas, Mr. [Matt] Diamond, and my ambassador/leader peers for giving me such an unforgettable experience.
Alongside these programs, I challenged myself with Advanced Placement, College, other CTE and dual enrollment courses. I would like to thank my teachers and professors for showing me that pushing through challenges leads to growth. Outside of academics, I participated in track and field for three years, volunteered at Onvida, Onvida MentorMEMD, Yuma Nursing Center, Children’s Rehabilitation Center, and many more, and earned the title of Miss Yuma County’s Teen 2025, receiving $2,100 in scholarships.
These experiences have prepared me for my next steps where I will be attending the University of Arizona to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, where I have been accepted into the College of Nursing to become a NICU RN and later furthering my education to earn a Master’s of Science in Nursing to become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. In the meantime, I will use my DCW certification while working toward my Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification over the summer.
Throughout high school, I faced challenges including self-doubt and feeling overwhelmed; however, these obstacles helped me become stronger and more determined. My greatest motivation comes from people surrounding me: my family. My mom, sister, brother, and tia, supported me and encouraged me to persevere. My teachers and mentors, especially Mrs. Perry and Mrs. [Kari] Lofton guided and pushed me to succeed. Every person I have met has played a role in shaping who I am. Looking back, I have overcome more than I thought I could. I have learned everything happens for a reason and not to be so hard on myself. I am grateful for every experience that has prepared me for this next chapter I look forward to taking on.