Agua Fria honors ‘Academic Superstars’ ahead of graduation

By James Goldmeer
Mail

The Agua Fria High School District celebrated its highest-achieving students Thursday at Desert Diamond Arena, honoring a select group of "MVPs" named the May 2026 Superintendent’s Academic Superstars.

The recognition took place during a marathon of graduation ceremonies for the district’s six campuses. The “Superstar” initiative, which has highlighted different student achievements throughout the year, concluded by honoring students representing the top 1% of the Class of 2026, as well as standout leaders from the district's newest campus, Goodyear High School.

District principals took the podium to present the awards, offering personal reflections on each student’s impact:

Agua Fria High School: Principal Autumn Daniels honored valedictorian Brielle Romero, who maintains a 5.27 GPA and serves as president of the National Honor Society. "She has made our campus a better place than when she first came to us," Daniels said. "We're grateful for her impact and all of her hard work."

Canyon View High School: Principal Lyn Reid introduced Mia Kleinow, an Obama Scholarship recipient and musician who recently toured Europe. "Honestly, she is the leader everyone relies on," Reid said. "She would just complete something... it would just be done because Mia is that kind of leader."

Goodyear High School: Principal Jason Linn recognized Alexis Davidson, the top-ranked student in the Class of 2029 at the district’s newest school. "Her ambition to graduate early speaks to her drive, discipline, and dedication to achieving her goals at the highest level," Linn said.

Verrado High School: Principal Matt Lees praised Manuel Ramirez Chavira, an IB Scholar and future civil engineer with a 5.22 GPA. "He sets a high standard through his work ethic and engagement," Lees said, quoting faculty who described Chavira as "humble, kind, funny, friendly, and socially well-rounded."

The district also celebrated Levan Bui of Millennium High School, the district’s top-ranked varsity tennis player with a 5.29 GPA, and Riley S. Sugihara of Desert Edge High School, an AP Scholar with Distinction and National Poetry Society award winner.

The May 14 ceremonies marked the final official district recognition for the 2025-26 academic year. 

James Goldmeer
Reporter | Goodyear & Litchfield Park

jgoldmeer@iniusa.org

Meet James
James Goldmeer joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2024, starting their career as a reporter in Goodyear and Litchfield Park.

Community: James grew up in the West Valley, calling Avondale home and going to school in Glendale and Peoria. Returning to the community after university, James plans to get involved in everything arts and culture, and civil rights.

Education: Northern Arizona University a bachelor's degree in Journalism, a certificate in Professional Communications, with a minor in English. 

Random Fact: James spent half a year as an intern for the Arizona House of Representatives communication team, working with legislators to inform the public through press releases and social media.  

Hobbies: James collects postcards and old books, reads memoirs and attends local jazz shows.