Arizona Board of Education recognizes students for leadership, perseverance
Submitted photo/ADE
Austin Miers, an eighth grader at the Center for Online and Innovative Learning in Casa Grande, was recognized for his character, accomplishments and contributions to his school community.
Submitted photo/ADE
Anthony Caro, a senior at Brighton Charter School in Maricopa, was recognized for his character, accomplishments and contributions to his school community.
Two Arizona students whose accomplishments range from overcoming learning challenges to pursuing career and technical education were recognized as October Students of the Month during the Arizona State Board of Education's Oct. 26 meeting.
Austin Miers, an eighth-grader at the Center for Online and Innovative Learning in Casa Grande, and Anthony Caro, a senior at Brighton Charter School in Maricopa County, were recognized for their character, accomplishments and contributions to their school communities.
Miers was nominated by teacher Vicky Ellis, who described him as a student who demonstrates integrity, responsibility and kindness.
Known for saying "being kind is not hard," Miers has competed in national rodeo finals and enjoys hunting and fishing with his family.
During his remarks, Miers said his greatest academic accomplishment has been overcoming a disability.
"My biggest accomplishment has been my growth in reading and math while learning with dyslexia," he said.
Miers credited his parents and school staff for helping him succeed. He said the school's project-based learning approach has opened new opportunities for him.
After eighth grade, Miers said he hopes to attend an online high school that allows him to take college courses simultaneously. His long-term goals include working in the forklift industry and eventually establishing his own tractor business.
Caro, a senior at Brighton Charter School, was nominated by school administrator Pat Keech.
Caro participates in high school sports, encourages classmates to support fellow athletes and is a member of the National Honor Society. He also attends electrical training classes at West-MEC's Central Campus.
During his comments to board members, Caro reflected on the teachers, family members and community mentors who helped shape his character.
He said he initially struggled to understand why he had been nominated.
"She told me that I have an amazing spirit and that I encourage and inspire people wherever I go," Caro said of Peach.
He described volunteering at a local paintball facility and learning professionalism, patience and responsibility from the adults around him.
Caro also credited his parents for encouraging his independence and determination.
"I've seen my mom struggle, I've seen my mom at her lowest, I've seen my mom cry, but I've never seen her quit," he said. "That's my 'why.'"
After graduation, Caro is considering military service, potentially as a culinary specialist or pursuing diesel mechanics and working with his father's business.
Board members thanked both students and their families for sharing their experiences.
"You are truly inspiring the next generation," board president Kathy Haley said following the students' presentations.
Editor’s note: A grant from the Arizona Local News Foundation made this story possible. The foundation awarded 15 newsrooms to pay for solutions-focused education reporters for two years. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
Meet Stacy Stacy Mantle is joining the team at Independent Newsmedia, Inc. as an Education Solutions journalist, thanks to a grant from the Arizona Community Collaborative. She has a long history in education that ranges from teaching junior high and middle school to developing curriculum and standards-based assessments.
Community: A longtime advocate for animal welfare, Stacy is deeply involved in rescue efforts and volunteers with several nonprofit organizations.
Random Fact: Once upon a time, she shared her home with a pet coyote and two wolf hybrids. The experiences were wild enough to become the subject of her first book!
Education: She holds a BA in English with a minor in Political Science, a Post-baccalaureate in Secondary Education, and an MBA with a emphasis on Marketing.
Hobbies: In her spare time, Stacy writes fast-paced urban fantasy novels, crafts small-batch artisan soap, and is always up for hiking or off-roading through the Arizona wilderness with her husband of 23 years.
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