Portrait of a Graduate
A Portrait of a Graduate represents our school district's vision for the 21st-century traits and professional competencies students need to succeed in college, career, and life. It serves as a north star for our learning communities as they craft academic and work-based learning opportunities that prepare students for whatever their future holds.
Portrait of a Graduate
December
Collaboration
Lily is such an exceptional collaborator! As a dedicated and talented Fine Arts student, Lily never hesitates to use her many talents to reach out and lead collaborative classroom discussions, provide constructive feedback on writing pieces, and model how to lead and contribute meaningfully to learning conversations. Lily leads by example when she assists newer students, and always delivers a fantastic work product that reflects intellectual curiosity, dedication, and the results of grit, determination, and hard work. Lily's collaborative skills enhance our classroom learning every day! ~ Amy Alek
Critical Thinking
Abby and Olivia, members of the Girls JV Basketball Team, demonstrated remarkable integrity and communication skills during a recent home game. When a family from the visiting team urgently needed assistance getting to their car for a medical situation, both girls immediately set down their backpacks and ran to help—without hesitation and without being asked. Their quick action, empathy, and willingness to do what was right in the moment exemplify the true character we hope to see in all our Tigers. ~Martha Zeller/Amie Gilbert
Integrity
As we focused on poetry in English 1, Angel was spot on throughout all of the poems and could find the message behind them with ease. His insight to what message the narrator was conveying helped his peers fully understand the poem, and helped with a lot of "aha" moments. He killed it this unit! ~Mikayla Copeland
Communication
Since the beginning of the year, Elianna has been a pilar of integrity. She embodies what it means to do the right thing even when no one is watching. Her kind heart drives her to help others and she greets every task with a smile on her face. Her motivation to not only do her best but to do what's best for others, is the very thing that makes her deserving of this recognition. She never has to be asked to be a good student, told to be a good friend or encouraged to be a good person - she just simply is. ~Kaitlin Anderson
Responsibility
Luz is one of the most responsible students I have had the pleasure of knowing the last two years. She never turns anything in late, most of the time she is early, she comes to class early, always takes care of equipment. She also works for her mom helping with her social media and her real estate business. She is a hard worker and signs up for whatever she can to help. I really appreciate her and her work ethic. ~Amber Wallace
November
Collaboration
Our MHS student Senior-to-Seniors came together to welcome the adult Seniors from the community, and fellow student Senior-to-Seniors across the district, to help create a meaningful Thanksgiving gathering. This wonderful mix of students and adults engaged in rich conversations and formed heartfelt connections that bridged generations. Their collaboration not only brought a festive celebration to life but also fostered understanding, gratitude, and a strong sense of community among participants of all ages. Through this shared effort, everyone contributed to a memorable event that truly reflected the spirit of Thanksgiving—community, kindness, and togetherness. ~ Debbie Levandowski
Critical Thinking
Sofia consistently makes good choices in class. Her quality of work is consistently high, and her conduct in class is ideal. She brings a unique perspective to the subject and shows tremendous potential, whatever path she chooses in life. ~Mark Sablan
Integrity
Xiomara has all of the characteristics of a hard worker. She is motivating, hard-working, understanding, and approachable. She is in a classroom with all grade levels, and she is the best role model for her peers. She shows them what respect looks like, and she encourages them to try their hardest in their early years of high school. Not only is she an active listener in class, but she also works outside of school and even makes time for extracurricular activities. She gives everything her all and tries her hardest to do so. Anyone who has the chance to work with Xiomara is lucky, and I can't wait to see all that she achieves once she enters the real world! ~ Mikayla Copeland
Communication
Arianny is one of the most diligent students that I have as a 9th grader. She is always in class, always participating, and always advocating for herself. She speaks up when no one else will, and asks the questions that others may be too afraid to ask. She has grown so much from the beginning of the year until now, and will continue to grow throughout her academic career! I am so proud of her! ~ Mikayla Copeland
Responsibility
Xzavior Boucher exemplifies responsibility in every aspect of his involvement with our theatre program. He consistently demonstrates accountability for his actions, treats others with respect, and contributes positively to our learning community. Xzavior goes above and beyond to deepen his knowledge of Stagecraft and refine his Live Entertainment Productions skills. He is always the first to volunteer to turn on the stage lights and the last to leave, ensuring everything is shut down properly and safely.
Xzavior brings enthusiasm, humor, and a positive attitude to Theatre 1, Drama Club, and Live Entertainment Productions every day. His dedication to our productions—from mainstage shows to Fright Night—shows his commitment to both the craft and his peers. As a dependable collaborator and a caring classmate, Xzavior consistently takes initiative and supports those around him.
For these reasons, I wholeheartedly believe Xzavior is more than deserving of the Responsibility Award. ~ Carrie Gabbert
October
Collaboration
Bridget's natural curiosity is evident during every lesson, conversation, and class discussion. She asks intriguing questions, provides insightful comments, and views history through a critical lens in a manner that most students do not. ~ Yessenia Lopez
Critical Thinking
Kevin gives full focus and effort every single day on every assignment. His business-like approach in the classroom also translates onto the football field. He is a role model for his teammates as well as his classmates. ~ Mark Sablan
Integrity
Josie is such a positive human being and is constantly looking for the good in everything. She is always sharing her ideas with the class, and makes sure her voice is heard. Not only is she a great advocate for herself, but for her peers as well. She loves to help others around her and is a motivating force when it comes to getting their work done. She makes it her goal to make sure everyone sees the positive in everything and that they know they are capable of anything. She is a true ray of sunshine! ~ Mikayla Copeland
Communication
Diego has become an amazing leader by example in our SEI Writing Class! As a senior, he takes his responsibility to engage and participate in class very seriously! He regularly models excellent social and communication skills for all the students in our class. Diego makes our classroom a safe place to ask questions, through the example that he sets, which creates an engaging learning environment for all of us! Each day, Diego is one of he first students to share his responses and ideas. This inspires other students to jump in and practice important communication skills that are the hallmark of the learning in our class. Through his leadership in SEI Writing class, as well as his leadership on the baseball field, representing MHS, Diego is a role model for every student, particularly those who may hesitate to share ideas in front of others. Diego makes it okay. For these reasons, Diego is an excellent role model and the portrait of an AFUHSD graduate! ~Amy Alek
Responsibility
Rania is a hard worker, completes all assigned work, and contributes to class. ~ Bob Nasenbeny
September
Collaboration
In all honesty, Marcques could easily be nominated for all five POGs. He consistently volunteers in class, is always one of the first to complete his work, and strives to stay actively engaged. He contributes thoughtful ideas during discussions and supports his peers by respecting and valuing their perspectives. Marcques greets everyone with respect and is genuinely a pleasure to have in the classroom. I am proud of his hard work and look forward to seeing him continue to grow this year! ~ Mikayla Copeland
Critical Thinking
Avery has blown me away with the way she thinks, and writes, about literature! She has also shown so much grace and maturity in the way she is able to avoid distractions in class, and still produce really high quality work! She asks questions about the work to make sure she can produce the highest quality product possible. Avery often aske her classmates, and me, thoughtful questions about ourselves. That genuine interest in others is so refreshing for someone her age! As a table group member, she is supportive and, as an individual, holds herself to the highest standards for her writing especially taking time to connect text evidence with her own amazing thinking, which is a huge challenge for students at this level. Overall, Avery has stood out on every level these last few weeks and I am so proud of her! ~Amy Alek
Integrity
Tyler is such a pleasure, it was hard to choose a category to nominate him for, because he excels in all! Tyler is a leader by example. The way he conducts himself in English class, with regard to class participation, work completion, and overall attitude, is extremely mature, thoughtful, and intentional. He is willing to help anyone who needs it, and stays later than anyone else in my class to make sure all chairs are put up on desks, room cleaned up, etc. As a junior key club member, he is already standing out and wiling to jump in where he is needed. Tyler is so impressive in every way! ~Amy Alek
Communication
Mackenzie is exceptionally respectful and outgoing towards staff and students and brings a positive energy when entering any room. ~ Terayah Stukes
Responsibility
Marley has stepped into high school with such maturity.
She keeps up with her work on StudentVue, signs up for RTI when she needs support, and takes the initiative to email me when necessary. She’s showing wonderful responsibility and care for her learning. ~Mary Arpaia
August
Collaboration
Shyla is open to working with any of her classmates and makes huge positive contributions to her groups. She is patient, hardworking, and empathetic. All qualities that make her an extraordinary teammate. ~ Mark Sablan
Critical Thinking
Allegra has hit the ground running in English class! Allegra is always ready to work collaboratively and participate in class, but she was particularly impressive during a pre-reading activity during a discussion about symbolism and possible themes within a short story we were about to read. Allegra shared deep and thoughtful insights with me and with the class about some symbolic meanings that she could already see! She shared in a way that was meaningful for everyone, and took the discussion to the next level. ~Amy Alek
Integrity
Avery signed up at the end of last year to help launch a new club at Millennium this year. She has proven herself to be reliable, hard working, creative, and determined in making this club a success. Every task that she has been given, she has not only completed, but she has exceeded my expectations! From helping to plan Club Rush, to recruiting new members, she has proven to be someone that is not just looking to add something to her high school resume. She is passionate about supporting students who may be battling cancer at home, raising awareness of cancer prevention screenings, and leading club members in various fund raising opportunities. I am so happy to have Avery join me as a founding member of Paws for a Cause, and am looking forward to seeing where she takes this club throughout the year. ~ Carie D'Hondt
Communication
Nadia is a shining light in our class! She brings life to collaborative table group discussions, and is such a leader with whole group class discussions. She sets the tone and leads by example when we are talking about difficult concepts in class like symbolism and themes. Where others may not be comfortable putting themselves out there, Nadia never hesitates to add in her own meaningful contributions to class discussions, which often inspires others to jump in and add to the conversation! Nadia's communication, written or verbal, whether it is to students, or staff members is flawless and always to the highest standard. She is a joy to have in class! ~ Amy Alek
Responsibility
Marlee has gone above and beyond for choir throughout her 4 years here, but especially at the beginning of the year took on a lot of responsibility helping me set up the classroom for success, running club fairs, and going out of her way to help others. I know I can always rely on Marlee! ~ Abigail Eckert